(Afton, Iowa) – The Iowa State Patrol late Saturday evening in a **CORRECTED** report, released the names of the victims of a crash that occurred late Friday night, in Union County. Authorities say 19-year-old Halsie Lynn Barnes, of Tingley, died at the scene.

19-year-old Ella Jo Leonard, of Winterset**, was injured and flown by helicopter to Methodist Hospital in Des Moines. Both were passengers in a 2017 Chevy Malibu that was struck nearly broadside by a 2016 Ford F-350 pickup. The crash happened at around 10:28-p.m., Friday, at Highway 34 and 190th Street in Union County.

According to the report, the pickup, driven by 59-year-old Andy David Merritt, of Seymour, was traveling east on Highway 34 approaching 190th Street, when the Malibu, driven by 19-year-old Madalynn Mae Stewart, of Maloy (IA), failed to stop at the stop sign on 190th Street. When the car entered Highway 34, it was struck on the driver’s side. Both vehicles ended-up in the north ditch.

Madalynn Stewart, and another other passenger in the car, 20-year-old Abigail Dawn Barnes, of Lamoni, were injured. Stewart was flown by helicopter to Mercy Hospital in Des Moines. Barnes was transported to Methodist Hospital by ambulance. Andy Merritt, and 62-year-old Julia Ann Merritt, of Seymour, were injured and transported by a relative to their residence.

Halsie Barnes, Madalynn Stewart, Abigail Barnes, and Andy Merritt, were not wearing seat belts. The Patrol was assisted at the scene by the Union County Sheriff’s Office, along with Union and Clarke County EMS.

NOTE: The Patrol’s initial report early Saturday morning DID indicate 1 fatality. Saturday afternoon, however, it was changed to 2 fatalities. About 2-hours later, they changed the report AGAIN, with the clarification of 1 fatality.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic City Council, this past Wednesday, approved an Order to restrict down Chestnut Street parking spaces for a special event that takes place on August 19th. The Downtown Block Party/Food Truck event is being planned by four local businesses: Homebody; Brown’s Shoe Fit; Unique Salon, and Atlantic Jazzercise. The ordinance states that food trucks cannot park adjacent to brick-and-mortar businesses. At the time the order was passed, the nearby Xu’s Golden Dragon Chinese Restaurant was still closed, but the owner has posted on social media, that the business was expected to re-open August 1st.

It remains to be seen how that will affect the plans for a a food truck parked across parking stalls on the right-of-way.

In other business, the Atlantic City Council passed the first reading of an ordinance that repeals a subsection of the City’s Code of Ordinances, with regard to permitted truck parking.

City Administrator John Lund notes the ordinance is a “technical correction,” that allows truck parking on certain city-owned lots north of the railroad tracks. The lots have been leased for years to Murphy Heavy Construction.

The section being removed (69.11) states “All motor trucks, semi-trailers, semi-trailer tractors or any other motor vehicle with trailer attached may park, without charge, at the “truck/truck trailer parking area, located on Lots 31,32,33 and 34 in Walker’s Addition to the City of Atlantic, with an address of 110 State Street.”

Murphy’s trucks are not affected by the change, since he has a lease with the City. There currently is no designated truck parking within the City.

July 21, 2023 (DES MOINES, IA) – Today (Friday), the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) Board approved awards for four companies, which will assist in the creation of 226 jobs and result in nearly $45 million in new capital investment for the state. These projects are located in Eldridge, Nevada, Osage and Story City.

The board also approved innovation funding in support of five startups located in Ames, Cedar Rapids, Denison and Slater. Earlier this week, IEDA approved assistance from Iowa’s State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) for an innovation startup in Coralville.

MOD Advisor, Inc., headquartered in Denison, was awarded a $100,000 Demonstration Fund loan for IP development and evaluation, proof of concept work, product refinement, key personnel and market planning and entry activities.

MOD Advisor, Inc. automates the process of performing workers’ compensation experience mod analysis. This software helps businesses make an instant decision on claims with a more efficient and simplified real-time analysis between policyholder, broker and carrier.

