AMES, Iowa – Nov. 2, 2023 – People are dying on Iowa roads at alarming rates. Traffic fatalities in our state this year are more than 13 percent higher than the average number of fatalities over the last five years. One of the keys to reducing fatalities and major crashes is to bring awareness to the problem. The Iowa departments of transportation and public safety, along with support from local law enforcement partners, are teaming up to create safety corridors across the state.

Using 2016-2020 crash data, six sections of roadways have been identified for focus over the next year:

• U.S. 20 from Lawton to Moville in Woodbury County
• U.S. 6 from East of Council Bluffs to US 59 in Pottawattamie County
• I-80 from County Road F-48 to Newton in Jasper County
• Iowa 5 from Iowa 92 to the Monroe County line in Marion County
• U.S. 218 from Mt. Pleasant to County Road J-20 (near Salem) in Henry County
• Iowa 2 from Donnellson to U.S. 61 in Lee County

These areas ranked in the top one percent statewide for all crashes and severe crashes. They also had a higher number of single-vehicle, run-off-the-road crashes and rear-end crashes at intersections with speeding and distraction as major causes.

Iowans may notice the safety corridor marked with signs. Pavement markings in those areas have been widened to help drivers more easily see them in low-light and inclement weather. In addition, the Iowa State Patrol and local law enforcement will have an increased focus on enforcing the area. Education and communication efforts throughout the year will help remind drivers that practicing good driving behaviors can make the area safer.

“We have seen speeds and distraction behind the wheel rise and only 40 percent of those who die on Iowa’s roads are wearing a seatbelt. Unfortunately, our state’s climbing fatality rates are showing the consequences of our individual decisions behind the wheel. We all have someone who is expecting us to return from each trip safely. Creating safety corridors is just another way the DOT can help remind drivers of the role they play in making sure everyone returns home safely,” explained Scott Marler, Iowa Department of Transportation director.

“The Iowa State Patrol is committed to reducing traffic collisions, injuries, and preventable deaths on Iowa roadways. We are confident that we can accomplish these goals with collaboration, strong partnerships, and a concerted effort on traffic safety.  By working together, we can collectively and proactively address safety concerns across the state of Iowa,” remarked Colonel Nathan Fulk, Iowa State Patrol.

(Creston, Iowa) – Officials with the Creston Police Department say no injuries were reported following a collision at the intersection of Townline and Cherry Streets. The accident happened at around 7:22-a.m. today (Thursday),when a 2022 Ford Bronco struck a 2013 GMC Sierra pickup. The police report says the Bronco, driven by 21-year-old Dania Rosales-Landeros, of Osceola, was traveling west on Townline Street. The pickup, driven by 20-year-old Kellis Scott Patterson, of Patterson,was traveling north on Cherry Street, and stopped at the 4-way stop before continuing into the intersection.

He was nearly through, when his truck was his on the passenger side door by the Bronco. Rosales-Landeros told police she knows both vehicles were stopped, but that “She did not know what happened after that.”

Damage from the collision amounted to $12,000. No citations were issued.

(Glenwood, Iowa) – Sheriff’s officials in Mills County report two arrests:

Monday night, Oct. 30th, 18-year-old Patrick Jon Chase, of Glenwood, was arrested for Criminal Mischief in the 5th Degree, with bond set at $300. And, on Tuesday, Oct. 31st at around 9-a.m., 22-year-old Musa Mohamed Abdi, of Kansas City, MO., was arrested at the Platte County, Nebraska Sheriff’s Office, on a Mills County warrant for Violation of Probation. Bond was set at $2,000.

(Harlan, Iowa) – The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office has released a report on numerous arrests taking place from Oct. 16th through the 30th. Most recently….

10-30-23: Steven James McDonald, age 50, of Logan was arrested following a traffic stop on Chatburn Ave. McDonald was transported to the Shelby County Jail and charged with Driving while Barred.

10-27-23: Guillermo Dominic Hernandez, age 24, was arrested following a traffic stop on Highway 59. Hernandez was transported to the Shelby County Jail and charged with Driving while Revoked; William Vincent Degroot, age 51, of Harlan was arrested following a traffic stop on Hwy 59 and 1200th St. Degroot was transported to the Shelby County Jail and charged with OWI 1st and Careless Driving.

