(Radio Iowa) – Nearly a century after she first appeared in print, girl-detective Nancy Drew is still thrilling young readers — and the original writer of the mystery series was an Iowan. Mildred Augustine Benson was a Ladora native who had a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Iowa. Barbara Lounsberry, a retired University of Northern Iowa English professor, has researched Benson’s life and career.

The first book, “The Secret of the Old Clock,” was released in 1930 under the pen-name Carolyn Keene. Lounsberry credits Benson with shaking up the formula of the day and dreaming up a young detective who would have wide appeal.

The collection of Nancy Drew books continued to grew well into the 1980s and eventually encompassed 78 separate mystery stories. The decades-long series all started with that first book, released during the early days of the Great Depression.

Benson died in 2002 at age 96. Lounsberry will give a presentation about Benson at Mulberry Center Church at Wilson Brewer Park in Webster City at 1 P-M on Saturday.

(Radio Iowa)- The Iowa D-C-I says the Algona police officer shot last night (Wednesday night) has died. D-C-I assistant director, Mitch Mortvedt, says 33-year-old officer Kevin Cram was trying to arrest a man on a warrant around 8 p-m.

Cram was taken to Kossuth Regional Health Center, where he died. Mortvedt says Rickey was arrested after a “Blue Alert” was sent out to surrounding law enforcement, indicating a police officer had been shot.

Officer Kevin Cram (DCI photo)

Mortvedt says Cram was a 10 year veteran of the Iowa law enforcement, serving on the Nora Springs Police Department before joining the Algona Police Department in 2023. Iowa Department of Public Safety Commissioner Stephen Bayens (Steven Bay-enz) says Cram died a hero.

He says Cram murdered by a coward.

Bayens says the hearts of law officers are heavy.

Bayens says they will continue to honor Cram’s legacy by being that beacon of light in their communities.

Kimballton Municipal Utilities has lifted the drinking water advisory for the city of Kimballton effective immediately.  The manganese levels have dropped to below the Iowa DNR regulation limitations for all ages.  The construction process is nearing the final stages of completion.  The water conservation watch is still in effect.

The Page County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating a break in and theft from rural Page County. The incident occurred sometime during the night of September 7, 2023 through the early morning hours of September 8, 2023. The location of the incident is northeast of College Springs, IA in rural Page County.

Some of the items taken were: Gray 2022 Ford 550 pickup with a service box equipped with a small crane, Bobcat welder, gas torch set, and numerous tools for the truck and shop. The 2022 Ford was parked inside of the victim’s shop. Suspect(s) loaded up more tools from the shop before leaving with the vehicle and contents.

Page County Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to $1500.00. An anonymous person is offering an additional reward of up to $1000.00. Both rewards are conditional on information leading up to criminal charges being filed on the person / persons responsible for these crimes.

Person’s leaving tips can remain anonymous and will be given a number as identification.

Below is a photo of the pickup supplied by the owner. It depicts the service box on the back with the crane and some of the items that were stolen.