(Radio Iowa) – Tensions continue to run high over plans for the proposed carbon pipelines. Some Kossuth County residents questioned the County Board of Supervisors this week about their actions at the end of a recent meeting with representatives of a carbon pipeline company.

One resident asked about a gesture made by a pipeline representative. “As they’re walking out one of them, gives a thumbs up to the board and there were some gestures from board members back to that. How do you explain to the public that you guys are on their side and not in cahoots with pipeline members or representatives that don’t even live in this county or pay taxes in this county?,” he asked. Another resident asked a similar question.

Navigator map of proposed pipeline route.

Fourth District Supervisor Kyle Stecker spoke up about his acknowledgment of the pipeline representatives. “I was asked after the meeting if I noticed the thumbs up. No, I didn’t, I nodded as people were walking out. Common courtesy beyond that had no meaning to me,” he says. “So whatever thumbs up anyone does inadvertently don’t really pay attention to it. Simple as that.”

Second District Supervisor Jack Plathe said the supervisors are working for the landowners, but said he couldn’t go into detail on that. The Navigator pipeline route would run through Kossuth County if it is approved.

(Radio Iowa) – The D-N-R says Iowa’s air quality is good today (Friday), but we’ve had several bouts with very unhealthy air in recent days, weeks and months, due to the wildfire smoke wafting in from Canada. Now, an ophthalmologist says all of that smoke could be leading to more cases of dry eye syndrome. Doctor Omar Awad says the condition is often worse in the winter, but not this year.

Awad says it can be treated with a warm compress to the eyelid, topical lubricants and anti-inflammatory medicines.

(Radio Iowa) – A pair of World War Two aircraft are at the Mason City Municipal Airport this weekend. The C-47 named “That’s All Brother” was one of the lead aircraft that delivered the first Allied troops to France on D-Day in 1944. Pilot Doug Rozendahl of Clear Lake says to have a historic artifact like this out where the public can see it and experience a ride is really special.

Rozendahl says there were 18 paratroopers on the plane that night, and people can experience what it was like to be involved on that D-Day flight.

Doc the B-29 Superfortress. (KGLO photo)

Rozendahl is part of the Commemorative Air Force that flies numerous historic planes around the country.

Learn more about the C-47 as well as the B-29 Superfortress aircraft named “Doc” by heading to thatsallbrother.org/tour.

DES MOINES, Iowa – Eleven defendants are facing federal criminal charges as part of a joint federal, state, and local law enforcement investigation. The charges are the result of a year-long investigation into violent acts, shootings, the possession and use of firearms, including the use of automatic switches, which qualify as machine guns under federal law, firearm straw purchasing, firearm trafficking, and distribution of fentanyl within the Des Moines area by members and associates of the criminal street gang OMB (Only My Brothers), a subset of the C-Block criminal street gang. During the investigation, law enforcement recovered shell casings at various shootings and generated investigative leads. Ninety-two guns were involved, with 73 of the involved guns seized.

United States Attorney Richard Westphal said “Federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies will continue to work side by side to aggressively investigate crimes of violence and conduct that promotes and sustains this violence, including the trafficking of fentanyl, firearms trafficking, and straw purchasing. To individuals and groups that use violent crime, firearms and drug trafficking as a means to any end, please stop or face similar consequences.”

Eleven defendants are charged in five criminal indictments with federal drug and firearm related offenses:
• Armani Eugene Gates, 19, also known as “OMB74” and “74,” of Des Moines,
• Majok Majok, 18, also known as “Jok” and “Magok Magok,” of Des Moines,
• Trent Douglas Brown, Jr., 19, also known as “TB,” of Des Moines,
• Semaj Johnson, 19, also known as “Maj” and “10mill,” of Des Moines,
• Santiz Cortez Langford, Jr., 19, also known as “Tiz” and “Tizwick,” of Des Moines,
• Dawn Ellease Robinson, 44, also known as “Dawn Ellease Colbert,” of Des Moines,
• Deon Ellease Cooper, 27, of Des Moines,
• Deadrian Maurice Nelson, 18, also known as “Shiesty” and “D,” of Des Moines,
• Johnetta Marie Strode, 36, of Des Moines,
• Avontae Lamar Tucker, 20, also known as “Tae Tae,” of Des Moines, and
• Bakier Esmaeil, 18, of Des Moines.

