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Fremont County S/O reports multiple arrests occurred from Nov. 16th through the 29th

News

November 29th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Sidney, Iowa) – Fremont County Sheriff Kevin Aistrope reports multiple arrests took place over the past week and a half. Early today (11/29), deputies arrested 58-year-old Vernon Lee Christiansen, of Percival, for Interference with Official Acts. Deputies were called to his residence for a disturbance. Deputies allege that Christiansen refused deputies commands and then approached them in an aggressive manner, resulting in a Taser deployment. Christiansen was released after posting $300 bond.

On Monday (11/27), Fremont County deputies arrested 65-year-old Daniel Jay Kitchens, of Thurman, for Extortion. It is alleged that Kitchens threatened the victim over the non-payment of a perceived debt. Kitchens is being held on a $5,000 cash/surety bond. He was previously released on 11/16/2023, after posting $18,000 cash bond for an incident on 11/03/2023, where it was alleged that Kitchens fired a gun during an altercation in Thurman.

Aldana

Christiansen

Donnelly

Kitchens

Lamkins

McNutt

Robinson

Smith

And, last Friday (11/24), deputies in Fremont County were called to an address in Hamburg for a report of a barricaded subject that had threatened to harm the residents of a house as well as himself. Deputies with the Fremont County K9 Unit as well as Shenandoah Police and the Mills County Sheriff’s Office responded to the call. Law enforcement forced entry into a shed and made contact with 22-year-old Joseph Troy Smith, of Springfield, Nebraska. Smith began fighting with officers and was quickly subdued. Smith was arrested for Harassment 1st Degree, Interference with Official Acts and Fugitive from Justice. Smith is being held on $5,000 cash bond as well as a no bond warrant out of Nebraska.

Also arrested on the 24th (on unrelated charges), was 37-year-old Stephanie May McNutt, of Council Bluffs. She was taken into custody after the Fremont County K9 Unit stopped to assist a woman – later identified as McNutt – walking in the 2200 block of Highway 2, at around 6:07-p.m. The woman provided deputies with a false name. She was later found to be in possession of approximately 7 grams of methamphetamine and a small bag of a substance that tested positive for Fentanyl. McNutt was arrested for: Possession of Methamphetamine; Possession of Fentanyl; Possession of Marijuana; Possession of Drug Paraphernalia; Bringing Contraband into a Correctional Facility; A Drug Tax Stamp Violation, and Providing False Identification Information to Law Enforcement. She was being held on a $13,600 cash/surety bond. McNutt was also being held without bond on a warrant for Parole Violation out of Pottawattamie County.

Other arrests in Fremont County include:

  • On 11/16/2023, deputies arrested 18-year-old Mathew Stuart Lamkins, of Tabor, for Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor. He was released on his own recognizance.
  • On 11/17/2023, deputies arrested 31-year-old Jacob Juan Donnelly, of Tabor, for Domestic Abuse. He was released on bond.
  • On 11/19/2023, deputies arrested 22-year-old Hannah Jo Aldana, of Nebraska City, Nebraska, for Operating While Intoxicated 1st Offense. She was released on bond.

On Nov. 26th, Fremont County Deputies, with assistance of the Fremont County K9 Unit, arrested 21-year-old Dustin Scott Robinson, of Sidney. Robinson was arrested for Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Failure to Affix a Drug Tax Stamp. He is being held on $5,000 cash/surety bond as well as a $10,000 cash/Surety bond on a warrant out of Pottawattamie County.

Adair County Supervisors approve several agenda items

News

November 29th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Greenfield, Iowa) – The Adair County Board of Supervisors, today (Wednesday) approved several items on their agenda. Among them was a General Relief application, and a Child Abuse Prevention Grant Draw Down in the amount of $815.16. The Board then heard from Conservation Director Dominic Johnson, who spoke with regard to the lease of Department office space. The subject he spoke with offered to continue offering the same rate through the end of the fiscal year, beginning with the next budget, but after that, the cost would increase to $1,200.

Johnson said the change wouldn’t affect his budget. He said also “We really need the space.” No action was taken on the matter. Dominic Johnson mentioned also, Adair County does not have a REAP (Resource Enhancement and Protection) Committee, as required under the Code of Iowa, in order for the County to receive grants and other funding.

The Committee he’s in the process of forming, he said, will likely meet a couple of times the first year to form a REAP plan, and then maybe once a year after that. In other business, Adair County Auditor Mandy Berg presented the Post-Election Audit Report, which showed no discrepancies. The Board acknowledged receipt of the report. They also approved a Transfer Resolution in the amount of $88,278.95.

