The Cass County Board of Supervisors met Wednesday morning, in Atlantic. Auditor Dale Sunderman reports County Conservation Director Micah Lee presented a 4th quarter FY19 report of activity at county recreational sites (including maintenance activities at Cold Springs, the West Nodaway Area, T-Bone Trail, Pellett Memorial Woods and Outdoor Classroom) and Cass County Naturalist Lora Kanning’s environmental education activities. Micah said Kanning presented 131 programs to 2,511 persons.

Lee and two Conservation Board members reported also a proposed project to asphalt the roadway at Cold Springs Park south of Lewis.  The project is estimated cost about $109,000. Lee and the Conservation Board members requested assistance from the County to help fund the project. They suggested the project be paid for with 50% conservation funds and 50% from a ‘general fund’. Their request was taken under advisement.

Cass County Veteran Affairs Executive Director Mitch Holmes also gave report of 4th quarter and annual FY19 activity.  Holmes said during the quarter, 151 veterans were assisted with Federal VA benefits and/or local general assistance. County Attorney Vanessa Strazdas reviewed current legal activity. Mental Health/General Relief Coordinator Deb Schuler also presented report on activity for the month of June.

Sunderman said also, that an employee who was performing some GIS (Geographic Information Services) along with other duties, has moved, and the new employee will not be performing those GIS services.  Therefore, the County is planning to contract for those additional GIS services.  Representatives from Schneider Geospatial (already under contract for other GIS services) and Midland GIS Services presented proposals, which were taken under advisement.  Sunderman said the Board plans to act on the proposals during their next meeting on August 6th.

The Creston Police Department reports a traffic stop Wednesday morning lead to a pursuit that lasted 50-minutes before it finally ended in Madison County. Authorities say 40-year old Michael Ross Waddingham, of Orient, faces charges that include Felony Eluding, Driving While Barred, Possession of a Controlled Substance 3rd offense Marijuana, Possession w/intent to Sell – Methamphetamine over 5g and a Parole Violation Warrant. He was being held without bond in the Union County Jail.

The incident leading to his arrest began at around 9:04-a.m., Wednesday, when a Creston Police Officer on routine patrol, saw an individual in the driver’s seat of a white Ford pickup known to have a barred drivers license. The officer approached the individual and identified him as Michael Waddingham. During a check of Waddingham’s driver license status, it was learned he had a warrant for his arrest out of Adair County for Parole Violation.

Moments later, Waddingham proceeded to lead officers on a pursuit that ended southwest of Winterset, at the intersection of 235th Street and Francesca Avenue, after spike strips were successfully deployed, rendering the pickup undriveable. Agencies involved in the pursuit were the Adams County Sheriff’s Office, Adair County Sheriff’s Office, Creston Police Department, Iowa State Patrol, Madison County Sheriff’s Office and the Union County Sheriff’s Office.