(Red Oak, Iowa) – Police in Red Oak say both drivers were at fault, but no citations were issued, following a collision Saturday evening, during which their were no injuries. Authorities say at around 5:45-p.m., a 2013 Dodge Challenger driven by 46-year-old Michael Shane Sunny Cantrell, of Red Oak, was backing out of a parking area at in the 300 block of Reed Street, when it struck a 2015 Chevy pickup driven by 19-year-old Chase Lee Roeder, of Red Oak. Roeder was also backing out of a parking area, on the east side of Roeder Street at the same time, when the vehicles collided.

Damage from the mishap amounted to $4,500 altogether. Both drivers, police said, were “Starting or backing improperly.”

(Radio Iowa) – This morning’s (Monday) commute was a lot faster for some northeast Iowans. The Black Hawk Bridge over the Mississippi River at Lansing reopened over the weekend, connecting Lansing with Crawford County, Wisconsin. The bridge had to be closed in late February after two piers shifted, causing the bridge to buckle. The piers were replaced with steel pipe pilings that reach down more than a hundred feet into bedrock, compared to the old pilings that went down about 40 feet.

With the bridge’s reopening, the temporary water taxi and shuttle services are being shut down.

DES MOINES – Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has released a video message announcing a proclamation in celebration of Iowa Hawkeyes Women’s Basketball historic 2023-2024 season. The proclamation declares today, April 22, 2024, as Iowa Hawkeyes Women’s Basketball Appreciation Day in Iowa.

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds

(Transcript below):

Her message said “The Iowa women’s basketball team made dreams come true this season. From sold-out arenas and record viewership to continuing their reign as Big 10 Champions, returning to the NCAA tournament. And earning a place in the national title game for the second consecutive year.  They captivated fans nationwide, from lifelong Hawkeyes to Hollywood celebrities. Their star power was undeniable and they demonstrated the very best of our state in every way.   

I want to congratulate and thank coaches Lisa Bluder, Jan Jensen, the entire coaching and support staff. And, of course, the team. Caitlin, Kate, Gabbie, Hannah, Molly, Taylor, Sydney, Kylie, Kennise, Jayda, AJ, Ava, Sharon, and Addison, you transformed women’s basketball and inspired young girls and boys to dream big, work hard, and believe that they can do anything. Most importantly, you showed all of us what a true champion is.   

In appreciation of all you’ve accomplished and everything you represent, it’s my privilege to declare today, Monday, April 22nd Iowa Women’s Basketball Appreciation Day.   

Congratulations to the Hawkeye women and coaches on an incredible season.  We are so proud of you.”

DES MOINES, Iowa —[KCCI]  New royalty was crowned in Des Moines on Sunday afternoon. The 45th ‘Beautiful Bulldog’ was crowned at Drake University. An English bulldog named Pumpkin took the crown at the pageant at the Knapp Center. She very gracefully took her throne during the festivities. The event, part of the festivities during Drake Relays week, saw Pumpkin donning a royal red cape trimmed in a white edging with black polka dots and pearls.

As the winner, Pumpkin traded her red cape for a blue one and a crown.

Pumpkin, who hails from Oakland, and is owned by Shawna Anderson, will serve a year-long reign as the Drake Relays mascot and the Most Beautiful Bulldog.

(Creston, Iowa) – The Creston Police Department reports a total of six arrests occurred over the weekend. Two of the arrests took place Saturday morning:

At around 1:54-a.m., 33-year-old Ryan Lee Loy, of Murray, was arrested at the Creston Union County LEC. Loy was charged with OWI 2nd Offense. He was taken to the Union County Jail and later released on a $2,000 bond. And, at around 9:10-a.m, Saturday, Creston Police arrested 31-year-old Nicolas Andrew Klontz, of Creston. He was taken into custody in the 500 Block New York Avenue, on a charge of Child Endangerment-Multiple Acts/Serious Injury. Klonz was taken to the Union County Jail and later released on a $2,000 cash or surety bond.

Early Sunday morning, 38-year-old Brandon Morrison, of Greenfield, was arrested at 102 W. Taylor Street in Creston, for OWI/3rd Offense. Morrison was taken to the Union County Jail and later released on $ 5,000 cash or surety bond. Sunday afternoon, 60-year-old Nickie Rae Stovie, of Creston, was arrested at the Creston Union County LEC. Stovie was charged with Harassment/3rd Degree-Personal Contact, Possession of a Controlled Substance 1st Offense, Unlawful Possession of Prescription Drug, and Disorderly Conduct-Loud Raucous Noise. She was taken to the Union County Jail and later transported to the Adams County Jail, where her bond was set at $2,600.

