Today: Patchy fog before 9am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 80. S/SE winds 5-10 this afternoon.
Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 51.
Tomorrow: Sunny, with a high near 80. N/NW winds 5-10 in the afternoon.
Tom. Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 53. North northeast wind around 5 mph.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 83.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 81.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 82.
(Des Moines, Iowa) – A Guthrie County deputy running for sheriff in the November election is suing the sheriff and county attorney, alleging they’ve waged a politically motivated campaign to have him decertified as a police officer. The Iowa Capital Dispatch reports that in a federal lawsuit filed this week, Deputy Matthew Harmann, a Republican, alleges that “rather than accept the rather common occurrence of a subordinate seeking to unseat the sheriff,” Guthrie County Sheriff Martin “Marty” Arganbright, a Democrat, along with County Attorney Dana Minteer and Chief Deputy Jeremy Bennett, “engaged in an unconstitutional and coordinated campaign to impugn Harmann’s sterling reputation in an effort to undermine his political campaign.”
Harmann alleges the defendants tried to knowingly and falsely accuse him of misconduct in office and that when an independent investigator cleared Harmann of wrongdoing, they launched an effort to have Harmann decertified as a law enforcement officer, which would render him ineligible to serve as Guthrie County sheriff.
Court records indicate the Guthrie County Sheriff’s Department hired Harmann as a part-time deputy in 2017, and that he currently serves as one of the department’s two K9 officers.
His lawsuit alleges that prior to his February 2024 announcement that he was running for sheriff, Harmann had never received an adverse employment review or a work-related complaint and had never been the subject of any disciplinary proceedings with the sheriff’s department. The lawsuit claims that in the immediate aftermath of Harmann’s campaign announcement, Arganbright, Bennett and Minteer communicated electronically about the perceived threat Harmann’s candidacy posed to Arganbright’s and Bennett’s positions and to Minteer’s effectiveness as the county attorney.
The three then conspired to discredit Harmann and interfere with his election campaign, the lawsuit claims. Minteer issued a so-called “Giglio notice” in all criminal cases in which Harmann could potentially be a witness, alerting the court to the fact that Harmann was “believed to have provided false information to his colleagues during the course of a potential criminal investigation.”
The false information Harmann was alleged to have provided “pertained to the whereabouts/conduct of an off-duty Guthrie County sheriff’s deputy,” the notice stated. Harmann’s lawsuit did not detail the “false information” but referred to a letter to the editor published in a local newspaper claiming that on Dec. 17, 2023, Harmann helped a deputy suspected of driving an ATV after drinking by lying to investigating officers.
A week after Minteer issued the Giglio notice to the court, Bennett notified Harmann of an administrative investigation tied to the December incident, according to the lawsuit. The notice placed Harmann on unpaid administrative leave. The county then hired Jon Thomas of Workforce Solutions to investigate allegations against Harmann. To disguise their motives, the lawsuit alleges, Arganbright and Bennett created a falsified version of the original notice of administrative leave, backdating it to Jan. 7 – prior to Harmann’s announcement of his run for sheriff.
According to the lawsuit, Thomas investigated the December 2023 incident and concluded Harmann violated no laws or ethical or professional rules. While the sheriff’s office did not impose any disciplinary action after the investigation was completed, Bennett allegedly asked that the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy decertify Harmann as a peace officer, citing the fact that he had been on administrative leave since January. As of this week, the lawsuit states, the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy has not taken any public action in the matter, and a hearing date has not been scheduled.
Despite this, the lawsuit alleges, Arganbright has falsely informed community members that Harmann has already been decertified by the academy. The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages for felonious misconduct in office and political retaliation and discrimination. It also seeks an order that would force the county to expunge from Harmann’s disciplinary record any reference to “the knowingly false efforts to have Harmann decertified as a police officer.”
The defendants have yet to file a response to the lawsuit. Minteer’s office referred the Iowa Capital Dispatch to the West Des Moines law office of Jason Palmer, who was not immediately available for comment.
(Radio Iowa) – This is “See Track? Think Train” week. Francis Edeker, the state coordinator for the “Operation Lifesaver” program, says more than 23-hundred people are injured or killed every year at railroad crossings. “Running around the gates and lights is a big problem — 60% of the incidents with the trains happened at crossings where there are lights and gates out there,” He says. “And 25% of the incidents are people that drive into the side of trains…and 25% of them hit the 30th or 40th or 50th car of the train, which means they’re doing a distraction and not paying attention.”
Edeker says having pedestrians on and near railroad tracks has become a major concern. “Family pictures and high school senior pictures being taken on the railroad tracks — that’s a big problem here in the state of Iowa and even in the United States all over,” he says. Edeker says pedestrians and vehicles are only allowed to cross the railroad tracks at designated crossing areas. “Any other place or walk down them or beside them on the right-of-way — your trespassing,” Edeker says. “The way the law reads is all the officer has to do is see you out there…and he can write you a ticket.”
