(Radio Iowa) – Halloween pumpkins that didn’t get smashed or eaten by squirrels pose a problem for waste haulers after the trick-or-treating is over. The Ames Resource Recovery Plant burns garbage to produce electricity and assistant superintendent Mark Peebler says mushy pumpkins don’t burn. They have collection areas outside the plant for them. “Two totes that are out there they’re marked with pumpkin labels or pictures. The pumpkins can just be dropped off in there, and then we aggregate it, and then we haul it out to our current contractor for organics and yard waste,” he says. He says they also take gourds along with the pumpkins.

“Last year we were over 23-thousand-300 pounds, so almost 12 tons of pumpkins and gourds were collected,” Peebler says. He says they get pumpkins of all sizes and some are showing their wear and tear from being Jack-o’-lanterns. “By the time we get them, they’re usually pretty shriveled up, but I would guess, anywhere from ten to 15 pounds for the average. And then you get some of those large ones that are much heavier,” he says. Waste recyclers say keeping organic food materials separate from recyclables has long been a problem. Peebler says they try to keep letting residents know the importance of keeping things separated.

“There’s constant education and outreach. I know several different local haulers offer yard waste as a subscription base to collect that material at the residence,” Peebler says. Peebler says they will keep their collection bins for the pumpkins and gourds available 24/7 through December 1st, as some people use them for Thanksgiving decorations.

The Red Oak Police Department requesting your assistance in a hit-and-run investigation. Authorities say that at around 6:30-p.m., Wednesday, Red Oak Rescue and Red Oak Police were dispatched to the 200 block of E. Joy Street, following a call about a pedestrian who had his arm run over by a pickup truck. The victim said he had slipped on the pavement and fell onto the road. After he fell, a pickup truck ran over his arm. The victim said the driver of the pickup stopped and asked if the pedestrian was OK, before leaving the scene of the incident or the arrival of law enforcement.

A witness who was driving-by, told police they saw the truck stopped, causing the other motorist to stop behind the pickup. The witness said once the truck drove-off, she saw the victim on the ground and assisted him in getting out of the street. The unidentified victim was checked out by Red Oak Rescue, but refused transport to the hospital.

The only description of the suspect vehicle is that it was a grey or silver pickup truck, unknown make or model. There was no description of the driver.

If you happen to have been in the area and witnessed the incident, or can provide Red Oak Police with any information, they would greatly appreciate it. Also, any homeowners in that particular area that has any security cameras, these can be extremely useful to us in the course of our investigation.

Please contact the Police Department at 623-6500 if you were to review the footage and find any pertinent information to the above mentioned incident.

(Red Oak, Iowa) – One person was transported to the hospital in Red Oak, early Wednesday afternoon, following a collision at the intersection of Highway 48 and Chestnut Street, in Red Oak. Authorities report a car driven by 22-year-old Tanner Burnison, of Elliott, was making a turn from Chestnut onto southbound Highway 48 at around 12:45-p.m. A pickup truck driven by 29-year-old Taylor Foster, of Renick, MO., was northbound on Highway 48 and passing another vehicle, when Foster saw Burnison’s car. Both drivers took evasive action to avoid the collision, but the left front of both vehicles collided. The car and pickup came to rest on the southbound shoulder of the road.

Burnison complained of pain and possible injury. He was transported by private vehicle to the Montgomery County Memorial Hospital. Damage from the collision amounted to a police-estimated $10,000 altogether. There were no citations issued.

Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird and 24 other states filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court Monday in support of the Port of Tacoma’s appeal of a U.S. circuit court decision that upheld a citizen’s ability to sue individuals for violating the Clean Water Act. “We must not allow unelected, green activists to weaponize lawsuits to force woke mandates, hurt farmers, or threaten cities that are working hard to keep drinking water clean,” Bird said in a press release.

The Iowa Capital Dispatch reports the original case involved a citizen-led environmental group in Washington, Puget Soundkeeper Alliance, who sued the Port of Tacoma and its tenants for not implementing stormwater controls in accordance with the state-issued pollutant discharge permits.

