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Services for Sac County trucker to be held in May

News

April 28th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

SAC COUNTY, IOWA [WHO-TV] — Funeral services will be held next month for a Sac County man whose body was found in a farm field this week not far from where he his abandoned tractor-trailer was located last November. A visitation for David Schultz will be held on May 10th at Lakeview High School. His funeral will be held the next day at the school.

Schultz was due to deliver a load of hogs to a confinement on November 21, 2023 but never arrived at his location. His truck with a fully-loaded trailer was found parked in the travel lane of a rural road the next day. His phone and wallet were still in the truck and his jacket was lying nearby. Authorities and volunteers searched hundreds of miles on the ground and from the air in the weeks after his disappearance, but found no trace of him.

Then, on Monday, a farmer who reported finding human remains in his field around a mile away from where Schultz’s truck was found. Authorities identified the remains the next day. Authorities say there were no signs of trauma to his body and they don’t suspect foul play in his death. An autopsy will be performed, including toxicology reports.

Schultz’s wife, Sarah, said at a press conference this week that she believes there was foul play involved in David’s death. The family is waiting on autopsy results as they consider other investigative options.

Schultz was 53 at the time of his disappearance.

Posted in News |

2 fatal crashes in northern IA over the weekend

News

April 28th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Delaware & Cerro Gordo Counties) – The Iowa State Patrol reports two people died and two others were injured in separate crashes over the past couple of days. One person was killed and two others were injured in a Delaware County crash Friday afternoon. The Patrol says a Polaris Ranger UTV was traveling southbound on 190th Ave in Rural Ryan around 2:30-p.m., when the operator of the machine, 39-year-old Kyle James Kelchen, of Manchester, failed to stop at a stop sign. The vehicle was then struck by a pick-up truck that was traveling eastbound on 310th Street. Both vehicles came to rest in a ditch. Kelchen died at the scene.

The driver of the pickup, 67-year-old Gerald John Beitz, and his passenger, 65-year-old Susan Eileen Beitz, both of Monticello, were injured but did not require transport to the hospital. Both were wearing their seat belts. The crash remains under investigation.

Late Saturday night, a wrong-way driver on Interstate 35 in Cerro Gordo County, died when the 2008 Chevy Cobalt he was driving, collided with a 2015 Freightliner semi. The driver of the car was identified as 40-year-old Glen Evan Hemming, of Mason City. The accident happened as the car was traveling northbound in the southbound lanes of traffic at around 11:20-p.m., near mile marker 194. The Patrol says the driver of the semi – a man from Burnsville, MN – was not injured. The crash remains under investigation.

Posted in News |

Red Oak man arrested Sunday morning on a felony warrant

News

April 28th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Red Oak, Iowa) – Police in Red Oak report a man was arrested early Sunday morning (April 28), on a Felony warrant. 28-year-old Dylan Elwood Taylor, of Red Oak, was arrested on a valid Montgomery County warrant for Theft in the 2nd Degree – a Class D Felony. Taylor was being held in the Montgomery County Jail on a $5,000 bond.

Posted in News |

[Updated 4/28/24] Storm damage & event assessments underway; Union County tornadoes rated EF-2

News, Weather

April 28th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

Pottawattamie County, Iowa– A state of emergency remains in effect for Pottawattamie County and in the City of Minden, following severe weather that occurred on Friday, April 26th, when several confirmed tornado activity in the areas. Affected areas include western portions of Council Bluffs, northeast of Crescent, east of McClelland, southwest of Treynor, and the city of Minden. In total, the NWS Omaha issued 42 tornado warnings for its coverage area, which includes parts of western Iowa.

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds issued a proclamation of disaster emergency for Pottawattamie County Friday night. Officials think about half the town of Minden – with a population of about 600 – was destroyed. Four storm-related injuries have been reported. Three individuals were treated and released, while one remains hospitalized in stable condition. Saturday morning, the city opened for residents to be able to start their cleanup and recovery.

