United Group Insurance

Glenwood Police report for 2/8/23

News

February 8th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Glenwood, Iowa) –  Officials with the Glenwood Police Department report the arrest on Tuesday, of 26-year-old Trenton Duncan, from Sloan. Duncan was taken into custody for Violation of a No Contact Order. He was being held without bond until seen by a magistrate.

Adair County BOS approve five items Wednesday morning

News

February 8th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Greenfield, Iowa) – The Adair County Board of Supervisors this (Tuesday) morning, approved a few matters to come before them. First was a liquor license renewal for Carol Ann Root and the 4-H Building. Second was a bid of $25 per mowing, of the Grove Township Cemetery. Mike Mangels bid the same amount he was awarded last year, and will continue throughout the growing season this year.

The Adair County Board approved Family Farm and Agland Credit Disallowances, and the rental of the 4-H Building for $200, for the purpose of a County Safety Day meeting. And, they acknowledged a letter from an appointee to the Southern Iowa Regional Housing Authority, who is retiring. No action was taken until a potential appointee is spoken with about the position.

In other business, the Board heard from 3rd District Republican Congressman Zach Nunn’s Regional Office out of Creston. Constituent Service Representative Tracee Knapp introduced herself and officially met each member of the Board and left them with a contact number. She also invited the Board to the offices’ Open House on Tuesday at 1:30-p.m., with the Congressman in attendance.

Nunn’s other regional offices are located in Ottumwa and Des Moines.

Three Des Moines Residents Plead Guilty to Insurance Fraud

News

February 8th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Des Moines, Iowa) – An investigation by the Iowa Insurance Division’s Fraud Bureau, has resulted in the arrest of three Des Moines residents. Authorities say 52-year-old Lavona Lopez, 29-year-old Dario Ovelry, and 28-year-old Ashly Overly, all pled guilty to one count Insurance Fraud – Presenting False Information (a Class D Felony).

The investigation began in January 2021 after the Iowa Insurance Divisions Fraud Bureau received information indicating Lopez had provided false information to an insurer following an automobile accident in Polk County.

The investigation determined Lopez had made false representations regarding the nature of the loss in an effort to secure benefits of the insurance policy. Lopez made false statements to an insurer regarding the facts and circumstances of a motor vehicle collision. The investigation determined Lopez fabricated independent witnesses who provided statements to an insurer in support of Lopez’s version of events. The investigation identified Lopez’s witnesses as her son, Dario Ovelry, and daughter-in-law, Ashly Overy. The investigation determined that neither Dario nor Ashly Overly had been at, or near the scene of the collision nor had they witnessed the event leading up to the collision. Lavona Lopez, Dario Ovelry and Ashly Overly were all charged with Insurance Fraud and warrants were issued for their arrest.

Ashly Overly was arrested on June 17, 2022 and pled guilty to one count of insurance fraud on October 5, 2022. Dario Overly was arrested on June 17, 2022 and pled guilty to one count of insurance fraud on August 26, 2022. Lopez was arrested on November 9, 2022 and pled guilty to one count of insurance fraud on February 1, 2023.

Following their guilty pleas, Lavona Lopez, Dario Ovelry and Ashly Overy received  deferred sentences and were placed on supervised probation for a period of two years. They were also ordered to pay a fine of $1,025 each.

Iowans with information about insurance fraud are encouraged to contact the Iowa Insurance Division’s Fraud Bureau at 515-654-6556.

ELIZABETH DeKAY, 104, of Atlantic (Celebration of Life Private)

Obituaries

February 8th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

ELIZABETH DeKAY, 104, a life-long resident of Atlantic, died February 8, 2023, at Heritage House in Atlantic. A Private Celebration of Life will be held for ELIZABETH DeKAY.  Roland Funeral Service in Atlantic is assisting the family.

Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.

ELIZABETH DeKAY is survived by:

Her son – Sam (Della Taylor), of  New York City.

In keeping with her love of the local library, please honor her life with a donation to the Atlantic Public Library.  Elizabeth Ann was a member of the library board for many years, and the library was a central part of her life.

