While the temperatures have dropped to below freezing across the state, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources is warning those who enjoy ice fishing to be extra careful during the next few days. D-N-R Fisheries Chief Joe Larscheid says the cold snap likely froze most bodies of water solid — but you should still test it before venturing out. “We need a good solid four to six inches of clear ice, hard ice in order to be safe,” he says. Larscheid says even with that said — ice is never 100 percent safe. “In that lake that is mostly safe there could be weak points that you don’t even know about,” Larscheid says, “there’s upwelling there’s currents in the lake, so you’ve always got to be careful when you’re ice fishing.”

Larscheid suggests you go to a place where there are other anglers. That’s often where the fish are and if you happen to fall in, there’s someone there to help. He suggests that you fish with someone else so you have help if you would fall in. And don’t delay if the worst happens. “Call 9-1-1 immediately and then hopefully you have rope or somebody has rope and you can toss that rope to them, and hopefully they get ahold of that rope and you can pull them out,” Larscheid says. “But I would immediately call 9-1-1 because time is very significant in those situations.”

Larscheid says heavy winter clothing often makes it harder to swim or stay afloat if you fall into the water. He says to not panic, as most people are able to use their fingers, arms and legs for several minutes before hypothermia sets in.

(Radio Iowa)

The Union County Sheriff’s Office has released a report about an accident that took place at around 12:30-a.m. Friday. Officials say 25-year old Nathan Drew Simington, of Lewis, was driving a 1995 Chevy Astro van eastbound on U-S Highway 34, when the vehicle went out of control due to the icy road conditions. The van slid off the road and into a large hole. No injuries were reported. The passenger side of the van sustained about $5,000 damage.

And a man from Afton reported to the Union County Sheriff’s Office Sunday night, that sometime between Dec. 16th and 18th, someone took his green 1995 Jeep Cherokee with plate AF660 that was parked at the end of his driveway.

GILMAN, Iowa (AP) — Authorities say a 90-year-old man died in central Iowa after falling into a water well on Christmas Day. The Marshalltown Times-Republican reports that first responders were sent to a property in rural Gilman around 9:10 a.m. Monday. Gilman Fire & Rescue says the man was pulled out around 20 minutes later from about 6 feet underground. Paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene.

Authorities identified the man as Maurice Tufte. It’s unclear what led to his falling into the well.

DES MOINES – The Iowa DNR suggests you and your family spend New Year’s Day by taking a “First Day Hike” in one of 27 participating Iowa state parks! Hikers can expect to be surrounded by the quiet beauty of nature in winter, and experience spectacular views, beautiful settings and the cultural treasures offered by Iowa’s state parks.  All 50 states are hosting hikes as part of America’s First Day Hikes initiative. In its seventh year, the national event encourages everyone to celebrate the New Year with a guided outdoor exploration. Last year, more than 1,200 people began the year in an Iowa state park, hiking more than 1,100 total miles.

In the listening area, First Day Hikes will take place at the following parks:

• Lewis and Clark State Park
• Prairie Rose State Park
• Springbrook State Park
• Green Valley State Park
• Lake Anita State Park
• Viking Lake State Park
• Waubonsie State Park
• Wilson Island State Recreation Area

Staff and volunteers will lead free, guided First Day Hikes in Iowa’s 27 participating state parks. Some hikes will include wildlife viewing and hot beverages. Hikes will average one to two miles or longer depending on the location. Details about the hikes can be found at www.iowadnr.gov/firstdayhikes. To see a comprehensive national map of First Day Hikes, visit www.stateparks.org  Participants are encouraged to share their adventures on social media with #FirstDayHikes or #iowastateparks.

An inmate at the Pottawattamie County Jail in Council Bluffs, was charged with Criminal Mischief in the 4th Degree, Tuesday, after he allegedly caused $300 damage to a sprinkler head in the jail. The incident involving 36-year old Arthur Jarrod Crum, of Council Bluffs, occurred at around 3:20-p.m. Crum remains held in the jail without bond, for three counts of Criminal Mischief in the 4th Degree, and a charge of Simple Assault.

And, 33-year old Jared John Thomas Owens, of Council Bluffs, who was being held in the Pott. County Jail without bond on three counts of sexual abuse in the 2nd Degree, as well as on a North Carolina warrant for being a Fugitive from Justice, was served with additional papers for three counts of Violating of a No Contact Order. Owens was returned to the custody of jail staff.

The Adair County Board of Supervisors will hold their regular weekly meeting Thursday morning, in Greenfield. The meeting begins at 9-a.m., as usual, and features: Discussion with regard to High School Job Experience; An update from Jon Schaefer, Boy Scout Troop 115, with regard to Courthouse Flags, and a report from County Treasurer Brenda Wallace, with regard to computer bids.

County Engineer Nick Kauffman will present to the Board, contracts for their signatures, with regard to crack sealing, and grading projects, along with his regular report on maintenance and activities.

More area and State news from KJAN News Director Ric Hanson

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LE MARS, Iowa (AP) — A trial has been delayed again for a northwest Iowa man accused of stabbing to death his sister. The trial had been set to begin Jan. 30 for 35-year-old Thomas Bibler. He’s pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder, willful injury and going armed with intent in connection with the June 11, 2016, stabbing death of 27-year-old Shannon Bogh, of Le Mars. He was arrested that day after a short standoff at his Le Mars apartment.

On Tuesday a judge granted a defense request to remove an expert witness and seek another. The judge also said a new trial date would be set after a Jan. 26 status conference. Previous trial starting dates for Bibler were Dec. 19, May 16, Feb. 14 and Dec. 13, 2016.

Page County Sheriff Lyle Palmer reports the Page County Sheriff’s Office’ “Operation Blessing” was a success for 2017, and Palmer thanks to everyone who donated to it this year. Without the support of the individuals, organizations, business’s, and groups who unselfishly gave to this program, Palmer says it would not have been possible. Year after year people have continued to support this program some since the beginning in the early 1980’s. From the money and items donated this year, the Page County Sheriff’s Office provided Christmas gifts to 16 families. That meant that 34 children in Page County received presents for Christmas this year from Page County Sheriff’s Office Operation Blessing program.

A sincere THANK YOU from all of us at the Page County Sheriff’s Office for the support shown by the area to make this program a success. We look forward to continuing this program in the years to come with your support. Sheriff Palmer said “I would also like to thank our staff for the extra work that they put into this program. From the call taking, to the wrapping, to the delivery, they have gone above and beyond once again to ensure that children have a gift to open on Christmas. We at the Page County Sheriff’s Office want to wish everyone a safe and a happy New Year!!