DES MOINES – The Iowa Department of Corrections (IDOC) today (Monday) announced that the statewide, independent external review of its prison system is complete. Following the tragic events of March 23, 2021, the IDOC conducted the state’s standard bidding process to bring in an independent, outside organization to perform an in-depth security review of its prison system. Once the bidding process was complete, CGL Companies, a nationally recognized corrections consulting firm, was selected to lead the review.

Commenting on the completion of the external review, IDOC Director Beth Skinner said the following: “The completion of this review is the next step in improving the safety and security of operations in this department. There are challenges that lie before us but they are an opportunity to build upon our efforts that lead the country.”

Director Skinner went on to say, “I am thankful for CGL’s professionalism and hard work throughout this process. We look forward to carefully analyzing their findings and working hand-in-hand with our facilities around the state to implement them. The events that took place in Anamosa earlier this year were an unimaginable tragedy, and we continue to work through it together as a corrections family. I am confident that the completion of this review is another positive step in the right direction for this department.”

A summary of the findings and recommendations of the external review can be found here. The IDOC has also made available an updated timeline of safety and security measures implemented at the Anamosa State Penitentiary since March 23, 2021. A copy of that document can be found here.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – Cass County Emergency Management Coordinator Mike Kennon, this (Monday) afternoon, reports N. Olive Street (Cass County Road N-16) (north of Atlantic & south of I-80)….is now OPEN! The road had been closed following severe storms last Wednesday, that caused damage to power poles and power lines, several of which fell across N. Olive Street.

Crews worked throughout the weekend and into today, to remove the lines and set new poles in place to support them.

The Glenwood Police Department reports three arrests: 25-year-old Clayton Miller, of Malvern, was arrested for OWI/1st offense (bond $1,000). 46-year old Brent Michael, of Malvern, was arrested Sunday, for Probation Violation ($1,000 bond), and 26-year-old Robert Farley, of Glenwood, was arrested on Burglary, Willful Injury and Sexual Abuse in the 2nd Degree, charges. His total bond was set at $55,000 cash or surety.

(12-p.m. News)

(Glenwood, Iowa) – The Mills County Sheriff’s Office reports five recent arrests. Early Saturday morning, 29-year-old Zackery David Mount-Gallett, of Carter Lake, was arrested for Violation of a No Contact Order (No Bond). Mount-Gallett was previously arrested Thursday night, also, on charges that include Contempt of Court/Violation of a No Contact Order, and Providing False Identity Information.

Saturday afternoon, 42-year-old Kerrri Anne Thomas, of Glenwood, was arrested for Assault with bodily injury (Bond $1,000). Friday afternoon, Mills County Deputies arrested 23-year-old Jordan William Salmons, of Glenwood, for Domestic Abuse Assault, two counts of Child Endangerment, and Criminal Mischief (No Bond).

Thursday evening, 65-year-old Damon Lee Carmon, of Omaha, was arrested on three counts possession of a controlled substance and two counts of failure to affix a drug tax stamp (Bond $42,000).

(Radio Iowa) – It’s the season of giving and many Iowans are wanting to make charitable contributions before the calendar year runs out — out of generosity and for the tax benefits. As you decide who should get a check, Bao Vang at the Better Business Bureau is encouraging us to do our homework to avoid being ripped off. “Watch out for charity name confusion,” Vang says. “Scammers want to trick you into thinking they are someone else, including a reputable, credible organization that you already have a special connection with.”

If you have any doubts, Vang says to do your research to ensure a charity is on the up and up, and don’t donate right away to anyone who calls.  “Resist the pressure to give immediately and on the spot,” Vang says. “Rushing you is one of the most common tactics of scammers. When you feel rushed, pause, take a breath and think about the offer.”

If you think you’ve been scammed, go to the BBB’s scam tracker and report it.

(Radio Iowa) – The two members of Iowa’s congressional delegation who are military veterans say more must be done to reform how the military justice system handles sexual assault cases. Policy inserted in a military funding bill makes sexual harassment a crime in the Uniform Code of Military Justice for the first time in the history of the U.S. military. However, commanders will still be allowed to choose witnesses AND the jury members who’ll decide such cases. Senator Joni Ernst, a Republican from Red Oak who is a retired Iowa National Guard commander, says while she’s disappointed the policy doesn’t go as far as she’d like, SOME changes are being made.

“We have seen a number of momentous steps forward, very critical steps forward so that we can help prevent sexual assault and hold accountable those who commit atrocities against our service members,” Ernst says. “but we still have a long ways to go.” Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks of Ottuwma, a Republican who retired after a career in the Army, says while the original proposal was watered down, there has been some progress.

“There are individuals, both who have been in the military and who have not but have had a lot of experience with the military, that were concerned about circumventing the chain of command or going through an individual legal process, a prosecutorial process without it going through the chain of command,” Miller-Meeks says. “I think for sexual harassment, that was an important part of the bill and we’ll continue to work on that issue.”

Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley has supported having independent prosecutors handle sexual assault and sexual harassment cases in the military for more than a decade. Ernst signed onto the proposal this summer.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – Officials with the Atlantic Police Department report that on Saturday December 18th, A-PD Reserve Officers held their annual “Family Dream Christmas” program. This year the APD Reserves were assisted by the SWI Chaplains Association, and a Harlan Police Reserve. The Atlantic Girls Basketball Team were back once again this year and did a great job setting up, taking down, and organizing the toy room. There was a total of 12 families helped in the program this year.

Seven families were taken shopping to local businesses in Atlantic. This included shopping for all members of their families. They also received a full Christmas Dinner, including a turkey and ham. The families also received a gift card to a local grocery store to help with food and meat cost during the holiday season. APD Reserves provided five additional families with a trip through the Reserve Departments toy room, which includes new toys that are donated throughout the year. The children in these families were brought through the toy room and picked out a few items each that they would like to have. These families were also provided with the same Christmas dinner and gift card.

Atlantic Girl’s Basketball Team helping to set-up the toy room. (All photos by Jodie Houge, via the Atlantic PD Facebook page)

All together, this weekends “Family Dream Christmas” and “Shop with a Cop” programs, the Atlantic Police and Reserve Departments were able to help a total of 73 children and 17 adults within 23 families to have a much more joyful Christmas experience! ! We would not be able to run these programs without the wonderful donations we receive each year. Lt. Devin Hogue and Chief Dave Erickson want to thank all of the MANY generous PRIVATE INDIVIDUALS that contributed to the cause, and to the following companies and groups:

The Joe Dirt Memorial Tournament, Richter & Son Towing, OSI “Oakland Foods” Women in leadership group, JBG Farms, Smith Land Service, Atlantic Carriers, Cappel’s Ace Hardware, Keegen Pace, Pymosa Lodge, AM Vets Post 1, Atlantic Hy-Vee, Deter Motor Company, Atlantic Wal-Mart, The Atlantic News & Telegraph, Atlantic Subway, Brown’s Shoe Fit, as well as MANY MANY more! On behalf of the Atlantic Police and Police Reserves, they issue their heartfelt thanks and a wish of a joyous New Year in 2021!