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Second bird flu case found in Hamilton County

Ag/Outdoor, News

April 5th, 2022 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – The Iowa Department of Agriculture reports another confirmed case of the bird flu. This case is in Hamilton County in a flock of young turkeys known as poults. There are 16-thousand-200 birds in the flock. This is the second case confirmed in Hamilton County, the first was on March 28th, and this is the 13th case now confirmed statewide.

More than 13 million birds have now been destroyed in Iowa to prevent the spread of the virus.

Pottawattamie County Implements Burning Ban

Ag/Outdoor, News, Weather

April 5th, 2022 by Ric Hanson

Council Bluffs, Iowa – The Pottawattamie County Emergency Management Agency says a ban on open burning will be in place for Pottawattamie County beginning Wednesday, April 6, 2022, at 8:00 a.m.

The ban prohibits all open and controlled burning in Pottawattamie County, including all incorporated city limits within the county. The current weather forecast and environmental conditions indicate a very high fire danger with winds gusting to over 40 mph over the next couple days. The current dry conditions and dead vegetative fuels creates the perfect conditions for fires to spread rapidly.

Fire departments within the county have been responding to increased controlled burns that have gotten out of control, endangering property. During these dry conditions, citizens are reminded to not throw out cigarettes from moving vehicles and to discontinue burning yard waste, piled tree debris, grass/agricultural ground and set-asides or other items during the ban. At this time, the ban is anticipated to remain in effect until after planting season or if the county receives substantial increases in precipitation.

Violation of a burn ban can subject a person to citation or arrest for reckless use of fire or disobeying a burn ban. You may also be liable for any damages, losses, or injuries resulting from the fire.

For updated information on burn bans and the law you can find further information on our facebook, twitter, and web page. All citizens are urged to sign up for Alert Iowa at pcema-ia.org to receive alerts for fire danger, severe weather, and emergency notifications for your community.

Essex man arrested on warrant, Tuesday

News

April 5th, 2022 by Ric Hanson

Page County Sheriff Lyle Palmer reports a man from Essex was arrested Tuesday (today) on two Page County warrants. 39-year-old Adam Blake Sandahl was taken into custody at his residence in Essex, on warrants for charges of Failure to Appear -Revocation Hearing, Violation of Probation, Sentencing charge of Driving while License is Barred.

Sandahl was transported to the Page County Jail where he posted the $4,000 bond and was released pending, further court proceedings prior to being booked into the jail.

A charge is merely an accusation and that the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Lewis man and 2 others arrested in connection w/church bell theft

News

April 5th, 2022 by Ric Hanson

(Lewis, Iowa) – Three people have been arrested in relation to the theft of a church bell from Lewis. According to the Cass County (Iowa) Sheriff’s Office those taken into custody include: 31-year-old Trenton Baier, from Lewis; 30-year-old Shialea Cozad, and 62-year-old Phillip Duncan, both of whom are from Omaha.

The trio are alleged to have stolen a nearly 400-pound church bell mounted on pedestals near the United Congregational Methodist Church in Lewis, late last month. All three were arrested for Theft in the 2nd Degree.  Cozad and Duncan were additionally charged with controlled substance violations.

Trenton Baier

Shialea Cozad

Phillip Duncan

Sheriff Darby McLaren says “through the investigation, deputies spoke with several citizens of the community and followed-up on many leads. Deputies executed multiple search warrants, interviewed numerous person(s) of interest, and completed the criminal investigation by making the three arrests.”

The Sheriff said also, “The investigation led deputies to areas of interest in Omaha and Council Bluffs. Unfortunately, during the course of the investigation, deputies received information that lead them to believe the bell had been destroyed.”

The Sheriff’s Department thanks the various agencies of the Iowa Dept. of Public Safety, Omaha and Council Bluffs Police Departments, Atlantic Police Dept. and the City of Lewis, for assistance during the investigation.

Harlan Police report 3 arrests

News

April 5th, 2022 by Ric Hanson

(Harlan, Iowa) – The Harlan Police Department reports three recent arrests. On Monday (April 4th), 27-year-old Brett Allan Ballantyne, of Harlan, was arrested for Burglary in the 2nd Degree. Last Friday, 31-year-old Ashley Elizabeth McWilliams, of Atlantic, was arrested following a traffic stop. She was charged with operating while intoxicated (OWI).
And, on Thursday, March 31st, 52-year-old David Dean Anderson was arrested on an active Shelby County warrant.

Absentee Ballot Requests May Be Filed for the Upcoming Primary Election

News

April 5th, 2022 by Ric Hanson

Red Oak, Iowa  – Montgomery County voters interested in voting absentee for the June 7 Primary Election may file requests for absentee ballots with the Montgomery County Auditor’s Office.
Due to recent legislation, the time period to request absentee ballots has been reduced from 120 days to 70 days. The new legislation also has shortened the number of days that the Auditor’s Office may have ballots available for absentee voting. Voters now have 20 days to vote absentee either by mail or in-person rather than 29 days.

