The Creston Police Department reports there were two arrests over the past few days and three incidents of vandalism. At around 8-p.m. Friday, 28-year old Matthew Edwin Thomas, of Creston, was arrested at his residence for Simple Assault. And, at around 3:40-a.m. today (Monday), 20-year old Austin Brian Lanny Benge, of Orient, was arrested in Creston for Driving Under Suspension. Both men were released on bond.

And, there were three reports of vehicles sustaining broken windows in Creston over the weekend. The incidents, which happened sometime Friday or Saturday, caused a total of $700 damage. The incidents took place in the 500 and 100 blocks of W. Montgomery Street, along with the 100 block of Manor Drive.

(7-a.m. News)

DAVENPORT, Iowa (AP) — A 63-year-old care program supervisor has been accused of sexually abusing a client in Davenport. Scott County court records say Bruce Enger is charged with sexual abuse and sexual exploitation by a counselor or therapist. The records say the alleged victim has been a client of REM Iowa for six years.

REM Iowa serves adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Enger’s responsibilities including supervising the residence in which the alleged victim lived.

(Radio Iowa) — This is National Problem Gambling Awareness Month, and the man who runs the state Gambling Treatment Program says it’s a good time to take a close look at the issue. Eric Pruess, says the number of problem gamblers remains small, but they shouldn’t be overlooked.

Eric Preuss

“Many Iowans are impacted by problem gambling and they continue to gamble because they just don’t know. They don’t know why they have a problem, they don’t know what problem gambling is, or where to get help. Problem gambling should not go unnoticed,” he says.

Pruess says the most recent studies show how prevalent gambling is in Iowa. He says nearly nine in ten adult Iowans have gambled in their lifetime, seven in 10 gambled in the last 12 months, and about four in ten gambled in the last 30 days.  Pruess says everyone needs to know help is out there. “The good news is that prevention is effective, treatment works and recovery is possible,” according to Pruess. “As of January first 2019, I-D-P-H now contracts with 19 local agencies to provide problem gambling treatment, prevention and recovery support services in 19 service regions that encompass all 999 counties in Iowa.”

He says the results of treatment are encouraging. He says 66 percent reported dissatisfaction with life when starting treatment, and that dropped to 24 percent at discharge. While 50 percent reported being late in paying bills at admission to treatment — which fell to 25 percent when they were released. Pruess says the creation “Your Life Iowa” gives people struggling with addiction a place to go. “Help and information is available 24-seven 365 via phone, text and on-line chat,” Pruess says. He says it is also the home to 1-800-BETTSOFF.org for those who need help with problem gambling.

He says they have had more than 65-thousand visits in the last year, with most of the page visits being for problem gambling. Pruess says there are a variety of way they can help and he encourages anyone with concerns to visit the website.

There are no machines made which can match dogs’ special abilities. They are used in all branches of military service. Military Working Dogs is a presentation which will provide more information about their amazing accomplishments. Jason Dunn, dog handler while in the Marine Corps will be at the American Legion Memorial Building on Sunday, March 17, 2 pm. He joined the Marine Corp immediately after graduating high school shortly after the war on terror began. He served through multiple deployments. Jason’s presentation will tell about characteristics of military working dogs, their training, jobs they perform, special equipment provided and more. He will also talk about training for handlers and share some of his experiences. Working together, a dog develops a high level of obedience, discipline and amazing skills.

As a child Jason had a fascination with animals, how they behaved and how they were trained. He put that fascination to work when he followed a family tradition of a long line of military service. Now retired, he continues to use his knowledge and skills in a dog training business and with his own dog. Jason’s family dog is a 3-year-old German Shepherd. Freya has learned to follow numerous commands off leash.

Atlantic Rock Island Society Enterprise (ARISE) sponsors monthly programs held at the American Legion Memorial Building located at 201 Poplar Street in Atlantic. Everyone is welcome and there is no fee. The Building is handicapped accessible. For more information see www.ariseAtlantic.org.

INDEPENDENCE, Iowa (AP) — A man already accused of setting a fire that injured two people at his eastern Iowa home has been charged with attempted murder. Buchanan County court records say charges of arson and third offense domestic assault also have been filed against 44-year-old Shane Heins. Heins’ preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 25.

Investigators say Heins set the fire March 2 in Independence in an effort to kill his wife, Christina Heins, and her uncle, Nick Necker. Both were taken for treatment to University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics in Iowa City. A witness reported seeing Shane Heins throwing items and furniture around the home and pouring gasoline around the wooden steps between the house and garage.