(Marshalltown, Iowa) – The body of an elderly female was found in a home that caught fire Monday afternoon, in Marshalltown. According to Marshalltown Police, firefighters were dispatched at around 1-p.m. to a residence in the 1400 block of S. Center Street in Marshalltown, where they found a single-family, split-level home with a fire in the living room.

The woman’s body was discovered after the flames were extinguished. Marshalltown Police Detectives and Special Agents with the Iowa Arson and Explosives Bureau were called-in to handle the incident.

The cause of the fire was undetermined as of the latest information, and remained under investigation. The name of the victim was not released.

(Rockwell City, Iowa) – The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office says a central Iowa man was sentenced Monday (Dec. 2, 2024), to 10-years in prison, following his conviction in Iowa District Court for Calhoun County, of sexually abusing a 14-year-old child. His actions took place in Lohrville (IA) in May, 2023.

Chief District Judge Adria Kester sentenced 20-year-old Matthew Edward Wilson, of Des Moines, to the maximum term in prison, and ordered him to be placed on the State’s Sex Offender Registry for life.

The case was investigated by the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by the Calhoun County Attorney’s Office.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Cass County Chapter of the American Cancer Society is gearing up for Festival of Trees this week in Downtown Atlantic. As part of the fundraising for the event the committee has put together a raffle for a Gift Card Tree full of gift certificates to local business and AtlantiCash. Tickets for the raffle are $10 each and can be purchased at Brown’s Shoe Fit up until Thursday when Festival of Trees starts and then will be sold at the event.

Local businesses that have contributed gift certificates are Plaza Azteca, The Downtowner Café and Catering, McAtee Tire, Udderly Delicious, Cappel’s Ace Hardware, Walmart, Brown’s Shoe Fit, Olsen’s BP, Fareway, and Hanson’s Fine Jewelry. Over $200 worth of value is on the tree.

Festival of Trees is being held at 325 Chestnut Street in downtown Atlantic (The former Robinson Hardware Building). Festival of Trees is scheduled to be open for public viewing on Thursday, December 5th and Friday, December 6th from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Saturday, December 7th from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, December 8th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Come join the elves at “Santa’s Workshop” and get in the holiday spirit by viewing all the festive displays from area businesses and organizations at the 2024 Festival of Trees.

(Atlantic, Iowa)  — Cass County Wellness Coordinator Grace McAfee says Healthy Cass County invites all residents and community members to attend the next Healthy Cass County meeting at Noon on Monday, December 9, 2024. This gathering is an opportunity for us to come together, share ideas, and tackle an important issue: food insecurity. Let’s explore fresh and creative solutions to ensure everyone in our community has access to nutritious food.

Here’s a sneak peek at what will be discussed:

• Innovative food access initiatives that can make a real difference in our neighborhoods.
• Ways to boost participation in nutrition programs and make them more accessible.
• Ideas to expand the Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program through policy changes.
• Strategies to increase school-based food pantries, supporting our kids and families.
• How to identify and fill gaps in access to culturally preferred foods, ensuring everyone feels included and cared for.
  

  Healthy Cass County logo

Grace McAfee says “This is more than a meeting—it’s a chance for community members, leaders, and organizations to come together, share ideas, and build a stronger, healthier Cass County. We all have a role to play, and your voice matters!” If you are interested in learning more or signing up for updates, please reach out to Grace McAfee at mcage@casshealth.org or call 712-250-8710.

Follow Healthy Cass County on Facebook @HealthyCassCounty (https://www.facebook.com/HealthyCassCounty/). Reach out to Cass County Wellness Coordinator Grace McAfee at mcage@casshealth.org or call 712-250-8170 for more information.

(Cumberland, Iowa) – An account has been established to assist a Cass County (IA) family whose home was destroyed in a fire the day before Thanksgiving. Cumberland Fire Chief Jason Rouse deemed the residence a total loss. Clint and Dawnelle Humbert escaped their burning home with just the clothes on their backs on November 27th.

Organizer Maggie Morehouse, in Cumberland, set up a GoFundMe page for the couple so the community can help them get back on their feet.

Follow this LINK to the GoFundMe page established for Clint and Dawnelle Humbert if you can help with their recovery process, and would like to donate.

Photo courtesy Cass County EMA Coordinator Mike Kennon

(Des Moines, IA) – Officials with the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services reports, “Through the Safe Haven Law, a baby girl, born November 11 is now in the care and custody of the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and will be placed with a foster family until permanent placement is determined.”

The latest case brings the overall total to 72 infants since the law went into effect more than two decades ago.  The DHS says this is the sixth case so far in 2024. In 2023, ten infants were relinquished to HHS custody under the Safe Haven Act.

Iowa’s Safe Haven Act is an option for parents in crisis who determine they cannot care for an infant up to 90 days old. Designated safe havens are locations like hospitals and police and fire stations. Iowa HHS then works to place infants in an approved foster home while awaiting permanent adoption.

If you are interested in becoming a foster parent or adopting a child, visit https://iowafosterandadoption.org/ to learn more about becoming an approved foster or adoptive family. For more information on Iowa’s Safe Haven, visit https://hhs.iowa.gov/programs/CPS/safe-haven.