(Radio Iowa) – It will cost more next year for vehicles to cross a nearly mile-long toll bridge in southeast Iowa. The Burlington Northern Sante Fe Railway maintains the bridge, which connects Fort Madison to Illinois. It has a lower deck for trains and an upper deck for two lanes of vehicle traffic. The railroad says maintenance costs for the bridge exceed tolls. On January 1st, the toll for cars and pickups will increase from two to three dollars. Buses will pay seven-50 ($7.50) and tolls will increase for all other types of vehicles, including cars and pickups that are towing a trailer. Another increase is planned for January 1st of 2025. The railroad says toll fees to cross the Fort Madison bridge haven’t been raised since 2012.

The Fort Madison Bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It opened to traffic in 1927.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Board of Supervisors in Cass County today (Tuesday) received a presentation from Assured Partners Vice-President Ryan Berven, with regard to County employees health insurance year-to-date claims, and ISAC (Iowa State Association of Counties) insurance rates for July, and Wellness. The discussion lasted for more than one-hour. No action was taken on renewing the insurance. The Board will take the matter into further consideration considering the new rates which go into effect next year, at a future meeting.

Ryan Berven speaks with the Cass County BOS.

The Board then voted 4-to 1 to pass a Resolution pertaining to the setting of compensation of elected officials for Fiscal Year 2024, as previously approved by a Supervisors’ voice vote this past Spring. Supervisor Wendy Richter was the lone Nay vote. Auditor Kathy Somers reminded the Board of how they voted on March 21st before the final vote was taken.

In other business, the Supervisors received a regular, weekly report from Cass County Engineer Trent Wolken. The Board received also, a report covering October and November, from Cass County General Relief/Mental Health Coordinator Debbie Schuler.

(Red Oak, Iowa) – Montgomery County Engineer Karen Albert, today (Tuesday), reported some good news to the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors. The news was about 180th Street.

There was news on the 250th Street Bridge, also.

Montgomery County BOS mtg. 12/5/23

Karen Albert asked for the public’s help in notifying the authorities if you see any suspicious activity in the area of the a county worksite during off-hours.

And, Karen Albert reported on the status of two railroad bridges.

In other business, Supervisor Charla Schmid noted Montgomery County received an award last week. She deferred to Auditor Jill Ozuna to explain what the award was and what it means for the County.

The County received an actual pie as part of the award. The Supervisors then discussed having their regular meetings available (for archive purposes) on YouTube. Jill Ozuna explained…

The Board was not too thrilled with the idea of having their meetings being on the web for what Board Chair Mike Olson said could be “an eternity.” Some of their concerns were with regard to adding another layer of technology to the County’s IT Department, and security. There being no motion to either approve or disapprove of having their meetings archived on YouTube, the matter died for lack of action.

(Lewis, Iowa) – The Cass County Conservation Department and Iowa Bluebird Conservationists are once again hosting a “Cass County Christmas Bird Count,” on Sunday, December 17th. Those that want to participate in the count will gather at Cold Springs State Park in Lewis at 8-a.m. on the 17th.  Participants will then divide into groups to cover different sections of the count circle.

Birders are encouraged to dress for the conditions and bring along binoculars and bird books if you have them, otherwise they can be provided. It is also suggested to either wear or bring along an article of blaze orange clothing for any birding that may occur in parks that allow public hunting, as it will be the final day of deer season. The count will run until 3:30-p.m. that day as the bird enthusiasts cover a 15-mile diameter circle as thoroughly as possible.

Participants will meet-up for lunch at Noon at the Atlantic Pizza Ranch, to compare lists and reboot for counting in the afternoon. You are welcome to join them for the whole day, or just the morning or afternoon sessions. All abilities are welcome whether you are comfortable just birding from a vehicle and roadside or if you would like to walk through areas as well. Weather backup date will be determined if necessary.

Home birders may also contribute to the Cass County Count by watching their home feeder. Feeder counters will need to keep track of the time spent observing and will count the maximum number of a species seen at one time, not a cumulative for the day. Contact Chris Parks or Lora Kanning at Cass County Conservation if you would like to contribute and we will provide guidelines.

The Christmas Bird Count is a valuable research tool for the Audubon Society and is the nation’s longest running citizen-science bird project. This year is the 124th year of the count and the Cass County area is excited to join in again. Find more information on the Christmas Bird Count at www.christmasbirdcount.org. Persons interested in being a part of the event should contact Chris Parks or Lora Kanning, to let them know you are planning on coming out to Cold Springs State Park on Dec. 17th.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Cass County Conservation Department today (Tuesday), announced the sponsors of their Trumpeter Swan arrival contest have determined the official arrival of the swans in Atlantic, as December 2nd! On that day, there were 15 Trumpeter Swans that visited the Schildberg Quarry, and stayed more than twenty-four hours. The winner that picked that date was Rob Johnson! The contest was only open to residents of Cass County (IA).

Cass County Conservation thanks to all who participated! Trumpeter Swans have visited the Schildberg Quarry in Atlantic for, at least, twenty-four out of the last twenty-five winters.

WAUKEE, Iowa [KCCI] — Family members of a child who fell through the ice on a pond in Waukee last weekend and died, have identified the boy as 9-year-old Aiden James-Harrison Smith. KCCI reports, a neighbor called the police non-emergency number to report seeing a hole in the ice and shoes by the pond. Authorities confirmed First responders with the Waukee Police Department and Waukee Fire Department were called to conduct a welfare check at the pond located in the 1100 block of Northview Drive, a little after 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Aiden’s body was found after authorities and rescuers arrived.

