WINTERSET, Iowa (AP) – An 18-year-old accused in the burning of a covered bridge featured in the best-selling novel “The Bridges of Madison County” has pleaded not guilty. Court records say Joel Davis entered the pleas Monday to arson and related charges. His trial is scheduled to begin July 18th.

The bridge destroyed April 15 near Winterset also was featured in the 1995 movie adaptation starring Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep. The novel was written by Robert James Waller, who died in March.

Prosecutors say 17-year-old Alexander Hoff of West Des Moines, will be facing an arson charge as well.

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – A West Des Moines woman accused of starving and neglecting her teenage daughter wants a separate trial from her former husband and wants her murder trial moved out of Polk County. Nicole Finn and Joseph Finn II are charged with the October starvation death of 16-year-old Nicole Finn and the suspected abuse of two of Natalie’s siblings. Nicole Finn also is charged with murder. Both have pleaded not guilty.

The Des Moines Register reports that lawyers for Nicole Finn cited pretrial publicity and other factors in her request last week for a change of venue. Finn’s attorneys are seeking a separate trial because of their concerns about potentially incriminating statements he made to investigators. A hearing on the motions is scheduled for May 31.

The newly elected president of the Board of Regents, Mike Richards, joined the board last May filing a spot left open by the resignation of Mary Andringa resigned. He said that he had to do a lot of talking with family, friends and other board members before taking over the leadership role.  “Initially I did not seek it out, and then over the last month or two as the situation changed and the leadership with president Rastetter and (president pro-tem) Katie Mullholand both departing, several people did talk to me and asked that I consider it,” Richards says.

Richards says the biggest issue facing him is hiring a new president for Iowa State University. “We have a selection committee that has already been put in place, and they haven’t quite started their work, but we have great leadership on that,” Richards says. The search for a new I-S-U comes after the board selected a new president for the University of Northern Iowa in December. Richards doesn’t think the turnover in the stop spots at the schools is anything unusual. “I think we’re solid,” Richards says. “I think we have some of the best schools in the country that people want to come to work and be president there.”

He says coming to a decision on tuition increases is also a key issue. Richards says the board staff is putting together a task force to review the issue. He says they will meet with the students, the public, parents and the legislature about “how we fund our universities and the role that tuition plays in them.”

The state budget tightening is at the center of the tuition talk, and Richards says funding for the schools is key. “We want to work with the legislature so that we can give more clarity and advanced clarity to the students as they prepare their own budgets,” Richards says.

Richards says he wants to ensure that the discussion on the new I-S-U president, tuition and other issues are transparent, so he plans to institute more public access at the board’s monthly meetings. “To help with this transparency, I think that we are going to have an opportunity for the public to comment at the board meetings,” according to Richards.

The board holds hearings before the meetings that are taped and then reviewed, but they have come under criticism because people say they aren’t able to speak directly to the board members. Richards says going back to public comment during the meetings is not a response to that criticism. “It’s not so much a reaction to those concerns, but it is the direction that I want to go to increase the public transparency and to just allow people to have a voice,” Richards explains.

Regent Pattie Cownie of Des Moines was elected president pro-tem. Their terms as president and president pro-tem will end April 30th of 2018.

(Radio Iowa)

Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press at 4:00 a.m. CDT

COUNCIL BLUFF, Iowa (AP) — The inmate who escaped from a western Iowa jail Monday managed to steal a sheriff’s deputy’s gun as he was returning from a court appearance and shot two deputies. One deputy died later. Pottawattamie County Sheriff Jeff Danker says 23-year-old Wesley Williams Correa-Carmenaty attacked and shot the two deputies who were driving inmates back from court Monday.

CAMDENTON, Mo. (AP) — Authorities are investigating the weekend death of a University of Iowa freshman who was found unresponsive in a lakeside resort motel in in central Missouri’s Camden County. The Camden County Sheriff’s Office says 19-year-old Kamil Jackowski of Arlington Heights, Illinois, was found unconscious in the motel Sunday. He was later declared dead at a hospital, and an autopsy was planned.

MILFORD, Iowa (AP) — Authorities say a northwest Iowa man has died after exchanging gunfire with police. The Iowa Department of Public Safety on Monday says Milford police officers were called Sunday night to a problem at a home. As officers approached the home, a man inside fired several shots and a Milford officer returned fire. Officers tried for several hours to make contact with the person inside and finally entered the home about midnight. They found 52-year-old Robert Brunner dead in the home.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa’s attorney general says Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds will not have the authority to appoint a lieutenant governor when she replaces Gov. Terry Branstad. Reynolds is preparing to become governor when Branstad resigns to become U.S. ambassador to China in the coming weeks. Democratic Attorney General Tom Miller said in a legal opinion Monday that Reynolds will assume all the duties of an elected governor through January 2019 but won’t have the power to appoint a new lieutenant governor.