Marshalltown Man Sentenced for Insurance Fraud Scheme

News

February 8th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

Des Moines – Former insurance producer Oscar Sanchez of Marshalltown was recently sentenced in Marshall County District Court after pleading guilty to his actions in an insurance fraud scheme. Sanchez pled guilty on December 8th, 2022, to three counts of Insurance Fraud – Fraudulent Submissions (Class D Felony) and four counts of Insurance Fraud-Fraudulent Sales Practices (Class D Felony) following an investigation by the Iowa Insurance Division Fraud Bureau.

The sentence follows an investigation by the Iowa Insurance Division’s Fraud Bureau which began in September of 2020. The investigation concluded that Sanchez provided fictitious insurance documents to  multiple individuals in Marshalltown and collected premium payments for insurance policies that did not exist. The investigation also found that, following a derecho, Sanchez collected illegitimate cash deductibles from insureds, which he used for his own personal gain.

Sanchez was arrested on July 26, 2021 and released after posting bond.  On December 8, 2022, Sanchez pled guilty to three counts of Insurance Fraud – Fraudulent Submissions and four counts of Insurance Fraud-Fraudulent Sales Practices.

Sanchez, Oscar

On February 3, 2023, Sanchez was sentenced for the crime of Insurance Fraud – Fraudulent Submission and received a five-year suspended prison sentence, two to five years supervised probation and was ordered to pay a $3,075 civil penalty. Sanchez was also sentenced for the crime of Insurance Fraud – Fraudulent Sales Practice and received a five-year suspended prison sentence, two to five years supervised probation and was ordered to pay a $4,100 civil penalty and $38,070 in restitution.

Iowans with information about insurance fraud are encouraged to contact the Iowa Insurance Division’s Fraud Bureau at 515-654-6556.

Photo courtesy of the Marshall County Jail.

Search for a missing Central Iowa man continues

News

February 8th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Des Moines, Iowa) – Authorities in central Iowa are asking for your help in locating a Des Moines man went missing early Monday morning (Feb. 6, 2023), and who may be experiencing medical issues. Des Moines Police say 76-year-old Alan Wayne Conley left his north Des Moines home at around 2-a.m. Monday. Conley was driving a metallic beige/tan 2002 Chevrolet S-10 pickup truck with damage on the passenger side. The vehicle has Iowa license plate ESF 376. The rear plate was being held on by a green bungee cord, according to family and friends. There is also a dent on the back bumper and a sticker that may be a Harley Davidson logo.

Authorities say Conley has medical issues that impact his awareness and requires medication. Conley is 6’ tall and weighs about 285 pounds. If you have any information about his location, please call your local authorities, or the Missing Person Information Clearinghouse for the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, at 515-725-6036.

Atlantic girls earn share of Hawkeye Ten Championship with big win over Harlan

Sports

February 8th, 2023 by admin

Trojan LogoThe Atlantic girls basketball team built a big halftime lead and fought off a rally to beat Harlan 53-51 on Tuesday night in Atlantic. With the win the Trojans secured a share of the Hawkeye Ten Conference Title.

Paytn Harter had 12 points and Maddie Richter hit three 3-pointers in the first half to boost the Trojans to a 31-17 lead at the break. Harlan scored 21 points in the third quarter to climb back within five. The Cyclones would ultimately get within two points multiple times in the fourth and had a chance to tie it at the buzzer but came up short on a layup try.

Harter led the Trojans with 15 points on a balanced scoring night for the Trojans. Jada Jensen had 10, Maddie Huddleson and Maddie Richter had 9 each, and Aubrey Guyer chipped in 8 points.

The Trojans finish the regular season at 17-4 overall and 8-2 in Hawkeye Ten play. Four teams finished the conference season with two losses: Atlantic, Harlan, Lewis Central, and Glenwood.

The Trojans will now prep for their Regional Quarterfinal game at home against Clarinda on Saturday. We’ll have that game on KJAN with pregame at 6:45 p.m. and tipoff at 7:00 p.m.

