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Update to shots fired story in Council Bluffs

News

December 1st, 2020 by Ric Hanson

Council Bluffs Police, Tuesday, updated a story we brought you late last week with regard to a “Shots fired” incident Thursday night, outside of the gas station/convenience store at 1305 N. 25th Street. The Council Bluffs Police Department Criminal Investigations Division is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the two persons in the photographs (shown on the right side of this page). It is believed that the female arrived with the male shooter in a dark colored SUV. Do not attempt to confront these persons, they are considered armed and dangerous.

The male has numerous tattoos on his arms and upper chest, he also has long dark hair that goes to the middle of the back. He may be of Hispanic descent.

This investigation is ongoing by the Criminal Investigation Division. Anyone with any information that was in the area at the time of this incident or recognizes the suspects is encouraged to contact this Division at 712-328-4728 or they may call Crime Stoppers at 712-328-7867.

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Police in Council Bluffs late Thursday night, said a shots-fired incident took place outside of a gas station/convenience store at around 9:46-p.m. As the results of an investigation, authorities say an adult female patron went into the gas station at 1305 N 25th Street for coffee. Upon returning to her vehicle, she noticed a white male party walking rapidly towards her. The male began to fire shots at the female, so she drove away fleeing the area.

The victim’s vehicle was struck by two rounds, but she was not physically injured. The motive for the incident was unclear at the time of the report. The suspect fled the area and has not been located. The suspect was a white male, no further description. He was with two white females and they were in a newer model black Mitsubishi SUV.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Council Bluffs Police Department at 712‐328‐ STOP. The victim was aware of what was going on around her. She took immediate decisive action, preventing any further harm to herself. Bluffs Police remind citizens, that “As the holidays approach, criminals tend to look for easy marks. Be vigilant and have a plan of action to keep yourself out of harm’s way.”

No. 24 Iowa’s Smith-Marsette rebuilds trust after his arrest

Sports

December 1st, 2020 by Ric Hanson

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Iowa receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette says he knew he messed up when police pulled him over after clocking him driving 74 mph in a 30-mph zone on Nov. 1. He thought his football career was probably over. He was arrested and charged with operating while intoxicated.

FILE – In this Dec. 27, 2019, file photo, Iowa wide receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette (6) runs with the ball for a touchdown during the first half of the Holiday Bowl NCAA college football game against Southern California in San Diego. Smith-Marsette knew he messed up when Iowa City police pulled him over after clocking him driving 74 mph in a 30 zone in the wee hours of Nov. 1. His career was not over. In fact, coach Kirk Ferentz offered support, putting out a statement hours later saying the arrest was out of character and that Smith-Marsette was a great teammate. (AP Photo/Orlando Ramirez, File)

His career was not over. He’s gotten support from his family, teammates and coaches. He has worked to rebuild their trust. He was suspended one game. For the season, Smith-Marsette has 14 catches for 173 yards and a touchdown for the Hawkeyes.

 

Police investigate homicide in Sioux City apartment

News

December 1st, 2020 by Ric Hanson

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) — Sioux City police say they are investigating a death inside an apartment used by transients as a homicide. The victim’s body was found Tuesday. Police did not release the gender of the victim, who appeared to have signs of blunt force trauma. The person appeared to have been deceased for a week. A medical examiner has not yet determined the cause of death. The apartment is part of a complex where 33-year-old Solomon Blackbird was shot on Nov. 1. He later died. Police say the two deaths do not appear to be related.

 

Sorensen Appointed Chair of Economic Growth Committee

News

December 1st, 2020 by Ric Hanson

(DES MOINES) – House Speaker Pat Grassley (R-New Hartford) recently announced that Rep. Ray “Bubba” Sorensen (R-Greenfield) will serve as the Chair of the House Economic Growth Committee during the 89th General Assembly. “I am honored to serve as Chairman of Economic Growth. As a small business owner, strengthening our economy is always a priority. I’m excited to get to work with everyone on the committee, and our constituents, on how best to move our state’s economy forward,” said Rep. Sorensen.
Sorensen previously chaired the Economic Development budget subcommittee in 2020. “Rep. Sorensen understands that our state needs smart economic development strategies in order to grow jobs and wages. I am confident that he has the skillset and vision to be successful in this new role,” said Speaker Grassley.
The legislative session begins Monday, January 11, 2021.

