Iowa Governor Terry Branstad is expected to sign into law this (Friday) morning, a bill which provides volunteer fire fighters and emergency medical services personnel with an individual income tax credit and includes an effective date and applicability provisions. Senate File 2322 says a volunteer fire fighter and volunteer emergency medical services personnel credit equal to fifty dollars will go into effect January 1^st 2013, and is designed to compensate the taxpayer for the voluntary services if the volunteer served for the entire tax year. 

The firefighter or EMS taxpayer is required to have a written statement from their fire chief or other appropriate supervisor verifying that they were a volunteer fire fighter or volunteer emergency medical services provider during the tax credit period.

w/ Ric Hanson

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (9.3MB)

Subscribe: RSS

w/ Ric Hanson

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (6.3MB)

Subscribe: RSS

A Red Oak woman was arrested Thursday on theft and drug charges. According to Red Oak Police, 46-year-old Amy Jo Ross was taken into custody on 3rd degree theft, Possession of a controlled substance/marijuana, and Possession of drug paraphernalia charges. Ross was being held in the Montgomery County Jail on $2,000 bond.

Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press

Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press

The Audubon County Sherriff’s Office says an Audubon woman was cited after a single vehicle accident Thursday morning.  At about 8:00 AM Thursday, a 2006 Chevy Equinox driven by 42-year-old Angela Marie Nielsen of Audubon was traveling east on Highway 44 about 3 miles east of Kimballton.  Nielsen drove onto the shoulder and overcorrected.  Her vehicle then slid sideways into the north ditch and rolled.

Nielsen was transported by Elk Horn Fire and Rescue to the Audubon County Memorial Hospital.  An update on any possible injuries is not currently available.

Nielsen has been charged with failure to maintain control.  Damage from the accident amounted to about $8,000.

Crawford County, IOWA — Law enforcement in Iowa and Pennsylvania request the public’s help in locating Jonathan Elwell. Elwell is a 44 year old white male who stands 6’2” tall, has blue eyes, and is balding.

Jonathan Elwell

Elwell is originally from Shillington, Pennsylvania. He was last seen in that area on Tuesday, April 17, 2012. Then on Friday, April 20, 2012, Elwell’s rental car, a Volkswagon Jetta, was found in Crawford County, Iowa. Information discovered during the investigation indicates Elwell was in the Quad Cities area.  Additional information indicates that Elwell was in the Carroll, Iowa area on Wednesday, April 18, 2012. He has not been seen since.

Elwell may also have occasionally been traveling by bicycle, as Pennsylvania authorities indicate that is his primary mode of transportation in Shillington.

If you have seen Jonathan Elwell or know his current location please contact the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office at (712) 263-2146, or call your nearest law enforcement center.

Elwell rental vehicle - White VW Jetta

Governor Terry Branstad today (Thursday) ordered all flags in the state to be flown at half-staff on Friday, April 27h, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in honor of Sgt. 1^st Class Edris “Eddie” A. Viers.

SFC Edris Viers

Sgt. Viers was last seen Aug. 12, 1950, during the “Battle of Bloody Gulch” near Pongam-ni, South Korea, and was officially pronounced deceased on Dec. 31, 1953, but remains were not recovered at the time.

The governor’s directive applies to all U.S. and state flags under the control of the state. H.R. 692, signed in 2007, requires federal government agencies in the state to comply with the governor’s executive order that the U.S. flag be flown at half-staff in the event of the death of a member of the Armed Forces.

Flags will be at half-staff on the state Capitol building and on flag displays in the Capitol complex, and upon all public buildings, grounds, and facilities throughout the state. Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and other government subdivisions are encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff for the same length of time as a sign of respect.

An Anita man was arrested Wednesday evening after he allegedly threatened law enforcement officers who responded to a reported knife fight, and grabbed an officers’ weapon.

Randall Lewis (Photo courtesy of the Cass Co. Sheriff's Office)

The Cass County Sheriff’s Office reports 42-year old Randall Wayne Lewis, of Anita, was arrested by Anita Police on charges of Disarming a Peace officer of a Dangerous Weapon, and the Threat of Terrorism. The incident which led to his arrest began with a call to authorities at around 7:30-p.m., Wednesday. The call was in reference to a fight involving a knife, at 811 4^th Street in Anita. Upon arrival, law enforcement officers were confronted by Lewis.

While attempting to subdue him, officials say the man threatened officers and grabbed an officer’s gun from its holster. The gun was taken from Lewis and he was placed under arrest by the Anita Police Department.

A search warrant executed on a property at 811 4^th Street in Anita resulted in the Cass County Sheriff’s Office charging Lewis with Threat of Terrorism, Possession of a Controlled Substance (Marijuana), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Interference with Official Acts, and Habitual Offender (two prior felony convictions).

Lewis was taken to the Cass County Jail where he is being held awaiting hearing before the magistrate. The Anita Police Department and the Cass County Sheriff’s Office were assisted by the Atlantic Police Department.