And, the Board approved an Internal Advance Resolution.

And, they approved a TIF Indebtedness Certification.

The Adair County Supervisors also approved an Urban Renewal Report, as required by the State. Afterward, County Engineer Nick Kauffman provided a weekly report on Secondary Roads Department maintenance and activities.

2 accidents in Red Oak; Minor injuries reported

News

November 29th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Red Oak, Iowa) – Police in Red Oak report there were two recent accidents. Monday afternoon, vehicles driven by 43-year-old Rocky Howard Rocha, of Stanton, and 68-year-old John Thomas Anderson, of Maryville, MO, collided on Highway 34, just south of the Red Coach Inn, in Red Oak. The accident happened at around 2:52-p.m., when Rocha – who was driving a 2019 Dodge SUV eastbound – made a left turn into oncoming traffic, and struck a westbound 2019 Chevy pickup driven by Anderson. The Chevy then entered the north ditch. Both drivers suffered minor injuries, but were not transported to the hospital. Both vehicles were a total loss. Red Oak Police cited Rocha for Failure to Yield upon making a left turn.

The second accident happened Nov. 12th, at around 3-a.m.  Red Oak Police say a 2011 Chevy Cruze driven by 18-year-old Emma Joann Nilson, of Red Oak, was leaving a residence at a fast pace (according to surveillance footage), when her vehicle struck a legally parked 2019 Ford Fusion. Nilson got out to look at the damage, then reportedly walked down the street away from the accident. Police say she tried contact the owner of the Ford and share insurance information, but would not meet. And then through messages, wanted to exchange cash.

Authorities say damage to the Ford was estimated at $1,550, while the Chevy sustained $500 damage. No citations were issued.

Big 12 Conference Announces Entertainment Enhancements For 2023 Dr Pepper Big 12 Football Championship Game

Sports

November 29th, 2023 by admin

The Big 12 Conference has announced a series of entertainment and marketing enhancements for the 2023 Dr Pepper Big 12 Football Championship Game. This year’s contest features Texas and Oklahoma State at AT&T Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 2 at 11 a.m. CT, broadcast nationally on ABC.

Grammy Award-winning hip hop icon Nelly will perform during the Conference’s first-ever halftime show. During the set, Nelly will be joined by Oklahoma State’s Cowboy Marching Band and Texas’s Longhorn Band for a performance of his hit song, “Hot in Herre“.

Additional musical performances including the singing of the National Anthem by rising country music singer and former NCAA student-athlete Warren Zeiders, and a pre-Championship concert featuring Wade Bowen on Friday, Dec. 1 at 8 p.m. CT (tickets for the pre-championship concert can be purchased here). Additionally, DJ Poizon Ivy will provide in-game music, while Hannah Wing will serve as the in-game host.

The Big 12 has partnered with WWE for this year’s game and will introduce a custom-made Championship Title Belt for this year’s Most Outstanding Player presented by a WWE Superstar, as well as a co-branded WWE x Big 12 logo featured throughout the venue. Co-branded merchandise will be available and sold across the Fanatics network of online stores, including WWE Shop, in addition to a limited edition By Way of Dallas-designed t-shirt available in stadium. WWE talent will also be present at the game, including Undertaker, Drew McIntyre, Sheamus, Jade Cargill, and WWE announcer Samantha Irvin. Additionally, the Big 12 and WWE Superstars Ricochet and Raquel Rodriguez will team up to visit a local YMCA leading up to the Championship game for a meet-and-greet with area youth. Meanwhile, Big 12 Student-Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC) will engage in a job shadowing at Children’s Health as a part of the Big 12’s annual Career Tour.

The Conference will introduce “Big 12 Tailgate in Times Square“, a live streaming of the Championship in New York City’s Times Square. This activation – in partnership with TSX – will be a part of Championship weekends for years to come.

This year’s Football Championship marks the return of #Big12Eats as chefs from Legends will introduce two custom food items and cocktails, themed for each participating school. The items, which will be announced later this week, will be sold on the 360 concourse of AT&T Stadium.

Children’s Health, WWE and the Big 12 are partnering for this year’s ceremonial coin toss, which will feature a patient ambassador accompanied by WWE talent to lead the flip. The limited-edition 2023 Championship coin will be available for purchase throughout AT&T Stadium, with all proceeds going to Children’s Health.

Additional enhancements include a celebration of Medal of Honor recipient Will Swenson, a takeover of the Dallas Skyline, spirit squads from both participating programs, American Cornhole League activating during Saturday’s Fan Fest, and much more.

