The water level along the flooding Missouri River in Council Bluffs is holding steady, for now, which the town’s mayor says is good news in that the fast-moving, muddy water isn’t doing any more damage. Mayor Tom Hanafan says it remains an around-the-clock battle against the high water.

Hanafan says, “It’s a constant 24-hour-a-day operation but with no rain right now, it’s really helped us get through some tough times and get some things done.” He says he’s overwhelmed with the response from volunteers who continue to come daily to fill sandbags, which has helped the city save a little money.

“We fill (sandbags) every day,” Hanafan says. “We count every bag, every day, because as we fill them, crews are taking them out and using them for different operations.” He says Council Bluffs has spent about five-point-six million dollars fighting flooding — after about 46 days so far. The mayor says that figure covers personnel, equipment and outside resources. Levee monitoring is ongoing and small leaks are being quickly repaired to prevent a major breach and more evacuations.

(Radio Iowa)

Authorities in Harlan are investigating several incidents of theft. On July 8^th, Tammy Schwartz, of Harlan, reported the theft of a 2003 GMC Yukon from her driveway. The vehicle was later recovered by the Omaha Police Department, with four persons inside. The theft remains under investigation.

And, Harlan Police say several reports of copper theft have been taken by their department. The thefts were reported on Tuesday, and they remain under investigation.

A Harlan man was arrested Wednesday, after test results administered following a traffic stop showed evidence of drugs in his system. According to Harlan Police, 25-year old Shane Hill, of Harlan, was taken into custody for Operating a Motor Vehicle under the influence.

The charge was filed in connection with an incident on May 19^th, 2011, where Hill was the driver of a vehicle involved in a traffic stop. Following the stop, evidence collected was submitted to the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation. Test results on the evidence indicated Hill had methamphetamines and cannabinoids in his system. Hill was cited following his arrest, and released.

Police in Harlan report two people were arrested at the Shelby County Speedway last weekend. Authorities say on Saturday, 19-year old Lisa Johnson, of Avoca, was arrested when an officer observed her allegedly drinking alcohol. Johnson was cited for Minor In Possession, and released.

That same day, 16-year old Matthew Becker, of Shelby, was arrested at the Speedway on charges of disorderly conduct and possession of drug paraphernalia. The arrest was the result of a call to police from a security guard at the track. Becker was cited for the offenses and released to the custody of his parents. His case was scheduled to be referred to juvenile court.

Authorities in Harlan say two men were arrested on drug and/or weapons charges last Saturday (July 9^th), following a traffic stop. 28-year old Anthony Bruns and 22-year old Jason Mabbitt, both of Manning, were taken into custody.

Bruns was charged with carrying a weapon within 1,000-feet of a city park, being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He posted a $2,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court for his preliminary hearing, on July 28^th.

Mabbitt was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance, 2^nd offense, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He pled not guilty on the paraphernalia charge, and was being held in the Shelby County Jail on $2,000 bond. His trial date has not yet been set.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – The state’s emergency management commander has been criticized as missing in action during part of the fight against flooding in western Iowa. Woodbury County Emergency Management Director Gary Brown told The Des Moines Register says that the absences of Derek Hill have delayed aid requests and slowed flood-fighting efforts.

Woodbury and five other western Iowa counties have been declared federal disaster areas. Brown said of Hill, “He’s been gone a lot.”

Hill is administrator of the Iowa Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. He rejected the criticism and says he’s been in close contact with his staff whenever he’s been away. On Monday he began an eight-day Arizona vacation, and he’s spent nearly eight days on duty with the Iowa National Guard since June 1st.