An arrest was made Thursday, in connection with incidents of arson and theft which occurred early last month, in Audubon County. Sheriff Todd Johnson reports 20-year old Mackenzie Jacob Belnap, of Ottumwa, faces 1st- and 2nd-degree Arson charges, along with two counts of burglary in the 3rd degree and two-counts of theft in the 2nd degree. His arrest stems from an investigation into a pickup that was stolen and burned in the 2900 block of Falcon Avenue , and an ATV that was stolen and burned in the 1500 block of 260th Street, during the evening hours on August 5th and early morning hours on August 6th.

Belnap is being held in the Audubon County Jail on $25,000 bond. The incidents remain under investigation, and additional charges are pending.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) – Food banks serving eastern Nebraska and western Iowa are in danger of closing their doors as ever-increasing demand leaves their shelves bare. The Food Bank for the Heartland, which serves 93 counties in the region, has been hurt by high demand, a sour economy and federal budget cuts. Another program, Angel Food Ministries which sells food at a slashed prices, has suspended orders for the rest of September.

Omaha Mayor Jim Suttle says there is a plan in place to increase donations and financial help. City libraries and ministry groups are accepting food donations to help stock the shelves, and food banks are also accepting money. Donations can be made online at www.togetheromaha.org and www.foodbankheartland.org.

AMES, Iowa – Sept. 9, 2011 – The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) is stepping up security measures to prevent persons from entering flood-damaged roadways in western Iowa. Locked gates and other barrier devices are being installed at strategic highway locations to secure areas unsafe for motor vehicle or pedestrian travel.

Individuals have been disregarding traditional road closure devices, such as barricades and fence, by driving over and around them, or removing them. These actions place persons at significant risk due to damage to the roadways and bridges, unexpected pavement failures and heavy equipment at work.

In addition, ignoring road closure devices prolongs the recovery effort by disrupting the work of contractors.

Residents of Percival seeking access to their community for cleanup and rebuilding, should contact the Fremont County Emergency Coordinator who will coordinate access to and from the town using Interstate 29. Access will be provided through the gate located on Iowa 2, east of I-29.

The Iowa DOT reminds all persons to never enter a roadway blocked by barricades; not only is it illegal, but your safety is a risk.

Officials with the Cass County Engineer’s office in Atlantic, say Iowa Interstate Railroad will be upgrading the railroad crossing on Olive Street approximately 1½ miles north of the Atlantic City Limits by the ADM Elevator (formerly known as Farm Service Coop).  Olive Street will be closed to thru traffic for approximately five (5) working days starting Monday, September 12^th at 9:00 A.M.  People wanting to go to the interstate should use Hwy 71 until Olive Street is open.