In June 2024, the 9th Circuit Court ruled in favor of the environmental group. The court’s opinion said “even though the (state pollutant permits) exceeded the requirements of the federal regulations, they were enforceable in a citizen suit.” Circuit Judge Diarmuid O’Scannlain wrote that without the existing precedent, “private citizens such as Puget Soundkeeper Alliance would have no standing to sue” in such cases.

(Photo by Cami Koons/Iowa Capital Dispatch)

The precedent that set the court’s opinion was a citizen suit from 1995 claiming the City of Portland had violated the Clean Water Act. O’Scannlain said in his concurring statement the precedent “continues to expand citizen standing in a way Congress never intended.” Sean Dixon, Puget Soundkeeper executive director, said in a statement at the time of the ruling that it “closes the book on a proposed loophole in environmental protection,” and will help protect clean water across his state of Washington.

The recently filed  brief by Bird and other states argues that the decision “interferes with (s)tate authority over water resources” and “undermines” state environmental efforts. This interference, the brief argues, disrupts the “cooperative federalism” approach of the Clean Water Act which allowed states to “tailor” federal programs to local needs.

The precedent set by Port of Tacoma case would take away a state’s flexibility and ability to experiment with implementing various conservation laws that prioritize what is most important to citizens of a given state, according to the brief.

A press release from Bird’s office called the citizen lawsuits “politically charged” and said taxpayers would be “on the hook” paying for the government to defend itself from “woke green activists.” Bird also argued the new interpretation could lead activists to “weaponize” the Waters of the United States rule and try to enforce “radical” point-source regulations by suing farmers and cities. The brief urges the Supreme Court to reverse the judgment of the 9th Circuit Court.

“The states are calling on the U.S. Supreme Court to hear the case and restore regulatory power to the (s)tates so that farmers and cities are not forced to choose between woke, costly mandates or defending from aggressive lawsuits,” the press release said.

(Radio Iowa) – Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate says he was recently told the D-O-T might have information about registered Iowa voters who may not be U-S citizens — and his staff conducted a manual review of the data before it was released last week. Pate sent the list to county auditors and directed election workers to ask people on the list for proof of citizenship before their votes may be counted.

“The public expects us to address the issue because we’ve had so much pressure put on the elections process across the country about not only non-citizens, but on anything that’s not got full transparency in an election,” Pate says, “and this is the closest we could come to providing that transparency at this time.” Pate says he consulted with attorneys about the move and believes it would survive a legal challenge since none of the names of potential non-citizens have been removed from the voter registration list — giving those who have become U-S citizens in the past couple of decades the opportunity to vote.

“The role of Iowa’s commissioner of elections requires balance,” Pate says. “On one end, it’s absolutely critical that every eligible voter is able to cast their ballot and make their voices heard. On the other end, we are required to follow state and federal law and ensure that only eligible voters participate.” Late yesterday (Thursay), the U-S Supreme Court ruled Virgina may cull alleged non-citizens from that state’s voting lists. Governor Kim Reynolds says she asked Pate a while back about the issue.

“I was hearing other states were looking into it,” Reynolds says. “…I was curious how that was playing out and what we were doing.” Reynolds says the problem is Pate’s office has not been able to check the federal government’s so-called SAVE database that provides information about a person’s immigration status.

“Some states have it, but not all states have access to it,” Reynolds says. “…If we had access to the SAVE file, then our election commissioner, the secretary of state, could verify if they are a citizen or not, but they refuse to give us access to that.” Pate says it’s frustrating. “We’ve repeatedly put requests out to the folks in Washington, D.C. to have a complete list of folks who are legally here and are non-citizens,” Pate says. “To this date, they have not been cooperative in giving us that list.”

