A Democratic state senator says he’s hopeful the Iowa Legislature will take action next year to help make the state’s roads safer for cycling. Nine people have died while biking in the state so far this year. That’s the most in any year since 2010. Senator Joe Bolkcom of Iowa City, says he feels distracted drivers are part of the problem.

“I think it’s probably time that we look at ending cell phone use in cars unless it’s hands-free…stopping texting, Facebooking, emailing,” Bolkcom said. Last week, Governor Branstad pledged to recommend ways the legislature can help make Iowa’s roads safer for cyclists as well as motorists. The governor’s comments followed the latest cycling death in the state, a week ago Sunday, when a Florida man participating in the annual RAGBRAI ride was struck from behind near Glenwood and killed before joining the official route.

“The tragedies of these lost lives is really going to move this along,” Bolkcom said. “I hope that we can move with something on distracted driving on cell phone use.” Bolkcom made his comments (Tuesday) on Iowa Public Radio’s River to River program.

(Radio Iowa/IPR)

ARCADIA, Iowa (AP) – A western Iowa parade drew complaints from some not amused by a makeshift jail cell holding a man wearing a Hillary Clinton mask. The Carroll Daily Times Herald reports two men built the cell on a trailer, then towed it Saturday in the parade celebrating the Arcadia Fire Department’s 100th anniversary. Inside was a man wearing an orange jail jumpsuit and Hillary Clinton mask. A sign reading “Hillary For Prison” was displayed.

Children were encouraged to throw water balloons at the cell. Kyle Julin, of nearby Manilla, drove an ATV pulling the cell, which he and a friend built. Some in Arcadia, a city of 500, laughed but others groaned. Carroll County Democrats Chairman Tim Tracy called the display “sad.” Julin says he wasn’t worried some were offended.

LE MARS, Iowa (AP) – A December trial has been scheduled for a northwest Iowa man accused of stabbing to death his sister. Court records say an attorney for 33-year-old Thomas Bibler entered not guilty pleas Friday to murder and related charges. Bibler’s trial is set to begin Dec. 13th. He was arrested June 11 after a short standoff at his Le Mars apartment. He’s accused of fatally stabbing 27-year-old Shannon Bogh at her Le Mars home.

Officials with the Iowa Department of Corrections report an inmate at the Fort Des Moines Work Release Facility was listed as escaped, Tuesday. Dept. spokesman Fred Scaletta says 30-year old Michael Joseph Frazier was placed on escape status after he failed to return to the Ft. Des Moines facility from his place of employment.

Frazier was transferred to Work Release June 22nd. He was serving a 15-year old sentence out of Warren County for 3rd degree kidnapping and possession of a firearm as a felon. Frazier is a white male, 6-feet tall, weighing about 196-pounds.

DOC file photo of Michael Frazier.

He had black hair, hazel eyes and numerous tattoos, including those on his back, the right side of his chest, right forearm, and neck. Both ears are pierced, and he has a scar on his right forearm.

If you see Frazier, contact your local law enforcement agency or 9-1-1.

The Cass County Sheriff’s Office reports two men were arrested Tuesday. 44-year old Todd Edward Kimpson, of Corning, was arrested on a charge of Violation of Protective Order. Kimpson was taken to the Cass County Jail and was released later that day on $300 bond. And, 59-year old Carl Eugene Perkins, of Omaha, was arrested in Cass County on a Polk County warrant. Perkins was taken to the Cass County Jail and released to Polk County authorities later that day.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has proposed new daily catch limits and a harvest season for commercial turtle trapping. Earlier this year, the state Legislature passed a bill requiring the DNR to set a harvest season and daily catch limits for turtles to more closely regulate the practice.

The Des Moines Register reports that the proposal limits the daily catch to 14 snapping turtles, one softshell turtle and three painted turtles. Trappers have been allowed to catch an unlimited amount of certain turtles year-round. The DNR also proposed a commercial trapping season that begins July 1 and runs through Dec. 31 to protect turtles during their nesting season.

The latest data from the DNR shows that more than 17,500 turtles were caught statewide in 2014 worth a wholesale value of nearly $273,000.

More area and State news from KJAN News Director Ric Hanson.

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Authorities in Cass and surrounding counties are on the lookout for a motorcycle reported stolen Tuesday night, from Atlantic. The cycle is a black, Yamaha XJ-700 with Iowa license plate CV 6705. It has black saddle bags and a nickel button-tufted seat.  If you see this motorcycle, call your local law enforcement agency.

The area’s top news at 7:06-a.m., w/KJAN News Director Ric Hanson

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The Creston Police Department reports a woman from Kent was arrested in Creston, Tuesday afternoon. 39-year old Crystal Dawn Huddleson was taken into custody on a Union County Probation Violation Warrant. Huddleson was being held at the Ringgold County Jail without bond until she is seen by a judge. And, Tuesday evening, 31-year old Wendy Marie Kinyon, of Creston, was arrested by Creston Police for driving while Revoked. Kinyon was later released from the Union County jail on a $1000 bond.