(Mason City, Iowa) — Police in a northern Iowa community report a man was taken into custody late Monday morning, following a shots-fired incident. A man reported to Mason City Police that another male had fired a handgun at him while the resident was inside his home. The incident happened at around 11:30-a.m., Monday, at 123 12th Street NW. The resident was not injured.

Law enforcement, including officers from the Mason City Police Department, Deputies with the Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Department, the Iowa State Patrol, and, Mason City Fire Department responded to the scene. Officers surrounded the house and blocked nearby vehicle traffic while the incident unfolded.

Officers were able to get some of the occupants out of the house but one occupant would not exit. They maintained a perimeter for several minutes while a search warrant was requested for the property and remaining occupant. Members of the North Iowa Special Operations Group (SOG) later approached the house, with the remaining occupant exiting the home a little after 1-p.m., Monday.

Authorities say 50-year-old John Compher, of Mason City, was arrested and charged with 2nd Offense Domestic Abuse Assault. He was being held in the Cerro Gordo County Jail. The incident remains under investigation.

Police in Creston (Iowa) report the arrest at around 12:40-a.m. today (Tuesday), of a man on drug charges. 19-year-old James Joel Villarreal, of Creston, was arrested at the intersection of Adams and Sycamore. He was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance, Marijuana 1st Offense. Villarreal was taken to the Union County Jail where was being held on a $1,000 cash or surety bond.

(Omaha, NE) – Social media advertising is an effective way for small businesses to get the word out about their products. Unfortunately, the same goes for scams. BBB Scam Tracker has received more than 50 online purchase scam reports from consumers across Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and South Dakota since November 1, many of which were perpetrated on social media. The 2022 BBB Online Scams Report found that online purchase scams were the most common cons reported to Scam Tracker and the category with the most victims.

How the scam works

Products that claim to support charity: As you scroll through your Facebook or Instagram feed, you see an ad from a small business selling adorable jewelry, t-shirts, or other merchandise. The best part? Some of the proceeds from the sale will go to a charity that helps rescue animals, foster children, or support another worthy cause. Some consumers even report getting direct messages from sellers promoting the products and asking them to spread the word to friends and family.

You make your purchase. But when your merchandise never gets delivered, the doubts start to build. When you contact the company about your purchase, they are suddenly unreachable or reply with an autoresponder. In reality, the product never existed. It was all a ploy to get your money. See more on charity scams.

Free trial offers: Many of these misleading advertisements tout celebrity endorsements and promise a trial of the hottest new skincare or nutritional supplement for a minimal investment of shipping fees. Consumers report that once they agree to the terms and conditions of these offers, they realize they have agreed to multiple monthly shipments for products over $70-$100 each. See our study on free trial offers.

Before you sign up for these “limited time offers,” research the company online, see if there are any other consumer complaints, and read the terms and conditions you agree to carefully. That is a red flag if you can’t find any terms and conditions. Watch out for pre-checked boxes and ensure you know who and where the company you are purchasing from.

Counterfeit merchandise: Name-brand goods are prime targets for unauthorized duplication, from sporting goods to designer apparel and handbags. If you purchase any of these products, you may risk not only receiving a poor quality product, but it may not meet environmental and safety regulations either. See more about counterfeit product scams.

Look out for red flags. This includes items priced significantly lower than other retailers are charging, spelling and grammatical errors in the advertisements, and poor-quality images. These are all signs that the advertisement may be for a counterfeit product.

Engaging ads and poor customer service: This category covers a broad spectrum of complaints that BBB receives, from ads for beauty products to trendy clothing to kids’ toys. The advertisements look great, and the products are often inexpensive. This means that consumers purchase without researching the website or the company behind it. However, weeks pass, and the products never arrive. When the buyers reach out to customer service, they get a vague answer or don’t hear back.

Before buying, do a quick online search. Google the website name with the words “complaints,” “reviews,” and “scam” to see what other customers are saying. Check the “About Us” or “Contact Us” information on the company’s website to see if they contain actual contact details for the business. If the only way to contact the company is through a form, this is a red flag.

Apps of unknown origin: While scrolling through your feed, you may feel compelled to download the latest “free” app. Beware! By downloading this app, not only are you opening up your device to these unknown entities, but you could be signing up for recurring subscription fees. Victims report being charged fees as high as $99 every seven days.

Before you enter your username and password, read the reviews. Also, read the app’s description carefully and look for spelling and grammatical errors. Check that the developer’s website is working and read the terms and conditions carefully ($99 every 7 days adds up quickly).

How to protect yourself from social media scams

• Do your research. Before making a purchase, quickly search for the business in question. Do they have valid contact information? Don’t be fooled by professional photography or consumer reviews on their website. These can be lifted from other sites. Check BBB Scam Tracker to see if others have been duped.
• Search for previous complaints. Do a Google search of the business name followed by “complaints,” “reviews,” or “scam” and see what pops up. If you find this business has cheated other people, steer clear.
• Use good judgment. Many con artists play on consumers’ desire to help those in need. Remember this and use your head, not just your heart, when supporting charitable causes. Go to org to research organizations before giving.

