(Iowa DOT) If you are driving on U.S. 169 near Mount Ayr in the coming weeks you need to be aware of a road construction project that may slow down your trip.

Starting on Monday, August 28th until Thursday, September 28th, weather permitting, construction crews will need to close U.S. 169 from Iowa 2 south of Mount Ayr to the Missouri state line so a bridge on the roadway can be removed and replaced with a culvert. Crews will then need to repave the roadway over the installed culvert.

While construction work is taking place you will be directed around the work zone on a marked detour route in Iowa and Missouri using Iowa 2, Interstate 35, U.S. 69, U.S. 136, and U.S. 169.

Help keep everyone on the road safer. Drive with caution, obey the posted speed limit and other signs in the work area, and be aware that traffic fines for moving violations are at least double in work zones. As in all work zones, you should stay alert, allow ample space between vehicles, and wear seat belts.

The latest traveler information is available anytime through the 511 system.

A new organization called the Alliance of Parents and Taxpayers has been formed in the Pottawattamie County area.

According to spokesperson Kris Ranney the organization emerged from conversations between parents and taxpayers and the concerns and goals they share.

“We discovered that all of us- whether a parent or not- believe our children and how they are educated is of major importance. We all agree that we want to find ways to take real action that will matter.”

Ranney stated that the organization seeks to support schools and educators, forge bonds with communities, take action to protect the innocence of youth and to recruit, endorse and support school board candidates that adhere to the organization’s principles.

The group plans to introduce themselves to the public and gather input at a series of town hall meetings. The meetings set so far are as follows:

Council Bluffs Public Library, Monday, August 21, 6:30-8:00 p.m. Crescent Community Hall, Tuesday, August 29, 6:30-8:00 p.m. Carter Lake Community Center, Monday, September 11, 6:30-8:00 p.m. Council Bluffs Lewis-Central School District, Hy-Vee Madison Ave., Tuesday, September 26, 6:30-8:00 p.m

All town halls will be open to the public with no cost to attend. Other town hall dates and locations will be announced in the near future.

Those seeking further information should visit www.parentsandtaxpayers,org.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – Two Cass County, Iowa residents were sentenced on August 15, 2023 for conspiring to distribute fentanyl causing serious bodily injury or death.

Collin Jacob Clarken, 21, was sentenced to 252 months in prison. Colby Ray Clarken, 25, was sentenced to 240 months in prison. There is no parole in the federal system.

In May 2023, three other co-defendants—Cam Christopher Jahnke, Chase Daniel Jahnke, and Kelsi Thurman—were sentenced for their roles in the conspiracy.

According to public court documents, both Collin Clarken and Colby Clarken pleaded guilty to obtaining fentanyl pills from sources in Omaha, Nebraska, and selling those pills in and around Cass County, Iowa. The investigation determined that between August 2019 and June 2022, the group obtained and distributed over 10,000 pills containing fentanyl. Fentanyl distributed by the group caused two fentanyl overdose deaths.

United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa stated the convictions disrupted a major source of supply of fentanyl in Western Iowa and was accomplished through the cooperation of numerous law enforcement agencies.

Agencies involved in this investigation include the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Atlantic Police Department, Cass County Sheriff’s Office, Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, Southwest Iowa Narcotics Enforcement (SWINE) Task Force, Council Bluffs Police Department, Iowa Division of Intelligence, Iowa State Patrol, Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation Crime Lab, United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Omaha Police Department.

The Mills County Sheriff’s Office reports the arrest of a Glenwood man following the execution of a search warrant at the property of 62700 Mahaffey Road in Glenwood on Monday, August 14th at 9:15 p.m. During the search, law enforcement recovered three stolen vehicles and over $30,000 in stolen property including tools and construction equipment. Also located were firearms, methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia.

Following the search 43-year-old Randy Dean Burton of Glenwood was arrested on several felony charges and taken to the Mills County Jail and held on $86,000 cash only bond.

The Sheriff’s Office stated that due to the search they were able to solve and close several theft cases in the county and surrounding areas dating back to January 2022.

The Shelby County Board of Supervisors met in a regular session on Tuesday at 9:00 A.M. in the Supervisors Chamber in the Courthouse with the following members present: Steve Kenkel, Charles Parkhurst, Bryce Schaben, and Mark Maxwell, Clerk.

Chairperson, Steve Kenkel, asked that any conflict of interest be stated concerning any item on the agenda. None were stated.

It was moved by Schaben, seconded by Parkhurst , to approve the agenda. Motion carried unanimously.

It was moved by Parkhurst, seconded by Schaben to approve the minutes of August 1st, 2023. Motion carried unanimously.

The latest claims were then approved unanimously after a motion by Parkhurst and a second by Schaben.

The Auditor reported on buildings and grounds inspections and upkeep including door replacements, roof leaks and other maintenance and duties. Maxwell also notified the Supervisors that there are now three Seat II certified (election) trained officials in the Shelby County Auditors office for the first time ever.

The repair to the air conditioning system has been made and another issue has popped up with the aging unit. parts and repairs have been ordered. Bids for a new chiller to supply the air conditioning system have been received, the Auditor presented the two lowest bids obtained. Carrier of Omaha Nebraska submitted a bid of $116,550.00, Carroll Control of Carroll, Iowa submitted a bid of $112,850. An independent opinion was obtained to make sure the bids were equitable, and it was judged that they were very close in specifications. The auditor asked the Board to vote on a recommendation. Bryce Schaben made a motion to accept the Carroll Control bid and authorize the Auditor to sign the agreement. Charles Parkhurst seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously. The repairs on the aging chiller have been over $30,000 this year alone.

Chairperson Steve Kenkel then reported that Franklin County has joined in the county coalition that is defending counties in the pipeline issues. Kenkel read the following statement: “Shelby County is appealing the district court’s July 10,2023 order granting Summit’s motion for preliminary injunction. The appeal will be heard by a panel of 3 judges from the United States Court of Appeals for the Eight Circuit. The Eighth Circuit will consider whether the district court committed err in granting an injunction against the ordinance. The Eighth Circuit will issue its opinion either affirming or reversing the district court. The case will then be sent back down to the district court for further proceedings. Our legal counsel feels we have strong arguments for appeal and our insurance carrier ICAP, supports and will be covering the appeal legal expenses. “

The Supervisors were then presented with Building and Grounds use applications for two fall events, the Forgotten Arts event and the Southwest Iowa Art tour. The Auditor reported that no issues have been reported for either of these events in the past years. Parkhurst made a motion to approve the applications, Schaben seconded the motion, the motion passed.

Todd Valline of the Shelby County Chamber of commerce and Industry update his organizations current events and projects.

Brandon Burmeister gave a report of Secondary Road happenings and asked the Supervisors to approve a utility permit for Windstream Communications. Parkhurst made a motion to approve the upgrade, Schaben seconded the motion, the motion passed.

Burmeister also discussed Secondary Road project including culvert coating being used to extend the life of metal culverts.

The annual Urban Renewal Report completed by the Auditors office was presented for the yearly supervisor inspection and approval. Parkhurst made a motion to approve the certificate. Scheben seconded the motion, the motion passed.

Having no further business the meeting was adjourned.