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IKM-Manning Announces Resignation of Superintendent Trevor Miller

News

December 4th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Manning, Iowa) –  At its regular meeting held Monday, November 27, 2023, the IKM-Manning School Board approved the resignation of Superintendent Trevor Miller, effective June 30, 2024.  Miller started at IKM-Manning in 2017 as a shared superintendent with Exira-Elk Horn-Kimballton.   Starting July 1, 2024, he will serve as the superintendent of Exira-EHK and move into a shared agreement with the Audubon Community School District.  In his letter of resignation, Miller stated that he feels the district is in need of a fresh start.  He will continue planning for the new gymnasium and classroom addition and look at other facility needs.  He will work on the district’s budget and will assist the new superintendent in order to secure a smooth transition for the district.

When asked what Superintendent Miller is most proud of during his time at IKM-Manning, he shared that three accomplishments rose to the top.   He is incredibly proud of the hard working and flexible staff that IKM-Manning has.  He was especially proud of the staff during the pandemic and how they addressed the learning gaps from the months lost in 2020.  He feels that the work the district has done with social and emotional learning, including hiring more staff to meet student needs, has been important in making positive connections with students.   Finally, Miller is proud of the additional educational opportunities that have been created for students including the creation of the DMACC Templeton Center as well as continued partnerships with local businesses.

Trevor Miller

“I want to thank the staff, school board, and communities that have supported the school over the past seven years.  Passing the voter approved PPEL and also moving forward with the MS/HS addition with the sales tax money is a great move in the right direction for our district.  This was all accomplished with no additional tax impact to our tax payers. Being in a rural district, you have to be creative with your finances to best meet the needs of our students.  ” Miller stated.

Figuring out if IKM-Manning continues to share a superintendent will be the first decision the school board will need to make.  “We appreciate the fact that Miller has resigned early enough to allow us time to find a high quality replacement,” says Board President, Luke Potthoff.  “As a board we will be discussing what the future looks like for this position.”   The school board will meet again soon to start that conversation.

Fremont County Sheriff’s Office Issues Warning About Traveling Fake Jewelry Scam

News

December 4th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Sidney, Iowa) -The Fremont County Sheriff’s Office is alerting residents and visitors about a recent increase in fraudulent activities involving traveling individuals claiming to sell authentic jewelry. These individuals have been reported engaging in a fake jewelry scam that preys on unsuspecting victims. Authorities say on Sunday, Dec. 3rd (2023), deputies made contact with a white 2015 Infiniti QX80, with Alabama plates on Highway 2, near Farragut. Page County authorities had taken a report of a man in a suit attempting to flag down cars, attempting to sell items from the roadway.

An Infiniti QX80 (not the actual vehicle in question)

Deputies made contact and identified the occupants. They were released without charges in Fremont County. The Sheriff’s Office says if you see vehicle described, do not stop, please call your local law enforcement and make a report.

In recent weeks, local agencies have received multiple complaints about individuals approaching citizens in public spaces, such as parking lots, shopping centers, and gas stations, claiming to sell high-quality jewelry at deeply discounted prices. These scammers often present themselves as friendly and persuasive, using various tactics to create a sense of urgency and convince victims that they are getting a once-in-a-lifetime deal.
The fake jewelry being peddled by these scammers is often of poor quality, with little to no actual value. Victims have reported purchasing items they believed to be authentic, only to later discover they were deceived and had fallen victim to a fraudulent scheme.
To avoid falling prey to this scam, the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office recommends the following precautions:
1. **Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Approaches:** Exercise caution when approached by individuals claiming to sell high-end jewelry, especially in public places.
2. **Verify Authenticity:** If approached by a seller, ask for detailed information about the jewelry, including certification and origin. Genuine sellers will provide this information willingly.
3. **Do Your Research:** Research the reputation of the seller and check for reviews or complaints online before making any purchases.
4. **Trust Your Instincts:** If the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Trust your instincts and walk away if you have any doubts.
5. **Report Suspicious Activity:** If you encounter individuals engaging in suspicious behavior or believe you have been a victim of this scam, contact the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office immediately.
The Fremont County Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating these incidents and is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of the community. They urge residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement.

Early weather outlook shows tornado outbreak unlikely this month

News, Weather

December 4th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – State Climatologist Justin Glisan says the initial, long-term forecast for December indicates warmer temperatures and more precipitation, but there’s nothing to suggest there’s an amped up threat of a tornado outbreak like the one two years ago. “December 15th, 2021, that was an extreme event,” Glisan says. “We had a serial derecho and 63 tornadoes — the largest tornado outbreak for Iowa for any month and the largest December outbreak for the United States in the observational record.”