The fine for a first trespassing violation in Iowa is 200-dollars. This past July, the state fine increased to 520-dollars for ignoring crossing gates and warning lights and illegally driving across railroad tracks in so-called “quiet zones.” Trains approaching railroad crossings in the 21 “quiet zones” in Iowa are not required to sound the horn, to reduce noise in cities.
The cities in Iowa that have quiet zones includes: Ames, Bellevue, Boone, Burlington, Creston, Denison, Fairfield, Hiawatha, Mason City, Mount Vernon, Nevada, Ogden, Ottumwa, Sergeant Bluff and Sioux City.
The Riverside Bulldogs football team will play host to an exciting Friday night match-up against the ACGC Chargers. The Bulldogs come in with a 3-1 record after defeating IKM-Manning 28-20 on the road last week. Head Coach Darrell Frain says his team’s success has come from playing as a unit.
One of the most lethal parts of Riverside’s game is the ground attack. Though four games, the Bulldogs have amassed 1197 yards on the ground, with 803 of those yards coming from junior Jaxon Gordon. Halfway through the regular season, Gordon leads the Western Iowa Conference in rushing yards, rushing touchdowns, and offensive touchdowns while he ranks second in all-purpose yards. Frain contributes Gordon’s willingness to have the ball in his hands as the reason for his success.
On defense, it’s been the senior leaders that have contributed to Riverside’s efforts. Senior Kellen Oliver is tied for the WIC lead in interceptions, while AC Roller is ranked seventh in the WIC with 31 total tackles and shares the team lead in tackles for loss with Jett Rose at 5.5. When talking about Roller and Rose, Frain said they have slightly different styles that usually end up with the same result.
The Bulldogs defense will have a tough challenge ahead with the 4-0 Chargers, who are seeking their second straight undefeated season. Expect a run-heavy attack as ACGC has three players that are averaging 100 yards or more per game on the ground. In a game like this Frain knows that keeping the Chargers behind schedule and forcing a turnover or two will be critical.
You can catch all the action Friday night on KJAN with pre-game coverage starting at 6:30 pm with kickoff at 7 pm.
Although the AHSTW volleyball team has struggled through its first 22 games, it hasn’t been for lack of fighting spirit. The young Lady Vikes have been in hard-fought battles, including taking sets against tough teams in Sidney and Coon-Rapids Bayard. Head coach Kelsey Fraher says her team’s fighting spirit and drive to improve are things she appreciates about her group.
The defense has been one of the strong points for AHSTW this season. The Lady Vikes have two players in the top 20 in digs, including Western Iowa conference Leader Halle Goodman. Goodman has amassed 211 digs in 22 matches. Fraher asserted her squad’s effort and performance on the defensive side of the ball have been phenomenal.
Despite the defensive success, attacking has been one area where AHSTW has struggled this season. Despite the struggles sophomore Kendra Hansen is excelling. She currently sits 3rd in the conference with 269 assists. Fraher says her experience her ability to find her teammates and all-around play have helped the Lady Vikes progress.
The name of the Game for the Lady Vikes is continual improvement. Although Fraher has seen improvements throughout the season, she says her team can still improve their intensity and consistency.
AHSTW will host IKM-Manning Thursday with the contest scheduled for 7:15 pm.
Drake opens defense of its Pioneer League Football championship at home on Saturday against perennial power the University of San Diego. After opening with a win at Eastern Washington The Bulldogs lost at fifth ranked South Dakota. San Diego is 2-1 against a challenging schedule.
That’s Drake coach Todd Stepsis. San Diego has won seven league titles since 2014 and look to be in bounce back mode after going 4-7 in 2023.
Stepsis is concerned about a San Diego defense that has already scored three touchdowns this season.
(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic School Board held a Special Session this (Wednesday) evening at the Achievement Center. During their session, the Board approved a low bid from Electronic Engineering, for portable radios (Walkie-Talkies), which will be paid for through a Homeland Security Safety Grant amounting to $200,000 ($50,000 for each of the district’s 4 buildings). Interim Superintendent Dr. Beth Johnsen said District Technology Director Roger Warne recommended the Board approve Electronic Engineering’s bid.
Johnsen said purchase of the radios includes staff and administrator training in their use. In other business, the Atlantic School Board reviewed proposals from three professional search firms, with regard to the hiring of the District’s next, full-time Superintendent. They previously received proposals from McPherson & Jacobsen, Ray & Associates, and HYA. Finance Director Lisa Jones said money for the hiring of a search firm would come from the School Board’s budget.
Atlantic School Board Special Session, 9-25-24
HYA had the highest bid at approximately $18,000, including a consultation fee. The other two firms were pretty much in the same ballpark price-wise, and slightly lower. The Board discussed the possibility of saving the costs associated with going through a professional search firm only to possibly come full-circle and offer Dr. Johnsen the full-time job. Johnsen has indicated she would be willing to stay in the position if the Board wishes.
