A Fort Dodge man who is the last of 10 people from Iowa and Nebraska charged in a nine-month poaching investigation by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources has pleaded guilty. Twenty-three-year-old Kyle Alstott of Fort Dodge pleaded guilty to numerous charges. Iowa conservation officer Matt Bruner says the investigation started when he noticed online videos from Fort Dodge-based hunting and filming company A-T-M Outdoors. Bruner recognized Alstott from a previous encounter.

“He’d been charged in the past with a deer-hunting violation and it peaked my interest and we dug into it a little bit deeper,” Bruner says. Alstott co-owns the company with 22-year-old Roman Thompson of Omaha, Nebraska and they had several photos and videos of deer, deer hunts, fishing and other outdoor activities on their website. “We started comparing pictures and stories and hunts with licenses that were issued with the Iowa and some of the surrounding states to match up whether…these hunts had been done legally,” Bruner explains. “We discovered that there were some discrepancies and the fueled our investigation…to get several search warrants for that information.” The search warrants led to the eventual charges.

He says the search open up a treasure trove of other information on illegal hunting activities. Bruner says the investigation led to the 10 people being charged with numerous violations. “Hunting deer, hunting turkeys without valid licenses…or using licenses issued to other hunters who were not there. We had issues of the illegal use of bait to attract the animals in illegally, also using a spotlighting to lure them in at night, using illegal weapons and those types of violations,” Bruner says. He says it appeared they wanted to show the hunts online and sell videos of them.

He says the end goal would have been to sell the videos of the hunt, but they never got that far as things stopped with the investigation. Officers collected phones, computers, video equipment, deer and turkey mounts, meat and equipment used to harvest the game animals when they executed the search warrants. The 10 individuals were charged in December 2015 and plea deals began in January.

Kyle Alstott pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of illegally killed whitetail buck deer, hunting deer with aid of bait, hunting with the aid of artificial light, unlawful use of two-way radio transmitter while hunting, making false claim for hunting license/tag by non-resident, failure to tag harvested deer, failure to report harvested deer, hunting deer without a valid deer tag, taking whitetail buck without a valid tag, unlawful possession of illegally killed whitetail buck deer in 2014 season and unlawful possession of illegally killed wild turkey in 2014 season. He was fined 19-hundred dollars and assessed four-thousand dollars ($4,000) in liquidated damages and restitution.

Roman Thompson pleaded guilty to hunting without a nonresident hunting license and habitat fee, hunting without a nonresident antlered deer tag, unlawful use of another’s deer tag, unlawful use of two-way radio transmitter while hunting, and unlawful possession of illegally killed whitetail buck deer in 2014 season. Thompson was fined 17-hundred-60 dollars and assessed two-thousand dollars ($2,000) in liquidated damages plus 80 hours of community service.

Forty-four-year-old Michael Alstott of Fort Dodge pleaded guilty to making a false report, hunting deer without a valid license or tag, unlawful use of two-way radio transmitter while hunting, unlawful tagging of illegally killed buck deer, unlawful transportation of deer without tag, taking doe deer without valid license or tag, and unlawful use of out of county deer tag. Michael Alstott was fined 15-hundred-57 dollars.

Fifty-three-year-old Randy Vaught of Algona, pleaded guilty to hunting with aid of artificial light, shooting/discharging rifle over highway, and failure to report harvested deer. Vaught was fined 369 dollars and assessed two-thousand dollars ($2,000) in liquidated damages plus 80 hours of community service.

Twenty-year-old Tanner Dawson of Fort Dodge, pleaded guilty to unlawful taking and possession of whitetail doe deer and failure to report harvested deer. Dawson was fined 282 dollars and assessed 15-hundred dollars in liquidated damages. Twenty-two-year-old Mariah Thompson of Omaha, Nebraska pleaded guilty to hunting deer without a valid non-resident license or tag. Mariah Thompson was fined 667 dollars. Forty-four-year-old Matthew Alstott of Fort Dodge, pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting a non-resident taking deer unlawfully and unlawful use of deer tag by another and was fined 390 dollars. Forty-five-year-old Travis Miller of Monroe pleaded guilty to hunting with the aid of artificial light and unlawful transportation of illegally taken deer and was fined 390 dollars. Thirty-one-year-old Brendon Nicholas of Fort Dodge, pleaded guilty to unlawful tagging of whitetail buck deer and failure to report harvested deer and was fined 282 dollars. Thirty-six-year-old Mike Kenyon of Clare, pleaded guilty to failure to report harvested deer and was fined 87 dollars.

Kyle Alstott, Roman Thompson, Michael Alstott, Randy Vaught and Tanner Dawson all face license suspension in Iowa and 44 other states that are part of the wildlife violator compact. Roman and Mariah Thompson are also facing charges in Nebraska.

