The Iowa Department of Revenue is issuing a reminder: Iowa’s Annual Sales Tax Holiday is Friday, August 7 and Saturday, August 8. The annual break from sales tax is the perfect time to save on clothes, shoes, or advanced shopping for the holiday season. In general, select clothing and footwear are tax exempt – meaning no state sales tax will be collected, but there are restrictions.

Not interested in leaving the couch? Internet sales are included if they are ordered and paid for during the exemption period. Check out the Sales Tax Holiday web page for full details.

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office has released a report on recent arrests and incidents.  Last Saturday, 50-year-old Eric Brian Stites, of Shelby, was arrested following a call about a disturbance and an injured party at a residence along Western Street, in Shelby.  After further investigation, Stites was charged with Domestic Abuse Assault with injury. He was later released from the Shelby County Jail after posting a cash bond.

Also arrested Saturday, was 33-year-old Clifford Schofield, of Panama. He was charged with simple assault after authorities investigated a reported argument. Schofield was treated for an injury and transferred to Shelby County Jail without incident and released later after posting a cash bond. And, 39-year old Michaela Leigh Mikels, of Harlan was arrested Saturday as the result of a traffic stop along Highway 59 in Shelby County.  Mikels was charged with Operating while intoxicated 2nd offense, Child endangerment, Reckless driving, Failure to maintain control, and Turning from improper lane. She was later released from custody after posting the required bond.

On July 16th, Shelby County Deputies arrested 61-year-old Danny Leroy Bain, of Shelby, following a traffic stop in Shelby.   Upon further investigation, Bain was charged with Operating while Intoxicated 1st offense, and failure to wear seat belt. He was transported to the Shelby County Jail, and released the following morning on his own recognizance.

And, on July 11th, 23-year-old Scott Allen Ruffcorn of Persia was arrested following a traffic stop along Highway 44 and Redbud Ave.   Ruffcorn was charged with speeding and Operating while Intoxicated 1st offense and transported to the Shelby County Jail where he was held under bond until following morning and then released on his own recognizance. On July 10th, 23-year-old Joshua Lewis Hytrek turned himself into the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, as result of ongoing investigation. Hytrek was charged with operating vehicle without consent. He was released from the Shelby County Jail a short time later under bond, and given a future court date.

ATLANTIC, Iowa  — The Atlantic Hy-Vee will give away more than 3,800 free apples to customers with a contactless, drive-thru event, this Thursday, July 23. The giveaway will start at 10 a.m. and continue until noon, or while supplies last. In partnership with its fruit supplier Stemilt, Hy-Vee is donating fresh produce to Hy-Vee customers as the coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to impact individuals and families across Iowa. Hy-Vee is giving away 10 apples to the first 380 customers. In total, approximately 1,150 pounds of fresh produce will be donated.

As more families continue to become financially impacted by the pandemic, Hy-Vee and Stemilt believe it’s important to provide access to high-quality produce during this time of need. Fresh apples will be distributed to customers for free on a first-come, first-served basis. Walk-ups will not be allowed.

The giveaway will take place along the south side of the store. Produce will be safely loaded into customer vehicles using a contactless method to minimize physical contact and enforce social distancing. All event helpers will be wearing masks and gloves for additional safety measures.

The Creston Police Department reports 36-year old Amanda Jones, of Creston, was arrested Saturday, on a Theft charge. Jones was arrested at the Creston Wal-Mart, on a 3rd Degree Theft charge. She was later released from the Union County Jail on a $2,000 bond.