A relatively new restaurant in northwest Iowa has won the title of the state’s “Best Burger” for 2017. The annual contest is run by the Iowa Beef Industry Council and the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association. Smokin’ Hereford BBQ in Storm Lake was announced as this year’s winner today (Monday). Natalie Schumann is the front-of-house manager for the restaurant, which opened in October 2015. “We were very excited for this. This is such a great opportunity for us. I mean…we just wanted to cry with joy,” Schumann said.

Public voting for “Iowa’s Best Burger” began in February and more than 9,200 nominations were submitted. Judges visited the 10 burger joints that made the contest’s final round. Smokin’ Hereford BBQ came out on top, as the judges noted the unique flavor of their burger made from Iowa beef. “That comes from Coon River Farms in Nemaha, Iowa. We have a partnership with them,” Schumann said. “So, it’s basically straight from the farm to our table.”

The Hereford Burger — an 8 ounce beef burger served on a toasted bun with cheese.

The patties include steak – adding to the flavor. “It’s like a ground chuck. It has the sirloin mixed-in with the ground beef, which gives it a great flavor,” Schumann said. Smokin’ Hereford BBQ is located in an old train depot. In addition to the food, the restaurant serves up a unique atmosphere.”Our floor comes from an old (high school) gym floor in Fonda, Iowa and we have different tin and barn wood from local family barns,” Schumann said.

This marks the eighth year for the “Best Burger” contest. The Chuckwagon Restaurant in Adair took the title last year.

(Radio Iowa)

The Young Professionals of Atlantic and the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce, have announced the recipients of the 4th Annual YPA Gala award. The gala was held Friday, April 28th at the Atlantic Golf and Country Club. The awards recognize the achievements of young professionals who demonstrate a commitment to excellence and innovation in their profession and throughout the community.

The YP Public Servant of the Year was awarded to David Weiderstein, Otto, Lorence & Weiderstein, presented by Dan Mehmen, Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce Board Member. David was awarded for his heavy involvement throughout the community, working tirelessly to protect the youth of Cass County in Juvenile cases.
YP Newcomer of the Year went to Brian Ruge, Manager of Brown’s Shoe Fit, presented by Nick Harris with Brocker, Karns & Karns. Since moving to Atlantic last year, Brian has immersed himself into the community, getting involved with the Chamber and other area organizations.

Group Photo
Pictured are award recipients from the Young Professionals Gala held on Friday at the Atlantic Golf and Country Club (front row, seated, left to right) Mark Bosworth, who accepted the award on behalf of David Wiederstein, Bradly Claussen and Andrew Martin; and (back row) Brad Henningsen, Brain Ruge, Megan Burg Kaila Antisdel, Darrell Hockenberry, Ashley Williams, Heather Link and Keith Honke.

The YP Entrepreneur of the Year was awarded to Nate Robinson, Robinson Landscaping & Patio Design, presented by Megan Roberts, State Farm. Nate was awarded for constantly contributing his resources and time back in the community and his career. He can always be found working hard all spring and summer long, whether it’s doing downtown planting, maintaining store fronts or helping community members execute a vision for their lawn.

The YP Business Leader of the Year was awarded to Brad Henningsen, Henningsen Construction, presented by Tim Cappel of Cappel’s Ace Hardware. Brad has demonstrated exceptional business practices in his career; working hard to grow his business—which has been a long-time staple within the Atlantic community.

The final award of the afternoon was YP Choice Workplace of the Year. This was awarded to Rolling Hills Bank & Trust, presented by TS Bank. Rolling Hills Bank & Trust prides itself and works hard to hire young talent within Atlantic, train them and promote them within the company. They have worked hard to build a strong local workforce of young professionals and have a positive impact on the community. Their employees can be seen volunteering at numerous events around town and are very active with other community organizations.

The Young Professionals of Atlantic would like to thank everyone who nominated an individual or a business. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a YPA, please contact the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce at 712.243.3017 or chamber@atlanticiowa.com.

Authorities in Pottawattamie County have identified the Sheriff’s Deputies who were shot during the escape of a prisoner late Monday morning. Council Bluffs Police Chief Tim Carmody said in a Press Release that “On Monday, May 1, 2017 at approximately 1055 hours two Pottawattamie County, Iowa Deputies, 43-year old Mark Burbridge  and 59-year old Pat Morgan transported two prisoners from the Pottawattamie County Courthouse and arrived at the Pottawattamie County Jail. As deputies Burbridge and Morgan began the transfer into the jail, one of the prisoners, 23-year old Wesley Williams Correa Carmenaty assaulted both deputies. Correa Carmenaty obtained one of the deputies’ firearms and shot both deputies. Correa Carmenaty fled the scene in the Pottawattamie County Jail transport van – driving through closed garage door attached to the jail.

