Officials in Council Bluffs today (Tuesday), identified the victim of Monday’s housefire, as the home’s owner. The body of 43-year old Mark Vanderwoude, of Council Bluffs, was found in the second floor master bathroom of the home at 47 Northwood Drive, after firefighters extinguished the flames and began their search of the residence.

Bluffs Fire Chief Alan Byers says crews were dispatched to the home at around 3:10-p.m. Monday. When they arrived, heavy fire conditions were visible from both floors of the single family residence. While an investigation into the cause of the fire is on-going, Byers said a preliminary investigation resulted int the fire being deemed suspicious, because of previous incidents at the residence. Other factors leading authorities to believe the fire’s origins are suspicious, include the extent of the damage done to the structure, and the possibility of an accelerant being used.

An autopsy will be performed by the State Medical Examiner’s Office to determine the cause of Vanderwoude’s death. The home is owned by Mark Vanderwoude and his wife Lori. Neither she nor the couples’ three young children were home, because the couple had separated.

The 2013 Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa, RAGBRAI, is slated to begin in Council Bluffs, and the organizing committee has met and decided on a local theme- “Sizzle In Your Seat- a Wild Ride for Your Hide”.  As you might expect, the Bluffs theme this year will feature a pig riding a bicycle.

(Official RAGBRAI logo for 2013)

Josee Beier, Director of Convention and Sports Sales for the Council Bluffs Convention and Visitors Bureau says they “Wanted something fun and unique to celebrate 2013.” The local committee approved a logo concept along with the theme, and a preliminary T-shirt design to be unveiled soon.  Plans are also being developed for a Council Bluffs RAGBRAI website and Facebook page, which will feature the theme, show the T-shirt design, and provide other pertinent information for residents and RAGBRAI enthusiasts.

Council Bluffs will welcome RAGBRAI riders, support personnel, fans and friends, July 20 for one large get-together before the ride across Iowa begins the next morning, July 21.

Red Oak Fire Chief Jim Blount III today (Tuesday) released additional details about a residential structure fire that occurred Monday afternoon, about 10-miles southwest of Elliott. Blount told KJAN News the call from 1296 Avenue C came in at around 2:34-p.m.  While they were enroute, they were informed a bedroom on the second floor was on fire, and the flames were spreading. The first crews arrived on the scene within 10 minutes. Blount said they observed a two-story home heavily involved in fire and smoke on the second floor.

The Chief said they encountered one of residents, an adult, who suffered what were described as non-life threatening injuries. They were transported to an area hospital for evaluation and treatment. A total of 11 people occupied the home, four adults and seven children. The residents are receiving assistance from the Red Cross in Shenandoah.

Blount said they received mutual aid by crews from Elliott, Henderson and Griswold. The fire was under control within about 60- to 90-minutes. He said the fire did extend to the first floor. A dollar amount of the damage has not been ascertained, but the structure was declared a total loss.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Red Oak Fire Department and the State Fire Marshal’s Office.

The Page County Sheriff’s Office said Tuesday, two people were arrested late last week on separate charges. On Saturday, 37-year old Michael Delaine Resh, of Essex, was arrested for OWI/1st offense, following a traffic stop at around 1-a.m., near the intersection of 150th Street and C Avenue. Resh posted a $1,000 bond and was released from custody. He’s scheduled to appear in court March 19th.

And, last Friday, 22-year old Nathan Allen Dishong, of Shenandoah, was arrested at around 10-p.m., on a Page County warrant for Harassment by Personal Contact. Dishong was held without bond in the Page County Jail until being seen by a magistrate, he was later released with orders to have no further contact with his alleged victim. He’s scheduled to appear in court March 28th.