(Atlantic, Iowa) – Sheriff’s officials in Cass County, today (Monday), released a lengthy report on arrests occurring from Dec. 26th through January 14th.

On January 14th, 2024, Cass County Deputies arrested:

• 53-year-old Sarah Wohlt, of Griswold, for Violation of a No Contact Order, and
• 28-year-old Jeremy Stone, of Lewis, was arrested for OWI/1st Offense.

On January 11th, 24-year-old Cameron Hilligoss, of Shenandoah, was arrested by Cass County Deputies on a warrant for Violation of Probation.

On January 8th, 58-year-old Kande Maestas, of Atlantic, was arrested for Domestic Abuse Assault 1st Offense.

On January 7th, 59-year-old Blaine Carbis, of Council Bluffs, was arrested in Cass County, for Violation of a No Contact Order.

On the 5th of January, 45-year-old Matthew Eichelberger, of Elliott, was arrested in Cass County for Driving While Barred.

January 4th, Cass County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 19-year-old Efrain Sandiego, of Atlantic, on a warrant for Violation of Probation. And, 46-year-old Lydell Murray, of Griswold, was arrested for Theft 1st Degree.

On January 1st, 23-year-old Jackson Sally, of Atlantic, was arrested for Burglary 3rd Degree and Theft 5th Degree.

On December 31st, 23-year-old John Seyler, of Wiota, was arrested for OWI 1st Offense.

On December 26th, 39-year-old Rosita Rikar, of Beaverton, OR, was arrested in Cass County, on an extraditable warrant from Oregon.  Rikar was booked and held in the Cass County Jail pending her extradition.

And, on December 26th, Cass County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 46-year-old Edwin Miller, of Fremont, NE, on the charges of Theft 2nd Degree, Eluding and Reckless Driving.  Miller was transported to the Cass County Jail where he was booked and held pending his later release on bond.

(Iowa DNR/Manchester, IA) – The reintroduction of wild turkeys to Iowa’s landscape has been celebrated as a conservation success story for the past 25 years. But Iowa’s turkey population is showing troubling signs: the numbers are down, nests are failing and fewer poults are surviving. And it’s not just an Iowa problem – turkey populations are declining in all states in the Midwest and across the eastern half of the United States. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) says a group of midwestern states met in North Dakota in 2023 to discuss turkey population concerns and projects that are planned and underway. Missouri has had a decades long study, while Ohio, Nebraska and Wisconsin are all in the early stages of projects. In the southeast, Tennessee is looking at harvest seasons impacts and Auburn University is looking at male fertility rates in Alabama, and there are more.

In 2022, the DNR began a 10-year study of the turkey population in southeast Iowa to learn more about why the numbers are declining. Now entering its third year, researchers may have more questions than answers.   Dan Kaminski, wildlife research biologist with the Iowa DNR, is leading the study and what Kaminski and his fellow researchers have learned is that only around 60 percent of Iowa hens survive annually. Of the hens that are alive on April 15, roughly 25 percent will not nest, which is above what other researchers are finding in other parts of the country. Researchers observed 60 nests last summer and documented 10 nests that hatched. Of those 10 nests, only 30 percent of the broods survived at least one poult into August. All of the unhatched eggs collected from lost nests were sent to the University of Tennessee for examination and all were determined to have been fertilized.

“These are concerning findings, but the study only goes back two years,” Kaminski said. “The ten-year study will get us out of any short-term weather patterns that affect turkeys and provide clearer long-term data trends.”

Hen turkey outfitted with a transmitter as part of the 10-year Iowa turkey population study. Photo courtesy of the Iowa DNR.

So, what is killing them? Environmental factors? Lack of available food? Predators? Abandonment?

The Project

Researchers in Wisconsin found that to sustain its current population, hen turkeys need to average 2.6 poults per hen. The recent trend in Iowa’s summer turkey brood survey has hens averaging two poults per hen. To find out what is causing nest failures, poult mortality and why a quarter of the hens are not even attempting to incubate a nest, researchers will be catching hens in late January and February, outfitting them with transmitters and releasing them. “Cold and snowy conditions are best – that will group up the birds,” he said. “Our local staff have trail cameras set up at wintering sites and once the birds show up, we head to the sites and trap the birds.”

