Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press at 3:55 a.m. CDT

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — This spring’s massive flooding along the Missouri River unearthed bitter criticism of the federal agency that manages the river while causing more than $3 billion in damage. The flooding and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ actions will be the focus of a U.S. Senate hearing in western Iowa on Wednesday and critics will demand the agency make flood control its top priority. But Congress would have to act to change the Corps’ priorities.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg says President Donald Trump is “kind of like a Chinese finger trap _ you know, the harder you pull, the more you get stuck.” The mayor of South Bend, Indiana, warns that Democrats shouldn’t get bogged down in trying to knock Trump flat with a zinger. Buttigieg drew a surprisingly large crowd of 1,600 for a Tuesday night rally in Des Moines, Iowa.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Gov. Kim Reynolds has issued a disaster proclamation for Muscatine County in response to severe weather and flooding beginning March 13. Reynolds’ proclamation Tuesday allows state resources to be used in response to the flooding. It also activates the Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program for qualifying residents, along with the Disaster Case Management Program.

AMES, Iowa (AP) — Prosecutors in Iowa are fighting to keep the trial of a man accused of killing am Iowa State University golfer in Story County. The Des Moines Register reports that Collin Richards, who is charged with first-degree murder in the fatal stabbing last September of Celia Barquín Arozamena, is seeking to have his trial moved to another county.

Officials with the Omaha Police Department report that at around 7:30-a.m. today (Tuesday), Omaha Police Helicopter, Able-1, had just left its base location at the Omaha North Airport, 11901 N. 72nd St, when it experienced a mechanical failure forcing an emergency landing. The Pilots took immediate, emergency action, designated a safe landing spot just northwest of the Airport’s location, and landed in an open field.

Able 1 with tail rotor/stabilizer assembly damage. (Photo courtesy Omaha P-D)

There were no injuries to either pilot on board or any bystanders or citizens. The aircraft suffered damage making it inoperable. The Omaha Police Department Air Support Unit was starting its second day of Annual training where a hired contractor thoroughly reviews emergency procedures and protocols, including the one utilized in this incident. The emergency landing did not occur during a training exercise.

Thanks to the pilots for their quick thinking and calm response to this very critical situation. The Omaha Police Department still has (2) two mission ready aircraft. This particular aircraft was a military acquired Bell OH58. The incident is currently under investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

HAMBURG, Iowa (AP) — Although there are more than a dozen declared candidates in the race for the White House, only two have visited areas of Iowa devastated by flooding: Washington Gov. Jay Inslee and Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar.

Most other contenders make passing mention of the flooding at campaign events, expressing condolences to victims and emphasizing the need to combat climate change or invest in infrastructure. But the relative silence from other candidates highlights the bind many of them are in as local issues and presidential politics collide in the nation’s leadoff caucus state.

Several candidates who are also senators voted against legislation recently that would have directed some disaster relief to Iowa. They have argued the measure didn’t provide enough money for Puerto Rico, which is still recovering from a massive hurricane.

The Harlan Police Department has issued a report on arrests and incidents. Authorities say 18-year old Preston Max Russell, of Kirkman, was arrested Sunday (4/14), following a noise complaint.  Russell was transported to the Shelby County Jail where he was charged with possession of a controlled substance and minor in possession of alcohol.  18-year old Kyle David Confere, of Harlan, was also cited for minor in possession of alcohol.

Last Saturday, 21-year old Morgan Earl Cox, of Harlan, was arrested following a call for service.  Cox was transported to the Shelby County Jail where he was charged with possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

On April 8th, 29-year old Brett Fredrick Mohr, of Harlan, was arrested on an active Shelby County warrant.  Mohr was transported to the Shelby County Jail. On April 7th, 24-year old Khadijah Meeks, of Harlan, was arrested following a call for service.  Meeks was transported to the Shelby County Jail where she was charged with public intoxication and interference with official acts.

April 5th, 23-year old Emily Emealia Watts, of Harlan, was cited following a traffic stop.  Watts was cited with driving while suspended and failure to prove security against liability. And, 28-year old Timothy Steven McFarland, of Harlan, was cited for possession of drug paraphernalia and fail to obey stop sign following a traffic stop.

Sheriff’s deputies in Page County today (Tuesday), arrested 35-year old Aaron Duwayne Childs, of Yorktown, following a call to a residence on Adams Street with regard to a domestic disturbance.

During the investigation, Childs was arrested for Felon in possession of a firearm & Possession of drug paraphernalia. He was transported to the Page County jail and held on a $5,300 bond.

(Updated 4:12-p.m.) — The Cass County Sheriff’s Office, Tuesday afternoon reports they received a call from a trooper with the Iowa State Patrol that they attempted a stop on a vehicle on Highway 71 one mile south of Interstate 80, which then became a pursuit. The pursuit ended in Dallas County, near Van Meter, where two individuals who are known to be credit card skimmers were apprehended.

Pursuit suspect in custody east of Van Meter. (Photo courtesy Ira Carpenter from Dexter)

The locations of the arrestees while they were in Cass County are unknown, so you’re asked to please beware! The Atlantic Chamber of Commerce has been notified, and surrounding communities will be contacted as well.

The Iowa State Patrol told KCCI, an Iowa State Patrol trooper tried to pull over 20-year-old Fredrick Gordon II around 1:30 p.m. Tuesday on Highway 71, but he took off, eventually turning onto Interstate 80 eastbound.