Voters wishing to receive a ballot by mail for the Primary Election will need to complete an absentee ballot request form and return it to the Montgomery County Auditor’s Office, 105 E Coolbaugh Street, Red Oak, before 5 p.m. on May 23. Voters are reminded that due to recent legislation, the ballot must be returned to the County Auditor’s Office before the polls close at 8:00 p.m. on June 7 to be counted. In-person early voting in the Auditor’s Office and mailing of ballots will begin May 18.

Absentee ballot request forms can be found on the Montgomery County website at www.montgomerycountyia.gov or on the Iowa Secretary of State’s website at https://sos.iowa.gov/. They
may also be requested by calling the Montgomery County Auditor’s office at 712-623-5127. Absentee voters are reminded that since this is a Primary Election, the voter must choose which party’s ballot they would like to vote. The Primary Election in Iowa is a nominating process for the Democratic and Republican parties to determine who will appear on the General Election ballot in November.

For more information about the 2022 Primary Election, contact the Montgomery County Auditor’s office at 712-623-5127 or visit the county website at www.montgomerycountyia.gov. Voters can also follow Montgomery County Auditor & Elections on Facebook.

Atlantic girls golf brings back strong core

Sports

April 5th, 2022 by admin

Trojan LogoThe Atlantic girls golf team brings back five letterwinners from last year’s squad to lead the way this season. The lone senior out of that group is Reagan Leonard. Junior’s Abby Smith and Lexi Noelck and Sophomores Belle Berg and Abby Muller all saw significant action last season. Head Coach Kathy Hobson said they expect that playing experience to be an advantage.

Coach Hobson said in order to improve from year to year she just tells the girls to get out on the course as much as they can and if nothing else work on the short game can pay big dividends.

The weather has made it difficult to get out as much as the team would like but Coach Hobson said that’s true for everyone. She hopes the team focuses on the challenge of each course.

The Trojans are set to open up with a dual at Creston on Thursday.

Shelby County Sheriff’s report, 4/5/22

News

April 5th, 2022 by Ric Hanson

(Harlan, Iowa) – Sheriff’s officials in Shelby County have issued a report on arrests that occurred between March 23rd and 27th:

On the 27th, 39-year-old Joshua William Cox, of Harlan, was arrested following a traffic stop. He was charged with Operating while under the Influence, and Driving while License Denied or Revoked.

There were two arrests March 26th. 18-year-old Rene Bernal-Salas, of Denison, and 20-year-old Maria Rosa Lara Salazar, of Council Bluffs, were arrested following a traffic stop at Highway 59 and 1200th Street in Shelby County. Bernal-Salas was charged with OWI, Prohibited Acts, Possession of Controlled Substance, Minor in Possession of Alcohol, Speeding, Driving while under Suspension, and Failure to Provide Proof of Financial Liability. Salazar was charged with Possession of Controlled Substance and Minor in Possession of Alcohol.

On the 25th, 30-year-old Isaaias Baltazar-Delgadillo, of Denison, as arrested after a traffic stop on highway 191.  He was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance, Operating Non-Registered Vehicle, and Speeding. And, on March 23rd, Shelby County deputies arrested 37-year-old Jason David Bengford, of Defiance, following a call for service in Defiance.  Bengford was transported to the Shelby County Jail and charged with Domestic Abuse Assault.

Note: Criminal charges are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Onawa Man Pleads Guilty to Meth and Gun Charges

News

April 5th, 2022 by Ric Hanson

(Sioux City, Iowa) – A Harrison County man involved in methamphetamine and illegal possession of a firearm pled guilty on March 24, 2022, in federal court in Sioux City. The U-S Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Iowa, today (Tuesday), said 38-year-old Dustin Haynes, from Onawa, was convicted of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, manufacture and attempt to manufacture methamphetamine, and illegal possession of a firearm.

At the plea hearing, evidence showed that Haynes was previously convicted of Burglary, Assault while Participating in a Felony, and Possession of a Controlled Substance. As a result, Haynes was not able to legally possess guns. Evidence further showed that on September 1, 2021, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle Haynes was operating. Officers seized components of a methamphetamine lab in Haynes’ vehicle, and a shotgun (broken down) in the trunk of the vehicle. Law enforcement also seized two boxes of pseudoephedrine (used to make methamphetamine) and receipts showing the purchase of the pseudoephedrine within the previous 30 days. Haynes intended to manufacture and distribute the methamphetamine. Haynes attempted to flee law enforcement agents by vehicle, then on foot, and during the pursuit threw out several baggies of meth.

Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Haynes remains in the custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. On the two drug convictions, Haynes faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of 40 years’ imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, and at least four years of supervised release following any imprisonment. On the firearm conviction, Haynes faces no mandatory minimum sentence and a possible maximum sentence of ten years’ imprisonment and up to three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Iowa DCI Laboratory, Monona County Sheriff’s Department, and Iowa State Patrol.

Governor Reynolds Awards $2.26 Million in Summer Youth Internship Grants

News

April 5th, 2022 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES – Governor Kim Reynolds today (Tuesday) awarded 35 projects with $2.26 million in state grants to launch valuable youth internships across Iowa this summer. Future Ready Iowa’s Summer Youth Internship Program grants are being awarded for the fourth consecutive year to help youth gain access to meaningful work experience while exploring and preparing for high-demand careers. The grants will directly support efforts to increase the career opportunities available for Iowa’s youth, including in areas with at-risk or under-represented communities.

