Officials with the Iowa Department of Public Safety, today (Friday), issued an update on an investigation into the July 19th, 2018 disappearance of 20-year old Mollie Tibbetts, from Brooklyn. Although Mollie has not been located, the investigation into her disappearance has not slowed. The public is encouraged to contact the following tip-lines if they believe they have information related to Mollie’s disappearance: 800-452-1111 or 515-223-1400. There is also a dedicated email to accept tips: tips@poweshiekcosheriff.com

Tibbetts was reported missing by her family.  She was last seen on July 18th at approximately 7:30 PM while running the city streets of Brooklyn. Her last known article of clothing is believed to be dark colored running shorts, a pink sports top and running shoes, color unknown.

Authorities said also, as of Thursday, August 2 – there were 390 people listed as missing on the Iowa Missing Person Information Clearinghouse. Of those, 225 were listed as juveniles, a majority of which are runaway situations. Twenty-six of the individuals listed on the Clearinghouse are categorized as involuntary.  These 26 cases date back as far as 1976.

In 2017, 4,311 juveniles were reported missing to The Missing Person Information Clearinghouse.  This is an average of approximately 12 juveniles a day.  The vast majority of which are found or returned home within 24 hours. Typically these cases are runaway situations. The number of missing juveniles reported in recent weeks is in line with historical numbers. For additional information on missing persons in Iowa, please visit the Department of Public Safety’s website at: http://www.iowaonline.state.ia.us/mpic/

NEWTON, Iowa (AP) — A local official in central Iowa is proposing turning a wind turbine blade into a sculpture that would be a new landmark for the community. The Newton Daily News reports that Bruce Showalter’s proposal to use the TPI Composites-made wind turbine blade aims to make Newton more appealing and distinguishable to visitors and passers-by. Showalter is the chairman of the Newton Hometown Pride Committee and housing director of Newton Housing Development Corporation. He proposed the idea to city council members during a Monday workshop.

Showalter says the project would cost an estimated $100,000. Councilwoman Evelyn George liked the idea, but voiced concerns about whether the blade would obstruct the view of businesses. Councilman Mark Hallam also enjoyed the concept of the project.

The Mills County Sheriff’s Office reports 19-year old Chase Zachary Stewart, of Malvern, was arrested Thursday evening. Stewart was taken into custody for Criminal Mischief in the 5th Degree. His bond was set at $300. And, 46-year old Brian Robert Vanderpool, of Tabor, was arrested by Fremont County Deputies on Mills County warrants for Intimidation with a Dangerous Weapon and Harassment in the 1st Degree. He was transferred to the custody of Mills County and held without bond in the Mills County Jail.

The Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office reports a Minden man was arrested Thursday afternoon on a valid Pottawattamie County arrest warrant for Harassment 1st Degree Sexting. 39-year old Michael David Hillis was being held without bond in the Pott. County Jail. Hillis also faces a charge of Interference with Official Acts, the bond for which is $300.

The Pott. County Sheriff’s Office reports also, two men being held in the Pottawattamie County Jail were served with additional warrants Thursday. 26-year old Damian Daniel Blain, of Council Bluffs, who was being held in the jail on a 2nd Degree Theft charge, was presented with a warrant for Felony Theft in the 2nd degree, the bond for which is $5,000. He was returned to the custody of Corrections Staff. 43-year old Marcos Rafael Jarquin, of Council Bluffs, was served with a warrant for Violation of Probation. His bond was set at $10,000.

And, 23-year old Chance Hunter Adolf, of Papillion, NE., was arrested Thursday, for Probation Violation.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – Aug. 3, 2018 – A pavement repair project on eastbound Interstate 80/southbound I-29 in Council Bluffs, will require closing the roadway to traffic overnight beginning at 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 4th, weather permitting, according to the Iowa Department of Transportation’s District 4 Office. The interstate and ramps are expected to open by 7 a.m. Sunday morning, Aug. 5th. Southbound I-29 traffic will be diverted to 24th Street. Eastbound I-80 traffic will be reduced to one lane and the eastbound I-80 on-ramp at 24th Street and the eastbound off-ramp at South Expressway will be closed at 7 p.m. as well. At 10 p.m., eastbound I-80 traffic will be diverted to 24th Street. Please follow the posted detours during the closure.

Iowa DOT is in the process of reconstructing I-80, I-29 and I-480 in the Council Bluffs metropolitan area as part of the Council Bluffs Interstate Improvement Program. This comprehensive interstate redesign, which will be delivered over the next eight-to-10 years, will modernize the highway system and improve mobility and safety of approximately 18 miles of interstate. 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.