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2 arrests in Cass County

News

August 12th, 2015 by Ric Hanson

The Cass County Sheriff’s Office reported Wednesday, the arrest on Tuesday of 22-year old Daylan Gene Kleen, of Walnut. Kleen was taken into custody on a charge of Driving While Barred. He was released later that day on his own recognizance.

And on Sunday, 24-year old Callyn Scott Vincent Pollock,  of Anita, was arrested on a District Court warrant for Failure to Appear and a charge of Driving While Revoked (Serious). Pollock was taken to the Cass County Jail where he was released on his own recognizance, Monday.

S.W. IA boy dies in crash in Wed. morning crash

News

August 12th, 2015 by Ric Hanson

A collision between a motor home and an SUV in southern Iowa’s Warren County Wednesday morning claimed the lives of two people, including a boy from Ringgold County. The Iowa State Patrol says 9-year old Eric M. Fuller, of Kellerton, and 72-year old Karen K. Handy, of Indianola, died in the crash that happened just before 9-a.m., at the intersection of Warren County road G-76 and Highway 69.

Eric Fuller was a passenger in a 2000 GMC Jimmy driven by 47-year old Kimberly R. Fuller, also of Kellerton. Also injured in the crash was 10-year old Lillian J. Fuller, of Kellerton, and Rodney M. Shoup, of Moore, OK. Kimberly and Lillian Fuller were transported by helicopter to Mercy Hospital in Des Moines, where the woman was last reported to be in critical condition and the child in serious condition.  Authorities say Shoup did not require hospitalization.

The Patrol says a 2005 Freightliner Motorhome driven by 54-year old Keith F-C Hutton, of Newcastle, OK, was traveling west on G-76 and ran the stop sign before hitting the SUV which was traveling north on Highway 69. After the impact, both vehicles continued westbound before coming to rest on the road. The accident remains under investigation.

Iowa school districts file lawsuit over tablet devices

News

August 12th, 2015 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Four school districts in southeast Iowa have filed a lawsuit against an Indiana company, claiming that tablet devices sold to the districts are faulty. The Des Moines Register reports the lawsuit was filed by attorneys representing the Albia Community School District, the Keokuk Community School District, the Van Buren School District and the West Burlington Independent School District.

The districts say they bought nearly 3,000 tablets from CurriculumLoft, a Columbus, Indiana-based software company, in 2013. The tablets were designed for students to complete homework, tests and other classroom activities. The lawsuit claims the tablets have technology glitches, are slow and have low battery life. District administrators say the company has refused to give refunds.

State officials tout efforts to improve mental health care

News

August 12th, 2015 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A top state official says Iowa is providing better mental health care after an overhaul of the system, though critics question the recent closure of two state-run mental health institutes. Department of Human Services Director Chuck Palmer told an advisory board Wednesday that Iowa’s mental health system was serving more people and providing more modern care. The effort to remake the system began in 2011 and was implemented last year.

Gov. Terry Branstad has been criticized for halting funding for two Iowa mental health institutes this year. The Des Moines Register reported Wednesday that a third patient from one of those centers died after being moved to a private nursing home.

Master Hoof Care Program offered in southwest Iowa

Ag/Outdoor

August 12th, 2015 by Ric Hanson

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will offer a beef cattle lameness clinic to be held on September 10th, from 9-a.m. to 4-p.m. The event takes place at the Armstrong Research Farm near Lewis. The one-day Master Hoof Care Workshop for beef cattle producers, feedlot operators, feedlot personnel, and veterinarians features Dr. Jan Shearer from the Iowa State University, College of Veterinary Medicine.

Participants receive a copy of “Lameness in Cow/Calf and Feedlot Cattle” manual and will learn through classroom discussion and a hands-on lab session. Chris Clark, ISUEO beef field specialist, says “The lab session will provide an opportunity for participants to practice some hoof care skills. The agenda will include classroom discussion in the morning followed by demonstrations and some active learning in the afternoon lab session”

Topics will include diagnosis and treatment of common causes of lameness in beef cattle, basic hoof trimming and hoof knife sharpening, appropriate use of antibiotics in the treatment of bovine lameness, and the application of foot blocks and wraps. Clark says “The material should be helpful for anyone involved in the day to day management of beef cattle. Lameness cases can sometimes be challenging. Dr. Shearer will offer insights that will help producers better manage feet and leg issues.”

The registration fee is $50 per person and includes lunch. Preregistration is required. The workshop is designed for a limited number of participants so please register early to secure a seat. To register or for more information, contact Chris Clark at 712-769-2650 or by email at caclark@iastate.edu.

(Press Release)

Homicide investigation in Council Bluffs

News

August 12th, 2015 by Ric Hanson

Police in Council Bluffs are investigating a homicide. Officials say just before 7-a.m. today (Wednesday), the Pottawattamie County 911 center received a call from a person who said he was outside the home of his employee, 55-year old Robert R Schendel, who resides at 706 Mynster Street. Schendel had not shown up for work as usual, and the employer was requesting a welfare check.

55-year old Robert R Schendel (Council Bluff P-D photo)

55-year old Robert R Schendel (Council Bluff P-D photo)

Uniformed officers arrived at the residence and were unable to get a response so entry was made. Officers located Schendel inside the home. The man was dead from several gunshot wounds. Schendel’s vehicle, a 1988 Gray Dodge Caravan bearing Iowa License plate BGZ696, was missing.

