AMES, Iowa (AP) — It was decades ago, but Sara Schwendinger remembers perfectly the panic she felt when she realized a car was following her as she ran along a country road at dusk, just outside her small Wisconsin hometown. She desperately tore into a cornfield and listened as the vehicle stopped. “I remember hiding in the cornfield and hearing them and then just running as fast as I could in the other direction and making it out of this cornfield and all the way to my house and being petrified,” she said. “That experience has never left me, and it’s 25 years ago.”

Now 41 and living in Des Moines, Schwendinger often recalls that evening as she hears comments yelled by passing motorists when she trains along city streets. It’s a disturbingly common part of life for female athletes, and it’s suddenly in the spotlight following the deaths of three women who were attacked while engaged in the sports they love. The killings raised alarms about how women can defend themselves and why they must be ready to fight off attackers in the first place.

“It’s not fair that they have a different situation than a man does,” said Steve Bobenhouse, the owner of a Des Moines-area running store and a longtime fixture in the city’s running community. “But it’s the way it is.” Iowa State University golf star Celia Barquin Arozamena was stabbed to death during a random attack while she was golfing by herself in broad daylight on a course not far from the campus, in Ames.

That attack came little more than a month after the body of University of Iowa student Mollie Tibbetts was found hidden among corn stalks near her small hometown of Brooklyn, Iowa. She had disappeared weeks earlier after going for a run. Police have charged men with murder in both of the Iowa killings. Tibbetts’ death prompted an outpouring from other runners, especially on social media under the hashtag #MilesforMollie.

Hundreds of women shared their experiences of being harassed and followed and vowed to keep running as a show of defiance. After Tibbetts’ death, Bobenhouse’s store set up a meeting to discuss safety issues and had to move the gathering to the city’s main library due to an overwhelming response. More than 200 women gathered that night to hear from police and share best practices on how to stay safe while running alone.

Kathleen Meek, who helped organize the event, said a key issue is situational awareness. “I’d be the first one to say that, even walking, I’ve had headphones in and I’ve thought ‘Oh my gosh. I don’t even know who’s around me,” Meek said. She urged women to “know what’s going around you so you can be confident in what you’re doing.”

Other suggestions included using the buddy system, joining a running/biking club and informing others of intended routes should something go wrong. Des Moines police spokesman Paul Parizek, who hosted the meeting, also warned women to know their abilities and understand their limitations should they find themselves in imminent danger. “There’s a lot of conversation now, especially since Mollie Tibbetts’ (death), about, do I need a gun? Do I need a stun gun? Pepper spray? What do I need? Well, that depends on what you’re willing to do, what you think you need to do and what you’re capable of doing,” Parizek said.

According to Joseph Giacalon, a retired New York City detective and sergeant who now teaches at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, one of the ways that women can also put themselves in danger is when they share their whereabouts on social media. Giacalon says his warnings to his students not to announce their plans on Instagram, Twitter or Snapchat can “fall on deaf ears.” But he also tells his students to change up their routines as often as they can and make sure their headphones aren’t turned up too loud to for them to not know what’s happening around them.

“These guys are just looking for that opportunity,” Giacalon said. “Women, specifically, need to be mindful of their surroundings, unfortunately, when they’re going out.”
If there’s one thing Parizek, Giacalon and Schwendinger agree on, it’s that women shouldn’t have to face these issues to begin with. But they do, and Schwendinger, the cross country coach at Roosevelt High in Des Moines, said it happens to her so often that she’s “almost” unfazed when she’s harassed while running. Recently, a truck full of men yelled out lewd comments to her in the middle of the day on a busy main street between downtown and the airport.

To Schwendinger, the issue is less about women learning to protect themselves and more about changing the dialogue about women being objectified. “We shouldn’t have to arm ourselves against men who are making those decisions,” she said. “You teaching me how to throat punch a guy is all well and good. But why do I need to be in the position to throat punch a guy?”

The Cass County Sheriff’s Office reports 45-year old Chantel Sue Dewall, of Villisca, was arrested Tuesday on an Atlantic Police Department warrant for Child Endangerment, and OWI 1st Offense. Dewall was released the following day on $3,000 bond.

Two people were arrested on drug charges, Monday, following a traffic stop in Cass County. 33-year old Michael Lane Charles, listed as homeless, was arrested on charges of Possession of Marijuana 3rd Offense, and OWI 1st Offense. 27-year old Kai Anthony Merritt, of Apple Valley, CA, was arrested on a charge of Possession of Marijuana 1st Offense. Both men were taken to the Cass County Jail and released the following day, on $1,000 $2,000 bond, respectively.