“We signed a disaster proclamation last night, which opened up state resources and individual assistance for the community,” Reynolds said Saturday. She said emergency responders are on the ground and were working to remove debris. She said “then we’ll just assess what we need to do next, what next steps are.”

Minden’s mayor broke down in tears at one point during the governor’s tour of the damage. The Mayor sustained damage to his home and business in 1976 and now in 2024. Community members are hopeful that they will recover. A curfew of 10-p.m. until 6-a.m. remains in until further notice for the City of Minden.

Preliminary information indicates varying degrees of damage to approximately 120 homes and businesses in Pottawattamie County. American Red Cross established two shelters in the county that were not needed as displaced residents were able to arrange overnight accommodations, according to the Pott. County EMA.

The most concentrated damage from these weather events occurred in Minden. Gas and power utilities services have been disrupted, and access to the city of Minden has been closed to outside traffic. Due to the hazardous conditions, only residents of Minden will be granted access at this time.

Ongoing disaster information can be found on Emergency Management Agency website at https://pcema-ia.org. Community-specific information for Minden can be found on the City of Minden Facebook page, as well as the Tri-Center Community School District Facebook page. Damage to residential and business properties should be reported at the Emergency Management Agency website.

The NWS office in Des Moines says, based on preliminary reports, at least 10 tornadoes occurred in their central/southern Iowa warning area of responsibility. Damage to trees and homes has been reported in multiple counties from Crawford to Union and Ringgold up to around Polk and Jasper Counties. Teams continue to evaluate damage.

Twisters in the Creston and Afton areas were rated as EF-2’s, with with speeds estimated at between 125-130 mph, and were on the ground anywhere from 6-10 miles. They ranged from 150 to 350 yards wide. A tornado near Mount Ayr was rated an EF-1, with winds of up to 110-mph. It was on the ground for 26.5 miles, and was 300 yards wide.

Posted in News, Weather |

Skyscan Forecast for Atlantic & the Nishna Valley: Sunday, April 28, 2024

Weather

April 28th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

Today: Showers and thunderstorms. Some severe weather is possible this afternoon & evening. High near 69. East wind 10 to 15 mph becoming south southwest in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Tonight: A chance of showers and thunderstorms ending late. Low around 42. West winds 10-20 mph.New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Monday: Partly sunny, with a high near 65. West wind 15 to 25 mph mph.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 47.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny in the morning; Showers & or thunderstorms possible during the afternoon. Some severe storms are possible. High near 78.
Tuesday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely, otherwise partly cloudy, with a low around 47.
Wednesday: Partly sunny w/a chance of showers and thunderstorms,  especially during the afternoon. High near 71.

Saturday’s High in Atlantic was 63. Our Low this morning was 52. We received .32″ of rain in Atlantic Saturday. Last year on this date, the High in Atlantic was 62, and the Low was 34. The All-Time Record High on April 28th in Atlantic, was 94, in 1910. The Record Low was 26, in 1965. Sunrise: 6:21. Sunset: 8:14.

**Massena reports .3″ rain from 7-a.m. Saturday through 7-a.m. today**

Posted in Weather |

Southwest Iowa Emergency Relief Fund Will Assist Communities Impacted on April 26

News

April 27th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Council Bluffs, IA) – Our southwest Iowa communities, as well as our neighbors in eastern Nebraska, are coping with heartbreaking loss and destruction caused by a series of tornadoes and storms that tore through the region on Friday, April 26. Damage is so severe, that many impacted neighborhoods and communities are inaccessible at this time.

The Community Foundation for Western Iowa is here to support our southwest Iowa communities in gathering donations through the Southwest Iowa Emergency Relief Fund. Donations to the fund will support Iowa nonprofit partners, communities, disaster relief organizations, and public health organizations who are on the front line of disaster relief efforts.

