(Des Moines, Iowa) – Cryptocurrency is a digital or virtual currency not regulated by a bank or financial institution and may be used for purchases or investments. Cryptocurrency automatic teller machines (ATMs) work like a bank or credit union ATM and convert traditional currency into cryptocurrency for a fee, but scammers are using these machines to exploit Iowans.

The FBI issued a public service announcement alerting the public about the increase of these scams and described the various tactics being used to steal money with a cryptocurrency ATM.  One tactic being used in Iowa is a romance scam.  The victim meets a romantic interest online or on a dating app, gains the victim’s trust, then makes a request for money due to a medical emergency, legal fees, or other emotional and urgent plea that tugs at your heartstrings.  The scammer then requests the funds be deposited at a cryptocurrency ATM into a crypto wallet address provided by the scammer, that the victim does not control.  Once you deposit money into an uncontrolled cryptocurrency wallet, the money is gone.

A second tactic is an investment opportunity that promises astronomical returns.  These interactions can begin as a simple text message or email, but the scammer will often direct the victim to use an online message platform such as WhatsApp or Telegram to continue the dialog.  After the victim makes an investment which appears to be earning the promised returns additional funds will be requested.  The scammer then directs the victim to place the investment money into a cryptocurrency ATM. Again, the digital wallet is controlled by the scammer and the money is gone.

Cryptocurrency ATMs generally operate without regulatory oversight, often do not have to follow money transmission law, and may contain a disclaimer stating the ATMs owners are not able to offer assistance with obtaining any funds after the cash is entered into the ATM.  Remember with cryptocurrency, once the virtual currency leaves your wallet, it is out of your control.

Avoid being a victim by following these simple rules:

• Stop. Think. Call.  Discuss non-traditional investments or the request for money with a trusted source.
• Double check before you invest. Ensure anyone trying to sell you an investment is properly licensed as well as the investment being sold.
• Be cautious posting on social media or dating sites, and beware of online investment solicitations.  Don’t click on links in emails or text messages.
• Never give out your personal banking information or send money to someone you don’t know, especially if you haven’t met in person.
• Research the online profile and picture to see if it has been used elsewhere or on multiple online profiles.
• Beware of someone trying to isolate you from your friends and family.
• If an investment pulls at your heartstrings, walk away.

If you suspect you have been the victim of a scam, stop communicating with the person immediately.  Block them on all communication platforms, but save screenshots of any conversations, copies of documents, and instructions on sending the money.  Report all cryptocurrency ATM scams to local law enforcement and the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).  If the cryptocurrency scam involves an investment, please call the Iowa Insurance Division at 515-654-6600.

The Iowa Fraud Fighter program is a source of information to shield your savings from scammers.  Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it is!

(Article by Sonya Sellmeyer, Consumer Advocacy Officer for the Iowa Insurance Division)

(Des Moines, Iowa) – Iowa Representative Tom Moore (R-Griswold) has issued his weekly Legislative Update. In his report covering the past week, Moore said the “Hot Topic” among his constituents and Iowans in general, is HSB542, the Area Education Agency (AEA) reform bill that has garnered a lot of attention since it was announced in the Governor’s Condition of the State address.

Moore said the Governor’s talking points do not necessarily reflect his beliefs and opinions. He stressed “The bill is NOT being fast tracked and will take a lot of work before it is finalized.”

Despite Iowa spending over $5,300 more per pupil on special education funding than the national average, Moore says “we’ve ranked 30th or worse in 9 of the 12 national assessments on special education performance. Spring 2023 state assessment results show a 41% proficiency gap for students with disabilities as compared to overall student results.” The United States Department of Education, Moore said, has recognized this problem and designated Iowa as “needs assistance” for implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act since 2018. If Iowa doesn’t act, the Biden Administration could determine our course of action. This Fall, in-person monitoring from the U.S. Department of Education begins.