Waukee’s Fire Chief Clint Robinson, said no one should be on the ice right now, and no one should go out alone. A GoFundMe has been created to help with the cost of Aiden’s funeral expenses.

FORT DODGE, Iowa [KCCI]— Officials in Webster County say no charges will be filed against the owner of the dogs who viciously attacked a woman last month. Investigators say the woman was mauled by three dogs while she was staying at a home in Fort Dodge. As previously mentioned, an officer was sent to the 800 block of 16th Street on Nov. 24th after receiving a call about someone screaming for help. The responding officer was forced to shoot and kill the dogs to stop the attack, according to Fort Dodge police Chief Dennis Quinn. Family members of the victim say both of her legs had to be amputated to her knees because of the attack, which also left her with severe head trauma.

Webster County Attorney Darren Driscoll said that an investigation didn’t find any evidence that shows a criminal act took place. In a statement provided to KCCI-TV, Driscoll said:

“The law enforcement investigation into the dog attack in Fort Dodge on November 24 has been completed. These dogs attacked the victim while she was inside the home of the dog owner, alone with the animals. Law enforcement responding to the scene shot and killed all three dogs involved in the attack. There was nothing revealed during the investigation to indicate that any criminal act occurred. This is a shocking tragedy and we wish the victim strength as she recuperates from her injuries.”

A GoFundMe for the victim has been set up to help pay for medical expenses.

GRIMES, Iowa – Dec. 4, 2023 – If you’ll be driving on Interstate 80 near the interchange that connects Interstates 35, 80, and 235 on the east side of the Des Moines metro this week, you’ll need to be aware of some overnight road closures that might impact your travel.

The Iowa DOT’s Grimes construction office will need to close the following roads and ramps for nighttime work to place bridge beams on the new bridge at the interchange. All closures will depend on the weather and may change. Marked detours will be in place.

1. Thursday, Dec.  7, and Sunday, Dec 10 from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.

• • The eastbound I-80 to northbound I-35 ramp will be closed

2. Monday, Dec. 11 from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., the following will be closed

• • Westbound I-80
  • Ramp from westbound I-80 to westbound I-235
  • Loop from eastbound I-235 to westbound I-80
  • Ramp from eastbound I-80 to northbound I-35

The Iowa DOT reminds motorists to drive with caution, obey the posted speed limit and other signs in the work area, and be aware that traffic fines for moving violations are at least double in work zones. As in all work zones, drivers should stay alert, allow ample space between vehicles, and wear seat belts.

Officials with the Creston (IA) Police Department report a man from Lamoni was arrested at around 12:22-a.m. today (Friday). 22-year-old Adrian Iseah Zendejas was arrested at the intersection of Osage and E. Adams Streets in Creston, on charges of that include Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Possession of a Controlled Substance Marijuana/1st Offense. Zendejas was taken to the Union County Jail and later released on $1300 cash or surety bond.

Monday night, 42-year-old Lexie Elaine Wambold, of Creston, was arrested at 801 W. Taylor Street. Wambold was charged with Theft 5th Possess/Control under $300. Police say she was cited and released from the scene.

And, a little after 5-a.m., Monday, 27-year-old Wyatt Dean Low, of Stuart, was arrested at 905 N. Cherry in Creston. Low was charged with Obstruction of E-911 communications, and Domestic Abuse Assault – 1st Offense/with Dangerous Weapon. Low was taken to the Union County Jail and later released on a $2,000 cash or surety bond.

(Shenandoah, Iowa) – Officials with the Shenandoah Police Department, Monday (12/4/23), released a report detailing 23 arrests that occurred last month. Among them, was:

• 34-year-old Jesse Eugene Hutton, of Omaha, who was arrested Nov. 27th, for Burglary in the 3rd Degree, Criminal Mischief in the 5th Degree, and on two-counts of Theft in the 5th Degree.
• On the 25th, Shenandoah Police arrested 30-year-old Trent Brammer, of Shenandoah, for Child Endangerment causing bodily injury.
• On Nov. 20th, 19-year-old Ethan Glidden, of Shenandoah, was arrested for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
• On the 15th: 24-year-old Cameron Craig Hilligoss and 21-year-old Hunter Jason Stanley, both of Shenandoah, were arrested on a valid Page County warrants pertaining to original charges of Theft in the 4th Degree and Lottery-Forged/Theft of ticket.
• Police in Shenandoah arrested 25-year-old Sayj Elizabeth Matin, of Shenandoah, on Nov. 10th, for Domestic Assault causing injury.
• On the 9th, 62-year-old Rochelle Denise Olson, of Sioux Falls, SD, was arrested in Shenandoah for Possessionof drug paraphernalia and Poss. of a Controlled Substance/2nd offense.
• 46-year-old Andrew Lee McCue, of Shenandoah, was arrested Nov. 6th, for Abandon[ment] of cats and dogs, causing serious injury.
• And, on Nov. 2nd, 28-year-old Deborah Jordan Snider,  of Shenandoah, was arrested on four-counts of Child Endangerment and two-counts of Animal Neglect, causing death.

View the complete Shenandoah Police report HERE.