(Radio Iowa) – A-A-R-P and two state agencies will be holding a series of seminars around the state to alert older Iowans to some of the most common scams and how to avoid them. Brad Anderson, A-A-R-P’s state director, says his wife recently got a phone call from a scammer, claiming her business had to pay a fine immediately. “She called the county attorney,” Anderson says. “Lo and behold, the county attorney said: ‘This is the third one of these we’ve heard today. This is a scam. You’re not being fined.'”

State Insurance Commissioner Doug Ommen says the best way to defeat fraud is to prevent fraud. “We spend a lot of time trying to do investigations and gather the information that we need, but the reality is the best the success stories that we ever can tell are the frauds that we avoid,” Ommen says. “because some consumer had enough information, some investor had enough information.” Officials from the Iowa Insurance Division will be part of the “Fraud Watch Tour” this fall. Ommen says one of the biggest red flags that you’re being targeted by a scam is when you’re pushed to make a decision immediately. 

“Get a trusted advisor,” Ommen says. “You know, for those of you who are independent and make your own decisions in that regard, that’s good, that’s smart, that works, but for those of us like me, I need a trusted advisor — and I’m the insurance commissioner — because the world of investing can be complicated.” Ommen is urging Iowans to educate themselves about scams and share that info with others. “Help your friends and your neighbors and your family really understand what is going on out there,” Ommen says, “because by your better equipping yourselves, you can help protect other people.”

Staff from the Consumer Protection Division of the Iowa Attorney General’s office are also part of the A-A-R-P’s training tour. Attorney General Tom Miller says what’s known as the Amazon scam is of great concern right now. It involves a message about a significant online purchase with a number to call. “It’s a very elaborate scam and they spend some time with you because they have the potential of taking a lot of money,” Miller says. An older Iowan nearly lost 20-thousand dollars to this scam, but called the attorney general’s office and got help in stopping the money transfer.

About 70 people attended the first “Fraud Watch” event in Des Moines this week. The next events are in Dubuque and Waterloo on Wednesday, September 7th. The seminars are free, but registration through A-A-R-P is required. (Editors, here are the other stops on the tour: Mason City – Thursday on September 8; Indianola on Wednesday, September 14; Clarinda on Wednesday, September 14; Council Bluffs on Thursday, September 15; Sioux City on Wednesday, September 21; Fort Dodge on Wednesday, September 21; Ames on Thursday, September 22; Ottumwa on Wednesday, September 28; Burlington on Wednesday, September 28; Bettendorf on Thursday, September 29 and Marion on Thursday, October 27.

ATLANTIC, IA – Produce in the Park welcomes B&D’s Homemade Ice Cream to the Atlantic City Park this Thursday, September 1. Market Manager Brigham Hoege reports B&D’s will be serving homemade ice cream and root beer floats, while Hungry Spartan Pizza will be selling pizza by the slice. Jason Reed will be performing a free concert, and 20 food and craft vendors are expected.

September 1 is a great day for free taste testing at the park. Maggie and Kelly Mueller of Noble Provisions will be this week’s Guest Chefs. Mullers sell beef at the market, and on September 1 they will be grilling burgers and offering free samples. To draw attention to seasonal produce, Mullers will be topping some burgers with locally grown tomatoes and onions.

Just across the park, Master Gardener Dottie Krogh will be offering samples of homemade apple butter and sharing recipes for folks who want to make their own at home. Shoppers who don’t want to make their own apple butter can buy apple butter from vendor Sue’s Country Garden.

A number of organizations will be visiting the park on September 1, including the Atlantic Public Library, Cass Health’s Senior Life Solutions, Atlantic Parks and Recreation, and the Atlantic Police Department. Atlantic Parks & Rec is bringing an improved version of the Water Battleship game to the park; kids and adults are reminded to wear clothing that can get a little wet!

Atlantic Parks and Recreation Director Bryant Rasmussen stands next to the new and improved Water Battleship game setup. People of all ages are invited to play water battleship at Produce in the Park on September 1

Atlantic Police Chief Devin Hogue will be at Produce in the Park asking folks to “lend a hand” in building a safer and stronger community. To represent that partnership, kids and adults at the park will be invited to cover their hands in washable paint and put their handprints on an Atlantic Police Department patrol car.

Additional details for the Sept. 1st Produce in the Park…

Date: Thursday, Sept. 1

Time: 4:30-6:30 PM

Location: Atlantic City Park (10 W. 7th St. Atlantic, IA 50022)

Food Trucks: B & D’s Homemade Ice Cream & root beer floats, Hungry Spartan Pizza

Live Music: Jason Reed

Celebrity Meet & Greet: Atlantic Police Chief Devin Hogue will be at the park with a squad car

Fresh, Local Produce: Green beans, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, zucchini, shallots, eggplant, garlic, potatoes, and more!