Among the grant awardees in our area, is:

Iowa Jag, Inc. – Des Moines, Mason City, Atlantic, Red Oak, Cedar Rapids, Davenport/Quad Cities, Dubuque, and Ottumwa
Award: $50,000 Number of Participants Served: 15
iJAG believes people are more powerful than circumstances and tapping into that power at key crossroads – teaching Iowa youth to find it and use it – can change the trajectory of their lives. iJAG provides mentoring, academic tutoring, job training, and placement for underserved youth; activities which improve graduation rates, help students access living-wage employment, and establish long-term self-sufficiency. Through this project, iJAG will partner with at least five employers to provide a total of 15+ students a summer internship in a high demand field during the summer of 2022. Students will receive paid work experience, on-the-job training, and wraparound support that removes barriers to successful participation.

Avenue Scholars Iowa – Serving Audubon, Avoca, Carson, Carter Lake, Crescent, Council Bluffs, Farragut, Glenwood, Hancock, Harlan, Henderson, Imogene, Macedonia, Malvern, McClelland, Minden, Mineola, Missouri Valley, Neola, Northboro, Oakland, Pacific Junction, Persia, Portsmouth, Shelby, Shenandoah, Silver City, Tabor, Treynor, Underwood, and Walnut
Award: $50,000 Number of Participants Served: 85;  CEV operates a summer internship program for low-income, first generation, oftentimes at-risk youth students. These students face extenuating circumstances and the internship program provides students access to paid, eight-to-ten-week internships in high demand, high wage careers, affording the students exposure and experience they otherwise would not have. The program also provides economic and workforce development for Southwest Iowa.

Energy Association of Iowa Schools – Clinton, College Springs, Anita, Massena, Carson, Oakland, Eddyville, Blakesburg, Fremont, Greenfield, and Fontanelle.
Award: $70,750 Number of Participants Served: 20; Energy Association of Iowa Schools will partner with seven school districts across Iowa to offer the Summer Building Operator Pathway Bridge Internship program for 20 students. The paid internships will provide hands-on work experience in the high demand career of building and plant operators. This project will provide
continuity for students who have been working in dual credit programs and will invite new students to participate with an opportunity to earn a national Building Operator Pathway Level 1 Training Certificate.

Generativity dba The Lakeside Village – Panora; Award: $136,000 Number of Participants Served: 21.
The Lakeside Legacy Youth Internship program is equipped to host 15 2022 Youth interns and 6 2021 Legacy Interns during the summer of 2022. Interns will be provided eight weeks of on-the-job training as well as complete a certification in their field. High demand careers including managerial/marketing, nursing, dietary manager, activities manager, and maintenance manager in the long-term care profession will be included. Internships would include offering education to the students in CPR, Mandatory Reporter, ServSafe, CNA, OSHA General Industry 10-hr, Jaybird Sales Academy and Dementia Training 8-hr. 2021 Legacy Interns will be directly involved in mentorship, study sessions, and are offered the opportunity to advance training including Advanced CNA, Assisted Living Administrator Certificate, or certificate programs previously not obtained. Working with local guidance counselors at surrounding community high schools, as well as local community referral sources, we will locate 15 qualified candidates ages 14-19 for internship programming. Qualified candidates are youth that are at risk of not graduating, those from low-income households, minorities, children of veterans, and those with barriers to upward mobility in the labor market.

Midwest Partnership Economic Development CorporationStuart, Panora, Greenfield, Guthrie Center, and Adair.
Award: $116,255 Number of Participants Served: 17
Midwest Partnership created a plan where 13 employers are collectively offering a total of 17 internships across two rural counties. Working with area schools, the internships will be provided to students who are at risk of not graduating from high school, represent minorities, and/or are from low-income households. Many interns will be placed at micro businesses (under 10 employees) and will be involved in a wide range of business processes. All interns will take a course in savings and investment basics which will complement the financial literacy course requirement for high school graduation. Businesses participating include occupations in health care, engineering, agriculture, welding, carpentry, CNC, and more.

St. Anthony Regional Hospital and Nursing Home – Carroll
Award: $22,550 Number of Participants Served: 6
Interns will participate in weekly workshops, staff mentorship, and a hybrid curriculum involving online, observation, and hands-on training. Each participant will have a weekly one-on-one debriefing with the project coordinator to identify barriers to success and troubleshoot issues. The curriculum will be centered around healthcare employability skills, healthcare career readiness, and career-specific experience and training.

Across the state, a total of $2,255,441 will be distributed to fund internships for an estimated 659 students from 85 Iowa communities. This year’s awardees included employers, educational institutions, and non-profit organizations whose programs are set to provide opportunities in a wide number of fields. Among the awardees are organizations targeting high school youth who otherwise would face barriers to entering the labor market.

A portion of the funding is being made available through the federal American Rescue Plan Act.