“It is worth noting that Iowa is the only state that requires school districts to send money straight to the AEAs whether they are utilizing their services or not. It has been 50 years since AEAs were created to support students with disabilities, and they are now out of touch. They employ six times more staff than the Department of Education while owning/leasing 54 properties. Their annual budget is $529M, there are nine AEA regions with their Chiefs receiving an average salary of $309,667. Furthermore, only 62.8% of AEA funds are focused on special education.”

Moore says “Again, I hear each and every one of you that have reached out to share the importance of the AEA’s. I have no intention of voting for a proposal that would leave school districts high and dry without the essential services currently being provided by AEA’s. We will continue to work on this bill to determine how to best improve special education outcomes.”

District 18 AEA Statistics

District Funds Controlled Solely By Their AEA

Atlantic $859,439

CAM $283,900

Essex $112,482

Griswold $281,395

Red Oak $649,324

Shenandoah $629,927

Villisca $194,674

(Guthrie Center, Iowa) – The Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office has put out a call for snowmobile enthusiasts to help out this winter when there is an emergency. In a social media post, Sheriff Marty Arganbright said they’re seeking volunteers to help respond to and render aid during, an emergency, including: responding to a roadway that is not navigable, to help rescue stranded motorists; transporting a Deputy of EMS Paramedic to a scene; help escort and/or detour emergency vehicles during transport, and more.

The Sheriff’s Office says it is looking for volunteers throughout Guthrie County, but preferable located at or near State Highways 4, 44, 141, and White Pole Road. If you are interested, e-mail Deputy Blake Michelsen at b.michelsen@gcso.gov, or direct message the Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office through their Facebook page. Include your name, address, phone number, and how many people you could transport on your snow machine (including yourself), and if you have a sled or not. Deputy Michelson came up with the program in September, in anticipation of the winter weather. So far, they have ten volunteers who have signed up.

Persons selected will be placed on a call log, and if a winter weather emergency were to occur at or near your residence, you would be called by the Guthrie County Dispatch Center, and given detailed instructions. Volunteers need to understand the risks involved, and that this is a non-paid position. The Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office will not be liable or financially responsible for any injury or damaged snow machines.

Adair County is also looking for snowmobile operators who would be willing to help Adair County First Responders in an actual emergency situation, such as a life threatening medical emergency on a gravel road. If you are interested, send the Adair County Sheriff’s Office a message through the Adair County Sheriff’s Office Facebook Messenger. Please include your phone number in your message.

SPIRIT LAKE, Iowa (KCAU)– A rare close encounter with a bald eagle led two men to assist in a once-in-a-lifetime rescue. Dickinson County resident Wade Woltman was deer hunting December 7^th and checking out valleys in search of deer, when he came across a bald eagle. He took a picture of our nation’s symbol and returned to the same area three-weeks later with a friend.

The bird was still sitting there. Upon closer investigation, the men learned the eagle had a broken wing. He returned home to try and find help for the bird, and ended-up contacting Amanda Hase, with Forever Wildlife. Hase has been rescuing birds for roughly five years and has rescued around 20 eagles in that time.

The bald eagle’s left wing was confirmed to be broken. It is currently being held in Sioux City by Hase.The eagle, named “Dickenson,” will be transported to another Raptor rehab in Carroll, Iowa.

Hase recommended people reach out to their local DNR or a wildlife rehabilitator if they find an eagle on the ground, and to avoid getting close to it.

ESTHERVILLE, Iowa (KCAU) — A northwest Iowa man faces several felony charges after officials say he used a knife to attack someone, Thursday. According to a release from the Estherville Police Department, the disturbance was reported at 8:05 p.m. at an apartment on the 900 block of Central Avenue. When authorities arrived, they detained one of the occupants and would later find a suspect hiding in a closet of the residence. During the investigation, the suspect identified himself as Olegario Lopez Diaz. However, officials were able to confirm that his actual name was Robicel Abarca Hernandez.