Deputy Burbridge succumbed to his injuries. He was a 12-year veteran of the Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Department. Deputy Morgan is a 10-year veteran of the Pott. County Sheriff’s Department. He was listed in stable condition at an Omaha hospital, and is being treated for gunshot wounds to his lower torso.

A third person, 30-year old Jerry Brittain, a resident of Council Bluffs, was being treated at an Omaha hospital for a non-life threatening gunshot would to his neck. And, 33-year old Amy Kanger, a resident of Glenwood, who was the victim of a car-jacking during the escape, did not suffer any physical injuries.

Authorities says as the escape unfolded, at the intersection of 16th and Big Lake Rd, Correa Carmenaty stopped the van and attempted to car jack an S-10 pickup truck. Correa Carmenaty confronted the driver, Jerry Brittain, ultimately shooting him once before fleeing the scene again in the transport van. The passenger in the S-10 was not injured.

Council Bluffs officers found the transport van abandoned at the intersection of 2500 Avenue I a few minutes later. Amy Kanger, who was driving a black 2015 Nissan Sentra in the area of 2500 Avenue I,  saw the transport van up on the grass, Kanger stopped to see if anyone was injured. Correa kidnapped Ms. Kanger at gunpoint, forcing her back into her Nissan. At approximately 11:15 a.m. Correa released Ms. Kanger at the R & L Liquor store 5825 N 30th St., where Ms. Kanger notified Omaha authorities of the carjacking.

The suspect and stolen vehicle were located by a Omaha Police Officer traveling eastbound on Ames Ave at 31st Ave.  The vehicle turned south on 30th from Ames Ave and a Gang Unit officer advised they were behind the vehicle in an unmarked vehicle.  During the subsequent pursuit, an Omaha officers got behind the vehicle at 30th & Sprague Street.  The suspect drove south on 30th St., west on Cuming St., did a U turn at Saddle Creek and Cuming St., traveled back east on Cuming St.  Stop sticks were deployed at 40th & Cuming St., 36th & Cuming St. and 30th & Cuming St.  The vehicle did not run over any of the stop sticks.  The suspect attempted to enter I480 South when it collided with the brick wall at Cuming St. & I480 entrance ramp.  The suspect was taken into custody without incident.

A medic was called to the scene but the suspect declined treatment.  The suspect was transported to Central Station.  Numerous agencies, NSP, DCSO, K-9, Traffic Unit, Gang Unit, U.S. Marshals, Co Bluffs and Pott Co representatives were on scene.  Correa Carmenaty was booked into the Douglas County Jail for kidnapping, use of a weapon to commit a felony, felon in possession of a firearm, felony operating a vehicle to avoid arrest, and fugitive from justice – pending charges from Iowa authorities.

Deputy Mark Burbridge

Deputy Pat Morgan

One of two Pottawattie County Sheriff’s Deputy has died at a local hospital this (Monday) morning following a jail break and shooting at the Pott. County Jail. Multiple media outlets are reporting the Deputy was shot when an inmate who had just been sentenced to 55-years in jail, escaped the jail by crashing a jail van through garage door and leading authorities on a chase into Nebraska, where he was caught after the suspect earlier abandoned the van and car jacked another vehicle, which he then crashed.

Authorities have acknowledged that an inmate, Wesley Correa-Carmenaty, stole the transport van and crashed out of the Pottawattamie County Jail around 11 a.m. Monday. In addition to the two Deputies who were shot, a third person was said to have been transported to Creighton Medical Center. A report on their condition was not immediately available.

Authorities say the van was abandoned a few blocks away, where the inmate either met an accomplice or carjacked someone’s car. He then drove over the Missouri River into Omaha, Nebraska. It’s unclear whether the inmate was alone and still in the same vehicle when he crashed in Omaha to end the high-speed police chase.

Correa-Carmenaty was being held in the Pott. County Jail on charges of 1st Degree Murder, Attempted Murder, and 1st Degree Robbery.

MILFORD, Iowa (AP) – Authorities say a northwest Iowa man has died after exchanging gunfire with police officers. The Iowa Department of Public Safety on Monday says Milford police officers were called Sunday night to a problem at a home. As officers approached the home, a man inside fired several shots and a Milford officer returned fire while retreating to safety.

Officers tried for several hours to make contact with the person inside and finally entered the home about midnight. Officers found 52-year-old Robert Brunner dead in the home. An autopsy is planned.

The officer who fired the shot has been placed on administrative leave, as is the department’s policy in such shootings. The officer’s name wasn’t released.

Afton Police Chief John Coulter reports his Department has been contacted by a local resident concerning a consumer scam phone call. The caller says they are from Publishers Clearing House and are ready to deliver your award and claim that they are waiting in a neighboring town. Coulter says “This is a scam and people should just hang up on the caller.”

DO NOT answer any questions or provide any personal information to the caller. The Afton resident did hang up on the caller and did not experience in loss of funds or credit information.