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Cass County Attorney & Sheriff ask to share an office employee

News

September 20th, 2022 by Ric Hanson

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Cass County Attorney and Sheriff’s Offices are looking to share a full-time employee. County Attorney Vanessa Strazdas and Sheriff Darby McLaren appeared before the Board during the Supervisor’s meeting this (Tuesday) morning, to explain the need for another employee. Strazdas said her office is now “Understaffed and overwhelmed,” due to the recent departure of an employee who wishes to be a full-time mom.

Strazdas said she has $20,000 in her budget for a part-time employee, whose primary purpose would be to handle the mounds of paperwork an attorney’s office handles. Sheriff McLaren said he has $15,000 in his budget he could use, and there is, according to Strazdas, an opportunity for possible federal funding.

The individual who is hired, would be paid $18 to $25 per hour, depending on experience. The Board took no action on the request during their meeting, Tuesday. Instead, they asked for more, detailed information on how the person would be shared, such as the hours in each department, and who their boss would be, and what the role of the Union would be.

In the mean time, they suggested advertising for the position this Friday, and having all the relevant information ready for the Board’s next meeting on September 30th. In other business, the Board passed a Resolution with regard to the Title VI (Title 6) Program, between the Iowa Department of Transportation and Cass County Secondary Roads. It had to be approved as a condition for the County to receive any Federal financial assistance from the United States  Department of Transportation, and requires bids for projects to be by equal opportunity (that is, non-discriminatory), and comes under the auspices of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. Cass County Engineer Trent Wolken is the County’s Title 6 Coordinator.

The Board discussed with Rich Hansen, Assistant to the County Engineer Trent Wolken, Zoning Ordinance changes previously discussed by the Cass County Zoning Commission, and actions the County might take with regard to any future inclusion of a Carbon Dioxide pipeline. And, they heard from Cass/Guthrie Environmental Health Director Jotham Arber, who spoke about Radon levels.

Spooky times ahead in Cass County (IA): 7th Biennial Lighted Halloween Campground set for Oct. 22nd

News

September 20th, 2022 by Ric Hanson

(Lewis, Iowa) – Cass County Conservation is hosting their 7th Biennial Lighted Halloween Campground, Saturday October 22nd at Cold Springs Park in Lewis. The event takes place from 7-until 9 PM., and designed to be non-scary, family friendly, and a FREE drive into the night! Prizes will be for the top 3 voted sites, and for some special categories. Sign up to decorate a site in the Lighted Halloween Campground! Deadline for decorating a site sign up is October 14th and the groups will have Saturday(22nd) from Noon on to decorate. Please help us make it a success!

You get a Saturday night camping for FREE if you choose to camp, but it’s not required. You also DO NOT have to have a camper (there have been some great sites done with tents and easy-ups, etc.)

Message, call, or email the Cass County Conservation Office, to get involved. Provide your name, email and Phone number! You can call the Cass County Conservation Office at 712-769-2372. Please note: The event will be cancelled if there is inclement weather. Follow the CCCB on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/events/718530709251262/

ICA Member Testifies Before House Agriculture Committee Regarding Value of Conservation Programs

Ag/Outdoor

September 20th, 2022 by Ric Hanson

Iowa cattle producer and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) member Shayne Wiese, today (Tuesday) testified before the House Agriculture Committee regarding implementation of the conservation title of the 2018 Farm Bill. Weise said the “USDA’s voluntary conservation programs have been a great asset to cattle producers, and it is important that these programs are implemented in a practical, producer friendly, and voluntary manner for years to come to ensure that cattle producers will continue to have the ability to do what we do best: produce the world’s safest, most nutritious, abundant, and affordable protein while operating in the most environmentally friendly way possible.”

He shared his experiences utilizing the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Additionally, Wiese highlighted his concerns with the staffing shortage at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that has led to agency delays, additional paperwork burdens, and less time for local officials to meet with the agricultural producers they serve. “NCBA communicates with members of Congress and their staff every day but hearing directly from a cattle producer outside of Washington is extremely beneficial,” said NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane. “We hope Congress carefully considers Shayne’s testimony as they evaluate the last Farm Bill and begin crafting the next one.”