Officials learned that Hernandez got into a verbal dispute with the residents of the apartment that had escalated. Authorities said he allegedly grabbed a knife and proceeded to make threats and assault one of the occupants who sustained minor knife wounds. Hernandez was arrested and charged with intimidation with a dangerous weapon, assault while participating in a felony, use of a dangerous weapon in the commission of a crime, serious assault, and providing false information.

Hernandez is being held in the Emmet county jail on a $15,300 bond, according to the release.

The Emmet County Sheriff’s Office assisted the Estherville Police Department in handling the incident.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The City of Atlantic’s Parks Advisory Commission will hold its first meeting since the Committee was established by the Atlantic City Council, in October. The commission replaces the former Parks and Recreation Board. It consists of three people living within Atlantic City limits, two Cass County residents, and one non-voting high school student. Those appointed include Kevin Ferguson (2-year term), Dolly Bergmann (2-year term), Shirley Jensen (1-year term), Ali Pieken (1-year term), and Mary Strong (1-year term).

During the Commission’s meeting at 3:30-p.m. Wednesday, in the Council’s Chambers at City Hall, they will discuss the “Purpose of a Park Advisory Committee,” which the City Council has stated is “to ensure that a formal public feedback and input system was in place regarding the operations and capital planning for the city’s park and recreation system.”

The Commission will introduce Park Advisory Committee members, receive an update on current Park Projects and Activities, and a Splash Pad update from Ali Pieken.

(Creston, Iowa) – Two people were arrested on drug and other charges, in Creston. According to Creston Police, at around 2:22-a.m. today (Monday), 44-year-old Lela Ann Churchwell, of Creston, was arrested at the Creston Union County Law Enforcement Center (LEC). Churchwell was charged with four Union County Warrants for: Disorderly Conduct-Loud Raucous Noise; Public Intoxication; Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Public Intoxication and Harassment in the 3^rd Degree. Churchwell was transported to the Adams County Jail, where and was being held on a $900 cash-only bond, and a $300 cash or surety bond.

Sunday afternoon, Creston Police arrested 20-year-old Garrett Neal Thomson, of Creston, at the Hy-Vee parking lot, in Creston. Thomson was charged on two Union County Warrants for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Unlawful Possession of Prescription Drugs. Thomson was taken to the Union County Jail and later released on $1,300 cash or surety bond.

Two people died in Friday morning house fire, in northwest Iowa’s Orange City. The Sioux County Sheriff’s Office says the Sioux County Communications Center received a 9-1-1 call reporting smoke coming from a residence at 604 Albany Ave. northeast, at around 6:49 a.m. The Orange City Fire and Orange City Ambulance responded and discovered a single-family dwelling that was filled with smoke; aid was requested from several area fire departments.

Upon entering the residence, firefighters discovered 79-year-old Arlan Egdorf, and 82-year-old Linda Egdorf, both of Orange City, had died as a result of their injuries; they were pronounced deceased by the Sioux County Medical Examiner.

The house was a total loss with damage in excess of $100,000. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Orange City Fire Chief and Iowa State Fire Marshal.

Two people died in this house fire in Orange City. (KLEM photo)

(Radio Iowa) – A bill sponsored by Congresswoman Ashley Hinson that requires information on resources be given to pregnant college students has passed the House of Representatives. “Unfortunately many women on college campuses are pressured into having an abortion and told they must choose between having their baby and continuing their education despite Title Nine protections in place,” she says.

Hinson, a Republican from Marion, spoke about the bill on the House floor.”Under Title Nine pregnant students have the right to stay in school finish their education and achieve their career goals. However, academic disparity exists due to the lack of resources, support and tools for pregnant students,” Hinson says. “These women may fear institutional reprisal, a loss of athletic scholarship or negative impacts on their academic opportunity and standing.”

Rep. Ashley Hinson. (RI photo)

Hinson says pregnant students should know about all the options and resources available to them. “There are many organizations that provide physical and emotional support for new and soon to be moms, and pregnant students should know about these resources on college campuses. They deserve to be treated with respect and to be surrounded with care and love,” she says.

Hinson says the isolation of pregnant students might lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges.