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Pedestrian struck and killed on I-80 in Polk County

News

March 20th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Altoona, Iowa) – A pedestrian was struck and killed on Interstate 80 near Altoona, Sunday night. The Iowa State Patrol reports, a 2022 Chevy pickup driven by 49-year-old Rodney Gene Fuller, of Grimes, was westbound in the center lane of I-80, when the vehicle struck 36-year-old Perry Wilton Robert Dodds, of Des Moines. The Patrol said Dodds was standing in the center lane, wearing all dark clothes. He was killed on impact.

The Patrol was assisted at the scene by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Altoona Police and EMS.

Key lawmaker optimistic pipeline bill up for debate in House this month

Ag/Outdoor, News

March 20th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – A lead sponsor of a bill that would set new regulations for proposed carbon pipelines projects says there may be changes in the bill when it’s debated in the House. Republican Representative Steven Holt of Denison says the main part of the bill would require that developers get voluntary access to 90 percent of the miles along the pipeline route before state officials could grant them eminent domain authority to seize the rest.

Holt says he’s confident the House will vote on the bill before month’s end.

Bills in the SENATE that outlined new rules for carbon pipelines never made it past an earlier deadline. Representative Lindsay James, a Democrat from Dubuque, says the concern is the bill will die in the senate.

The two House lawmakers made their comments during a weekend appearance on Iowa Press on Iowa P-B-S. Last month, Governor Reynolds said she’s watching to see what happens with the House bill. While saying there could be areas where pipeline regulations could be tweaked, Reynolds told reporters she’d be having conversations with lawmakers about how new regulations could impact the ethanol industry. The pipelines are touted as a way to make ethanol carbon free and therefore expand markets the corn-based fuel.

(Update) Arrest reported in a Marshalltown death investigation

News

March 20th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Marshalltown, Iowa) – In an update to our previous report, officials with the Marshalltown Police Department report an arrest was made Sunday (March 19, 2023) in connection with a suspicious death investigation. Authorities has earlier stated that on Friday, March 17, 2023, at 4:03pm, law enforcement responded to 618 West Boone Street after receiving a 911 call reporting someone had been injured at this location and was not breathing. Upon arrival, officers found a 27-year-old male deceased. The victim has been identified as Isaiah Montell Forest, of Marshalltown. On March 18, an autopsy of the victim was performed by the Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner. The autopsy revealed the victim died as the result of a gunshot wound.
On Sunday, March 19, law enforcement arrested 20-year-old Amarrion Demeir Isom. He was being held in the Marshall County Jail. Mr. Isom has been charged with Murder in the First Degree (Class A Felony).

Iso

At this time, there is no evidence or information available that would suggest a threat to the general public. While the investigation does continue, it is important to note that law enforcement is not looking for any other suspects.
The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and the Marshall County Attorney’s Office are assisting the Marshalltown Police Department with this investigation. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Marshalltown Police Department at 641.754.5729.
(A criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.)

Anamosa State Penitentiary inmate, staff members taken to hospital after exposure to unknown substance

News

March 20th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Anamosa, Iowa) – Officials with the Iowa Department of Corrections, Sunday, said that at approximately 11:30 PM Saturday, March 18th, security and medical staff responded to an inmate medical emergency in one of the Anamosa State Penitentiary’s living units. Upon arrival, the inmate was found unresponsive. Although staff did not observe any obvious substances when they entered the cell, the inmate appeared to be under the influence of an unknown substance. Medical staff immediately assessed the inmate and Narcan was administered. It was then determined that the inmate needed to be taken to the hospital for further care where his condition stabilized. The inmate has since returned to the institution.

Three staff members who responded to the medical emergency were also exposed to the unknown substance. As the inmate was being prepared for transfer to the hospital, these staff members became ill and were seen by the on-site medical team. Out of an abundance of caution, Narcan was administered to two of the three staff members and all three were transported via ambulance to the local hospital for observation. The three staff members have since been released from the local hospital after their condition stabilized.

Investigators with the Department of Public Safety Narcotics Enforcement Division have arrived at the Anamosa State Penitentiary and assessed the quarantined area and determined it is safe for reentry. The DOC will continue to work in conjunction with DPS to conduct a full investigation.

The incident remains under investigation.

Adams County Sheriff’s report, 3/19/23

News

March 19th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Corning, Iowa) – The Adams County Sheriff’s Office, Sunday, released a report on six arrests that occurred from Feb. 24th through March 18th. On Saturday (March 18), Adams County Deputies conducted a traffic stop on Highway 34 and Chestnut. Upon investigation, 36-year-old Jory John Larkin, of Clarinda, was arrested on charges of Possession of a Controlled Substance, Poss. of Drug Paraphernalia, and OWI/1st offense. Larkin was being held in the Adams County Jail on a $2,300 cash-only bond.

