WEST POINT, Iowa – The Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS) reports, “On September 5, 2021 at approximately 10:16 AM, law enforcement agencies (West Point Police Department (WPPD), Lee County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) and the Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI)) were contacted by a property owner who located human remains on their rural West Point property, in the area of 110th Street, West Point, IA.  A search was conducted and no other human remains were located.

“On September 8, 2021 an additional search was conducted by the West Point Fire Department, WPPD, LCSO, DCI and members of a K-9 search and rescue organization. No other human remains were located during the search and additional searches were scheduled. On September 11, 2021 the property owner conducted a large scale brush clearing operation of the property to assist law enforcement with the search for additional human remains.

“On September 12, 2021 at approximately 8:25 AM, the property owner located additional human remains and members of the WPPD, LCSO, DCI and Lee County Medical Examiner Investigator responded and conducted an investigation.  During the scene examination there were personal items discovered at the scene which will assist in the identification, however the final identification will have to be made using DNA analysis.  The human remains were transported to the Iowa State Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy, examination and identification.  Once a positive identification can be accomplished through DNA analysis, law enforcement will conduct family notifications.”

Authorities say “There did not appear to be any signs of foul play related to the investigation and there are no apparent threats or dangers to the general public related to the incident.” They added, “No further information will be released at this time.”

(Radio Iowa) – Des Moines police are investigating a woman’s death which they say was -not- due to natural causes. On Sunday night, Des Moines police were called to a house to investigate a report of a dispute. The caller expressed concern for a woman at the home. Officers arrived and found the body of 42-year-old Amber Burton. They’re not saying how she may’ve died but do say they’re treating it as a homicide. No arrests were made though police add, there’s no ongoing threat to the public. This marks Des Moines’ seventh homicide this year.

The Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office reports the Sheriff’s Office K9 “Urs” will receive a bullet and stab preventative vest, thanks to a charitable donation from the non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.  Urs’ vest will be embroidered with the sentiment “Honoring those who served and sacrificed.”

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501c(3) non-profit whose mission is to provide bullet and stab-protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the country. Since 2009, the organization has  donated more than 4,381 K9 vests with a value of $6.9-million, in all 50 states. The vests are made possible by both private and corporate donations.

Deputy Jones & his K9 partner Urs

Atlantic, Iowa – Cass Health has been awarded a Top Workplaces 2021 honor by Iowa Top Workplaces. Cass Health received the #16 ranking of the top mid-sized employers in Iowa, their highest yet. The list is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by employee engagement technology partner Energage LLC. The anonymous survey uniquely measures 15 culture drivers that are critical to the success of any organization: including alignment, execution, and connection, just to name a few.

Eric Rubino, Energage CEO says “During this very challenging time, Top Workplaces has proven to be a beacon of light for organizations, as well as a sign of resiliency and strong business performance. When you give your employees a voice, you come together to navigate challenges and shape your path forward. Top Workplaces draw on real-time insights into what works best for their organization, so they can make informed decisions that have a positive impact on their people and their business.”

Cass Health CEO Brett Altman said, “For the seventh consecutive year our employees have made Cass Health an elite work environment. We are blessed to have such incredible staff that throughout these extraordinary circumstances have continued to provide superior experiences to our patients, colleagues and communities.”

The Cass County Sheriff’s Office reports one person was seriously injured during an accident near Anita, Friday. The collision happened at the intersection of White Pole Rd and 725^th Street.  Authorities say Melanie Jo Lewis, of Anita, was traveling eastbound on White Pole Rd driving a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica, and had slowed to turn left onto 725^th Street.  Fernando Perez Castaneda, of Blue Springs, MO, was driving a 2018 International Semi-tractor trailer and traveling east, when he entered the west bound lane and attempted to pass Lewis’s vehicle.

During the pass, the semi struck the driver’s side of Lewis SUV, causing it to enter a field to the north. The semi came to rest in the north ditch, with the trailer blocking the west bound lane of White Pole Road.  Lewis suffered serious injuries, and was transported by Cass County EMS to the Anita Airport, where she was transported to the hospital via Life Flight. Castaneda was uninjured in the accident.