Shayne Wiese is a fifth-generation cattle producer, currently operating Wiese & Sons: Good Doin’ Bulls along with his older brother in West Central Iowa. Wiese & Sons are advocates for conservation and utilize cover crops, CRP, water filtration buffers, and erosion reduction practices as part of their comprehensive commitment to environmental stewardship. In addition to being a member of NCBA, Wiese is involved with the American Hereford Association, Iowa Beef Industry Council, Iowa Beef Breed’s Council, and Iowa Cattlemen’s Association.

“Producer feedback is vital to improving conservation programs outlined in the Farm Bill, and we appreciate Shayne for sharing his personal experiences,” said Bob Noble, president of the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association. “Livestock producers take pride in being stewards of the land and natural resources and would benefit from additional support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. We seek to maximize the impact of programs like the Conservation Reserve Program and Environmental Quality Incentives Program to further achieve our conservation goals and solidify cattle as climate-smart solutions.”

Mills County Sheriff’s report for 9/20/22

News

September 20th, 2022 by Ric Hanson

(Glenwood, Iowa) – The Mills County Sheriff’s Office today (Tuesday), reports two arrests took place Monday: 39-year-old Daniel Charles Meggison, of Malvern, was arrested Monday afternoon in Council Bluffs, on a warrant for Harassment in the 1st Degree. His bond was set at $2,300; And, 37-year-old Breeanne May Fallin, of Corning, was arrested at the Woodbury County Jail, on a warrant for Failure to Appear. Her bond was set at $25,000.

Iowa forecast: Air conditioning is a must today, furnaces needed by Friday

News, Weather

September 20th, 2022 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – Record-breaking heat is possible in many Iowa cities today (Tuesday) as forecasters say high temperatures may hit the mid-to-upper 90s on this next-to-last day of summer. Meteorologist Jeff Zogg, at the National Weather Service, says it’ll be a steamy one. “We’re expecting some pretty hot and humid conditions, basically one day of it,” Zogg says, “ahead of a cold front that’s going to be coming through the area with high temperatures expected in the middle 90s with heat index values at least in the middle 90s as well.”

Zogg says the heat wave will be short-lived and this will be one of “those” weeks in Iowa where most of us use both the air conditioner and the furnace. “Wednesday will be a lot cooler with high temperatures in the upper 60s to lower 70s and even cooler on Thursday with high temperatures in the middle 60s,” Zogg says. “Those cool temperatures will continue through the end of the work week. Saturday, we’ll see a warm-up with high temperatures in the lower to middle 70s.”

The first day of fall is Thursday and the arrival of cooler weather should be right on schedule. On Friday, some northern Iowa cities may not even see a high of 60. As for today’s heat, many Iowa communities could see high temps never before seen on this date. “We could see record or at least near-record high temperatures, maybe some records in a few places, just depending on how high the temperatures get,” Zogg says.

The forecast high for Des Moines calls for 96-degrees this afternoon, which would shatter the record of 92 that was set in 1931.

Clarinda Police Chief warns of parking restrictions on Oct. 1st for the SW IA Band Jamboree Parade

News

September 20th, 2022 by Ric Hanson

(Clarinda, Iowa) – Clarinda Police Chief Keith Brothers is informing residents and visitors to Clarinda, that No Parking is allowed on certain streets on Oct. 1st, from 7:30-a.m. until Noon, while the Southwest Iowa Band Jamboree Parade is underway. Parking restrictions are as follows:

  • The 100 through 800 block of W. Main Street
  • The 100 block of E. Main St.
  • The 100 block of N. 15th St.
  • The 100 block of E. Washington St.
  • and, 24th Street (Cardinal Drive), from Garfield St. to State St. (** for School Bus Parking)

Chief Brothers says the Police Department appreciates the cooperation of all citizens in removing their vehicles from the parade route. Vehicles that are not removed from the parade route by 7:30-a.m. on Oct. 1st, will be towed at the registered owner’s expense.