Gordon was wanted out of Kentucky on an arrest warrant on suspicion of fraud and illegal use of a credit card. His passenger, 20-year-old Anthony Jerome Jones, was wanted out of Georgia on an arrest warrant for auto theft. Gordon led officers on a chase east on Interstate 80 through Cass, Adair and Dallas counties, reaching speeds of 133 mph, troopers said. Officials said he was passing other cars on the shoulder and driving erratically.

Dallas County authorities said they put out stop sticks at the Adel interchange. The suspect hit them and flattened several tires but continued on. At about the 113 mile marker (near Van Meter), law enforcement officials performed a legal intervention in which they boxed the car in and forced it into the median. There were no injuries.

The Dallas County sheriff took Gordon and Jones into custody. They were taken to a nearby hospital to get check out after the crash. Authorities said they found drugs in the car.

Here is a link to help you steer clear of skimmer fraud and what to do if you think you’ve been a victim of skimmer fraud: https://losspreventionmedia.com/the-fundamentals-of-credit-card-skimmer-fraud

(Radio Iowa) — Governor Kim Reynolds says she’s willing to consider a bill that would raise the age for buying tobacco and other nicotine products to 21.  “We need to continue to do everything we can to fight addiction in any form,” Reynolds says. “I’ll wait and see it in its final form, but I think it’s a conversation that we need to have.”

Last September, the Food and Drug Administration warned there’s been a dramatic spike in teenagers’ use of battery-operated electronic cigarettes which use flavored liquids to deliver the nicotine high. It’s called “vaping” and the governor says it is a growing problem in Iowa schools.

“I had a couple of groups from middle school and high school that sat down with me and they were experiencing a significant increase in that,” Reynolds says. “…We do need to pay attention to this.” Reynolds, a recovering alcoholic, has been very public about her own addiction and how her faith has played a role in her sobriety.

The 42nd annual Governor’s Conference on Substance Abuse is underway in Des Moines.

Officials with Atlantic Rising, Tuesday, announced the 2019 nominees for the sixth annual Awards Gala presented by the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce and Megan Roberts State Farm. The event is designed to celebrate the achievements of young professionals who demonstrate excellence and innovation in their profession and within their community.

In addition to recognizing the success of area young professionals, one Chamber business will also be recognized as the YP Choice Workplace of the Year.  The YP Choice Workplace Award recognizes companies who effectively attract, retain and develop young professionals. Nominations were received in the following categories: YP Newcomer, YP Business Leader, YP Entrepreneur, YP Public Servant and YP Choice Workplace.  The nominees are as follows:

Newcomer:

• Paul Kite, Kite Family Chiropractic
• Dr. Edna Becht, Cass County Health System
• Megan Londo, KSOM/KS95
• Kurt Haupert, Atlantic Locker Service

Business Leader:

• Lucas Mosier, Gade Insurance
• Megan Roberts, Megan Roberts State Farm
• John McCurdy, Southwest Iowa Planning Council

Entrepreneur:

• Rachel Johnson, Villa Dance Company
• Chad Finken, Finken Painting

Public Servant:

• Kelsey Smith, Iowa Child Care Resource & Referral
• John Lund, City of Atlantic
• Kris Erickson, City of Atlantic
• Alexsis Fleener, Southwest Iowa Planning Council

YP Choice Workplace

• Nishna Valley Credit Union
• Atlantic Specialty Care – Care Initiatives

The 2019 award winners will be announced at the Atlantic Rising YP Awards Gala on Friday, April 26th, starting at noon. The event will take place at the Atlantic Golf & Country Club.  Visit www.atlanticiowa.com to register on the Events Calendar page or call the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce at 712-243-3017.

Atlantic Rising is an organization focused on connecting, engaging and attracting young leaders into the community while promoting greater Atlantic. Any interested individuals can contact ashley@atlanticiowa.com or call 712-243-3017 for information on membership.

COUNCIL BLUFFS –The Pottawattamie County Emergency Management Agency was notified that FEMA Acting Director Pete Gaynor approved the State of Iowa request to include PottawattamieCounty in the major disaster declaration for the State of Iowa, specifically the FEMA Individual Assistance Program. Local, state, and federal officials assessed damages throughout the county on April 2nd.

Based on the conducted assessments, FEMA has now included Pottawattamie County in the declaration for Individual Assistance. This means that residents are now eligible to apply for the federal Individual Assistance Program, which provides aid to eligible homeowners, renters, and businesses.

Pottawattamie County Emergency Management Director Doug Reed stated, “We will be working with partners from Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management and FEMA today to develop plans on setting up a Disaster Recovery Center in the county.” A Disaster Recovery Center is a location where residents can go to register for FEMA assistance and speak with FEMA personnel regarding their needs.

“We also hope to provide access to other sources of assistance and services for our residents who need recovery assistance at the DRC,” said Reed. Local officials will be providing further information to residents on where they can go to register for assistance and alternative means of registering with FEMA after plans are finalized over the next couple of days. Residents are urged to monitor media outlets and emergency management’s Facebook, Twitter, and website (www.pottcounty-ia.gov) for further information.

(Radio Iowa) — An Omaha woman is hospitalized after wrecking her vehicle while driving on a closed portion of a flood-damaged road in southwest Iowa. The Mills County Sheriff’s Office says 26-year-old Tabitha Lassek was driving a 2011 Chevy westbound on Highway 34 just before 1 AM Sunday. Authorities say Lassek failed to obey three “ROAD CLOSED” barricades and drove through them.

The vehicle continued west before hitting several large chunks of concrete, which launched the vehicle 20 feet into the air. The vehicle came to rest on the shoulder. Lassek was taken to Mercy Hospital in Council Bluffs by Glenwood Rescue with undisclosed injuries.