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2 from Shenandoah arrested on separate charges, Friday

News

May 16th, 2020 by Ric Hanson

Police in Shenandoah report two men were arrested on separate charges, Friday. 40-year old Lorenzo Lawson was taken into custody at around 1:30-p.m., following a domestic disturbance.

Lawson

Lawson was charged with domestic assault by strangulation causing bodily injury, child endangerment, and second degree criminal mischief. He was being held without bond in the Page County Jail, pending further court proceedings.

And, 42-year old Larry Lee Hart was arrested twice, Friday. At around 1:15-a.m., Hart was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia, consumption or intoxication in public places, and indecent exposure. The His arrest followed a report about a man causing a disturbance. Hart was released from the Page County Jail after posting $1,600 bond, but he was arrested less than 12 hours later (12:30-p.m., Friday), at the Shenandoah Medical Center.

Hart

Hart was charged with false reporting to public entities, indecent exposure, and interference with official acts. He was being held in the Page County Jail on $3,000 bond.

Iowa early News Headlines: Saturday, May 16 2020

News

May 16th, 2020 by Ric Hanson

Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — University of Iowa researchers privately warned that the coronavirus would continue spreading through the state even before Gov. Kim Reynolds relaxed social distancing policies, a move they said would exacerbate the problem. In a report to the Iowa Department of Public Health on April 27, the university experts said that Iowa had not reached a peak and reopening the state economy before then would “result in a rapid rise of cases.” In a paper dated May 4, they found that the virus was still likely growing. They said that Iowa’s school and business closures and other steps had strongly mitigated the spread of infection but nonetheless were not “sufficient to prevent uncontained spread.”

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — In the days before his death, an Iowa meatpacking worker told his nephew that the coronavirus was spreading through his plant due to crowded spaces and a lack of personal protective equipment. Husen Jagir died on May 1, about a week after he fell ill following a shift at the Seaboard Triumph Foods plant in Sioux City. The plant, which is one of the nation’s largest pork processing facilities, announced this week that 59 of its workers had tested positive for COVID-19 and that it had taken several safety precautions. Jagir’s nephew, Shila Dide, says his uncle told him last month that the virus was “everywhere” at the plant.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A Des Moines commission dedicated to protecting human rights is among the latest to endure racist and sexist messages from cyber attackers. The Des Moines Civil and Human Rights Commission says it was forced to cancel a video-conference meeting with the Des Moines City Council on Thursday night when the meeting was disrupted by racist, sexist and pornographic messages. Commission Chairman Kameron Middlebrooks says the messages were directed at members of the commission, proving that “hate and ignorance is alive and well.” Officials say the meeting will be rescheduled.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa Public Radio said Friday that the state Board of Regents has pulled its funding amid decreased revenues as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The Des Moines Register reports the statewide radio network will lose $875,000 because of the regents’ decision. IPR executive director Myrna Johnson says that is 10% of the revenue it expected to receive for the fiscal year that begins July 1. Johnson says they are exploring fundraising options to offset the cut. IPR operates 26 stations across Iowa, reaching about 250,000 listeners.

Regents cut funding to Iowa Public Radio

News

May 15th, 2020 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa (The Des Moines Register) — Iowa Public Radio said Friday that the state Board of Regents has pulled its funding amid decreased revenues as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The Des Moines Register reports the statewide radio network will lose $875,000 because of the regents’ decision.

IPR executive director Myrna Johnson says that is 10% of the revenue it expected to receive for the fiscal year that begins July 1. Johnson says they are exploring fundraising options to offset the cut. IPR operates 26 stations across Iowa, reaching about 250,000 listeners.

I-80 Westbound Express closed for five days next week

News

May 15th, 2020 by Ric Hanson

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – May 15, 2020 – Officials with the Iowa Department of Transportation, today (Friday), said the Interstate 80 Westbound Express lanes are expected to be closed for five days beginning Monday, May 18, at 8 a.m., weather permitting. All traffic will use northbound I-29/westbound I-80 local during the closure. The Iowa DOT expects to reopen the I-80 Westbound Express by noon on Friday, May 22.

The Iowa DOT reminds motorists to drive with caution, obey the posted speed limit and other signs in the work area, and be aware that traffic fines for moving violations are at least double in work zones. As in all work zones, drivers should stay alert, allow ample space between vehicles, and wear seat belts.

U. Iowa researchers project hundreds more COVID-19 deaths

News

May 15th, 2020 by Ric Hanson

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — University of Iowa researchers privately warned that the coronavirus would continue spreading through the state even before Gov. Kim Reynolds relaxed social distancing policies, a move they said would exacerbate the problem. In a report to the Iowa Department of Public Health on April 27, the university experts said that Iowa had not reached a peak and reopening the state economy before then would “result in a rapid rise of cases.”

In a paper dated May 4, they found that the virus was still likely growing. They said that Iowa’s school and business closures and other steps had strongly mitigated the spread of infection but nonetheless were not “sufficient to prevent uncontained spread.”

