The Iowa Department of Transportation has posted a photo of a semi, whose driver found out the hard way yesterday (Sunday) morning, that barricades and “ROAD CLOSED” signs aren’t just suggestions to stay away from certain areas. (See the photo below) The driver ignored the signs and barricades posted on Highway 2 at the Missouri River, where the road was completely torn-up. Their rig ended-up being tilted, with the tractor section partially off the road and the trailer jackknifed onto the shoulder. Officials ask motorists to “Please pay attention and don’t go around traffic control devices. They are in place to keep you safe.”

Photo from the IA DOT Facebook page (Click on the image to enlarge)

An accident at around 1:35-a.m. Saturday, in Griswold, resulted in the arrest of a man from Lewis. The Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office reports 18-year old Nicholas James Freund was driving a 2005 Chevy Silverado pickup near 16958 525th Street, when the truck crashed into two power poles, causing major damage to the utility lines. Freund fled the area, but was located and stopped at Highway 48 and Osage Road, in Cass County. Authorities say he showed signs of being impaired, and failed three of four consent Field Sobriety tests. He was arrested for OWI/1st offense, and cited for Failure to Maintain  Control, as well as leaving the scene of a property damage accident.

At around 4-a.m. Saturday, 31-year old Hunter James Carruthers was arrested in Pottawattamie County, in the 18500 block of River Road, or just north of N. 25th Street and I-29. He was pulled over for having a burned-out registration plate light, and subsequently arrested for OWI/2nd offense. And, at around 11:45-p.m. Sunday, 23-year old Chase Hunter Keul was arrested, after deputies were notified of a fight in progress at Westfair. Keul was taken into custody for Assault with intent to inflict pain or injury. His victim was a 24-year old male.

MARSHALLTOWN, Iowa (AP) — Some veterans are complaining about a new, more restrictive policy regarding smoking at the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown. The Times-Republican reports that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has required the Iowa home to implement VA policy limiting where residents can smoke. The VA provides a substantial amount of the funding to the Iowa facility for facility construction and maintenance, resident care and other activities.

The hospital commandant, Timon Oujiri, says the policy is aimed at ensuring the safety of residents who smoke as well as the safety of staffers and other residents. State Rep. Mark Smith is a longtime volunteer at the hospital, and he says he’s received several calls from World War II and Vietnam War veterans who do not agree with the new policy.

The Creston Police Department reports four arrests and one incident of vandalism. Authorities say two people were arrested Friday: 48-year old John Pace, Jr., of Creston, was arrested for Driving While Barred. He was being held in the Union County Jail on a $2,000 bond; and, 60-year old Terri Adamson, of Creston, was arrested outside of her residence, for OWI/1st Offense. Adamson was released from the Union County Jail on a $1,000 bond.

Two Creston residents were arrested Saturday: 38-year old Timothy Hudek was arrested at his home on a Madison County warrant for Violating a No Contact/Protective Order – Contempt of Court. He was transferred to the custody of Madison County; and, 29-year old Alex Cunningham was arrested Saturday for Driving While Revoked. He was later released on a $1,000 bond.

Creston Police said also, a Creston woman residing in the 1100 block of W. Mills Street, reported Saturday that sometime overnight Friday into early Saturday morning, someone slashed her rear, driver’s side tire, and took a large amount of gift cards and a wallet from inside the vehicle. The damage and loss was estimated at $825.

BURLINGTON, Iowa (AP) — Another defendant has taken a plea deal in the slaying of a 26-year-old man in southeast Iowa. The Hawk Eye reports that Andre Harris pleaded guilty to conspiracy and other charges Friday. His deal calls for him to testify against the three remaining defendants. Five men were charged with killing Demarcus “Peanut” Chew on Sept. 10, 2017, outside his mother’s apartment in Burlington.

One of the five, Antoine Spann, also took a deal and was sentenced to 20 years in prison. He, too, must testify against the three remaining defendants: Caesar Davison, Derrick Parker and Emmanuel Spann. Harris is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 26.