Police in Lenox say one person was taken into custody early Wednesday morning on drug charges. Chief Jon Huggins says at around 1-a.m., officers were checking a residence on West Nebraska street for an individual wanted on an arrest warrant. While searching the home, offciers discovered a small  amount of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Huggins says 18-year old Anastasia Imsland, of Lenox, faces a Possession of Drug Paraphernalia charge. She was subsequently released on a citation to appear to court.

The Lenox Police Department says no one was injured when a Sharpsburg man struggled with authorities Thursday, as they were executing a search warrant. Police Chief Jon Huggins says at around 8:30-a.m., Lenox Police, along with deputies with the Adams, Taylor and Ringgold County Sheriffs offices, the Tri-County drug Task Force and the State Patrol, served a search warrant at 707 West Nebraska Street.

The warrant was the result of a drug investigation, and an attempt to locate a convicted sex offender believed living at that address, who was in violation of registration requirements. As Officers entered the residence a man identified as 31-year old Aric Alan Clayton, of Sharpsburg, fought with an officer and allegedly attempted to take the officers’ service weapon. During the struggle the weapon discharged, sending one round into a wall.

After a Taser was deployed, Clayton was taken into custody on felony charges of Interference with official acts, Assault on a Police Officer, and Disarming a Police Officer. He was transported to the Taylor County Jail and held on $20,000 bond.

Officials with MidAmerican Energy today (Thursday) announced they are distributing a total of $239,000 in grants to 97 cities and community organizations in Iowa, in support of the utilities’ “Trees Please! Program. The funds are distributed each year to promote energy efficiency and environmental beautification, through the planting of trees.

Each of the 97 communities has been awarded at least $1,000. Among them is: Avoca; Bedford; Carson; Defiance; Earlham; Glenwood; Hancock; Kimballton; Red Oak and Shelby. The City of Council Bluffs received a $20,000 grant from the “Trees Please!” program.

The grants are based entirely on the individual merits of the project, benefit to the community, and the ability to obtain matching funds. Each of the 97 communities were notified in December, 2011, that they would be receiving a grant, and the checks are in the process of being delivered.

(DES MOINES) – This week Rep. Jack Drake (R-Griswold) filed nomination petitions with the Secretary of State’s office to seek re-election to the Iowa House in the newly-formed district 21.  After redistricting, district 21 is comprised of portions of Cass County (including Atlantic and Griswold), portions of Pottawattamie County (including Walnut), and all of Adams and Union Counties.

Drake was born and raised in district 21 as he attended country school in rural Pottawattamie County and graduated from Atlantic High School.  After he attended the University of Iowa, Drake returned home to farm.

Jack and his wife, Shirley, have four children and eleven grandchildren.  The family attends the Griswold United Methodist Church where Jack has been very active as a Sunday school teacher, chair of the finance committee and chair of the endowment committee.

Rep. Drake has served as a leader in the Iowa House, particularly in the area of agriculture.  He is currently the Chair of the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Budget subcommittee where he has worked to adequately fund the budget while keeping a watchful eye on taxpayer dollars.  He also serves on the Agriculture, Appropriations and State Government Committees.

Drake will continue his focus on job creation, limited government spending, and strengthening Iowa agriculture.

“Generations of Iowans have created the rich farming history that represents our great state.  We must do all that we can to continue that tradition as it passes down to new generations,” said Drake.  “I will continue to work to fund the priorities of Iowans while also protecting the hardworking taxpayers of Iowa.”

In his community, Drake currently serves on the Walnut Telephone Company Board of Directors.  Additionally, he is a member of:  the Corn Growers Association, Soybean Association, National Federation of Independent Businesses and the Farm Bureau.  He has served as the Past-President of both the East Pottawattamie County Extension Council and the East Pottawattamie County Farm Bureau.  He has also served on the Board of Directors of the Iowa Farm Bureau.

“Rep. Drake is a caucus leader and true public servant, one who listens and is respectful of the will of his constituents,” said House Speaker Kraig Paulsen.  “There is not a more dependable, honest legislator than Rep. Drake.”