(Glenwood, Iowa) – Police in Glenwood report the arrest on Tuesday, of 52-year-old Shantel Baker, of Glenwood. Baker was charged with possession of controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. She has since posted a $1,300 bond.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Cass County Sheriff’s Office has issued a report on arrests.

On March 6th, 2023, deputies arrested Amanda Arnold, 32, of Omaha, NE, on a warrant for Violation of Probation.  Arnold was transported to the Cass County Jail where she was booked in and held. She was later released on her own recognizance.

On March 4th, 2023, Joel Lary, 51, of Massena, was arrested on the charges of Driving While Revoked, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, OWI 2nd Offense and Felon in Control of Firearms.  Lary was transported to the Cass County Jail where he was booked and held pending his later release on bond.

On February 24th, Cass County Deputies arrested Matthew Paulsen, 27, of Adair, for Contempt of Court – Violation of a No Contact Order.  Paulsen was transported to the Cass County Jail where he was booked and held pending his later release on bond.

On February 23rd, Cody Baker, 31, of Atlantic, was arrested for Sex Offender Registry Violation(s).  Baker was transported to the Cass County Jail where he was booked and held.

On February 22nd, 2023, Cass County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Anthony Karns, 44, of Wiota, for Contempt of Court – Violation of a No Contact Order.  Karns was transported to the Cass County Jail where he was booked and held pending his later release on his own recognizance.

On February 21st, 2023, the Cass County Sheriff’s Office arrested Isaiah Carpenter, 20, of Griswold, for littering.  This stems from an investigation regarding the dumping of household furniture over a bridge in rural Griswold.  Carpenter was transported to the Cass County Jail where he was seen by a Magistrate Judge and released.

(Radio Iowa) – MidAmerican Energy says it is the first utility company in the state to try all-electric utility trucks. Company spokesman, Geoff Greenwood, says these are the large bucket trucks that allow them to get up in the air and work on power lines. “These trucks have two different batteries on board — one powers the vehicle and allows it to travel — and then the other battery allows the crews to do their work when they get to that location,” Greenwood says. He says the Des Moines-based company has purchased three trucks and they to put them through their paces in the field before buying more. “Our goal is to see how they work, see how they operate in real world conditions, all kinds of weather conditions, all kinds of terrain. And let’s test them out, let’s see how they work,”Greenwood says. “And if they work as well as we expect them to work, then we’ll be making a lot more purchases.”

Greenwood says the trucks have a 135-mile range. “We’ve’ve assigned one to Sioux City, we’ve assigned one to the Des Moines area, and then we’ve assigned one to the Quad Cities. So we’ve got them spread across the state,” he says. “We are putting them to work as we speak, and our crews will run them through everything that they do day in and day out and see how they work.” He says they have fast charges at their facilities where the trucks and be charged overnight. Greenwood says they don’t make much noise — which will make it easier for crews to communicate in the field. He says they will put out no emissions, which allows crews train on them using an indoor facility.
Greenwood says the cost of operating the trucks is something they are also reviewing.

“An electric vehicle is more expensive, however, we’re not paying for fuel. And there’s a lot of maintenance that you would have to do using a combustion engine that you don’t need for an electric vehicle,” he says. “For example, no oil change, these don’t need oil changes. So they are more expensive up-front, but we’re eager to see what kind of maintenance savings we get as we progress.” Greenwood says the trucks are charging up with renewable energy from their own wind farms — which brings things full circle.

(Radio Iowa) – Republicans in the Iowa Senate have voted to put new limits on documents and information Democratic State Auditor Rob Sand’s office may access as it investigates state government operations and whistleblower complaints. Republican Senator Mike Bousselot, of Ankeny, says individual income tax returns, crime reports and things that aren’t relevant to auditor’s office investigations should be off limits. “Iowans trust that that information is going to be kept safe not only from inappropriate disclosure,” Bousselot said, “but also from the wrong eyes seeing it that are unrelated to what they’re doing.” Sand is the only Democrat holding a state executive office.

Senator Janice Weinerer), a Democrat from Iowa City, says the bill essentially requires Republican Governor Kim Reynolds to O-K any investigation of an executive branch agency. “This is now a waste, fraud and abuse promotion bill…This bill doesn’t protect privacy,” Weiner said. “It only undermines independent oversight.” Senate Democratic Leader Zach Wahls says the bill is written to prevent the auditor from investigating the new program giving state funded savings accounts to the parents of private school students. “The taxpayer watchdog is the auditor of state,” Wahls said. “This bill…is not just shortening the leash on the watchdog, it’s putting them in the crate and locking the door.”

