United Group Insurance

Governor backs agencies’ actions in trooper harassment case

News

July 18th, 2018 by Ric Hanson

WINTERSET, Iowa (AP) — Gov. Kim Reynolds is defending a harassment investigation that ended with a state trooper being fired after a 10-month paid leave and examined whether a powerful captain responded appropriately to concerns.

Reynolds said Wednesday that the Department of Public Safety and the Department of Administrative Services followed appropriate procedures and ultimately terminated trooper Wade Karp on July 3. Reynolds declined to reveal what the investigation found related to Iowa State Patrol Capt. Mark Logsdon, who oversees the governor’s security detail.

A state employee had accused Logsdon of failing to act after she informed him she was afraid of Karp after receiving unsettling Facebook messages from him seeking a relationship. Karp was placed on paid leave last September when the woman then complained to others.

The state has refused to release the findings of its investigation, calling them confidential personnel information.

2 Iowans arrested after drugs found in Nebraska traffic stop

News

July 18th, 2018 by Ric Hanson

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Law enforcement officials near Omaha have seized about 20 pounds of marijuana, cocaine and hash from a car heading to Iowa. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office says deputies discovered the drugs in a car they tried to pull over early Wednesday morning on Interstate 80 in Omaha. Deputies say the car left the interstate and stopped in a parking lot in eastern Omaha.

The deputies searched the car after detecting the smell of marijuana coming from it. Officials say they found 14 pounds of marijuana in numerous heat-sealed bags inside a black trash bag, nearly five pounds of cocaine and 23 containers of hash.

The driver and a passenger, both of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, were arrested. Officials say they were driving from Colorado to Iowa.

Rolling Valley Conference All-Conference Baseball and Softball Honors

Sports

July 18th, 2018 by admin

The Rolling Valley Conference has released their 2018 All-Conference Baseball and Softball honors. Check out the full list of honorees below.

SOFTBALL

First Team

Pitchers: Kayla Lenz, SR, Coon Rapids-Bayard; Talia Schon, SO, Glidden-Ralston
Catcher: Katelyn Winnett, JR, Coon Rapids-Bayard
Infield: Cassidy Hatcher, SR, West Harrison; Sophia Peppers, SR, Exira/EHK; Jade Hays, SR, Coon Rapids-Bayard; Avery Schlabach, SR, Glidden-Ralston
Outfield: Kealey Nelson, SR, Exira/EHK; Allison Spieker, SO, CAM; Cora McAllister, SO, Coon Rapids-Bayard
Utility: Lindsey Anderson, SR, Boyer Valley; Hope Sherer, SR, Woodbine

Second Team

Pitchers: Grace Reineke, SR, Boyer Valley; Emily McIntosh, FR, West Harrison; Macy Emgarten, 8th, Exira/EHK
Catcher: Ericka Stender, SR, CAM
Infield: Ramie Vaughn, SO, Woodbine; Haley Koch, FR, West Harrison; Grace Kauffman, SO, CAM; Hannah Whitver, SO, Glidden-Ralston
Outfield: Jae Pettid, SO, West Harrison; Chloe Gilgen, SO, West Harrison; Jessica Eighmy, Glidden-Ralston, Jr.
Utility: Paige Lampman, SR, Ar-We-Va; Marissa Spieker, 8th, CAM

BASEBALL

First Team

Pitchers: Alex Bantam, JR, Woodbine; Nick Holste, SR, CAM
Catcher: Drew Schurke, JR, Ar-We-Va
Infield: Cole Burmeister, JR, Exira/EHK; Ben Tibken, SO, CAM.; Keegan Simons, JR, Ar-We-Va.; Trenton Golay, JR, Coon Rapids-Bayard
Outfield: Ryan Guy, SR, Woodbine; Thomas Hensley, SR, CAM; Dalton Ehlers, SO, Ar-We-Va
Utility: Christian Cook, JR, Coon Rapids-Bayard; Isaac Bower, JR, CAM

Second Team

Pitchers: Tyler Petersen, FR, Exira/EHK; Henry Segebart, JR, Ar-We-Va
Catcher: Logan King, JR, West Harrison
Infield: Jacob Holste, SO, CAM; Colby Neill, SO, West Harrison; Cole Madsen, SR, Exira/EHK; Aaron McAllister, FR, Coon Rapids-Bayard
Outfield: Nick Rife, SO, West Harrison; DeShawn Carr, JR, CAM; Ryan Lehan, SR, Boyer Valley
Utility: Tyler Melby, SO, West Harrison; Josh Pettepier, JR, Exira/EHK

State Baseball pairings released for Class 1A and 2A

Sports

July 18th, 2018 by admin

The 2018 State Baseball Tournament brackets have been released by the IHSAA. In Class 1A Tri-Center receive the #8 seed and will face top-seeded Newman Catholic, Mason City on Friday at 11:00am at Principal Park in Des Moines. St. Albert is the #5 seed and will also play Friday at 1:30pm against the #4 seed Martensdale St. Marys.

In Class 2A Treynor drew the #8 seed and will play top-seeded Iowa City Regina at 11:30am on Monday.

Check out the full brackets below.

CLASS 1A

CLASS 2A

 

Algae Bloom Infests Lake that Supplies SW Iowa Town’s Drinking Water

News

July 18th, 2018 by Jim Field

Residents of the southwest Iowa town of Greenfield have been without clean drinking water this week because of a blue-green algae bloom. Scott Tonderum (TUND-rum), general manager of Greenfield Municipal Utilities, says it’s a first for the city. The algae infested the lake that feeds the town’s water supply.