Sunday evening, 60-year-old Kevin Lee Campbell, of Kellerton, and 41-year-old Lucinda Denenne Jones, of Creston, were arrested Jones’ residence in the 100 block of  Manor Drive in Creston. Both were charged with Domestic Abuse Assault/1st Offense – causing bodily injury. Campbell was being held without bond in the Union County Jail.  Jones was taken to the Union County Jail and then transferred to the Adams County Jail where she was being held without bond.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Cass County Board of Supervisors will hold two public hearings during a special session that begin at 9-a.m. Tuesday, April 23rd, in their Board Room inside the Cass County Courthouse, in Atlantic. The hearings are with regard to the proposed FY 2024/25 County Budget, and the proposed vacating of Chicago Road, west of 770th Street (North of Anita/south of I-80). The hearings will be followed by action on resolutions approving the respective agenda items, and Certification of Taxes.

The Board will also act on a Resolution setting the Compensation Schedule for Elected Officials in the Fiscal Year 2025.

(Red Oak, Iowa) – The Board of Supervisors in Montgomery County, Tuesday morning, will hold public hearings on a proposed FY23/24 Montgomery County Budget Amendment, and the proposed FY24/25 County Budget. The hearings begin at 8:45-a.m. and 9-a.m., respectively, in the Supervisor’s Board Room inside the Montgomery County Courthouse, in Red Oak, and will be followed by action on passing resolutions for the budget amendment and budget.

Later in the meeting, the Board will set the date and time for a public hearing on vacating an unimproved alley located between East Depot and Wayne Streets, in the unincorporated Town of Stennett.

See the full agenda here: AGENDA 4-23-2024 Regular

(Griswold, Iowa) – The Griswold Community School District’s Board of Education will meet in special session today (Monday, April 22) at 3:30-p.m., for the purposes of conducting interviews for the position of MS/HS Principal. The meeting agenda follows:

AGENDA

1. Call Meeting To Order

• Roll Call

• Reading Of The Mission Statement

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Griswold Community School District, in partnership with our families and communities, is to provide leadership for positive change to ensure the best learning opportunities for everyone in a safe and caring environment.

2. Approval Of Agenda (D.R.)

3. Public Input

4. Consider entering into closed session under Iowa Code 21.5(1)i, for the purpose of

evaluating the professional competency of an individual whose appointment, hiring,

performance or discharge is being considered when necessary to prevent needless and

irreparable injury to that individual’s reputation and that individual requests a closed

session. (D.R.)

• Note….A separate closed session will be used for each candidate.

5. Adjourn

(D.R.) = Decision Required

(I.) = Informational

(Iowa News Service) – A new report from the National Wildlife Federation warns that the effects of climate change in the Quad Cities, along the Iowa-Illinois border, will be severe. But researchers got the public involved in studying to find ways to head off some of the most pressing concerns. The report says climate change means a warmer, wetter future for the Quad Cities, which straddle the Mississippi River in Iowa and Illinois. But rather than repeat what experts have already been saying about drastic flooding along the Big Muddy, Prairie Rivers Network River Health and Resiliency Organizer Nina Struss said researchers and Quad Cities residents brainstormed solutions to tackle the effects of climate change.

“Flooding and flash flooding were the top concerns,” said Struss. “Extreme heat was also a big concern, as well as drought and other extreme weather events.” Researchers combined that information with hard science at the University of Illinois to create 3D models depicting what climate-induced flooding along the Mississippi could look like in the future. The survey also asked people to identify which geographical areas and populations are most at risk from the effects of climate change, and worked with the community on solutions to mitigate some of them.

Struss said this research proposes what are known as nature-based solutions to combat the effects of climate change – restoring, preserving and even expanding existing ecosystems, like wetlands and tree canopies. But creating more eco-friendly infrastructure, too. “Can we work to maybe have our pavements that we’re putting in be more permeable, so that they can absorb that water and have that higher water-holding capacity?” said Struss. “Can we focus on areas to plant more native plants that have stronger root systems, versus ones that have shorter root systems, to help with that water-holding capacity?”

Struss said this research isn’t a one-off. It will continue to change, she said, as the climate changes, the needs become more clear, and the effects more drastic. She said progress in addressing climate change relies on more research, education and funding.

ODEBOLT, Iowa (KTIV) – One person was arrested after a pursuit in Northwest Iowa late last week, ended in a crash. The Sac County Sheriff’s Office says 39-year-old Ryan Miller is charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, eluding, reckless driving and operating while under the influence.

Miller’s charges stem from a pursuit that started at around 11-p.m. Thursday, April 18 in Sac County, after deputies responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle parked in an area just northeast of Odebolt. The sheriff’s office says this vehicle had been previously seen in front of residences in Odebolt.

When Sac County Deputies arrived, they saw a vehicle leaving the area and heading south towards Highway 175. The sheriff’s office says the vehicle increased speed and eventually went into Odebolt. Once in the town, the vehicle was seen driving at a high rate of speed and doing evasive driving patterns.

A pursuit began in Odebolt and continued for about five minutes through alleys and front yards.

The pursuit ended after the fleeing vehicle collided with a tree in Odebolt. The driver, later identified as Miller, fled the crash on foot. Sac County Deputies and a K9 continued to pursue Miller, who was later taken into custody.