The latest Drought Monitor nearly all of Iowa has some level of drought, with some areas in extreme drought. Glisan says there is the potential for more precipitation to fall in December, but the old adage that it’s too dry to rain is true in SOME cases when thunderstorms hit dry pockets of air. “We saw this in western Iowa as the drought started in May and June of 2020. You would have thunderstorms approach the state and then just either break up or go around because there was no low level moisture to work with,” Glisan says. “Now in these larger scale low pressure systems they’re able to have more access to large scale moisture pools and hence you do see wider spread snowfalls or rainfalls.”

The seasonal outlook indicates abnormally wetter conditions along the southern coast of the U-S and that may provide the moisture weather systems sweeping across Iowa draw from and generate rain or snow.

Adair County Sheriff’s report (12/4/23)

News

December 4th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Greenfield, Iowa) – The Adair County Sheriff’s Department reports two arrests from over the past week. On Nov. 26th, Adair County Deputies took custody of 36-year-old Charles William Walker, of Council Bluffs. He was picked-up at the Pottawattamie County Jail. Walker was wanted on an Adair County felony warrant for Violation of Probation. His cash-only bond was set at $2,000.

And, Saturday afternoon, 36-year-old Kevin James Jungers, of Lenox, was taken into custody at the Union County Jail, on an Adair County warrant for Violation of Probation. Jungers was being held in the Adair County Jail without bond.

Guthrie County Sheriff’s Department – Jail population/revenue report for Nov., 2023

News

December 4th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Guthrie Center, Iowa) – Guthrie County Deputy Sheriff Jesse Swensen, today (Monday), provided the media with statements pertaining the Guthrie County Jail population for the month of November. Swensen says the 64 inmates processed through the jail brought the County $24,420 worth of outside revenue. The average daily population of was 20 inmates.

Swensen said also, he welcomes Hope Jensen to the Sheriff’s Department team, “As we have partnered with her and her practice for our medical care in the jail.” Swensen said “Hope already had a patient on her first day that she saw remotely via video for an abscess and infection in his mouth. [She]e will be onsite every Wednesday if needed for an in-house clinic. Medical bills will be issued to each county for their inmates that need medical attention.” Deputy Swensen went on to say,  “We are very excited with this new partnership!”

November Average Population

November Billing

November Monthly Summary

NASCAR Cup Series Race Named Iowa Corn 350, Powered by Ethanol

News, Sports

December 4th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(JOHNSTON, Iowa – December 4, 2023) – Officials with the Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) today (Monday), announced Iowa Corn is the entitlement partner of the first-ever NASCAR Cup Series race in the state. The Iowa Corn 350, Powered by Ethanol, will showcase the performance of ethanol at the fastest short-track on the planet, which is surrounded by corn fields. Iowa Corn Promotion Board President Stan Nelson, a farmer from Middletown, says “I am pleased to share with the NASCAR family, why choosing higher blends of ethanol benefits everyone. We can make a sustainable difference today, without buying a whole new vehicle, but by simply choosing to fuel up with ethanol at the pump. And not only are we benefiting the environment but also our economy, as ethanol is the most affordable renewable fuel option on the market today.”

Grandstand tickets and camping for the Iowa Corn 350, Powered by Ethanol, are sold out and only a select number of tickets remain for the NASCAR Xfinity Series and ARCA Menards Series races on the World’s Fastest Short Track. Remaining tickets can be purchased by visiting www.iowaspeedway.com and fans are encouraged to secure them now while supplies last. Fans looking to buy or sell reserved seats for the Iowa Corn 350, Powered by Ethanol, should visit SeatGeek, the Official Ticket Marketplace of NASCAR.

The Iowa Corn 350, Powered by Ethanol, will take place at 6 p.m. CT, Sunday, June 16th, 2024, and be shown live on USA Network. This inaugural NASCAR Cup Series race at Iowa Speedway culminates a weekend that will also include a NASCAR Xfinity Series race at 2:30 p.m. CT, Saturday, June 15th, on USA Network and ARCA Menards Series racing on Friday June 14. All three series are scheduled to be on track starting on Friday, June 14, prior to the ARCA Menards Series event.

Jolene Riessen, a farmer from Ida Grove, and ICGA President, says “The Iowa Corn 350, Powered by Ethanol, will give us as farmers a platform across the country to share the benefits of ethanol with consumers and fans. We know that a partnership like this is unique and will be impactful! With the audience NASCAR captures, Iowa Corn will be able to share the benefits of ethanol while also showcasing farmers from our great state.”