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Hitchcock House update

News

November 29th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Lewis, Iowa) – Much needed reconstructive work on the historic Revered George B. Hitchock House near Lewis recently wrapped-up. The nearly 168-year-old Hitchcock House is one of more than 2000 locations on Iowa the National Register of Historic Places and Landmarks (NRHP). It was closed to the public for tours, on July 23, 2023 after concerns about public safety was raised following the much publicized collapse of a building in Davenport. Hitchcock House Board Chair Sharon Guffey-Lewis said also, the Board had an obligation and a responsibility to repair it.

She said the work began in August, after they secured a contractor out of Pottawattamie County who has 46-years of experience in building restoration, especially in Omaha’s historic Old Market.

Sharon said the south wall in the basement is now secured.

Lewis said they’re very pleased with the work. The project was paid for in-part by funds from the Cass County Board of Conservation and Cass County Board of Supervisors. The Cass County Supervisors, Tuesday (11/28), unanimously passed a Resolution “Allocating ARPA funds (in the amount of $47,932) to [the] Hitchcock House [near Lewis] for foundation repairs,” allowing for the project to be paid in full, within a week.

Guffey-Lewis says the Hitchcock House is heated during the Winter, solely to help preserve the structure. It is not lived in on a regular basis. She says just because this segment of repairs is finished, doesn’t mean work on the structure will end entirely. And those repairs have to be done according to the standards set forth by the NRHP.

Guffey-Lewis said they are always open to receive donations for the care of the landmark Hitchcock House.

If you would like to help, send your donations to the Hitchcock House at:

63788 567th Lane

Lewis IA 51544

For more information email hitchcockhouse1@gmail.com, or call 712-769-2323 .

Heartbeat Today 11-29-2023

Heartbeat Today, Podcasts

November 29th, 2023 by Jim Field

Jim Field shares information from ISU Extension on protecting our trees and shrubs from winter weather and pests.

Play

Dallas County horse owner pleads not guilty to animal neglect

News

November 29th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

A Dallas County woman accused of neglecting dozens of horses on her property is pleading not guilty to charges of livestock neglect. Linda Kilbourne, of Johnston, had 46 horses seized from her Dallas County property in early November. KCCI reports Kilbourne’s defense team is now requesting the State disclose any evidence. This includes Kilbourne’s prior criminal records, statements and testimony before a grand jury. Court documents also say Kilbourne is not requesting a hearing at this time.

Officials say many of the 46 animals seized were severely injured and malnourished. One of those horses died despite efforts to save it. Some horses have returned to the property under the care of a third party. The rest are now being cared for by the Animal Rescue League.

Cass County Extension Report 11-29-2023

Ag/Outdoor, Podcasts

November 29th, 2023 by Jim Field

w/Kate Olson.

Play

State Center man who lost his son in an accident, has lost his business in a fire

News

November 29th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

STATE CENTER, Iowa (KCCI) — A State Center man is grappling with the loss of his woodworking warehouse just months after his son died in a car crash. Barry York is a sixth-generation woodworker. He told KCCI ever since his ancestors came to Davis County in 1846, there’s been a carpenter in the family.On Thanksgiving Day, his warehouse was destroyed in a fire.

According to the State Center Police Department, the Marshall County Communications Center received a report of a commercial structure fire in State Center around noon on Nov. 23. Firefighters from State Center, Rhodes, Melbourne, Colorado, and Clemons responded. Barry York said there is $200,000-$250,000 in damage. Investigators will be at the warehouse Thursday to try to figure out the cause of the fire. York said his business would make anything and everything out of wood. It was a well-known trade in the community.

His son, 43-year-old Bruce York, of Ames, was his longtime business partner, making him a seventh-generation woodworker. Barry York said he was planning on passing the business to his son once he was done. But Bruce was killed in a car crash just months ago. The wreck happened around 8:40 a.m. on July 6 on the south side of State Center. Troopers say a pickup driven by Bruce York was attempting to make a turn when it was struck by another vehicle.  The Marshall County Sheriff’s Office said the younger York was pronounced dead on the scene.

Threatening note found on a Ft. Dodge Walmart restroom stall

News

November 29th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

FORT DODGE, Iowa — Fort Dodge police are working to figure out if a threat made at Walmart is credible. Police confirm a picture was posted on social media, showing a threat written on a bathroom stall. The threat says they will “shoot it up tomorrow” (with Tuesday’s date). It also said “good luck” and included vulgarity. Investigators are working to find out who wrote the message. They have extra patrols at the store.