(Council Bluffs, Iowa) – Officials with the Council Bluffs Police Department report one-person died as the result of a single-vehicle accident that took place at around 10:45-p.m., Wednesday. The crash happened near the 50 mile-marker of Interstate 29 northbound.

Council Bluffs Police and Fire Department first responders arrived at the scene, where the 68-year-old male driver of the vehicle was found dead.  His name was not immediately released, pending notification of family.

A preliminary investigation revealed the vehicle was northbound on I-29, lost control and left the roadway to the right. The vehicle struck a collapsible barrier in front of a sign board and flipped onto its top.

The accident remains under investigation. Anyone with any information is asked to contact the CBPD Traffic Unit 712-328-4948.

(Radio Iowa) – The cost to fill our gas tanks and heat our homes is rising and Iowa Congressman Randy Feenstra says he’s worried about bounding energy prices, especially gasoline, as we head toward the holidays. “This is really significant,” Feenstra says. “We just saw the price of crude oil go up to $85 a barrel so it’s not looking good anytime soon. They’re talking maybe by Christmas having $4.50 gas and this is a real concern.” Feenstra, a Republican from Hull, says the rising price of natural gas is also worrisome.

“I’m on MidAmerican and they sent me a letter saying natural gas is going up 46-98% this winter and we should be prepared for those bills,” Feenstra says. “This is not good for the family and the small business owner and things like that. These are direct costs that come out of our regular paycheck.” Feenstra echoes Senator Chuck Grassley’s comments to Radio Iowa on Tuesday, blaming the Biden administration’s actions for the situation.

“We have the capability of being energy independent. We did that under Trump,” Feenstra says. “When you cut off the XL pipeline and you keep shooting yourselves in the foot when it comes to all the things they want done, that’s what creates all these increased prices.”

Triple-A-Iowa says the average price for gas in the state today is $3.16 a gallon, up from $2.02 a year ago. The current national average is $3.39.

(Radio Iowa via KCRG) – Hundreds of law officers filled the Waukon gymnasium today to say good-bye to State Trooper Ted Benda who died earlier this month after being in an accident on the way to a call. Iowa Public Safety Commissioner Stephen Bayens gave the eulogy.

Benda, was 37 and leaves behind a wife and four daughters. Bayens says he has a lot in common with Benda’s daughters.
“I grew up like most cop kids do — taking for granted that my dad would show up at the end of his shift. As a child, the prospect that anything else would ever happen never crossed my mind,” Bayens says. “My dad like Ted was consistent, steady and strong. My mom, like Ted’s wife Holly knew better, for only they understood the weight and scars their husbands carried.” He says it took him many years to understand why his dad would risk his life for others — and says it was for his family and a sacrificial love for them.

“In law enforcement we are quick to focus on our oath to protect and serve. But when it came to Ted, it was his other vows that truly defined the man,” he says, “his vow to love and cherish his wife Holly. His vow to be a caring and doting dad to his girls. His vow to be a good son, a good brother, a good friend. Underpinning every single one of those vows was a sacrificial love,” Bayens says. Bayens says Benda loved his community and in a final act gave back to others.

“Even in death, Ted’s impact was undeniable. Last week on a gray morning in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, Ted’s family, friends, and coworkers had a chance to honor his final gift to the world as he donated his organs to those in need,” he says. Bayens ended up with this message to Benda’s family.

“To Holly and the girls, thank you for sharing your husband and your dad with use. He could not have served the people of Iowa without your steadfast support. His sacrifices were your sacrifices,” Bayens says, “and we will be forever grateful for his service to the Iowa State Patrol and to the State of Iowa.” The funeral ended with the traditional end of watch call from the dispatcher using Benda’s 313 badge number.

Benda started his career in 2005 with the Division of Criminal Investigation in Marquette before transferring in 2016 to the Iowa State Patrol, serving out of Mason City and most recently at Post 10 in Oelwein.

(Des Moines, Iowa) – Approximately 80 Soldiers will be honored in a community welcome home ceremony for the Headquarters and Headquarters Company of the 734th Regional Support Group, Friday, Oct. 29th at Noon. The ceremony takes place at the Des Moines International Airport, Endeavor Air hangar, 2811 Willow Creek Ave.m in Des Moines. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend the homecoming ceremony. Masks are required for this event.

Iowans can also view the ceremony live by going to the Iowa National Guard Facebook page @IowaNationalGuard.

The 734th Regional Support Group provided base support, commandant cell and base camp services across several bases in Central Command area of responsibility. The unit was responsible for ensuring the day-to-day operations of each base.

Additionally, the 734th Regional Support Group worked closely with Coalition members from more than 10 countries to support Operation Inherent Resolve. Col. Mark Coble, 734th Regional support group commander, served as a base commander. The HHC 734th RSG is currently based at Camp Dodge in Johnston.

(Radio Iowa) – The Story County Sheriff’s Office has started a criminal investigation after a state auditor’s report flagged significant issues in the City of McCallsburg’s accounting records. According to the State Auditor’s report, one person was responsible for depositing cash, checks and tax payments made to the City of McCallsburg. The same person handled payroll. Auditors reviewed records from April of 2016 through the end of March the following year. They found the general ledger for the City of McCallsburg was more than 120-thousand dollars higher than the actual balances in the city’s bank and investment accounts. Auditors found the City Clerk occasionally wrote and cashed paychecks before the end of the pay period.

The state auditor’s report also noted the city’s accounting records showed a street project and a water project in McCallsburg were claimed twice as expenses. The state auditor’s report was issued in April of last year. The Story County Sheriff’s Office announced today (Wednesday) it is conducting a criminal investigation based on the report, but provided no other details.