Senate Republicans passed the bill a day after Sand voted against using taxpayer dollars to pay a legal settlement to former University of Iowa players who alleged the football program was a racially hostile environment. Republican Senator Jason Schultz of Schleswig says the bill was drafted in response to a recent Supreme Court ruling that there are no limits on what the state auditor may investigate. “That does seem just a bit drastic,” Schultz said. “There should be some protections by the state, in Iowa Code, for Iowa citizens.” Schultz says he was creeped out by Democrats’ complaints and suspects the bill would limit something the state auditor is planning to investigate.

Sand sent an email to senators a few hours before the late night debate, saying the bill would have a catastrophic impact on the ability of the auditor’s office to conduct oversight of state government.

(Greenfield, Iowa) – The Adair County Board of Supervisors today (Wednesday), acted on approving a handful of administrative matters, including Homestead & Military Disallowances, an FY22 Cost Allocation Plan Certification, and the re-appointment of Township Clerks & Trustees. Auditor Mandy Berg said Washington Township should be ready to appoint someone soon for an opening, while Grove Township has been without an appointee for quite some time.

The Board also approved a Resolution to withdraw from the Articles of Agreement which formed the Workforce Development Chief Elected Official Consortium for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014. Board Chair Jerry Walker…

The decision follows a lack of action by Iowa Workforce on using the funds they’ve been allotted.

Eighteen counties in western Iowa have already withdrawn, for a state total to date of 42 that have pulled out of the agreement. In other business, the Adair County Supervisors approved the appointment of Todd Olsen to the Southern Iowa Rural Housing Authority Board.

Chris Roberts, EMS Manager from the Adair County Memorial Hospital, spoke with the Board about taking a Medical Death Investigator class at the request of Adair County Medical Examiner Dr. Timothy Piearson. The Doctor would like Roberts certified as a Backup Medical Examiner, for when the Piearson is in clinic or otherwise unavailable. The MDI class takes place May 1^st through the 3^rd at DMACC (Des Moines Area Communtiy College), at a cost of $500. Roberts was asked about his background that would prepare him to take on the role of Medical Examiner, should it become necessary.

Roberts lives nearby in Madison County line and is in Greenfield Monday through Friday, with additional on-call hours as needed. The Board unanimously agreed to pay for the class. After he passes the class, Roberts would be the official Assistant Medical Examiner in Adair County.

And, Sawyer Hansen, Assistant to County Engineer Nick Kauffman, presented the Board Chair with contracts and a bond to sign for various rock and culvert projects. Hansen also updated the Board on Secondary Roads Department maintenance and activities.

He said they’ve requested material bids for the West 13/Jefferson Bridge, which are due back by March 13^th, with a letting set as soon as they get the price for materials. The North 25 Grand River culvert project is set for letting on March 20^th, and North 33 Orient Bridge is set for March 27^th.

(Radio Iowa) – Studies find most new year’s resolutions fail after a few weeks as it takes around two months for a new routine to take hold. Now that we’re into March, many Iowans who resolved to lose weight in 2023 have either abandoned the idea or they’re well on the way to succeeding. Teequa Knapp, a registered dietitian at the West Des Moines-based Hy-Vee supermarket chain, says she and her counterparts are ready to offer advice now — and at any time of the year. “We know that if you choose protein and vegetables with your healthy desserts, or with your desserts, that you’re going to feel better,” Knapp says, “so that is very important in making sure you’re stabilizing blood sugars and your energy levels as well.”

She says the chain’s team of nutrition experts is passionate about empowering Iowans to take the next step toward health and wellness goals. You can schedule sessions directly with a dietitian in your town.  “Tell them your story, tell them your challenges,” Knapp says. “That dietitian is able to really connect with you and see what are your goals and then personalize a plan for you and really get you going from that.”

Knapp says there are all sorts of programs available, like individual nutrition counseling, meal planning, nutrition store tours and classes. She says the dietitians will give you practical tips for making lasting changes. “Maybe you were just diagnosed with diabetes or heart health or cholesterol or something like that,” Knapp says. “We have so many topics from kidney disease to food allergies to eating on a budget to food and fitness or just general nutrition.”

