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Two charged in death of Estherville man

News

October 7th, 2021 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – Two teens have been charged with murder in the investigation of a body found Saturday along a roadway northeast of Estherville. Authorities executed simultaneous search warrants early Wednesday morning at homes in Rockwell City and Estherville which resulted in 19-year-old Connor Uhde and 18-year-old CeJay Van Der Wilt being arrested on first-degree murder charges. The victim was later identified as 20-year-old David McDowell of Estherville. The cause of death has not been released.

Uhde was taken to the Emmet County Jail and Van Der Wilt to Buena Vista County where both were held without bond.

Reynolds says people had better wake up to crisis at southern border

News

October 7th, 2021 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – Governor Kim Reynolds says her trip to Texas with nine other Republican governors has given her a better understanding of the escalating humanitarian and security crisis caused by illegal border crossings. Reynolds was in McAllen, Texas, when she spoke with Iowa reporters by phone Wednesday afternoon. “Wouldn’t it be nice if the president of the United States and the vice president of the United States took the time to come down to the border to see and to listen to the border patrol agents, to listen to the Texas law enforcement, to listen to the families — the owners of the property that butt up against the border and the safety issues that they’re dealing with?” Reynolds asked.

The ten governors are calling for a surge in federal agents along the border. “They need to dedicate federal resources to stop the human and drug trafficking that is taking place at the border,” Reynolds says. “…It is unbelievable what they’re seeing.” In July, Reynolds sent more than two dozen Iowa troopers to Texas and she’s not ruling out another deployment if the Republican governor of Texas again asks states for assistance at the border.

“The president has a constitutional responsibility to protect the border and to protect Americans and he is not doing that,” Reynolds says, “and so if he doesn’t step up and do what he needs to do, then you know we’re going to have to step up and do what we need to do.”

The governors are also calling on the Biden Administration be more transparent when migrants detained at the border are sent elsewhere. Reynolds says state officials were not notified when a flight carrying 19 unaccompanied girls landed at the Des Moines airport late one night in April. “They need to let governors know when they are sending illegals, migrants as well as unaccompanied children into our state because I become responsible for that,” Reynolds says. “My number one priority is to protect the health and safety of Iowans.”

Leaders of the Iowa Democratic Party’s Latinx Caucus called on Reynolds to welcome those seeking a new home. The Iowa Democratic Party’s chairman says the governor’s trip was a political stunt meant to detract from her own record. “No it’s not a political stunt. This is the real thing,” Reynolds told Iowa reporters. “Biden owns this. This is a self-inflicted crisis. He overturned all the politics that worked.”

Reynolds says fentanyl seizures have jumped dramatically in Texas and the illegal narcotic is being added to drugs like marijuana and opioid pills, leading to overdose deaths. “So if you think this is a political stunt, then people had better wake up because this is what’s coming across the border,” Reynolds said. “This is what’s coming into our states.”

The Republican Governors Public Policy Committee covered transportation costs for the group. The State of Iowa is paying about 500 dollars for lodging in Texas for Reynolds and her staff.

Harrison County man killed in eastern Iowa crash

News

October 7th, 2021 by Ric Hanson

(Grinnell, Iowa) – A 19-year-old man from Harrison County died Wednesday night during a rollover accident south of Grinnell, in Poweshiek County. According to the Iowa State Patrol, Bryce C. Hudnut, of Logan, was driving a 2016 Nissan Titan pickup, traveling south on Highway 146 at around 11:40-p.m., when the vehicle went out of control.

The truck rolled over and came to rest in the west ditch. Hudnut, who was not wearing a seat belt, died at the scene. The Patrol was assisted at the crash site by Deputies with the Poweshiek and Mahaska County Sheriff’s Departments, and Searsboro Fire/Rescue.

Atlantic City Council acts on fireworks & chickens and addresses vulgar yard signs

News

October 6th, 2021 by Ric Hanson

[Updated 10/7] (Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic City Council, Wednesday evening, approved a fireworks display contract, an exemption for chickens within the City limits, and an Order approving a 28-E (Cost sharing) Agreement with Cass County, for the rehabilitation of a bridge.

