A Sheriff’s Deputy from Cass County was recognized Wednesday night at a State conference held in Okoboji.  Deputy Ben Bartholomew received the “Outstanding Achievement Award” as a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) for the Southwest Region of Iowa.  It’s the 5th year in a row he’s won the award, which was presented April 27th during a conference of the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau (GTSB).

Police in Creston arrested a man on a Domestic Assault charge, late Thursday morning. 37-year old Demion Garrison, of Creston, was brought to the Union County Jail and later released on $1,000 bond.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (AP) – A trial has been delayed for a western Iowa man accused of fraudulently billing Medicaid. Online court records say 52-year-old Darren Washington, of Avoca, has pleaded not guilty to charges of theft and fraudulent practice. His Pottawattamie County trial was to have begun Tuesday but now is set to begin May 31.

The Daily Nonpareil reports that Washington allegedly billed Medicaid for services he didn’t perform while working for Health Homes Family Services. Court records say the fraudulent billings totaled more than $13,400.

The Mayor for the City of Exira has resigned. According to a statement issued by Mayor Brenda Bengard, she has had health issues related to stress over City bills, payroll and closing of accounts. Her health began to decline, according to Bengard, after the retirement of Exira’s City Clerk forced her to take on additional duties for the City.

Bengard said she was proud to have served the City and to have been the first woman elected as Mayor of Exira. According to the Audubon County Auditor’s Office, the City of Exira has 60 days to appoint a new mayor, and must publish its intention to appoint a mayor for the vacancy.

The publication must also notify city residents of the right to request a special election by filing a petition.