Harlan was led by 25 points from Aubrey Schwieso, who sat part of the game in foul trouble. The Cyclones move to 12-7 overall and 7-2 in the conference. They’ll host Red Oak in the Regional Quarters on Saturday.

Davenport sentencing to be held Monday morning

News

February 8th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Atlantic, Iowa) – Sentencing for an Atlantic man facing five felony charges in connection with a Sept., 2022 incident, will take place next week. According to online court records, 54-year-old Edward Allen Davenport waived his rights and through his attorney, entered a written plea of guilty to the charges on February 1st.

Davenport was charged with Burglary in the 1st Degree, Assault (with serious injury) while participating in a felony, Willful Injury Causing Bodily Injury, Going Armed with Intent, and Intimidation with a Dangerous Weapon, all of which are felony offenses. He was set to stand trial in Atlantic on February 28th. The trial had previously been continued twice before. Davenports remains held in the Cass County Jail on $60,000 bond. His sentencing is set for 9-a.m. Monday, Feb. 13, 2023.

Authorities say at around 2:20-a.m. on Sept. 5, 2022, Atlantic Police were notified an assault had occurred at a residence in the 800 block of Walnut Street, in Atlantic. During an investigation, officers made contact with the victim, who stated they had been assaulted by being struck multiple times with an object.

The victim said shortly after she arrived home, there was a knock at the door. After the door opened, a man entered the residence and began assaulting the victim. On Sept. 6th, Officers made contact with Davenport and arrested him in connection with the incident that occurred the previous day.

SHARON LEE WINCHELL, 84, of Atlantic (Svcs. 3/4/24)

Obituaries

February 8th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

SHARON LEE WINCHELL, 84, a lifelong resident of Atlantic, died February 8, 2023, at Heritage House in Atlantic. Funeral services for SHARON WINCHELL will be held on March 4th at 11:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Atlantic. Schmidt Family Funeral Home, in Atlantic has the arrangements.

Open visitation with family present will be held from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., on March 3, 2023, at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Atlantic, IA.

Interment will take place following the funeral and will be held at the Atlantic Catholic Cemetery. A luncheon will be held following the committal in the reception hall of the First United Methodist Church.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Alzheimer’s Association or to the Good Samaritan Fund at Heritage House, and they may be mailed to the Schmidt Family Funeral Home P.O. Box 523, Atlantic, IA 50022.

SHARON WINCHELL is survived by:

Her sister-in-law: Dorothy Christensen, and her son Rex

Her first husband: Richard Brown; their children Chris (Debbie) Brown, and Steve Brown of San Francisco.

Her step-children: Kevin (Julie) Winchell, Kelli Garret, Kim (Allen) Whiley, and Kris (Pat) O’Brien.

9 grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren.

Griswold boys get in the win column with home finale triumph over Essex

Sports

February 8th, 2023 by admin

The Griswold Tigers got one in the win column in their regular season finale 58-51 over Essex on Tuesday night. The Tigers made senior night a happy one by jumping out to a 9-0 lead at the outset and holding the lead throughout.

The Tigers led 20-6 at the end of the first and 26-17 at halftime. It was a nine-point lead for the Tigers heading into the fourth, but the Trojans made them sweat it out a bit. A 14-5 spurt midway through the fourth brought Essex within 4 points but that’s as close as they would get. Bode Wyman knocked down four big free throws late to help seal the win.

Wyman finished with 18 points, including four three-pointers. Kamron Brownlee also knocked in four from downtown and led the Tigers with 20 points. Brownlee said it was a great feeling to get a win.

Aiden Kennedy added 14 points and was strong on the boards for the Tigers. Griswold head coach Matthew Spunaugle was proud of the team sticking together.

The Tigers take a 1-19 mark into a Class 1A play-in game on Friday night at Logan-Magnolia.

Essex was led by 24 points from Qwintyn Vanatta and they fell to 3-16 on the year. The Trojans open up the playoffs on Monday at Bedford.