(Bedford, Iowa) – Authorities are investigation the circumstances surrounding a southwest Iowa death. The Taylor County Sheriff’s Office and the State Division of Criminal Investigation are conducting an investigation into a death that occurred over the weekend, in New Market. Darrell Simmons, DCI Special agent in charge, said additional information was being withheld, pending the results of an autopsy by the State Medical Examiner’s Office.

Those results are expected later today (Wednesday).

(Radio Iowa) – Governor Kim Reynolds has rejected an application to make a woman convicted of murdering her nephew eligible for parole. Iowa governors have the power to grant clemency, converting a life sentence to a period of years in prison, so an inmate would be eligible for parole. The Board of Parole had unanimously recommended Governor Reynolds consider the case of Denise Rhode. Rhode was sentenced to life in prison for the 1989 death of her nephew. The baby suffered a brain injury while she was babysitting him at her home in Norwalk. Governor Reynolds says it remains unclear whether Rhode has truly accepted responsibility for her actions nearly 33 years ago.

Reynolds says there was a difference in how Rhode described the crime on her clemency application form and what Rhode said during an interview with the Board of Parole. The Cedar Rapids Gazette reports Iowa governors have commuted the sentences of just 40 people in the past 52 years.

(Adair County, Iowa) – Iowa State Patrol Trooper Ryan DeVault reported today (Wednesday) on Twitter, “And so it begins.” Pictures he provided in his post showed a straight truck with damage from straight-line winds. The caption read “The top on this box truck was ripped open by the already strong winds this morning, along Interstate 80 in Adair County!” Trooper DeVault urged those who must travel today, to “Drive safe and as always and most importantly, keep both hands on the steering wheel!”

(Greenfield, Iowa) – The Adair County Board of Supervisors today (Wednesday), authorized Board Chair Steve Shelley to sign a Wellness Participation Program Agreement. Adair County District 3 southwest Supervisor Jerry Walker mentioned the County has received some good news with regard to a reduction in insurance costs, thanks in-part to an increase in the average number of employees and counties that are participating. According to Steve Shelley said he’s pleased with the results, not only for the health of County employees, but because it benefits the taxpayers. Walker agreed.

In other business, the Board acknowledged the hiring of a person for the County Treasurer’s Office. Treasurer Brenda Wallace reported the new employee, Bethany Smith, will officially begin in her position on December 28^th. The Board received from Jayne Lents, the Adair County Compensation Board’s recommendation for elected officials.

The Board took no action other than to acknowledge receipt of the recommendation. And, they tabled action on setting the date for a Public Hearing on a FY22 Adair County Budget Amendment until their meeting next week, because County Auditor Mandy Berg is waiting to receive more information on matters affecting the amendment.

(Council Bluffs, Iowa) – The Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office reports two men being held at the Diagnostic and Evaluation Center in Lincoln, Nebraska, were transported Tuesday to the jail in Council Bluffs, to be held on offenses in Iowa. 33-year-old Matthew Patrick Wedlock, of Omaha, was being held on a valid warrant, His charges include No valid driver’s license and Theft in the 1st degree, which carries a $10,000 bond. Wedlock was also being held for another facility.

And, 41-year old Daniel Bruce Clemons, Jr., of Council Bluffs, was transported to the Pott. County Jail on a valid Pott. County warrant. He was being held for Violation of Parole and Escape from Custody. Bond on the latter charge was set at $1,000.

(Omaha, Nebraska) – A man wanted in connection with a homicide Monday evening in Omaha, was arrested in Council Bluffs. Authorities said in a press release, that 41-year-old Patrick Keenan was arrested on suspicion of second-degree murder, use of a weapon to commit a felony and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, the press release stated. He is slated to be extradited to Omaha.

The incident that resulted in Keenan’s arrest took place during a home invasion that occurred at around 7:30-p.m., Monday, in the 47-hundred block of Erskine St., in Omaha. Outside the home and just to the north of the residence, Police found a man in a vehicle suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. The victim, 21-year-old Diego Vicharra was declared died at the scene.

Officials said also, 27-year-old Robert Bailey was located and arrested on suspicion of burglary and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. He is not considered a suspect in the murder of Vicharra.