Meat: Beef, pork, chicken, and lamb

Staples: Farm-fresh eggs, honey, granola

Treats: Pastries, fresh-squeezed lemonade, popcorn

Crafts and more: Fall-scented candles and soaps, bath and body products, embroidered towels, car fresheners, plants for your home garden, art prints, and jewelry

Activities: Water Battleship and yard games with Atlantic Parks and Recreation, Atlantic Public Library (bring your library card!), Cass County Master Gardeners fall gardening and plant sale information and apple butter taste tests and recipes, Cass Health’s Senior Life Solutions

Guest Chef: Noble Provisions hamburgers

Free drawing for farm-fresh eggs (sponsored by the Cass County Local Food Policy Council)

Payment methods accepted: All vendors accept cash. Many accept credit cards, Venmo, and Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) Senior and WIC checks. All qualifying food vendors accept SNAP/EBT (also known as food stamps). All fresh produce vendors both accept and distribute Double Up Food Bucks (coupons given for SNAP/EBT purchases of fresh produce).

Produce in the Park September 2022 farmers markets are sponsored by the Atlantic Community Promotion Commission, Cass Health, Cass County Tourism, First Whitney Bank and Trust, the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce, and Deter Motor Co. For updates on Produce in the Park, follow Produce in the Park on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ProduceInThePark) or Instagram (www.instagram.com/produceintheparkatlanticia/), or visit the Produce in the Park website to sign up for the e-newsletter at www.produceintheparkatlanticiowa.com. For information on vending at the park, contact Market Manager Brigham Hoegh at produceintheparkatlanticiowa@gmail.com or 712-249-5870.

Casey, Iowa – Adair County Sheriff Jeff Vandewater, Tuesday afternoon (8/30), released additional details about the pursuit of a motorcycle that ended in a fatal crash in Guthrie County, early Tuesday morning (8/30). The Sheriff reports shortly after midnight on August 30, 2022, an Adair County sheriff’s deputy was patrolling in the area of Adair-Madison Avenue and the Interstate 80 interchange at the 97mm. The deputy observed a parked motorcycle on the shoulder of the overpass. The individual sitting on the motorcycle appeared to be slumped over. A motorist assist/welfare check was performed and the individual indicated that he was just cold and had stopped to rest and/or warm up.

After the deputy had returned to his patrol unit, the deputy ran a check of the license plate that was displayed upon the motorcycle. The response showed that the motorcycle had been reported as having been stolen out of St. Cloud, Minnesota. The motorcycle had already gotten back onto Interstate 80 and was traveling westbound when the deputy attempted to catch up with and execute a traffic stop of the motorcycle. The operator of the motorcycle failed to yield to the deputy’s emergency lights and siren and continued westbound until exiting at Adair. The motorcycle fled north out of the City of Adair and into Guthrie County and was traveling back eastbound toward Casey.

Guthrie County Deputy Todd Thorn waiting to assist with the pursuit was stopped on Juniper Avenue on the south side of the intersection facing northbound, when the motorcycle veered south from White Pole Road and struck the rear, driver’s side of the Deputy’s 2021 Chevy Silverado pickup on Juniper Avenue.

The Iowa State Patrol identified the operator as 30-year-old Benjamin Todd Wilber of Mora, Minnesota. Wilber died at the scene from injuries he suffered in the collision. It was later determined that the Wilber had an active warrant for his arrest issued out of Anoka County, Minnesota for the charge of Fleeing a Peace Officer in a Motor Vehicle. The Iowa State Patrol is continuing to investigate the collision.

The Fremont County Sheriff’s Office released details on a recent burglary incident and subsequent arrest in Hamburg. Fremont County Deputies were called on August 23rd at approximately 10:35 p.m. to the 200 block of Park Street in Hamburg for a report of a burglary in progress. The caller advised the female suspect fled the residence and left her 8-year-old child at the scene.

When Deputies arrived the suspect, 37-year-old Danielle Casey of Sidney, returned to the scene. She was arrested and charged with Child Endangerment, 2 counts Theft 1st Degree, 3 counts Burglary 3rd Degree, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Methamphetamine, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Deputies allege that Casey entered three buildings previously left unoccupied due to natural disaster and attempted to steal items from the buildings. She was believed to have an 8-year-old child in her care during the commission of the crimes. The child was later released to a family member.

The Iowa State Patrol, Fremont County K9 Unit, and Iowa Department of Human Services assisted the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office with the call. Casey is being held without bond awaiting initial appearance with the Fremont County Magistrate.

The Glenwood Police Department reports the arrest on Monday of 41-year-old Deann Kuhl of Glenwood on a Mills County Warrant. Bond was set at $7,500 cash or surety.

Adair County Officials have announced that their current ban on open burning in the county will be lifted effective 12:00 a.m. on August 31st.

Adair County Emergency Management Coordinator Robert Kempf made the request to State Fire Marshall Dan Wood and he has approved the change.

The Mills County Sheriff’s Office reports two arrests and one accident on Monday, August 29th.

At 1:44 p.m. Deputies arrested 50-year-old Scott Allan Farris of New London on a warrant out of Henry County for Sexual Abuse 2nd Degree, Incest and Child Endangerment. He was arrested on 188th Street and booked in on $100,000 bond.

