(Radio Iowa) – An Eagle Grove man has been sentenced to a decade in prison after pleading guilty to meth, marijuana and gun-related charges. According to a news release from the U-S Attorney’s Office, 40-year-old Russell Spencer was a mid-level meth dealer in central Iowa. Court records indicate Spencer was part of a drug ring that sold meth in 2021 and he made several trips to California to pick up meth and even had it mailed through the U.S. Postal Service.

Spencer was arrested after he made three meth sales to undercover officers. He pleaded guilty in August to possessing and distributing meth and marijuana as well as a gun possession charge.

(Radio Iowa) – A toddler has died after an apparent street racer slammed into oncoming traffic in Des Moines last (Tuesday) night.  Witnesses tell Des Moines police a sedan and an SUV were involved in an extended street race on Fleur Drive about 6 PM. At Gray’s Lake Park, police say the sedan crossed the median and hit two approaching vehicles. Four people were rushed to hospitals, including a four-year-old who has died, and the 35-year-old Urbandale man who police say was driving the sedan. The other alleged racer, a dark-colored SUV, continued on after the crash and police are asking for the public’s help in finding it, though no further description is being released.

Anyone with information about the incident, should call the Des Moines Police at 515-323-8382 or Crimestoppers of Central Iowa at 515-223-1400 or online at www.crimestoppersofcentraliowa.com.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – A man who posts inspirational thoughts and comments on social media, was honored today (Wednesday) in Atlantic, with the “Angel of Christmas” award, sponsored by Cass Health. The award presented to Tom McLaren recognizes and thanks area residents who symbolize the true meaning of the season. Angels exemplify the true holiday spirit all year long–putting others first, spreading generosity and sharing the holiday spirit with everyone they meet.

CCHS CEO Brett Altman…

Steele McLaren, who suffered a traumatic head injury in Oct., 2020, and went on to make a full recovery after many surgeries and months of therapy, submitted a nomination letter that was read by Steele’s mom Jess Ehrman-Ellis. Here’s a portion of that letter…

Steele said Tom McLaren prays for people nationally and locally every morning, whether he knows them or not.

The McLaren family

CCHS CEO Brett Altman, Tom McLaren & Steele McLaren

He’s posted over 750 straight days. The prayer requests on the Praying for Steele #32strong Facebook page come from all over the country.

For his part, Tom McLaren said the award was “A big struggle” for him because he doesn’t take praise very well, and “I don’t like to share,” which drew laughs among those attending the presentation. He choked-up though, when he spoke about Steele’s accident and the family that rallied around him, and decided to set aside his opinion on sharing.

He said he’s honored the posts on Steele’s page have helped others through times of loss and who are struggling with health issues.

He says people continue to reach out to him, and that “It’s really cool.”

(Creston, Iowa) – An Adams County man was arrested last week on several charges. Officials with the Creston Police Department today (Wednesday), said 53-year-old Darryn Lyn Dugan, of Nodaway, was arrested on Adams Street, on charges that include: Violation of a No Contact/Protective Order; Stalking; Extortion, and Impersonating a Public Official. He was transported to the Adams County Jail in Corning, and later posted bond.

DES MOINES, Iowa — The Des Moines community is morning the loss of Natasha Williams. Police say Williams was found dead in her home on Monday. She was a special education associate at Merrill Middle School.

Police say patrol officers conducted a requested welfare check on two people who live at a rental home on the 1600 block of East Glenwood Drive at approximately 10:27 a.m. on Monday. Officers located a deceased woman – identified as Natasha Williams – in the home. Her death was deemed a homicide. Hers was the 18^th homicide in Des Moines, this year.

Merrill Middle school Principal Kate Panek sent a note to families on Tuesday, describing Natasha as effervescent, bubbly and always ready with a smile and a hug for everyone. “Her loss leaves behind an empty space in our school community. She was a special part of our Merrill family and we relied heavily on her big heart and expertise in supporting students,” the note said.

Counselors are available to provide support for students and staff.