(Lewis, Iowa) – Three people have been arrested in relation to the theft of a church bell from Lewis. According to the Cass County (Iowa) Sheriff’s Office those taken into custody include: 31-year-old Trenton Baier, from Lewis; 30-year-old Shialea Cozad, and 62-year-old Phillip Duncan, both of whom are from Omaha.

The trio are alleged to have stolen a nearly 400-pound church bell mounted on pedestals near the United Congregational Methodist Church in Lewis, late last month. All three were arrested for Theft in the 2nd Degree.  Cozad and Duncan were additionally charged with controlled substance violations.

Trenton Baier

Shialea Cozad

Phillip Duncan

Sheriff Darby McLaren says “through the investigation, deputies spoke with several citizens of the community and followed-up on many leads. Deputies executed multiple search warrants, interviewed numerous person(s) of interest, and completed the criminal investigation by making the three arrests.”

The Sheriff said also, “The investigation led deputies to areas of interest in Omaha and Council Bluffs. Unfortunately, during the course of the investigation, deputies received information that lead them to believe the bell had been destroyed.”

The Sheriff’s Department thanks the various agencies of the Iowa Dept. of Public Safety, Omaha and Council Bluffs Police Departments, Atlantic Police Dept. and the City of Lewis, for assistance during the investigation.

Red Oak, Iowa  – Montgomery County voters interested in voting absentee for the June 7 Primary Election may file requests for absentee ballots with the Montgomery County Auditor’s Office.
Due to recent legislation, the time period to request absentee ballots has been reduced from 120 days to 70 days. The new legislation also has shortened the number of days that the Auditor’s Office may have ballots available for absentee voting. Voters now have 20 days to vote absentee either by mail or in-person rather than 29 days.

Voters wishing to receive a ballot by mail for the Primary Election will need to complete an absentee ballot request form and return it to the Montgomery County Auditor’s Office, 105 E Coolbaugh Street, Red Oak, before 5 p.m. on May 23. Voters are reminded that due to recent legislation, the ballot must be returned to the County Auditor’s Office before the polls close at 8:00 p.m. on June 7 to be counted. In-person early voting in the Auditor’s Office and mailing of ballots will begin May 18.

Absentee ballot request forms can be found on the Montgomery County website at www.montgomerycountyia.gov or on the Iowa Secretary of State’s website at https://sos.iowa.gov/. They
may also be requested by calling the Montgomery County Auditor’s office at 712-623-5127. Absentee voters are reminded that since this is a Primary Election, the voter must choose which party’s ballot they would like to vote. The Primary Election in Iowa is a nominating process for the Democratic and Republican parties to determine who will appear on the General Election ballot in November.

For more information about the 2022 Primary Election, contact the Montgomery County Auditor’s office at 712-623-5127 or visit the county website at www.montgomerycountyia.gov. Voters can also follow Montgomery County Auditor & Elections on Facebook.

(Harlan, Iowa) – Sheriff’s officials in Shelby County have issued a report on arrests that occurred between March 23rd and 27th:

On the 27th, 39-year-old Joshua William Cox, of Harlan, was arrested following a traffic stop. He was charged with Operating while under the Influence, and Driving while License Denied or Revoked.

There were two arrests March 26th. 18-year-old Rene Bernal-Salas, of Denison, and 20-year-old Maria Rosa Lara Salazar, of Council Bluffs, were arrested following a traffic stop at Highway 59 and 1200th Street in Shelby County. Bernal-Salas was charged with OWI, Prohibited Acts, Possession of Controlled Substance, Minor in Possession of Alcohol, Speeding, Driving while under Suspension, and Failure to Provide Proof of Financial Liability. Salazar was charged with Possession of Controlled Substance and Minor in Possession of Alcohol.

On the 25th, 30-year-old Isaaias Baltazar-Delgadillo, of Denison, as arrested after a traffic stop on highway 191.  He was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance, Operating Non-Registered Vehicle, and Speeding. And, on March 23rd, Shelby County deputies arrested 37-year-old Jason David Bengford, of Defiance, following a call for service in Defiance.  Bengford was transported to the Shelby County Jail and charged with Domestic Abuse Assault.

Note: Criminal charges are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.

(Sioux City, Iowa) – A Harrison County man involved in methamphetamine and illegal possession of a firearm pled guilty on March 24, 2022, in federal court in Sioux City. The U-S Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Iowa, today (Tuesday), said 38-year-old Dustin Haynes, from Onawa, was convicted of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, manufacture and attempt to manufacture methamphetamine, and illegal possession of a firearm.

