(Radio Iowa) – A sendoff is planned Saturday at 9:30 a-m at Southeastern Community College in West Burlington for a Iowa National Guard unit from Middletown. The 831st Engineer Vertical Construction Company will first head to Texas to prepare and then will then deploy overseas in support of Operation Spartan Shield in the U-S. Central Command area. The unit has around 150 soldiers, and their primary mission is construction of critical infrastructure.

(Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Tawny Schmit)

The soldiers are expected to be deployed for one year. Their last mobilization was in Cedar Rapids in 2020 to assist in the Derecho storm clean up. They were last activated into federal service in 2005 in support of the global war on terrorism. The public is invited to the sendoff.

(Radio Iowa) – Iowa’s unemployment rate increased slightly in August, the first uptick in several months. Iowa Workforce Development executive director, Beth Townsend, says conditions on the national level factor in.

Iowa’s unemployment rate rose from two-point-seven percent (2.7%) in July to two-point-nine percent (2.9%) in August, while that national rate increased from three-point-five percent (3.5%) to three-point-eight percent (3.8). She says those national economic factors can impact the decisions of Iowa businesses.

Townsend says there were gains in some areas.

Townsend says Iowa’s job market remains very strong.

Some critics says the jobs people are getting are not paying enough for them to live on. Townsend says there are good wages being paid in a lot of areas.

Townsend says for example, health care and social assistance jobs are starting at 20 to 25 dollars an hour. And manufacturing saw an increase of 600 jobs with pay in those jobs starting well above 15 dollars an hour.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Cass County Sheriff’s Office reports numerous arrests from Sept. 6th through the 15th.

Most recently, Deputies today (Friday, 9/15), arrested Najaee Harrell, 23, of Indianapolis, IN and Christian Long, 21, of Pearland TX, on warrants for Theft 1st Degree and Burglary 3rd Degree.  Harrell and Long were picked up and transported to the Cass County Jail where they were booked and held.

On Thursday (9/14), Kyle Confere Sr., 23, of Harlan, was arrested on a warrant for Violation of Probation.  Confere Sr. was picked up and transported to the Cass County Jail where he was booked and held pending his later release on bond.

Monday, Sept. 11th, Cass County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Diedra Nelson, 30, of Griswold, on the charges of Domestic Abuse Assault and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.  Nelson was transported to the Cass County Jail where she was booked and held pending her later release on her own recognizance.

On September 7th, Zachary Jones, 32, of Des Moines, was arrested on a warrant for Failure to Appear.  Jones was picked up and transported to the Cass County Jail where he was booked and held pending his later transfer.

On September 6th, Zane Brownsberger, 18, of Lewis, was arrested on a narcotics violation charge.  Brownsberger was transported to the Cass County Jail where he was booked and held pending his later release on his own recognizance; And, Tate Conyers, 18, of Atlantic, was arrested on a warrant for Violation of Probation.  Conyers was transported to the Cass County Jail where he was booked and held.

(Radio Iowa) – Senator Chuck Grassley says he’s seen political bias in the U-S justice system over the past eight years, but Grassley is rejecting proposals from fellow Republicans who’ve called for shutting down the F-B-I.

G-O-P candidate Vivek Ramaswamy (vih-VAKE rahm-uh-SWAHM-ee) this week said as president he’d fire two-thirds of F-B-I employees and shift the rest to other federal agencies, like the U-S Marshals Service and the Drug Enforcement Agency. Last year, Republicans in the House Freedom Caucus began calling for defunding the F-B-I. Earlier this year, former President Trump said it was time to bring the justice department to its senses and he called on congress to withhold funding from the agency, which includes the F-B-I.

Grassley HAS clashed with the F-B-I over documents related to an investigation into Hunter Biden and Grassley accuses the agency of a consistent disregard for congressional oversight.

And Grassley suggests the House impeachment inquiry into President Biden will show why F-B-I reform is necessary.

Grassley made his comments during taping of the “Iowa Press” program that airs tonight (Friday night), on Iowa P-B-S. President Biden has called attacks on the F-B-I sickening and Biden’s chief staff has said defunding the F-B-I is a reckless idea.

(Radio Iowa – A Davenport man has been found guilty of kidnapping and murdering a ten year old Breasia Terrell in July of 2020. Judge Henry Latham heard the evidence against Henry Dinkins in a two-week trial and addressed the murder charge first.

Terrell’s mother had a son with Dinkins and the girl was staying with the son at Dinkins’s apartment when she disappeared. Dinkins’s defense argued there was no physical evidence to tie him to the crime. But judge Latham said there was enough evidence presented.

Terrell’s body was found by two fishermen several months after she disappeared in a pond in Clinton County. The prosecution argued Dinkins had kidnapped and killed the girl to hide the fact he had sexually abused her.

Breasia Terrell

Judge Latham said there was enough evidence to prove Dinkins kidnapped Terrell.

