(UPDATED) (Radio Iowa) – Authorities are investigating threatening messages directed at Iowa Democratic Party chairman Ross Wilburn after The Des Moines Register published an editorial from Wilburn that criticized former President Trump. Wilburn says he received two threatening voice mail messages and an email with racist language that referred to his editorial. Wilburn, who is black, says the first voice mail message referred to lynching.

“Unfortunately, these types of threats are not uncommon for myself or other people of color serving in public roles,” Wilburn says. Wilburn, the former mayor of Iowa City and a current state representative, says it seems as if over the past few years there’s been an increase in the intensity of comments meant to intimidate public officials.  “I don’t want to see it become the norm, but it’s trending that way,” Wilburn says, “so that makes me sad to see that happen.” Wilburn says he’s experienced a range of emotions, including anger and exhaustion, as well as a sense of numbness over these recent threats.

“More people need to come forward and say: ‘This is not o.k. This is not our community. We don’t want to see this,'” Wilburn says. Wilburn intends to press charges if investigators find those responsible. Wilburn says made his report to police, in part, to encourage other public officials — like school board members — who’ve been threatened with violence to do the same. “Look at what’s going on at some of the public meetings that are going on and ask yourself: ‘Is that o.k.?’ And I don’t think it is,” Wilburn says. “I’m encouraging other to step forward and say: ‘It’s not o.k.'”

Iowa Republican Party chairman Jeff Kaufmann says he strongly condemns the racist threats made toward Wilburn and he hopes those responsible are held accountable. Kaufmann says Iowans can have a spirited debate about issues and candidates without threats of violence. This spring, a permanent security fence was installed around the governor’s mansion in Des Moines after what the Iowa Department of Public Safety described as repeated threats against Governor Kim Reynolds. In September, the U-S Capitol Police reported threats against federal lawmakers have doubled since last year.

(Glenwood, Iowa) – Officials with the Glenwood Police Department, Tuesday (today), report two arrests. 51-year-old Steven Gilbert, of Pacific Junction, was arrested Tuesday morning for OWI/1st Offense. And, on Monday, 28-year-old Joshua Miller, of Omaha, was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance. Bond for both men was set at $1,000 each.

(Radio Iowa) – Authorities are investigating a three-vehicle accident that killed two men and injured a third person in northeast Iowa’s Buchanan County Monday afternoon. Officials say 40-year-old Nicolas Johnson of Oelwein and 70-year-old John Friend of Davenport died in the head-on crash on Iowa Highway 150 near Hazleton. The Iowa State Patrol says Johnson’s vehicle crossed the centerline and collided with Friend’s vehicle, killing the two drivers.

Another person was airlifted to University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City to be treated for undisclosed injuries. Authorities say the third vehicle involved in the accident was hit by flying debris when the other vehicles slammed into each other. The crash happened around 3 PM.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – A Corporate Loss Specialist for EMC Insurance, Tuesday morning, released information to the Atlantic School Board, with regard to the cost estimate to renovate the Atlantic Middle School. The building sustained roof and extensive interior damage during a fire that began on the roof on July 27th. The incident forced the District to close the building for the entire school year and relocated staff, students and the District Office to other sites in Atlantic.

(File photo) AMS damage during July 2021 fire

Scott Signor said during the meeting that cleaning and reconstruction costs will amount to between $5.5 and 6 million dollars. Atlantic Middle School Principal Josh Rasmussen surveyed the teaching staff, and 76-percent would like carpet replaced in the damaged classrooms, and 23.2 percent would like hardwood flooring. Repair of the roof will begin this week.
On the plus side of the disaster, officials with the Middle School Gymnasium will be available for basketball practices this winter.