At 5:23 p.m. Deputies arrested 23-year-old Cole Joseph Nothwehr of Clarinda on Highway 34 for Possession of a Controlled Substance and 2 counts of Unlawful Possession of Prescription Drugs. He was booked in to the Mills County Jail on $3,000 bond.

Deputies also responded to an accident at 290th Street and Highway 34 at 1:40 p.m. on Monday. It was determined that a 2017 Hyundai driven by 23-year-old Jasper Flowers of Hamburg was following a 1987 Ford driven by 52-year-old Randall Greenwood of Pacific Junction eastbound on Highway 34. Greenwood was hauling items to the dump and something fell out onto the road. Flowers was unable to avoid the debris on the roadway and struck the object. No injuries were reported and no further information was provided.

(Radio Iowa) The Adjutant General of the Iowa National Guard says their current numbers are strong — but they are facing the challenges that every other organization is facing when it come to filling their needs. Major General Ben Corell says they will fall a little short of the recruiting mark he set.

Corell sums it up this way.

He says they need around one-thousand new recruits every year to fill the openings caused by attrition.

General Corell says his recruiting team is competing more now with all the other businesses looking for men and women.

Corell says more businesses have turned to one of the key incentives the Iowa Guard has used for years.

There’s been some criticism about younger kids just out of high school not being interested in serving. Corell says that always seems to be a something that’s said about young people — including when he graduated high school in the 70s.

And he says there are times when they are called to federal duty in the U-S or overseas. Corell says he still sees the Iowa and Midwest values of service that he was raised with in the eyes of new recruits.

(Guthrie Center, Iowa) – A pursuit that began late Monday night in Adair County, ended in Guthrie County with the suspect vehicle crashing, and the driver deceased. The Iowa State Patrol reports a 2013 Harley Davidson motorcycle was actively eluding an Adair County Sheriff’s Deputy eastbound on White Pole Road. Guthrie County Deputy Todd Thorn waiting to assist with the pursuit was stopped on Juniper Avenue on the south side of the intersection facing northbound, when the motorcycle veered south from White Pole Road and struck the rear, driver’s side of the Deputy’s 2021 Chevy Silverado on Juniper Avenue.

The operator of the cycle, 30-year-old Benjamin Todd Wilber, of Mora, MN, was thrown from the machine and came to rest in the southeast ditch. Wilber died from his injuries. No one else was hurt. The crash happened at around 12:32-a.m., Tuesday (Today).

The Mills County Sheriff’s Office has released details on a large number of recent arrests.

On August 19th Deputies arrested 33-year-old Richard James Hoeppner of Glenwood on a charge of Child Endangerment. He was arrested at 3:22 a.m. and held on $5,000 bond.

On August 19th at 6:49 p.m. 43-year-old Jeffrey Christopher Potter of Elliot was arrested for Driving While Revoked on Highway 59 and Brothers Ave. He was booked in on $1,000 bond.

On August 20th at 3:24 a.m. 31-year-old Johnny Navarro of Clarinda was arrested at the intersection of Allis Road and Binge Avenue for OWI 1st Offense. He was booked in on $1,000 bond.

On August 22nd at 12:38 a.m. 28-year-old Tyler Steven Gibler of Villisca was arrested at the intersection of Highway 34 and Jabber Road on a warrant for Failure to Appear out of Adams County. He was booked in on $450 bond.

On August 22nd at 1:41 p.m. 28-year-old Tyler Keith Evans of Dexter was arrested at the Shelby County Jail on a warrant for Pr-Trial Revoked. He was booked in on $50,000 bond.

On August 22nd at 4:41 p.m. 18-year-old Hazem Dafaalla Nasralla Sarmin of Omaha, NE was arrested at Pottawattamie County Corrections on a warrant for Eluding and Interference with Official Acts. Held on no bond.

On August 25th at 6:19 p.m. 46-year-old Brent William Michael of Malvern was arrested on a warrant for Driving While Barred on Rains Avenue. Bond was set at $2,000.

On August 26th 30-year-old Jessica Kay Scott of Malvern was arrested on Ridge Drive on a Forgery charge and a warrant out of Nebraska for Violation of Probation. Bond was set at $5,000.

On August 27th at 11:14 p.m. 23-year-old Gabriel Patrick Amburn of Glenwood was arrested on I-29 for Possession of a Controlled Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Bond was set at $1,300.

On August 28th at 2:17 a.m. 27-year-old Joan Sebastian Baron-Espinosa of Hialeah, FL was arrested on Highway 34 for Possession of a Controlled Substance. Bond was set at $1,000.

On August 28th at 3:37 a.m. 42-year-old Brandon James Wilson of Casey was arrested for Eluding on Brother Avenue. Bond was set at $2,000.

On August 28th at 3:38 a.m. 37-year-old Mario Daneris Espinoza-Figuera of Houston, TX was arrested on Hilman Road for OWI 1st Offense. Bond was set at $1,000.

On August 28th at 3:57 p.m. 48-year-old Keith Alan Rowe of Hastings was arrested at the intersection of 310th Street and Meadows Road for OWI 1st Offense. Bond was set at $1,000.