(Des Moines) The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning for the following counties until 1:30 a.m.

Northeastern Fremont, Eastern Mills, Montgomery, Adams, Page, Eastern Pottawattamie, Southern Shelby, Adams and Taylor Counties.

A line of storms was heading northeast through these areas accompanied by 60 mile per hour wind gusts.

Tom Robinson

May 19, 2103

(COUNCIL BLUFFS) A Council Bluffs boy was injured on a carnival ride Friday night.

The Council Bluffs Police Department says the incident occurred in Bayliss Park during the carnival that occurs each year as part of Celebrate CB week. Five year old Trace Harman was on a ride called the Monster Truck Ride, which is a carousel owned by a private company. Trace was belted in one of the cars, along with his four year old brother Van and a friend, eight year old Opal Sund. For unknown reasons, the car flipped upside down as it was going up the incline of the track, striking the car in front of them. The car came loose from its hoist.

Trace was transported to the University of Nebraska Medical Center with head injuries. Trace was listed in stable condition with non-life threatening injuries. Van and Opal received minor injuries and were treated and released.

A representative from the State of Iowa, Department of Elevator and Amusement Park Rides, was notified for inspection of the incident. The investigation is ongoing.

Mandy Billings

05/18/2013

(DES MOINES) The 27^th annual Main Street Iowa Awards celebration was held Friday in Des Moines.

Competitive nominations were submitted for 105 projects and 26 were selected for awards. Six received honorable mention. Governor Terry Branstad and Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds presented the honors. Main Street Volunteer of the Year awards were presented to 47 individuals or couples who were selected by their community for outstanding dedication and volunteer service benefiting the local Main Street Program.

During the event, eight communities were recognized for reaching significant benchmarks based on private dollar investments made in the purchase and revitalization of properties within their respective commercial districts. Belle Plaine was recognized for reaching the $2 million benchmark in the last year, with Dunlap honored for $3 million in local investment. Greenfield and New Hampton were awarded certificates for $5 million in local investment; and Le Mars was recognized for achieving the $10 million benchmark. Cedar Rapids’ Czech Village/New Bohemia, Davenport’s Hilltop Campus Village and Mason City all attained $20 million in local investment since the program’s inception in 1986. The new Main Street organization in Marion was recognized and welcomed into the program; and New Hampton received recognition for their 20 years of participation as a designated Main Street community.

As a highlight of the evening, two special awards were presented. The “Spirit of Main Street” Award recognizes the person, organization, community or project that best demonstrates the true meaning and spirit of “Main Street at work.” Living this spirit is the difference between interest and commitment, between mediocrity and excellence. This year’s “Spirit of Main Street” Award winner is Dan Tindall. Main Street Iowa honored the community of Belle Plaine for their Downtown Revitalization Streetscape & Façade Master Plan as the “Signature Project of the Year.” This award honors a project that rises above traditional award categories in impact, emotion and significance.

Press Release

05/18/2013

(DES MOINES) Farmers are no longer liable for accidents that occur on their property during recreational use or educational tours.

Greenfield Representative Clel Baudler said legislation passed unanimously in the House and Senate last night.

“I can tell you that this fixes the problem and it takes care of landowner’s concerns about letting people on their property for recreation or in the “Sally decision”, educational tours,” said Baudler.

Baudler said this all started when a chaperone fell and broke her leg on an educational tour of a farm. He said the insurance companies didn’t want to pay and the Supreme Court ruled in the woman’s favor and a lawsuit ensued.

This bill will now to the Governor for his signature.

Meanwhile, schools are still waiting to hear if they will be getting any allowable growth. Baudler said the legislature is still waiting for education reform.

“Once education reform is agreed upon, allowable growth will be 2-2 in 2014 and 4 percent in 2015 for a total of 4 percent, 4 percent,” said Baudler. “That is what everybody wanted to start with and we’ll get it there if we get educational reform, we’ll get the 4-4,” said Baudler.

The Legislature is way past due on passing allowable growth. If by chance nothing is passed by the close of the session the schools’ budget guarantees will increase, which will fall back on the taxpayers.

Baudler said the legislature is hoping to shut down this weekend.