Here’s a summary of current information with regard to the Middle School:

Flooring that needs to be replaced….
● Rooms 314, 315, and 316 were carpeted with a plywood base.
● Room 301 (small area of hardwood flooring), 101, and 110 are concrete floors with
carpet.
● Room 103 (band room) and connecting office were carpeted with hardwood under the
carpet. Also, terzo was covered with carpet.
● The Media center, Central office, and Middle School office all have hardwood floors with
carpet covering.
● All other destroyed floors were hardwood.
● Four classrooms, one gym, and two office floors were not damaged.
Wood flooring
● If decided fast would be available.
● Wood of the width in our building is unavailable – placement wood would be a little wider.
Carpet
● Would replace it with carpet squares.
● Interior Touch indicated a turnaround time of three and six weeks.
Other items to consider.
● Add drop down ceilings to all classrooms.
● Change the Central office to a classroom. Central office staff would remain at their
current location.
● Possible LED …To be determined (TBD)
● Possible Security entrance (TBD)

(Glenwood, Iowa) – A man from Glenwood was arrested early this (Tuesday) morning, following a traffic stop. The Mills County Sheriff’s Office reports 24-year-old Dylan Seth Harris was arrested at around 6:30-a.m., for Driving While Revoked, and Operating a vehicle with the Interlock device. His bond was set at $1,300.

With Ric Hanson.

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(By Megan Brown, Navy Office of Community Outreach)

COLUMBIA, S.C. – A Kimballton, Iowa, native volunteered at a local food bank to give back to the community during Columbia Navy Week Oct. 18 – Oct. 24. Lt. j.g. Taylor Petersen is a 2010 Atlantic High School graduate. Today, Petersen serves aboard USS James E. Williams.  Williams is the namesake of Chief Petty Officer James Elliott Williams, one of the Navy’s most highly decorated enlisted sailors. Through his 20 years of service, Williams earned 18 awards including the Medal of Honor and Purple Heart (with two gold stars). Williams was born in Fort Mill, South Carolina. “We have an awesome namesake for our ship,” said Petersen. “James E. Williams was a hero and it is an honor to represent this command.”

The Harvest Hope Food Bank’s mission is to eliminate hunger and food insecurity for South Carolina residents. 13 sailors volunteered during this event which resulted in 434 boxes being packed with non-perishable food items such as pasta, green beans and crackers. The boxes will feed 434 families in need. “In order to fulfill our mission, we need volunteers, volunteers like the sailors, that will help us,” said Sarah Gibson, the Agency Relations Coordinator for Harvest Hope Food Bank. “Without the volunteer labor hours, saving us money and time, we wouldn’t be able to meet as much of a need.”

Lt. j.g. Taylor Petersen (Photo courtesy NOCO)

Columbia Navy Week will have approximately 75 events designed to bring American’s closer to their Navy.  Some of the featured events throughout Columbia Navy Week include live band performances, educational demonstrations, an enlistment ceremony and much more. “Navy weeks are important to be able to interact with local communities and give them a better picture of who we are and what we do,” said Petersen.

As a member of the U.S. Navy, Petersen, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance. Their efforts will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations of sailors who will follow. “Serving in the Navy means putting the country first and yourself last,” added Petersen.

(Creston, Iowa) – Officials with the Creston Police Department report the arrest at around 5:30-p.m., Monday, of 41-year old Chad Michael Mastin.  The Creston man was arrested at the Moonlight Motel on two outside agency warrants. Mastin was being held in the Union County Jail on a $25,000 cash or surety bond.

Area News from Ric Hanson.

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(Newton, Iowa) – An anticipated round of layoffs in Newton is now official. KCCI reports a posting from Iowa Workforce Development’s Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act website shows TPI Composites will lay off 710 employees.

Iowa law requires companies to disclose mass layoffs or plant closures to the state within 60 days. In September, the city of Newton announced the facility could be suspending production at the facility later this year. The city of Newton announced Thursday that TPI Composites will possibly be suspending production at the facility later this year.

The company was founded in 1963 and has been producing wind blades since 2001. The city said the Newton plant employs about 800 people.