The Criminal Investigation Division was called to the scene, and while the death was in the early stages of investigation, the incident was being treated as a homicide. An autopsy has been scheduled for Thursday in Ankeny. Anyone with any information about the crime is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 712-328-7867.

8 Atlantic residents arrested on drug charges in Cass County

News

August 12th, 2015 by Ric Hanson

A joint investigative effort between the Cass County Sheriff’s Office and the Atlantic Police Department into illegal drug activities in Cass County has led to numerous arrests. Taken into custody on August the 4th were the following individuals:

  • 26-year old Brittiny Christina Marie Sampson, of Atlantic. Sampson was arrested for Conspiracy to Deliver Methamphetamine (a Class-C Felony).
  • 32-year old Jacob Michael Leary, of Atlantic. He was arrested on a felony charge of Delivery of Methamphetamine within 1000 feet of a Public Park.
  • 33-year old Ryan Michael Paul, of Atlantic. Paul was arrested on felony charges of Ongoing Criminal Conduct, Delivery of Methamphetamine, Delivery of Methamphetamine within 1000 feet of a Public Park, Possession of Methamphetamine 3rd or Subsequent Offense, and Sponsoring a Gathering where Illegal Drugs are Used. He also faces misdemeanor charges of Prohibited Acts and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
  • 29-year old Albert Alexander Johnson, of Atlantic, was arrested Aug. 4th on a felony charge of Conspiracy to Deliver Methamphetamine.
  • 46-year old Richard Dean Fineran, of Atlantic, was arrested on felony charges of Possession with Intent to Deliver Methamphetamine, Sponsoring a Gathering where Illegal Drugs are Used, and a misdemeanor Possession of Drug Paraphernalia charge.

On Tuesday, August 11th, authorities arrested 21-year old Jessica Lee Mack, of Atlantic, and 29-year old Tony Lee Mack, of Atlantic. Both face felony charges of Conspiracy to Deliver Methamphetamine within 1000 feet of a School. On Wed., Aug. 12th, 53-year old Clayton Wade Schmitt, of Atlantic, was arrested on a felony charge of Delivery of Methamphetamine.

The suspects who remained in the Cass County Jail as of Wednesday afternoon include: Brittiny Sampson, Jacob Leary, Albert Johnson, and Richard Dean Fineran,  who were being held on $50,000 bond, each. Ryan Paul was being held on $100,000 bond. Tony Mack’s bond was set at $10,000, while Clayton Schmitt was being held on $25,000 bond. Jessica Mack was released on August 11th on her own recognizance.

BRUCE SIMMONS, 71, of Atlantic (Svcs. 8/17/15)

Obituaries

August 12th, 2015 by Ric Hanson

BRUCE SIMMONS, 71, of Atlantic, died Wed., Aug. 12th, at the Cass County Memorial Hospital, in Atlantic. A Celebration of Life service for BRUCE SIMMONS will be held 10-a.m. Mon., Aug. 17th, at Zion Lutheran Church in Atlantic. Roland Funeral Home, in Atlantic, has the arrangements,

Friends call at the funeral home from 1-until 4-pm on Sunday, where a signing of the guest book will take place. Visitation with the family will be held one-hour prior to the Celebration of Life service Monday, at Zion Lutheran Church.

Military rites will be held immediately following the services at the church.

Memorials may be directed to the Atlantic Public Library.

BRUCE SIMMONS is survived by:

His wife – Patricia Simmons.

His sons – Kenneth (& wife Kumcha) Simmons; Mark (Sheri) Simmons; Matthew (Beth) Trexel; and Ethan Simmons.

His daughter – Kimberly (Todd) Cropley.

His sisters – Marjorie Lee; Debra Thieman; Virginia Kidby, & Mary Brown.

His brothers – David (Connie) Gibbs, and Douglas (Pam) Simmons.

14 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, and his aunts.

Chiefs’ Charles laments ‘rough’ offensive line last season

Sports

August 12th, 2015 by Ric Hanson

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) – Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles sounded off on the ineptness of his offensive line last season following Wednesday’s practice at Missouri Western State University. Rarely one to speak out, the Pro Bowler acknowledged the hodge-podge of players the Chiefs had block for him was a big reason why he was less productive last season. It was also a big reason why he was banged up almost the entire way.

Kansas City lost starting guard Jeff Allen to a season-ending injury in Week 1, then had to make do with fill-ins Mike McGlynn and Jeff Linkenbach the rest of the way. Not only is Allen back in the mix, but the Chiefs traded for Pro Bowl offensive guard Ben Grubbs in the offseason – much to the delight of Charles.

USDA sees 13.7B bushel corn crop, 4 percent less than 2014

Ag/Outdoor, News

August 12th, 2015 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture says farmers are expected to produce 13.7 billion bushels of corn this year, down 4 percent from last year’s record. It will be the third highest annual production on record in the U.S. Farmers are expected to harvest 81.1 million acres, down 2 percent from a year ago.

The USDA monthly crop update released Wednesday says Iowa, the nation’s top corn producer, expects to harvest 2.43 billion bushels, up 2.8 percent from 2014. Nebraska’s corn production will increase 3.8 percent to 1.66 billion bushels. Illinois corn production will fall nearly 15 percent.

Soybean production is forecast at 3.92 billion bushels, down 1 percent from last year. Production will drop 2.5 percent in Illinois, the nation’s leader. Iowa production will increase 2 percent.