The Iowa D-N-R worked in conjunction with the Webster County Attorney’s Office, Boone County Attorney’s Office, Nebraska Game and Parks, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks, Missouri Department of Conservation, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and the U-S Fish and Wildlife Service.

(Radio Iowa)

Officials with the Iowa Department of Public Safety said Tuesday, an arrest warrant has been issued in connection with a stabbing incident that took place this summer, during the Iowa State Fair, in Des Moines. Authorities say on August 21st, the last night of the Iowa State Fair, the Iowa State Patrol responded to a call of a stabbing that happened at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.  The stabbing occurred at approximately 10:22 pm near the southwest corner of the Midway.  Upon arriving at the scene, Iowa State Patrol Troopers found a victim that had been stabbed two times.  The victim was later identified as Darquan Jones.  Jones was transported to Mercy Medical Center for his injuries and has since been released.

The Iowa State Patrol then requested the assistance of the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation to investigate the stabbing of Jones.  Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation Agents, the Iowa State Patrol, the Des Moines Police Department and the Des Moines Police Department Crime Scene Unit responded to the Iowa State Fairgrounds Midway to assist with the investigation.

Throughout the investigation, several interviews were conducted and a suspect was developed in the stabbing.

Stabbing suspect, Craig “C-Note” Hunt

The suspect, Craig Hunt, also known as C-Note, was identified as being the person responsible for stabbing Jones.  Hunt is described as a 21 year old African American male, 5 foot 7 inches tall and weighs approximately 150 pounds.  After consultation with the Polk County Attorney’s office, an arrest warrant was issued for Craig Hunt for Attempted Murder.

Hunt is also currently under investigation for several shootings throughout the Des Moines area and should be considered armed and dangerous. If you see Hunt, do not approach him and immediately call 911.  If anyone knows the whereabouts of Craig Hunt please contact the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation at 515-725-6010 or callers can remain anonymous by calling Polk County Crime Stoppers at 515-223-1400.

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

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) — Purdue University this week is launching an effort to reduce food waste with a focus on developing countries. The school says it will formally start the Purdue Postharvest Initiative with an exhibit at the World Food Prize meeting that starts Wednesday and runs through Friday in Des Moines, Iowa. Purdue says it will work on reducing postharvest loss, improving nutrition and helping food entrepreneurs among other efforts.

STORM LAKE, Iowa (AP) — A federal judge has rejected Tyson Foods’ request for a new trial in a case that awarded $5.8 million to thousands of employees at the company’s pork plant in Storm Lake, Iowa. Storm Lake employees sued Tyson in 2007 to collect pay for the time they spent putting on and taking off protective work clothes. Tyson lawyers said a new trial was needed to ensure those included in the suit are entitled to a share of the award. A judge ruled Thursday that suitable safeguards are in place.

DUBUQUE, Iowa (AP) — A judge will decide the fate of a man charged with fatally stabbing his girlfriend in Dubuque. The Telegraph Herald reports that 27-year-old Eddie Hicks waived his right to a jury trial during a hearing Tuesday at the Dubuque County courthouse in Dubuque. Hicks has pleaded not guilty to a charge of first-degree murder in the June 2015 stabbing death of 21-year-old Kahdyesha Lemon.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa farmers are a little behind getting corn and soybeans out of fields because rain has caused soft ground and in some cases muddy conditions, slowing their progress. The U.S. Department of Agriculture says in its weekly crop update released Tuesday that 19 percent of the state’s corn is harvested, about three days behind last year and a week behind the five-year average.

STORM LAKE, Iowa (AP) — A federal judge has rejected Tyson Foods’ request for a new trial in a case that awarded $5.8 million to thousands of employees at the company’s pork plant in Storm Lake, Iowa. The Sioux City Journal reports that Tyson lawyers filed a brief in June saying a new trial was necessary to address liability and damages issues and ensure workers included in the suit are entitled to a share of the award.

Storm Lake employees sued Tyson in 2007 to collect pay for the time they spent putting on and taking off protective work clothes and equipment before and after their shifts. U.S. District Judge John Jarvey said in his ruling Thursday that the payment method ensures workers not entitled to damages won’t receive a portion of the award.

The Supreme Court upheld the award in March. Tyson spokeswoman Caroline Ahn declined to comment.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa farmers are a little behind getting corn and soybeans out of fields because rain has caused soft ground and in some cases muddy conditions, slowing their progress. The U.S. Department of Agriculture says in its weekly crop update released Tuesday that 19 percent of the state’s corn is harvested, about three days behind last year and a week behind the five-year average.

Soybean farmers have managed to get 43 percent of the crop harvested, about three days behind last year’s pace. The USDA says 81 percent of corn and soybean crops are rated good to excellent.

