Police in Glenwood said Friday a local man has been arrested on sexual abuse, kidnapping and indecent contact with a child, charges.

Daniel Logan Walden

66-year-old Daniel Logan Walden, of Glenwood, was arrested on a charge of 1st degree kidnapping, two counts of 2nd degree sexual abuse and indecent contact with a child. Walden is accused of sexually abusing a child under the age of 12 after luring the child into his residence.
An investigation into the incident continues. Authorities are asking anyone who may additional information regarding Walden’s alleged activities to contact Glenwood Police Officer Rose Ives or Police Chief Eric Johansen at 712-527-9920.

Cass County Extension and the Southwest Iowa STEM Hub are bringing science, technology, engineering and math fun to Cass County. The “Celebrate STEM” Festival is set for May 22 from 5:00-7:00 pm at the Cass County Community Center. Youth and families of all ages are invited to come explore STEM through hands-on learning and investigation. Cass County Extension and the Southwest Iowa Regional STEM Hub are partnering with local community organizations and educators and host the “Celebrate STEM” Festival.

Attendees will receive a “passport” at the front door to help them explore the many exhibits from throughout Cass County and southwest Iowa. There will be opportunities to learn more about STEM programs happening for local youth, sign up for upcoming summer events in the county, and also learn about STEM in local businesses and careers. A variety of activities will also be available to spark student and parent interest with hands-on learning ranging from testing chemical reactions to flying flight simulators.

The event is open to the public and there is no charge to attend. Anyone interested in learning more about opportunities in science, technology, engineering and math in Cass County is encouraged to attend. No pre-registration is required, and attendees are invited to stop in and stay for as long as they can. Any local business or organization that would like to participate is encouraged to call the Cass County Extension Office at 712-243-1132 for more information on this event!

The Epic Iowa Road Trip made its journey into Western Iowa today (Friday). A specially wrapped motor coach is traveling 2,100 miles promoting more than 60 tourism destinations in 33 counties and 46 communities across the state of Iowa. The trip began earlier this week in Eastern Iowa and made several stops in the area today. The Epic Iowa Road Trip ventured into Shelby County Friday afternoon. The first stop was at the Danish Windmill Welcome Center.

The motorcoach then stopped in Avoca at Farmall Land USA. Shawna Lode, Iowa Tourism Office Manager, said they have seen all portions of Iowa. “We started on Friday, May 2nd in Ottumwa and since that time we have traveled to all parts of the state from the eastern side to the central side and we are concluding on the Western side of the state.” She says the tour group has seen a lot of diversity.  “We were at Pella Tulip time and we visited the Iowa Speedway in Newton. Those are two big name destinations in the state. But we have also visited some of the unknown places like the little Brown Church or here at Farmall Land that is a hidden treasure and we want Iowans to know about.”

Lode says the Tourism committee had a great response and the road trip could become an annual event. “We have had a tremendous response and we are really happy with how the nine days have gone. We will sit back in a week or so and then talk about next year.”

On Saturday, the Epic Iowa Road Trip will head towards the Loess Hills with stops at the Council Bluffs Union Pacific Railroad Museum, Harrison County Visitor’s Center on Highway 30 and the Twisted Tail in Beebeetown. The Road Trip will conclude Saturday in Sioux City. The Epic Iowa Road Trip is a partnership among the Central Iowa Tourism Region, Eastern Iowa Tourism Association, Western Iowa Tourism Region and Iowa Tourism Office to promote tourism destinations in the state and raise awareness of tourism’s impact on Iowa’s economy.

(Joel McCall/KNOD)