On July 20, 2023, federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies executed nine federal search warrants that resulted in the arrest of eleven defendants, two of which were already in federal custody. The search warrants also lead to the seizure of approximately 13,000 suspected fentanyl pills, seven firearms, one machine gun conversion device, and $23,000 in cash.
According to public court documents and information discussed at court hearings, Strode is Nelson’s mother and allegedly conspired to straw purchase a firearm, later found in Nelson’s possession. Robinson is the mother of both Langford and Cooper and allegedly conspired with Langford to straw a purchase a firearm later found in possession of a victim in the January 2023 Starts Right Here double homicide in Des Moines. Cooper, who is Langford’s sister, is also alleged to have purchased firearms at Langford’s direction.

Gates, Majok, and Brown are charged with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. This charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison, up to life in prison.
Gates, Cooper, Langford, Robinson, and Strode are charged with conspiracy to straw purchase firearms. Cooper and Robinson were charged with individually straw purchasing firearms. These charges carry a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, with Gates facing a maximum of 25 years in prison. Cooper, Robinson, and Strode are charged with false statement during the purchase of a firearm. These charges carry a maximum sentence of five to 10 years in prison. Gates, Majok, Johnson, and Langford are charged with firearm trafficking conspiracies. Langford was charged with firearms trafficking. These charges carry a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.

Johnson and Tucker are charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Gates, Brown, and Majok were charged with distribution of fentanyl. These charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Langford is charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana. This charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison. Tucker is charged with possession with intent to distribution five grams or more of methamphetamine. This charge carries a minimum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison. Tucker is also charged with possessing and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, which carries a mandatory seven-year consecutive sentence, up to life in prison.

Further, Tucker is charged with interference with commerce through robbery. This charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.Johnson and Tucker are charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. This charge carries a mandatory five-year consecutive sentence, up to life in prison. Majok and Langford are charged with illegal possession of a machinegun. Majok and Langford were also charged with possession of a machinegun in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. These charges carry a mandatory 30-year consecutive sentence, up to life in prison. Gates, Esmaeil, Johnson, Majok, Robinson, Langford, Strode, and Tucker are charged with being an unlawful drug user in possession of a firearm. Nelson was charged with being a felon and an unlawful drug user in possession of a firearm. These charges carry a maximum penalty of 10 to 15 years in prison.

A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the United States Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Multiple agencies are investigating the case, with assistance from numerous other law enforcement agencies.  This investigation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

(Des Moines, Iowa) – Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds’ office today (Friday), announced that RILCO, Inc., based in Rock Island, IL and M.H. Eby, Inc., a legacy Iowa manufacturer, were among the company investment announcements made today at the monthly Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) board meeting. Combined, these projects represent a total capital investment of more than $25 million and are expected to create a total of 201 jobs in the communities of Eldridge and Story City respectively.

Gov. Reynolds said “The investments announced today are a testament that Iowa is a place of opportunity and economic vitality. From being recognized as the nation’s most fiscally responsible state to the historic tax reform passed by our legislature, we have built a strong foundation where businesses in Iowa can thrive and prosper. I welcome RILCO to the state, congratulate both companies for their significant expansion plans and wish them continued success as they work to broaden and diversify Iowa’s robust manufacturing sector.”

RILCO, Inc. is a large lubricant distributor and industrial service provider and has also developed its own proprietary brands of lubricants, antifreeze and greases under the Tec-Guard and Tec-Kool brands. Its products are sold and distributed to industrial, agricultural, construction and retail customers. The company, which already has a distribution center in Pella and locations in the Quad Cities, plans to relocate its corporate headquarters from Illinois to Eldridge. The project involves a 58,000-square-foot expansion and improvement to an available building in the Iowa community. An estimated 81 jobs are expected to be created by the more than $10 million total capital investment.

