DES MOINES– Gov. Kim Reynolds, Friday, announced her appointment of Ashley Beisch as a district associate judge in Judicial Election District 2B. Beisch, of Boone, Iowa, currently serves as assistant county attorney at the Webster County Attorney’s Office. She received both her undergraduate degree and law degree from Drake University Law School.

Beisch fills a vacancy created by the retirement of District Associate Judge James Malloy.

Judicial Election District 2B includes Boone, Calhoun, Carroll, Greene, Hamilton, Hardin, Humboldt, Marshall, Pocahontas, Sac, Story, Webster, and Wright counties

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – A man from Page County was sentenced to prison Thursday, for Possession with the Intent to Distribute a controlled substance. The U-S Attorney’s Office says 49-year-old Michael Leo Pickens, of Shambaugh, was sentenced to 60 months (5-years) in prison, following his plea of guilty to the charge. Pickens must serve a four-year term of supervised release following the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.

According to public court documents, from June 2022 to July 2022, the Iowa Department of Narcotics Enforcement (DNE) completed several controlled buys of methamphetamine with Michael Leo Pickens. In August 2022, a search warrant was executed by DNE on Pickens’ residence in Shambaugh. Agents recovered approximately 26 grams of methamphetamine and a scale from the residence.

United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement investigated the case.

(Radio Iowa) – Iowa Senator Joni Ernst says it is just a matter of time before the U-S-S Sioux City and the other littoral combat ships in its class are decommissioned. Ernst, a Republican from Red Oak, serves on the Senate Armed Services Committee and says the Navy will mothball the ships.

“The Navy knew this was going to happen. The Navy did not want the littoral combat ship they did not want to build them yet they went ahead they didn’t have a need for them,” Ernst says. The littoral combat ships were supposed to be smaller and faster and serve as anti-submarine and mine ships. But they proved to have several issues and were expensive to maintain. Senator Ernst is not happy the Navy allowed the people of Sioux City to spend thousands of dollars to help fund the commissioning of their namesake ship.

“They put the community of cities through this. Gosh, the citizens there the donors, everybody put all of this money up and the pride and heritage that goes with the city of Sioux City,” she says. “And we dedicated all of that towards the ship and then Navy knew full well that they would not be able to use the ship in the future.” The U-S-S Sioux City was commissioned at Annapolis, Maryland on November 17th of 2018. Ernst says a lot of money has been wasted on these ships.

USS Sioux City (US Navy photo)

“Because how many billions of dollars taxpayer spent on the actual ships, the millions and millions of dollars that were raised to commission the respective cities?,” Ernst says. “It seemed like a big fraud scheme to me. I am so upset about it and the good people that were just taken in by this.”

There was some discussion the Department of Homeland Security might want the ships for drug interdiction missions, but Ernst says nobody wants them. “The best we can hope, and believe me you know we have been wrangling all these different lines of effort who could use these ships?,” she says. “In all honesty we’re not seeing any takers out there because of the problems with the ships.”

Ernst says the ships cost 50 million dollars a year to maintain, and some of the 13 ships in the class have develop cracks in their hulls. The Senator says the Navy has not set an official date to decommission the Sioux City yet. She says it could be a couple of weeks all the way to a couple of years before that happens.

(Radio Iowa) – How early is too early? The 4th of July was just a few weeks ago, yet some Iowa grocery stores are already offering spooky Halloween decorations and big bags of trick-or-treat candy. Professor Peggy Stover, who directs the University of Iowa’s Marketing Institute and spent 25 years in the grocery industry, says stores are looking for any angle they can find to scare up profits.

“In the old days, when there was a major holiday coming, a month, maybe a month and a half in advance was pretty typical,” Stover says. “Now, we’re seeing — Halloween is a good example. We’re still in July and we are seeing Halloween merchandise in the stores, so it seems like every year it gets earlier and earlier.” Back-to-school sales started at some Iowa retailers in June, and Stover says she wouldn’t be too surprised if we saw Christmas ornaments appear on the shelves in August.