Dispatch reports indicate the driver of a tractor suffered minor injuries after the tractor he was in was hit by a vehicle at around 4:45-p.m. today (Tuesday). The accident happened near 670th and Richland Road. Cumberland and Massena Fire and Rescue Units responded to the scene. The tractor was pulling an empty trailer when the accident occurred. The front axle of the tractor was said to have been sheared off during the accident.

No other details were available late this afternoon.

Le Mars-based Wells Enterprises is voluntarily recalling some of its Blue Bunny “Hoppin’ Holidoodle” ice cream due to concerns about possible listeria contamination. That flavor of Blue Bunny ice cream contains snicker-doodle cookie dough made by a Garner, Iowa, company. Only Hoppin’ Holidoodle ice cream is included with this recall.

The recalled product is a seasonal holiday flavor with very limited distribution in six states, including Iowa. Consumers should check the side of their ice cream packages to check for “best if used by” dates of 2/13/18 and 2/14/18. Lot 60001 MM 19115 6228 and Lot 60001 MM 191156229. No other Blue Bunny products are being recalled.

No illnesses have been linked to the ice cream that’s being recalled. The cookie dough in the ice cream came from Aspen Farms, a Garner, Iowa, company. The firm is part of another voluntary recall involving Texas-made “Blue Bell” cookie dough ice cream. Blue Bell is sold in southern states.

The cookie dough has not tested positive for listeria and there have been no illnesses connected to it, but Aspen Farms officials say an internal review raised concerns about what uniforms workers were wearing and how production was being documented.

(Radio Iowa)

The group “Iowans for Medical Cannabis” is urging Iowa voters to press this year’s political candidates to support legalizing marijuana for broad medical use. “And we are asking voters to ask their candidate what they will do to help suffering Iowans who need access to this treatment option in Iowa, produced, tested and dispensed by Iowans, for Iowans.”

Sally Gaer, of West Des Moines., said her daughter, Margaret, has been taking cannabis oil for 19 months as treatment for her seizure disorder. However, Iowa’s law which decriminalized possession of cannabis oil for treatment of chronic epilepsy will expire July 1st. Gaer and other self-described “warriors” for medical cannabis say the law should be expanded, to include those who suffer from other conditions. Katie Krug, of Grimes, has ulcerative colitis.

“I continue to watch people with my disease in other states get healthy with medical cannabis, while I remain on chemotherapy-like drugs,” Krug says. “My current medication can cause a brain infection, leading to death. Medical cannabis has no such side effects.” Iowans for Medical Cannabis held a news conference this (Tuesday) morning at the statehouse. Tom Duncan, a fifth generation farmer in Greene County and kidney cancer survivor, was among the speakers.

“Education has moved some of our elected officials, but we need more voices speaking to them and all the candidates,” Duncan said, “so please speak to these candidates and elected officials and tell them that you support whole plant medical cannabis access.” Iowans for Medical Cannabis plans to post a list on the group’s website showing which incumbent legislators have supported providing access to medical marijuana in Iowa.

(Radio Iowa)

Police in Harlan report an Irwin man was cited for Following Too Close last Friday, after his 1998 Chrysler struck the rear of a 2017 Hyundai. The accident happened in the 2300 block of 7th Street on Oct. 7th. Officials say Vince Reinig, of Mt. Shasta, CA, and Donald Robinson, of Irwin, were both traveling southbound on 7th Street and were slowing for stopped traffic in front of them.  Robinson told police he looked down for a second and when he did so, his car hit the rear of Reinig’s vehicle, causing minor damage to both vehicles. The damaged was estimated at $3,500 altogether.

Officials with the Cass County Health System say a new CT scanner will be installed sometime over the next few weeks.  The addition of the Toshiba Aquilion Prime 80 to our facility will offer CCHS patients a multitude of benefits.  During the installation the hospital will have a mobile unit on site to meet patient needs.

Carrie Schmitt, Director of Diagnostic Imaging, says “We are very excited to bring this state-of-the-art CT technology to our patients. We apologize for the short-term inconvenience, but are pleased to be able to provide care without interruption during this important upgrade to our diagnostic imaging services.”

Schmitt says The new Toshiba Prime scanner will offer several key benefits to patients:

·         The speed of the Aquilion Prime 80 enables our clinicians to obtain critical patient information for enhanced diagnoses faster than before.

·         The Aquilion Prime 80 comes standard with industry-leading radiation dose reduction software.

·         The large bore opening offers a more spacious feeling for patients while the higher table weight limit expands the range of patients who can be imaged.

·         Increase in scan coverage results in greatly reduced scan times and much shorter breath holds while producing the high quality images required for accurate diagnoses.

·         Increased ability for staff and patients to communicate throughout the exam.

Diagnostic Imaging staff will escort patients to the temporary CT unit for their exams while the new in-house unit is being installed.  The new unit is expected to be ready for service in early November.