10-26-23: Jill Annette Wensel, age 52, of Logan was arrested following a traffic stop on Hwy 44 and Ironwood Rd. Wensel was transported to the Shelby County Jail and charged with Driving while Barred and Fraudulent use of Registration.  

10-25-23: Devan Edward Dahleen, age 20, of Charter Oak, was arrested following a traffic stop on Hwy 59. Dahleen was transported to the Shelby County Jail and charged with Possession of Controlled Substance Marijuana 1st, Keeping Premises or Vehicle for Controlled Substance, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

10-24-23: Jason Michael Lee, age 19, and 19-year-old Ian Austin Hill, both of Harlan, were arrested following a traffic stop on Morningview Dr., in Harlan. Lee was charged with Possession of Controlled Substance Marijuana 1st, and Person under 21 using tobacco/vapor product.Hill was charged with Keeping Premises or Vehicle for Controlled Substance, Possession of Controlled Substance Marijuana 1st, Interference with Official Acts, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Improper Rear Lamps, Failure to Provide Proof of Financial Liability, and Failure to Maintain or Use Safety Belt.; Nicholas Ross Swanson, age 43, of Audubon, was arrested following a traffic stop Oct. 24th, in the 700 block of Hwy 173. Swanson was transported to the Shelby County Jail and charged with OWI 1st.; Gerard August Rueschenberg, age 69, of Harlan, was arrested following a call for service in the area of 10th St and Market in Harlan. Rueschenberg was transported to the Shelby County Jail and charged with Possession of Controlled Substance 2nd Offense.

10-21-23: Michael Allen Pitt, age 59, of Council Bluffs was arrested on an active Shelby Warrant for Failure to Appear. Pitt was transported to the Shelby County Jail.; Alvin Gregory Evans, age 39, of Harlan was arrested following a traffic stop in the 2000 block of 23rd St in Harlan. Evans was transported to the Shelby County Jail and charged with Driving while Suspended.

10-19-23: Hilda Maritza Magana, age 23, of Kiron, was arrested following a traffic stop at Cyclone Ave and Durant St. in Harlan. Magana was transported to the Shelby County Jail and charged with Possession of Controlled Substance Marijuana 1st and Speeding.; Thomas Michael Cahill, age 38, of Walnut, was arrested following a traffic stop on Hwy 59 at River Rd. Cahill was transported to the Shelby County Jail and charged with speeding.;Philip Brian King, age 30, of Harlan, was arrested following a call for service in the 1100 block of Chatburn Ave. King was transported to the Shelby County Jail and charged with Possession of Controlled Substance Methamphetamine, Child Endangerment, and Trespass.; Elizabeth Marie Balquier, age 24, of Nebraska City, NE was arrested following a call for service in the 1100 block of Chatburn Ave. Balquier was transported to the Shelby County Jail and charged with Child Endangerment.

10-18-23: Stefen Matthew Halm, age 18, of Harlan, was arrested following a traffic stop at 7th St and Walnut St. Halm was transported to the Shelby County Jail and charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Controlled Substance Marijuana 1st, and Person under 21 using Tobacco/Vapor Product 1st.

10-17-23: Michael Leroy Arnold, age 51, of Harlan, was arrested on an active Shelby County Warrant for Domestic Abuse Assault. Arnold was transported to the Shelby County Jail.

10-16-23: Simon Buombiey Jacob, age 34, of Harlan, was arrested following a traffic stop in Tennant. Simon was transported to the Shelby County Jail and charged with Driving while License Revoked.

ADAIR, Iowa (KCCI) — An Iowa dog that had been missing since June was found safe over the weekend. “Molly” was reported missing on June 15 after running through the open door of her groomer, Rose Shoemaker of Spitfire Farms in Anita.

Molly had been spotted several times since June but had not been caught until Sunday when one of the farm workers bumped into Molly on a combine on Sunday. She was microchipped, but did not have a collar.

