(Radio Iowa) – Governor Kim Reynolds will deliver the annual “Condition of the State” address tonight (Tuesday) — and she’s promised to reveal details of what she has described as a bold, yet practical plan to cut income taxes.  “Iowa is moving in the right direction and I’m — and we’re — determined to build on the progress and the momentum that we’ve seen over the last couple of years,” Reynolds says. Reynolds signed a bill into law last June that eliminates the state inheritance tax and cuts personal income tax rates. This follows income tax reductions she approved in 2018.

“Despite tax cuts and record investments, the storms, the droughts and a worldwide pandemic,” Reynolds says, “we still managed to end Fiscal Year 2021 with $1.24 billion surplus and a billion dollars in cash reserve.” Democrats say the surplus wouldn’t have been possible without the billions in federal pandemic aid from the Trump and Biden Administrations. Reynolds took over as governor in mid-2017. Since then, Reynolds notes the state has endured unprecedented events like droughts, flooding, two derechos and a pandemic.

“As we all begin 2022, I really couldn’t be more hopeful about Iowa’s future and there are many reasons for my optimism, but at the top of the list is the strength and the resilience of Iowans in the face of adversity,” Reynolds said. The governor is scheduled to deliver her “Condition of the State” address in the Iowa House shortly after 6 p.m. tonight (Tuesday).

(Red Oak, Iowa) –  A pedestrian child is dead following an incident in Red Oak. According to Iowa State Patrol Trooper/Public Resource Officer Ryan Devault, at around 7-p.m. Monday, (Jan. 10th), several Red Oak Officers were responding in an emergency mode to an apartment fire within the City of Red Oak.

The patrol cars were northbound on N. Broadway Street near the intersection of Joy Street when one of the three patrol cars struck a pedestrian (minor child) that was in the roadway.  The child sustained fatal injuries as a result of the crash.

In an email to parents, Red Oak School District Superintendent Ron Lorenz says the district was able to confirm the victim was a student at the Inman Elementary School. The crash remains under investigation by the Iowa State Patrol. More details will be released after all notifications have been made.

(Look for an update to this story posted at 10:35-p.m.)

(Red Oak, Iowa) – An incident involving a Red Oak Police Officer Monday evening, has resulted in a death of a young girl.  Additional details are expected to be released by the Iowa State Patrol.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – In the spirit of Martin Luther King Day of Service, Healthy Cass County and the Iowa Department on Aging (IDA) Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) have teamed up to sponsor a volunteer opportunity to make a
difference from the comfort of home. The group is asking volunteers to simply write cards or a letter with a bright message. Cards will be delivered to Cass County residents in early February.

Ingrid Stukerjurgen, RSVP Coordinator, said “Winter weather and fragile health often keep people home for longer periods of timeduring the winter. The same conditions might make it hard for some folks to get out and volunteer. This is a safe way to make a difference from home,” said  Volunteers can drop off or mail cards and letters to the Cass County ISU Extension Office (805 W. 10th St. Atlantic, IA 50022) by February 1. Volunteers may use their own cards, or Healthy Cass County has blank cards available for pick up at the ISU Extension Office.

People interested in card writing who do not have transportation are asked to contact Cass County Wellness Coordinator Brigham Hoegh at 712-249-5870 or bhoegh@iastate.edu. Hoegh says “We don’t want transportation to be a barrier to
participating in card writing.” Although anyone can volunteer, Stukerjurgen says the group is especially looking to
engage volunteers, age 55 and better, who might want a weather-proof way to help their community, “We find that those who write cards get almost as much out of the experience as those who received them.”

The group is also looking for volunteers who are willing to deliver the cards as the weather permits. To volunteer or for questions, contact RSVP Coordinator, Ingrid Stukerjurgen at the Iowa Department on Aging, 515-975-3063 or email idarsvp@iowa.gov. Brigham Hoegh, Cass County Wellness Coordinator has also helped Healthy Cass County sponsor this opportunity in the past, “We have found that receiving these notes and cards can really brighten someone’s day, and that feeling carries over because they can re-read the messages,“ Hoegh added.

To nominate someone in Cass County who could use an uplifting card, email their name and address to idarsvp@iowa.gov or call 515-975-3063.

The Iowa Department on Aging (IDA) RSVP offers meaningful volunteer opportunities for adults age 55 and better to make a difference in their community. To learn more about IDA RSVP in Cass County, contact Ingrid Stukerjurgen by emailing idarsvp@iowa.gov or calling 515-975-3063.

Healthy Cass County is a community-focused volunteer network formed to promote the health and well-being of Cass County residents. Reach out to Cass County Wellness Coordinator Brigham Hoegh at bhoegh@iastate.edu or call 712-249-5870 for more information. Healthy Cass County welcomes participants from across Cass County. Healthy Cass County is looking to increase representation from communities outside Atlantic.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Cass County Sheriff’s Office, Monday (Today) released more details about a pursuit that took place during the early morning hours of January 3rd. As KJAN first reported, the pursuit began at around 12:20-a.m., when a Cass County Deputy attempted to stop a full-size pickup for a traffic violation, near the intersection of Bayard St and Dunbar Road, in Lorah (near Highway 71 & I-80).

The pickup and driver (Later identified as 22-year old Kadin Schoenfeld, of Lewis), failed to yield or pull over for the Deputy and continued to operate in an attempt to elude law enforcement.  The vehicle drove on several county gravel roads and ended up traveling South on Olive St., eventually entering Atlantic at speeds nearing 90 MPH.  The pickup was identified as a Ford extended cab with no license plates.

The Ford continued South through Atlantic on Olive St at speeds upwards of 80 MPH.  The pursuit continued traveling South and West of Atlantic on several county roadways.  At approximately 12:42AM the vehicle was located at a residence on Yankton Rd, unoccupied.  Deputies were not able to find the operator at the time, but through subsequent investigation at the scene and within the following day, deputies determined Schoenfeld to be the driver of the vehicle.

Schoenfeld was charged with Driving while license denied, suspended, cancelled or revoked, Reckless Driving, Eluding – Speed over 25 over limit, False Report to Public Entity and numerous traffic citations.  A warrant was requested for the criminal charges and on Saturday, January 8th, 2022, Schoenfeld was arrested without incident.

The Cass County Sheriff’s office was assisted by the Atlantic Police Department, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa State Patrol and Audubon County Sheriff’s Office.