(Des Moines, Iowa) – A central Iowa man was arrested this week on two counts of Animal Neglect – Serious Injury or Death, in the case of two puppies who were found emaciated and dehydrated this past week, on one of the hottest days of the year. 32-year-old Nathaniel Darnell Bifford, of Des Moines was taken into custody. According to court documents, Bifford failed to provide the animals with adequate shelter and caused unjustified pain, distress or suffering.

Officials with the Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL), said “Zeus” and “Kyda” were suffering from starvation, and were rescued just in time. The animals were covered in their own waste. “The dogs were so weak from starvation and dehydration that their legs shook as they walked,” according to ARL officials. “Even scarier,” they said, “we learned that Kyda had been found lying on a balcony in the direct sun with no water, no shelter and no way to get indoors. The heat index was in the hundreds. It was dangerous for any animal to be out, much less a puppy who was already dangerously thin and dehydrated. If she had not been rescued when she was, she easily could have died.”

The rescued dogs & the man who was arrested for Animal neglect. (6/17/22)

(Radio Iowa) – After being pushed to the limit for two years of the pandemic, Iowa’s largest food pantry is seeing yet another significant rise in demand for its services in the past few months. Tamsin Webb, spokeswoman for the Bidwell Riverside Center in Des Moines, says when SNAP benefits were cut in April, they saw a 45-percent increase in clients. “We started to feel it then, but then May was when we really felt a large impact,” Webb says. “There was about a 68% increase.”

She says the pantry served more than 24-hundred people in May of 2021, but the numbers for this May bounded to nearly 41-hundred. During the first week of June, the facility reported a 63-percent increase in traffic from a year ago, and the numbers aren’t expected to go down. The average SNAP benefit for individuals dropped from $2.65 per meal to $1.52. Webb says it’s straining all of their resources. “We’re doing the best we can,” Webb says. “We definitely rely heavily on our volunteers, on donations, on donation and supply drives, because it’s not just helping the patrons come in and get their food that they need and the clothes that they need, it’s also keeping things organized. It’s maintaining our community garden we have, it’s a lot.”

The new stresses may cause clients to see even longer lines and potential food shortages as it becomes increasingly difficult for low-income families to make ends meet. Webb says it’s possible people who used to be regular donors to the pantry are now in need of its services. “With the rise in food costs and gas prices combined with the decrease in SNAP benefits, it’s hit a lot of people really hard and a lot of people have had to make changes and cutbacks in lifestyles,” Webb says. “I wouldn’t be surprised if some people would probably need to use our pantry now, just because money’s tight.”

Founded in 1893, Bidwell is one of 14 pantries that operate under the Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) umbrella and provide a food supply meant to sustain families for a three-day period. Clients can receive this three-day supply once per calendar month. You can donate at: bidwellriverside.org/donate

(Radio Iowa) – The Iowa Supreme Court is expected to release a key decision on abortion today(Friday). The ruling involves the 24-hour abortion waiting period passed in 2020 and struck down by a lower court last year based on a 2018 State Supreme Court opinion that said Iowa’s Constitution guarantees the right to an abortion. That effectively keeps the Legislature from enacting any restrictions on abortion.

Republican Governor Kim Reynolds has asked the Iowa Supreme Court to overturn that 2018 ruling. Reynolds has appointed a majority of the justices on the High Court since the 2018 opinion.

(Radio Iowa) – Deidre DeJear, the Democratic candidate for governor, says she’s looking for a running mate with government experience. DeJear plans to reveal her choice for lieutenant governor at the Iowa Democratic Party’s state convention tomorrow (Saturday). “It is a critical decision because I’m of the mindset that we’ve got to operate as a team,” DeJear says, “and that person is going to be my teammate and Iowa’s teammate every step of the way.”

DeJear has had roles in several statewide campaigns — including her own race for secretary of state four years ago. She owns a consulting company in Des Moines and has worked with small businesses, non-profits and charities. DeJear says she’s looking for a running mate who has experience from inside government entities. “I have worked alongside government, from the federal government all the way down to the municipal levels, but I’ve been on the outside working
with government,” DeJear says.

“I’d like an individual to balance me with that experience in working within, so that we can truly work collectively as a team as we seek to resolve the challenges that Iowans are facing.”

DeJear made her comments during an appearance on Iowa Press on Iowa P-B-S last Friday. Current Lieutenant Governor Adam Gregg was re-nominated to be Governor Kim Reynolds 2022 running mate at last weekend’s Iowa G-O-P state convention.

SIDNEY, Iowa – Funeral arrangements have been made for Fremont County Deputy Austin “Melvin” Richardson, 37, who succumbed to injuries he sustained in a two-vehicle collision on June 14. 

Public Visitation

Friday, June 17, 2022

4:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Sidney High School

2754 Knox Rd.

Sidney, Iowa 51652

Funeral Service

Saturday, June 18, 2022

11:00 a.m.

Sidney High School

Burial at Hamburg Cemetery

Law enforcement and fire department honors

Following the service, the procession will leave Sidney High School and travel west on Knox Road.  The procession will then turn south on Bluff Road, entering Hamburg on E Street. It will then travel north on Argyle Street to the Hamburg Cemetery. 

The Richardson family has been humbled by the outpouring of love and support from the community.  Many of community members have asked how they can lend further support. Those wishing to do so can stand along the processional route, with flags, signs and other forms of support. The community will also be able to visit the patrol car display that will be located at the high school during the services.   

Monetary donations can be made at the Malvern State Bank in care of the Jennifer Richardson Support Fund at 404 Main Street, Malvern, Iowa.

Donations for Jennifer and her family will also be accepted at Hilltop Animal Hospital. Gift cards to Casey’s (for gas) and Wal-Mart (for groceries and other needed items) will also be accepted at Hilltop Animal Hospital, the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office, the Mills County Sheriff’s Office or mailed to the clinic directly at: 

Jennifer Richardson 
c/o Hilltop Animal Hospital 
422 Main Street 
Malvern, Iowa 51551