“We’re seeing a faster acceleration being driven mainly by manufacturers and retailers,” Stover says. “In the grocery business, the margins are so thin that anything that they can do to increase the profitability of their operations, I can’t blame them, they’re going to take advantage of it.” Some people might buy Christmas gifts early and hide them until December, but Stover says nobody’s buying Halloween candy in July who’s intent on saving it until October.

“A lot of manufacturers are probably offering incentives to entice that impulse purchase,” Stover says, “you know, the I see it, I’m going to throw it in the buggy, I wasn’t really looking for candy, but there it is, front and center, toss it in the cart.” Consumers may be mystified when they run across holiday items so far out of context, but she doubts few would actually file a complaint with the manager, not that it would likely have much impact — or would it?

“It’s going to take consumers to tell retailers and manufacturers, ‘enough is enough’,” Stover says. “Let’s go back to being more reasonable in when we’re going to be merchandising holiday items. I remember last year, I think it was January, right after the holidays, I was already seeing Saint Patrick’s.” She says the best way for Iowans to send a message about Halloween in July sales is to resist buying the products.

(Lamoni, Iowa) – An eight-year old minor child was injured during a rollover accident in Decatur County, early this (Friday) morning. The Iowa State Patrol reports a 2018 GMC Sierra pickup driven by 34-year-old Edward Robert Daily, of Benton (IA), was traveling north on Highway 69 at around 12:33-a.m., when the vehicle left the road.

The pickup entered the east ditch and struck a culvert, before rolling over and coming to rest on its top. The child passenger – who was wearing a seat belt – was flown by Mercy Air EMS to Mercy Hospital. Edward Daily was charged with OWI/1st offense.

Lamoni Police and the Decatur County Sheriff’s Office assisted the State Patrol at the scene.

(Glenwood, Iowa) – Sheriff’s officials in Mills County report a dozen arrests occurred between July 14th and the 28th.

Two arrests happened July 28th (today): 41-year-old Chad Michael Gerren (No known address) was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance, Poss. of drug paraphernalia, driving while barred, and eluding. He was taken into custody at around 8:24-a.m. at Mahaffey and Master Roads. Bond was set at $17,300; and, at around 3:40-a.m., 42-year-old Jessie Justin Hendricksen, of Glenwood, was arrested at 350th St. & Hwy 34, for being a Felon in control of a firearm, eluding, obstruction of prosecution, and reckless driving. Bond was set at $11,000.

There were two arrests also, on July 25th (Tuesday): 38-year-old Danielle Marie Casey, of Silver City, was arrested in Silver City, on a Fremont County Sheriff’s Office warrant. She was being held without bond in the Mills County Jail.; 25-year-old Larry Alexander Strange, II, of Bellevue, NE., was arrested on the Bellevue Bridge, on a warrant for Violation of Probation. Bond was set at $1,000.

Two people were arrested on separate charges July 24th (Monday): 44-year-old James Joseph Springhower, of Glenwood, was arrested for Domestic Abuse Assault and Child Endangerment. He was being held without bond; And, 32-year-old Stacy Marie Jones, of Glenwood, was arrested for Assault with bodily injury. She was also being held without bond.

On July 22nd, Mills County Deputies arrested 18-year-old Brok Uriah Bruke, of Glenwood at the Pottawattamie County Jail, on a warrant for Violation of Probation. Bond: $10,000; 21-year-old Daniel Alirae Castellanos, of Omaha, was arrested for OWI/1st on the 22nd. His bond was set at $1,000.

On July 21st, 61-year-old Donavon Lee Hurd, of Omaha, was arrested at the Pott. County Sheriff’s Office, on a Probation Violation warrant ($2,000 bond);, and 46-year-old Justine Elaine Gregory, of Council Bluffs, was arrested at the Douglas County, NE, Sheriff’s Office, on a warrant for two counts of Violation of Probation (Bond $6,000).