Mandy Billings

05/17/2013

(CUMBERLAND) A Cumberland woman was arrested on drug charges Wednesday.

The Cass County Sheriff’s Office says 43 year old Tammy Darleen Flathers was arrested for Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Methamphetamine and OWI 1st Offense.

She was taken to the Cass County Jail where she was released the following day on her own recognizance.

Mandy Billings

05/17/2013

(DES MOINES) Southwest Iowa can expect some stormy weather early next week.

Kurt Kotenberg with the National Weather Service in Des Moines says the chances for showers and thunderstorms move in on Sunday and continue through Monday.

“There is a chance, especially Sunday afternoon, we could be seeing really our first significant severe weather event here across Iowa in quite some time,” said Kotenberg.

He said it is important to remain aware of the weather situation.

“We know that there are a lot of graduation parties going on Sunday afternoon so just make sure that you’re paying attention to the weather forecasts,” said Kotenberg. “If storms do roll in, be prepared to seek shelter and head indoors.”

A few storms may produce very large hail and tornadoes along with a damaging wind threat.

Mandy Billings

05/17/2013

(AUDUBON) On Wednesday, the third annual Grant Rewarding Educators for Advancing Technology (GREAT) grant was awarded to Audubon Community School 9-12 Science teacher Amanda Knuth.

The winning project was chosen from a total of six applicants based on how well it met the criteria of the grant program. Projects were judged based upon their ability to create global competitors at Audubon Community School through the use of technology and enhance the educational opportunities of Audubon students by increasing their technology awareness and preparedness.

In their proposals, teachers had to describe how their project would not only enhance educational opportunities for students, but also how they would measure the effects of their project on student learning. Teachers also have to be willing to demonstrate and share the effectiveness of their project with peers, project funders and the public.

Dr. Doug Olsen of Audubon Family Chiropractic started the GREAT Grant in the spring of 2011. Dr. Olsen envisions this program expanding to include other businesses and/or individuals so that additional technology projects may be funded in the future at Audubon Community School.

The GREAT grant received donations totaling $1,500 for this year’s grant cycle. The GREAT grant funds this year will allow science students the opportunity to use technology to collect and analyze data during a laboratory lesson. Lab quest technology tools will engage students with hands-on science not only in the classroom but because the device is mobile, it gives the students a unique opportunity to collect data while out in the field.

Press Release

05/17/2013

(Atlantic) Authorities have released the names of the two individuals that were transported to the hospital following a two vehicle accident that occurred on Highway 6 near the entrances to Wal-Mart and the Super 8 Hotel.

The Atlantic Police Department reports Beth McDermott and Belinda Morris, each of Atlantic, were transported to the Cass County Memorial Hospital for non-life threatening injuries. Morris is cited for failure to yield making a left turn. Her vehicle was eastbound on Highway 6 and went to make a left turn into the Super 8 when she was struck by McDermott's westbound vehicle.

The accident took place just before 9:00 Thursday morning.

Press Release

(ATLANTIC) Family Crisis Support Network received notification that all grant applications submitted to the Crime Victim Assistance Division of the Iowa Attorney General’s Office were denied.

FCSN receives roughly $240,000 in several funding streams from CVAD. The funds received by FCSN were used to pay for wages, operational expenses and victim assistance in six counties in southwest Iowa. Those counties are Adair, Audubon, Cass, Montgomery, Page and Shelby counties.

FCSN Executive Director Wendy Richter said she’s not sure what this will mean since there is still some confusion with the message that the State is trying to send about the re-organization of victim services.

“What they’ve done is split the State into six regions, southwest Iowa is a region, so we were competing with three other programs in the area for the grants. Not that it’s never been a competitive grant cycle, but what they wanted was to look at different ways or more cost effective ways that they could provide victim services,” said Richter. “I guess their decision is that it’s more cost effective to give the money to the urban areas and let them serve the rural areas.”

Richter said their Board of Directors will continue to meet and go over their options. She said since they are their own private, non-profit the State doesn’t have control of what they do unless they utilize those funds.

“At this point going forward, July 1 we won’t be utilizing their funds anymore, we will be doing it on our own,” said Richter. “Now, does that mean that we can continue serving Victim Services? We aren’t certain of that because that will be determined by the Council Bluffs program who was given the funds for this area. So, they would actually have to give us permission to be doing the services out here in Cass County.”