Following discussion with regard to a 2022 4th of July fireworks display, and presentation from two local men who wish to put on a fireworks show, the Council voted 5-to 2, to award a contract to Wild Wayne’s owner Jason O’Brien, contingent upon his getting ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) approval and passage of what’s called an “Igniter’s class,” which is coming up in a few weeks.

He has not yet received his license/permit. O’Brien has proposed having a 20-minute show for $10,000. Another local provider, Dan Vargason, had offered to conduct a 20- to 40-minute show for $8,800. Vargason also sells fireworks locally.

Vargason is also awaiting approval from ATF approval, which typically takes about 90 days once the application is filed. Both shows would use an electronic firing system. On a side note, the Council approved Wild Wayne’s shooting off fireworks whenever there is a touchdown by the Atlantic Trojans, during their homecoming game Friday night, against Knoxville.

The Council considered, and approved by a vote of 5 to 2, a request for an exemption to allow chickens within City Limits. Brad and Sara Strouth live at 1609 E. 22nd Street. The couple has eight laying hens on their 2.35-acres of land just south of East Ridge Park.  The City’s Code Enforcement Officer, Kris Erickson, said she had received two complaints from neighbors, but the complaints were with regard to the chickens being in violation of City Code, not because of an odor. A clause in the Ordinance does allow for the Council to use its discretion in granting exemptions. If someone wishes to have those types of animals in the City, they must show her proof of the Council’s approval, such as a permit.

The two councilmen who opposed the exemption, Dick Casady and Gerald Brink, both stated they were against it because the Ordinance already prohibits chickens and other farm animals inside the city. Council woman Grace Garrett said the decision to allow or disallow, should be on a case-by-case basis.

Brink said the Ordinance is clear, but it should have been amended long ago.

In other business, the Atlantic City Council approved an Order to close certain streets on Friday, Oct. 8th, between 2:15-p.m. and 3:30-p.m., for the Homecoming Parade. The parade line’s-up and begins at 10th and Linn. From there it proceeds west to Chestnut Street, then north to 3rd Street. The participants will then proceed east to Walnut, and south to 6th Street before the event concludes.

And, in his report to the Council, City Administrator John Lund addressed complaints the City has received with regard to vulgar political signs on private property. He said the under the First Amendment, the City cannot legally order such signs to be removed, but it can strongly suggest it or ask the signs be re-worded to be less offensive. Kris Erickson said she approached the property owner(s) in question, and asked them to consider removing their sign(s), but they refused. The only way signs can legally be removed from private property, according to Lund, is if it incites violence against a person (especially a government official), or if it is deemed to be pornographic.

Dick Casady alluded to possible future consequences persons with vulgar signs may face…

DOT opens up online CDL renewal

News

October 6th, 2021 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – The Department of Transportation has opened up the online renewal process for commercial driver’s licenses. The Transportation Commission approved new rules to allow the online renewal option for all C-D-L holders at its meeting in September — after lawmakers approved the change. Other drivers have been able to renew their licenses online for several years.

The one exception to the online C-D-L renewals are those with a hazardous materials endorsement — as they are required to take a test each time they renew. Drivers moving from a commercial learner’s permit to a C-D-L also cannot do so online. More information is available on the D-O-T’s website.

Second proposed plan for Iowa redistricting to be unveiled Oct. 21

News

October 6th, 2021 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – The Iowa Legislature could be able to vote on a second plan for reconfiguring the boundaries of Iowa congressional and legislative districts in late October. On Tuesday, the 32 Republicans in the Iowa Senate voted down the first plan for redrawing district lines for 150 state House and Senate seats and for Iowa’s four congressional districts. The non-partisan Legislative Services Agency has notified lawmakers it will deliver Plan 2 for redistricting on October 21st.