The judge says that evidence led to the kidnapping conviction.

Terrell’s family members and supporters in the courtroom clapped after hearing the last verdict. A sentencing date has been set for October 11th.

Atlantic, IA— Officials with the Cass County Health System (CCHS) report Andy Niemann, MS, LAT, ATC was selected as one of the Iowa Hospital Association’s Hospital Heroes for demonstrating exceptional commitment to care and service. He is one of 10 employees of Iowa hospitals to receive the 2023 recognition and will be formally recognized in October in Des Moines.

Niemann was nominated for a multitude of reasons, one of which is his role in protecting athletes during competition. During emergencies, we often think of doctors, nurses, and paramedics answering the call and rushing in to help. Often overlooked, athletic trainers are right there on the front lines of protecting athletes on and off the field. Niemann is no exception — his quick reflexes, extensive training and skill, and leadership abilities were all put on display during a particularly scary moment on the football field — the kind of moment every parent prays will never happen. Even though there were paramedics and physicians standing by, he is the expert in these situations. Andy took charge, called the shots, directed the team around him, and ensured the player was safely cared for, transferred, and monitored for weeks to come.

Off the field, Niemann is a valuable utility player for Cass Health. His versatile role sees him in the operating room collaborating with orthopedic surgeons, providing patient care in clinic, and managing the athletic training room at Atlantic High School.

Coaches from Atlantic High School came to help present the IHA Hospital Hero Award to Andy Niemann. Left to right: Lee Saathoff, Joe Brummer, Kat Niemann, Andy Niemann, Dan Vargason, and Matt Mullenix. (Photo courtesy CCHS)

Beyond his professional duties, his passion for sports and wellness is evident. Having played football, basketball, baseball, and golf during his youth, he internalized valuable life lessons from his coach, including the motto “It’s a great day to get better.” A personal injury ignited his interest in sports medicine, leading him to pursue a career that blends health care and sports.

Niemann’s impact extends beyond the hospital as he engages in community service. He spends quality time with his family, participating in outdoor activities, and contributes to his church and local youth sports organizations. His focus is on imparting fundamental skills and fostering a love for sports among children and coaches.

Since 2007, the Hospital Heroes program has celebrated employees who have acted courageously in a moment’s crisis or who have selflessly served their hospitals and communities throughout their careers. Hospital Heroes are nominated by their peers – more than 30 nominations were submitted this year – and award recipients are selected by other state hospital associations.

The Iowa Hospital Association is a voluntary membership organization representing hospital and health system interests to business, government, and consumer audiences. 117 community hospitals are association members.

(Sidney, Iowa) – Fremont County Sheriff Kevin Aistrope reports numerous arrests occurred between Sept. 9th and the 14th.

There were two arrests on the 9th: Deputies arrested CLIFFORD THOMAS GOOD, age 54 of Council Bluffs, Iowa on a Montgomery County, Iowa warrant. He was released on bond; And JEFFREY WADE MASSEY, age 52 of Hamburg on a Mills County, Iowa warrant. He was transferred to Mills County.

Good

Massey

On Sept. 12th: CHRISTOPHER RYAN WILLARD, age 38 of Hamburg, was arrested for Contempt of Court, Violation of a No Contact Order. He is being held on $2,000 surety bond at the Fremont County Jail; And, TERRY LEE PRINE, age 58, of Sidney, was arrested in Fremont County for Harassment 1^st Degree and 11 counts of Contempt of Court, Violation of a No Contact Order.

Authorities allege that on Sept. 11th, PRINE sent approximately 58 text messages and made multiple phone calls to the protected party. Deputies also witnessed PRINE making threats to commit a burglary and kill a friend of the protected party. PRINE was later observed hiding in a

Prine

Willard

field in Sidney and fled from witnesses on foot. PRINE turned himself into law enforcement on 09/12. PRINE was released on 09/14 after posting $6,000 surety bond. PRINE was previously released from jail on 08/08/23 after serving 29 days for a previous no contact order violation.

On the 13th, deputies in Fremont County arrested JUSTIN WILLIAM WAKE, age 42 and JENNIFER RAE WAKE, age 43 of Glenwood, Iowa for Theft 2^nd. It’s alleged that the couple stole approximately $9,600 worth of property from a residence in Riverton. They were released after posting a $5,000 surety bond a piece. JENNIFER was then rearrested by Mills County Deputies on 09/14/2023 for Violation of Probation. She was released after posting a $10,000 surety bond. The Mills County Sheriff’s Office assisted with the investigation; JASPER ALAN FLOWERS, age 24, was arrested on the 13th, for Violation of a No Contact Order. He was released after posting a $300 bond.