Video available HERE

Clive Man Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud

News

December 4th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

Des Moines, Iowa – Officials with the Iowa Insurance Division report a Clive man, 47-year-old Zachary James Flaherty, has pled guilty in federal court to wire fraud.  Flaherty used his position as an insurance agent and annuity salesperson to defraud elderly individuals out of their retirement savings and other monies.   The charges against Flaherty stem from an investigation by the Iowa Insurance Division’s Fraud Bureau. He was prosecuted by the Southern District United States Attorney.

Flaherty is scheduled to be sentenced on April 12, 2024. He faces a potential sentence of up to twenty years in prison.  More information about the case can be found in the press release issued by the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Southern District of Iowa.

Iowans with information about insurance fraud are encouraged to contact the Iowa Insurance Division’s Fraud Bureau at 515-654-6556.

Shelby County Sheriff’s report for 12/4/23: 16 arrested, 4 on drug charges

News

December 4th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Harlan, Iowa) – Sixteen people were arrested in Shelby County between Nov. 16th and the 29th. The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office reports among those arrested, were four people who were taken into custody on separate drug charges:

  • On the 16th, 31-year-old Crystal Jean Oliver, of Harlan, was arrested following a motor vehicle accident in the 2100 block of Road M-36. Oliver was transported to the Shelby County Jail and charged with Possession of Controlled Substance 2nd offense, Keeping Premises or Vehicle for Controlled Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, OWI 1st, and Failure to Maintain Control.
  • The following day (Nov. 17), 22-year-old Dilynn John Ristau, of Preston, MN, was arrested following a traffic stop, in Harlan. Ristau was transported to the Shelby County Jail and charged with Possession of Controlled Substance Marijuana 1st, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
  • 46-year-old Laura Ann Traufler, of Harlan, was arrested November 21st in Shelby County, following an investigation. Traufler was transported to the Shelby County Jail and charged with Theft 2nd, Possession of Controlled Substance 3rd or Subsequent Offense, and Possession of Controlled Substance Marijuana 3rd or Subsequent Offense.
  • And, on the 22nd, 37-year-old Bryan Joseph Schuemann, of Harlan, was arrested following a traffic stop in the 1100 block of Willow Street. Schuemann was transported to the Shelby County Jail and charged with Driving Under Suspension, Keeping Premises of Vehicle for Controlled Substance, Possession of Controlled Substance Marijuana 3rd or Subsequent Offense, Possession of Contraband in Correctional Institution, and Failure to Provide Proof of Financial Liability.

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office reports also, the following arrests:

  • On Nov. 17th, 58-year-old Rodney Craig Musich, of Kimballton, was arrested on an active Shelby County Warrant. Musich was transported to the Shelby County Jail and charged with Trespass 1st offense; 30-year-old Philip Brian King, of Harlan, was charged with Burglary 3rd after an ongoing Burglary investigation.
  • On the 18th, 24-year-old Guillermo Dominic Hernandez, of Denison, was arrested on an active Shelby County Warrant for Failure to Appear.
  • November 19th, Deputies in Shelby County arrested 23-year-old Nyagach Dech Chigach, and 34-year-old Simon Buombiey Jacob, both of Harlan, were each arrested for  Violation of No Contact Order.
  • On the 20th, 49-year-old Darin Lee Turner, of Harlan, was arrested for OWI/1st offense.
  • The next day, 31-year-old Drew Ashton Gagnon, of Red Oak, was arrested on an active Shelby County Warrant for Violation of Probation.
  • On Nov. 22nd, Shelby County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 58-year-old Douglas Duane Curtis, of Harlan. Curtis was charged with Driving Under Suspension and Interference with Official Acts.
  • On the 25th, 53-year-old Craig John Stork, of Harlan, was arrested following an investigation of a possible motor vehicle accident in the area of 7th and Court St., in Harlan. Stork was  charged with OWI/1st offense.
  • On Nov. 26th, 22-year-old Avery Jon Zenk, of Denison, was arrested on an active Shelby County Warrant for Domestic Abuse Assault. Zenk was transported to the Shelby County Jail.
  • On the 27th, 40-year-old Brandon Glenn Billings, of Harlan, was arrested for Driving while License is Revoked, and Failure to Provide proof of Financial Liability.
  • And, on the 29th, 69-year-old Gerard August Rueschenberg, of Harlan, was arrested on an active Shelby County Warrant for Failure to Appear.

Note: “Criminal charges are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.”

