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Prosecutor seeks to dismiss flag desecration case

Ag/Outdoor, News

August 15th, 2016 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The prosecutor in a northwest Iowa county will not pursue a flag desecration charge against a man who protested a crude oil pipeline crossing his property by hanging an American flag upside down at his home. Homer Martz was charged Friday under a state law a federal judge ruled unconstitutional in December 2014. The Iowa Legislature has declined to remove the law from the books.

Calhoun County Attorney Tina Meth Farrington says the sheriff’s deputies who charged Martz weren’t aware courts had struck down the law. She called on lawmakers to repeal it immediately “so that other citizens and law enforcement are not caught in this type of situation again.”

Martz, a 63-year-old U.S. Army veteran, is upset the state is allowing Texas-based Dakota Access to forcefully condemn his property.

Some results from Saturday’s AtlanticFest contests

News

August 15th, 2016 by Ric Hanson

The Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce, Monday, released some results of contests and a raffle held during this past Saturday’s AtlanticFest Celebration.

Cletus & Mary Jane Gubbel

Cletus & Mary Jane Gubbel

Officials say the winner of the 50-50 Raffle, was  Cletus & Mary Jane Gubbels, of Harlan. They won $805 in AtlanticCash.

In the Bags Tournament, sponsored by Megan Roberts, State Farm & Weirich Welding:

Singles competition

  • 1st place – Tanner Siegling – South Dakota (here for family reunion)
  • 2nd – Gaylord Schelling – Atlantic
  • 3rd – Ethan Sturm – Atlantic

Doubles competition

  • 1st – Tanner Siegling & Kyle Hilsabeck
  • 2nd – Eric Watson & Bill Simon
  • 3rd – Grant & Etahn Sturm

    Bags Tournament

    Bags Tournament

The Chamber says 230 cars were displayed in the car show, with 216 being judged. 140 racers competed in the AtlanticFest Road Race (The results can be found at www.atlanticiowa.com); There were 65 pedal pull participants; 55 Motorcycles in the motorcycle show and shine; 45 tractors were on display; Over 100 volunteers served with countless hours getting ready for, serving during the event, and cleaning-up afterward. Road Race PhotoAnd, there were over 50 sponsors, including: First Whitney as Presenting Sponsor & Atlantic Motor Supply (NAPA) sponsoring the Car Show.

2 accidents in Page County – 1 w/injuries

News

August 15th, 2016 by Ric Hanson

The Page County Sheriff’s Office says one person was injured during a single-vehicle accident this (Monday) morning, about six-miles south of Red Oak. 72-year old Linda Joyce Smith, of Red Oak, was transported from the scene by Lifenet Helicopter to the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, where a report on her condition was not immediately available. The accident happened at around 10:50-a.m. on Highway 48 near the intersection with 120th street.

An investigation determined Smith was driving a 2005 Pontiac Vibe southbound on Highway 48, when for reasons unknown, her vehicle drifted across the northbound lane and traveled through the ditch and struck a tree in the yard of a residence at 1194 Highway 48.  The vehicle was totaled in the crash.

Another accident in Page County took place Friday evening, about one-quarter of a mile east of Essex on 150th Street. Authorities say 19-year old Katie Micaelynn Radley, of Essex, was driving a 2006 Nissan Maxima eastbound on 150th.

When she crossed the intersection with E Avenue, due to the speed at which she was traveling, Radley lost control of the vehicle on the gravel.  The car rolled over twice into the north ditch before coming to rest on its wheels.  Radley and her passenger 28-year old Anthony Rikco Rhodes, of Canton, MI, were able to exit the vehicle from the driver’s side. Neither reported any injuries at the scene. The car was a total loss. Damage to the soybean field the vehicle partially ended-up in, was estimated at $100. The Page County Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and Essex Fire and Rescue. Charges were pending against Radley for Failure to maintain control.

Clarinda man arrested on a drug charge

News

August 15th, 2016 by Ric Hanson

The Page County Sheriff’s Office reports a Clarinda man was arrested Sunday night on a Possession of Drug Paraphernalia charge. 56-year old Larry Michael Smith was arrested during an investigation into illegal activity in Shambaugh.  Smith was transported to the Page County Jail where he was being held on $300 bond.

Larry Michael Smith

Larry Michael Smith

Harlan man leads authorities on multiple chases

News

August 15th, 2016 by admin

A Harlan man was arrested after multiple chases with law enforcement on Monday morning.  The ordeal began when the Harlan Police Department received a request for a welfare check on a female resident in Harlan.  After checking on the female, it was discovered that there was a prior domestic abuse incident and she was transported to Myrtue Medical Center for treatment.

It was later learned that the male suspect involved in the assault, was involved in a pursuit with the Carter Lake Police Department and got away.  At approximately 7:20am a Shelby County Deputy located the vehicle again northbound on Highway 59 north of Avoca and attempted to stop the suspect. He again attempted to allude law enforcement and a chase ensued on Highway 59.  Two attempts to deploy stop strips were made on the vehicle and at one point the suspect swerved his vehicle at Sheriff Mark Hervey while he was deploying spike strips.  The suspect eventually turned onto River Avenue and pulled into Nishna Bend Park where he was taken into custody.

