(Radio Iowa) – This is supposed to be the season of joy but for some Iowans, the Christmas holidays only remind them of a loved one they’ve lost. Several Iowa communities are holding solemn services for those who are mourning a death in the past year. Amy Keller, with the Foster Funeral and Cremation Center in Webster City, is coordinating a memorial this weekend with several area churches. “It doesn’t necessarily have to be within the last year. It can be any loss that you’ve had throughout your life, if you would like to come over to the service,” Keller says. “It’s not only just for humans, it can be for pets. The service here will be a service that’s going to be honoring and celebrating, remembering those that we have lost.” Sarah Ostlund, faith formation director at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Webster City, says there will be a reading during the service of all of the names of those who are being remembered.

“There’ll be an actual candle-lighting portion of this service so that we just reserve a space in time for our loved ones that we so desperately wish were still here with us,” Ostlund says, “and we’re missing them even more during this special time of the year.” The impact of loss can be lessened when we realize we’re not alone in missing those who are gone, and Ostlund says the service is a way to join individuals together.

Ostlund says, “Hopefully, we’ll have time to remember those people and share some memories and share some of the joys that we have, despite the sadness that we feel missing our loved ones.” The service is scheduled to begin at 5 P-M on Sunday at the center with the lighting of luminaries and the ringing of bells.

(Red Oak, Iowa) – The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office reports one arrest and a property damage accident. Authorities say at around 7:17-p.m. Thursday, Deputies conducted a traffic stop in Red Oak, and upon further investigation, arrested 35-year-old Samantha Josephine Wheatley, of Shenandoah, for Driving While Suspended. Wheatley was being held in the Montgomery County Jail on bond amounting to $491.25.

And, at around 8:40-a.m. Thursday, Deputies in Montgomery County received a report of a two-car, property damage accident that had occurred in at 122 W. High Street, in Villisca, where a 2019 Hyundai Kona was legally parked on the street. The vehicle had been struck by a 2002 Ford F-150 pickup, driven by 39-year-old James R. Gilvin, of Villisca. Authorities say Gilvin was traveling west of High Street and attempting to secure a pet in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. His distraction resulted in the pickup hitting the car on the left rear side.

The Kona sustained $6,000 in damage, while damage to the pickup was estimated at $3,500. There were no injuries and no citations issued.

(Ames, Iowa) – Officials with the Ames Police Department report Officers responded Thursday afternoon (12/8/22), to an accident at the North Dakota train crossing. Witnesses reported that a pedestrian had been struck by a train. When officers arrived on scene, they determined the person was deceased.

The accident is currently under investigation. The name of the victim is not being released pending positive identification and notification of family.

Anyone with information relating to this incident is encouraged to contact the Ames Police Department at 239-5133 or the anonymous tip line, 239-5533. You may also contact Crime Stoppers of Central Iowa at 515-223-1400. Online anonymous tips may be submitted to www.crimestoppersofcentraliowa.com or text a tip, Text “PCCS” plus your message to 274637 (CRIMES).

(Harlan, Iowa) – A former Harlan Community School District “teacher associate” is facing charges in two separate felony cases. KETV in Omaha reports investigators said 35-year-old Ashley Cibic is accused of having a relationship with a student and buying prescription drugs from an undercover officer. A criminal complaint alleges Cibic had a relationship with an 18-year-old student. The complaint states the student confirmed the relationship to investigators and alleges that deputies found pictures of Cibic and the student in bed.

Then in October, the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office said Cibic bought hydrocodone, a prescription opioid, from an undercover deputy. Investigators said Cibic left her 13-year-old autistic son home alone to go make the purchase.

The woman is charged with: Sexual Exploitation by a school employee (a Class-D Felony); A controlled substance violation (Class-C Felony); Child Endangerment; and two counts of Unlawful possession of prescription medication. Her arraignment is set for Dec. 19th, with a pre-trial conference scheduled for January 23rd. Cibic’s trial is set for February 7, 2023.

In a letter to parents, the district said Cibic was a teacher associate at the high school. It said she was placed on leave after her arrest and fired once charges were filed. The district said the relationship with the student did not happen during school hours or on school property.