That’s more than two weeks earlier than the deadline established in Iowa law. Public hearings are required before the Iowa legislature can vote on the plan. October 28th would be the earliest date lawmakers could return to Des Moines for a special session to vote on the second set of proposed district maps.

Harlan Police report, 10/6/21

News

October 6th, 2021 by Ric Hanson

Officials with the Harlan Police Department report two arrests took place last week. On Sept. 30th, 28-year-old Brian Marcus Deandre Currie, of Harlan, was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance. He was taken into custody following a traffic stop.

63-year-old Randy Lee Sorensen, of Irwin, was cited Sept. 29tyh, for Driving While Suspended.

And, 33-year-old Jeremy Steven Mannion, of Logan, was charged with Criminal Mischief in the 3rd Degree, as well as Theft in the 5th Degree.

2 from Minnesota injured in Pott. County crash

News

October 6th, 2021 by Ric Hanson

(Minden, Iowa) – Two people were injured during an accident Wednesday morning on Interstate 80 in Pottawattamie County. According to the Iowa State Patrol, the collision happened at around 11:08-a.m. on I-80 eastbound, near the Minden Exit.

Officials say a 2009 Freightliner semi driven by 47-year-old Ramone Worthy, of Fremont, NE, failed to move over for a stationary utility vehicle in the right lane, before it failed to stop in an assured clear distance. The semi struck an attenuator trailer being pulled by a 2021 Chevy truck, driven by 18-year-old Keeton Pfaffenberger, of Holdingford, MN.

The pickup struck 36-year-old Travis Juno, of St. Cloud, MN, who was outside of the pickup at the time. Following the collision, the semi came to rest in the traveled portion of I-80 eastbound, blocking both lanes of travel. The pickup came to rest in the right lane.

Juno and Pfaffenberger were both transported by Minden  and Neola Rescue, respectively, to Mercy Hospital in Council Bluffs.

Temporary closure of U.S. 34 west of Red Oak scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 7

News

October 6th, 2021 by Ric Hanson

CRESTON, Iowa – Oct. 6, 2021 – A project to repair the bridge deck of the U.S. 34 bridge over the East Nishnabotna River west of Red Oak requires closing the roadway to traffic between Montgomery County Road M-37 and Iowa 48 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 7, weather permitting, according to the Iowa Department of Transportation’s Creston construction office.

Motorists will be detoured around the work zone using G Avenue, 200th Street, Iowa 48, and U.S. 34.

The Iowa DOT reminds motorists to drive with caution, obey the posted speed limit and other signs in the work area, and be aware that traffic fines for moving violations are at least double in work zones. As in all work zones, drivers should stay alert, allow ample space between vehicles, and wear seat belts.

Ernst says her bill would modernize immigration law, make it clear sexual predators are barred

News

October 6th, 2021 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – Senator Joni Ernst is the lead sponsor of legislation that would make it clear immigrants and refugees seeking asylum should be barred from entering the United States if they have been convicted of a serious sex crime.  “Right now, the current laws on the books don’t effectively target those who have been convicted of sexual assault and sexual violence,” Ernst says. “We desperately need to update these laws to make sure we block sexual predators from immigrating to the U.S.”

Under current federal immigration law, those seeking entry into the U.S. may be barred or deported if they have been convicted of an aggravated felony or deviant behavior in another country. Ernst suggests federal law should be more specific.  “This is a common sense, urgently needed solution to modernize our immigration policies and combat sexual violence and those seeking to exploit our law,” Ernst says.

Eleven Republican Senators are co-sponsoring the bill, including Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley. Ernst says there’s no hard data about how many foreign nationals with a sex crime conviction may have been admitted into the United States. “We need to make sure that we’re not allowing unvetted people into the United States,” Ernst said, “especially those that have been charged and convicted of a sexual offense.”

The U.S. Border Patrol recently announced it had arrested a Guatemalan man in Texas, near the Mexican border, who had been convicted a dozen years ago of a felony sex crime in Buena Vista County, Iowa. The agency said the man had been properly processed, but it’s unclear if that means the man was held in U.S. custody or deported.