At the plea hearing, evidence showed that Haynes was previously convicted of Burglary, Assault while Participating in a Felony, and Possession of a Controlled Substance. As a result, Haynes was not able to legally possess guns. Evidence further showed that on September 1, 2021, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle Haynes was operating. Officers seized components of a methamphetamine lab in Haynes’ vehicle, and a shotgun (broken down) in the trunk of the vehicle. Law enforcement also seized two boxes of pseudoephedrine (used to make methamphetamine) and receipts showing the purchase of the pseudoephedrine within the previous 30 days. Haynes intended to manufacture and distribute the methamphetamine. Haynes attempted to flee law enforcement agents by vehicle, then on foot, and during the pursuit threw out several baggies of meth.

Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Haynes remains in the custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. On the two drug convictions, Haynes faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of 40 years’ imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, and at least four years of supervised release following any imprisonment. On the firearm conviction, Haynes faces no mandatory minimum sentence and a possible maximum sentence of ten years’ imprisonment and up to three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Iowa DCI Laboratory, Monona County Sheriff’s Department, and Iowa State Patrol.

DES MOINES – Governor Kim Reynolds today (Tuesday) awarded 35 projects with $2.26 million in state grants to launch valuable youth internships across Iowa this summer. Future Ready Iowa’s Summer Youth Internship Program grants are being awarded for the fourth consecutive year to help youth gain access to meaningful work experience while exploring and preparing for high-demand careers. The grants will directly support efforts to increase the career opportunities available for Iowa’s youth, including in areas with at-risk or under-represented communities.

Among the grant awardees in our area, is:

Iowa Jag, Inc. – Des Moines, Mason City, Atlantic, Red Oak, Cedar Rapids, Davenport/Quad Cities, Dubuque, and Ottumwa
Award: $50,000 Number of Participants Served: 15
iJAG believes people are more powerful than circumstances and tapping into that power at key crossroads – teaching Iowa youth to find it and use it – can change the trajectory of their lives. iJAG provides mentoring, academic tutoring, job training, and placement for underserved youth; activities which improve graduation rates, help students access living-wage employment, and establish long-term self-sufficiency. Through this project, iJAG will partner with at least five employers to provide a total of 15+ students a summer internship in a high demand field during the summer of 2022. Students will receive paid work experience, on-the-job training, and wraparound support that removes barriers to successful participation.

Avenue Scholars Iowa – Serving Audubon, Avoca, Carson, Carter Lake, Crescent, Council Bluffs, Farragut, Glenwood, Hancock, Harlan, Henderson, Imogene, Macedonia, Malvern, McClelland, Minden, Mineola, Missouri Valley, Neola, Northboro, Oakland, Pacific Junction, Persia, Portsmouth, Shelby, Shenandoah, Silver City, Tabor, Treynor, Underwood, and Walnut
Award: $50,000 Number of Participants Served: 85;  CEV operates a summer internship program for low-income, first generation, oftentimes at-risk youth students. These students face extenuating circumstances and the internship program provides students access to paid, eight-to-ten-week internships in high demand, high wage careers, affording the students exposure and experience they otherwise would not have. The program also provides economic and workforce development for Southwest Iowa.

Energy Association of Iowa Schools – Clinton, College Springs, Anita, Massena, Carson, Oakland, Eddyville, Blakesburg, Fremont, Greenfield, and Fontanelle.
Award: $70,750 Number of Participants Served: 20; Energy Association of Iowa Schools will partner with seven school districts across Iowa to offer the Summer Building Operator Pathway Bridge Internship program for 20 students. The paid internships will provide hands-on work experience in the high demand career of building and plant operators. This project will provide
continuity for students who have been working in dual credit programs and will invite new students to participate with an opportunity to earn a national Building Operator Pathway Level 1 Training Certificate.

Generativity dba The Lakeside Village – Panora; Award: $136,000 Number of Participants Served: 21.
The Lakeside Legacy Youth Internship program is equipped to host 15 2022 Youth interns and 6 2021 Legacy Interns during the summer of 2022. Interns will be provided eight weeks of on-the-job training as well as complete a certification in their field. High demand careers including managerial/marketing, nursing, dietary manager, activities manager, and maintenance manager in the long-term care profession will be included. Internships would include offering education to the students in CPR, Mandatory Reporter, ServSafe, CNA, OSHA General Industry 10-hr, Jaybird Sales Academy and Dementia Training 8-hr. 2021 Legacy Interns will be directly involved in mentorship, study sessions, and are offered the opportunity to advance training including Advanced CNA, Assisted Living Administrator Certificate, or certificate programs previously not obtained. Working with local guidance counselors at surrounding community high schools, as well as local community referral sources, we will locate 15 qualified candidates ages 14-19 for internship programming. Qualified candidates are youth that are at risk of not graduating, those from low-income households, minorities, children of veterans, and those with barriers to upward mobility in the labor market.