Richter said they have a “rainy day” fund, so they don’t have to make any decisions in the near future; they could have up to six months to make a decision as to how they will go forward.

FCSN is the agency that has served victims of crime in southwest Iowa since 1990. The agency has served thousands of victims through the shelter service, court advocacy and medical advocacy; as well as provided training to those in need and educational presentation to hundreds of groups.

Mandy Billings

05/16/2013

(ATLANTIC) Atlantic Fire and Rescue and the Atlantic Police Department responded to a two vehicle accident on 7^th Street this morning.

The accident, involving a truck and a van, occurred at the stop lights on 7^th Street near the Super 8 and Walmart just before 9:00 a.m. Two people were taken away from the scene by Ambulance.

No other details on the accident are available at this time.

Mandy Billings

05/16/2013

(ATLANTIC) The Atlantic City Council approved the first reading of an ordinance pertaining to sewer service charges at their meeting Wednesday night.

During the budget review process the City Council discussed that the City will need to increase the sewer service charges to fund debt service and operating costs of the new Wastewater Treatment Plant. The monthly base fee for up to 3,000 gallons needs to increase from $27 to $28.50. The monthly service fee for all additional usage over the 3,000 gallon base will increase from $5.50/1,000 gallons to $5.80/1,000 gallons.

“I hate to raise fees at any time, but if you’ve got to raise them I suppose $1.50 is a pretty small raise,” said Steve Livengood, Councilman.

“I think most of this stuff we talked about back when we started doing this, once we got everything stable there was going to be some minor increases,” said Mayor Dave Jones. “We had some pretty big jumps, now we’re back to just more managing the rate system and a $1.50 is a better rate than $10.50.”

“We do have kind of a break down on that, the majority of that cost increase is just debt service for paying off the bonds for construction of the new sewage treatment plant,” said Shawn Shouse, Councilman. “There is a little bit of other overhead cost that increased that are in there too, but 63 percent of that is just debt service increases.”

The other significant cost factor that is affecting this 5.5% rate increase is the increase in the annual utility billing costs which are going from $3,730/year to $37,300/year.

Mandy Billings

05/16/2013

(ATLANTIC) The Atlantic City Council approved the sale of property located at 314 Walnut Street at their meeting Wednesday night.

Two weeks ago, Jacob Weitzel submitted an offer to purchase the lot for $30,000. Weitzel says he plans to build a restaurant/sports bar on the site with future plans to add office space on a second floor and luxury condominiums on a third floor.

The City will have the first right of refusal to buy back this parcel at the original sale price if a building is not erected on the site within a certain time frame. Weitzel agreed to that condition at the meeting Wednesday night.

There were no written or oral comments during the public hearing Wednesday night.

Mandy Billings

05/16/2013

(Marne) Two people were injured in a car-tractor accident north of Atlantic Wednesday night.

Cass County Deputy Josh McClaren KSOM/KS95 news that the accident happened at around 9:05 p.m. on Highway 173 one-half mile north of Chicago Road.

McLaren says both vehicles were southbound on Highway 173. The tractor, pulling a seed tender, attempted to pull into a residence at 515606 590^th Street and was struck from behind by a Honda Accord. The driver and the passenger of the car were transported to the Cass County Memorial Hospital by Medivac Ambulance. The Female passenger was later life-flighted to Creighton University in Omaha with non-life threatening injuries. The driver of the tractor was not hurt. No names were released and the accident remains under investigation.

The Cass County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Atlantic and Marne Fire Departments, Medivac Ambulance, and Cass County Emergency Management.

Tom Robinson

May 15, 2013

11:25 p.m.

(GLENWOOD) Mills County Child Abuse Prevention Council has received a $48,292 grant from the Iowa Child Abuse Prevention Program (ICAPP), administered by Prevent Child Abuse Iowa.

The grant will be used to provide Parent Development, Sexual Abuse Prevention and Outreach and Follow-up services in Mills County during the fiscal year starting July 1.  By providing programming to support and educate families and children in the community, Mills County can expand the “Power of One” and reduce instances of abuse. 