On July 15th, 28-year-old Corey James Wentz, of Council Bluffs, was arrested at the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Office, on a warrant for Failure To Appear (Bond $5,000).

And finally, on July 14th, 25-year-old Willie Ray Johnson, of Gulfport, MS., was arrested at the Mills County Jail, on an Assault charge (Bond $300).

(Des Moines, Iowa) — Officials with the Food Bank of Iowa say they ended fiscal year 2023 breaking every record in its 41-year history. Across the 55 counties it serves, Food Bank of Iowa distributed 21 million pounds of food, or the equivalent of 17.5 million meals. The number of pounds is an increase of 4 million pounds from FY2022 and more than 800,000 pounds over the previous record year, FY 2021, during the height of the pandemic. Collectively, Food Bank of Iowa’s 700 partners served 661,506 households in FY 2023, an increase of 171,285 households from the previous year.

They reported nearly 1.8 million points of service, including:

• 759,043 children (age 18 and under)
• 734,043 adults (age 19-59)
• 287,308 older Iowans (age 60+)

A record 9,739 volunteer shifts were filled at Food Bank of Iowa in FY2023, representing 33,334 hours of service or the work of 16 full-time employees. The value of those volunteer hours exceeds $1 million.

Food Bank of Iowa CEO Michelle Book, left, assists with food distribution at First Lutheran Church in Clarion on May 25, 2023.

Food Bank of Iowa CEO Michelle Book said “Food Bank of Iowa is laser focused on providing food for Iowans struggling to make ends meet. At this time of rising need, escalating costs and declining resources, we are grateful for the collaborative support of steadfast donors, energetic volunteers, and most especially for our committed partners who serve at the front line. It takes all of us working together to feed Iowans facing hunger.”

Established in 1982, Food Bank of Iowa provides nutritious food for Iowa children, families, seniors and veterans to lead full and active lives, strengthening their communities. Serving 55 of Iowa’s 99 counties, Food Bank of Iowa delivers 21 million pounds of food (more than 17.5 million meals) to its 700 partners annually. Learn more at foodbankiowa.org.

(Audubon, Iowa) – The Audubon County Sheriff’s Office today (Friday) reports six arrests took place between June 3rd and July 19th.

On June 3rd, 48-year-old George Palm III, of Exira, was arrested following an incident in the 600 Block of Thielen St., in Exira. Palm was taken into custody on charges of Assault Causing Bodily Injury, and Assault While Displaying a Dangerous Weapon. He appeared before the magistrate and was held until he posted bond a few days later.

Two people were arrested June 10th in Audubon County. Sheriff’s officials say 23-year-old Trent Rittenhouse and 48-year-old Christina Isaacson, both of Lincoln, NE., were arrested following a traffic stop in the area of 340th and Littlefield Drive. Ritenhouse was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance- Cannabidiol 1st offense. He posted bond and was released the following day. Isaacson was charged with two counts of Possession of Controlled Substance-3rd and two counts of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. She was seen by the magistrate and held on bond.

26-year-old William Brubaker, of Audubon, who was being held in the Audubon County Jail on Audubon Police Department charges, was charged on June 29th, with a Sex Offender Registry Violation-2nd or subsequent offense. He appeared before the magistrate and was held on bond. On July 13th, Brubaker was charged with three additional counts of Sex Offender Registry Violation-2nd or subsequent offense, and one charge of Child Endangerment as a Registered Sex Offender. He appeared before the magistrate and is currently being held on a $20,000 cash only bond, and a $5,500 cash or surety bond.

Audubon County Deputies arrested 37-year-old Tony Mack, of Audubon, on July 14th, following an incident in the 600 Block of W. Washington, in Exira. Mack was charged with Burglary in the 3rd Degree and Theft in the 4th Degree. He appeared before the magistrate and is currently being held on a $6,000 cash or surety bond.

