The Red Oak Police Department reports a two-vehicle accident occurred in Red Oak on Monday.  At 1:27pm officers responded to a two-vehicle property damage only accident at the corner of 4th Street and East Reed Street in Red Oak.  Upon arrival it was determined that a 1997 Acura Integra driven by 25-year-old Micheal David Jones of Red Oak was stopped at the stop sign headed west and left the stop sign too soon causing a 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix driven by 21-year-old Aniessa Rae Baylor of Red Oak to strike the rear end of the Integra.  Jones was cited for Failure to Obey a Stop Sign and No Insurance Accident Related.  Jones’ vehicle received an estimated $2,000 damage and was privately towed from the scene due to the right rear tire being disabled.  The Baylor vehicle sustained an estimated $1,000 damage.

The Red Oak Police Department reports the arrest of a Red Oak Teen on Monday.  At 1:00pm officers arrested 16-year-old Tannah Piper Halvin of Red Oak on a charge of Simple Assault.  No further details were released at this time.

The Cass County Sheriff’s Office says it has received recent reports of previously telephone scams resurfacing in the area. One of the scams was a person calling a resident, and claiming to be that person’s grandchild. The “grandchild” said they needed money wired to them right away.Usually, they claim they are in trouble with the law and need bailed out. They also don’t want their parent(s) to know.

Another scam was a message left on a person’s answering machine. The caller said  they were from the IRS, and the person called was to return the call immediately because money was owed on their taxes.The Better Business Bureau reports the Tax Scam call tops the list of the most frequent types of scams people fall victim to, or are the target of. The BBB says there have been at least 2,413 reports of this type of scam, during which you may receive a phone call from someone who claims to be with the IRS (U.S.) or CRA (Canada). They claim you owe money in back taxes and will be arrested or face legal consequences if you do not pay (usually by wire or prepaid debit card). The caller ID is spoofed to appear to be a government agency or the police.

The IRS will not contact you by phone. The Sheriff’s Office warns that if you get a call from someone claiming to be your grandchild asking for money to double-check on the identity of the caller. Call them or their parents directly.

Be aware, vigilant, and protect yourself from identity thieves and scams, by never giving out personal information on inbound calls, and verifying accuracy of calls from alleged family members.

Deputies in Cass County arrested an Anita man Friday on a moving violation. 38-year old Robert Lee Atkinson was taken into custody on a charge of Driving While Barred. Atkinson was taken to the Cass County Jail where he was released the following day on his own recognizance.

The Mills County Sheriff’s Office reports the arrest on Saturday, of 38-year old James William Bates, from Shenandoah. Bates was taken into custody for OWI/1st offense. His bond was set at $1,000.

The Sheriff’s Office said also, no serious injuries were reported following a rollover accident late Friday night. Authorities say Brady Smith, of Emerson,was driving a 2006 Ford truck eastbound on Marh Avenue, towards the intersection with 390th Street, when he swerved to miss a deer on the road. Smith told authorities when he took evasive action and applied the anti-lock brakes, they failed, causing the vehicle to fishtail and go out of control. The truck entered the south ditch and rolled over before coming to rest on its top.

Smith was able to free himself from the vehicle and walk to a neighbors house. He denied any injuries, except for suffering from some shoulder pain. No citations were issued.

An investigation into an incident that allegedly took place in the 300 block of N. Kilworth Street in Exira, Friday, resulted in an arrest late that same night. The Audubon County Sheriff’s Office reports 24-year old Devin Allen Foote, of Griswold, was taken into custody at around 11:30-p.m. and charged with Domestic Abuse Assault. Foote was later released after appearing in front of a magistrate. His preliminary hearing was set for Dec. 31st.

And, 51-year old Karin Kathleen Helt, of Exira, was arrested at around 1-a.m. Sunday, for OWI/1st offense. The charge stems from an incident that took place north of Exira. Helt was brought to the Audubon County Jail and later released after appearing in front of a magistrate. Her preliminary hearing was also set for Dec. 31st.

Why do Earthquakes happen? How do engineers design buildings to withstand earthquakes? Youth who attend this hands-on daycamp will explore this and many other items related to engineering & earthquakes. The “Shake it with STEM” Day camp will be the Nishna Valley YMCA in Atlantic on December 30 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

The event is free with lunch, snacks and resources provided, but youth must register by December 18th. Registration forms are available at the YMCA, Cass County Extension Office or online at www.extension.iastate.edu/cass/.

The Nishna Valley YMCA and Cass County Extension staff and volunteers have teamed up for this day of hands-on learning to celebrate Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. The “Shake it with STEM” event promises lots of fun, hands-on science, opportunities to design and build, and meet new friends.

Pre-registration is required by December 18th. There is no charge for the event, and lunch will be provided. Questions? Please contact the Cass County Extension at 712-243-1132.