ANKENY, Iowa – Officials with the Iowa Department of Criminal Investigation, today (Thursday), released information on the cause of death for three Cedar Falls residents who were staying at the Maquoketa Caves State Park campground on July 22nd. On that date, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, the Department of Natural Resources, and the Division of Criminal Investigation were notified of a triple homicide at the campground. Officers located three deceased victims, as well as the body of a man investigators believe was responsible for their deaths. The Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner has determined the cause and manner of death of all four people.

Officials say 42-year-old Tyler Schmidt died from a gunshot wound and multiple sharp force injuries. His wife, 42-year-old Sarah Schmidt, died from multiple sharp force injuries. Their daughter, 6-year-old Lula Schmidt, died from a gunshot wound and strangulation. All three family members’ deaths have been ruled homicides. The family’s 9-year-old son Arlo Schmidt escaped from the tent and survived the attack. He is staying with relatives.

A suspect in the murders, 23-year-old Anthony Sherwin, of LaVista, Nebraska, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. His death has been ruled a suicide. The investigation into the events surrounding the homicides is ongoing. However, the known facts and circumstances, and all evidence collected to this point, substantiate Sherwin was the perpetrator of the homicides and acted alone.

No further information will be released at this time.

(Radio Iowa) – Many Manchester residents are dealing with storm damage after nearly two inches of rain caused flash flooding and wind gusts of up to 58 miles an hour hit the city at 11 a.m. Wednesday. Delaware County Emergency Management Coordinator Mandy Bieber says the north end of Manchester seemed to be hit hardest. “We sustained tree damage, had some power outages,” she says. “We had one report of a livestock building being flipped over and then two houses damaged by falling trees.” Bieber says utility crews were able to remove tree limbs from power lines and restore electric service quickly.

Manchester City Manager Tim Vick says a street light in downtown Manchester was damaged. “The wind somehow managed to turn that on us,. If you take a look at it, it does not look like the pole is bent or anything, it just needs to be repositioned. That’ll take some work,” he says. “We’re not quite sure how we’re going to do it just yet. We’re analyzing the best way to get that twisted back into place.”

Officials say intense rain fell elsewhere in Delaware County on Wednesday, but Manchester appears to be the only area where the storm caused property damage.

(Vail, Iowa) – The Crawford County Sheriff’s Office reports 64-year old Kevin James Ricke, of rural Westside, was fatally injured during a tractor rollover accident, Sunday evening. Ricke was trapped beneath a John Deere 4020 tractor he was using to mow a ditch. The accident happened at around 7:20-p.m., Sunday. Crawford County Sheriff’s Deputies, Crawford County Ambulance and Vail Fire Department were dispatched to the scene near 370th Street and L Avenue, following a report a tractor had rolled over in a ditch. The accident happened as he was turning east onto L Avenue from 370th,

Vail Fire Department personnel freed Ricke from the tractor.  When Ricke turned east onto L Avenue from 370th Street, the bank gave way and the tractor rolled into the ditch. Ricke was pronounced dead at the scene.

(Harlan, Iowa) – The Harlan City Council met Tuesday evening in regular session. It was reported that the Council would receive a memorandum of understanding for using the Harlan Airport facilities for students studying aviation. Harlan City Administrator Gene Gettys visited with the Harlan Airport Commission and advised the Council the directive will show up in their next meeting packet. The School District’s facilities committee will also attend the next City Council meeting to update the Council on the school facilities project.

The Harlan Community School District Patrons are voting on a 22.9 million dollar bond issue to fund an intermediate addition to the primary school building and renovate portions of the middle and high school buildings. The blue sign at 7th and Cyclone Streets in Harlan will also be replaced. The new sign will read “Historic Downtown.” The Harlan City Council will meet again on Tuesday, August 16th.

(reporting by our sister station KNOD)

The Board of Supervisors in Shelby County met Tuesday morning, in a regular session. Auditor Mark Maxwell said in the meeting minutes, that Todd Valline presented updates and events sponsored and participated in by his organization, the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce and Industries. During the session, Shelby County Engineer, Brandon Burmeister asked the board for approval of Amendments to Utility permits for Kirkman RNG, LLC. A motion to that effect was passed unanimously.