The suspect was identified as Timothy Lee Davis of Harlan.  He was taken to the Shelby County Jail and charged with: Felony Eluding, OWI 1st Offense, Possession of  a Controlled Substance (Marijuana), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Assault on a Peace Officer, Reckless Driving, and Domestic Abuse Assault. Additional charges are pending.

Assisting at the scene was the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, Harlan Police Department, Iowa Department of Transportation, and Iowa State Patrol.

Iowa State loses OL Jake Campos to leg injury

Sports

August 15th, 2016 by Ric Hanson

AMES, Iowa (AP) — Jake Campos, Iowa State’s only offensive lineman with significant experience, is out indefinitely. Coach Matt Campbell says junior tackle Campos injured his leg Monday in practice. Campbell didn’t disclose details but said there isn’t a timetable for Campos’ return.

Losing Campos for an extended length of time would be a blow to the Cyclones. Campos accounted for 23 of the 24 returning starts along Iowa State’s offensive line, and he was expected to blossom into an All-Big 12 type player. Iowa State opens the season on Sept. 3 against Northern Iowa.

Iowa agency announces participants in water quality program

Ag/Outdoor, News

August 15th, 2016 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — An Iowa agency has announced the latest participants in a voluntary program that encourages farmers to use water quality practices that could reduce farm runoff. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship announced Monday it was distributing $3.8 million to nearly 2,000 farmers for its cost-share program that helps them offset expenses for implementing water quality practices.

Water quality is expected to be a big issue in the Iowa Legislature next session amid growing disagreement on how to address farm runoff. Agriculture Secretary Bill Northey discussed the program at the Iowa State Fair. He says farmers are committed to investing in water quality.

Some environmental advocates have challenged the long-term benefits of a voluntary program. The federal government estimates there are roughly 87,000 farms operating in Iowa.

2 from Anita arrested last Thursday

News

August 15th, 2016 by Ric Hanson

The Cass County Sheriff’s Office reports a man and woman from Anita were arrested last week on related charges. 30-year old Paul Joseph Kingery, Jr.,  was arrested on a Felony Assault charge. 27-year old Deena Jo Mills, was arrested on three charges of Child Endangerment. Both were taken to the Cass County Jail. Kingery remains held on $5,000 bond; Mills was released later that day on $6,000 bond.

On Friday Deputies in Cass County arrested 23-year old Taylor James Gardner, of Massena, on a charge of Simple Assault. Gardner was taken to the Cass County Jail and released the following day on his own recognizance.

Atlantic woman injured in Sunday night accident

News

August 15th, 2016 by Ric Hanson

One person was injured and another cited, following an accident Sunday night just west of Atlantic. The Cass County Sheriff’s Office reports 61-year old Beverly Rudy, of Atlantic, was transported to the Cass County Memorial Hospital by private vehicle, after her pickup was struck by an oncoming car driven by 23-year old Robert Dillion Espinaldo, of Utica, IL. Espinaldo refused medical attention.

The accident happened at around 9:20-p.m. on Highland Road, near 585th Street. Officials say Rudy was westbound on Highland Road and was slowing to make a left turn onto 585th Street when she was struck by an oncoming 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix that did not have its headlights on.

Damage from the collision amounted to  $7,000.  Espinaldo was cited for Failure to Use Headlamps when Required and Failure to Provide Proof of Insurance. He was also given a warning ticket for Failure to Maintain Lane.

Creston Police Report 8/15/2016

News

August 15th, 2016 by admin

The Creston Police Department released details Monday on multiple recent arrests.

On Saturday, August 13th at 1:28 am officers arrested 21-year-old Mariah Johannes of Osceola after a traffic stop at Adams and Maple Streets in Creston. She was charged with Driving while Suspended and later released from the Union County Jail on $300 bond.

Also on Saturday at 10:10 pm officers arrested 30-year-old Joshua Coulter of Bridgewater at the intersection of Montgomery and Pine Streets in Creston.  He was arrested on a Union County Warrant for the charges of Criminal Mischief 4th and Trespass – injury or damage greater than $200. He is being held in the Union County Jail on a $1000 bond.

On Sunday, August 14th at 7:44 pm officers arrested 25-year-old Matthew Thomas of Creston at his residence on a Union County Warrant for the charge of Failure to Serve Jail Sentence on the original charge of Possession of a Controlled Substance. He is being held in the Union County Jail to serve the balance of his 48 hour sentence.

Also on Sunday at 4:37 pm officers arrested 49-year-old Todd Kinkade of Creston.  He was arrested at Summita and Pine Streets in Creston on a Union County Warrant for the charge of Assault Causing Bodily Injury or Mental Illness. He was released from the Union County Jail on a $1000 bond.

The Union County Sheriff’s Office also released details on on recent arrest. Deputies arrested 56-year-old Tommy Allen Green Jr of Lorimor on Saturday, August 13th at 5:37pm at the Law Enforcement Center.  Green was arrested on a Union County warrant for failure to appear.  He is being held in the Union County Jail on $10,000 bond.