There were two arrests on March 3rd in Adams County: A traffic stop on a speeding vehicle just west of Nodaway resulted in the arrest of 31-year-old Devon Hale, of Villisca. He was charged with OWI/1st offense, Driving without a valid license, and Open container as a driver (21 & older). He was also cited for speeding. Hale later posted a $1,000 bond and was released.; And, 38-year-old Kirk McKay, of Lenox, was arrested March 3rd, following an incident that occurred on Feb. 18th, at 1657 Railroad Street, in Corning. McKay was charged with Felony Assault, A Felony charge of Willful Injury, and a Simple Misdemeanor charge of Disorderly Conduct/fighting in a public place. McKay was being held in the Adams County Jail on a $15,300 bond, until seen by a magistrate.

On Feb. 28th, Adams County Sheriff’s Deputies conducted a traffic stop in Corning. A passenger in the vehicle, Tara Marie Squibbs, was arrested on four separate warrants for Failure to Appear. She was booked into the Adams County Jail and held on a $1,200 cash-only bond.  On the 27th, 44-year-old Joleen Most was arrested on a warrant for Failure to Appear on a Probation Violation warrant. Her cash-only bond was set at $5,500.

And, on Feb. 24th, a traffic stop in Adams County and probable cause search, resulted in the arrest of Quinn Johnston, of Omaha, for Poss. of Drug Paraphernalia, and Poss. of a Controlled Substance/Marijuana. She was booked into the Adams County Jail and held on a $1,300 cash bond.

*Any potential criminal charges identified above are merely allegations, and any defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Red Oak man & woman arrested Saturday night

News

March 19th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Red Oak, Iowa) – Police in Red Oak report a man and a woman were arrested late Saturday night. Authorities say 35-year-old Prince Marquis Rashaad Shaw and 28-year-old Casaundra Anne Bookout, both of Red Oak, were taken into custody in the 200 block of W. Coolbaugh Street, for Violation of Protection Order. Both parties were being held without bond in the Montgomery County Jail.

Pence says Trump’s arrest in NYC would be ‘politically motivated’

News

March 18th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – Former Vice President Mike Pence says the potential arrest of former President Donald Trump is politically motivated and Pence says that’s deeply troubling. Pence spoke with reporters in Iowa shortly after Trump announced he expected to be arrested Tuesday in connection with a New York grand jury probe.

Trump, in a post on his social media platform, called for protests. Pence says he respects the right of every American to speak their mind about the situation.

Pence was in Des Moines Saturday for a discussion about foreign policy that was hosted by Senator Joni Ernst. Pence says America isn’t the world’s policeman, but, as the leader of the free world, the U.S. must support Ukraine to ensure peace in eastern Europe.

Pence’s remarks are in contrast to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, a likely 2024 presidential candidate, who recently said the war is a territorial dispute and Ukraine is not of vital national interest to the United States.

Pence said “…I know some people say we can’t take care of getting our economy moving again, securing our border, taking care of things here at home and doing that, but that’s a pretty small view of the greatest nation on earth. We can do both.” Pence told reporters he’ll be making a decision about whether to launch a presidential campaign of his own this spring. He told the audience at the event Iowa’s Caucuses will again play an outsized role in shaping the nation’s destiny.

Pence, who served in the U.S. House for a dozen years, was Indiana’s governor when Trump chose him as his running mate in 2016.

Marshalltown man’s death under investigation

News

March 18th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Marshalltown, Iowa) –  Police in Marshalltown are investigating a suspicious death. Authorities said Saturday (today), that on Friday, March 17, 2023, at 4:03pm, law enforcement responded to 618 West Boone Street after receiving a 911 call reporting someone had been injured at this location and was not breathing. Upon arrival, officers found a 27-year-old male deceased. The victim has been identified as Isaiah Montell Forest, of Marshalltown. On March 18th, an autopsy of the victim was performed by the Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner. The final autopsy results and conclusions are pending. Details are not available at this time while this investigation is ongoing. The circumstances surrounding this death are suspicious. No arrests have been made.
At this time, there is no evidence or information available that would suggest a threat to the general public. The police department says it’s making every effort to quickly resolve this investigation.
The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation is assisting the Marshalltown Police Department with the investigation. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Marshalltown Police Department at 641-754-5729. Tips may also be submitted anonymously by calling Marshall County Crime Stoppers at 641-753-1234 or via text by texting the word “marshall” followed by the tip to CRIMES (274637).
Tips may also be submitted online at www.marshallcountycs.com.
The Marshalltown Police Department was assisted at the Boone Street address by the Iowa Division of Criminal
Investigation Crime Scene Team, the Marshall County 911 Communications Center, the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office, the Marshalltown Fire Department and the Unity Point Ambulance Service.

Griswold School Board set to meet Monday evening

News

March 18th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Griswold, Iowa) – The Griswold School Board will meet 5:30-p.m., Monday, March 20, in the Conference Room at the High School. Their agenda (as follows) includes an Exempt (closed) session for matters relating to negotiating sessions.

• Call Meeting to Order

• Reading of Mission Statement

• Approval of Agenda (D.R.)