On July 19th, 31-year-old Derek Mullen, of Council Bluffs, was arrested on an outstanding Failure to Appear Warrant for a Domestic Abuse Assault Charge that occurred in April. He appeared before magistrate and is currently being held on a $1000 cash or surety bond.

Note: “Criminal Charges are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.”

(Atlantic, Iowa) –  The Atlantic Chamber Ambassadors, Thursday, visited the Cass County Fair in Atlantic, to learn more about this week’s schedule of events, what the fair has to offer, and the community’s support.

Liz Denney, Fair Food Stand Superintendent and Fair board member, shared about what her different roles are around the fair, which are a year-long commitment. For 26 years, Denney has had the privilege of working in the 4-H Food stand, and she enjoys every moment of it. With the help of two other assistant superintendents, Mike McDermott and Derek Sanny, she helps out by lining up volunteers to run the food stand and explaining the different required duties. Denney also shared about the different lunch specials that the 4-H Food stand serves such as chicken & noodles on Friday, ham balls or lamb on Saturday, Windsor chops on Sunday, and a roast beef dinner on Monday.

Another important aspect that was shared was how important the community’s support to the food stand is, as it helps continue to keep the Cass County Fair free. The Cass County Fair is the only 100% free county fair in the state of Iowa, which is something that the Fair Board and others involved are proud of. The many contributions and generous support to keep the fair the best that it can be is deeply appreciated, as it also helps continue the great nightly entertainment. The different events that are going on include the daily livestock shows, a bull ride on Friday night, and tractor pull on Saturday night.

(Photo Courtesy Paige Jensen/Atlantic Chamber)

For more information about the Cass County Fair, visit their Facebook page, Cass County Fair – Iowa or call the Cass County Extension Office at 712-243-1132. The Fairgrounds are located at 805 W 10th Street in Atlantic.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The 2023 Cass County Fair has a number of activities in-store for Saturday, July 29th, dubbed “Family Fun Day.” A Sheep Show kicks-off the events at 8-a.m. The rest of the schedule shapes up like this:

8:00 A.M. – 8:00 P.M…………………….…….4-H/FFA Exhibits Open

10:00 A.M……………………………………..Pet Show

11:00 A.M……………………………………..Meat Goat/Dairy Goat Show

12:00 P.M………………………………………Communication Events

1:00 P.M………………………….……………Youth Water Fights

The Exotic Creatures show take place at 1-, 3- and 5-p.m. Saturday and Sunday

3:00 P.M………………………………………Livestock Judging Contest

6:00 P.M………………….……………………Tractor Pull

The featured meal at the Food Stand, Saturday, is Ham balls or lamb.

The Clover Kids Animal Show at 10-a.m. allows youth to display their knowledge of animal care and handling. The Pet Show will be held at the north entrance of the Cass County Community Center, and includes a wide range of animals, from cats to mice and even llamas.

During Communication events at the Community Center, Saturday, 4-H members have an opportunity to share their knowledge and showcase their public speaking skills, in the areas of: Working Exhibits; Educational Presentations, and Extemporaneous Speaking.

Cass County 4-H and FFA members also have an opportunity to showcase their skills in evaluating livestock during the Livestock Judging Contest, Saturday. Registration will begin at 2:00pm underneath the FFA Food Stand’s awning, and the contest will start at 3:00pm at the Cass County Fairgrounds Outdoor Show Ring. Atlantic FFA advisor Eric Miller serves as superintendent, assisted by Coleen Babe.

Livestock categories judged will include breeding and market beef, breeding and market sheep, breeding and market swine, and breeding and market goats, in addition to knowledge-based questions regarding livestock judging.

Carnival Rides are available from Noon until 10-p.m. each day of the fair (through Monday). There’s mechanical bull riding all-day on Saturday. The Commercial Buildings are open from Noon until 8-p.m. Each day of the Fair, with Bingo on Saturday and Sunday from 2-until 5-p.m.

The Cass County Fair is FREE. There is no charge for admission, parking, exhibits or Grandstand entertainment! For more information, find a full fair schedule HERE.