The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is encouraging hunters to be aware that gray wolves are once again a protected federal species. D-N-R furbearer biologist, Vince Evelsizer, says they want to remind Iowa hunters after the gray wolf protection was reinstated near the end of December. “It just means to be sure of your target — especially if you are out coyote hunting this time of the year when the season is still open for coyotes — to keep an eye out. Because now the gray wolf is protected both federally and state protected,” Evelsizer says.

The change protects gray wolves in all of Wisconsin and Michigan, the eastern half of North Dakota and South Dakota, and the northern half of Iowa. Evelsizer says it is possible a hunter might mistake a gray wolf for a coyote and fire at the animal. “I think you could, I think it’s possible. I think most Iowans when they are out coyote hunting are not expecting or really keeping an eye out for a gray wolf when they coyote hunt,” according to Evelsizer. “We are just reminding folks that it’s time to start doing that more. We’ve had a few larger canines in our state recently.”

Wolves generally are larger and bulkier while coyotes are shorter, sleek and lighter on their feet. Evelsizer says there is not a breeding population of gray wolves in Iowa. He says it’s hard to figure just how many might be here. “It’s been occasional, it’s always a little tough to tell as there is sometimes dog-wolf hybrids out there,” Evelsizer says.

The D-N-R has information and identification tips online at www.iowadnr.gov/wolves.

(Radio Iowa)

The 8-a.m. Newscast w/KJAN News Director Ric Hanson.

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The 7:06-a.m. report w/KJAN News Director Ric Hanson

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A call about a suspicious subject at the Sapp Brothers Truck Stop in Fremont County early this (Saturday) morning, led to the arrest of 26-year old Kory M. Pierce, of Nebraska City, NE. Pierce was taken into custody at around 4:30-a.m. on charges that include Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana and Possession of multiple pieces of drug paraphernalia.

Pierce was being held in the Fremont County Jail on a $2,300 cash bond.

Police in Red Oak say a Villisca woman was arrested early this (Saturday) morning, following a traffic stop at Highway 34 and Ironwood Road. Authorities say 23-year old Danielle Lynette Archer was taken into custody on an OWI charge a little before 3-a.m., and brought to the Montgomery County Law Enforcement Center. Her bond was set at $1,000.

A Red Oak woman with a long history of arrests, was taken into custody Friday afternoon on a charge of Driving While Suspended. 44-year old Shelby Joann Olivares was arrested at around 3:20-p.m. and taken to the Montgomery County Jail, where her bond was set at $566.

A narcotics investigation Friday by the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office led to the arrest of one person on drug charges. Authorities say 39-year old Donald James Ryan, of Sidney, was charged with Possession of Methamphetamine with the intent to deliver/over 5-grams.

Fremont County deputies, assisted by the Iowa State Patrol and Sidney Police,  made the arrest in the Sapp Brothers Truck Stop parking lot. Ryan was being held in the Fremont County Jail on a $100,000 cash bond.

The attorney for a man convicted in a 2014 murder and arson in Crawford County is seeking a new trial for his client. According to the Omaha World-Herald, Attorney Michael Williams filed a motion in Crawford County District Court on Wednesday, requesting a new trial for 26-year old Michael David Schenk, of Denison, who was convicted on Jan. 28th of two counts of first-degree murder and one count of second-degree arson, in connection with the March 2014 murders of 80-year old Marvin Huelsing, of Maple River and 81-year old Alice Huisenga, of Arcadia. Their badly burned bodies were found on Huelsing’s farm between Deloit and Denison.

Williams’ motion contends that the verdict was contrary to the evidence in the case. It also says the court erred in several ways, including overruling the defense’s objection to the introduction of a Walmart receipt that was used to connect Schenk to a pickup found at the scene. Schenk’s sentencing is March 13th.

Schenk and a codefendant, 19-year old Jayden Ray Chapman, of Denison each were initially charged with two counts of first-degree murder and one count of first-degree arson. The arson charge against Schenk was reduced during the trial. Chapman’s trial is set for April 28.

A third defendant, 37-year old Erika Dains, of Denison pleaded guilty to reduced charges of second-degree burglary and misdemeanor accessory after the fact. As part of a plea agreement, she testified for the prosecution in Schenk’s trial.

Two men were arrested Thursday night in north Omaha, while a third escaped, after the vehicle they were in stopped as it was being pursued by Iowa State Patrol troopers into Nebraska. 38-year old Michael McNary was identified as the driver of the vehicle. Authorities say a passenger was 24-year old Anthony Miller. According to the Omaha World-Herald, Douglas County, NE, emergency 911 dispatchers told Omaha police that Iowa troopers were chasing a westbound vehicle on Interstate 480 into Omaha and that it left I-480 onto Dodge Street. The troopers ended their pursuit shortly after crossing the Missouri River into Omaha.

ABLE 1, the Omaha police department’s helicopter, was in the area and spotted the vehicle at 15th and Dodge Streets, police said. ABLE 1 provided updates for officers as the vehicle traveled in the northeast precinct area. Police said no Omaha officers pursued the vehicle.The vehicle stopped in the area of 38th and Cass Streets and three occupants fled from the vehicle on foot.

After a perimeter was established by police, McNary and Miller were taken into custody around 10 p.m. They were taken to police headquarters at 15th and Howard Streets and were booked into the Douglas County Jail on suspicion of various charges.