(Des Moines, Iowa) – A restaurant in Montgomery County is among a dozen establishments in Iowa that were cited for food safety violations in recent weeks. That’s according to a report from the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing (IDALS). The Iowa Capital Dispatch says the state inspections department reminds the public that their reports are a “snapshot” in time, and violations are often corrected on the spot before the inspector leaves the establishment. You can read a complete report about some of the most serious violations and the establishments that were cited by IDALS, HERE.

In southwest Iowa, IDALS reported that at the Bucksnort (322 E. Coolbaugh St., in Red Oak), during a July 12th visit by inspectors, imitation crab meat was found. The meat was “visibly spoiled with a sour smell” inside one of the coolers. The inspector also reported watching the staff handle ready-to-eat foods with their bare hands, and reported finding multiple unspecified foods that had no date markings to ensure freshness and safety.

In the past month, state and county food inspectors have cited Iowa restaurants and grocery stores for hundreds of food-safety violations. (Photo by Clark Kauffman/Iowa Capital Dispatch)

In addition, the staff was thawing food in the basin of the handwashing sink. The inspector also reported, without elaboration, “missing” flooring and “a large hole outside of kitchen entrance.”

(Creston, Iowa) – A collision in Creston Thursday evening caused a police estimated, $5,500 damage, but there were no injuries. Authorities say a 2020 Chevy Equinox driven by 19-year-old Lucas Rushing, of Creston, was traveling east on Townline Street at around 6:20-p.m., and attempting to turn right onto N. Vine Street, when the SUV failed to stay in its own lane.

The vehicle struck the driver’s side of a 2003 Chevy pickup, that was stopped at a posted stop-sign at the intersection, facing north on Vine Street. The pickup was being driven by 50-year-old Adan Vega, of Creston.

Vega told police he thought the SUV was traveling faster than it should have been, before it rounded the corner and hit his pickup. No citations were issued, but the police report stated Rushing made an improper turn and failed to keep in the proper lane.

Both vehicles were driven away from the scene, following the investigation.

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa — Multiple law enforcement agencies were part of a chase that began in West Des Moines and ended in Altoona Thursday morning after police say a woman stole a police car. WHO-TV reports Sgt. Dan Wade, the Public Information Officer for the West Des Moines Police Department, said the incident began around 2-a.m., when an officer responded to the area of S. 60th and Village View Drive on a mental health call. While trying to assist an adult woman at the location, Sgt. Wade said she slipped into the police car and drove away.

Police were able to track the car using GPS as the woman went east on Mills Civic Parkway, then north on I-35/80. The top speed of the chase was clocked at 125 miles per hour said Sgt. Wade. Near 86th Street on I-80 stop sticks were used to try to disable the vehicle. The vehicle exited I-80 in Altoona and came to rest at the intersection of Highway 65 and 8th Street, where law enforcement was able to take the driver into custody. The chase lasted about 20 minutes.

The driver has been hospitalized to receive the mental health treatment she needs, but will face charges upon her release.

One other responding law enforcement vehicle had minor damage from the incident, but no bystanders were injured or involved. The Iowa State Patrol, Urbandale Police Department, Polk County Sheriff’s Office, and Altoona Police Department assisted the West Des Moines Police Department in the pursuit and arrest.

LANSING, Iowa (KCRG-TV) — The City of Lansing will have to lean on the Allamakee County Sheriff’s Office for law enforcement services, while the city hires new police officers. KCRG reports that on July 15, the New Hampton City Council approved hiring Conrad Rosendahl as the new Chief of Police. Rosenthal was the former Police Chief for the Lansing/New Albin Police Department. With Rosenthal gone, Lansing was down to just two officers.

But according to Lansing Mayor Mike Verdon, those two officers are set to leave as well.

You can read his full statement below:

“Our chief of police resigned to take the position of chief at New Hampton. Thereafter one of our two officers submitted his resignation and is assuming the same duties in New Hampton. The other officer also resigned and is, I believe, going to return to work in EMS with the Gundersen Health System in northeast Iowa and southwest Wisconsin. The last day for the two officers will be this Friday, the 26th.

Until such time as we can hire staff to replace the three departing individuals, law enforcement services will be provided by the Allamakee County Sheriff’s office.

Thank you,