Sheriff’s officials in Montgomery County report a traffic stop at around 2:20-a.m. today (Saturday), in Elliott, resulted in the arrest of a man wanted on a Pottawattamie County warrant for Failure to Appear, on an original charge of Driving While Barred. 37-year-old Cory Ross Smith, of Elliott, was taken into custody in the 200 block of Cherry Street in Elliott, and was transported to the Montgomery County Jail in Red Oak, where he was being held without bond.

And, Red Oak Police said Saturday (today), a Red Oak man was arrested at around 9:20-p.m., Friday, on two Page County warrants for Violation of Probation. 26-year-old Dylan Elwood Taylor was transferred to the custody of Page County authorities and was being held on a $10,000 bond in the Page County Jail.

Des Moines, Iowa — A Des Moines man is at a loss after at least two thieves attached his trailer to their truck and took off. Steve Felton is a subcontractor and makes a living with that trailer. Felton said he’s out about $20,000. KCCI reports the trailer was filled with all of his tools and sat right outside his home. Video shows at least two people attached his trailer to their truck and left with it. Felton says several nearby business owners and homeowners also saw the truck driving off with his trailer.

Tools in the trailer ranged from all types and sizes, but there were a few that were special to Felton — like some owned by his father and grandfather. Felton is asking the thieves to bring his trailer and tools back. He’s even offering a $1,000 reward to them for the return of his  property.

The reward is also for anyone who provides tips leading to the return of his trailer and a conviction. Des Moines police confirm they are investigating the theft. If anyone has information relating to the trailer, contact police at 515-283-4811.

(Des Moines, Iowa) – Two more Iowa State Patrol troopers’ names have been added to the Iowa Peace Officers Memorial near the statehouse.  Trooper Ted Benda and Sgt. Jim Smith were both honored in a ceremony Friday morning. Both lost their lives in the line of duty.

Benda died in October 2021 while responding to a call in Clayton County. He served the department for 15 years. Sgt. Smith was shot and killed in April of 2021 while trying to arrest a suspect in Grundy Center. He served the Iowa State Patrol for 27 years. The trial for the man charged with killing him begins Monday.

Trooper Benda

Gov. Kim Reynolds and Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg attended the event. The Iowa State Patrol says this type event is always emotional for everyone involved.

Sgt. Smith

(Algona, Iowa) — A fiery collision of two semi tractor-trailers in northern Iowa’s Kossuth County, Friday morning, left one man dead and another seriously injured. According to the Iowa State Patrol, the crash happened in the Algona city limits, a little before 9-a.m., Friday.

The Patrol reports a 2000 Freightliner semi driven by 49-year-old Chad Bjork, of Albert City, was southbound on 70th Avenue, and a 2006 Peterbilt semi driven by 48-year-old Allan Schuler, of Thompson, was eastbound 160th Street, when Bjork failed to yield to the right of way. His semi was struck by Schuler’s rig, in the middle of the intersection.

Both vehicles came to rest in the southeast ditch. Both caught fire and burned completely, according to the Patrol. Bjork was seriously injured. The man was not wearing a seat belt. He was airlifted to MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center in Mason City. Schuler died at the scene.

(Waterloo, Iowa) – The Iowa Department of Corrections, Friday, said 29-year-old Tracy Vanshion Traylor, who was convicted on 1st Degree Burglary and other charges in Black Hawk County, failed to report back to the Waterloo residential facility as required Thursday.

Tracy Vashion Traylor (IA DOC photo)

Traylor is a Black male, height 5′ 10″, and weighs 208 pounds. He was admitted to the work release facility on 03/08/2022.

Persons with information on Traylor’s whereabouts should contact local police.

(Red Oak, Iowa) — Police in Red Oak, Friday evening, arrested a man on a warrant for Assault. Authorities report 37-year-old Randon Daniel Phelps, of Red Oak, was taken into custody on a valid warrant for domestic abuse assault – 1^st offense.

Phelps was being held without bond int the Montgomery County Jail.