Two arrested after traffic stop in Montgomery County

News

May 15th, 2020 by admin

The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office reports two arrests Friday afternoon following a traffic stop. Deputies initially responded to a call of a domestic altercation at 1:33 p.m. and that led to a traffic stop at O Avenue and 190th Street. The Sheriff’s Office arrested the driver, 34-year-old Linda Sue Sitzman of Corning, on a valid Adams County Warrant for Contempt of Court. She was turned over to Adams County authorities. The passenger in the vehicle, 38-year-old Robert Dean Surrell of Corning, was arrested for Violation of a No Contact Order. He was taken to the Montgomery County Jail and held on $300 bond.

The Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Red Oak Police Department.

18 more COVID-19 cases reported in Pott. County

News

May 15th, 2020 by Ric Hanson

The Pottawattamie County Public Health Department today (Friday), reported 18 more positive cases of COVID-19. Sixteen of the new cases are residents of Council Bluffs, one is from Carter Lake, and one is from Oakland. One case is a child (a person between 0 and 18 years of age), six persons are 18-to 40, five are from 41-to 60 years of age, and six are 80 years of age or older. Those persons were tested between May 9th and 14th.

As of this latest report, 1,919 Pottawattamie County residents have been tested for COVID-19, and a total of 149 individuals have tested positive. One is currently hospitalized, 90 are self-isolating; 55 have fully recovered, one moved out-of-state, and there have been two deaths. Officials say the vast majority of positive cases have NOT required hospitalization, and have been able to fully recover at home.

Based on PCPH contract tracing investigations, 52 Pot. County COVID-19 cases are the result of “Community Spread.” A Community re-opening reference guide was created by the Pott. County COVID-19 Response Task Force, that provides local businesses, organizations, and residents with information regarding openings, closures, and restrictions, related to Gov. Reynolds’ proclamations. The guide can be found on the Pottawattamie County EMA COVID-19 website.

Iowa’s severe weather season is bringing us little severe weather, no complaints!

News, Weather

May 15th, 2020 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) — This is May 15th, marking the halfway point in Iowa’s severe weather season, and it’s almost like Mother Nature has decided to follow social distancing recommendations. Meteorologist Jeff Johnson, at the National Weather Service in metro Des Moines, says the season has been very quiet so far with very few reports of rough weather.

“We went for 30 days without issuing a severe thunderstorm or tornado warning from the period mid-April until yesterday — that’s very low,” Johnson says. “Our traditional severe weather season here in Iowa goes from April through June with May and June being the two big months.” There were a half dozen or so minor tornadoes in Iowa in late March, and then last (Thursday) night brought parts of the state heavy rain, hail and high winds. While severe weather can strike at any time, Johnson says it appears the sailing should be relatively smooth.

“Looking ahead here, yeah, we’re going to have a shot of rain tomorrow and the severe (weather) chances look fairly low,” Johnson says. “After that, we’re going to be dry for the next several days and warmer. That’s the big thing, looking ahead, we’re going to be pushing highs in the 80s next week.” Some pandemic home-bound Iowans may find it hard to believe, but Memorial Day weekend is -next- weekend. Johnson says it appears we may have good weather heading into the unofficial start of summer.

“Anything beyond four or five days this time of year, we’ve got to really take with a grain of salt,” Johnson says, “but there’s nothing on the horizon that suggests a big severe weather event, although we always have to be prepared for that eventuality.” Keep informed about the latest forecast at weather-dot-gov.

Griswold man arrested on felony OWI charge following accident investigation

News

May 15th, 2020 by Ric Hanson

The Cass County Sheriff’s Office reports a Griswold man was arrested Thursday, following an investigation into a single-vehicle accident. Deputies responded at around 3:20 p.m. to the scene off Lewis Road near Cold Springs Park, where a 2006 Chevy Silverado had rolled into the west ditch.

The owner/driver, 36-year old John Schroder, of Griswold, was not hurt. Damage to the vehicle was estimated at $10,000. Upon further investigation, Schroder was arrested for (felony) OWI/3rd or Subsequent Offense. He is scheduled to be seen before a judge at a future date.

ROBERT MULLEN, 74, of Atlantic (Svcs. 5/20/20)

Obituaries

May 15th, 2020 by Ric Hanson

ROBERT MULLEN, 74, of Atlantic, died Thursday, May 14th, at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, in Omaha. Funeral services for ROBERT MULLEN will be held 10:30-a.m. Wednesday, May 20th, at the Roland Funeral Home, in Atlantic.

An open visitation will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, May 19th from 8-a.m. to 5:30-p.m.; No visitation with the family is planned.; Online condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.

Burial is in the Victoria Township Cemetery, south of Massena.

ROBERT MULLEN is survived by:

His children: Robert (Kimberly) Mullen, Jr., of Council Bluffs; Cindy (Dent) Petty, of Atlantic, and Shawn (Melanie) Mullen, of Omaha.

7 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.