(Creston, Iowa) – The Union County Sheriff’s Office says no injuries were reported following a rollover accident this (Friday) morning. Authorities report a 2002 Nissan Xterra SUV driven by 16-year-old Bryce Kelly Hull, of Creston, was entering a curve and traversing a hill, while traveling westbound in the 1600 block of REA Road. When the rear side wheels of the vehicle went onto the gravel, Hull swerved and over-corrected, causing the SUV to enter the north ditch and roll over one-time. The accident happened at around 7:51-a.m.

Hull was able to exit the vehicle on his own.  The SUV was declared a total loss ($7,000 value). No citations were issued.

(Radio Iowa) – Iowa Republican Chuck Grassley has formally declared his bid for reelection to the U.S. Senate, submitting more than nine-thousand petition signatures to qualify for the June Primary ballot. Surrounded by campaign staff and volunteers, Grassley gave a speech in the Iowa Secretary of State’s office, emphasizing his 40 year tenure in the Senate.  “It’s not about Chuck Grassley,” Grassley said. “It’s about serving the people of Iowa, about being the senior member of the United States Senate, to work for the people of Iowa in a stronger position.”

The most senior member of the U.S. Senate today is a Vermont Democrat who’s not seeking reelection. That means Grassley — who’s been a Senator since 1981 — would gain that top seniority spot next January if he’s reelected in November. “Being chairman of the Judiciary Committee if we’re in the majority,” Grassley said. “Being the president pro tem of the United States Senate if we’re in the majority.”

Grassley, who is 88 years old, is seeking an eighth six-year term. Grassley says the political environment is leaning in Republicans’ favor.  “If the election were held today, we’d take control of both the Senate and the House,” Grassley told reporters. “Eight months ahead, to make sure that happens, is just to keep up the hard work.” The key issues for the 2022 election aren’t going away, according to Grassley. “Whether it’s Afghanistan, inflation, open borders, parental rights — you know, things of that nature, crime, energy policy — those things,” Grassley said. “I don’t want to say about the bad handling of Ukraine because I think it takes time to come to the conclusion of where we are there, but we probably know that the bad handling of Afghanistan probably emboldened people like Putin to do what he’s doing.”

Abby Finkenauer of Cedar Rapids, one of the Democrats running for the U.S. Senate, has been criticizing Grassley’s long tenure in office and has pledged to exit the Senate after 12 years if she is elected in 2022 and reelected in 2028. Retired Admiral Mike Franken, western Iowa physician Glenn Hurst and veterans advocate Bob Krause have also announced they’re running for the Iowa Democratic Party’s U.S. Senate nomination.

A pursuit was reported this morning in Adair County. According to scanner traffic, an Adair County Sheriff’s Deputy was in pursuit of a black Dodge Charger, eastbound from Orient, at around 10-a.m. At last report, the suspect vehicle was apparently on I-80 near mile marker 102, in Dallas County.

And, we understand a collision between a car and a semi took place north of Harlan at around 10:10-a.m.  The crash occurred at the intersection of Highway 59 and Shelby County Road F-32. Both vehicles ended-up in the ditch.

Additional details on these incidents are currently not available. If we receive any updates, we’ll pass them along on this post.

(Des Moines, IA) The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH), in collaboration with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), recognizes March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM).

Throughout March, a wide range of stakeholders, including public health organizations, prevention and treatment providers, advocacy groups and gambling operators work collaboratively to let people know that hope and help exist for problem gambling. Groups nationwide will hold conferences, air Public Service Announcements, provide counselor training, host health screening days and implement social media campaigns to increase public awareness of problem gambling and the availability of prevention, treatment and recovery services.

The PGAM theme for this year is “Awareness +Action” and participants are encouraged to use the hashtag #PGAM2022 on social media platforms.

Problem gambling is defined as all gambling behavior patterns that compromise, disrupt or damage personal, family or vocational pursuits. Approximately 2 million U.S. adults (1% of the population) are estimated to meet criteria for severe problem gambling. Another 4-6 million (2-3%) meet the criteria for mild or moderate problem gambling.

