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Gov. Reynolds Issues Open Letter to Iowans on Department of Labor’s Excessive Fines on Iowa Businesses

News

July 1st, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Updated) – Governor Kim Reynolds says the needs and challenges of today’s workforce have changed — and the U-S Department of Labor is enforcing outdated child labor rules on Iowa businesses. Reynolds has released what she describes as an open letter to Iowans, criticizing federal fines being proposed against Iowa businesses that have employed minors beyond 7 p.m. on school nights. Reynolds signed a state law in 2023 that said 14 and 15 year olds could work until 9 p.m. during the school year and until 11 p.m. in the summertime.

Reynolds says while the extra two hours of nighttime work looks like a sensible option to most Iowans, she says the federal government is treating it like a sinister plot. The governor says for decades Iowa and more than 20 other states have let young teens work more hours than is allowed under federal standards and Iowa businesses are being singled out by heavy-handed federal bureaucrats.

A spokesperson for the U-S Department of Labor says it is dangerous and irresponsible for Iowa’s governor and state legislature to undermine federal child labor protections amidst a rise in child labor exploitation in this country. Democrats in the legislature who voted against the law say they warned Republicans and business groups pressing for the changes the state law violated federal standards.

Lacasse Makes Canadian National Team

Sports

July 1st, 2024 by Asa Lucas

OTTAWA, CANADA – University of Iowa graduate Cloé Lacasse (‘14) was named to the Canadian women’s national team on Monday. Lacasse will compete at the 2024 Paris Olympics from July 25 to Aug. 10.

The Ontario, native, becomes the first Iowa women’s soccer product to compete at Olympics.

“Congratulations to Cloe on a monumental achievement,” said Head Coach Dave DiIanni. “This is truly an example of her commitment and perseverance to develop, grow and challenge the environments she has been put in along the way as a professional soccer player in order to accomplish her most lofty goals.

“We are so proud of her, as she represents Iowa Soccer with the utmost class and excellence.”

Lacasse is one of six forwards selected to join the 18-player roster. Formerly a two-time All-Big Ten First Team honoree, Lacasse currently plays for Women’s Super League club Arsenal in the United Kingdom.

Canada is one of 12 participating nations at this year’s Olympic Games. The Canadian women’s national team won gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and is the only squad to have reached the podium in each of the last three Olympic Games.

Hawkeye history is nothing new for Lacasse, who was part of the first NCAA Tournament qualifying team in program history during the 2013 season. Lacasse is tied for first in Iowa program history for career points (112) and sits atop the Hawkeye record book in career shots (306).

Nunn Secures $1 Million for Indian Hills Community College Truck Driver Education Center

News

July 1st, 2024 by Ric Hanson

OTTUMWA, IOWA — U.S. Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) today announced that he secured a $1 million investment for a new driving pad at the Indian Hills Community College Truck Driver Education Center in Ottumwa.

“It’s time we start telling the truth: a four-year degree isn’t the only pathway to success. Hands-on learning opportunities open doors for Iowans to good-paying jobs,” said Rep. Nunn. “Indian Hills Community College and other community colleges in Iowa offer critical programs that help Iowans achieve success. This is a key investment to support Iowa’s workforce and economy.”

Rep. Nunn secured $1 million through the Community Project Funding process, which allows members to designate funding for critical initiatives. The funding was included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024 that was signed into law on Saturday, March 9, 2024.

“We are excited for the announcement and thankful to Congressman Zach Nunn for his diligent work to help secure federal funding that will support improvements to the Commercial Truck Driving Skills Training Facility at the Indian Hills North Campus,” said Dr. Matt Thompson, President of Indian Hills Community College. “Our goal is to continue to increase the number of trained commercial truck drivers to meet regional and statewide workforce needs. Commercial drivers earn great wages and are in significant demand. This project will assist Indian Hills in recruiting and training more drivers to meet the needs of business and industry across our 10 County Region.”

The $1 million investment will assist Indian Hills Community College in constructing a new Commercial Driving Skills Pad at the North Campus in Ottumwa.

Rep. Nunn announced the new funding investment during a press conference with Indian Hills Community College President Matt Thompson at the North Campus Workforce Training Center.

Iowa State Announces Big 12 Football Media Day Participants

Sports

July 1st, 2024 by Asa Lucas

AMES, Iowa – Iowa State wide receivers Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel, defensive lineman J.R. Singleton and defensive back Beau Freyler will represent the Cyclones at Big 12 Football Media Day on July 9 in Las Vegas.

Iowa State’s top two leaders in receptions, receiving yards and touchdown receptions a year ago, Higgins and Noel form one of the league’s most exciting pass-catching duos. Noel hauled in 66 passes for 820 yards and seven scores while Higgins tallied 983 yards and six touchdowns on 53 receptions.

