The Page County Sheriff’s Office Thursday, released details about an arrest which occurred Sunday evening. Sheriff Lyle Palmer says 40-year old Merlin Glenn Lininger, of Clarinda, was pulled over for a traffic violation at around 6-p.m. Sunday, in the 1200 block of South 16^th Street.

During the traffic stop, it was determined Lininger’s driving privileges were suspended. He was subsequently arrested for Driving Under Suspension (DUS), and brought to the Page County Jail. Lininger posted bond, and was released pending a hearing on the charge.

The head of a Mason City hospital calls this “a very tragic time” following last night’s (Wednesday) medical helicopter crash in a northern Iowa field that killed the crew of three. Dan Varnum, president of Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa, confirms those killed are: pilot Gene Grell, nurse Shelly Lair-Langenbau and paramedic Russell Piehl. Varnum says, “They, like all Mercy employees, were selfless health care workers who gave their lives to really providing care for others each and every day.”

Fred Buttrell is president of Air-Med, which runs the helicopter service. Buttrell says the Texas-based company has 50 outlets all across the country and makes 50-thousand flights a year. He says this is the company’s first serious incident since 2004. He says the Bell 407 helicopter was put in service new in April of 2011 and it was in full compliance with all of its maintenance and safety checks.

A Bell 407 Medical helicopter, similar to the one which crashed.

“The aircraft was equipped with all of the latest technology, night-vision goggles, avoidance and warning systems,” Buttrell says. “The aircraft did not have the quote black box but it did have a satellite tracking system that monitored aircraft positioning and aircraft information that will be used as part of the download of the investigation.” The chopper crashed near Ventura about 9 P-M as it was flying from Mason City to Emmetsburg to pick up a patient.

The cause of the accident is unknown. The FAA and local law enforcement officials are investigating.

(Bob Fisher/Radio Iowa)

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Iowa officials say public schools have reported overall jump in enrollment for the 2012-13 school year.  Officials say the rise of 0.6 percent was the first significant increase since 1996. Overall enrollment has dropped in the five previous school years. Department of Education officials say the increase is due in part to an upsurge in birth rates from 2003 to 2008.

The department’s Jay Pennington says the increase “is refreshing news for Iowa after years of declining enrollment. However, the reality is that this increase most likely is temporary.” Pennington says the long-term trend shows declining enrollment in rural parts of Iowa.

The chairpersons of the Cass and Audubon County Community Foundations, are reminding non-profit groups and organizations in their respective counties, that grant funds amounting to $102,000 for each county, are currently available for your projects.  Applications to receive a portion of those funds, are due by no later than February 1st, 2013.  Detailed application procedures, fact sheets, and a link to the application form can be obtained online at http://omahafoundation.org/swiowa.

Applications will only be accepted through the online system.   Contact Dennis Nissen at 800-794-3458 or dennis@omahafoundation.org or Denise Cardos at denise@omahafoundation.org with grant application-specific questions.  All completed applications will be considered at the March board meeting with notification of results in early April.

Only organizations providing charitable services in Audubon or Cass County are eligible.  They must be able to demonstrate broad community/county support and supply a copy of their 501(c)(3) IRS determination letter.  Requests for general operational funds will not be considered.

Board members of the Audubon County Community Foundation are Chair, Brett Irlmeier of Audubon, 712-563-2644; Vice Chair, Jonnie Meislahn of Audubon, 712-563-2009 Secretary/Treasurer, Thomas Nielsen of Audubon, 712-563-2742; Joanie Heuton of Kimballton, 712-773-5291;; Jay Nelson of rural Brayton, 712-549-2277; Daryl Olsen, DVM of Audubon, 712-563-2080; and Joseph T. Rasmussen, Esq. of Exira, 712-268-6357.

Board members of the Cass County Community Foundation are Chair, Nicholas Hunt of rural Atlantic, 243-5485; Vice Chair, Gary Maas of Anita, 762-3434; Secretary/Treasurer, Roland K. Landsness, Esq. of Atlantic, 243-4154; Royal Bierbaum of Griswold, 778-2586; Beulah Follman of Massena, 779-3457; and Mark D. Kyhnn, CPA of Atlantic, 243-1800.