Current activities and projects by the Secondary roads Department were shared with the Supervisors. Burmeister then asked the Board to consider approving a Resolution for an SS4A (Safe Streets and Roads for All) grant application, that, along with other counties that have passed a similar Resolution, will allow Shelby County to be eligible for part of $1-billion in funding, from the new Federal Transportation Bill, Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The Iowa County Engineers Association (ICEA) encourages all 99 counties in the State with an Eligible Action Plan in place, to participate in this grant application. There is no cost to the counties to apply

By agreeing to participate in the program, the Shelby County Board of Supervisors (as well as their counterparts in other, area counties) commits to achieving significant declines in roadway fatalities and serious injuries in Shelby County, while recognizing the Action Plan, and will assist the County Engineer’s department in achieving the goal of a dramatic decrease in roadway fatalities and serious injuries and zero roadway fatalities and serious injuries by the years 2030 and 2050, respectively.The Resolution passed unanimously.

Chairperson Kenkel then presented a letter of engagement from Ahlers and Cooney for advisement and direction in the crafting, enacting and responding to ordinances being considered by the Shelby County Board of Supervisors. A motion was made by Haake to approve the signing and approving the terms of the engagement letter, Parkhurst seconded the motion. The letter of engagement was approved to be signed by a unanimous vote in favor of entering into the engagement terms specified in the letter.

The meeting was then recessed to hold hearings for public comment, with regard to a proposed carbon dioxide (CO²) pipeline. During two of the hearings, rural citizens and the Mayor of a nearby town spoke of concerns of the safety in and around the pipeline once installed. Alex Londo, Shelby County Emergency Management Coordinator spoke and informed the public in attendance of all the preparation and training that has to be given for a newly created public safety possibility. Two letters were received at the auditor’s office, one from the Shelby County Public Health Board and one in opposition from Summit Carbon Solutions. A petition was also received Tuesday in opposition to the pipeline and questioning the safety and permanent farm ground damage that may occur.

The scheduled and publicized hearing dates for the second and third hearing dates for ordinances 2022-2 and 2022-3 are being reconsidered. The third hearing was held to receive any public comment about the proposed budget amendment for Shelby County Fiscal year 2023. Having received or heard any comments, the Board passed the budget amendment, which does NOT increase taxes.

(Radio Iowa) – Des Moines police are asking the public for help in finding a person of interest in a weekend murder case. Police were called to Broadlawns Medical Center Sunday night after 22-year-old Charles Lovelady was brought in with a gunshot wound and died. On Monday, police arrested 21-year-old Darion Hermes on murder and robbery charges, and Wednesday, charged 19-year-old Violet Terry with the same offenses. Investigators say it began as a drug-related robbery orchestrated over social media.

Police say 26-year-old Cedrick Thomas, Junior, has information critical to the case. He’s black, 5-foot-10, 140 pounds with a neck tattoo. He may be in or headed for Cedar Rapids. Submit tips through Crimestoppers of Central Iowa at 515-223-1400, or online at www.crimestoppersofcentraliowa.com. You may remain anonymous.

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (August 4, 2022) – The Iowa Health Care Association (IHCA) Foundation has announced the winners of its 2022 health care scholarship programs. This year, the IHCA Foundation awarded 78 scholarships totaling over $105,000 to assist Iowans who want to advance their health care education and work in long-term care.  This is the highest number of scholarships awarded by the IHCA Foundation in a single year. In 2018, the IHCA Foundation offered 15 scholarships totaling $15,000. This year, the IHCA Foundation received more than 190 applications for the 78 available scholarships.

The IHCA Foundation has a long history of offering scholarships for current long-term care employees to advance their skills and for those interested in joining the profession, including high school students and veterans. This year, the IHCA Foundation added two new scholarships, with one for Iowans who live in rural communities interested in joining the health care profession and another for current long-term care employees seeking to advance their leadership skills.  Scholarship applications are evaluated by the IHCA Foundation Board of Directors based upon the applicant’s experience, recommendations and future educational and career goals in long-term care. This year’s IHCA Foundation scholarship winners include (from this area):

John W. & Kimberly D. Grubb Registered Nurse (RN) Scholarship Recipients – This $3,000 scholarship is sponsored by the John R. and Zelda Z. Grubb Charitable Foundation, and it is for employees of IHCA member organizations pursuing an RN degree. Scholarships were awarded to the following recipients:

* Eyon Steffensen, Exira Care Center, Exira
* Saraha LeClair, Maple Heights Nursing Home, Mapleton
* Tara Gaa-Bluml, Regency Park Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center of Carroll

