Iowa Senator Joni Ernst, a Republican from Red Oak, voted for the Senate transportation bill today (Thursday). Ernst talked with reporters before the vote, and says she decided to move ahead after addressing some questions with Iowa groups. “With the assurances that have come from the various groups in Iowa — they are okay with the measures that are in the bill — so, I am going to support it. I think we have to have a multi-year bill,” Ernst says.

Ernst was asked about concerns raised by some over 18-year-olds being allowed to drive trucks. “I haven’t seen any studies to contradict that. I think younger that drivers are fine,” according to Ernst. “We have laws in place already that will be followed, so I feel very confident.” Ernst says the bill isn’t perfect, but she says they needed to take action. “I look at this as a good bill, again a multi-year bill, that’s what we are striving for, and hopefully we can find a consensus on it,” Ernst says. She says the six-year bill gives more certainty to state transportation departments as they set their schedules.

“We have it fully funded for three of those years. It’s not the perfect solution, but it is a multi-year solution,” Ernst says. “It will considerably help our states and make sure that they have funding available for the projects.” Iowa’s other U-S Senator, Republican Chuck Grassley, also voted for the bill. The U-S Senate also passed a three-month extension of the current funding bill to keep transportation money available until a long-term bill is passed. The U-S House has left for its August recess, so a long-term bill would not move forward until the fall.

(Radio Iowa)

Photo’s courtesy Brian Hamman, Montgomery Co. EMA

Montgomery County Emergency Management Coordinator Brian Hamman reports Red Oak and Elliott Fire Departments were paged to a barn fire in northern Montgomery County just before 1-p.m., Thursday. Upon their arrival at 2402 100th Street, the barn was fully involved in fire, and a car inside the structure was also on fire.

Mutual aid was requested from Grant Fire Dept for additional tankers and man power. The fire was brought under control within 20 minutes and crews remained on scene for roughly an hour completing salvage and overhaul. At this time, the cause of fire is under investigation and the barn and vehicle are considered a total loss.

The Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce’ Image Committee has presented Complementary Care Health & Wellness with a Community with Improvement Award. The award recognizes the successful efforts to improve a property in the Atlantic Area.

Pictured: Doug Gifford, Ouida Wymer, Gene Fischer, Gerald Brink and Dr. Kerry Sauser.

Ouida Wymer, Executive Director, Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce, said “Dr. Kerry Sauser, ARNP, ND PhD, dedicates a lot of time and passion to her building and garden to create a welcoming environment for her patients and beautiful façade in the community.“ Susan Retz, CCHW Marketing Director, said she encourages everyone to “Stop in and see the many ways we can help them feel their best, look their best and live their best naturally. Our health food store is open to the public, and besides Dr. Kerry’s practice, we offer massage, reflexology, ortho-bionomy, healing touch and more.”

The Community Improvement Award is given to a business that takes pride in making Atlantic a welcoming and beautiful community by continuing to improve its appearance. If you would like to nominate a business or community member for a Community Improvement Award please contact the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce: 712-243-3017 or chamber@atlanticiowa.com.

Audubon Police Chief Matt Starmer reports two people have been arrested on Disorderly Conduct charges. 17-year old Adam Richard Finley, of Audubon, was arrested July 19th, while 19-year old Zachary James Ratliff, of Audubon, was arrested on July 26th. Ratliff was held in the Audubon County Jail pending an appearance before a magistrate. Finley was cited for the offense and referred to Juvenile Authorities.

Finley was arrested again on July 23rd, for allegedly Harboring a Runaway. Finley was transported to the Juvenile Detention Center where he is being held on both charges.

On July 28th, Audubon Police arrested 24 year old Justin Dean Fowble, for Trespassing. Fowble was cited and released on promise to appear.

Officials with the Iowa Department of Criminal Investigation say an arrest has been made in connection with a fatal hit-and-run in Harrison County. The body of 50-year old Charlotte Anderson, of Logan, was discovered by a Harrison County Sheriff’s Deputy. She was found on the north side of Logan, off to the side of Highway 115, at around 11-p.m., July 4th.

Anderson’s body was transported to the Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner  in Ankeny, where an autopsy was performed by the Chief State Medical Examiner Julia Goodin, MD, on July 5, 2015.  The woman’s death was ruled a homicide.

Austin Arndt

On July 5th, 2015, at approximately 7:00 AM, an Iowa State Patrol Trooper located a suspicious vehicle in Logan that appeared to have front end damage consistent with evidence located at the scene of the hit and run.

On the afternoon of Wednesday, July 29th, an arrest warrant was issued for 25-year old Austin Arndt, of Logan. Arndt was charged with Homicide by Vehicle (B Felony) and Leaving the Scene of an Accident Resulting in Death (D Felony).  Early this (Thursday) morning, Arndt turned himself in to the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office, where he was booked in.  Arndt has since posted $25,000 bond, and was released.

Several agencies are working on the investigation to include the Logan Police Department, Harrison County Sheriff’s Office, Harrison County Attorney’s Office, Harrison County Medical Examiner, Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner, Logan Fire and Rescue, and the Iowa Department of Public Safety’s (DPS) Iowa State Patrol (ISP) and Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI).

An Elk Horn (IA) man faces charges stemming from an investigation into an incident that allegedly took place July 1st. The Audubon County Sheriff’s Office says 21-year old Dylan Michael Jager was arrested by Shelby County Deputies on an outstanding Audubon County warrant charging him with Providing Alcohol to Persons Under Age, and Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor. Jager has appeared before a magistrate and was released from custody. No information is currently available on a court date.