NEWTON, Iowa (AP) — A local official in central Iowa is proposing turning a wind turbine blade into a sculpture that would be a new landmark for the community. The Newton Daily News reports that Bruce Showalter’s proposal to use the TPI Composites-made wind turbine blade aims to make Newton more appealing and distinguishable to visitors and passers-by. Showalter is the chairman of the Newton Hometown Pride Committee and housing director of Newton Housing Development Corporation. He proposed the idea to city council members during a Monday workshop.

Showalter says the project would cost an estimated $100,000. Councilwoman Evelyn George liked the idea, but voiced concerns about whether the blade would obstruct the view of businesses. Councilman Mark Hallam also enjoyed the concept of the project.

The Mills County Sheriff’s Office reports 19-year old Chase Zachary Stewart, of Malvern, was arrested Thursday evening. Stewart was taken into custody for Criminal Mischief in the 5th Degree. His bond was set at $300. And, 46-year old Brian Robert Vanderpool, of Tabor, was arrested by Fremont County Deputies on Mills County warrants for Intimidation with a Dangerous Weapon and Harassment in the 1st Degree. He was transferred to the custody of Mills County and held without bond in the Mills County Jail.

The Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office reports a Minden man was arrested Thursday afternoon on a valid Pottawattamie County arrest warrant for Harassment 1st Degree Sexting. 39-year old Michael David Hillis was being held without bond in the Pott. County Jail. Hillis also faces a charge of Interference with Official Acts, the bond for which is $300.

The Pott. County Sheriff’s Office reports also, two men being held in the Pottawattamie County Jail were served with additional warrants Thursday. 26-year old Damian Daniel Blain, of Council Bluffs, who was being held in the jail on a 2nd Degree Theft charge, was presented with a warrant for Felony Theft in the 2nd degree, the bond for which is $5,000. He was returned to the custody of Corrections Staff. 43-year old Marcos Rafael Jarquin, of Council Bluffs, was served with a warrant for Violation of Probation. His bond was set at $10,000.

And, 23-year old Chance Hunter Adolf, of Papillion, NE., was arrested Thursday, for Probation Violation.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – Aug. 3, 2018 – A pavement repair project on eastbound Interstate 80/southbound I-29 in Council Bluffs, will require closing the roadway to traffic overnight beginning at 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 4th, weather permitting, according to the Iowa Department of Transportation’s District 4 Office. The interstate and ramps are expected to open by 7 a.m. Sunday morning, Aug. 5th. Southbound I-29 traffic will be diverted to 24th Street. Eastbound I-80 traffic will be reduced to one lane and the eastbound I-80 on-ramp at 24th Street and the eastbound off-ramp at South Expressway will be closed at 7 p.m. as well. At 10 p.m., eastbound I-80 traffic will be diverted to 24th Street. Please follow the posted detours during the closure.

Iowa DOT is in the process of reconstructing I-80, I-29 and I-480 in the Council Bluffs metropolitan area as part of the Council Bluffs Interstate Improvement Program. This comprehensive interstate redesign, which will be delivered over the next eight-to-10 years, will modernize the highway system and improve mobility and safety of approximately 18 miles of interstate. The Iowa DOT reminds motorists to 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, drivers should stay alert, allow ample space between vehicles, and wear seat belts.

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) — Sioux City has negotiated a settlement worth $7.5 million to the victim of a November 2016 crash involving a city bus. The Sioux City Journal reports that the City Council will vote Monday on the agreement with Chad and Rosanne Plante, of rural Hinton. The city’s legal department has recommended approval following mediation talks with the couple.

Chad Plante suffered two broken legs and a brain injury in the Nov. 15 crash. Authorities say a turning Sioux City Transit bus failed to yield at the intersection and struck Plante’s sport utility vehicle. The bus driver was cited for failure to obey a traffic control device. Plante spent several weeks in a coma and then had months of rehabilitation. He and his wife haven’t filed any litigation yet.

Documents say Sioux City will be responsible for paying nearly $211,000 and the city’s insurance will cover the rest.

Officials with the Creston Police Department report 32-year old Ryan Michael Weis, of Creston, was arrested Thursday on a charge of OWI/2nd offense. Weis was being held in the Union County Jail on a $2,000 bond. And, a Creston man residing in the 2800 block of New York Avenue, reported Thursday, that sometime between 1:30-a.m. and 12-p.m., someone broke the back window out of his rental vehicle, and took a small speaker out of the back seat area. The loss was estimated at $130.