The Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office, Sunday, issued a statement of thanks to two good fathers for their assistance during incidents that took place Saturday. The first a Cyclone, the second a Hawkeye. At around 3:10-p.m., Guthrie County Emergency Services (Fire, EMS, and Law Enforcement) were dispatched to Jones Cove on the west side of Lake Panorama for a medical emergency on the water.

ISU A-D Jamie Pollard

Upon law enforcement’s arrival, the injured/ill party and their vessel docked at a nearby dock and an unknown off duty doctor was rendering aid. Bystanders were also rendering aid, including Iowa State Athletic Director Jamie Pollard and his two sons.The injured/ill party (name and condition withheld for privacy) was transported by Panora EMS to the Guthrie County Hospital for treatment.

Authorities say Mr. Pollard and his sons displayed very “Iowa nice” courtesy to the injured/ill party, her boat mates, and emergency services. Mr. Pollard even offered to personally drive a Guthrie County Sheriff’s Deputy back to the marina to his patrol car. Sheriff Marty Arganbright says “Mr. Pollard should be proud of his sons and his sons should be proud of their father for how they stepped up and helped another in need.”

Dr. Narasimha Palagummi

The second father profiled on Father’s Day is Doctor Narasimha “Sim” Palagummi, MD of the Iowa Clinic in Urbandale. At around 3:41-p.m. Saturday, Guthrie County Emergency Services were dispatched to the Raccoon River Valley Trail south of Yale for two injured bicyclists. The bicyclists were participating in the annual BaCoon Ride and were injured in a freak accident when a large tree branch fell across the trail seriously injuring both riders.

In the middle of a severe thunderstorm, which included strong winds, heavy rain and nickel sized hail, Doctor “Sim”, who was riding in the event, identified himself as a physician and offered to help. Doctor “Sim” proceeded to render critical aid, not leaving the side of the two injured parties despite the rain and hail. Doctor “Sim” disregarded his own comfort and safety to help others.

The injured parties were transported by Panora EMS to a hospital in the Des Moines Metro. Doctor “Sim’s” profile on the Iowa Clinic website states he is a Hawkeye fan and father of two, including taking in many foster children.

The GCSO would also like to thank the employees at Coulter Marine for transporting one of their deputies across the lake for the first medical emergency.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Six people were injured when someone fired shots into a group of people who had left a party on Des Moines’ east side. Police say those hurt in the shooting early Sunday were taken to hospitals and were all in stable condition.

The shooting happened about 1:30 a.m. when a vehicle approached a group of people who were standing in a street after a party ended. Someone in the vehicle fired multiple shots into the crowd, injuring three females and three males.

Police say the victims are 16 to 20 years old.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Torrential rain this spring prevented most Midwest farmers from planting their crops but while the federal government provides help to growers of corn and soybeans, those who grow specialty crops are largely on their own.

Although the lack of federal safety net programs for farmers who grow everything from arugula to zucchini isn’t new, one of the wettest springs in U.S. history has focused attention on the special status of commodity crops, primarily corn, soybeans, cotton, rice and wheat.

Iowa organic farmer Andrew Dunham shrugs at the situation, noting “there are no federal bailouts for vegetable farmers.”

Iowa State University economist Chad Hart says crops like corn and soybeans are treated differently because they’re so important to the national economy, and shortages would be painful, particularly to the livestock industry.

(**Updated 1:41-p.m., 6/16)

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Police are investigating the fatal shootings of four family members whose bodies were found in their Iowa home. The Des Moines Register reports that the bodies were discovered Saturday morning by relatives who were staying with the family at the home in West Des Moines.

A police news release identifies the victims as 44-year-old Lavanya Sunkara, 41-year-old Chandrasekhar Sunkara, and two boys aged 15 and 10 years.

West Des Moines police Sgt. Dan Wade says there is no threat to the community and investigators are trying to determine exactly what happened. Real estate records indicate the family has owned the home since March.

**Sunday afternoon, the Iowa Department of Public Safety issued the following statement: “It is with deep sadness that the Iowa Department of Public Safety confirms the death of one of our employees. Chandrasekhar “Chandra” Sunkara was found deceased in his West Des Moines home Saturday morning along with his wife and two sons.

Chandra was a civilian employee in the Technology Services Bureau (TSB), where he served as an IT professional. Our hearts and prayers go out to the family and friends of the Sunkaras. Counseling services will be available on Monday for any employee needing assistance.”

At least three area school district board’s of education will hold their regular monthly meetings Monday evening. In Griswold, the Board meeting gets underway at 5:30-p.m. in the Middle School/High School Library. The CAM School Board meets at 6:30-p.m. in the High School Media Center, and the Audubon School Board meets in their boardroom at the high school, beginning at 7-p.m., Monday.

