PARKERSBURG, Iowa (KCRG-TV) – The Parkersburg Police Chief has been charged after selling alcohol at a bar after hours. Officials say that on February 11th, 2024, a deputy conducted a bar and alcohol compliance check at Maddogs Sports Bar in Parkersburg. At approximately 2:09 am, the deputy found multiple subjects both inside and outside of the bar drinking.

David Jara, who is the Parkersburg Police Chief, was working behind the bar at the time. He was charged with Selling or Dispensing Alcohol or Beer After Hours.

(Des Moines, Iowa [Iowa Capital Dispatch]) – The Iowa Senate, Wednesday, reconfirmed the director of the state Department of Natural Resources, despite concerns from some Democrats that she is forced to operate as a puppet of Gov. Kim Reynolds. “Kayla Lyon is just like many of Gov. Reynolds’ other appointees and department heads — she can only do so much,” said Sen. Claire Celsi, D-West Des Moines. “She can only do what the boss tells her to do.”

Lyon, 39, of Ames, was appointed to the post by Reynolds in 2019. Her reconfirmation by the Senate this week was prompted by state law, which requires another confirmation vote for appointees after four years. She leads a department of about 890 full-time and 450 seasonal employees. It is charged with maintaining public areas and wildlife and the enforcement of environmental regulations on businesses, cities, drinking water utilities and livestock operations.

A recent DNR evaluation listed more than 700 water body segments in the state that are impaired, meaning they don’t meet water quality standards for recreation, public water supplies and the protection of aquatic life. A primary contributor to the problem is agriculture, which is also under the purview of the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. State parks also need about $100 million in repairs, and there is a plan to eliminate all park ranger positions, according to the Cedar Rapids Gazette.

Iowa Department of Natural Resources Director Kayla Lyon, left, addresses a joint meeting of the Natural Resource Commission and the Environmental Protection Commission Jan. 22, 2020 at the Wallace State Office Building. (Photo by Perry Beeman/Iowa Capital Dispatch)

Lyon was a lobbyist for dairy farmers and farmers’ cooperatives before joining state government. Her reconfirmation required two-thirds support, and Lyon cleared that threshold with a 40-9 vote. All of those who voted against confirmation were Democrats, and they were just over half of the Democrats in the chamber.

The DNR’s funding requests have been roughly static in recent years. Sen. Tom Shipley, R-Nodaway, disputed that the DNR is prevented from taking sufficient action to protect the environment, along with Democrats’ claims of “how bad our environment is.” He said the resurgence of certain animal populations, such as bald eagles and whitetail deer, is evidence that conditions are improving. “We have otters in the river we never used to have,” Shipley said. “We have turkeys in the trees that we never used to have. We have all kinds of bobcats.”

Lyon did not address the Democrats’ allegations but told Iowa Capital Dispatch: “It’s been an honor to serve as the director of the Department of Natural Resources. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work alongside DNR staff across the state, and I’m humbled by their extensive knowledge and passion. My appreciation for this job doesn’t stop at the office or in the field with staff; it extends to when I’m spending time enjoying the resources with my family.”

(Des Moines, Iowa via the Iowa Capital Dispatch) – The Iowa House passed a bill Wednesday that would prohibit imitation meat products from being misleadingly labeled as meat — with an amendment prohibiting people from purchasing egg substitutes through food assistance programs. Senate File 2391, approved by a 60-34 vote, establishes fines for businesses that create non-meat products and label them with terms used for butchered meat, if the labels do not also include terms like “fake” or “vegetarian” specifying that they are not traditional meat products.

The bill, largely targeting substitute meat products that are made from insects, lab-grown meat and plants, was approved unanimously by the Senate, but was met with strong resistance during House floor debate Wednesday.

Democrats’ opposition to the bill was not over the labeling of products, lawmakers said, but with a House amendment adding restrictions related to eggs and egg substitutes. In addition to adding labeling requirements and establishing fines for misbranding of “fabricated egg products” as eggs, the amendment also created purchasing restrictions on such products. Iowans could not use food benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) to purchase egg substitutes.

