Sheriff’s officials in Montgomery County are asking for the public’s help in finding a stolen trailer. Authorities say a 2006 aluminum Transcraft Eagle flatbed trailer carrying 34 large round hay bales was stolen from a Villisca residence. The trailer was last seen at around 7-p.m. Friday, parked on North  U Avenue in Villisca. The loss was valued at $35,000. If you have information about the crime or the location of the trailer, call the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office at 712-623-5107 or Montgomery County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-432-1001.

Police in Council Bluffs are asking for your help in locating a four-year old boy taken from Iowa Department of Human Services foster care. Nicholas Patterson was taken by his 40-year old biological mother Dana Smith, at around 12:05-p.m., Friday. The woman took her son after a court order was issued to place the child in protective custody.

Nicholas Patterson

Dana Smith

Police do not believe Nicholas is in any danger. They say Smith is likely attempting to conceal both her and the child’s whereabouts to the public and law enforcement. Nicholas Patterson, a white male, has long blonde hair and blue eyes. Dana Smith is a white female, about 5-feet 5-inches tall, weighing 120 pounds. She has brown hair and green eyes.

Anyone who knows the where they are located urged to call Council Bluffs Police at 712-328-STOP.

After months of renovation and construction, a massive new city park is opening today (Saturday) along the Missouri River in Council Bluffs. Larry Foster, the city’s park and recreation director, says big crowds are expected at River’s Edge Park for the start of a three-day festival called Loessfest, after the region’s rolling Loess Hills, along with another series of celebratory events that will run through June 8th. “Every day, there’s something new that’s being done to be completely ready for the big festivals,” Foster says. “For example, we sodded the entire north grove of trees, that’s all completed.”

The legendary music act, the Beach Boys will open the event tonight (Saturday) with the Omaha Symphony and fireworks Sunday. All events during the three-day Memorial Day weekend are free. There will be many events held in the 11-million-dollar park over the summer including outdoor movies, soccer tournaments and more. Foster says there are still a few finishing touches to be done before the 90-acre park officially opens. The Great Lawn alone covers five acres. “One thing going on is getting the Grand Light Show that is going to be displayed on the Great Lawn working and functional,” he says. “We’re obviously excited about the Beach Boys and the symphony and fireworks and Memorial Day weekend.”

The new River’s Edge Park is located at the base of the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge which links Council Bluffs and Omaha. Foster expects many people attending the College World Series will take the short hike over the bridge to enjoy Iowa hospitality. “If you’ve got a break between games, a nice little walk over to River’s Edge Park, go down to the river and enjoy the park and the festivities,” Foster says. “It’s going to be a real asset to the entire metro area. That’s always how we’ve seen it as we’ve been putting it together in Council Bluffs.” A permanent display at the park, entitled Rays, is a half-million dollar installation, an eight-minute light show that repeats on the hour and half-hour.

Decades ago, the area was known at Playland Park. It held an amusement park and a race track that was a hub for activity from the late 1940s through 1970.

(Radio Iowa)