She lost nearly 40 pounds from when she first went missing, but all signs point to Molly being OK. Shoemaker said finding the golden retriever was the highlight of her whole year.

(Atlantic, Iowa) –  Listed as Travel Iowa’s number one Christmas destination, downtown Atlantic lights up six blocks with nearly 200,000 lights for the holiday season. Bailey Smith, Executive Director at the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce, says “I look forward to Christmas in Atlantic every year. It’s a big tourist season for our community with people from all over the state, and outside Iowa, coming to see our downtown. It also provides the community with free family activities the entire months of November and December, while encouraging holiday shopping at our incredible locally owned businesses.” The Atlantic Area Chamber is excited to announce Gregg Young of Atlantic as the presenting sponsor for this year’s Christmas festivities.

Smith said “We’re so excited to partner with Gregg Young of Atlantic to help execute the tradition that is Christmas in Atlantic. With their partnership, we’ll be enhancing events as well as adding a few fun surprises for the community.” Christmas in Atlantic kicks off Saturday, November 11th with the Holiday Open House. Visit local retailers to get a holiday sneak peek and enjoy treats, giveaways and special promotions. New this year, the Chamber has partnered with retailers to launch the ‘Holiday Punch Card’. November 11th – December 18th, when you spend $20 at a participating business, you’ll receive a custom punch on your card. Once it’s filled, turn it into the Atlantic Area Chamber for your chance to win $50 in AtlantiCash, which will be drawn every Friday beginning November 17th. A grand prize drawing, valued at over $1,000, will be drawn December 18th. For a list of participating businesses, visit www.atlanticiowa.com.

For the seventh year in a row, the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce will be offering AtlantiCash at a discounted price as part of their Holiday Promotion, sponsored by First Whitney Bank & Trust and Cappel’s Ace Hardware. According to Bailey Smith, “Last year we sold $40,000 in about 45 minutes, our highest dollar amount yet. The goal this year is to sell another $40,000, all of which goes back into Atlantic businesses.” For one day only, community members can come to the Chamber on Saturday, November 11th and buy a pack of $100 in AtlantiCash for $80, a 20% discount. Up to three packs, totaling $300, may be purchased. The discounted AtlantiCash will be available from 9 AM – 12 PM, or till supplies last.

The Annual Grand Lighting Ceremony, sponsored by Atlantic Municipal Utilities, will be Thursday, November 16th at 5 PM at the Historic Rock Island Depot in downtown Atlantic. Santa will have a special arrival at 5:30 PM to turn on the lights and see children in his cabin from 6 – 7:30 PM at City Park.

The Lighted Parade and Fireworks will be held December 2nd, starting at 6 PM. Please submit Lighted Parade entries to the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce by calling 712.243.3017 or emailing chamber@atlanticiowa.com. Pre-registration is not required but is encouraged. The Lighted Parade and Fireworks is sponsored by A.M. Cohron & Son, McDermott & Son Roofing and Rush, CPA & Associates.

Prior to the Lighted Parade on December 2nd, visit Santa in his cabin where you can enjoy hot chocolate and treats, as well as horse-drawn carriage rides, sponsored by Lloyd & Meredith and Roland Funeral Home, from 3-5:30 PM. Visit www.atlanticiowa.com for Santa’s full holiday schedule. Santa’s Cabin is sponsored by the Atlantic Rotary Club and Farmhouse & Flowers.

Join Chamber officials and community members for the Holiday Concert and Angel of Christmas on December 3rd at the First United Church of Christ, starting at 3 PM. Submit your nominations for Angel of Christmas to the Atlantic Area Chamber by November 22nd. The Angel of Christmas is sponsored by Cass Health.

Pick up your Christmas Brochure and Holiday Punch Card from area retail businesses, like the Chamber on Facebook or follow on Twitter to find dates and details to celebrate Christmas in Atlantic. You can find a complete list of activities at www.atlanticiowa.com.

Capture the Christmas magic with #MyAtlanticIA and post to the Atlantic Area Chamber’s Facebook page or Instagram (AtlanticIowaFan). Contact the Atlantic Area Chamber with any questions at chamber@atlanticiowa.com or call 712.243.3017.