MolinaCares High School Scholarship Recipients – This $2,000 scholarship, made possible by The Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation (MolinaCares), is for Iowa high school seniors pursuing a certified nursing assistant (CNA), licensed practical nurse (LPN), RN or bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program. A scholarships was awarded to:

* Miranda Ring, Tri-Center High School, Neola

IHCA Member Employee Scholarship Recipients – This $1,500 scholarship is for employees of IHCA member organizations who are pursuing a nursing, health care administration or physical or occupational therapy training program, and is made possible by IHCA Districts, Iowa Council of Nurse Leaders, Iowa Society of Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine, The Vetter Foundation, Brighton Consulting Group, HPSI Purchasing Services, Right Dose, A Guardian Pharmacy and Robert and Shirley V. Dahl Foundation. Scholarships were awarded to the following recipients:

* Marah Larsen, Accura Healthcare of Stanton
* Riley Hunter, Accura Healthcare of Shenandoah

About the Iowa Health Care Association Foundation…
Founded in 1988 by the Iowa Health Care Association (IHCA), the mission of the IHCA Foundation is to foster excellence in long-term care for Iowans by building a stronger workforce. The IHCA Foundation carries out this mission by empowering individuals to reach their career goals in the long-term care profession through scholarships, career education and career access programs. IHCA Foundation programs help support career opportunities available in the long-term care continuum, including nursing facilities, assisted living programs, residential care facilities, senior living communities and home health agencies

(Atlantic & Anita, Iowa) – Mobile pantries will be held in both Atlantic and Anita in August. A mobile pantry is a traveling food pantry that delivers food directly to families in need for a one-day distribution. Mobile food pantries are available free of charge. Anyone in need is welcome, and no documentation is required. People from surrounding towns and communities are welcome. Each car can take food for up to two households. Households without transportation to the Atlantic Mobile Pantries can contact Cass County Wellness Coordinator Brigham Hoegh about delivery. Delivery is offered on a limited basis.

Details:

Anita 2022 Mobile Food Pantries
Where: Anita Food Pantry (208 Chestnut Street, Anita IA 50020)
2022 Dates: August 24, October 19
Time: 4:30-6:30 PM

Atlantic 2022 Mobile Food Pantries
Where: Cass County Community Center (805 W. 10th St., Atlantic, IA 50022)
2022 Dates: August 10, September 14, October 29
Time: 4:00-6:00 PM

Mobile pantry dates, times, and locations are subject to change. For the latest information on mobile pantries, local food, farmers markets, and food access, follow the Cass County Local Food Policy Council’s Facebook page @CassCountyLocalFood or contact Cass County Wellness Coordinator Brigham Hoegh at bhoegh@iastate.edu or 712-249-5870.
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(Creston, Iowa) – The Creston Police Department reports a man was arrested early this (Thursday) morning. Authorities say 57-year-old Jon Eric Hightshoe, of Creston, was arrested at around 12:30-a.m. at Howard and Grand. He was charged with OWI/1st offense, and Possession of a Controlled Substance/Marijuana – 1st offense. Hightshoe was being held in the Union County Jail on a $2,000 bond.

Late Wednesday night, 36-year-old Douglas Edward Woodward III, of Creston, was arrested for Driving While Barred. He has since posted a $2,000 cash or surety bond. And, Wednesday afternoon, 36-year-old Heather Layne Green, of Creston, was arrested for Driving While Suspended. She was cited and released from the scene on a promise to appear in court.

(Radio Iowa) – Back-to-school shoppers will get a bit of a break when the annual tax free weekend starts tomorrow. Iowa Department of Revenue spokesman, John Fuller says “It starts Friday at 12:01 a-m and goes through Friday and Saturday.” Fuller says you can purchase clothing and shoes tax-free. “At tax.iowa.gov there’s a list of what is non taxable and what would be taxable,” Fuller says. “For instance, hiking boots, you can wear those pretty much every day. So if there are 100 dollars or less — that’s the key — these are items are 100 dollars or less — you will not have to pay state sales tax which is seven percent. But something like rollerblades you would have to pay sales tax.”

Fuller says he is often asked if the sales tax holiday includes online sales. “And the answer to that is ‘yes’, as long as you order and pay for the items during the two day period,” he says.  He expects a lot of Iowans to take advantage of the event. “So the Department estimates that the Iowans will save about five million dollars on this upcoming tax free weekend,” Fuller says.

Iowa’s tax free weekend ends at 11:59 p-m this Saturday.