DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The federal government has revoked the exhibitor license of a northeast Iowa roadside zoo that was previously accused of maintaining deplorable living conditions for its animals.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture says in a decision filed Nov. 30 and made public Monday that Cricket Hollow Zoo, now known as Cricket Hollow Animal Park, has repeatedly violated federal animal welfare law.

The USDA also issued a $10,000 fine to owners Thomas and Pamela Sellner. They have 30 days to appeal. A USDA administrative law judge says the zoo in Manchester had “chronic violations.” It was cited for more than 100 violations between 2010 and 2015.

The zoo previously removed tigers, lions and lemurs from the facility after lawsuits by an animal rights group.

The Audubon County Sheriff’s Office reports today (Tuesday), Deputies have arrested 51-year old Timothy Duane Smith, of Audubon, on an outstanding Felony warrant charging him with Sexual Abuse in the 2nd Degree – a Class B Felony.

The charges stem from the investigation into an incident that allegedly happened in the 3100 block of Pheasant Avenue between 2009 and 2013. Smith was taken into custody at his residence in Audubon and transported to the Audubon County Jail.

He is currently being held on $10,000 bond. The incident remains under investigation.

Cass County Democratic Party Chair Sherry Toelle reports “The food and winter clothing drives, sponsored by the Cass County Democratic Party, were an incredible success.” Toelle said they delivered large boxes of clothing and bedding to the communities of Cass County on December 4th. She reports “We had a wide range of sizes in the clothing—from toddler to men’s 4X. Many items were brand new; there were at least 20 pair of brand new jeans donated. I was humbled by the response of the community who donated with such compassion and caring for their fellow citizens. We lost count of the items donated but I would guess that we had about 200 coats, over 100 pairs of gloves/mittens and caps for children as well as more for adults. We were surprised by the number of blankets and throws, probably about 40, to keep people warm within their homes.”

Clothing donations were distributed to West Central Community Action in Atlantic as well as the CAM Elementary Schools in Anita and Massena, and the Lord’s Closet in Griswold. Donated items will be given out free of charge to those who are in need. Food items were also donated and distributed to Care & Share in Cumberland, Anita Food Pantry, CAM Elementary Schools North (Anita) and South (Massena), and Atlantic Schools. The schools will use the donated foods in their weekend and holiday backpack programs.

Donations as they were sorted

Toelle said she wants to thank every person who donated to these drives. She added, “You are wonderfully compassionate, truly caring for your neighbors. I also want to express my gratitude to those who opened up their doors to house the drop-off boxes—Evangelical Free Church, Fire Station, and the YMCA in Atlantic; Lewis Library; Griswold Telephone Company, Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, and Rolling Hills Bank in Griswold; Cumberland Telephone Company, Library, and City Hall in Cumberland; Library, FNB Bank, and the Economy Food Market in Massena; and City Hall and Library in Anita. Without these partners, the drives would not have been as successful as they were.”

Pets weren’t forgotten either with pet food, treats, and toys being shared. Toelle concludes by saying “There is truly a need within our county for food and warm winter clothing. It is my hope that we will again sponsor a county-wide clothing drive next year so please remember us when you clean out your closets or go shopping. I just want to reiterate that these activities are non-partisan; political affiliations has no part in this when donations are distributed. That is one of the reasons that we use community resources already in place for distribution. Again, thanks to all who helped us in this endeavor.”

Clarinda Police Chief Keith Brothers says “The administrative phone lines at the police department & city hall are now working again.”  They were down for just a short time, earlier this morning.

MASON CITY, Iowa (AP) — Authorities have released the name of a woman whose body was found by firefighters battling a blaze at her Mason City home. She’s been identified as 80-year-old Janet “Jan” Huey. The fire started around noon Friday. Officials it was caused by an electrical problem with a multiplug surge protector.

Clarinda Police Chief Keith Brothers reports the administrative telephone lines at Clarinda City Hall & The Police Department are not working. Technicians have been advised and are working on the problem. He will let us know when the phone system is operational.

The Union County Sheriff’s Office reports one arrest and two accidents. 27-year old Dakota Shane Gaulden, of Orient, was arrested Today (Tues., 12/5) at the Union County Law Enforcement Center. Gaulden was arrested at around 12:34-a.m., on a Union County warrant for failure to appear for OWI 1^st and possession of controlled substance. Gaulden is being held in the Union County Jail on $1,000 bond.

Both accidents took place Friday, in Union County. Authorities say a woman from Orient suffered suspected minor injuries Friday evening, after the SUV she was driving struck a pickup truck. The accident happened at around 5:25-p.m., when the 2014 Ford Escape driven by 55-year old Jeanette Ford, of Orient, rear-ended a 2004 Dodge pickup driven by 18-year old Lauren Mikaela Mitchell, of Lorimore. Mitchell was traveling north on Cherry Street and stopped at the intersection with 140th to wait for oncoming traffic to pass, when she was struck from behind. Damage from the collision amounted to $11,000. Jeanette Ford was transported to the hospital in Creston by Medic 1. She was cited for Failure to Maintain Control.

An accident that took place at around 1-a.m. Friday, happened as a 2001 Subaru Legacy driven by 55-year old Cori Lynne Angell, of Orient, was traveling north on Highway 169, when a deer ran out onto the highway. Angell veered for the deer and in the process, lost control of her SUV. The vehicle entered the ditch and flipped over, landing on its top. The damage amounted to $5,000. No injuries were reported.