DEXTER, Iowa (AP) – State authorities say an audit has uncovered that more than $131,000 was improperly disbursed by the city clerk in Dexter before her death in 2010.  A news release from the office of State Auditor David Vaudt says nearly $71,000 in checks was improperly issued to Denise Miller. She was city clerk from Jan. 1, 2000, until she died on July 15, 2010. 
 
The audit also says the total included more than $45,000 that was improperly disbursed for penalties and interest related to payroll taxes and nearly $7,000 in interest for an unauthorized loan Miller took out in the city’s name.
 
Vaudt’s office says inadequate records kept auditors from determining whether more money was improperly paid out or not properly deposited.     The auditors recommended that the city bolster its financial controls.

The Cass County Board of Supervisors, Wednesday, accepted a letter of resignation from Jerry Putnam, a member of the Cass County Veterans Affairs Commission for the past 12-years. The resignation is effective immediately. Putnam’s replacement is expected to be appointed during the Board’s next meeting, on March 30th.

The Supervisor’s Wednesday, also discussed a revision to the County’s cellular phone policy. The matter was taken under advisement until their next meeting. In other business, the Board next Friday, will review appointments to the Local Emergency Planning Council (LEPC).

Cass County (IA) Treasurer Tracey J. Marshall is reminding property owners that the second-half payments of real estate and mobile homes are now due. Deadline for payments without penalty, is Monday, April 2nd. You can pay your taxes online at www.iowatreasurers.org, or by credit/debit card in the Treaurer’s Office. Payments with a postmark will be accepted without penalty.

The Cass County Sheriff’s Office reports an Anita woman was arrested Thursday on four Cass County warrants. 30-year old Sarah Prall was taken into custody on warrants for: OWI/1st Offense; No Proof of Insurance; Failure to Maintain Control; & Failure to Maintain a Safety Belt. Prall was brought to the Cass County Jail in Atlantic, posted bond, and was released.

(9-a.m. News)

A southwest Iowa man was arrested this (Friday) morning in Plattsmouth, NE, following a stabbing incident. According to the Omaha World-Herald, the unidentified 24-year old Essex man was taken into custody by Plattsmouth, NE Police, after a bulletin had been issued by the LaVista, NE Police Department.

The paper says two unidentified women – a 31-year old and her 18-year old stepdaughter – were stabbed early this morning in their LaVista apartment. The suspect is reportedly the stepdaughters’ ex-boyfriend. The women were said to be in critical condition at Creighton University Medical Center, in Omaha, but are expected to survive.

The incident occurred at around 4-a.m.