Higgins, a South Miami, Fla. native, comes off a season where he averaged 18.5 yards per catch, the seventh-best single-season average in school history, and was second in the Big 12 averaging 75.6 receiving yards per game.

Noel’s impact was felt beyond the offensive side of the ball last season. He became the first FBS player since 2014 to have four 50-plus yard receptions, two 50-yard kick returns and two 30-yard punt returns in a season. His 66 catches were the seventh-most in a single season in school history and the fourth-most among Big 12 players in 2023.

Singleton turned in his best season as a Cyclone a year ago, playing in all 13 games with eight starts. He logged 22 tackles and a career-best 3.5 sacks and eight quarterback hurries.

A Second Team All-Big 12 selection by the Associated Press last season, Freyler led the ISU defense with 107 tackles, tied for fourth among Big 12 players, to become the first Cyclone to reach 100 tackles in a season since 2017. The Colorado Springs, Colo. native also had three interceptions and five pass breakups.

Big 12 Football Media Days run July 9-10 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

Former Adair Police Chief sentenced to 5-years in prison

News

July 1st, 2024 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa – The Adair Police Chief was sentenced yesterday (Monday) to 60 months in federal prison for conspiring to make false statements to the ATF, making false statements to the ATF, and illegal possession of a machine gun.

According to public court documents and evidence presented at trial and sentencing, since July 2018, Bradley Eugene Wendt, 47, has been the Chief of Police for Adair, Iowa. He is also the owner of BW Outfitters, a federal firearms licensee in Denison, Iowa. Evidence at trial showed that, between July 2018 and August 2022, Wendt used his position as Chief of Police to obtain machine guns for his own personal use and profit, including to buy machine guns for his own store.

Generally, machine guns made after May 1986 are illegal to transfer and possess. But law enforcement agencies can buy machine guns for their official use and an authorized dealer can get machine guns to demonstrate to a police department for the department’s future possible purchase. If a police department wants to purchase or receive a demonstration of a machine gun, it can submit a letter to ATF, referred to as a “law letter,” expressing its need for and interest in the machine gun.

Between July 2018 and August 2022, Wendt wrote nearly 40 law letters, requesting the purchase or demonstration of 90 machine guns for the Adair Police Department. In the law letters to purchase machine guns for his two-man department, Wendt said he was buying the machine guns for the official use of his department and was not getting the machine guns for resale. In the law letters requesting demonstrations of machine guns, Wendt said the Adair Police Department wanted a demonstration for the department’s future possible purchase of the requested machine guns.

A jury found that Wendt made false statements in several of the law letters, convicting him of one count of conspiracy to make false statements to the ATF and eight counts of making a false statement to the ATF. Evidence at trial showed that Wendt purchased machine guns for the Adair Police Department, but later resold those machine guns at a personal profit of nearly $80,000. The evidence also showed Wendt used demonstration law letters to purchase machine guns for his own gun store, BW Outfitters, including a .50 caliber machine gun called a “Ma Deuce,” which he immediately mounted to his personally owned armored Humvee.

Wendt was also convicted of one count of illegal possession of a machine gun, based on his personal possession of a belt-fed, M60 machine gun registered to the Adair Police Department. Wendt, along with his gun store BW Outfitters, hosted a machine gun shoot in April 2022, where he charged the public to shoot machine guns, including several registered to the Adair Police Department. The jury found Wendt was not acting within the scope of his official duties when he possessed the M60 machine gun.

Wendt was ordered to pay a $50,000 fine. After completing his term of imprisonment, Wendt will be required to serve a three-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

FBI Omaha Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel said “We expect law enforcement officers to uphold their oath to protect and serve our communities. Instead, Brad Wendt broke the law and betrayed the community by unlawfully obtaining and selling firearms for his own personal profit. The FBI remains steadfast in aggressively investigating and bringing to justice those who misuse their authority for personal gain.”

“Wendt was held accountable for committing a betrayal of the public’s trust by engaging in this machine gun trafficking scheme for personal gain,” stated Gordon N. Mallory, Acting Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Kansas City Division. “This sentence sends a loud message to anyone in public service: if they betray their oath of office and their responsibility to their community, they will be held accountable.”

United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) made the announcement. “At its core this case was about false statements, driven by the personal ambition of man who saw his badge as a means to an end, rather than a calling.,” stated U.S. Attorney Richard Westphal, “Thank you to our dedicated law enforcement partners at FBI and ATF, and a hard-working prosecution team for pursuing a challenging case and holding Brad Wendt accountable.” This case was investigated by ATF and FBI, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Mikaela Shotwell, Shai Gonzales, and Ryan Leemkuil.