Founded in 1938, M.H. Eby, Inc. has evolved over the years into an industry-leading manufacturer of aluminum truck bodies and livestock haulers. With a previous expansion, they added manufacturing capabilities for livestock and semi-trailers. The company plans to expand their Story City facility by an additional 100,000 square feet to support the growth of its business. This $15.4 million capital investment is expected to create 120 jobs.

Economic development incentive packages approved by the IEDA board today helped ensure these projects would take place in Iowa. RILCO was awarded $135,000 in tax credit benefits and M.H. Eby was awarded $800,000 in tax credit benefits through the High Quality Jobs (HQJ) Program. The HQJ assistance hinges on performance, and the company will receive these benefits when contract obligations have been met.

(Radio Iowa) – Thousands of bikers start RAGBRAI Sunday in Sioux City and they will present some traffic challenges as they roll across the state this week. Iowa State Patrol Trooper Kary Yaneff says it could interrupt the routine of drivers. “We’re just asking for a lot of patience from a lot of the drivers,” she says. Many county roads that are normally lightly traveled will be filled with bikes. Yaneff says you should be prepared for anything if you are driving in the area of the ride route.

“Most of these riders, technically they’re supposed to be on one lane and they’ll probably be on both sides of the roadway. So when you’re coming to the top of the hill approaching that we’re asking to use caution because you might be meeting a bicyclist,” Yeneff says. “A lot of them like to stop on the side of the road to either take a break or there might be equipment issues.” Yaneff says this is a short-term interruption of the normal routine that will go smoothly if everyone takes their time and is understanding. The communities hosting the riders may experience some cellphone service issues once the bikers arrive with their phones.

“Your cell phone might be spotty or be not working and you might be in a different spot and it may work,” she says. Yaneff says some communities are trying to boost the cellphone signals, but there could still be issues. The 50th annual ride ends next Saturday in Davenport.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – On Thursday, July 20, 2023, the Atlantic Chamber Ambassadors visited the Fish Store and Pet Center in Atlantic to celebrate the new ownership and merchandise selection. The Ambassadors also had the opportunity to learn about the process behind their renovations and meet with the new owner.

Mike Cook, new owner of the Fish Store and Pet Center, shared about why he chose to take on this role and how he was able to reach it. After being in business for over 35 years, the previous owner, Rick Johnson, was looking to retire. Cook, who is a native to the area, thought that keeping this business would be a great opportunity for the community. With his prior experience shopping in the store, as well as his love for pets, Cook was eager to have this longtime Atlantic business up and running again. He knew how important it was to have a local business with such a unique inventory in the area, so he made the choice to move from Florida back to a former family member’s home.

Ambassadors from Left to Right: Row One: Paige Jensen, Dr. Keith Leonard, John Bricker, Alden Harriman, Bailey Smith, Tori Gibson, Anne Quist, Ruth Sears, Jennifer McEntaffer, Megan Sramek, Elaine Otte, Jeremy Butler, Colt Doherty Row Two: Rick Mericle, Lana Westphalen, Kathie Hockenberry, Jim Kickland, Donnie Drennan, Donna Cook, Mike Cook, Joe Flathers, Julie Waters, Krysta Hanson, Scott Bennett, Dolly Bergmann, Steve Andersen

Cook is excited to watch his business and customer base continue to grow, as sales have increased in comparison to previous months. He has stayed busy ordering new inventory to fit the needs of all pet owners and other customers, in addition to the different renovations that have taken place. The Fish Store and Pet Center carries a variety of live animals such as fish, reptiles, birds, hamsters, and puppies that Cook breeds himself. Cook also carries a wide selection of animal feeds, toys, and habitats.

The Fish Store and Pet Center is open 9-5 Monday through Friday and 9-3 on Saturdays, with an open house event held during their business hours on Friday and Saturday. For more information regarding the business, visit their Facebook page, the Fish Store and Pet Center, or call 712-243-1760. The Fish Store and Pet Center is located at 13 W 4th Street in Atlantic.