Midwest Partnership Economic Development Corporation – Stuart, Panora, Greenfield, Guthrie Center, and Adair.
Award: $116,255 Number of Participants Served: 17
Midwest Partnership created a plan where 13 employers are collectively offering a total of 17 internships across two rural counties. Working with area schools, the internships will be provided to students who are at risk of not graduating from high school, represent minorities, and/or are from low-income households. Many interns will be placed at micro businesses (under 10 employees) and will be involved in a wide range of business processes. All interns will take a course in savings and investment basics which will complement the financial literacy course requirement for high school graduation. Businesses participating include occupations in health care, engineering, agriculture, welding, carpentry, CNC, and more.

St. Anthony Regional Hospital and Nursing Home – Carroll
Award: $22,550 Number of Participants Served: 6
Interns will participate in weekly workshops, staff mentorship, and a hybrid curriculum involving online, observation, and hands-on training. Each participant will have a weekly one-on-one debriefing with the project coordinator to identify barriers to success and troubleshoot issues. The curriculum will be centered around healthcare employability skills, healthcare career readiness, and career-specific experience and training.

Across the state, a total of $2,255,441 will be distributed to fund internships for an estimated 659 students from 85 Iowa communities. This year’s awardees included employers, educational institutions, and non-profit organizations whose programs are set to provide opportunities in a wide number of fields. Among the awardees are organizations targeting high school youth who otherwise would face barriers to entering the labor market.

A portion of the funding is being made available through the federal American Rescue Plan Act.

(Radio Iowa) – Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley says he’s concerned that the military would consider decommissioning the U-S-S Sioux City, which joined the Navy fleet just three years ago. “It’s not just because it’s (the USS) Sioux City that I’m concerned about it, although that gives me a parochial reason for being concerned about it,” Grassley says, “but this is a ship that was just built.”

The Navy is asking congress to approve decommissioning 24 ships over the next five years, to save three-point-six BILLION dollars. The list includes the U-S-S Sioux City and seven other combat ships in the Navy’s Freedom Class. “What’s the Navy doing mothballing ships that are only four or five years old? Doesn’t it say something about their looking to the future, the needs of the Navy, and now all of a sudden a whole group of cruisers are not needed anymore? That’s what bothers me,” Grassley says. “It’s not just because of Sioux City.”

USS Sioux City (Navy photo_

Pentagon officials say the U-S-S Sioux City is among ships that need a costly repair to its propulsion system and six new ships will be delivered with a revamped design to address the flaw. Grassley, a Republican, says this case makes him question the Navy’s budget decisions. “The irresponsible handling of money for cruisers like the Sioux City would say to me the Navy’s not up to handling the taxpayers’ dollars efficiently and effectively and responsibly,” Grassley says.

Iowa’s other U.S. Senator, Republican Joni Ernst, spoke at the christening ceremony for the U-S-S Sioux City in 2018. Ernst says now is not the time to flatten the size of the defense budget, as America’s enemies are on the march and the world has become a much more dangerous place. Ernst says the Biden Administration’s budget puts the sizes of our Navy and Air Force far short of where they need to be and reflects what Ernst calls “appeasement” to an emboldened Putin in Russia.

[*UPDATED] (Greenfield, Iowa) – A woman charged in a March 6, 2018 fatal crash in Adair County was sentenced Monday in Adair County District Court, to serve an indeterminate term not to exceed five-years, on a Class-D Felony charge of Involuntary Manslaughter. The charge against 38-year-old Serena Marie Sims, of Williamsburg, VA, was reduced from a Class B Felony Homicide by Vehicle charge. Sims was also charged with Serious Injury by vehicle, which is also a Class-D Felony. The terms will run consecutive to one another. Sims will serve her time, less time served, at the Iowa Women’s Correctional Center, at Mitchelleville. Bond on the first charge was set at $10,000 cash or surety. There is no appeal bond on the second charge.

The crash near Menlo claimed the life 60-year-old Julie Compton, of Bridgewater, who died at the scene of the crash. Compton was a passenger in the Ford Explorer Sims was driving. The Patrol reported following the crash, that Sims (Who was 34-years-old) was traveling south near mile marker 65 on Highway 25 when she lost control of the SUV and crossed the center-line. Her vehicle struck a car driven by 32-year-old David Nail, of Corning, who was injured, and along with Sims and another passenger in her SUV, 34-year-old Julie Holmes of Bridgewater, were transported to the Adair County Memorial Hospital, in Greenfield.