Programs supported through this grant include Mills County Parents as Teachers Program serving families with children ages 0-5; Mills County NEST Project serving families with children ages 0-3; and Sexual Abuse Prevention taught directly to approximately 900 area students in lower elementary grade levels utilizing the Ready Set kNOw curriculum.  More program information can be obtained by contacting Mills County Public Health at 527-9699.

Press Release

05/15/2013

(Area) One in 175.2 million. Those are your odds, if you play, of taking home a near record Powerball jackpot. Iowans have until 8:59 p.m. tonight to go buy their tickets.

Mary Nuebauer, with the Iowa lottery, says many will wait until the last minute to go get their chance at the estimated jackpot which started at $350 million and has risen to $360 million.

"When the jackpot gets to this level it just becomes that water cooler talk. Everybody wants a shot at it. We see those regular players plus occassional players jumping on board and event newcomers because everybody wants a shot at this thing."

While winning is a long shot, the good news is that your odds don’t go down even with more people playing.

"The odds never change, they don't have anything to do with how many people are buying tickets. They have to do with the numbers on your ticket. The reason that the odds are one in 175.2 million is because that's the number of combinations of numbers in the powerball game."

It’s the third time the power ball has been this high and just the second time in the last seven years.

"In February of 2006, a group of workers in Nebraska won a $365 million jackpot. That was the record for a long time until last November. On November 28th the Powerball jackpot reached $587.5 million."

The Powerball jackpot has been on the rise since the last winner in late March.

Bennett Blake

5/15/13

(ATLANTIC) The Atlantic City Council will hold the first reading on an ordinance pertaining to sewer service charges at their meeting tonight.

During the budget preview process the City discussed that they will need to increase the sewer service charges to fund debt service and operating costs of the new Wastewater Treatment Plant. The monthly base fee for up to 3,000 gallons needs to increase from $27 to $28.50 or $1.50/month. The monthly service fee for all additional usage over the 3,000 gallon base will increase from $5.50/1,000 gallons to $5.80/1,000 gallons, or 30 cents per 1,000 gallons.

FY2014, which begins July 1^st, will be the first full year of debt service payments and operating costs for the new Wastewater Treatment Plant. The cities debt service payments will increase by $76,961, reflecting the fact that they did not draw down all of their State Revolving Loan Funds or issue Revenue Bonds to finance the balance of the cost of the new plant until towards the end of this fiscal year.

The other significant cost factor that is affecting this 5.5 percent rate increase is the increase in the annual utility billing costs, which are going from $3,730/year to $37,300/year.

Mandy Billings

05/15/2013

(ATLANTIC) The Cass County Board of Supervisors approved a resolution to add a Farm-to-Market, or Locally Funded Project, not in the current FY 2013 road construction program at their meeting this morning.

“The bridge on the landfill road, the smaller bridge, we moved that up into this construction season because of the deteriorating deck we had on it. So, we have gone ahead and repaired it and replaced that surface,” explained Charles Marker, Cass County Engineer. “But, since it was not in our construction program, in order to comply with the DOT requirements, we have to move it up. It was in next year’s five year program, so we’ve moved it from the 2014 year into 2013.”

Marker said the reason they had the money to do this project is because they had three local projects, some small bridges, that they were going to do themselves and they have been working on culvert pipes instead. So, they have “under-run” their budget and dollar-wise they have room to move this project up and not have to amend the budget.

In other activity, the Supervisors approved an abatement of tax on property in the City of Lewis. Cass County Auditor Dale Sunderman said the property had been burned out and the City ended up acquiring it through legal process and the taxes had not been paid.

05/15/2013

(Des Moines) An unusual heat wave swept across Iowa Tuesday shattering record highs in it’s’ path. Kenny Podrazik, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Des Moines says Sioux City was the hot spot in the state.

“Sioux City was the hottest with a temperature of 106-degrees and that was a new daily record for them as far as specific day on May 14, and was the hottest temperature on record for the entire month of May for Sioux City, that was pretty impressive,” stated Podrazik. “The last it was that warm was on May 30, 1934, and that was 105-degrees then.”

Podrazik says Atlantic broke an old record high by one-degree.

