DENISON, Iowa (AP) — A man who operates a vehicle dealership in western Iowa has been scheduled for trial on theft and other charges. Crawford County District Court records say 57-year-old Robert Adams entered written pleas of not guilty Wednesday to 14 counts of theft, one of fraudulent sales practices and one of specified unlawful activity. His trial is set to begin Sept. 25 in Denison.

Customers say Adams didn’t forward to the appropriate agencies or entities money paid for title transfers and warranty contracts and protection plans. His Adams Motor Co. also is accused of selling vehicles without paying off loans still owed on them, which meant buyers couldn’t get clear title.

The Iowa Transportation Department is moving against the dealer license issued to Adams.

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

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CEDAR RIVER, Iowa (AP) — A 35-year-old Cedar Rapids woman is accused of intentionally driving her car with her two children inside into the Cedar River on a chilly evening in March. Linn County Court records say Alicia Cole is charged with two counts of child endangerment causing injury. The records don’t list the name of an attorney who could comment for her. Authorities say firefighters and police were sent to Cedar Rapids’ Mohawk Park around 4:45 p.m. on March 11. They found that boaters already had helped Cole and the two children from the sinking car. A court document says all three “were exposed to potential hypothermia and drowning.”

A man from Union County was arrested Thursday afternoon at a motel in Creston, on a Union County warrant for (Felony) Sexual Exploitation of a Minor. Creston Police say 37-year old Brian Lee Rhodes, of Creston, was arrested at the Creston Super 8 at around 1-p.m., Thursday. Rhodes was being held in the Union County Jail on a $10,000 bond. Thursday evening, 42-year old Tommy Dewayne Watters, of Creston, was arrested for Public Intoxication. His bond was set at $300. And, Thursday night, 25-year old Shelby Rhae Bishop, of rural Creston, was arrested at the Union County Law Enforcement Center, after she turned herself-in on a Probation Violation warrant. Bishop was being held without bond, in the Adams County Jail.

Creston Police said also, a man living in the 900 block of N. Division Street, reported Thursday, that a flower solar light had been taken from his residence sometime between Wednesday and Thursday morning. The loss was estimated at $100.

The Taylor County Sheriff’s Office reports this (Friday) morning, 51-year old David Long, of Bedford, was arrested in the 600 block of Court Avenue in Bedford, on an active Taylor County warrant for delivery of a controlled substance. A subsequent search warrant was executed on the residence, resulting in Long being charged with possession of a controlled substance with the intent to deliver. Authorities say 51-year old Lorretta Marecale, of Bedford, was also charged. Both Long and Marecale are being held at the Taylor County Jail without bond, pending an appearance with a magistrate

“Take Back Bridgewater” founder Doug Miller has announced a Public Forum and Potluck dinner will take place this Sunday, June 10th, at the Bridgewater Activity Center. Doors open at 4:30-p.m., with the Potluck at 5, and the Forum getting underway at 6:30-p.m.  Beverages and glasses will be provided. You’re asked to bring your own table service (plates, silverware, napkins).

Nationally recognized speakers Frank and Kim Spillers, with Global Horizons, will share and discuss their 30-years of experience and ideas to help grow the population of the tiny community, create jobs and new businesses, while increasing wealth and reducing poverty, and keeping youth in the area. Everyone, not just the citizens of Bridgewater, is welcome to attend the potluck and forum. There is no cost to attend, but donations will be accepted, and fundraiser items will be available. “Takeback Bridgewater” a grassroots community-based initiative, was founded in Feb., 2017, with a mission of working in partnership with citizens to address criminal activity and improve the quality of life in and around Bridgewater. Since then, there have been numerous community meetings, including one featuring Congressman David Young and other notable individuals.

More information can be found at “Take Back Bridgewater, Iowa,” on Facebook. Or, call/text Doug Miller at 641-745-5108.