The driver of a 2018 Chevy Cruz was attempting to park her vehicle, Thursday morning, when she accidentally stepped on the accelerator pedal instead of the brake. The vehicle, driven by 77-year-old Norma Jean Parish, of Villisca, struck the side of the Casey’s General Store in Villisca, causing an estimated $25,000 damage to the structure, and $4,500 damage to the car. The accident happened at around 10:45-a.m., Thursday.

Parish wasn’t injured during the mishap. Authorities say there were no citations issued, since it happened on private property.

(Red Oak, Iowa) — Authorities in Montgomery County say a woman faces drug and public intoxication charges after she reportedly jumped in-and-out of traffic while carrying an item and attempting to strike vehicles with it, Friday morning. 50-year-old Christina M. Shipley, of Clarinda, was arrested at around 8:18-a.m. on Highway 34, about a half-mile West of K Avenue.

Shipley faces charges that include Public Intoxication and Possession of a Controlled Substance 2nd offense. She was being held in the Montgomery County Jail on a $2,000 bond.

The Department of Justice announced today that it reached a settlement with JP Senior Healthcare LLC and JP Senior Management LLC, resolving the department’s claims that these companies violated the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) by discriminating against a Latino employee based on assumptions that the worker was not a U.S. citizen.

JP Senior Management manages two nursing facilities owned by JP Senior Healthcare: Pioneer Valley Living and Rehab located in Sergeant Bluff, Iowa, and Goldenrod Manor Care Center located in Clarinda, Iowa.

Based on its investigation, the department determined that while verifying a new employee’s legal right to work in the United States, JP Senior Healthcare and JP Senior Management rejected the U.S. citizen’s valid driver’s license and unrestricted Social Security card. The investigation further concluded that the companies demanded that the worker instead present a Permanent Resident Card based on the companies’ incorrect belief that the worker was not a U.S. citizen, even after the worker explained that he was a U.S. citizen, and therefore, not eligible for a Permanent Resident Card. Additionally, the department determined that these documentary demands resulted in the end of the worker’s employment. The INA’s anti-discrimination provision prohibits employers from requesting more or different documents than necessary to prove work authorization based on employees’ citizenship status or national origin. Instead, all work-authorized individuals, regardless of citizenship status or national origin, may choose which valid, legally acceptable documents to present to demonstrate their ability to work in the United States.

“Employers must treat all workers fairly and consistent with the law, without making assumptions about a worker’s citizenship based on appearance or Hispanic national origin,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Civil Rights Division is committed to ensuring that workplaces are free of discrimination.”

Under the terms of the settlement agreement, JP Senior Healthcare LLC and JP Senior Management LLC will pay a civil penalty to the United States; pay the injured worker back pay plus interest; and train relevant employees on the INA’s anti-discrimination provision.

The Civil Rights Division’s Immigrant and Employee Rights Section (IER) is responsible for enforcing the anti-discrimination provision of the INA. The statute prohibits citizenship or immigration status and national origin discrimination in hiring, firing or recruitment or referral for a fee; unfair documentary practices; and retaliation and intimidation.

Atlantic Police Chief Dave Erickson reports five arrests occurred over the past week. Most recently, on Tuesday (Aug. 10), 40-year-old David Thomas was arrested for Interference with Official Acts. On Monday, 42-year-old Monty Casteel, of Atlantic, was arrested for Domestic Abuse Assault/1st offense, and Willful Injury.

On Aug. 6th, 23-year-old Sean Smith, of Atlantic, was arrested for Burglary in the 3rd Degree, Criminal Mischief in the 5th, Possession of a Controlled Substance (Marijuana), and Interference with Official Acts. On Aug. 4th, Atlantic Police arrested 42-year-old Christopher Knight, of Atlantic, for Driving While Barred. And, on August 3rd, 39-year old Chad Wilcox, of Atlantic, was arrested for Public Intoxication.

Each of those subjects were transported to the Cass County Jail and booked-in. As of Aug. 13th, only Monty Casteel remained in the jail.