This past Saturday, Cass County Deputies arrested 31-year old Jessica Leann Blumberg of Atlantic, on a charge of OWI 1st Offense. Blumberg was taken to the Cass County Jail where she was released the following day on her own recognizance.

And on Sunday, 35-year old Crystal Kay Namanny, of Atlantic, was arrested on a felony charge of Assault with Intent to Do Injury, and Assault with Intent to Commit Bodily Injury (an Aggravated misdemeanor).

A line of showers and thunderstorms is expected to move from northwest to southeast across the area late this afternoon into tonight. Storms are expected to develop around 4-5pm across far northwest Iowa. Storms will move rapidly to the southeast with the peak impacts between 6pm and 11pm. Damaging winds, large hail and frequent lightning are the primary concerns. A tornado or two is also possible, although the higher tornado risk has shifted north into Minnesota. While a brief period of heavy rainfall is possible as the storms move through, the faster movement of storms should limit the flash flood threat. The greatest threat for severe weather is over the northern third of Iowa, with areas from Atlantic to Council Bluffs northward, to Carroll and east to Ames under a slight risk.

In an update to our earlier reports, officials with the Atlantic Police Department said today (Thursday), an Atlantic woman was injured during a motorcycle accident Wednesday evening at 7th and Laurel Streets. The accident happened at around 7:18-p.m., when a Can-Am Spyder 3-wheel motorcycle slowed to turn from westbound 7th Street onto Laurel. A car driven by Christopher Herbert, of Atlantic, was behind the Spyder, and slowing down, when his vehicle was rear-ended by a Honda motorcycle operated by Megan Magers, of Atlantic.

Megars suffered what were described as apparent, non-life threatening injuries, and transported by Medivac Ambulance to the Cass County Memorial Hospital for treatment. No other injuries were reported. Magers was cited for Failure to Maintain a Reasonable and proper speed. Damage to the motorcycle was estimated at $3,000, while Herbert’s car sustained $1,500 damage.

A phone scam that’s been making the rounds across the country, has been reported in Shelby County. Officials with the Harlan Police Dept. and Shelby County Sheriff’s Office said today (Thursday), that they have received numerous calls about persons who claim to be from the IRS, calling residents to tell them they owe money to the agency, and that the person contacted can be arrested if the call is not returned (if left on an answering service), and/or money is not sent. Authorities remind residents, that this IS A SCAM!

The IRS will never contact you by phone, regarding your tax status. Ignore the calls. DO NOT call them back, and never give out any personal information. If a voicemail was left with you, simply delete it. Authorities said also, the “Grandchild in trouble” phone scam has resurfaced. In this case, a person claiming to be a grandson or granddaughter, calls and says they are in jail, and needs money to be bailed out. Again, you should ignore the call, or hang-up. A Griswold woman noted on the KJAN Facebook page, that she too, had received a “Grandchild in trouble” scam call.

The Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce will host a Drive-In Movie experience, this Saturday, September 22nd. Chamber Executive Director Bailey Smith said “This will be a fun, nostalgic experience for community members and those in the surrounding area to enjoy. This also gives us the opportunity to show off our town and encourage people to shop and eat before coming to the movie.”

The Drive-In Movie will be at the Cass County Fair Grounds in the Grand Stand area beginning around 8-p.m., with a showing of “The Sandlot”. The screen is 60 feet long with a high definition projector. Speakers will be available next to the screen for people to utilize. A transmitter will be provided for those enjoying the movie from their car. Attendees will turn their radio to a certain station and the transmitter will play the audio through their car speakers.

Entry is $5 per car or $2 per person for car-less entry. You are welcome to bring lawn chairs and blankets to sit on. Parking will be available on the other side of the Fair Grounds for car-less entry attendees. Inside parking for the Drive-In is limited, so pack a chair or blanket as precaution. Free bottomless popcorn will be available as well as one free drink per attendee. Additional beverages will be $2 each. Candy will also be available for purchase for $1.

For more information, visit www.atlanticiowa.com, call the Chamber at 712.243.3017 or email chamber@atlanticiowa.com.

The Iowa DNR, and Friends of Lake Anita are holding a “Volunteer Day” at Lake Anita State Park- Primitive Campground this Saturday,  September 22^nd 7AM-9AM. Iowa state parks invite you to join statewide Volunteer Day on September 22nd. More than 40 parks need volunteers to help paint buildings, repair tables, trim branches, plant trees, pick up litter and more! All ages are welcome, along with varying levels of experience. Join the Cass County Conservation Board for a morning of Park Cleanup around Lake Anita.