Flowers

Jennifer Wake

Justin Wake

On Thursday, Sept. 14th, BRANDON JAMES STEVENS, age 41, of Shenandoah, was arrested on a Fremont County Warrant for Disorderly Conduct. Deputies were called to a hotel in Fremont County for a disturbance. STEVENS fled the scene prior to law enforcement arrival and a warrant was issued. STEVENS is being held on $300 bond; And,COURTNEY PAIGE BARTLES, age 31, of Hamburg, was arrested Thursday in Fremont County, on a Violation of Parole warrant out of Fremont County. BARTLES was arrested on the Fremont County warrant by authorities in Pottawattamie County and transported to Fremont County. BARTLES is being held without bond pending her appearance in District Court.

Bartles

Stevens

Enrollment is currently open for the 2023-2024 Cass County 4-H program year and it is FREE to join 4-H in Cass County. Thanks to generous donations to our Cass County 4-H Endowment fund, members fees are completely covered in Cass County. Youth in kindergarten through 12 grade are eligible to join. There are 7 Clover Kid Groups and 11 4-H Clubs in Cass County to choose from, most meet monthly. Clover Kid Groups are for youth currently enrolled in kindergarten though third grade. These youth meet with their club and participate in hands-on activities, make new friends, and build life skills. Youth currently enrolled in 4th-12th grade are eligible for 4-H Community Clubs. 4-H helps youth develop leadership and communication skills while exploring new interests and giving back to the community in a fun and safe setting with friends and caring adults.

On October 8th Cass County 4-H is hosting their annual Fall Fest from 2:00-4:00pm on the fairgrounds, 805 W 10th Street in Atlantic. All community members are welcome to attend this event, admission is free, tickets to participate at booths are only 10 cents each. 4-H Clubs host booths with fun activities and share information about what they do as a 4-H group. Plan to attend to have a fun family outing and learn more about 4-H. This event is fun for all ages, you don’t have to be in 4-H to attend Fall Fest!

If you would like to learn more about 4-H, there will also be a New Member/Find Out Night on December 4th from 5:30-7:00pm at the Cass County Community Building 805 W 10th Street in Atlantic. This is a free event, open to anyone interested in learning more about the program and asking questions to County 4-H Staff, volunteers, and current members.

4-H is in Iowa’s 99 counties and offers dozens of project area topics to learn about in addition to agriculture. With the help of caring adult volunteers, we help youth explore their interests—things like entrepreneurship, engineering, child development, music, performance, or art–while preparing young leaders for the careers and challenges of tomorrow. 4-H is uniquely poised to help youth develop life skills such as public speaking, self-motivation, healthy lifestyle choices, emotional intelligence, conflict management, and negotiating. These skills may be a key indicator of future career success when paired with the hard skills often taught in academic settings.

For more information about joining your local Iowa 4-H Youth Development program as a 4-H member or adult volunteer, visit www.extension.iastate.edu/cass or contact the ISU Extension and Outreach Cass County office.

(Creston, Iowa) – The Creston Police Department says two people were arrested on separate charges, Thursday. At around 1-p.m. 68-year-old Richard Glenn Woosley, of Creston, was arrested at his residence and charged with Violation of Parole. He was also taken into custody on a Union County warrant for Intent to deliver marijuana under 50 kg and possession of controlled substance 3rd offense x2. Woosley was taken to Union County Jail where he was being held without bond.

And, just before 1-p.m. Thursday, Creston Police arrested 44-year-old Sheri Jo Waters, a homeless person, at 305 N Elm St. She was arrested on a Union County Warrant and charged with possession of drug paraphernalia. Waters was released on promise to appear in court.

(Radio Iowa)- Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley says she favors development of pipelines that could make the ethanol industry carbon neutral, but Haley says landowners who don’t want the pipelines on their property should not be forced to sign easements.

Pipeline backers say ethanol sales will expand if the fuel is carbon neutral and that will benefit corn farmers. Haley says ethanol production is part of a strategy to ensure the U-S never has to buy oil from places like Iran or Venezuela.

Later today (Friday), Haley will be visiting a farm near Grand Mound in Clinton County. Clinton is one of the five Iowa counties where the proposed Wolf Carbon Solutions pipeline would run through. Unlike two other pipeline developers, the company is not seeking eminent domain authority from Iowa regulators and has indicated it will acquire property along its route voluntarily. Haley, who served as U-S Ambassador to the United Nations for two years, has called China the most disciplined enemy of the U-S and she says Chinese ownership of the world’s largest pork producer is a big concern. A Chinese tycoon bought Smithfield Foods a decade ago and 80 percent of the U-S farmland now under Chinese ownership was part of that deal.

China increasingly depends on imported food and purchased a record 41 billion dollars worth of U-S food and agricultural products in 2022. Haley, who is 51 years old, served as governor of South Carolina from 2011 to 2017. She entered the presidential race in mid-February and has argued the G-O-P should choose a presidential nominee who’s from a new generation.

Haley made her comments during an interview with Radio Iowa. On Saturday, Haley is among NINE G-O-P presidential candidates who’ll be speaking at the Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition’s fall fundraiser in Des Moines.