Page County S/O reports 4 accidents

News

September 20th, 2022 by Ric Hanson

(Clarinda, Iowa) – There were four separate accidents over the past couple of weeks, in Page County. Sheriff’s officials say:

  • On 09-06-2022 at approximately 7:45 PM Stacy Renee Ribbey (40) of Clarinda was driving a 2008 Nissan Armada southbound on HWY 71& 210th street, when she attempted to make a U turn. Vehicle went into the ditch and rolled on the passenger side. No injuries were reported. No citations were issued. Vehicle sustained an estimated $8000.00 in damage.
  • On 09-09-2022 at approximately 8:55 PM Abdeel R.K. Perales (20) of Omaha, NE was operating a 2018 Audi A5 eastbound on HWY 2 in the 1300 block when the vehicle struck a deer. No injuries were reported. No citations were issued. Vehicle sustained an estimated $20,000.0 in damage.
  • On 09-10-2022 Tami Renee Hughes (60) of Rock Port, MO was operating a 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander southbound on E Avenue. Hughes said that due to the fog, she was unable to see the intersection of E Avenue and 310th ST and went through the intersection. Vehicle then went across 310th street, through a fence, and into the bean field before coming to rest. No injuries were reported. Vehicle sustained an estimated $2,000.00 in damage. Bean field and fence sustained an estimated $1,400.00 in damage. Hughes was issued a citation for Failure to provide proof of Financial responsibility – accident related. Case remains under investigation with more charges possible pending the results of tests.
  • On 09-18-2022 Kaleb Michael Kelley (27) of Essex, IA was operating a 2004 Dodge Ram 2500 pulling a 1995 Featherlite horse trailer northbound on E Avenue south of 190th Street in Page County. For unknown reasons, Kelley drove into the east ditch. The vehicle and trailer then continued in the east ditch northbound. The vehicle and trailer crossed a field drive and continued in the east ditch northbound for a short distance before coming to rest. Kelley was the only occupant of the vehicle. Kelley reported no injuries. Damage to the 2004 Dodge 2500 is estimated at $20,000.00. Damage to the Featherlite trailer is unknown at this time. Kelley was arrested for OWI 3rd Offense.

Red Oak man and his pregnant wife attacked by unconfined goats

News

September 20th, 2022 by Ric Hanson

(Essex, Iowa) – A man and his pregnant wife who were looking at property they purchased east of Shenandoah, at 1703 209th Street, were attacked by two goats, Sept. 11th. The Page County Sheriff’s Department report Jeremy and Brittney Ostroske, of Red Oak, were attacked by goats owned by Nelson Murphy, who resides in Essex. Authorities say a group of goats were in their yard, and it’s not the first time that the goats and other animals owned by Nelson Murphy, have been in the Ostroske’s yard which has been reported. Jeremy shot and killed the two goats that were attacking his pregnant wife. He then moved the dead goats from his property, across the road, and to the property owned by Nelson Murphy.

The Sheriff’s Office says this is an ongoing issue with Murphy’s livestock at his property in Norwich. Murphy has been notified well over fifty (50) times in less than the last 2 years about his wandering livestock and their aggressiveness towards other residents of Norwich. Deputies have even returned the livestock to their confined area on Murphy’s property when he has not responded to calls or in person notifications of his livestock being out of their confined areas and on other persons property, or even public property as in gravel roads and even State Highway 2.

Numerous other livestock owned by Murphy have been shot and some killed by persons in Norwich for their aggressiveness towards them. Norwich is an unincorporated city within Page County and are governed by the State laws of Iowa. Murphy was notified of the dead animals on his property and the incident on this date.

Page County Sheriff’s report, 9/20/22

News

September 20th, 2022 by Ric Hanson

(Clarinda, Iowa) – The Page County Sheriff’s Office reports five arrests from over the past week.

