DAVENPORT, Iowa (AP) — An eastern Iowa nurse who’d been convicted in a 2015 morphine theft case has been given probation in a second case involving the theft of painkillers. The Des Moines Register reports that Cassandra Pierce, of Ottumwa, was granted a deferred judgment on Feb. 2 and sentenced to three years’ probation. Under a deferred judgment, Pierce’s conviction will be removed from her record if she successfully completes the terms of her probation.

Prosecutors say she kept substantial portions of painkillers she’d signed out in May 2016 for three patients at Genesis Medical Center in Davenport. Court records say Pierce was sentenced to probation after making a plea deal in a case involving the theft of morphine in August 2015 while working at Vista Woods Care Center in Ottumwa.

The area’s latest and/or top news stories at 7:06-a.m., w/KJAN News Director Ric Hanson

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DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — An Iowa lawmaker who pleaded guilty to operating while intoxicated and possession of a dangerous weapon has been given probation. Court records say Rep. Francis “Chip” Baltimore, a Boone Republican, was sentenced Monday in Story County District Court. He was granted a deferred judgment, given a year of probation on both counts and ordered to pay fees and civil penalties of at least $1,500.

Under a deferred judgment, the convictions can be wiped from Baltimore’s record if he successfully completes the terms of his probation. Baltimore was arrested last month in Ames near Interstate 35. His blood alcohol tested out at nearly twice the legal limit, and a pistol was found under the driver’s seat. He was subsequently removed as chairman of the House Judiciary Committee.

Members of the Audubon School District’s Board of Education will meet tonight in a regular session in their Board Room, at the High School. The meeting begins at 7-p.m., and on their agenda is a Public Hearing with regard to the Fiscal Year 2019 School Calendar. Action items include receiving the initial proposal from the Audubon Education Association, and approval of the FY 2019 School Calendar, along with first reading of policies pertaining to Graduation Requirements, Payroll deductions, and the first & final readings of policies with regard to the Board of Director’s Election and Term of Office.

In other business, the Board will discuss an Early Retirement Policy. At the conclusion of regular business, the Audubon School Board will enter into closed session to discuss strategy with regard to negotiations with a collective bargaining unit.

Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press at 3:40 a.m. CST

MISSOURI VALLEY, Iowa (AP) — Investigators say they can’t be certain what caused a fire in downtown Missouri Valley that killed two people. The Daily Nonpareil reports that the investigation into the Thanksgiving Day blaze has ended. The bodies of 44-year-old Stacy Larsen and 44-year-old Chad Stevens were found in the CTI Electronics building. The State Fire Marshal Division says the damage where the fire started and the lack of witnesses kept investigators from concluding what sparked the blaze.

GLENVILLE, Minn. (AP) — Opponents of wind power are successfully stalling or shooting down wind-farm projects across the country. Criticism of wind turbines is nothing new, but this latest rebellion has given fresh momentum to anti-wind ideas. The movement’s success also shows that when residents put up organized opposition, they often win. When a developer sought to build dozens of turbines in southern Minnesota, hundreds of people went door-to-door, circulated petitions and packed government meetings.

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (AP) — Authorities blame discarded smoking materials for an apartment fire that killed a Cedar Rapids man. Cedar Rapids Fire Department investigators on Tuesday said the smoking materials ignited a chair inside the apartment, causing the Saturday morning fire. When firefighters entered the apartment, they found 57-year-old Thomas Jones inside, near the chair. Jones was taken to University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, where he died Saturday afternoon.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa (AP) — A Chicago Bears defensive back has pleaded guilty to two misdemeanors stemming from a bar fracas in northeast Iowa. Deiondre’ Hall and Green Bay Packers defensive back Makinton Dorleant were arrested last March in Cedar Falls. Court records say Hall was sentenced to six months’ probation. The records say Dorleant was given a year of probation at his sentencing last May on the same two charges. The Packers cut him in April after he failed a physical.

The Catholic Diocese of Des Moines says a priest has been suspended following an allegation of misconduct. Information from the diocese says Father Carlos Pineda Gomez was suspended indefinitely after a hearing on an allegation of what is called “a serious violation of boundary issues related to unwelcome advances toward an adult.”

The diocese says Bishop Richard Pates notified in Council Bluffs police and suspended Gomez — who serves the Corpus Christi Parish in Council Bluffs. The suspended priest may not engage in public ministry including celebrating Mass or sacraments, nor may he go to the parish office, St. Albert Catholic Schools or the parish religious education program.

The Des Moines Diocese says no further action will be taken until an investigation by the appropriate authorities.

(Radio Iowa)

Deputies in Adams County arrested three people Tuesday night on several Felony warrants connected to Sexual Abuse and other charges.

Arrested at around 7:30-p.m., was Bradley William Herring, an inmate in the Adams County Jail. He was served with two arrest warrants stemming from a lengthy investigation. Herring faces Felony charges of Sexual Abuse 2nd Degree and Incest. His social media page says he is originally from Corning, but last lived in Atlantic.

Suspects from left to right: Sondra D. Damewood, Amanda Jo Herring, and Bradley W. Herring.

Amanda Jo Herring, and Sondra D. Damewood, both of Corning, were served with three arrest warrants, each. Both face Felony charges that include Sexual Abuse in the 2nd Degree -Aiding and Abetting, and Child Endangerment causing Serious Injury. In addition, both women were charged with Child Endangerment, an Aggravated Misdemeanor.

All three defendants were being held in the Adams County Jail without bond, until seen by the magistrate.

The Mills County Sheriff’s Office reports three arrests. On Monday, 23-year old Samuel Raymond Lee, of LaVista, NE., was arrested at the Mills County Sheriff’s Office on a warrant for Probation Violation. His bond was set at $1,000.

Sunday morning, 44-year old Lacy Ronnell Charles, of Kansas City, KS., was arrested in Mills County for OWI/1st offense, Failure to Obey a Stop Sign, and No valid Driver’s license. Her bond was set at $1,000.

And, Saturday morning, 24-year old Tonatiuh Soto, of Omaha, was arrested for Driving on the Wrong side of a two-way highway, OWI/1st offense, and No Valid DL. Bond was also set at $1,000.

A traffic stop Monday night in Audubon County resulted in a pursuit and the arrest of a man from Audubon. The Audubon County Sheriff’s Office reports 18-year old Timothy Asmus was arrested at around 9:10-p.m., following the pursuit. Asmus faces charges that include criminal mischief 2nd degree, reckless driving, driving while suspended, eluding law enforcement and numerous traffic citations.

He was held in the Audubon County Jail and was released Tuesday morning following an appearance before the magistrate. The Audubon County Sheriff’s Department was assisted by the Audubon Police Department, K9 Axel, and the Iowa State Patrol.

And, 23-year old Christopher Guthery, of Walnut, was arrested at around 2:10-a.m. Sunday, for OWI/1st offense, and possession of marijuana with intent to deliver. He was held in the Audubon County Jail and was later released following an appearance before the magistrate. K9 Axel assisted in Guthery’s arrest, also.

The Atlantic Police Department is warning area residents of a scam that continues to be reported. Numerous reports were received on Tuesday of business and individuals being contacted by someone claiming to be an Alliant Energy representative. The caller tells victims to contact a 1-800 number in order to take care of a past due payment. The same scam has been attempted using Atlantic Municipal Utilities as the utility. If you receive a call similar to this, police recommend not responding to the number. If you have an account with the company the caller is claiming to represent, contact that company directly to inquire about any questions you have with your account. Those companies won’t demand payment over the phone and you would be notified by mail about a disconnection situation.