Mills County has received an award from the Iowa West Foundation Southwest Iowa COVID-19 Response Fund to address challenges related to COVID-19, and to ensure resources are available to serve our community. Mills County Public Health Director Julie Lynes says “As the local impact of the pandemic unfolds, we know that many individuals and families have had their employment disrupted. Many others are needing help to stay safely isolated from others. For those who are experiencing a financial hardship and need assistance with rent or utilities; or need a gift card for groceries or other necessities, this funding will help. We want our community to stay safely at home and have what they need.”

Rent or utility assistance will be paid directly to the entity owed. Gift cards for groceries and other personal and household items will be available for curbside pickup at the Mills County Public Health Office. Community volunteers are also available to grocery shop and leave goods by the front door. Applications can be submitted online at http://covid19.millscoia.us under the “Application for Assistance” tab. Applications can also be submitted by calling 712-520-4001.

If you have any questions or concerns about COVID19, call Mills County Public Health at 712-527-9699. Resources, support, and information related to COVID19 are available.

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) — Sioux City police have charged a South Carolina man with murder after two people were stabbed and one later died at a hospital. Police charged 30-year-old Paul Belk, of Beaufort, South Carolina, with first-degree murder and willful injury. The Sioux City Journal reports the arrest came after officers were called about 6 p.m. Tuesday to a disturbance at an apartment building and found two people with stab wounds. They were taken to a hospital, where one died and the other was being treated for a serious injury. Police didn’t identify the victims or give more details about the incident.

Four juveniles were cited following the pursuit of a speeding vehicle late Tuesday evening, southwest of Atlantic. According to Cass County Sheriff Darby McLaren, Deputy Josh McLaren tried to stop a Jeep Cherokee for speeding at around 7:50-p.m., on Highland Road. The chase transitioned southbound before ending at Lansing Road. The driver was cited for various traffic offenses. Three juvenile passengers in the SUV were cited for Minor in Possession of alcohol, and turned over to their parent(s) or guardian. The MIP charges require the juveniles to appear in court and, if found guilty, pay a $330 fine.

(Radio Iowa) – A district court judge Tuesday granted a petition to suspend Calhoun County Sheriff Scott Anderson without pay. The Calhoun County Supervisors on Tuesday met in a closed session and found that sufficient cause appears from the verified allegations to suspend Anderson for willful misconduct or maladministration in office and for intoxication pursuant to Iowa Code. The court order named deputy Jeff Feldhans as acting sheriff until a temporary sheriff can be appointed.

A criminal complaint stated Anderson was arrested Saturday night by officers after he allegedly was pinning a woman to a bed in his home and holding her by the neck, choking her as she gasped for air. It took six officers about nine minutes to handcuff him and drag him to the patrol car after he refused to cooperate with the arrest. Anderson pleaded not guilty to assault on persons of a certain occupation on Monday.

Another charge of domestic abuse assault was continued for 180 days. The 51-year-old Anderson has been the sheriff since 2018.

Police in Creston report two people were arrested Tuesday evening on Union County warrants for Harassment in the 3rd Degree. 55-year old Justin G. Byers, and 32-year old Ashleigh N. Shinn, both from Creston, were taken into custody at their respective residences, and later released on a Promise to Appear in court at a later date.