DECEMBER 4, 2023

Trading Post

December 4th, 2023 by Lori Murphy

FOR SALE: A light gray male kitten. 8 weeks old and the owner can’t take care of the kitten. Located in Atlantic at 909 Lynn Street. If interested call 712-404-3045.

WANTED: Right hand white bathtub, a dirt trencher and a small forklift. Let me know what you have. 712-355-1566

FOR SALE:  vests, snow boots, Christmas tree. Four ladies vests. L/XL. Brands:  cjbanks and Keren  Hart. $20 each or 2/$30. Snow boots: 10M. Brown Leather uppers & beige fur. Like new.  $15.  Christmas tree is 7 1/2′ Donner Fir artificial tree. New in box. No lights. $50/make offer.  Call 712-249-6202  in Atlantic if interested.

FOR SALE: Insinkerator Evolution garbage disposal…new in box! Compact 3/4 hp continuous feed. Quiet model. Sells for $335. Asking $200. 712-249-3978

FOR SALE:  Snapper snow blower.  single stage, electric start, and works great.  Selling for $190 cash only and located in Atlantic.  If interested, call 249-6835.

WANTED:  A small pickup to buy or trade for a 2002 Ford Explorer.  Call 712-243-4016…please ask for Fred.

FOR SALE: A upright Panasonic vacuum sweeper and a Bissell Vacuum Sweeper. Asking $10 for each. If interested come to 304 West 13th Street in Atlantic.

FOR SALE:  Looking to re home some cute healthy farm cats.  Brown striped. 3 months old.  3 kittens and 2 older males. Black and white and mixed colors.   Outdoor cats but could be indoor.  $10 each. Would make great Christmas presents!  Also, looking to find a home for 6-month-old black and white short hair dog Black and white heeler mix.  Loves to run and play.  Shots current. Male. $125.  Friendly and loveable with kids.  Call Ann 712-304-2951.  Or email, Amzaiger72@gmail.com.

FOR SALE:  Goldendoodle.  Mother is a Golden Retriever and Dad is a standard poodle. Mom and dad are registered AKC dogs and have been genetic tested. Male and female. Rehoming fee is $850.  Contact is 712-249-4463.

FREE:  Baby kitten 8 weeks old, call 712-404-3045.

WANTED:  Looking for used treadmill, call 712-549-2272.

FOR SALE:  Bakers rack with 2 glass shelves and bottom shelf made of wood. The rack is being sold for $50. Also selling a one-year-old, 16.4 cubic feet refrigerator for $400. Located in Atlantic. If interested, please call 712-789-8816

FOR SALE:  Precious Moments Debbie and Mikey dolls.  Both have always been in the boxes and never displayed.  $50 each or both for $80.  Would make great Christmas gifts.  Call 712-254-2811 in Atlantic.

FOR SALE:  Cedar table for sale. Make a good Christmas gift.  $75.  Call Tim at 712-249-9242.

FOR SALE: A great gift for the John Deere collector. This is a circus parade with John Deere as a centerpiece dated 1983 sell for $15 contact 712-254-2254.

FOR SALE:  2020 Chevy Equinox LT (SUV) AWD with Hitch pkg.  2.0 Turbo with only 47,000 miles.  32 mpg Highway driving. Very nice ride for $23,000. Call more information…712-254-6167.

2 accidents Saturday, in Red Oak; 1 person w/minor (possible) injuries

News

December 4th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Red Oak, Iowa) – Two accidents occurred Saturday in Red Oak. Only one resulted in possible/unknown injuries. According to Red Oak Police, 59-year-old Sheryl Lynn Clark, of Red Oak, complained of pain following a collision between her 2006 Chevy Malibu and a 2011 Chevy pickup, driven by a juvenile male from Red Oak. She was not transported to the hospital. The report states the pickup, driven by 15-year-old Carson J. Davids, was traveling east on Walnut Street in Red Oak at around 9:18-a.m, Saturday, when the vehicle was struck broadside by the car, which was traveling north on 1st Street.  Clark was cited for Failure to Yield. Damage from the accident amounted to $18,000.  Red Oak Fire and EMS assisted at the scene.

The second accident in Red Oak, happened at around 1:38-p.m., Saturday, at the intersection of Corning and Broadway Streets. Police report a 2011 Toyota 4Runner (SUV) driven by 17-year-old Cyrus S. Mensen, of Red Oak, was rear-ended by a 2012 Ford Explorer (SUV), driven by 40-year-old Christopher R. Fowler, of Red Oak. The collision occurred as both vehicles were northbound from the intersection stoplight. Fowler was cited for Following too closely, and Failure to provide proof of insurance/accident related. Damage from the accident amounted to $4,500.