Auditor of State David A. Vaudt today (Friday) released a report on a special investigation of the Southwest Iowa Transit Agency (SWITA), based in Atlantic. The report covers the period of July 1st, 2011 through June 30th, 2012. The special investigation was requested by the Office of Public Transit within the Department of Transportation (DOT) as a result of concerns regarding compliance with reporting requirements by SWITA Transit Director Steve Andersen.

Vaudt reported the special investigation identified 8,901 charter riders which were improperly included as public riders on the quarterly charter reports submitted to DOT by SWITA, which does not comply with the Code of Federal Regulations. Because charter services were not properly reported to DOT in fiscal year 2012, SWITA could potentially receive funding in fiscal year 2014 which the agency is not entitled to if the charter riders are not adjusted.

In addition, Vaudt identified $300.00 of improper disbursements for the payment of golf registration fees for employees of the Southwest Iowa Planning Council SWIPCO. The report includes recommendations to strengthen DOT’s internal controls and
overall operations, such as reviewing quarterly reports submitted in a timely manner and conducting follow-up on any variances. In addition, the report includes recommendations to strengthen SWITA’s internal controls and overall operations, such as obtaining independent approval of quarterly reports submitted to DOT, including the driver’s name and the reason for use of the vehicle on the mileage logs and providing supporting documentation for meetings and/or training attended which are included on employee timesheets.

Copies of the report have been filed with the Iowa Department of Transportation for consultation with the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Transit Administration. A copy of the report is available for review in the Office of Auditor of State and on the Auditor of State’s web site at http://auditor.iowa.gov/specials/1360-6450-B0P1.pdf.

w/ Ric Hanson

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The Cass County Planning and Zoning Commission Thursday (Jan. 24^th), approved an amendment to the County’s Zoning Ordinance, which changes the Business District section of the Ordinance to permit businesses that sell and repair firearms, and/or operate an indoor shooting gallery. The Commission will forward its recommendation to the Cass County Board of Supervisors, for the consideration and possible adoption of the amended ordinance.

A Massena man appeared before the Commission Thursday night at the courthouse in Atlantic, to present his plan to open a gun sales and repair shop and indoor shooting range, near Massena. Currently, that type of business is not allowed under the County’s Zoning Ordinance.

If the Supervisor’s approve the Zoning Commission’s recommendation to adopt the amended ordinance, the gun shop near Massena could be open later this spring.

Someone tried to clean-out the Red Oak Washboard Laundromat this week. According to Red Oak Police, a person or persons unknown used a blunt device to gain entry into the supply closet at the business, located in the 1400 block of North 1st Street, in Red Oak. Inside the closet, the thief or thieves removed a security system, a monitor and one of the cameras. The suspects also attempted to remove a change machine from a wall, but their efforts were stymied by some tough to remove bolts. Another change machine was tampered with, but not damaged.

The incident took place sometime between 6 p.m. Wednesday and 11 a.m. Thursday, and resulted in a loss to the business of about $1,055 altogether. Anyone with information about the burglary is asked to contact Red Oak Police at 712-623-6500.

Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press

The Harlan Police Department reports minor damage to two vehicles involved in an accident on Thursday, January 17th. A 2008 GMC driven by Rita Pfannkuch of Harlan was pulling onto 6th Street from a parking space when she came into contact with a 2007 Chrysler driven by David Smith of Panama. Smith was going northbound on 6th when the collision occurred. Each vehicle sustained $750 in damage.

The Harlan P-D reports a second accident occurred on Friday, January 18th. A 2011 Ford being driven by Corey Gaskill of Manilla was headed northbound on 4th Street approaching the intersection with Hill Street. That’s when a 1994 Ford being driven by Nicole Andersen of Harlan was heading East on Hill Street where she failed to yield to Gaskill’s vehicle. The front of Andersen’s car made contact with the left rear of Gaskill’s vehicle, causing both of them to spin. Gaskill came to rest facing south on 4th Street and Andersen came to rest facing north. Total damages came to $8,000. Andersen was cited for failure to yield.

The Harlan Police Department reports an Atlantic man was arrested on an assault charge, Wednesday. 33-year old Shawn Wegner was taken into custody following an investigation into an incident at 1022 6th Street in Harlan, where Wegner allegedly struck Ryne Nelsen, of Harlan. Wegner was transported to the Shelby County Jail and charged with assault.

The H-PD reports also, 24-year old Tyler Stahl of Harlan was cited for allegedly allowing his pit bull mix to run at large. The dog was reportedly being aggressive to pedestrians. On Tuesday, Harlan Police were called to the high school and  later cited 16-year old Caleb Rihner for a minor in possession of tobacco.

And, on January 15th, 48-year-old Larry Finstad, of Harlan, was arrested on a warrant for probation revocation. He was transported to the Shelby County Jail.

Lenox Police Chief Jon Huggins reports an elderly man died following an accident Wednesday morning. Huggins says at around  10:20-a.m. Wednesday, Lenox Police were notified of an accident near Van Buren Streets and Maple.

Wash bay damage at an automatic car wash caused by a pickup truck, in Lenox. (Photo courtesy Lenox P-D).

On arrival the officer determined the driver of the vehicle was not breathing. The ambulance was notified and CPR was started with assistance from employees of Barker Equipment. The driver was identified as 92-year old Mack E. McCall, of Lenox. McCall was transported to the hospital where he later died.

An investigation into the incident showed McCall was in the process of entering the automatic car wash, when he experienced a medical problem which caused him to loose consciousness.  The truck then accelerated through the closed overhead door, crossed Maple street, two yards, a fence and Van Buren Streets before crashing into a combine head at the implement dealership.

The pickup was totaled in the crash, while damage to the car wash was estimated at $4000. Other damages amounted to at least $500.

Two people were arrested late Monday morning in Corning following a reported disturbance at a mobile home park. Adams County Sheriff’s Officials say 30-year old Bobbie Bruce and 21-year old Michael Sickels, both from Corning, were arrested just before Noon, Monday, on charges of Domestic Assault and Assault. Bruce was being held in the Adams County Jail on $1,000 bond, while Sickels’ bond was set at $1,300.