The Griswold School Board is scheduled to receive an update from KPE Architects and/or Estes Construction, with regard to the District’s new facilities. The Board is expected to act on approving: A resolution of Intent to sell the Elliott Building; A Resolution Approving the Deed and Authorizing Delivery – for the Lewis Building; Approving the Emergency Operations Plan; And eSports Team proposal; various bids for 2019-20; approval of City Agreements, and a continued School Resource Officer (SRO) Contract.

The CAM School Board will consider a bid for a new school bus during their meeting, along with the increasing of Middle School Student Council sponsor pay. They will discuss facility projects, and consider an agreement with Casey Computing for the 2019-20 school year. Other matters include discussion and/or action on: A Concussion Protocol Resolution and District Emergency Plan.

And, in Audubon, their School Board will act on: approving the Emergency Management Plan; Issuing an invitation to the Exira-EHK District to join the Wrestling Program; approving a Sharing Agreement for Human Resources with the Coon Rapids-Bayard School District, approving the sale of surplus property, and Personnel matters.

Members of the Atlantic Parks and Recreation Department Board will hold their regular, monthly session 5:15-p.m. Monday, in the City Council’s Chambers at City Hall. The meeting will begin with a closed session, to “Evaluate the professional competency of an individual whose appointment, hiring, performance or discharge is being considered,” in accordance with the Iowa Code,

When the Board returns to an open meeting, they’re expected to receive updates on the Schildberg Recreation Area development project, East Ridge washout repair, and Sunnyside Park entry sign.

Interim Parks Director Bryant Rasmussen will also update the Board on the Schildberg docks and dog park that were damaged during the flood. He’s also expected to note that the Sunnyside Pool is open for the season, and remind the Board about the Schildberg Park Community Playground build near the Rotary Shelter, set for June 21st-22nd. Volunteers are needed to help build the playground on June 21st and 22nd. There will be two shifts each day, 8:00AM until Noon and 1:00PM until 5:00PM. Lunch will be provided.

Rasmussen will also report on the 4th Annual Block Party held June 1st at Sunnyside Park, and on Prairie Plants transplanted into the Bull Creek Pathway.

The Mills County Sheriff’s Office is asking for help in locating a missing adult. Sarah Gillespie was last seen at approximately 9-p.m. June 14th. She was last seen wearing blue jeans with a rhinestone belt, cowboy boots with spurs, a pink and black hat, and a turquoise sweatshirt.

Sarah Gillespie

Gillespie was last known to be driving a black 2001 Toyota Tacoma (LIC NL796). If you have any information on her whereabouts, please contact the Mills County Sheriff’s Office at (712) 527-4871.

The Iowa State Patrol reports one person died, and a total of 12 others were injured, during an accident that took place in Story County, during a thunderstorm. Authorities say a 2013 Chevy Avalanche driven by 33-year old Shaun McCloud, of Nevada, and a 2016 Jeep Patriot driven by 27-year old Nycole M. Henson, also of Nevada, were traveling slowly southbound at around 5:17-p.m. with their flashers on, while escorting and protecting a horse that was on the shoulder of 620th Avenue, just south of 170th Street – north of Nevada.

A southbound 199 Chevy Silverado, driven by 17-year old Nathaniel J. Oberhokam, of Story City, struck the Jeep at a high rate of speed, causing it to rollover multiple times. Authorities believe heavy rainfall with low visibility was the cause of the accident. Nycole Henson was pronounced dead at the scene.

Nathaniel Oberhokam, Shaun Mcloud, 32-year-old Joshua Marlatt, and 39-year old Toni Marlatt, all of Nevada, were all transported by ambulance to Mary Greeley Hospital in Ames. 30-year-old Joseph Henson was transported by ambulance to the Story County Medical Center. Seven other suffered minor injuries and were transported for treatment. The crash remains under investigation.

Police in Red Oak, Saturday night, arrested 63-year old Steven Matthew Turnbull, of Red Oak. He was taken into custody for Public Intoxication, and held in the Montgomery County Jail on a $300 bond.

The Iowa Department of Public Safety reports an incident of assault Saturday in southeast Iowa’s Jackson County turned deadly. A little after 7-a.m., law Enforcement Officers from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and the Maquoketa Police Department, responded to the 100-block of West Apple Street in Maquoketa, for a call of a physical altercation in progress. The incident lead to the arrest of Drew Edwards, of Maquoketa for assault-related charges. Soon after Edwards’ arrest, he began showing signs of a medical episode and emergency medical personnel were called to assist.

Shortly after being transported to the Jackson County Medical Center, Edwards was pronounced dead. The incident is currently under investigation by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and the Jackson County Attorney’s Office.