Joe Henry is Iowa political director for LULAC, the League of United Latin American Citizens. He says Pate’s list is an effort to intimidate Latino voters in Iowa. “He waited ’til the 11th hour to do this,” Henry says. Henry’s organization was denied a copy of the list of people whose citizenship may be challenged if they show up to vote. “To make sure that if there is concern here that they will have their naturalization papers with them. If they do that, they’ll be fine,” Henry says. “We could have helped.”

The league is now encouraging Latino voters in Iowa to cast their ballots as soon as possible, so if they are challenged, they’ll have plenty of time to prove to election officials that they are U-S citizens. Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird issued a written statement Wednesday, accusing the U-S Justice Department of trying to pressure Iowa into letting non-citizens vote. Bird said the agency had contacted the state, but she did not offer other details about the discussion.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The City Council in Atlantic held a brief, Special Session this (Wednesday) evening to act on two Resolutions to come before them. Both passed unanimously.

The first Resolution called for “Adopting a Memorandum of Understanding with the Atlantic Community School District for a School Resource Officer Program.”  Councilperson Elaine Otte…

Otte said Atlantic Police Chief Devin Hogue told the City’s Personnel and Finance Committee that he was concerned if the School Board doesn’t take action on the MOU during their next meeting, the chances of having an officer on-board by the time the District gets back from Christmas break, would be diminished. The SRO will have been certified and completed the Law Enforcement Academy. They will also need to have the required School Resource Officer training.

Atlantic City Council (10-30-24)

The second resolution was to “Authorizing Vision Atlantic, Inc., to proceed with infrastructure construction for the Camblin Hills Development and Assurances Regarding a Development Agreement.”

Once the Special Session concluded, the Atlantic City Council entered a Work Session to Review, discuss and come to a consensus on a Housing Development Policy and Guidelines, including using information from other cities, with regard to how they deal with properties the city owns and wants to see improved or demolished. Their consensus was to review the current policy (including the legalities) and let the bidder for 506 W. 10th Street know their decision, as a courtesy.

The second item on the Work Session was to Review, discuss and come to a consensus on the Sidewalk Program. Once again, the Atlantic City Council decided they would talk first with Public Works Director Kirk Knudsen and gain his input on how the sidewalk improvement projects would begin. Nothing would likely be done until the Spring, regardless. It was also suggested the City send out letters of intent and to begin the process of notifying property owners know which sidewalk projects may affect their property.

In other business, the Atlantic City Council reminds residents of upcoming “Listening Sessions” with various Council members. The meetings will take place at the Atlantic Public Library on Nov. 4th, 12th, 14th and 21st, from 5:30-until 6:30-p.m. Here’s the schedule:

Monday, Nov. 4th: 5th Ward; Councilman Dana Halder
Tuesday, Nov. 12th: 1st Ward; Councilperson Emily Kennedy
Thursday, Nov. 14th: 2nd Ward; Councilman Jim Behrends
Thursday, Nov. 21st: 3rd Ward; Councilman Mike McDermott.

ANY citizen of Atlantic is welcome to attend any or all of the Sessions, regardless of which Ward you happen to live in.

(Sidney, Iowa) – The Fremont County Sheriff’s Office K9 “Storm” will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. The Sheriff’s Office says K9 Storm’s vest is sponsored by Leah A. Beale of Oklahoma City, OK, and will be embroidered with the sentiment “Born to Love-Trained to Serve-Loyal Always”. Delivery is expected within ten weeks.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. This potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9 officers is U.S. made, custom fitted, and NIJ certified. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 5,794 vests to K9s in all 50 states at a value of $6.9 million, made possible by both private and corporate donations.

The program is open to U.S. dogs that are at least 20 months old and actively employed and certified with law enforcement or related agencies. K9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate. There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States.

Fremont County S/O K9 “Storm” (photo provided)

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, while a single donation of $985 will sponsor one vest. Each vest has a value of $1800.00, weighs an average of 4-5 lb., and comes with a five-year warranty. For more information, or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call 508-824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts donations at www.vik9s.org, or you may mail your contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The American Cancer Society’s Cass County Chapter has announced the Festival of Trees is back for another year in 2024, and will once again be held in downtown Atlantic. The Festival of Trees takes place December 5th through the 8th at “Santa’s Workshop” (325 Chestnut Street), the former Robinson Hardware location.

