(Creston, Iowa) – Police in Creston report a man was arrested Monday morning on a Polk County warrant. 41-year-old Nickolas Allen Treanor, of Creston, was arrested at the Creston/Union County Law Enforcement Center, on the warrant for Failure to Appear on an original, Probation Revocation, charge. That original charge was for Possession of a Schedule 1 Controlled Substance.

Treanor was being held in the Union County Jail, awaiting extradition to the Polk County Jail, where he must serve 30-days in jail.

(Radio Iowa) – Iowa Republican Party officials say it appears about one-hundred-eight thousand (108,000) Iowans participated in last (Monday) night’s Caucuses. That’s nearly 14-and-a-half percent of registered Republican voters. Iowa G-O-P chairman Jeff Kaufmann is praising Iowans braved record-low temperatures after a blizzard blanketed the state to participate in community discussions about the future of the country.

It was the lowest turn-out since the Caucuses George W. Bush won 24 years ago. The record for Republican participation in the Iowa Caucuses was set in 2016, when 189-thousand Iowans participated.

(Radio Iowa) – Former President Donald Trump won the 2024 Iowa Republican Party’s Caucuses by a historic margin. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis finished a distant second.

Trump finished second in the 2016 Iowa Caucuses with about 24 percent support. He easily won Iowa in the General Election in 2016 and 2020 — and surpassed 51 percent in last (Monday) night’s Caucuses.

Trump called for unity as the race moves forward.

Trump, who called his competitors DeSantis and Haley very smart, capable people, thanked his family and the campaign staff. Trump also singled out Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird, the only statewide elected official to endorse him.

Trump won 98 of 99 Iowa counties. He lost Johnson County by one vote. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis finished with just over 21 percent support — nearly two points ahead of former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley.

DeSantis called the results “marching orders” for his campaign.

DeSantis says his campaign faced an onslaught.

The DeSantis campaign accused media outlets of election interference by projecting Donald Trump had won before many Caucus-goers had started voting. Haley also said she was Trump’s main competitor. “When you look at how we’re doing in New Hampshire, in South Carolina, and beyond,” she said to loud applause, “I can safely say tonight Iowa made this Republican primary a two person race.” After giving a litany of personal thank yous, Haley reflected on spending eleven months in Iowa. “The kindness of Iowans will never be lost on me,” Haley said.

Governor Kim Reynolds, who endorsed DeSantis, says the Iowa Caucus results make it a two-person race — between DeSantis and Trump.

Businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, who finished a distant fourth, ended his campaign and endorsed Trump. Jimmy Centers, a communications director for Governor Terry Branstad, says it’s pretty clear Trump is the frontrunner for the G-O-P’s presidential nomination despite candidates like DeSantis and Haley campaigning in Iowa for the past year.*

Centers says unlike 2016, Trump had a record to run on — and that appealed to Caucus-goers.

(Radio Iowa) – With high temperatures in the negative numbers and wind chills approaching 35-below, Iowa’s a pretty inhospitable place right now — for people and for our pets.

KC Routos, development director of the Animal Rescue League of Iowa, says some dog and cat owners are taking their furry friends with them on errands to the grocery store and elsewhere, and they’re leaving the animals in running vehicles. Routos says that’s a dangerous, potentially deadly move, for your pet.

“If you leave your car running and something happens where it happens to turn off, or they step on the window and it rolls down, or any variety of things could happen, just on accident,” Routos says, “so it’s always best just to leave your pet at home when it’s extreme temperatures like this.”

Even Siberian Huskies like Raven, a dog that’s available for adoption, shouldn’t be left outside in this weather. (ARL-Iowa photo)

While exercise is important for all of us, she says it’s likely best not to take your pets on their typical strolls around the neighborhood — or anywhere else — until it warms up.

“We’d recommend probably not taking dogs out for walks during these extreme temperatures,” Routos says. “Their paws can be a little bit more sensitive to it and frostbite can probably happen pretty quickly in these extreme temperatures, just like they can for humans.”

Some animals are built for colder weather and enjoy playing in the cold. Routos says the owner should increase the amount of food that animal is given, especially extra protein, to keep them and their fur healthy and in good shape. It’s vital that outside animals have the proper protection from the bitter temperatures.

“If your pet absolutely has to be kept outside, make sure that they have housing where they can be free of any of the elements, including the wind, and making sure that any water that they have is unfrozen,” Routos says. “Even Huskies, in this temperature, it can be a little bit cold because they’re not necessarily used to it like they are maybe in some other areas.”

Puppies, small dogs and older dogs have a lower tolerance for cold temperatures, she says, so only let them outside to relieve themselves, or train them to use paper pads indoors. Also, when your pet comes back inside, towel dry their paws, legs and stomach, as chemicals used to melt ice can be dangerous for your dog to ingest while licking his paws. Snow and encrusted ice may also cause your dog’s paw pads to bleed.

