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North-central Iowa man sentenced for false tax returns

News

August 25th, 2020 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A north-central Iowa man has been sentenced to federal prison for filing false tax returns. Federal prosecutors for Iowa say 52-year-old David Miller, of Gilmore City, was sentenced Monday to one year and a day in prison. Prosecutors say Miller ran a tax return preparing business. He pleaded guilty in February to receiving stolen government money or property.

During his plea hearing, Miller admitted to preparing fraudulent returns for clients and for himself over several years. Prosecutors say that as part of his plea, Miller agreed to pay $109,837 in restitution to victims and $16,114 to the IRS.

Iowa spends $100M in federal funds for farmer, ag programs

Ag/Outdoor, News

August 25th, 2020 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds says she is allocating $100 million in federal funds to help livestock producers, the biofuels industry, beginning farmers and small-scale meat processors recover from the coronavirus pandemic. As many Iowa farmers deal with the impact of a massive storm and continue to suffer from lower demand for corn and soybeans and extremely low prices, Reynolds says she will use money from the federal CARES Act to programs to help agriculture related businesses and farmers.

Included is $60 million to provide grants to eligible producers of pork, beef, chicken, turkeys, dairy, fish or sheep to serve as working capital to stabilize livestock producers.

ISU: ‘Corrective action’ taken on prof who banned topics

News

August 25th, 2020 by Ric Hanson

AMES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa State University officials say the school has taken steps to correct an English teacher’s syllabus that initially banned her students from submitting work opposing Black Lives Matter, gay marriage, abortion and other social issues. English instructor Chloe Clark’s syllabus instructed that students could not not choose a writing topic that “takes at its base that one side doesn’t deserve the same basic human rights as you do.”

The syllabus has drawn national media attention and criticism from free speech groups. ISU says in a statement that the professor was given guidance on First Amendment protections for student expression in ISU classrooms.

Iowa farmers unsure what’s next after winds flatten corn

Ag/Outdoor, News

August 25th, 2020 by Ric Hanson

WOODWARD, Iowa (AP) — Before an unusual wind storm this month, Iowa corn farmers were expecting a near-record crop. About a month before corn would be fully mature and ready for harvest, a derecho blew in from the west with hurricane-force winds that cut a swath through the middle of Iowa. The Aug. 10 storm flattened corn fields and damaged grain bins, farm buildings and homes.

Millions of acres of Iowa corn are damaged to some degree. Crop insurance and other federal programs will help. And those outside the damaged area could benefit from higher prices that may result.

One injured in accident south of Corley on Monday afternoon

News

August 25th, 2020 by admin

(KNOD) One person was injured in a two-vehicle accident around 2:40 p.m. Monday afternoon on Highway 59 south of Corley. A black 2018 RAM 2500 driven by 29-year-old Dustin Haase of Avoca was traveling northbound on Highway 59 when he stopped for traffic in the road caused by a construction asphalt paver. A 2017 Chevy Equinox driven by 85-year-old Jack Oliver of Harlan was traveling north on Highway 59 and did not observe that traffic had stopped. Oliver struck Haase in the rear causing severe damage to the SUV. Oliver ended up in the ditch and had to be extricated from the vehicle for injuries to his arm and leg. He was transported to Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan by Avoca Fire and Rescue. The Oliver SUV was considered a total loss. The Haase pickup received $15,000 damage.

City of Shelby issues water conservation notice

News

August 25th, 2020 by admin

The City of Shelby has issued a mandatory water conservation notice. As a result of dry weather conditions across Shelby County, the City of Shelby’s public water system is currently experiencing difficulties meeting water demands and calling for citizens to limit excessive water use. No watering lawns and gardens, no filling pools, no washing cars. Officials ask residents to use water wisely. Tips to conserve water include turning off the tap while brushing your teeth, taking shorter showers, only washing your clothes when necessary, check for leaks in hoses and faucets.

Adair County BOS to meet Wednesday

News

August 25th, 2020 by admin

The Adair County Board of Supervisors are set to meet on Wednesday morning in the courtroom at the Adair County Courthouse for a regular session. The meeting will begin at 9:00 a.m and will include discussion of Sheriff Deputy salary increase along with an IMWCA Board of Trustees ballott. The Board will also request comment on proposed antenna and equipment installation. The Board will also hear from County Treasurer Brenda Wallace regarding tax abatement resolutions.

Harlan Police arrest report 08/25/2020

News

August 25th, 2020 by admin

The Harlan Police Department reports four arrests from the past week.

On August 16th Officers arrested 27-year-old Stormy Shaye Cole Trucke of Harlan on an active Shelby County Warrant. Trucke was taken to the Shelby County Jail and charged with assault.

On August 19th Harlan Police arrested 35-year-old Andre Scott Hickson and 21-year-old Deona Dashae Delbridge both of Springfield, MA were arrested following a traffic stop. Hickson was charged with Child Endangerment, Failure to Affix Drug Tax Stamp, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Possession With Intent to Deliver. Delbridge was charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Failure to Affix Drug Tax Stamp, Prohibited Acts penalties, and Possession With Intent to Deliver. Both were booked into the Shelby County Jail.

On August 21st 37-year-old Troy Dakota Weelborg and 32-year-old Tamara Leigh Dryer both of Harlan were arrested on a charge each of Violation of a No Contact Order. Both were booked into the Shelby County Jail.

On August 23rd Harlan Police arrested 26-year-old Dalton Luis Rocha of Council Bluffs following a traffic stop. Rocha was charged with Theft 5th Degree and booked into the Shelby County Jail.

Clarinda man arrested on Domestic Abuse charge

News

August 25th, 2020 by admin

The Page County Sheriff’s Office reports the arrest of 29-year-old Christopher Paul Mace of Clarinda on a Page County Warrant for Domestic Abuse Assault. Mace was arrested on Monday at the Page County Sheriff’s Office. He was booked into the Page County Jail and held pending further court proceedings.

Governor Reynolds announces relief for Iowa Biofuels Producers

Ag/Outdoor, News

August 25th, 2020 by admin

JOHNSTON, IOWA – When COVID-19 hit the United States and most Americans were opting to stay home as much as possible, Iowa biofuel producers were badly hurt by the decline in fuel demand. Today Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds announced the state is dedicating over $15 million of relief funding for Iowa renewable fuels producers, making Iowa the first state in the nation to provide direct aid to the biofuels sector.

“Governor Reynolds has provided a much-needed lifeline for Iowa’s renewable fuels producers,” said Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Executive Director Monte Shaw. “At its peak, the COVID-19 pandemic led to the idling of roughly 50 percent of Iowa’s biofuels production capacity. Even today fuel use has not returned to normal and biofuels producers are struggling to simply breakeven. IRFA members from across the state are deeply grateful for Governor Reynold’s leadership as they work to recover from the financial blow wrought by the pandemic.”

The relief funding will be awarded based on the number of qualifying gallons produced in the first quarter of 2020. IRFA continues to work with members of Congress on possible federal relief.

“We appreciate the work done by our federal legislative champions on language for the next COVID relief package,” Shaw said. “Ethanol and biodiesel producers across the country are suffering from suppressed fuel demand and still need comprehensive, in-depth relief from the federal government. Today’s action by Governor Reynolds will help Iowa’s biofuels producers keep going until Congress and the Trump Administration act.”