Hawkeyes Qualify for Henley Royal Regatta

Sports

July 1st, 2024 by Asa Lucas

LONDON – The University of Iowa women’s rowing team qualified for the Henley Royal Regatta this past week. Iowa’s Varsity Eight will compete in the Island Challenge Cup and the Varsity Four will compete in the Princess Grace Challenge Cup.

Iowa’s V8 will take on Edinburgh University in the first round of the Island Challenge Cup on Wednesday. Iowa’s V4 will race Twickenham R.C. & Trentham B.C on Thursday. Times for these races are still to be determined.

For more information on draws, race times, and live streaming: https://www.hrr.co.uk/.

First held in 1839, the event has been held annually ever since, with the exception of the years affected by the two World Wars and the COVID-19 pandemic. Originally staged by the mayor and people of Henley as a public attraction with a fair and other amusements, the emphasis rapidly changed so that competitive amateur rowing became its main purpose. The Regatta took place on a single afternoon but proved so popular with oarsmen that the racing lasted for two days from 1840. Today, the regatta is staged for six days, ending on the first Sunday in July.

The Henley Royal Regatta is “the most prestigious regatta in the world,” according to its website. Races are held on the River Thames, one of London’s main attractions.

QUOTING HEAD COACH JEFF GARBUTT

“I could not be more proud of this group of Hawkeyes. They have handled every challenge that has been thrown their way this year. Being able to travel for the last two weeks and preparing for the weekend ahead has been a privilege to watch. This group has done a wonderful job bonding and growing over these past few weeks. To have both boats qualify for the Henley Royal Regatta is a special thing, anyone who has experienced this level of racing in England understands that.”

Ames Police investigate fatal motorcycle accident

News

July 1st, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Ames, Iowa) – Officials with the Ames Police Department said today (Monday, Officers and Ames Fire Department personnel responded at around 4:03-p.m. Sunday, June 30th, to a motorcycle crash with injuries. The crash occurred in the area of Bloomington Road and Top O Hollow Road. First responders arrived to find a crashed motorcycle and the adult driver injured in the roadway. The motorcyclist was taken to an area hospital and pronounced deceased. The identity of the victim is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
The motorcyclist was not wearing a helmet.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the Ames Police Department at (515) 239-5133 or the anonymous tip line (515) 239-5533. You may also contact Crime Stoppers of Central Iowa at (515) 223-1400. Online anonymous tips may be submitted to www.crimestoppersofcentraliowa.com.

Mills County Sheriff’s report, 7/1/24

News

July 1st, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Glenwood, Iowa) – The Mills County Sheriff’s Office reports six recent arrests. Early Saturday morning, 38-year-old Julio Alberto Reyes-Ramirez, of Omaha, was arrested for OWI/1st offense.

Four people were arrested Friday in Mills County:

  • 61-year-old Ralph Arthur Brewer, of Council Bluffs, was arrested for Driving Under Suspension. (Bond $300)
  • 31-year-old Jimmy Joe Gappa, of Council Bluffs, was arrested on two counts of Burglary in the 3rd Degree (Bond $2,000)
  • 36-year-old Jack Ray Winchel,of Bellevue, NE, was arrested Friday in Mills County, for Accessory After the Fact (Bond $300).
  • 63-year-old Jeannette Lousie Zaiger, of Tabor, was arrested for Criminal Mischief in the 3rd and 4th Degrees (Bond$2,000).

And, on June 26th, Mills County Deputies arrested 45-year-old Joshua Robert Saunders, of Pacific Junction, for Driving Under Suspension (Bond $300).

Fremont County Sheriff’s Office arrest report, for arrests June 4th through July 1st, 2024

News

July 1st, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Sidney, Iowa) – The Fremont County Sheriff’s Office today (Monday) released a report on arrests that took place from June 4th through July 1st. The list of names and alleged offenses are shown below:

On 06/04/2024, deputies arrested Santasia Unique Smith, age 30 of Omaha, Nebraska for three counts of Child Endangerment. She was released after posting a $2,000 bond.

On 06/05/2024, deputies arrested Aunkia Jean Hayes, age 19 of Hamburg, Iowa for Possession of Alcohol under Legal Age. She was cited and released.

On 06/05/2024, deputies arrested Brooklyn Ann Harris, age 19 of New Market, Iowa for Possession of Alcohol under Legal Age. She was cited and released.

On 06/07/2024, deputies arrested Julio Cesar Galan Vargas, age 49 of Omaha, Nebraska for OWI 1st Offense and Providing False ID. He is being held without bond pending court proceedings

On 06/10/2024, deputies arrested Benjamin Michael Johnson, age 40 of Shenandoah, Iowa for Probation Violation. He was sentenced to the Regional Correctional Facility.