In addition to free Omega-3 index screenings, Hy-Vee also offers “Healthie” accounts, allowing you to connect with a registered dietitian from your computer, tablet or smartphone.

(Glenwood, Iowa) – The Mills County Sheriff’s Office is reporting three recent arrests, plus a hit-and-run accident. Those arrested include:

• On March 4th, 39-year-old Paul Aaron Pontow, of Red Oak, for OWI/1st offense ($1,000 bond)
• On March 5th, 22-year-old Jesse James Darrell Ahrendsen, of Omaha, for Public Intox. ($300 bond)
• On March 7th, 45-year-old Chad Michael Hill, of Red Oak, for Driving While Barred. ($2,000 bond)

A little after 5-a.m. Sunday (March 5), a 2023 Kia registered to Carter Schindler, of Papillion, NE, was on Bunge Avenue, when Schindler came upon an unidentified, non-moving vehicle. When he tried to go around the vehicle, the unknown driver of the other vehicle put their vehicle in reverse and accelerated rapidly, causing the rear bumper of the unknown vehicle to strike the driver’s side rear door and rear fender of the KIA.

The unknown vehicle then took-off quickly and left the scene. The report did not say what the dollar amount of the damage was.

(Creston, Iowa) – Creston Police, Tuesday morning, arrested a man following a traffic stop. Authorities say 72-year-old Randall Jay Beving, of Kent, was arrested for Driving While Revoked. Beving has since posted a $1,000 cash or surety bond, and was released.

(Harlan, Iowa) – The Shelby County Board of Supervisors met in a regular session Tuesday morning. According to the meeting minutes provided by Auditor/Board Secretary Mark Maxwell, Supervisor Kenkel reported that an injunction has been filed to stop Shelby County from enforcing its pipeline ordinance until next January. Tony Buman, Shelby County Assessor, reported to the Supervisors that assessment notices have been sent out to Commercial and Industrial owners in Shelby County. The median increase was around 23% for commercial and industrial properties. The balance of the notices will be sent out as the process in his office continues.

Todd Valline told of events in his organization, the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce and Industry. His office has been notified that the Shelby County Food Pantry is running very low on food and any food donated would be very much appreciated. Brandon Burmeister, Shelby County Engineer, was present to give his report on his department and current and future projects. Spot rock hauling and blading are taking place as conditions allow.

Auditor Maxwell then presented a Transfer Authorization for the Supervisors to discuss and consider for approval. The Resolution calls for the transfer of monies from the General Funds and from the Rural Basic Fund as described. The resolution was passed as presented. The Supervisors then approved setting March 21st at 9-a.m. as the date and time of a public hearing regarding the consideration and possible levy options and cost funding recommendations for an EMS Agency in Shelby County.

The Supervisors were then presented with a maximum tax levy notifications to be published with the hearing to be held on April 4th, 2023, at 9:00 AM in the Supervisors room at the Courthouse. Auditor Maxwell explains the reasons for the maximum levy increase given on the notice are inflation, build reserves over years not all at one time. Reserves for capital improvements Courthouse and other buildings as well as other unforeseen expenses.

Two representatives from the Iowa County IT professionals organization were present to give a brief overview of the recent Audit of Shelby County Conducted by their organization. Two representatives from the organization were present to explain the 24 hour monitoring of the Shelby County IT environment. The Supervisors thanked the representatives for the citizens of Shelby County for being able to conduct the Audit. Taryn Knapp, Shelby County IT Coordinator gave a report of current IT and Support contracts and Shelby County IT Committee recommendations. A motion was made and passed to terminate all contracts with the Counties current vendor on June 30th, 2023.

Knapp also said the IT Committee recommended hiring a full time IT person for Shelby County. The IT audit revealed shortcomings that may be overcome with an employee versus a hired service. The Board approved starting the hiring process. They then entered a closed session with regard to IT Security Discussion, but took no action during that session, and the meeting was adjourned.

(Radio Iowa) – The Sioux City Police Department has received approval from the city council to apply for grant funding from the Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Department to purchase an armored rescue vehicle for their swat unit. Police chief Rex Mueller says the vehicle would provide protection for officers in dangerous situations. The chief says this would replace a larger military surplus vehicle that was donated to the department and is not built for the way they use it.

Councilman Alex Watters shared his concerns as well as from a citizen that the vehicle was militaristic. Chief Mueller responded that’s why he wants to replace the current vehicle, because it is a military design and not as practical for many police needs.