• Public Input

• Superintendent’s Report:

  1. Thank You Card(s) (I)
  2. The Month in Review – Administration (I)
  3. Board Learning Opportunities (I)

– Honor February Recipient

– Select March Recipient

• Consent Agenda (D.R.)

Approval of Minutes

Approval of Financial Statements

Approval of Bills

4. Personnel

5. Gifts, Memorials, Bequests

Exempt Meeting – An exempt meeting will be held prior to conducting the Old Business portion of the regular March 20, 2023 Griswold Board of Education Meeting.

The purpose of the Exempt Meeting is to discuss strategy in matters relating to negotiating sessions pursuant to Iowa Code 20.17(3)

Old Business

6. Board Policies – Second Reading (D.R.) – 216.2, 603.6, 603.7, 603.8, 603.8R1, 603.9, 603.9R1, 603.10, 603.11, 607.1, 701.5, 701.5R1, 705.1R2, 804.7R1

7. Consider Approval Of Track Maintenance Bid (D.R.)

8. Discussion And Possible Action On Griswold Sports Club Concession

Stand Proposal (I or D.R.)

New Business

9. Discussion On Possible Meeting Dates With The Labor Management

Committee And An IASB Workshop (I)

10. Approve Master Contract For GCEA (D.R.)

11. Accept GCEA Human Resource Handbook (D.R.)

12. Approve Master Contract For School Based Interventionist (D.R.)

13. Accept School Based Interventionist Human Resource Handbook (D.R.)

14. Approve Master Contract For Technology Coordinator (D.R.)

15. Accept Technology Coordinator Human Resource Handbook (D.R.)

16. Approve Master Contract For Non-Certified Staff (D.R.)

17. Accept Non-Certified Human Resource Handbook (D.R.)

18. Approval Of Contract Renewals For Certified Staff, Coaches/Sponsors,

Administration, Quasi-Administrators, And Support Staff (D.R.)

19. Approve The 2023-24 Elementary Guidance Sharing Agreement With

Riverside (D.R.)

20. Approve The 2023-24 Transportation Director Sharing Agreement

With Atlantic (D.R.)

21. Approve The 2023-24 School Business Official Sharing Agreement With

Riverside (D.R.)

22. Consider Approval Of 2023-24 Shared Girls Wrestling Program (D.R.)

23. Consider Approval Of The 2023-24 Athletic Handbook (D.R.)

24. Consider Approval Of The 2023-24 Preschool Handbook (D.R.)

25. Set Drivers Education Fees (D.R.)

26. Consider Approval Of Updated Job Descriptions (D.R.)

27. Consider Approval Of Mowing Bids (D.R.)

28. Consider Approval Of Participation Agreement For FY24 Local Government

Risk Pool (D.R.)

29. Consider Approval Of Skip The Trip Program (D.R.)

30. Consider Approval Of Open Enrollment Request – In (D.R.)

31. 4-Day School Week Update (I)

32. Youth Sports Update (I)

33. Annual Review Of Policies 410.2, 603.2, 711.4 (D.R.)

34. Board Policies – First Reading (I) – 413.6, 413.7, 604.1, 604.2, 604.3, 604.4,

604.5, 604.6, 604.7, 604.8, 604.9, 604.10, 604.11

35 Discussion And Possible Action On Small Claims Court Award (I or D.R.)

• Adjourn

(D.R.) = Decision Required

(I.) = Informational

Final agenda will be posted in the Central Office no less than 24 hours before the meeting.

Audubon School Board to meet Monday evening

News

March 18th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Audubon, Iowa) – Members of the Audubon School District’s Board of Education, Monday, will hold a work session, public hearing on the FY 23 School Calendar, and their regular monthly meeting. Their session takes place in the High School Board Room.  Here’s a look at the agenda:

6:45 – Board Work Session – Board Goals

7:00 – Public Hearing – FY24 School Calendar

Board of Education – Regular Meeting

1.0 Call to Order

2.0 Approve Consent Agenda

2.01 Agenda

2.02 Minutes – February 20, 2023

2.03 Warrants and Financial Reports

3.0 Public Comments – Please contact the Supt. or Board President (Board Policy #213)

4.0 Action Items

4.01 Set Time and Date for Budget Hearing

4.02 Approve Budget Guarantee Resolution

4.03 Approve FY24 School Calendar

4.4   Approve AEA Purchasing Agreement
4.05 Approve Timberline Billing Services Contract

4.06 Approve Teacher Salary Settlement

4.07 Approve Salaries – Staff Not Included in Bargaining Unit

4.08 Approve Change Orders – Building Project

4.09 Approve Track Resurfacing Quote

4.10 Approve Greenhouse Quote

4.11 Approve Electric Bus Purchase

4.12 Approve Electric Bus Charging Station Purchase

4.13 Possible Approval of Surplus Property Sale – Choir Shells

4.14 Personnel

5.0 Communication & Updates

5.01 Superintendent Report

5.01.1 – Building Project Updates

5.01.2 – Legislative Update

5.02 Principal’s Reports

6.0 Adjournment

Next Regular Meeting: Monday, April 17, 2023, 7:00 PM