“Atlantic reached a high temperature of 97-degrees which was their all-time record high breaking the previous record of 96-degrees set in 1915,” said Podrazik.

Podrazik says three other cities broke records including, Mason City, 99-degrees, Des Moines 94, Waterloo, 96, and Estherville reached a high of 104-degrees.

Tom Robinson

May 15, 2013

a.m. news

(Atlantic) The Anita and Atlantic Volunteer Fire Departments are again hosting round trip rides on a vintage train, pulled by a steam locomotive this summer.

Three separate round trip rides will originate in Anita and Atlantic on June 8.  The train will depart from Atlantic at 9 am, noon, and 3 pm., and leave from Anita at 10:25 am, 1:25 pm and 4:25 pm. Passengers will board from the specific city, at the specific times, for each ride and will return to the point of their original departure.

Atlantic Chief McNees says “Iowa Interstate Railroad asked us if we were interested in partnering with them again this year and we jumped at the chance.”  The first time we tried this was three years ago and it was a huge success. Anita Chief Duane Murphy echoed those sentiments. “We had such a tremendous response that we had to add a third ride to the day to accommodate the demand” according to Murphy. The chiefs expect strong sales again and urge everyone to get their tickets early to avoid being shut out as only 400 tickets per city, per ride are available.

Both departments are working jointly on this project. The event gives area residents a chance to relive past history when the passenger trains rolled through the communities. Many others have never had the opportunity in their lives to ride a passenger train, much less a vintage train.

Murphy says, “The fact that a steam locomotive is pulling the train is also a big attraction, as the sight and sounds make a big impact on kids and adults alike.” Iowa Interstate Railroad owns the steam locomotive and have used it in recent years to provide these rides where fire departments are interested in hosting the event.

McNees states the tickets are available from any Atlantic or Anita firefighter for their city’s respective rides. Tickets may also be obtained at the Atlantic Fire Station and orders may also be placed by contacting them at 243-2146 for purchase for those traveling from a long distance. In Anita, tickets may be purchased at Anita Municipal Utilities and at Anita Supply. Tickets must be presented at the time of boarding in order to ride. Tickets are $14 for adults (age 12 and over) and $7 for children. Infants who can ride on their parent’s laps may ride for free.

Murphy commented that the departments will have food and drink available to take upon the ride and re-stated that the cars are vintage and have no amenities. Access to the passenger cars will be provided for those needing assistance.

The departments are looking forward to providing an activity that takes residents and their communities back to a bygone era.

Press Release

May 15, 2013

a.m. news

(Villisca) The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Villisca man on drug charges early this morning.

According to the report, 42-year-old Keith Allan Currin, was arrested at around 1:06 a.m.  in the 100 block of 5^th Street in Villisca and charged with possession of drug paraphernalia

Currin was transported to the Montgomery County Jail and held on $300.00 bond.

Tom Robinson

May 15, 2013

a.m. news

(Atlantic) There was no decision on hiring a School Resource Officer to patrol the halls of the Atlantic High School. Superintendent Dr. Michael Amstein told the Atlantic School Board Monday night it would cost $78,000 to hire an SRO.

“With us not knowing about allowable growth at this point, I would tell you it would be a lot easier for the school district to take a look at funding if we were at four-percent allowable growth and opposed to zero-percent allowable growth.”

Atlantic High School Principal Heather McKay says there is a need for a School Resource Officer. “My gut tells me we need more help.”

McKay’s gut feeling is based on a survey presented to the exiting seniors. One of the questions on the survey asked them to grade the school on maintaining a drug free environment. McKay says students admitted they hadn’t witnessed drugs in the halls but there was always talk of it and more of a concern of some students coming to school inebriated in some form.

Cass County Sheriff Darby McLaren says it would take about one month to train an Officer for the role.

Dr. Amstein says the money would have to come out of the general fund. The difference between zero-percent allowable growth and four-percent allowable growth is about $300,000. The Iowa Legislature was supposed to let schools know by March 1^st on the amount of allowable growth they are allocating. They are two months tardy.

The board did not act on the hiring of an SRO Monday night.

Tom Robinson

May 14, 2013

p.m. news

(PERRY) One person was killed and another was injured in a two vehicle accident in Dallas County Monday.