The Cass County Conservation Board, Iowa DNR, and Friends of Lake Anita are also holding a “Dutch Oven Cooking- Breakfast Program.” The public program will be held at the Primitive Campground at Lake Anita State Park in Anita, on September 22nd from 9-a.m. until Noon. During the FREE program, you can learn how to make two breakfast dishes in a dutch oven. You’re asked to bring your own place setting for samples. Free will donation for supplies will be accepted. You DO NOT have to be a registered camper to attend the program. 

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (Sept. 20, 2018) —As the American Red Cross responds to Hurricane Florence, providing food, shelter and comfort to those affected, individuals outside the affected areas are urged to help by giving blood or platelets to care for patients in the storm’s path and across the country. People can also help by making a financial donation to support relief efforts. Hurricane Florence’s wrath left catastrophic damage behind and also took a toll on blood and platelet donations. Nearly 200 Red Cross blood drives in the Southeast were forced to cancel, resulting in more than 5,200 uncollected blood and platelet donations. “Natural disasters like hurricanes can disrupt blood drives and prevent donors from giving, but hospital patients still depend on lifesaving transfusions,” said Cliff Numark, senior vice president, Red Cross Blood Services. “There is an especially critical need for platelets to help cancer patients and type O blood donations for ongoing patient care and emergencies. Every donation can be a lifeline for patients.”

Donors of all blood types are urged to help restore hope to patients across the country by making an appointment today to give blood or platelets. Appointments can be made by using the Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Financial donations are also needed and allow the Red Cross to provide disaster relief immediately. Help people affected by Hurricane Florence by visiting RedCross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or texting the word FLORENCE to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities include:

• American Red Cross Blood Donation Center/ Loess Hills Blood Donation Center (705 N. 16th St.), Council Bluffs.
• Manning, 10/12/2018: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., IKM Manning High School, 209 10th Street
• Anita, 10/9/2018: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Community Center, 805 Main Street
• Denison, 10/2/2018: 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., United Methodist Church, 113 South 14th Street
• Logan, 9/27/2018: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Community Center, 108 West 4th Street
• Red Oak: 9/24/2018: 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 1101 East Summit; 10/2/2018: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Montgomery County Hospital, 2301 Eastern Ave
• Clarinda, 9/20/2018: 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Regional Health Center, 220 Essie Davison Drive.
• Shenandoah: 10/6/2018: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Earl May Nursery & Garden Center, 301 S Fremont St; 10/10/2018: 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Shenandoah High School, 1000 Mustang Drive
• Council Bluffs: 9/23/2018: 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., Broadway United Methodist, 11 South 1st Street; 10/1/2018: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., Harrah’s Casino, 1 Harrahs Blvd; 10/2/2018: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Iowa Western Community College, 2700 College Road; 10/12/2018: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., Abraham Lincoln High School, 1205 Bonham
• Treynor, 9/20/2018: 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Community Center, 11 West Main.
• Defiance, 10/2/2018: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., St. Peter’s Hall, 402 5th Street
• Harlan, 9/25/2018: 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Veteran’s Memorial Building, 1104 Morningview
• Westphalia, 9/20/2018: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., St. Boniface Parish Center, 305 Duren St.
• Lenox, 10/9/2018: 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Lenox High School, 600 S. Locust St.

MARSHALLTOWN, Iowa (AP) — City officials in central Iowa have designated about 60 structures as unsafe following a July tornado that damaged about 2,000 buildings. The Times-Republican reports that the properties in Marshalltown now have small red posters that say “Dangerous building — do not occupy.” Michelle Sponheimer is the city housing and community development director. She says the posters are a warning, not an eviction notice. Owners can decide if they want to rebuild or demolish the structure. Sponheimer says the nonprofit Mid-Iowa Community Action is helping displaced residents find alternate housing.

Sponheimer says the city may eventually need to demolish unsafe properties that are abandoned because they pose a risk to public safety. She says the city may seek demolition funding assistance from entities such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Gov. Kim Reynolds failed to document the appointment of a district court judge by a mandated deadline in June and some attorneys are saying it’s a slipup that has cast doubt on the judge’s authority to make rulings. Under the Iowa Constitution, Reynolds had until June 21 to pick a judge for the eastern Iowa 6th Judicial District from two names submitted by a judicial nominating commission.
She says she told her chief of staff she’d chosen attorney Jason Besler that day but there is no proof and Besler wasn’t called until four days later. Iowa Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark Cady says he takes her word that she made the verbal appointment.

Guy Cook, an attorney who served on a state judicial nominating commission, says Besler’s appointment could create problems if someone who appears before him challenges his authority. Gary Dickey, an Iowa lawyer who served as former Gov. Tom Vilsack’s chief attorney, says he plans to ask Cady to ratify the appointment to avoid such a challenge.