Page County Sheriff’s deputies responded Friday, to a call about a Domestic disturbance, in Shambaugh. As a result of their investigation, 60-year-old David Jacob Stimson, of Shambaugh, was arrested at his residence for Domestic Abuse Assault 2nd Offense. Stimson was transported to the Page County Jail where he was being held without bond, Saturday, pending appearance before a Magistrate.

David Stimson

Des Moines, Iowa – The Iowa Insurance Division’s Fraud Bureau announced, Friday, that 50-year old Kimberly Joy Lovekin, of Cedar Rapids, was charged with one count each of Insurance Fraud – Presenting False Information (Class D Felony), Forgery (Aggravated Misdemeanor), Fraudulent Practices – 2nd Degree (Class D Felony), and Tampering with Records (Aggravated Misdemeanor).

The charges are a result of an investigation conducted by the Iowa Insurance Division’s Fraud Bureau which began in July of 2020. In criminal complaints filed by the Iowa Insurance Division’s Fraud Bureau, it is alleged Lovekin submitted falsified and fictitious medical records to her insurer which were purported to be from various medical facilities throughout Linn County. The alleged actions in support of her claims for payment resulted in over $7,000 in monetary insurance benefits to which she would not have otherwise been entitled.

Kim Lovekin (Photo courtesy of the Linn County Correctional Center)

On September 4, 2021, Lovekin was arrested and booked into the Linn County Correctional Center. Lovekin was later released after posting a $10,000 bond with trial being set for a future date.

Photo courtesy of the Linn County Correctional Center.

(Washington, D-C) – Officials in Washington, D-C have announced First Lady Jill Biden will travel to Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Des Moines, Iowa on Wednesday, September 15. Additional details are currently not available, but will be updated in a later post.  Dr. Biden is a community college educator, and bestselling author. She also served as Second Lady of the United States from 2009–2017.

Dr. Jill Biden (Official White House photo)

DES MOINES – Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds’ Administration, Friday, announced several staff changes:

• Stephanie Groen, will now serve as the Governor’s Deputy Chief of Staff. She assumes the role following the departure of Paige Thorson. Stephanie was previously the governor’s federal liaison.
• Alex Murphy, will serve as the Governor’s new Communications Director. He assumes the role following the departure of Pat Garrett, who is leaving to join Governor Reynolds’ Political Team. Alex previously served as the Communications Director for the Iowa DNR.
• Molly Severn, will now serve as the Governor’s Legislative Liaison and Education Policy Advisor, she assumes that role following the departure of Logan Shine.
• Meaghan O’Brien, will now serve as the Governor’s Director of State-Federal Relations, based out of Washington D.C. She assumes that role following the vacancy created by Stephanie Groen. She previously served on the Governor’s policy team.
• Patrick Tomka, will now serve as the Governor’s Senior Tax and Economic Policy Advisor, he assumes that role following the departure of Joel Anderson, who is now serving as the Interim Director of the Department of Management.  He previously served as the Senior Associate Athletics Director for Drake University.
• Clare Kelly, will serve as the Governor’s Health Care Policy Advisor, she assumes that role following the departure of Liz Matney, who is now serving as the Governor’s Medicaid Director. She previously served as Executive Vice President and CEO of the Iowa Medical Society.

Gov. Reynolds said “Pat played an important role on my communications team and I know he’ll excel in his future roles. Over the last two years, we’ve faced a pandemic, a derecho, civil unrest, and more. Being surrounded by an exceptional team has been more important than ever. I want to thank Paige and Pat for everything they’ve done. Paige has done an outstanding job as Deputy Chief of Staff and head of policy. We know that she has an incredible career ahead of her. I am proud to lead a team that has continually put Iowans at the center of our decisions. That’s how we will ensure Iowa continues to be the best place to live, work, and raise a family. “

Current Reynolds Staff:

• Sara Craig Gongol, Chief of Staff
• Taryn Frideres, Chief Operating Officer
• Stephanie Groen, Deputy Chief of Staff
• Heather Nahas, Public Relations Manager
• Alex Murphy, Communications Director
• Damian Bell, Communications Advisor and Chief Speechwriter
• Michael Boal, Senior Legal Counsel
• Nick Davis, Deputy Legal Counsel
• Megan Hall, Director of Boards and Commissions and Legal Assistant
• Molly Foley, Legislative Liaison and Education Policy Advisor
• Nate Ristow, Workforce Policy Advisor
• Jake Swanson, Agriculture Policy Advisor
• Patrick Tomka, Senior Tax and Economic Policy Advisor
• Clare Kelly, Health Policy Advisor
• Meaghan O’Brien, Director of State-Federal Relations
• Anna Hartzog, Constituent Services Director and Intern Coordinator
• William de Blois, Constituent Services Liaison and Policy Assistant
• Ryan Capps, Executive Scheduler
• Alex Brynes, Executive Assistant to the Governor
• John Hirl, Executive Assistant to the Lt. Governor