On 06/13/2024, deputies arrested Mariah Marie McKeone, age 32 of Council Bluffs for Driving Under Suspension. She plead guilty and was released.

On 06/17/2024, deputies arrested Billy Ray Foster, age 49 of Clarinda, Iowa for Probation Violation. He was booked and released.

On 06/19/2024, deputies arrested Kateria Marie Shearer, age 24 of Raymond, Nebraska for Disorderly Conduct. She was released on $300 bond.

On 06/19/2024, deputies arrested Abraham Menses-Sanchez, age 32 of Omaha, Nebraska as a Fugitive from Justice. He is being held awaiting extradition to Nebraska.

On 06/21/2024, deputies arrested David Dale Morelock, age 38 of Farragut, Iowa for OWI 1st Offense and Driving While Revoked. He was released on a $1,000 bond.

On 06/21/2024, deputies arrested Brandon Michael Goff, age 30 of Shelby, Iowa for Possession of a Controlled Substance and OWI 1st Offense. He was released on a $2,000 bond.

On 06/21/2024, deputies arrested Raebecca Emmily Warner, age 29 of Omaha, Nebraska for Possession of a Controlled Substance. She was released on a $1,000 bond

On 06/21/2024, deputies attempted to stop two sport motorcycles for speeding near Sidney, Iowa. Both motorcycles fled law enforcement reaching speeds over 135 miles per hour in a 55 Mph zone. Deputies were able to identify both suspects and on 06/23/2024, both suspects turned themselves into law enforcement. Deputies arrested John Jacob Myers, age 22 of Hamburg, Iowa and Logan Young Birkby, age 22 of Thurman, Iowa for felony Eluding. Both were released on a $5,000 bond.

On 06/26/2024, deputies arrested Cristian Omar Rodriguez De Paz, age 26 of Sidney for three counts of Child Endangerment. He was released on a $2,000 bond.

On 06/27/2024, deputies arrested Amy Jo Liles, age 37 of Shenandoah, Iowa for Leaving the scene of an Injury Accident. She was released on a $1,000 bond.

On 06/27/2024, deputies arrested Sherry Danette Young, age 46 of Polo, Missouri for Probation Violation. She is being held without bond pending District Court.

On 06/28/2024, deputies arrested Tyler James Nichols, age 37 of Council Bluffs, IA for Possession of Controlled Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was released on a $1,000 bond.

On 06/28/2024, deputies arrested Kaitlyn Jean Banks, age 29 of Council Bluffs, IA for Possession of Marijuana – 1st Offense and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. She was released on $1,300 bond.

On 06/29/2024, deputies arrested Heather Autumn Shaw, age 36 of Farragut, IA for Driving Under Suspension. She was released on $566.25 bond.

On 06/29/2024, deputies arrested Paul Michael Laughlin, age 59 of Imogene, IA for Domestic Abuse Assault – 1st Offense. He was released on $300 bond.

On 06/30/2024, deputies arrested Theresa Renee Charles, age 38 of Council Bluffs, IA for Driving License Denied/Revoked – OWI. She is being held on $1,000 bond.

On 07/01/2024, deputies arrested Corbin Michael Reed, age 22 of Shenandoah, IA for Public Intoxication and Possession of Controlled Substance. He is being held on $1,300 bond.

Banks

Birkby

Charles

Foster

Goff

Harris

Hayes

Johnson

Reed

Nicholas

Myers

Morelock

Laughlin

Liles

McKeone

Menses-Sanchez

Young

Warner

Vargas

Smith

Shearer

Shaw

Rodriguez De-Paz

40% of homes in Spencer hit by floodwaters

News

July 1st, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – Stoplights in Spencer are back in action, but power is still out in many neighborhoods following flash flooding that hit the city ten days ago. Spencer Mayor Steve Bomgaars says initial estimates indicate 40 percent of homes in Spencer have flood damage. “Some of our friends on the southside of the town who are without electricity still,” he says, “and we even have some pockets on the north side of town that don’t have electricity.” FEMA representatives went door-to-door in southeast Spencer on Saturday. Bomgaars says the latest tally shows nearly 15-hundred Spencer residents have applied in person or online for some form of federal assistance.

Iowa Department of Transportation dump trucks started hauling debris out of Spencer this weekend. Kevin Robinson, the deputy city manager in Spencer, says the first D-O-T crews who rolled into Spencer on Saturday collected 152 loads of debris — including 350 appliances from the north central area of Spencer. “Their run time is going to be from 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.,” Robinson says. “They work straight through. They don’t take breaks. They eat their meals in transit.”

Some Clay County residents who live outside of Spencer have brought their flood damaged debris into Spencer for disposal, but Clay County officials say residents in rural areas can also arrange for crews to pick-up flood debris at their homes.