The Iowa State Patrol says 63 year old Nelson Mobley of Dawson, Iowa was killed in the accident that occurred at around 1:49 p.m. at 170^th Street and E Avenue. 24 year old Tiffany Hollingsworth of Perry was transported to the Perry hospital by Ambulance with injuries.

According to the report, Hollingsworth was driving a 2013 Dodge Ram westbound on 170^th Street when she struck the passenger side of a 1984 Chevy C10 driven by Mobley, who was northbound on E Avenue. Mobley’s vehicle went off the roadway and rolled into the northwest ditch where it came to rest on its top. Hollingsworth’s vehicle rotated counterclockwise and came to rest in the northwest ditch with the rear of the vehicle on top of Mobley’s vehicle.

The accident remains under investigation.

Mandy Billings

05/14/2013

(HARLAN) A Walnut man was arrested following a domestic disturbance in Harlan Sunday.

The Harlan Police Department says 24 year old Kane Griffith was arrested when officers were called to the 1400 block of 8^th Street for a domestic disturbance. Kane was taken into custody and transported to the Shelby County Jail where he was charged with domestic abuse assault for allegedly assaulting Amy Petersen of Harlan.

Kane was also charged with obstruction of emergency communications and public intoxication.

Mandy Billings

05/14/2013

In a few days Iowa colleges and universities will graduate thousands of students. Almost all of them are in the same fix, owing tens of thousands of dollars in student debt and the first bill will be due in a few weeks.

ISU Financial Counselor Jonathan Fox says many students may look at how much debt they’ve racked up and think they will never pay it off.

“In a longer term financial planning perspective it’s very doable, it can get done, but you know step number one is managing your expenses and your cash flow,” said Fox.

He says those getting their diplomas this month need to have two things right away; a job, even one that is outside of your chosen field, and a financial plan.

Iowa Radio Network

(Atlantic) Atlantic Schools Superintendent Dr. Michael Amstein told the School Board Monday night that he is in the process of a placing another mobile classroom at Washington Elementary.

“Based on classroom space, I am looking at placing another mobile classroom outside of Washington,’ stated Amstein. This is the second mobile unit on the Washington School Campus, which brings up another problem.

“The question is where you put it,” said Amstein. “We don’t want to impeded on the playground, so the only other place is right out in front of the building.”

This mobile classroom, similar to the first one, would be used for special classes and students would not be in it for an entire day. The set up cost is around $20,000 and a $10,000 lease per year.

Tom Robinson

May 14, 2013

a.m. news

(DES MOINES)  A Fire Weather Watch has been issued for part of southwest Iowa, including Crawford, Carroll, Audubon, Guthrie, Dallas, Cass, Adair, Adams, Monona, Harrison, Shelby, Pottawattamie, Mills, Montgomery, Fremont and Page Counties.

The National Weather Service says south, southwest winds will increase on Tuesday morning along with plummeting relative humidity. This will result in dangerous fire weather conditions across much of northern and western Iowa on Tuesday afternoon and evening.

South, southwest winds of 20 to 25 mph are forecast, with gust to near 40 mph possible at times. Relative humidity will drop to 30 percent or lower in some areas by noon and bottom out at 20 to 25 percent in the afternoon.

Many wild grasses have not fully greened up due to the late spring and will burn more easily than is typical for this time of year. Fires will spread quickly in these dangerous conditions and burning is strongly discouraged.

NWS

05/13/2013

(ATLANTIC) Two Omaha, Nebraska men were arrested on drug charges following a traffic stop in Cass County Saturday.

The Sheriff’s Office says 24 year old Robert Valier Barr and Zachary Michael Beiermann were arrested on charges of Possession of Meth with Intent to Deliver more than 5 grams and Possession of Marijuana. Barr was also charged with OWI 1^st Offense.

Both men were taken to the Cass County Jail. Barr was released on $100,000 bond later that day. Beiermann remains in custody on $100,000 bond.

Mandy Billings

05/13/2013

(GLENWOOD) The Mills County Sheriff’s Office reports several arrests over the past week.

34 year old old Shaun Goines of Pacific Junction was arrested on a warrant for OWI 1^st Offense.