*Adair County Attorney Melissa Larson tells KJAN, that the accident was caused by more than Serena Sims losing control of the SUV. Larson says Sims provided a urine sample to law enforcement that tested positive for methamphetamine, THC metabolites, and opiates. The passenger who died, Julie Compton, was Sims’ mother. The other driver, David Nail, Larson says, suffered very serious injuries, which will impact him for the rest of his life.

Adair County Sheriff Jeff Vandewater reports also, 28-year-old Brandon Joseph Stone, of Gravity, was arrested April 2nd, on Adair County warrants for a controlled substance violation and used or expired drug tax stamp. He was released that same day on a $5,000 cash or surety bond. And, 41-year-old Andres Sanchez, of Des Moines, was arrested March 27th in Adair County, by the Iowa State Patrol. Sanchez was wanted on a Polk County warrant for OWI/1st offense. He posted a $2,000 cash-only bond and was released before he was able to be picked-up by Polk County deputies.

(Creston, Iowa) – The Creston Police Department reports a single arrest took place Monday morning. During a traffic stop at around 8:20-a.m. officers arrested 26-year-old Jeremiah David Richard Crago, of Creston. He was charged with Driving while Suspended, cited and released from the scene.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic City Council has a lot of ground to cover during their meeting Wednesday evening, at City Hall. According to their 16 page agenda, the Council will act on recognizing the Atlantic High School and Middle School Archery Teams for the performance at the National Archery in Schools (NASP) Iowa State Archery Tournament, and wish them the best of luck for the April 28th-30th Western Nationals in Sandy, Utah. The Council will also recognize Clint Roland for achieving his Grade 3 Wastewater Operator’s Certification, and Travis Hansen, for passing the testing needed to achieve his Grade 2 Certification.

In other business, the Atlantic City Council will act on an Order to approve an agreement with the City of Fontanelle, for Wastewater Management Services. It’s the same type of agreement Atlantic has with the City of Marne, and is in effect until their staff is Grade 2 Certified. A similar agreement may be needed with the City of Anita, depending upon whether or not their person passes the Grade 2 Certification test.

The Mayor will administer the Oath Of Office to Devin Hogue, Atlantic’s new Chief of Police, and Paul Wood, Assistant Police Chief. Both men were appointed during the Council’s meeting on March 16th. Wood is the first Assistant Police Chief the City has had. The Council will then act on approving an Order to accept the assignment of an Option Agreement – with proposed purchase agreement – from Bob Camblin, and to reimburse him for the $10,000 option fee. The agreement is with regard to the development of new, single-family housing in Atlantic, which has been discussed for more than a decade, but for which only 26 building permits have been issued since 2012, along with one new housing addition. Camblin secured an option from Jim Comes to sell the City 41.54-acres of land located northeast of 22nd and Olive Streets, for $20-thousand dollars per acre ($830,000 total). Camblin used $10,000 of his own money to lock-in the option, which must be exercised by May 16, 2022 or it will expire. Purchase by the City will be financed through General Obligation Debt.

The Council will follow-up action on approving the Order, by moving forward with approving an Order to authorize the City Attorney to deliver a written notice to Mr. Comes, of the City’s decision to purchase the land under the option agreement. The Atlantic City Council will also hear a presentation from Code Enforcement Officer Kris Erickson, on proposed changes to the Nuisance Abatement Process. Action will follow on an Order to close-off E. 4th Street and parking in the vicinity, for food truck parking on Saturday, April 23rd, from 9-a.m. until 2-p.m., for SHIFT ATL’s Pop-Up (fundraising) event. A similar closure was approved last year for the same event.

The Council will act on:

• an Order to approve the first amendment to an Ambulance Services Agreement with Midwest Medical Transport Company, LLC.
• holding a Public Hearing on a proposal to enter into a General Obligation Solid Waste Management Loan Agreement associated with a 28-E agreement for the Cass County Landfill.
• a Resolution adjusting Season 2022 compensation and benefits for Sunnyside Pool Lifeguards.
• They will hold a Public Hearing on an Ordinance Amending the City Code, by dividing the City into five wards and five precincts, as required by the recent census.
• and finally, the Atlantic City Council will act on an Order authorizing the Mayor and/or City Administrator to sign agreements necessary to execute a joint County-City 6th Street bridge repair project, with regard to the bridge on the airport road.

The Atlantic City Council meeting begins at 5:30-p.m., Wednesday, in the Council’s Chambers at City Hall.