In the end, though, the Atlantic School Board voted to table a decision on hiring a firm for a couple of weeks, until they can talk with the public and others, and attempt to justify expense of having an outside consulting agency, or explore other options.
(Atlantic, Iowa) – Members of the Atlantic Park Advisory Commission met this (Wednesday) afternoon. Parks and Rec Coordinator Jeff Christensen remarked he’s continuing to see vandalism in some of the City’s Parks, in Mollet and Cedar Park. He said the vandalism he’s seen this year alone is more than the past three years, and measures were being taken to try and catch the perpetrators.
Splash Pad representative Ali Pieken said the concrete shade structures for the different pad features have been erected on the concrete pad, and they’re still on-track for the Pad features to arrive at the end of October or early November. They’ll turn it on for testing and then winterize the Splash Pad until it’s officially turned on until the grand opening next year.
Board Chairman Kevin Ferguson said he’s spoken with the Junior Federated representatives about new signage along the Bull Creek Pathway, and the estimated cost ($600), but to date, has not heard back on a commitment to move forward. Chelsie Rush with the YMCA reported on Sunnyside Pool Finances. The information was from the YMCA’s side of things only, and not the City. It included payroll and management expenses and loss amounts to. Revenue from RAGBRAI (approximately $10,000) helped to bring the net loss down by that same amount.
Atlantic Splash Pad shade structures installed (9-25-24) – Ric Hanson photo
Atlantic Public Works Director Kirk Knudsen reported on the condition of the asphalt on the trails around the Schildberg Recreation Area, and the costs for the materials, transported the materials, and other costs associated with laying down. He noted that with the City of Atlantic’s downtown street projects coming up next year, there will be an asphalt plant nearby, which could help to lower the costs of transportation.
Jeff Christensen remarked the Nishna Valley Trails group is hoping for another grant to resurface with asphalt or concrete some of the trails next year, as with years past. The City would be willing to provide the labor for the trail surfacing. Christensen said he would get some numbers together to present to NVT President Dave Chase.
(Radio Iowa) – The Friends of Ledges State Park in Boone County will celebrate its 100th anniversary Saturday. Park manager Andy Bartlett says it’s a favorite place for one particular form of outdoor recreation. “Ledges is known, not only in central Iowa but across the state, as a premier hiking destination,” he says. Bartlett says there are only four-and-a-half miles of trails, but the provide a lot of different challenges.
“There’s a diversity of difficulty levels, the scenery is amazing, the topography makes it a little challenging, and it’s just really a big draw, especially in the fall months,” he says. “The colors are changing, the weather’s cool, the bugs are almost gone, and you will find a fantastic place to hike here, at Ledges.” He has a favorite spot to visit in the park. “Ledges canyon itself is really one of the focal points, most unique areas in all of Iowa, from the sandstone geology to the native plant diversity the animals that call it home, just the unique experience that it offers for our visitors,” Bartlett says.
Ledges State Park. (DNR photo)
Ledges has faced some challenges through the years with too much water. “Flooding has been, you know, a thorn in the side of any past employee who’s ever worked here at Ledges. The Des Moines River being our west boundary Pease Creek, which flows through the heart of the Ledges Canyon, both of those offer different types of flooding at different times of year, and can pose a little bit of a challenge,” he says. “We had a little bit of flooding early this spring from the Des Moines River, but it it receded out of here in plenty of time for this event.” The event Saturday is open to the public.
“Starting at 10 o’clock, we have a historical characters hike, which is being put on by our seasonal naturalist here at the park. They’re going to lead participants on about a mile and a half hike, pretty easy on the trails, but they’ll meet some of those historic characters that were such a big part of the story of this park and its origin,” Bartlett says.
You can go to the Friends Of Ledges State Park Facebook page to find out more about the events.
(Sioux City, Iowa) – A crash late Wednesday morning on U-S Highway 75 near Sioux City, resulted in the death of a woman from Plymouth County, and blocked both lanes of traffic for about 4 1/2 hours. The Iowa State Patrol says that a little before 10:30-a.m. a Chrysler Voyager minivan was struck by a 2000 International tractor-trailer near the intersection with County Highway C-70, or about a mile north of Sioux City.
According to the crash report, the minivan’s driver, 64-year-old Joann Martin of Hinton died in the crash that happened when the van was traveling westbound on C-70 and was attempting a turn to go southbound on Highway 75. The patrol says the minivan pulled into the path of a semi going northbound on the highway and was struck by the semi on the driver’s side.
Following the impact, both vehicles crossed the highway’s median and entered the southbound lanes, where the semi overturned and blocked the roadway. Joann Martin died at the scene. The driver of the semi, 53-year-old Scott Mitchell, of Hornick, wasn’t hurt. Southbound traffic was re-routed into Hinton while the crash was being investigated and the scene cleared.
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