If egg substitutes are approved as purchasable foods through SNAP or WIC, the legislation would direct the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services to seek a waiver or exemption from having these products be eligible for purchase through the programs in Iowa.

(Photo by Jared Strong/Iowa Capital Dispatch)

Rep. Monica Kurth, D-Davenport, said the amended legislation would take away the rights of people on SNAP and WIC to buy foods that they are currently able to purchase through the program — many of whom, she said, use egg substitutes due to allergies or other health concerns. She said egg allergies among children are “not uncommon,” and that egg substitutes are often the only available means to replace them. The bill’s floor manager Rep. Heather Hora, R-Washington, said the amendment came as the bill was meant to protect Iowa’s livestock producers, and that House lawmakers “felt it would be important to protect Iowa’s egg producers as well.”

Rep. Ako Abdul-Samad, D-Des Moines, said he believed proper food labeling was “imperative,” but he could not support a measure that would specifically restrict people in need of food assistance from purchasing products they need based on medical or dietary restrictions.

In her closing comments, Hora said she understands the concerns about food access, but that the SNAP and WIC restrictions are related to labeling these products as related to eggs. The bill goes back to the Senate for consideration of the amendment.

(Harlan, Iowa) – Officials with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office today (Thursday), released a report on arrests made during the month of March. In order of most recent to the earliest arrests:

On March 31st – Holly Ann Gorden, Age 51, of Dow City, was arrested after a traffic stop. Gorden was charged with OWI- 1st offense, Improper Registration of Plate Lamp, and Failure to Maintain control; and, Mandi Annette Irlbeck, Age 48, of Harlan, was arrested after a traffic stop. Irlbeck was charged with OWI- 1st Offense, Fail to Display Registration Plate, and Failure to Give Continuous Turn Signal.

Two men were arrested March 30th in Shelby County, following a traffic stop on Highway 59: 21-year-old Sheldon David Shaw, of Fredonia KS, was arrested for being a person Ineligible to Carry a Weapon, Possession/Marijuana 1st offense, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. And, 34-year-old Bret Adam Gardner, of Fall River KS, was charged with Possession- Marijuana 1st offense, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

On March 29th, Shelby County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 37-year-old Joshua Wendell Tucker, of Fall River, KS, following a traffic stop on Highway 59. Tucker was charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, PCS use in Structure or Vehicle, Possession – Marijuana 1st, and Ineligible to Carry Weapon.

On the 24th of March, 29-year-old Monrel Dupris Mccarthur, of Harlan, was arrested after a traffic stop on Hwy 59. McCarthur was transported to the Shelby County Jail and charged with OWI- 1st Offense, Reckless Driving, Fail to Yield to Emergency Vehicle, and Driving on Wrong Side.

On the 23rd, 41-year-old Timmy Lee Sigler, Jr., of Harlan, was arrested on a Shelby County warrant for Violation of Probation.

On March 21st, Shelby County Deputies arrested 37-year-old Nicholas Steven Segebart, of Shelby, on an active Shelby County Warrant for Harassment – 1st degree.

The previous day, 27-year-old Rose Marie Strong, of Exira, was arrested on a Shelby County warrant for Violation of Probation.

There were two arrests in Shelby County on March 16th: 42-year-old Taylor Reid Schleis, of Harlan, was arrested following a call for service. Schleis was transported to the Shelby County Jail and charged with OWI- 1st Offense and Failure to Maintain Control; and, 30-year-old Kendra Kathleen Kyle, of Avoca, was arrested following a call for service. Kyle was transported to the Shelby County Jail and charged with Contempt- Violation of No Contact Order.

One person was arrested March 14th in Shelby County. 21-year-old Junior Anthony Newsom, of Harlan, was arrested following a call for service. Newsom was transported to the Shelby County Jail and charged with Obstruction of Emergency Communications, and Interference with Official Acts.