35 year old Jason Andrews of Pacific Junction was arrested for Public Intoxication. He was held on $1,000 bond.

18 year old Dominique Schlup of Hastings was arrested for Driving While Revoked, Possession of a Controlled Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was held on $1,600 bond.

23 year old Patrick Jack of Emerson was arrested on a warrant for Probation Violation. He was held on $10,000 bond.

34 year old Matthew Cook of Malvern was arrested for Domestic Abuse Assault. He was held on $1,000 bond.

38 year old April Cook of Malvern was arrested for Domestic Abuse Assault. She was held on $1,000 bond.

And, 27 year old John Drazic of Omaha was arrested for OWI 1^st Offense. He was held on $1,000 bond.

05/13/2013

(Harlan) The Harlan City Council approved the purchase of some land last week to expand the Police Department Headquarters in downtown Harlan. Harlan City Administrator Terry Cox says the city purchased a lot that formerly housed an apartment complex that was destroyed by fire last fall. Cox says this will add an additional 2,000-to-2,100 square feet.

“We have needed more room for our Police Department,” stated Cox, who admitted details are still being worked out, but the offices in the back of the current police Department could be remodeled to include an emergency break area and a file room for both the Police Department and the city clerk’s office.

“In the near future we have a footprint that we want and we will get it designed and go out of bids and add to the Police Department,” said Cox. “And we will remodel the existing Police Department and make that our new Council Chambers.”

The city will purchase the land for $16,000, and forgive the land owner for fire department costs.

Tom Robinson

May 13, 2013

Noon

(ATLANTIC) The Atlantic Beautification Team is set to plant the Atlantic City Park and Downtown flower beds Thursday, May 16th at 4 p.m. with the help of their new Adopt-A-Bed Partners and many additional volunteers.

Partners are responsible for ongoing maintenance; however additional help planting on May 16th is still a need. Additional volunteers are encouraged to sign up to help with the planting as they have in the past by contacting the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce at 712.243.3017 or emailing chamber@atlanticiowa.com. A change, however, is that volunteers will be assigned a bed to plant and need to sign up in advance to find out the location for planting night.

Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own shovels, gloves, rakes and any other equipment they like to plant with.

Mandy Billings

05/13/2013

(RED OAK) A Red Oak man was arrested on drug charges Saturday night.

The Red Oak Police Department says Kurtis Jay Davidson faces charges of possession with intent to deliver, gathering where controlled substances are used and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Davidson was also arrested on Montgomery County warrants. He was held on $50,000.

05/13/2013

(CORNING) The Adams County Sheriff’s Office reports the arrest of Jackie Trichell of Corning for Operating While Intoxicated, first offense. Trichell was arrested following a traffic stop on Saturday and transported to the Adams County Jail.

Mandy Billings

05/13/2013

(Audubon) The Audubon Police Department released their report over the weekend.

According to the press release, 20-year-old Aaron Michael Tesdal, was taken into custody on May 3 by Audubon Police after he had escaped from the Ottumwa Correctional Facility. He was held at the Audubon County Jail and later released to the Oakdale Department of Corrections.

Police arrested 20-year-old Dalton Levi Jacobsen on May 5 and charged him with simple assault. The incident stems from an investigation of an incident that happened on February 18. Jacobsen was cited and later released on a promise to appear.

An Audubon woman was arrested on a warrant for failure to appear. Seventy-four-year-old Billie Jean Rustvold was taken to the Audubon County Sheriff’s Office and held.

Tom Robinson

May 13, 2013

a.m. news

(Panora) Most districts will need to burn-off some snow-days before the end of the school year. Not an easy task, given “spring fever” among students and staff.

Panorama High School is trying a unique approach to “snow-days,” breaking students into teams and having them come up with a community initiative.

“What we want is something that the students can take the idea and say hey, this is something that I really care about and want to do in my community,” stated Science teacher Kent Muyskens.

He says  they’re calling it apprentice week, and they’re asking experts to offer advice about everything from grant writing to public relations.

Each proposal will then be judged, and then launched with the idea that it will continue year-after-year, for the good of the community.

Panorama High school is located in the Guthrie County Community of Panora, about 40-miles west of West Des Moines.

Iowa Radio Network

May 13, 2013

a.m. news