Find more tips at: ARL-Iowa.org

(Radio Iowa) – The Republican Party of Iowa raised over $800,000 to finance the operations for tonight’s Iowa Caucuses. The caucuses are not like a primary, when county auditors and county-owned voting machines process ballots. Iowa GOP chairman Jeff Kaufmann said it’s a major undertaking for the party. “We have done over 200 trainings face-to-face. We’re going to be approaching 10,000 volunteers to carry this out,” Kaufmann said during a speech at a recent Iowa GOP fundraiser. “We are very, very confident that we have done everything humanly possible to make sure this Caucus comes off without a hitch.”

Kaufmann uses the word “unprecedented” to describe the level of precinct-level organizing on the part of two campaigns. He won’t name the campaigns, but it’s clear from the activity Iowa Republicans are seeing that he’s referring to the Trump and DeSantis teams. “The organization is actually perfect training for what they’re going to have to do in the General Election,” Kaufmannn said.

Iowa GOP chairman Jeff Kaufmann speaks with reporters. (RI file photo)

You must be an Iowa resident and a registered Republican to participate in tonight’s straw poll vote. Democrats and independents are able to switch their party registration at Caucus sites, starting at 6 p.m. Kaufmann is issuing a warning to Democrats who may register as Republicans to participate in the Iowa GOP’s Caucuses and cast a vote in the Iowa Democratic Party’s new mail-in system to indicate which Democratic candidate they prefer. “If a Democrat attempts to do that and participates in both, that’s against the law,” Kaufmann said, “and we’re going to be monitoring that very, very carefully.”

Kaufmann has been chairman of the Iowa Republican Party for a decade.

(Radio Iowa) – Some state road crews are getting a breather after the double whammy of storms that kept them busy most of last week. D-O-T Winter Operations director, Craig Bargfrede, says things are looking better on state highways. “Overall we’ve made some pretty significant progress and getting road conditions across the state back to near normal winter seasonal driving condition,” he says. Eastern Iowa saw record snows and that’s where the most work remains.

“We still got a pretty significant area over in the Cedar Rapids, Iowa City over towards the Davenport area that we’re still dealing with issues as a result of the two storms that we had last week,” Bargfrede says. The sub-zero temperatures take away some of the chemical weapons the D-O-T uses to clear the roadways. “The regular salt, pre-wet salt and salt brine are just absolutely not as effective. So we have to shift to a different type of material. Typically, we shift to a 50-50 salt-sand mixture so that we can get material out there and it’s able to act and create some friction for the for the vehicles out there that are traveling,” Bargfrede says.

Bargfrede says the salt-sand mixture makes traction better, but it won’t melt hard-packed snow off the roadway. “That’s about all we can do right now. We’re just gonna have to fight through this for this week until we can get into next week when we’re hoping to see temperatures get up, back up to the freezing point where we’re able to get out there and break that packed snow and break that bond and get that plowed off,” he says. The subzero cold also takes it’s toll on the equipment. “Especially trucks freezing up on us during this weather,” Bargfrede says. “And so it’s tough when you have to pull the truck off, pull it back into the garage and let it warm up with all the different issues that we’ve got going on.” The double storm tested the limits of the drivers as well.

“Crews are tired. This has been over a week slog through this. So crews have been on 12 hour shifts 12 hours on 12 hours off here for over a week,” Bargfrede says. The D-O-T’s 5-1-1 Road Conditions map shows many highways are now marked green for “normal winter driving conditions.” Bargfrede says it’s still important for drivers to adjust their speed and be alert for changes on the roadway. “When you see the green yes, that means it’s winter seasonal conditions but that means you could also run into areas that could be slippery, you could see some isolated slick spots and patches of ice,” he says.

Bargfrede says the subzero temperatures add to the danger if you hit a patch of ice and go into the ditch. He says keep a survival kit in your car, your cell phone is fully charged, and keep the gas tank full if you have to head out.

(Greenfield, Iowa) – Adair County Sheriff Jeff Vandewater reports two arrests took place over the past few days. On Jan. 13th, 29-year-old Chutaia Marika Kei Brown, of Des Moines, was arrested by the Iowa State Patrol in the 1000 block of Pinewood Avenue, near Menlo. Brown was arrested for OWI/2nd offense, Child Endangerment, and for Driving Under Suspension. She was being held in the Adair County Jail on a $2,000 cash or surety bond, with 10% acceptable. Her arrest took place after Trooper Olson saw a vehicle stuck on Pinewood Avenue, south of Interstate 80, in Adair County.