Two women were arrested March 13th following traffic stops in Shelby County: 33-year-old Ashley Elizabeth McWilliams, and 27-year-old Kellsea Marie Williams, both of Harlan, were arrested on separate charges following their traffic stops on Cyclone Avenue, in Harlan. McWilliams was charged with Driving while Barred. Williams was charged with Driving Under Suspension.

On March 12th, Carl Kent Parkhurst, Age 39, of Shelby, was arrested following a traffic stop. Parkhurst was transported to Shelby County Jail and charged with Driving while License Suspended.

On March 10th, Steven Glenn Herrington, Age 60, of Council Bluffs, was arrested following a traffic stop and charged with OWI- 1st offense.

There were three arrests March 9th in Shelby County: 36-year-old Brunshay Naboski Miller, of Atlanta, GA, was arrested following a call for service. Miller was transported to Shelby County Jail and was charged with Interference with Official Acts- Bodily Injury, and Eluding- Speed 25 Over Limit; 34-year-old Deonte Leon Carr, also of Atlanta GA, was charged with Interference with Official Acts- Bodily Injury, and Eluding- Speed 25 Over Limit; and 35-year-old Charlie B. Hadfield, of Harlan, was arrested March 9th for Disorderly conduct- Fighting/Violence.

On the 8th of March, 30-year-old Jacob Taylor Jones, of Elkhorn, NE, was arrested for Walking on the Wrong Side of Highway, and Consumption of Alcohol in Public Place.

Three arrests occurred March 2nd, in Shelby County: Carlos Bravo, Age 25, of Denison, was arrested for Driving while License Suspended, Possession of Controlled Substance- Marijuana/1st Offense, Keeping Premises or Vehicle for Controlled Substance Violation, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Operating a Non Registered Vehicle, and Speeding; Charles Allen Greene, Age 46, of Harlan, was arrested for Driving while License Suspended; and, 35-year-old Joshua James Holste, age 35, of Harlan, was arrested for OWI- 1st Offense.

And, on March 1st, Shelby County Deputies arrested 23-year-old Michael Leinen, of Portsmouth, on an active Shelby County Warrant.

Note: Criminal charges are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.

(Creston, Iowa) – Creston Police say a man was arrested Wednesday evening on an OWI charge. 76-year-old Michael Joseph Spaulding, of Creston, was arrested at his residence for Operating While Under the Influence/1st Offense. Spaulding was cited and released on a Promise to Appear in court.

And, at around 6:45-p.m., Wednesday, Police in Creston arrested 28-year-old Andres Martinez, of Creston. Martinez arrested at his residence on a charge of Domestic Abuse Assault/1st Offense. He was taken to Union County Jail and held without bond until seen by a Judge.

(Creston, Iowa) – A male student with the Creston Middle School faces a Class-D felony charge of making Terroristic Threats, following an incident that occurred Wednesday night. Creston Police received a report at around 11:12-p.m. Wednesday, with regard to threats the student allegedly made to bring a gun to school today (Thursday). The student allegedly sent pictures and videos to other students with the threat.

Officers investigating the allegations made contact with the suspect and his parents. The suspect was charged after he was interviewed by Police. He was then turned over to juvenile authorities.

(Des Moines, Iowa) – Officials with the Iowa Insurance Division’s Fraud Bureau, report a Des Moines woman, 52-year-old Guadalupe Ramos, was sentenced on March 28, 2024, after pleading guilty to one count of Theft in the Third Degree (Aggravated Misdemeanor). Ramos was sentenced following an investigation by the Iowa Insurance Division’s Fraud Bureau.

The investigation conducted by the Iowa Insurance Division’s Fraud Bureau found Ramos had submitted fabricated documents to an insurance provider to obtain financial benefits to which she was not entitled.

Ramos was arrested on December 14, 2023.  After pleading guilty to third-degree theft (Aggravated Misdemeanor), she was fined $855 and ordered to pay a crime services surcharge of 15%. Ramos was sentenced to one day in jail.

Iowans with information about insurance fraud are encouraged to contact the Iowa Insurance Division’s Fraud Bureau at 515-654-6556.

