(Radio Iowa) – A Northern Iowa man is dead and his wife is hospitalized after a house fire in the town of Burt. Brian Wilson reports.

(Albia, Iowa) – A teenager from southeast Iowa was injured when the vehicle crashed Thursday night in Monroe County. The Iowa State Patrol reports a 1999 Dodge RAM pickup driven by 21-year-old Trevor Joe Gundrum, of Eddyville, was attempting to elude law enforcement when the pickup left the road and entered a field. The pickup entered a pond in the field before it came to rest. The incident happened at around 8:05-p.m. near 1802 695th Avenue, near Albia.

Three occupants of the pickup were able to get out of the vehicle. CPR was performed on one of the passengers, 17-year-old Trenton Larry Gundrum, of Oskaloosa, before he was flown by LifeFlight to Mercy Hospital in Des Moines. Trevor Gundrum was taken into custody.

A second passenger in the vehicle released at the scene.

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – Schools are still preparing to pull books of their shelves before the new year in accordance to Senate File 496. The law passed last spring bans any books in school libraries that describe or visually depict a sex act – the only exemption is religious books like the Bible. KCRG reports, with just over one week until the deadline, some educators and administrators remain frustrated with the lack of guidance in the law itself and worry about potential penalties if they miss a title.

Many schools like Iowa City, and College Community have partial lists. Titles including To Kill a Mocking Bird, Handmaid’s Tale, and Ulysses are on some of these lists. Smaller schools, while dealing with smaller libraries, are also still working to compile a list. Solon’s process includes going through each title in their libraries to determine age appropriateness and how it relates to the upcoming law.

As the deadline draws closer, many have expressed uncertainty and anxiety surrounding possible penalties for not removing any book that might meet the criteria.

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) — When it comes to keeping the roadways safe during the holidays, organizations like AAA are stepping up to help prevent impaired drivers getting behind the wheel.

Beginning Friday at 6 p.m. and running through 6 a.m. on Jan. 2, AAA will activate their “Tow-to-Go” service in Iowa and Nebraska. The service will offer a free, confidential ride and tow to safety of up to 10 miles for one person and their vehicle.

AAA emphasizes the program is meant to be a last resort for those who didn’t plan ahead. Additionally, it may not be available in rural areas or during severe weather conditions.

(Glenwood, Iowa) – Two people were arrested on separate charges Thursday, in Mills County. The Sheriff’s Office reports 32-year-old Henry Talamantez, Jr., of Council Bluffs, was arrested on two counts of Theft in the 2nd Degree. His bond was set at $10,000. And, 25-year-old Devin Donta Sattizahn, of Council Bluffs, was arrested at the Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office, on a warrant for Failure To Appear on an original charge of Domestic Abuse Assault. Bond was set at $3,000.

(Creston, Iowa) – Officials with the Creston Police Department report three recent arrests. On Thursday (12/21), 49-year-old Robert James Reed, of Creston, was arrested for Intent to Manufacture/Deliver-Methamphetamine (Over 5 grams but under 5 kilograms). Reed was being held in the Union County Jail on a $32,000 cash or approved surety bond.

There were two arrests Wednesday, in Creston. Authorities say 40-year-old Alicia Ellen Lovell, of Creston, was arrested for Driving While Suspended. She was cited at the scene and released on a promise to appear in court. And, 33-year-old Tlee Jo Jones, of Creston, was arrested for Failure to Appear (in court). She was transported to the Adams County Jail and held on a $300 cash-only bond.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce, Thursday, announced the winners of this year’s “Angel of Christmas.” This year, there were two “Angels” receiving the award: Atlantic Food Pantry volunteers, Sharon Sandhorst and Dr. Ken Burkhart.

The Chamber says the title, “Angel of Christmas” recognizes and thank area residents who symbolize the true meaning of the season. Angels exemplify the true holiday spirit all year long – putting others first, spreading generosity and sharing the holiday spirit with everyone they meet. The title is sponsored by Cass Health.

During the presentation, Cass Health CEO Brett Altman said, of Sandhorst and Dr. Burkhart, “We just really appreciate your kindness, your compassion, your willingness to help other people. day in and day out- giving of your time and your help.” He added, “Cass Health is privileged to sponsor this every year, and we’ll tell you that we had several great nominations, but you guys stood out.”

From left to right: Atlantic Food Pantry Volunteers, Dr. Ken Burkhart and Sharon Sandhorst, Cass Health CEO Brett Altman (Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce photo)

Sandhorst and Burkhart were nominated by Barbara Lytte, and she explained in her nomination letter why the two should receive the title.

“Sharon Sandhorst has volunteered for the food pantry for many years,” Lytte wrote in the letter. “She puts in countless hours weekly to make sure everything runs smoothly. You could call her the ‘office manager’ of sorts. Paperwork, counting, bagging, almost (becoming) a full time (volunteer) job for her. And all without complaints. Sharon gives and gives and expects no thanks and no recognition in return.”

“Dr. Ken Burkhart was in charge of our local food pantry,” Lytte wrote in the letter. “After many, many years of managing the big endeavor, he finally stepped down in October of this year. He handled it all any time of the day. He lined up and scheduled the volunteers that helped out in the pantry. He was there when the Food Bank of Iowa truck delivered. He helped pick up donations from local businesses. He fielded phone calls. He ordered the food that is handed out weekly. He knew the patrons that came to the pantry and he knew their food favorites. If a business donated desserts, he knew who liked what desserts. If it was a large family, he made sure there was an adequate amount of food for the family. He calmly listened to complaints and tried to rectify the issue. He treated each and every patron with dignity and always with a smile. He was always caring and compassionate to all of us that volunteered and worked with him. He knows and exemplifies the true meaning of “giving back to others.”

POLK COUNTY, Iowa — [KCCI] – A former Polk County Jail inmate is now suing the county, the sheriff, and a former jail worker. Justin Mowery says he was sexually manipulated by Brianna Miller, who was a cook at the jail. Miller was Mowery’s supervisor while he worked in the kitchen as an inmate. She pleaded guilty to three counts of harassment in January. Mowery is now suing for damages.

The lawsuit says Polk County and the sheriff were negligent in their duties to protect him and supervise Miller. Polk County says it cannot comment on ongoing litigation.

CLEAR LAKE, Iowa — [KCCI] – Two people suspected in a Michigan murder were arrested Tuesday, in northern Iowa. Clear Lake police say they got a call Tuesday night from law  enforcement in Michigan asking for help. Authorities believed Margaret Kempainen, 50, and Jacob Kempainen, 20, were in town. They’re suspected of killing an 87-year-old family member in Michigan. Clear Lake police tracked the two down at a gas station and took them into custody.