Iowa governor not planning state funds use for virus relief

News

December 1st, 2020 by Ric Hanson

JOHNSTON, Iowa (AP) — Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds says there are no plans to use millions of dollars of unused state surplus money to help businesses and families experiencing financial stress due to the coronavirus pandemic. Some other states have approved state funding aid or are considering it. Reynolds said Tuesday there isn’t enough state money. She placed the burden on Congress to reach an agreement.

Pubic health data in Iowa shows signs that the coronavirus infection rate is slowing, but the number of people hospitalized and dying with the coronavirus remains high. Iowa reported 24 deaths and 1,906 new confirmed cases Tuesday. Hospitals reported 1,172 patients with the virus.

BECKY FERRIS, 62, of Atlantic (No services at this time)

Obituaries

December 1st, 2020 by admin

BECKY FERRIS, 62, of Atlantic died Monday, November 30th at her residence in Atlantic. Cremation has taken place. No services are planned for BECKY FERRIS at this time. Hockenberry Family Care Funeral Home in Atlantic is assisting the family.

Temporary closure for emergency repairs on the Madison Avenue overpass at eastbound I-80 in Council Bluffs begins at 3 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2

News

December 1st, 2020 by Ric Hanson

ATLANTIC, Iowa – Dec 1, 2020 – The Iowa DOT’s District 4 Transportation Office in Atlantic report, emergency repairs of damaged pavement on the Madison Avenue overpass on eastbound Interstate 80 at mile marker 5 in Council Bluffs will require closing the ramp from northbound I-29 to eastbound I-80 at the East System Interchange and closing the South Expressway southbound/eastbound on-ramp at I-29 (exit 49) from 3 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2, weather permitting.

During this closure, eastbound traffic will be directed around the work zone by traveling west and exiting off I-29 at South 24th Street (exit 50) and then turning around to travel back east.

2 men arrested on drug charges in Fremont County

News

December 1st, 2020 by Ric Hanson

Fremont County Sheriff’s Deputies, Saturday afternoon, were called to Penn Drug in Sidney for a report of prescription drug fraud. Deputies made contact with 29-year-old Travis Locke, of Saint Paul, Minnesota and 35-year-old James Webb, of Chicago, Illinois.

Webb

Locke

Deputies allege that a fraudulent prescription was used in an attempt to procure a Schedule V controlled substance. Both parties were arrested for Prohibited Acts, a Class B Felony and Possession of Marijuana 1st Offense, a Serious Misdemeanor.

Both are being held on $26,000 10% bond. Locke is also being held on a felony no-bond warrant out of Minnesota. More charges are pending.

NE man arrested on weapon & false ID charges in Fremont County

News

December 1st, 2020 by Ric Hanson

A traffic stop just before Noon, Sunday, in Fremont County, resulted in a man’s arrest on drug and other charges. The Fremont County Sheriff’s Office reports deputies stopped a vehicle near the Highway 2 Missouri River Bridge, and in the process, made contact with a passenger in the vehicle, 20-year old Dretavious Evans, of Lincoln, Nebraska. After

Evans

Evans provided law enforcement with fraudulent identification information,  a probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted, and a loaded firearm was found in the vehicle as well as an undisclosed amount of marijuana. Evans was placed under arrest for Carrying Weapons and Providing False ID to Law Enforcement. He was being held in the Fremont County Jail on a $2,000 bond, with 10% acceptable. The driver was cited for traffic violations and released.

“Operation Santa Claus” underway in Fremont County

News

December 1st, 2020 by Ric Hanson

The Fremont County Sheriff’s Office and the Fremont County Reserve Deputy’s Association is in its 34th year of sponsorship of Operation Santa Claus. Operation Santa Claus provides Christmas presents for children in families of need throughout the communities of Fremont County. In 2019, your generous donations made Christmas merrier and brighter for over 300 Fremont County children.

Throughout the natural disasters and global pandemics that have affected our community, our citizens have come together to assist their neighbors in need. Sheriff Kevin Aistrope says “We are currently seeking Tax Deductible donations to assist in our endeavor. Please contact the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office at 712-374-2424 or 1-800-432-9240 or, new this year, PayPal donations can be made to reservedeputy@co.fremont.ia.us. Please mark any donations care of Operation Santa.”

Aistrope says also, “We are currently accepting applications for participants receiving gifts this year. The children must reside in the home of the caller and must be a high school student or younger. Please call at 712-374-2424 or 1-800-432-9240.”