Nesting season begins in late April, peaks around May 20, and ends in mid-July. Turkeys nest on the ground, usually in dense vegetation underneath shrubs or trees in overgrown fields or mature forests, relying on their natural camouflage to avoid predators. The transmitters update hen location every 15 minutes and once it appears hens are on a nest, Kaminski will mark and date the location, and then wait. Hens will lay one egg every day-to-day-and-a-half, averaging 12-14 eggs per clutch. Eggs incubate for 28-30 days before hatching. After hatch, little by little, she will slowly begin to move her brood away from the nesting site. Once she is on the move, researchers will go in to check nesting success, collect any unhatched eggs as well as any eggs that appear to have been broken or eaten.

“With the new technology – the satellites and gps – it makes collecting highly detailed data much more available,” he said. “When birds set up nests we want to know about it – if it fails, is predated, or abandoned, we want to know ASAP – we want to get to the nest to see what happened and collect the eggs for analysis.” This year, they will attempt to catch 83 adult and juvenile hens across all sites in Lucas, Van Buren, Louisa and Jackson counties. These birds will join the roughly 55 birds that are currently “on the air.” The goal is to maintain 25 birds with transmitters in each county.

The study area is a mosaic of grassland, agriculture and timber that should be producing turkeys – but is not. And the issue is not isolated to southeast Iowa, other well-known turkey spots in northeast Iowa and the Loess Hills are also seeing the same declines. “But those areas started with more birds so the population decline isn’t as obvious,” he said.

Looking for answers

“We get comments at public meetings and through social media focusing on bobcats, eagles, coyotes and other predators as the reason for the population decline. Poults are ground bound and vulnerable for the first four weeks before they can roost in a tree so there is no question that predators impact turkeys through nest predation and poult predation. But this long-term decline goes back to pre-bobcat days, back before the fur market crashed in 2015, before carnivore populations increased,” he said. “The population decline likely began in the late 1980s and it may simply be due to a changing landscape that has less carrying capacity and that this is just nature’s way of finding a new normal for the population. However, it is probably a combination of factors. Predation is an obvious cause to detect; what we don’t want to do is miss one of the other factors.”

It could involve habitat loss. It could also involve a new disease. That new disease – Lymphoproliferative Disease Virus (LPDV) – was first detected in North America in 2009 in Arkansas and has since been found across the Eastern U.S. and statewide in Iowa. Lymphoproliferative Disease Virus has been studied by the domestic poultry industry which found that chicks and poults die within six weeks of contracting it. “The question is, can an LPDV positive wild hen pass the disease on to her poults? We don’t know. We also don’t know if it’s 100 percent fatal in the wild like it is with domestic poultry,” he said. LPDV is not known to be a health concern for humans.

There are other theories being explored in other regions of the country. Some research in the southeast U.S. is looking at the timing of the hunting seasons potentially disrupting breeding and removing dominant birds from the population before they can pass on their genetics. But Kaminski has his doubts. “We’re not sure about this theory but it is being discussed,” he said. “Our study doesn’t include males so I’m interested in what they find. More so than genetics, it may be that early and prolonged disturbance during the egg laying period is disrupting hens.”

Whatever factors are causing the decline, Iowa still has a dynamic population of the iconic bird in every county in the state. “We just came off a record harvest in 2023,” he said. “We still have a vibrant turkey population and when the nesting conditions are right, the population can really jump.” Data collected from this project will be used to build population models and habitat models that will provide researchers some understanding and guidance in ways to improve populations.

Landowners, partners play key role in project

“The project would not happen without cooperation with private landowners,” said Kaminski. “Public support to allow us to come out, investigate nest sites and collect carcasses – that support is critical for this to be a success.” The project involved 20 staff from the Iowa DNR’s Wildlife Bureau and buy in from local private landowners in four counties. Project funding is supported by grants from Iowa State University – Fish and Wildlife Co-op Unit, the state and national National Wild Turkey Federation and Turkeys for Tomorrow. Luther College is conducting genetics work and the DNR is working with the USGS National Wildlife Research Center in Fort Collins, Colo.

A recent study by Construction Coverage about the U.S. locations with the oldest housing stock, shows Iowa’s aging housing stock is the 10th oldest in the U.S.  Although older homes do have some advantages for buyers—often being less expensive to purchase, and having more character or higher quality craftsmanship—older housing also means higher repair costs and more home-buying competition.

America has been slow to add new homes to its housing supply. A recent study estimated that the U.S. is short between 2.3 and 6.5 million housing units relative to the needs of the current population. And with fewer new homes coming onto the market, many buyers are increasingly competing for older homes. Researchers calculated the median age of residential housing units based on the year each unit was built, and ranked U.S. cities and states accordingly.