The Office of Problem Gambling at IDPH raises awareness about the availability of gambling prevention and treatment services offered statewide. “Iowans who are impacted by problem gambling are encouraged to visit Your Life Iowa to learn more or to connect with a qualified professional. Help and hope are only a call, text, or chat away,” said Katie Bee, Project Director of the Office of Problem Gambling at the Iowa Department of Public Health.

If you have questions you’d like answered, support and assistance is available through Live Chat, by calling 1-800-BETS OFF, or by texting (855) 895-8398.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic Chamber Ambassadors were hosted by Cass/Atlantic Development Corporation on Thursday, March 3rd, 2022, to welcome the new Executive Assistant, Gwen Weirich. Gwen joined the CADCO team in January of 2022 and says that Jen McEntaffer, Executive Director, has been great to work with and has been eager to share her knowledge and passion for economic development. Gwen oversees many aspects of the office and enjoys being the friendly face welcoming community members and businesses owners into the office.

Cass/Atlantic Development Corporation directs economic development initiatives, facilitates community cooperation, and assists organizations of their pursuit of local development efforts to enhance the Cass County quality of life. CADCO is currently focusing on creating additional housing & childcare opportunities in Cass County. Cass/Atlantic Development is located at 14 West 6th Street. Contact 712-243-2022 for more information or visit http://www.atlanticiowa.com/cadco/

Des Moines, Iowa — A man who made his way into a Des Moines hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and briefly cared for a baby that was NOT his and he was NOT authorized to care for, was found guilty, Thursday, of Trespassing.

Thirty-six-year-old Adam Wedig was sentenced to pay $736 in fines, charges and costs, according to court documents. He’s also facing another misdemeanor charge. According to reports, Wedig has also agreed to a no-contact order with the baby’s family, with whom has has no known relation. In addition, the baby’s family is suing Wedig as well as MercyOne Hospital. MercyOne called the incident “extremely troubling” and said it has changed policies to ensure a similar incident does not happen in the future.

Adam Wedig (Polk County Jail booking photo)

Court documents show the child’s parents were living at the Ronald McDonald House at the time while the child received treatment for heart problems. In December, the child’s parents got a call about a man handling their child. They rushed to the hospital, where the father tried to follow Wedig. The man told police he didn’t intend to hurt the child. Authorities say he slipped past a nurse as she was walking through a secure door. He then entered the NICU and bottle fed the baby. Wedig also changed the baby’s diaper.

(Creston, Iowa) – Two people were arrested on separate charges Thursday, in Creston. Creston Police reports 57-year-old James Chandler Sash, of Creston, was arrested a little after 4-p.m. at the Creston Wal-Mart, for Theft in the 5th Degree, and Possession of Controlled Substance – Methamphetamine. Sash was taken to Union County Jail and later released after posting a $1,300 bond.

And, at around 6:25-p.m. Thursday, 20-year-old Elyice Bolin Stow, of Creston, was arrested at the Union County Courthouse/Sheriff’s Office, for Probation Violation. Stow was taken to Union County Jail and held without bond until seen by Judge.

Authorities said also, a woman residing in the 200 block of N. Dodge Street, in Creston, reported Wednesday afternoon, that a tire on her vehicle was slashed. The loss was estimated at $200.

(Radio Iowa) – Basketball isn’t the only sport with its state finals in Des Moines this week. The National Archery in the Schools Program is holding its state-level tournament Saturday and Sunday at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Zach Benttine, the Iowa D-N-R’s archery coordinator, says hundreds of students from all corners of the state will be taking part in what’s now the largest youth archery tournament in Iowa.

The competition begins at 8 A-M both days for the bullseye and 3-D competitions. The bullseye involves shooting at a traditional round target, while the 3-D competition involves foam animals ranging in size from a turkey to a ram. Iowa student participation in the National Archery in the Schools Program has grown each year since being launched in 2006 to more than 45-hundred participants this year.

This weekend’s top archers are wide ranging in age and they can earn money for college.

Learn more about the Iowa Archery in the Schools Program at: www.iowadnr.gov/nasp