IDA GROVE, Iowa (AP) – Court records show that on his 23rd birthday, a Sioux City man has been sentenced to 25 more years in prison. The Sioux City Journal reports  Michael Dutcher was sentenced on Tuesday in Ida County District Court for robbing the United Bank of Iowa in Holstein on July 24 last year. A jury convicted him of robbery.

The judge added the sentence to the 30 years Dutcher got for robbing two Sioux City motels last year and for an unrelated drug conviction.

Gov. Terry E. Branstad today (Wednesday) appointed 53-year old Susan “Suzy” Christensen, of Harlan, as Judge to the 4th Judicial District. Christensen was appointed to fill the vacancy created by the Honorable Timothy O’Grady. Christensen currently serves as a District Associate Judge in the 4th District.

Prior to her appointment as District Associate Judge, she was in private practice. Christensen received her undergraduate degree from Judson College in 1988 and her law degree from Creighton University in 1991.

District 4 consists of the following counties: Audubon, Cass, Fremont, Harrison, Mills, Montgomery, Page, Pottawattamie, and Shelby.

Audubon Police Chief Matt Starmer reports his officers made two arrests, recently. On Oct. 27th, 49-year old Timothy Duane Smith, of Audubon, was arrested for Driving While Barred. Smith was transported to the Audubon County Jail where he posted a cash bond and was released. The same day, 43-year old Doanna Dawn Lauritsen, of Audubon, was arrested for Allowing An Unlicensed Driver to Operate a Motor Vehicle. Lauritsen was cited and released on promise to appear later, in court.

Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce Image Committee awarded several residents along 10th Street with the Community Improvement Award. This award recognizes the successful efforts to improve a property in the Atlantic Area.

“This residents have beautiful manicured and landscaped yards year after year. It was especially important during the Highway Six project. They worked very hard to maintain an attractive yard,” Ouida Hargens, Executive Director of the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce, said.

Pictured: Chuck & Marcia Westphalen, Gary & Judy Warwick, Bob & Pam Cord, Denny & Connie.

The Community Improvement Award is given to a businesses and residents that takes pride in making Atlantic a welcoming and beautiful community by continuing to improve its appearance. If you would like to nominate a business or community member for a Community Improvement Award please contact the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce: 712-243-3017 or

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) – Two people have died after the stolen car they were in struck several vehicles and a tree and then overturned in Sioux City. Police say the speeding car crashed and flipped onto its top Tuesday afternoon. The 34-year-old man and 28-year-old woman inside were taken to a hospital but died of their injuries. Their names haven’t been released.

Police Sgt. Scott Hatting says investigators were checking into whether the two people were suspected of stealing the car, which was reported stolen on Oct. 29.