The Adair County Sheriff’s Office reports three, drug-related arrests. On Nov. 22nd, 43-year old Brett Christopher Havery, of Omaha, was arrested by an Iowa State Patrol Trooper on westbound Interstate 80, one-mile west of Adair. Havery was pulled over for speeding 104-miles per hour in a 70- mph zone. He was subsequently charged with OWI/1st offense, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (pot pipe). He was released later that day on a recognizance bond.

On Nov. 23rd, a State Patrol Trooper arrested 25-year old Francisco Valencia, Jr., of San Jose, CA. The man was pulled over for speeding on I-80 one mile west of Casey, and arrested, after a consent search of his vehicle resulted in the recovery of 10-pounds of marijuana concealed in the trunk, wrapped in paper. He was charged with a controlled substance violation, a drug tax stamp violation, and having a controlled substance in a vehicle. A passenger in the car, 31-year old Jevnal Arellano, Jr., of Milpitas, CA, was assessed the same charges. Both men were later released from the Adair County Jail on $7,000 bond, each.

Cass County Engineer Charles Marker today (Monday), updated the County Board of Supervisors on the status of various bridge projects. Marker had good news to report with regard to the bridge leading to the Griswold Golf Course: He said bridge # 83 is now open to traffic. Temporary seeding around the bridge is taking place, with more permanent seeding set to take place next Spring.

Marker said also, that work on bridge number 247, south of Anita, is progressing. He said the all-steel bridge has vertical pilings instead of wood. The beams, which were purchased from IDA County, were sand blasted locally in preparation for installation. Diaphragms are placed between the beams to prevent the beams from twisting under the weight of vehicles and provide more strength to the structure. A six-inch thick, corrugated metal decking was being tack-welded to the beams. Gravel and dirt will be placed over the decking when weather allows.

In other business, the Cass County Board of Supervisors tabled action on signing a 28-E Unified Law Enforcement Agreement that adds the City of Marne to other member cities that include Cumberland, Lewis, Massena and Wiota, while the Cass County Attorney reviews a requested addition to the agreement pertaining to “Investment.” Cass County Auditor Dale Sunderman said the City of Lewis’ auditor requested the addition.

And, the Board discussed, but took no action on an Ordinance authorizing the operation of all-terrain vehicles and off-road utility vehicles on county roads and trails. The ordinance is modeled after one in-place in Carroll County. Several questions still remain though, before an ordinance is even drafted in Cass County.

The Union County Sheriff’s Office reports 24-year old Jordan Rae Maynes, of Lorimor, was arrested Nov. 25th at the Madison County Jail, on a Union County warrant for forgery. Maynes was being held for Union County in the Ringgold County Jail, on $5,000 bond.

A man from Creston was arrested Sunday morning on an assault charge. 35-year old Mangus Welch was taken into custody at his residence at around 4-a.m., and charged with Domestic Abuse/Simple Assault. Welch was being held in the Union County Jail while serving his sentence.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (AP) – Nearly 31,000 cookies packed in nearly 2,100 boxes have already been packed, sent and, in some cases, eaten. The Daily Nonpareil reports that the volunteer group since 2007 has been sending home-baked cookies to U.S. troops overseas.

On Nov. 10 at Emanuel Lutheran Church, more than 60 volunteers helped pack the boxes. Since its founding in 2007, Iowa Cookie Crumbs more than 928,000 cookies have been sent to the troops. Along with cookies, the organization also sends comfort items such as games, blank holiday cards, 2016 calendars, personal hygiene products and an assortment of snacks, drink mixes and candy.

The Iowa Cookie Crumbs is part of the national Treat the Troops organization and is funded by donations.