These are the key takeaways from the report for Iowa:

• The median age of Iowa homes is 50 years, with half of its housing stock constructed before 1972.
• At the national level, the median home age is 41 years.
• Overall, Iowa has the 10th oldest housing stock in the U.S.

Americans lose hundreds of dollars per year wasting time in traffic, and hitting the road can be especially taxing in certain states or actually quite efficient in a select few areas. Iowa is the best state to drive in this year, according to a new report by the personal-finance website WalletHub, and it’s followed by Georgia, Kansas, Oklahoma and Alabama. The report analyzed 31 key indicators across four dimensions: cost of ownership and maintenance, traffic and infrastructure, safety, and access to vehicles and maintenance.

Driving in Iowa (1=Best; 25=Avg.):

• Overall rank for Iowa: 1^st
• 6^th – Share of Rush-Hour Traffic Congestion
• 17^th – Traffic Fatality Rate
• 9^th – Car Theft Rate
• 21^st – Auto-Repair Shops per Capita
• 9^th – Avg. Gas Prices
• 19^th – Auto-Maintenance Costs
• 10^th – Road Quality
• 13^th – Car Dealerships per Capita

“Iowa is the best state to drive in partly because the roads are mostly clear of congestion, even during rush hour. This is one area where being a rural state comes in handy,” said Cassandra Happe, WalletHub analyst. “Due to these good road conditions, Iowa drivers tend to have short commutes, at less than 20 minutes on average, and they benefit from some of the lowest gas and car insurance prices in the nation.”

Best and Worst States for Drivers

Each of the best states for drivers has its own strengths. For example, Georgia has the second-most gas stations and the ninth-most alternative fuel stations per capita. Kansas has lowered its traffic fatality rate significantly, and residents speed less often than people in many other states. Oklahoma has strict punishments for DUI and good-quality roads, and Alabama has low precipitation and lots of gas stations relative to its population.

“When people think about the costs associated with owning a vehicle, things like regular maintenance, insurance and gas typically come to mind. What many people don’t realize is that traffic congestion can also be extremely costly because of the amount of time it wastes, which is why the best states for driving tend to be sparsely populated,” said Happe. “Factors like safety and the quality of roads are key, too.”

You don’t need to move to a driver-friendly state to save, however. There are a few things that you can do to have a smoother and less expensive driving experience no matter where you are.

Tips for a Better Driving Experience:

• Stay focused and avoid distractions: Keep your attention on the road by avoiding distractions like talking on the phone, eating or adjusting your music while driving. Staying focused enhances your awareness and reaction time. If you’re visiting somewhere for sightseeing, consider taking a rideshare so you can enjoy the view without being distracted.
• Follow traffic rules: Follow the posted speed limit and obey traffic rules to ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road. Respecting speed limits doesn’t just reduce the risk of accidents – it also improves fuel efficiency.
• Practice defensive driving: Anticipate potential hazards by maintaining a safe following distance from the car in front of you, staying aware of your surroundings, and being prepared for sudden changes in traffic. Defensive driving helps you respond to unexpected situations and avoid accidents.
• Maintain your vehicle: Regularly check and maintain your vehicle, including tire pressure, brakes, lights, and fluids. A well-maintained vehicle not only operates more efficiently but also reduces the likelihood of breakdowns.
• Adjust your commute times: Leaving just a little bit earlier or later to avoid rush-hour traffic can save you a lot of money and time, and help you arrive at your destination in a better mood.
• Don’t wait until the last minute to refuel: Get gas before your vehicle is close to empty – that way, you won’t have to stress about going out of your way to find a station in time. Before refueling, check gas prices at different stations in your area. Utilize apps or websites to find the most cost-effective options, helping you save on fuel costs over time.
• Practice fuel-efficient driving habits: Adopt fuel-efficient driving habits such as smooth acceleration and deceleration, maintaining a steady speed, and avoiding unnecessary idling. This not only conserves fuel but also saves you money at the pump.

Full report: https://wallethub.com/edu/best-worst-states-to-drive-in/43012/

(Creston, Iowa) – Police in Creston report two people from Creston were arrested Friday afternoon, on drug charges., Authorities say 40-year-old  Alicia Ellen Lovell and 42-year-old Kevin Lee Cottrell were arrested in the Creston Fareway Parking lot.

