(Radio Iowa) – The consumer protection division of the Iowa Attorney General’s office is seeing a dramatic upturn in complaints about solar energy companies in recent months. A-G’s spokesman Lynn Hicks says people go into the endeavor hoping to lower their energy bills, but some are finding more costs and headaches with solar than they’d expected. “We’re getting complaints about the delays in getting panels installed,” Hicks says. “We’re hearing that there are all kinds of promises and representations made, exaggeration of how much savings in energy costs. You may be told that you’re going to get a tax credit.”

From 2019 through 2021, the division received 15 total complaints over the three years regarding solar energy systems. So far in 2022, the division has already received 40 complaints.  “You may be promised that the utility will buy back power,” Hicks says. “We’ve heard of problems with financing. We’ve heard about problems in the actual installation, defects in the panels, complaints over warranties, somebody saying we’ll give you a refund and then they never do.”

In some cases, Hicks says consumers who started the process of purchasing solar panels have spent thousands of dollars — or tens of thousands — on the systems. Solar energy can lower your carbon footprint while powering your home with clean energy, but Hicks says it’s not for everyone and before signing a contract, you absolutely need to do your homework.  “That includes just looking at your utility bill and getting a very good idea of how much you could actually save,” Hicks says. “Then consider things like how long am I going to stay in this home? How big of a system will I need? Look at your house itself. Where is it located? How much sun do you get?”

While the average solar lease may save consumers money, he notes that if the homeowner changes their mind, moves, or the system experiences production issues, it can quickly become very costly. To contact the Iowa Attorney General’s consumer protection division, visit iowaattorneygeneral.gov or call 888-777-4590.

The Glenwood Police Department reports two arrests took place Monday, and one person was arrested today (Tuesday). On the 27th, 34-year-old Jeffrey Neppl, of Glenwood, was arrested for public intoxication (bond set at $300 cash or surety); and, 33-year-old Amanda Elrod, of Glenwood, was arrested for driving while barred. (bond set at $2,000 c/s).

On the 28th, 43-year-old Rebecca Leeper, of Glenwood, was arrested on a Mills County Warrant for Fraudulent Practice 2nd degree and Ongoing criminal conduct. Her total bond was set at $10,000 cash or surety.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – Cass County Treasurer Tracey J. Marshall, today (Tuesday), said her office remains closed until further notice. According to Marshall…

• NEW STAFF MUST BE PROPERLY TRAINED AND LEGAL TO ISSUE DOT FUNCTIONS. FEDERAL FINGERPRINTS AND BACKGROUND CHECKS ARE REQUIRED TO BE IN GOOD STANDINGS WHICH TAKE 4-6 WEEKS.
• DRIVER LICENSE – PLEASE MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH ANOTHER COUNTY OR STATE STATION; 24/7 SERVICES ONLINE WWW.IOWADOT.GOV
• MOTOR VEHICLE TRANSACTIONS ARE BEING DONE ON A DAILY BASIS
• NEW VEHICLE PURCHASES MAY BE PROCESSED WITH A NEIGHBORING COUNTY  – (CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT)
• TAG RENEWALS MUST BE DONE IN THE COUNTY YOU LIVE IN. THERE IS A YELLOW DROP BOX NEXT TO THE COURTHOUSE DOOR.
• 24/7 SERVICES ONLINE AT WWW.IOWATREASURERS.ORG
• TAXES AND ADMINISTRATION – WE ARE IN THE PROCESS OF FISCAL YEAR END.

(Glenwood, Iowa) – The Mills County Sheriff’s Office reports two recent arrests: 41-year-old Deann Marie Kuhl, of Glenwood, was arrested Sunday afternoon, for Obstruction of Prosecution or Defense, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Poss. of Drug Paraphernalia, and Driving Under Suspension. She was taken into custody on I-29 at mile marker 38, and held on a $3,600 bond. And, at around 11:24-p.m. Saturday, 41-year-old Sean Michael Cooney, of Council Bluffs, was arrested for Violation of a No Contact Order. Cooney was taken into custody on I-29 at mile marker 32, and held without bond in the Mills County Jail.

One person was flown by LifeNet helicopter to the UNMC following an ATV rollover accident at around 11:05-p.m., June 19th. Authorities say 21-year-old Oscar Lupercia-Castaned, of Tabor, was driving an ATV on Raleigh Avenue (A dirt road), when the left front tire hit a rut in the road, causing it to flip-over. A passenger on the ATV was ejected and injured. Their name was not released. An investigation was made on the scene, during which Lupercia-Castaned admitted to drinking, but was under the legal limit.

ATLANTIC, IA – Produce in the Park Market Manager Brigham Hoegh said she is thrilled to report the event will be hosting Pim’s Thai Food Truck at the Atlantic City Park on June 30 from 4:30-6:30. Pim’s Thai has been requested by multiple people in the community and comes recommended with rave reviews. Pim’s Thai Food Truck menu includes entrees such as crispy chicken, curry, fried rice, and pad Thai (a delicious stir-fry noodle-based dish), in addition to appetizers such as crab rangoon and dumplings. The food truck also sells fabulous cold drinks including fruit chillers in flavors mango and tropical punch and boba tea, wildly popular cold teas that are easy to identify from their black tapioca balls.

Pim’s fruit chillers in flavors mango and tropical punch and boba tea

In addition to Pim’s Thai, visitors to the park on June 30 will want to check out the bounce houses. The bounce houses have been at the park throughout the month of June thanks to Nishna Valley Family YMCA, the June sponsor for the market. June 30 is the last day the bounce houses will be at the park. Other attractions at the park on June 30 include yard games with Atlantic Parks & Recreation, live music by Sarah Selders, and nearly 20 vendors selling everything from fresh produce and local meats to jewelry and soaps.

As for free taste tests and recipe ideas, it’s herbs week at Produce in the Park! Taste test fresh herbs and herb butter, buy fresh herbs and herb plants from various vendors, and visit the Grow Another Row Cass County table to learn about donating herbs.

Special thanks: Produce in the Park invites the community to celebrate LaVon Eblen of KJAN’s Backyard and Beyond. After 25 years on the air, LaVon is retiring. Backyard and Beyond has been a great program on KJAN that has covered Produce in the Park many times. LaVon was also a founding mother of Produce in the Park. LaVon will be at Produce in the Park on June 30. The community is invited to come thank her for all she’s done.