The driver (Brown) was shoveling snow from around her 2006 Chevy Impala. The Trooper noted the woman seemed confused and lost and had bloodshot eyes. An odor of alcohol was coming from her, as well, according to the report. A 17-year-old and a seven-year-old were inside the vehicle. The Trooper learned Brown’s driving status was suspended. She allegedly told the Trooper she had had a wine cooler. The Trooper transported Brown to the Stuart Fire Department to perform Standard Field Sobriety Tests. During the process, she reportedly displayed many clues of impairment, and was placed under arrest. A test at the Adair County Jail indicated her Breath Alcohol content was .109, which is over the legal limit of .08.

And, Adair County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 34-year-old Amanda Dawn Ruchti, of Fontanelle for Possession of Drug Parapghernalia and Failure to Maintain control of her vehicle. The charges stem from an accident with entrapment, that took place October 12, 2023. On that date, Ruchti was extradited from a 2004 Chevy Cavalier by Fontanelle Fire and Adair County EMS. Firefighters observed a marijuana pipe on the floor of the vehicle during the extrication process, and informed Deputy Stofer. The pipe was covered with a green and red plastic covering. The pipe had a bowl with residue inside that was consistent with the smoking of marijuana. The pipe also smelled strongly of burnt marijuana.

A subsequent search of the car revealed a vape pen with a THC logo on it, indicating it contained THC. Both items were seized into evidence.

The Sheriff says following an investigation, Ruchti was arrested Jan. 11th, cited and released from custody.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – Sheriff’s officials in Cass County, today (Monday), released a lengthy report on arrests occurring from Dec. 26th through January 14th.

On January 14th, 2024, Cass County Deputies arrested:

• 53-year-old Sarah Wohlt, of Griswold, for Violation of a No Contact Order, and
• 28-year-old Jeremy Stone, of Lewis, was arrested for OWI/1st Offense.

On January 11th, 24-year-old Cameron Hilligoss, of Shenandoah, was arrested by Cass County Deputies on a warrant for Violation of Probation.

On January 8th, 58-year-old Kande Maestas, of Atlantic, was arrested for Domestic Abuse Assault 1st Offense.

On January 7th, 59-year-old Blaine Carbis, of Council Bluffs, was arrested in Cass County, for Violation of a No Contact Order.

On the 5th of January, 45-year-old Matthew Eichelberger, of Elliott, was arrested in Cass County for Driving While Barred.

January 4th, Cass County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 19-year-old Efrain Sandiego, of Atlantic, on a warrant for Violation of Probation. And, 46-year-old Lydell Murray, of Griswold, was arrested for Theft 1st Degree.

On January 1st, 23-year-old Jackson Sally, of Atlantic, was arrested for Burglary 3rd Degree and Theft 5th Degree.

On December 31st, 23-year-old John Seyler, of Wiota, was arrested for OWI 1st Offense.

On December 26th, 39-year-old Rosita Rikar, of Beaverton, OR, was arrested in Cass County, on an extraditable warrant from Oregon.  Rikar was booked and held in the Cass County Jail pending her extradition.

And, on December 26th, Cass County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 46-year-old Edwin Miller, of Fremont, NE, on the charges of Theft 2nd Degree, Eluding and Reckless Driving.  Miller was transported to the Cass County Jail where he was booked and held pending his later release on bond.

(Iowa DNR/Manchester, IA) – The reintroduction of wild turkeys to Iowa’s landscape has been celebrated as a conservation success story for the past 25 years. But Iowa’s turkey population is showing troubling signs: the numbers are down, nests are failing and fewer poults are surviving. And it’s not just an Iowa problem – turkey populations are declining in all states in the Midwest and across the eastern half of the United States. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) says a group of midwestern states met in North Dakota in 2023 to discuss turkey population concerns and projects that are planned and underway. Missouri has had a decades long study, while Ohio, Nebraska and Wisconsin are all in the early stages of projects. In the southeast, Tennessee is looking at harvest seasons impacts and Auburn University is looking at male fertility rates in Alabama, and there are more.

In 2022, the DNR began a 10-year study of the turkey population in southeast Iowa to learn more about why the numbers are declining. Now entering its third year, researchers may have more questions than answers.   Dan Kaminski, wildlife research biologist with the Iowa DNR, is leading the study and what Kaminski and his fellow researchers have learned is that only around 60 percent of Iowa hens survive annually. Of the hens that are alive on April 15, roughly 25 percent will not nest, which is above what other researchers are finding in other parts of the country. Researchers observed 60 nests last summer and documented 10 nests that hatched. Of those 10 nests, only 30 percent of the broods survived at least one poult into August. All of the unhatched eggs collected from lost nests were sent to the University of Tennessee for examination and all were determined to have been fertilized.

“These are concerning findings, but the study only goes back two years,” Kaminski said. “The ten-year study will get us out of any short-term weather patterns that affect turkeys and provide clearer long-term data trends.”

