NORWALK, Iowa (AP) — A Minnesota-based food processor and distributor has announced an $87 million project in south-central Iowa that promises to create hundreds of jobs.

Des Moines television station KCCI reports that Michael Foods announced Friday that it will build a 15,000-square-foot manufacturing and distribution facility in Norwalk.
The company, whose brands include Crystal Farms dairy products, Simply Potatoes and Better’n Eggs, says it will begin construction in April and will likely expand within the next five years.

Norwalk Economic Development Director Hollie Askey says Michael Foods had considered building the facility in Nebraska, prompting city leaders to fight hard to secure the deal.

The project is expected to bring as many as 150 jobs to Norwalk.

COLUMBUS JUNCTION, Iowa (AP) — Police in southeastern Iowa say the owner of a construction company has died after an excavated area where he was working caved in.

Columbus Junction police say 52-year-old Anthony Hills, owner of Hills Construction, was working on a sewer repair when the collapse happened Friday afternoon.
Ten agencies from the area responded to the scene.

Police say an investigation by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration has been launched into the death.

(Update 3:55-a.m., 2/18) — The Iowa State Patrol responded to numerous crashes Saturday on the Interstates, due to a quick moving snow system that caused roads to become snow covered and icy. I-35 near the 100 mile marker southbound (in Polk County) was closed for 2 hours for a 70 car pile-up.  Approximately 11 people were transported to local hospitals for treatment of injuries.

I-80 near the 158 mile marker westbound (in Jasper County) was temporarily closed for approximately 20 vehicles that had crashed. I-80 eastbound at the 208 mile marker (in Iowa County),  up to 30 vehicles were involved with 3 minor injuries reported.  Eastbound lanes were closed for less than an hour.

A majority of the crashes were caused by motorists traveling too fast for conditions and not allowing enough following distance. All crashes remain under investigation.

Fremont County Sheriff Kevin Aistrope reports early this (Saturday) morning, deputies with the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by 49 year old Brian Dale Steinkuehler, of Shenandoah.

During the traffic stop, deputies conducted an OWI investigation which in turn led to the arrest of Steinkuehler on a charge of Operating while Intoxicated/1st Offense.

The man was transported to the Fremont County Law Enforcement center where he was booked in on the charge and then released after posting bond.

steinkuehler,b

w/ Chris Parks

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A Red Oak woman was arrested on drug charges after a traffic stop late Friday night. Montgomery County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 34-year-old Ashley Nichoel Lebaugh of Red Oak at the intersection of Highway 34 and Evergreen Avenue at 11:50pm. Lebaugh was charged with Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. She was taken to the Montgomery County Jail and held on $1,000 bond. Deputies were assisted on scene by the Montgomery County K-9 Unit.

The Red Oak Police Department reports the arrest of 55-year-old Randall Laverne Franks of Red Oak for Public Intoxication early Saturday. Franks was arrested at 3rd and Reed Streets in Red Oak at 12:40am Saturday. Franks was taken to the Montgomery County Jail and held on $300 bond.

The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office reports the arrest of an Elliott man on Friday evening. At approximately 8:40pm Deputies arrested 24-year-old Cody Roland Mudd of Elliott in the 1000 block of Q Avenue for OWI 1st Offense. Mudd was taken to the Montgomery County Jail and held on $1,000 bond.

Audubon Police Chief Matt Starmer reports 43-year old Jeremy Charles Snyder, of Audubon, was arrested Feb. 9th, for Sexual Abuse – 2nd degree.  Snyder was transported to the Audubon County Jail where he is currently being held on $25,000 bond.

And, a man who was reported missing by his family, and who returned home Friday (2/16), was arrested that same day on an outstanding warrant for Failure to Appear to serve a 30-day jail sentence. 38-year old Jason Arthur Malloy, of Audubon, had been reported as a missing person by family on Feb. 15th.  The Audubon Police Department located Malloy safe and sound.

Malloy was then arrested on the warrant, and transported to the Audubon County Jail to serve the 30 day sentence.

Officials with the Council Bluffs Police Department report two men wanted on warrants were found hiding in a home, Friday morning. Officers responded at around 9:30-a.m. to 2746 7th Av after receiving a tip that a wanted subject was on location.

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Faatz

Upon arrival, officers were given consent to search the residence by the homeowner. During their search, officers located 45-year old Ted Wayne Faatz, of Council Bluffs, hiding in the basement. He was arrested without incident. Officers also noticed the attic entrance had recently been moved. An Officer gave commands into the attic and Police Service Dog (PSD) Olaf was deployed.

PSD Olaf apprehended 43-year old Johnny Joe Anson, of Council Bluffs, while he was hiding in the attic. Anson was treated at a local hospital for minor injuries. Both Faatz and Anson had valid warrants and were booked into Pottawattamie County Corrections.

Authorities said “We would like to thank the community for their assistance locating these two wanted individuals.”