It’s unclear what caused the problem, first discovered Monday afternoon.

Residents of the Adair County town are under a “bottled water advisory,” meaning only bottled water should be used for drinking, infant feeding, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and preparing food. Tonderum says boiling the tap water will only concentrate the algae more, but the water is safe for showering, washing hands, and laundry. Test results returned this (Wednesday) morning show the city’s water is within what’s considered a safe toxin level, but the advisory remains in place.

Hy-Vee, Casey’s, and Fareway stores have all offered free bottled water to Greenfield residents. Tonderum hopes tap water will be safe for drinking again soon.

https://www.facebook.com/GreenfieldMunicipalUtilities

Atlantic City Council meets tonight at City Hall

News

July 18th, 2018 by admin

The Atlantic City Council is set to meet this evening at 5:30pm in the Council Chambers at City Hall. On their agenda is a presentation from Atlantic Police Lieutenant Devin Hogue on the 2018 Family Night Out Event that is scheduled for Sunday, August 26th at the Atlantic City Park from 4:00pm-7:00pm.

Next the Council will discuss the closure of streets for AtlanticFest on August 11th from 5:00am-6:00pm. The council is also set to discuss a street closure for Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church’s 125th Anniversary and Dedication Event.

A request to modify pledge money to the YMCA Aquatics Facility Refresh Program will be considered. The Nishna Valley YMCA did not receive grant funds applied for from the Iowa West Foundation but would like to continue with improvements anyway. The Council had previously approved a $10,000 pledge to the effort as part of the grant application.

The council will also complete the first reading of an Ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances and Zoning Regulations. A number of changes are being made to allow for more flexibility for property owners to upgrade their properties without the costly and time consuming process of applying for variance that is unnecessary.

The council will also complete the first reading of an Ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances regarding the number of days the City holds an animal before it is eligible for adoption. The City currently holds animals for 7 days before being put up for adoption, which is more than the 3 days that State Code requires. Animal Control Officer Kris Erickson recommends that the City roll their time held policy back to meet the State Code at three days to cut down on the time animals have to spend in the confined space of the shelter.

A number of other regular reports will be heard by the Council along with a declaration making September Drug-Free Pain Management Month. Mayor Dave Jones and Police Chief Dave Erickson are working with a task-force to eliminate drug misuse and abuse in the area.

Creston man arrested on Arson charge

News

July 18th, 2018 by admin

The Union County Sheriff’s Office reports the arrest of a Creston man on an Arson charge. On Thursday at 11:30am 26-year-old William Gene Hatfield of Creston was arrested at the Union County Law Enforcement Center for Arson in the 2nd Degree. He was booked in to the Union County Jail on $10,000 bond.

Harlan PD Report 07/18/2018

News

July 18th, 2018 by admin

The Harlan Police Department released their latest arrest report on Wednesday.

On Tuesday Harlan Police arrested 31-year-old Joey Lee Ranney Jr. of Harlan for Domestic Abuse. He was booked into the Shelby County Jail.

On Sunday, July 15th Officers arrested 43-year-old Joseph Peter Scheffler of Harlan following a traffic stop at 12th and Baldwin Streets. He was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Prohibited Acts, and Improper Rear Lamp. Sheffler was booked into the Shelby County Jail.

Also on Sunday, July 15th Officers arrested 45-year-old Rebecca Jo Schaben of Harlan for Domestic Abuse Assault and Unlawful Possession of Prescription Drugs. Schaben was arrested following a disturbance call in the 1000 block of 10th Street in Harlan. Schaben was taken to the Shelby County Jail and booked in.

The third and final arrest Sunday was that of 62-year-old Gary Lyn McCoy of Harlan who was arrested on a 5th Degree Theft Charge. He was also booked into the Shelby County Jail.

On Saturday, July 14th 36-year-old Larry Vincent Clemons of Manilla was arrested following a traffic stop in the 900 block of 6th Street. Clemons was taken to the Shelby County Jail on charges of Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Prohibited Acts Penalties, and Carrying Weapons.

On Thursday, July 12th Harlan Police arrested 52-year-old Damon Patrick Ellsworth of Harlan following a traffic stop in the 500 block of Cyclone Avenue. Ellsworth was taken to the Shelby County Jail on a charge of OWI First Offense.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 18th

Trading Post

July 18th, 2018 by Jim Field

GARAGE SALE:  Friday & Saturday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm at 503 Pine Street in Atlantic.  Lots of household goods.

Veterans Town Hall tonight in Shenandoah

News

July 18th, 2018 by admin

Shenandoah Elks Lodge 1122 is the host for the next Veterans Town Hall scheduled for today, Wednesday, July 18. The lodge is located at 701 South Fremont Street, Shenandoah, Iowa 51601.

Veterans, caregivers, Family Members or anyone who has a vested interest in Veterans information and updates is invited to the Veterans Town Hall, beginning at 6 p.m.

Subject matter experts from the VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System will be on hand to provide current and topical information to the public.

A question and answer session will also be included, in addition to information tables.

Questions about this event may be addressed to jennifer.scales1@va.gov or calling 402.995.4719.

The Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System is also hosting a Veterans Appreciation Picnic in Omaha from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Vets will enjoy some ‘burgers and bonding’ with each other as they are hosted to appreciation picnic.

The picnic is scheduled at the Omaha VA Medical Center, located at 4101 Woolworth Avenue in Omaha.

This is a free picnic for Veterans enrolled in the NWIHCS.