Hen turkey outfitted with a transmitter as part of the 10-year Iowa turkey population study. Photo courtesy of the Iowa DNR.

So, what is killing them? Environmental factors? Lack of available food? Predators? Abandonment?

The Project

Researchers in Wisconsin found that to sustain its current population, hen turkeys need to average 2.6 poults per hen. The recent trend in Iowa’s summer turkey brood survey has hens averaging two poults per hen. To find out what is causing nest failures, poult mortality and why a quarter of the hens are not even attempting to incubate a nest, researchers will be catching hens in late January and February, outfitting them with transmitters and releasing them. “Cold and snowy conditions are best – that will group up the birds,” he said. “Our local staff have trail cameras set up at wintering sites and once the birds show up, we head to the sites and trap the birds.”

Nesting season begins in late April, peaks around May 20, and ends in mid-July. Turkeys nest on the ground, usually in dense vegetation underneath shrubs or trees in overgrown fields or mature forests, relying on their natural camouflage to avoid predators. The transmitters update hen location every 15 minutes and once it appears hens are on a nest, Kaminski will mark and date the location, and then wait. Hens will lay one egg every day-to-day-and-a-half, averaging 12-14 eggs per clutch. Eggs incubate for 28-30 days before hatching. After hatch, little by little, she will slowly begin to move her brood away from the nesting site. Once she is on the move, researchers will go in to check nesting success, collect any unhatched eggs as well as any eggs that appear to have been broken or eaten.

“With the new technology – the satellites and gps – it makes collecting highly detailed data much more available,” he said. “When birds set up nests we want to know about it – if it fails, is predated, or abandoned, we want to know ASAP – we want to get to the nest to see what happened and collect the eggs for analysis.” This year, they will attempt to catch 83 adult and juvenile hens across all sites in Lucas, Van Buren, Louisa and Jackson counties. These birds will join the roughly 55 birds that are currently “on the air.” The goal is to maintain 25 birds with transmitters in each county.

The study area is a mosaic of grassland, agriculture and timber that should be producing turkeys – but is not. And the issue is not isolated to southeast Iowa, other well-known turkey spots in northeast Iowa and the Loess Hills are also seeing the same declines. “But those areas started with more birds so the population decline isn’t as obvious,” he said.

Looking for answers

“We get comments at public meetings and through social media focusing on bobcats, eagles, coyotes and other predators as the reason for the population decline. Poults are ground bound and vulnerable for the first four weeks before they can roost in a tree so there is no question that predators impact turkeys through nest predation and poult predation. But this long-term decline goes back to pre-bobcat days, back before the fur market crashed in 2015, before carnivore populations increased,” he said. “The population decline likely began in the late 1980s and it may simply be due to a changing landscape that has less carrying capacity and that this is just nature’s way of finding a new normal for the population. However, it is probably a combination of factors. Predation is an obvious cause to detect; what we don’t want to do is miss one of the other factors.”

It could involve habitat loss. It could also involve a new disease. That new disease – Lymphoproliferative Disease Virus (LPDV) – was first detected in North America in 2009 in Arkansas and has since been found across the Eastern U.S. and statewide in Iowa. Lymphoproliferative Disease Virus has been studied by the domestic poultry industry which found that chicks and poults die within six weeks of contracting it. “The question is, can an LPDV positive wild hen pass the disease on to her poults? We don’t know. We also don’t know if it’s 100 percent fatal in the wild like it is with domestic poultry,” he said. LPDV is not known to be a health concern for humans.

There are other theories being explored in other regions of the country. Some research in the southeast U.S. is looking at the timing of the hunting seasons potentially disrupting breeding and removing dominant birds from the population before they can pass on their genetics. But Kaminski has his doubts. “We’re not sure about this theory but it is being discussed,” he said. “Our study doesn’t include males so I’m interested in what they find. More so than genetics, it may be that early and prolonged disturbance during the egg laying period is disrupting hens.”

Whatever factors are causing the decline, Iowa still has a dynamic population of the iconic bird in every county in the state. “We just came off a record harvest in 2023,” he said. “We still have a vibrant turkey population and when the nesting conditions are right, the population can really jump.” Data collected from this project will be used to build population models and habitat models that will provide researchers some understanding and guidance in ways to improve populations.

Landowners, partners play key role in project

“The project would not happen without cooperation with private landowners,” said Kaminski. “Public support to allow us to come out, investigate nest sites and collect carcasses – that support is critical for this to be a success.” The project involved 20 staff from the Iowa DNR’s Wildlife Bureau and buy in from local private landowners in four counties. Project funding is supported by grants from Iowa State University – Fish and Wildlife Co-op Unit, the state and national National Wild Turkey Federation and Turkeys for Tomorrow. Luther College is conducting genetics work and the DNR is working with the USGS National Wildlife Research Center in Fort Collins, Colo.