  • 09-13-2022- Clayton Michael Kenne Tillman (18) of Shenandoah, arrested in Shenandoah, IA for a Page County warrant for Violation of probation stemming from an original charge of Sex Offender registry violation. Tillman was transported to the Page County Jail on $10,000.00 bond pending further court proceedings.
  • 09-15-2022 Jeffrey Darrell Gray (54) of rural Clarinda, was arrested near the intersection of 250th and HWY 71 for OWI 2nd Offense. The arrest stems from a traffic stop at the same location. Gray was transported to the Page County Jail for booking. Gray later posted $2000.00 bond and was released pending further court proceedings.
  •  09-16-2022 Jennifer Rose Elliott (34) of Shenandoah, was arrested for interference with Official Acts while Page County Deputies were serving a court order at Elliott’s address in Shenandoah. Elliott was transported to the Page County Jail where she assaulted a Jailer during the booking process. Elliott was then charged with assault on persons in certain occupations. Bond on Elliott was set at $1000.00 cash only.
  • 09-18-2022 Payne David William Dotson (29) of Hopkins, MO was arrested for OWI 2nd Offense. Arrest location was in the area of 190th and B Avenue. Arrest stems from a traffic stop conducted by the Shenandoah Police Department.
  • 09-18-2022 Kaleb Michael Kelley (27) of Essex, was arrested for OWI 3rd Offense in the 1900 block of E Avenue. Arrest stems from and accident investigation in that area. Kelley was transported to the Page County Jail on $5000.00 bond.

Shelby County Sheriff’s report, 9/20/22

News

September 20th, 2022 by Ric Hanson

(Harlan, Iowa) – The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office reports 10 arrests occurred between Sept. 1st and the 10th. Most recently, 27-year-old Ryan Jonathan Holling, of Omaha, was arrested following a traffic stop on Highway 191. He was charged wit Possession of a Controlled Substance (PCS) and transported to the Shelby County Jail.

Shelby County Deputies arrested 51-year-old Chad Ian Dills, of Shelby, on Sept. 7th. He was wanted on an active Shelby County warrant. Dills was transported to the Shelby County Jail and charged with Stalking. There were two arrests Sept. 5th, in Shelby County: 41-year-old Triston Gabriel Johnson, and 30-year-old Thomas Morgan Lathrop, both from Omaha, NE were arrested following a traffic stop on Highway 59. Johnson was charged with 4 counts of PCS, Failure to Affix Drug Stamp, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Lathrop was arrested on 3 counts of Possession of Controlled Substance, Keeping Premises or Vehicle for Controlled Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, OWI 3rd, and Speeding.

30-year-old Michael John Tremayne, of Harlan, was arrested Sept. 4th, in Shelby County, of an active Pottawattamie County warrant. Tremayne was brought to the Shelby County Jail and charged with OWI/2nd offense, in Shelby County. On the 3rd, 21-year-old Dawson James Williams, of Walnut, was arrested following a foot patrol of the Harlan High School parking lot. Williams was transported to the Shelby County Jail and charged with Supplying Alcohol to Person Under Legal Age, Public Intoxication and Driving While License Denied, Suspended, Canceled or Revoked.

Two people were arrested following a traffic stop Sept. 2nd, in Shelby County. 37-year-old Tosha Dawn Johnson, and 18-year-old Aundrea Jean Burr, both of Alta, were taken into custody. Johnson was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Open Container. Alta faces charges that include Keeping Premises or Vehicle for Controlled Substance Violation, Possession of Controlled Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, No Valid Driver’s License, Speeding, and Operating Non-Registered Vehicle.

And, on Sept. 1st 20-year-old Baylee Ranae Rutherford, of Harlan, was arrested following a traffic stop on 12th St. Rutherford was transported to the Shelby County Jail and charged with Driving While License Denied, Suspended, Canceled or Revoked, Failure to Provide Proof of Financial Liability, and Operating Non-Registered Vehicle.