The Harlan Police Department reports two people were arrested last Wednesday (May 21st), when officers were called to a fight in front of the HyVee Food Store. 35-year old Robert Croghan, of Harlan, was transported to the Shelby County Jail where he was charged with simple assault. 25-year old Jerome Wright, of Harlan, was cited for disorderly conduct and released.

On May 20th, Harlan Police arrested 58-year old Jeffrey Stehr, of Harlan, following an investigation. Earlier in the month officers were called to Taylor Quik Pik for someone caught on video shoplifting on three separate occasions. Stehr was cited with 3 counts of theft 5th degree, given a court date and released.

On May 18th, 18-year old Todd Muell, of Panama, was cited by Harlan Police for reckless driving when several persons witnessed Muell “cutting cookies” on the practice field at the high school, causing damage to the field. That same day, officers were called to Bomgaar’s to investigate a theft from that location. Officers were shown a hole that had been cut in the fence and the owners were able to determine that two lawn mowers, a trimmer and a spreader were missing. The estimated value of the stolen items and the fence repair were approximately $1,500.00. The case remains under investigation.

And, on May 11th, 52-year old Susan Hillgartner, of Harlan, was arrested following an investigation into criminal mischief done to a vehicle belonging to Amy McKay, Des Moines. The alleged vandalism was a continuation of a confrontation at the races. The damage done to the McKay vehicle was estimated at just over $1,000.00. A complaint was filed against Hillgartner charging her with criminal mischief, 2nd degree.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (AP) — A Council Bluffs man has pleaded guilty to playing a role in his adult stepbrother’s abuse as part of a deal with prosecutors. KETV reports 23-year-old Ryan Smith pleaded guilty Tuesday to a misdemeanor charge of being an accessory to a crime. He was originally charged with kidnapping.

Prosecutors say Smith’s mother 46-year-old Rebecca Beyer was convicted earlier this month of abusing her 20-year-old mentally disabled son. She’s awaiting sentencing. The man ran away from home in the spring of 2013. Prosecutors have said he was starved at times, chained with a dog leash and had scars from burns.

Smith was fined $625 and ordered to serve two years of probation. He also received a 180-day suspended jail sentence.

(Update 3:40-a.m., 5/28)

One person is dead following a single vehicle accident Tuesday afternoon in northeastern Dallas County. Sheriff’s officials told KCCI-TV rescue crews were called to 24572 North Avenue about 1:45 p.m.

Iowa State Patrol spokesman Sgt. Scott Bright said a vehicle went off the roadway and hit the cinder block wall of a mechanical building on the grounds of the privately owned Husband Field, about three-miles west of Dallas Center.  Authorities are still investigating what happened. They believe the truck blew a tire before it crashed into the building, and that the driver died on impact with the cinder block wall. His body remained in the truck for several hours, while crews worked to shore up the building to keep it from collapsing.

The driver’s name had not been released as of early Wednesday morning.

Two men were arrested on separate charges Sunday, in Mills County. Sheriff’s officials say 24-year old John Patrichs Shanahan, of Omaha, was arrested at around 10:15-p.m., on an OWI/1st Offense, charge. Bond was set at $1,000. And, 41-year old Larry Steven Hutchings, of Emerson, was arrested at around 3:30-p.m. Sunday in Emerson, on a charge of Criminal Mischief. His bond was set at $300.