Both were charged on Union County Warrants with 22 drug related charges including: Maintain Drug House/Vehicle; gathering where controlled substances unlawfully used/marijuana; possession of drug paraphernalia; gathering where controlled substances are unlawfully used/methamphetamines; intent to manufacture/deliver meth over 5g under 5kg; intent to deliver marijuana under 50kg; 5 counts unlawful possession of prescription drugs; gathering where controlled substances are unlawfully used/pills; 5 counts possession of controlled substance 3^rd offense/pills; 2 counts failure to affix a drug stamp – 10 or more dose units; Possession of a controlled substance – 3^rd offense/marijuana; and Possession of controlled substance – 3^rd offense/ meth.

Lovell was being held in the Adams County Jail on a $103,300 cash or surety bond.

Cottrell was additionally charged with OWI 1^st. He was being in the Adams County Jail on a $99,300 cash or surety bond.

SPIRIT LAKE, Iowa (KCAU) — Firefighters faced subzero temperatures to battle several fires in Spirit Lake on Saturday. KCAU-TV says according to a press release from the Spirit Lake Community Fire Department, a structure fire was reported at 4:31 p.m. When crews arrived, they found multiple houses on fire with one house fully engulfed in flames. Authorities said the fire was from a free-flowing natural gas fire that was quickly spreading. Temperatures were down to -18 with high winds and no fire hydrants in the area. Additionally, the houses were near each other, on narrow roads, and snow and ice made combating the fires difficult.

Spirit Lake officials requested the assistance of firefighters from Arnolds Park, Milford, and Lake Park.

One house was destroyed, while another sustained an unspecified amount of damage. No one was in the houses at the time of the fire, and no injuries were reported.

Other departments that assisted in this case included Lakes Regional Hospital Ambulance, law enforcement, Dickinson County Emergency Management, and gas and power companies.

ANKENY, Iowa — (KCCI) A man is facing theft and robbery charges for allegedly trying to steal two cars from people who offered him rides Friday during the Iowa blizzard. KCCI reports 28-year-old Jermaine Shetworth Ware was arrested Friday morning following a chase with an Iowa State Patrol officer. Des Moines Police say Shetworth Ware allegedly assaulted a driver who offered him a ride and attempted to steal their vehicle.

“A motorist picked up a pedestrian who appeared to need assistance. Shortly into the drive, the passenger, 28-yr-old Jermaine Shetworth Ware, violently assaulted the 50-yr-old motorist and attempted to steal the car,” police said. He then flagged down another motorist on Interstate 35 and allegedly stole their car.

According to court documents, a state trooper saw the stolen vehicle on Interstate 35. After a short chase, the officer used a PIT maneuver to stop the vehicle and arrest Shetworth Ware.

Authorities are still investigating this incident. Shetworth Ware is currently in the Polk County Jail.

URBANDALE, Iowa — (KCCI) – Authorities are working to identify a man found dead outside a convenience store in Urbandale. Police were called Saturday to the 8700 block of Hickman Road, where the man’s body was found. Police say they are waiting on the medical examiner to determine the official cause of death, but suspect the extreme cold played a part.

(Norwalk, Iowa) – A residence near the central Iowa community of Norwalk was a total loss, following a fire Sunday morning. According to a news release from the Norwalk Fire Department, crews responded at around 10:19-a.m. to a reported structure fire at 6998 30th Avenue in rural Warren County. Enroute, units encountered severely drifted-over and nearly impassable roads. Firefighters saw smoke coming from the scene from more than one-mile away and immediately upgraded the assignment to a working fire – 1st alarm. Assistance was requested from mutual aid agencies. Firefighters from five area departments, along with emergency communications workers, the Warren County Sheriff’s Office and the Iowa State Patrol, assisted in handling the incident.

Upon firefighters’ arrival, crews initiated an aggressive attack to bring the flames under control, but due to extreme weather conditions, equipment failures and a lack of fire hydrants in the rural area, the fire progressed rapidly. The temperature at the time of the call was -13 degrees, with winds out of the west at 15-20 mph creating a -37 degree wind chill. No injuries were reported to firefighters or civilians. Residents who were living in the home at the time of the blaze were receiving assistance from the American Red Cross.

The cause of the fire was under investigation, but authorities believe it began at or near a wood burning stove. The home was destroyed by the flames, with the loss estimated at $450,000.