For more information

For more ways to protect yourself from social media shopping scams, see BBB’s tips for smart shopping online. You can also find more general tips at 10 Steps to avoid scams.

About BBB Midwest Plains

Better Business Bureau of the Midwest Plains is a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit organization serving more than 300 counties across Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and South Dakota. BBB sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Its services to consumers are free. BBB provides objective advice through its directory of more than 5.3 million companies and 11,000 charity reviews. BBB offers dispute resolution services, alerts and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. Visit BBB.org for more information.

(Omaha, NE) – ‘Tis the season for shopping, and scammers are taking advantage by impersonating television shopping networks. BBB Scam Tracker is seeing an influx of scam reports about con artists impersonating networks like QVC and HSN to sell shoppers products that don’t exist.

How the scam works

You come across an ad on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or another social media network that appears to have been published by QVC, HSN, or another well-known shopping network. The ad may even contain a video of a televised shopping event with hosts you recognize. However, when you click on the link, it takes you to a website that is not the official site. Scammers offer amazing deals on this imitation site, hoping it will distract you from noticing where you’ve landed.

One consumer shared this experience: “I saw a post on Facebook and thought I was ordering a toaster from the QVC Outlet. When the toaster never arrived, I checked my email and found a message stating that the toaster was already delivered, but it never was. I then went to the post office and gave them a tracking number I was provided. They told me it wasn’t legitimate. So, I called QVC directly. They told me the outlet does not sell items on Facebook.” Another consumer realized they weren’t on the official site after making a purchase and requested a refund. The company said they would provide one but never did. Unfortunately for these consumers, their money was lost, and their personal details are now in the hands of a disreputable business.

How to avoid online shopping scams

• Double-check the URL. Always ensure you are on a company’s official website and not an impostor site. Look at the URL closely to confirm it contains no minor spelling errors designed to fool less cautious consumers.

• Be wary of ads on social media. Scammers use social media ads to trick consumers in a plethora of ways. Research before clicking on an ad with a deal you’re interested in. Search for complaints in the comments section and do a Google search on the business and/or deal.

• Search for previous complaints. Do a Google search of the business name followed by “complaints,” “reviews,” or “scam” and see what pops up. If you find this business has cheated other people, steer clear.

• Do your research. Before making a purchase, quickly search for the business in question. Do they have valid contact information? Don’t be fooled by professional photography or consumer reviews on their website. These can be lifted from other sites. Check BBB Scam Tracker to see if others have been duped.

• Watch out for deals that are too good to be true. Scammers draw people in with deals that sound incredible. Stay skeptical if a deal seems unreasonably good, and think before you buy.

For more information

Stay safe by reviewing BBB’s tips for smart shopping online. See the latest online shopping scams and avoid common cons. Check out BBB’s online shopping HQ for more resources and this article about phony social media ads.

If you’ve been the victim of a scam on social media, report it to the BBB Scam Tracker. Your report helps us build consumer awareness and reduce the effectiveness of scammers’ favorite tactics.

(Guthrie Center, Iowa) – The Guthrie Center Community School District’s Board of Education will meet in a regular monthly session in the AC/GC High School Media Center, beginning at 7-p.m., Wednesday. Among the items on their agenda is action on the resignations of: Tom Bates – HS Custodian, and Renee Baier – HS Night Custodian. The Board will also act on approving contract recommendations for: Christina Wilson – HS Cheer Sponsor, and Becky Wahl – HS Cheer Volunteer.

Other action items for the Guthrie Center School Board include: Passing the 1st Reading of the 2023 IASB Fall Primer; Licensed Employee Early Retirement Policy, and authorizing the District’s Administration to submit a request to the SBRC for a modified supplemental amount of $31,083.20, for Open Enrolled-Out students who were not included in the District’s previous year Certified Enrollment count.

View the full agenda below:

Scan the above QR code with your phone to view this meeting agenda on your phone. Guthrie Center Community School District Mission:  Expect the Best.  Every Charger, Every Day Vision:  Cultivate each individual and unlock their full potential.

I. Call to Order

II. Roll Call

III. Approve Meeting Agenda

IV. Welcome Visitors/Public Comment

V. Principal Reports

VI. Superintendent Report

VII. Board Report

VIII. Financial Reports

A. Cash Balances & Bank Reconciliation

B. Nutrition Fund: Monthly Report

C. Student Activity Fund: Monthly Report

D. All Other Funds: Monthly Report

E. General Fund: Year-to-Date Revenue/Expenditure Summary

F. General Fund: Salaries & Benefits Comparison Report

G. Line Item Budget Comparison Report

H. Fuel Usage Report

IX. Consent Items

A. Board Meeting Minutes

B. Monthly Bills

1. Prepaid (Prior to Board Meeting)

2. General Fund

3. Management Fund

4. PPEL/SAVE Fund

5. Student Activity Fund

6. Nutrition Fund

7. VISA Credit Card

C. Open Enrollment

D. Resignations

1. Mr. Tom Bates- HS Custodian

2. Mrs. Renee Baier – HS Night Custodian

E. Contract Recommendations

1. Mrs. Christina Wilson- HS Cheer Sponsor

2. Mrs. Becky Wahl- HS Cheer Volunteer

F. Gifts, Grants & Bequests

X. Discussion Items

A. Board Member Committees

B. Transportation Update

C. Marketing and Retention

D. Comprehensive Financial Projection Model (CFPM)

XI. Upcoming Dates

A. 2-Hour Early Dismissal – December 22nd

B. No School (Winter Break) – December 25th – January 2

C. IASB Workshop – New Board Member Onboarding – January (multiple dates)

D. End of 2nd Quarter – January 10th

E. No School (Teacher PD) – January 15th

F. Regular Board Meeting – January 17th

XII. Action Items

A. 2023 IASB Fall Policy Primer- 1st Reading Approve as presented and updated by IASB. The Fall Policy Primer release encourages districts to achieve greater compliance with new legislative changes by providing additional policy guidance on employee background checks and student conduct.

B. Chapter 103 Policy Update- 1st Reading Approve the following restraint and seclusion policies which align to the laws, regulations, and procedures of chapter 103.

C. Licensed Employee Early Retirement Policy Approve the Licensed Employee Early Retirement Policy, using it as a financial tool to decrease general fund expenses.

D. SBRC Application – Open Enrollment Out Authorize the district’s administration to submit a request to the School Budget Review Committee for a modified supplemental amount of $31,083.20 for open enrolled out students who were not included in the district’s previous year certified enrollment count.

XIII. Adjourn Meeting

(Radio Iowa) – The final holiday of the year is projected to follow the pattern of others when it comes to the number of people expected to hit the roadways and airports. Triple-A Iowa spokesman, Brian Ortner, says holiday travel from the region including Iowa is projected to be the fourth highest on record. “A fun way to describe it, I guess is wash, rinse, repeat when we look at how 2023 has been, you know, even despite inflationary pressures, and Americans and Iowans are still willing to get out, then travel for those holidays,” he says. “We’ve seen it over Thanksgiving, we saw it over Independence Day. And now we’re seeing it for Christmas and New Year’s coming up.” Ortner says the travel surge continues to be driven by the pandemic, which kept everyone from traveling.

“And I say that based on a survey done back in August by Triple-A, that we’re asking people, you know, what are your reasons for traveling?,” Ortner says. “And the mindset has changed from bucket list items to man, I want to see family and friends.” Nearly nine million people in what’s called the north-central region are expected to head out for the holidays. “About eight-point-one million of those are going to be hitting the roads. And the biggest thing was that is sometimes it’s just easier to drive and sometimes more cost effective than hitting the air, you know, we are seeing higher numbers in air travel in our region,” he says. “The number that’s surprising, that’s exceeding pre-pandemic levels is what’s classified as the other modes of transportation. And that’s like your cruises or your destinations, you know, your resorts and those sorts of things. But living in Iowa, we don’t have the sun in the beaches. So that makes a lot of sense”. There’s now about two weeks to go before Christmas, and Ortner says you need to make reservations as soon as possible.

“Whether it’s winter or summer, the advice remains the same for your air travel. Plan ahead, get to the airport early, and monitor your flights using your airline’s app or the airport’s apps to make sure your flights not delayed or canceled,” Ortner says. “And consider travel insurance, you know if there’s a cancellation or a delay. Travel insurance is a nice comfort feature.” The other states in the north-central along with Iowa are Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Nebraska, and South Dakota.

(Radio Iowa) – Officials in a northern Iowa county are evaluating last week’s federal court ruling that permanently blocks Shelby and Story County ordinances that would have restricted where hazardous liquid pipelines may be located. Kossuth County Supervisor Carter Nath, of Lu Verne, represents the area where Summit’s proposed carbon capture pipeline would pass and he says the ruling wasn’t a surprise.

“There was already a preliminary ruling on that. It was just making it a permanent ruling,” Nath says. “In my mind, it really didn’t change things. Maybe in the court of law, it’s just more finalized. “A federal judge ruled the ordinances in Story and Shelby County could have made it impossible for Summit Carbon Solutions to build a carbon pipeline even if the Iowa Utilities Board grants the company a permit.

Kossuth County Supervisors have drafted an ordinance that’s similar to Shelby County’s. It has not gone into effect, but has made it most of the way through the approval process. The Board of Supervisors is scheduled to discuss the ordinance this (Tuesday) morning at its meeting in Algona.