Representatives of Cass County Chapter of the America Cancer Society say they look forward to bringing the spirit of the season to all that wish to visit, while raising cancer awareness and funds to battle the disease.

Area businesses, organizations, and individuals are welcome to register for a space to decorate for Festival. Please email suzie.mages@cancer.org if you would like to be added to the invite list. No “drop-ins” for displays will be accommodated so please register in advance. Space will be limited. If anyone would like to make a monetary or gift donation to the event, also please reach out to Suzie or contact event leader Carole Schuler.

Festival of Trees is scheduled to be open for public viewing on Thursday, December 5th and Friday, December 6th from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Saturday, December 7th from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday, December 8th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

You can also honor cancer fighters in your life by ordering one of the “Every Cancer, Every Life” shirts/sweatshirts online by 5:00 p.m. on November 15th. Items will be available for pickup at Festival of Trees. Order at www.storessimple.com/jjdesign/32714

The ACS of Cass County hopes you can join them to celebrate the Christmas season and raise funds for the fight against cancer.

(Glenwood, Iowa) – Police in Glenwood report a man was arrested today (Wednesday) following a reported armed subject in a bank. Officers were called at around 9:50-a.m. to the Glenwood State Bank, where they arrested 66-year-old Ricky Schnackel, of Glenwood, on a Class-B Felony charge of Robbery in the 1st Degree, and an Aggravated Misdemeanor  Use of a Dangerous Weapon in the Commission of a Crime, charge.

Schnackel was being held in the Mills County Jail on a $27,000 bond. The incident remains under investigation.

Disclaimer: “A criminal charge is merely and accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.”

(Radio Iowa) – Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate convened a gathering of state and federal officials at the Iowa National Guard’s headquarters today (Wednesday) to tout security measures surrounding the General Election.  “It is because of numerous checks and balances and many, many layers in place that help us ensure Iowa elections are safe and secure,” Pate said. Iowa Public Safety Commissioner Stephen Bayens says his agency will be a hub for collecting information from three-thousand law enforcement and intelligence agency partners.

“Our duty and focus for the upcoming election is to alert Iowans as to any false information that may circulate through email, social media or telephone calls,” Bayens said, “as well as an physical threats on election day or the days that follow.” Bayens says false information about the election typically centers around fake notices that polling sites have moved or are closing, as well as false allegations of election intimidation to spark fear about voting.

“Please also be mindful of scam artists claiming you can register a ballot or voting on online or over the phone. These fraudsters are attempting to obtain your personal information so they can either steal your personal identity or trick you into believing you have already voted,” Bayens said. “We encourage all Iowans to be mindful of such efforts and to only rely on trusted information sources such as state or local election officials.”

Cyber security staff from state government and the Iowa National Guard are monitoring election offices in Iowa 24 hours a day now. Phil Kirk of the U-S Department of Homeland Security is regional director for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency or CISA. He says Iowa has key election safeguards, like testing of all election equipment before it’s used to count paper ballots and, after the election, results in randomly-selected precincts are audited for accuracy.

“The 2024 election cycle is facing arguably the most complex threat environment ever,” Kirk said, “but the nation’s elections infrastructure is more secure and the election community more prepared than ever.” Kirk emphasizes that every voter in Iowa will be casting a paper ballot that enables counts, recounts and audits.

“I want to address Iowa voters directly: thanks mostly to the hard work of your state and local election officials, their partners and CISA security experts across this region I have confidence we are doing everything we can to ensure a safe and secure election,” he said, “and that you should be confident, too.”

The F-B-I is the primary agency in charge of investigating election-related crimes and the special agent in charge of the F-B-I’s Omaha office says an “election command post” has been set up there to coordinate a state and federal response to any threats related to this year’s election.