(Johnston, Iowa) – Officials with the Iowa National Guard say the Guard will conduct the 2024 State Best Warrior Competition (BWC) April 4-7, 2024, at Camp Dodge Joint Maneuver Training Center in Johnston, Iowa. The 2024 BWC will represent the first time that a competition event will be expanded into the community, partnering with local agencies and organizations and inviting community members to show their support of competitors.

The purpose of the BWC is to select the best-qualified Soldier and Non-commissioned Officer through a series of tests of endurance, strength, and skills. Maj. Gen. Stephen Osborn, the Adjutant General of the Iowa National Guard, says “Our focus is to maintain a ‘Ready’ force, ensuring Soldiers are trained with technical and tactical skills and they are masters of their equipment. These types of events are an opportunity to demonstrate the high standards and professionalism of Soldiers and they improve morale by building on friendships and camaraderie. This year we are also expanding our reach into our community and involving our stakeholders in the spirit of the competition.”

Iowa’s BWC is in preparation for Region IV BWC, also held at Camp Dodge and throughout the community of Johnston, this year in May. Winners from each state, including Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin and Iowa, will compete on Iowa soil for the first time in seven years.

2024 will also be the fourth year that Kosovo Security Force members will be participating in the competition as part of the ongoing state partnership between Kosovo and the Iowa National Guard.

(Shenandoah, Iowa) — Officials with the Shenandoah Police Department report three individuals were arrested on separate drug charges over the past nearly three weeks. Authorities say on March 24th, 58-year-old Klifford Keith Kennedy, of Shenandoah, was arrested for Theft in the 3rd Degree theft, Possession of a controlled substance/1st offense – methamphetamine; Possession of drug paraphernalia, and Interference with official acts. Kennedy was released from the Page County Jail after posting bond.

49-year-old Heather Trena James, of Shenandoah, was arrested March 27th on a valid Page County warrant for original charges of Possession of a controlled substance–methamphetamine; possession of a controlled substance — marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia. James bonded out of custody from the county jail.

On March 29th, Shenandoah Police arrested 43-year-old Alexandra Dawn Lasley, of Shenandoah, for Poss. of a Controlled Substance/Marijuana, and Poss. of Drug Paraphernalia.

Other arrests conducted by Shenandoah Police, include:

On March 16th, 29-year-old Nicholas Alan Perkison, of Shenandoah, for Domestic Abuse 1st offense, and Child Endangerment.

On March 22nd, 35-year-old Shaun Michael Webster, of Shenandoah, who was arrested on a Fremont County warrant on the original charge of Probation Violation.

State officials are asking legislators to ban private companies from selling Iowa lottery tickets and games online. Tyler Ackerson of the Iowa Department of Revenue says businesses called lottery couriers are operating websites and smart phone apps. “Customers sign up on there, fund their account, and then the courier uses that money to purchase lottery products on behalf of that customer,” Ackerson says. “These lottery couriers typically partner with a business who sets up a stand alone, brick and mortar location that becomes a licensed lottery retailer and then all of those lottery products are purchased through that location.”

Jake Ketzner — a lobbyist for Lotto-dot-com — says the company started selling Nebraska lottery products online this week and would like to operate in Iowa at some point “We are active in 18 states. It’s not new,” Ketzner said. “Think of it as kind of an ‘Uber Eats’ model for lotto tickets.” State officials have already turned down an application from Jackpocket, a New York based lottery courier that wanted to start selling Iowa lottery games online. Tim Coonan is a lobbyist for Jackpocket, which is owned by sports betting giant DraftKings.

“We had no plans to bring legislation this year to try to advance the ball or improve our position relative to that denial,” Coonan says, “and we’re hoping to have a more fulsome conversation with policymakers about the service we provide.”

According to the Iowa Department of Revenue, parts of already existing state law prohibit online lottery sales, but the agency’s asking the legislature to include an outright ban in a bill dealing with routine tax matters. The chairman of the Senate’s tax policy committee says the debate about online lottery ticket sales should probably be held in a different committee.