ONAWA, Iowa (AP) – A fourth-grade teacher in western Iowa facing misdemeanor charges, accused of possessing marijuana, methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, will appear in court later this month for an arraignment hearing. 43-year-old Karen Kay Bartelson, of Blencoe, was taken into custody west of Onawa, July 21st, after authorities found her with meth hidden inside an artificial sweetener packet, tucked in her purse.  Marijuana and drug paraphernalia were also allegedly found to be in her possession. She’s plead not guilty to the charges.

Bartelson is scheduled to appear in a Monona County courtroom for her arraignment, on August 20th.  The West Monona Community School District website lists Bartelson as a teacher at Central Elementary School. District Superintendent Lyle Schwartz said Tuesday that Bartelson is on administrative leave. He would not comment further. Bartelson’s attorney has not returned calls from the Associated Press, seeking comment, and a phone listed for Bartelson is no longer in service.