To donate to the Southwest Iowa Emergency Relief Fund, visit: https://bit.ly/southwest-iowa-relief-fund. Additionally, SHARE Iowa – an initiative of the Community Foundation — is a resource to access information on how you can assist our communities through relief efforts. Many nonprofit organizations and individuals have started to arrange donation drives and volunteer opportunities in support of individuals and communities impacted by the tornadoes, and SHARE Iowa will update its resource website and Facebook page frequently as information is received: www.sharegoodiowa.org/tornado or
www.facebook.com/sharegoodiowa.

Community Foundations of SW IA

All relief items for the Minden and East Pottawattamie County communities can be taken to the Neola Area Community Center at 110 4th Street, Neola IA 51559. Relief items for the Crescent community can be taken to the Crescent fire barn at 102 W Florence Street, Crescent IA 51526 between noon and 3PM today.

Relief items that are needed include: blankets, warm clothing such as sweaters and sweatshirts, nonperishable food items, ice, water bottles, Gatorade, charging cables with multi-charge ports, cell phone charging cords and charging blocks, gauze, hand sanitizer, clementines or other easy bulk fruit, jugs of water, non-typical bandage sizes, pet food, baby formula, hygiene items, toiletry items, heavy trash bags, totes and boxes.

Posted in News |

Mail carrier finds a body in a Webster County ditch; 2 face murder charges

News

April 27th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Fort Dodge, Iowa) –  Officials with the Ft. Dodge Police Department report that at around 12:18-p.m., Friday (April 26, 2024), the Webster County Telecommunications Center received a call from a mail carrier on his route stating that he had possibly located a body in a ditch in the 2100 Mile of 280th St. Webster County Deputies were dispatched to the scene.
When Deputies arrived on scene, they located a deceased male who had an a apparent gunshot wound. The man was identified as 55‐year‐old Dennis R. Jones. of Fort Dodge. Investigators were called in and the scene was processed. As the investigation unfolded, it was determined that Mr. Jones had not been shot where he was located. As a part of the investigation, a search warrant was obtained and executed at 1440 2nd Ave S., in Fort Dodge.
As a result of this investigation to date, 2 offenders have been arrested on the following charges:
  • 26‐year‐old Alec R. Jones of Fort Dodge:  Murder in the First Degree (A Felony)
  • 21‐year‐old Nathan T. Jones of Fort Dodge: Aiding and Abetting Murder in the First Degree (A Felony)
As with all cases, both Alec Jones and Nathan Jones are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. At this time investigators are continuing to follow up on this incident. Anyone with information on this incident is encouraged to contact the Fort Dodge Police. Information may also be submitted anonymously via Crime Stoppers.
The Fort Dodge Police Department was assisted by the Webster County Sheriff’s Office, the Fort Dodge Fire Department, the Webster County Attorney’s Office, the Department of Natural Resources, the Webster County Coroner, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigations, the Special Emergency Response Team (SERT).

Posted in News |

Pottawattamie County Declares State of Emergency

News, Weather

April 27th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

Pottawattamie County, Iowa– On April 26 th , Pottawattamie County experienced severe weather, with confirmed
tornado activity in several areas. Affected areas include western portions of Council Bluffs, northeast of Crescent, east
of McClelland, southwest of Treynor, and the city of Minden.

The City of Minden has declared a state of emergency. Pottawattamie County has declared a state of emergency, and
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has issued a proclamation of disaster emergency for Pottawattamie County.

At the time of this release, four storm-related injuries have been reported. Three individuals were treated and
released, while one remains hospitalized in stable condition.

Preliminary information indicates varying degrees of damage to approximately 120 homes and businesses in Pottawattamie County. American Red Cross established two shelters in the county that were not needed as displaced residents were able to arrange overnight accommodations.

Photos of Minden, courtesy of Zach Ploen.

Pott. County EMA

The most concentrated damage from these weather events occurred in Minden. Gas and power utilities services have
been disrupted, and access to the city of Minden has been closed to outside traffic. A curfew has been issued for the
city of Minden between 10:00PM and 6:00AM and will remain in effect until further notice.

Beginning at 8:00AM on April 27 th , impacted residents seeking a return to Minden will be allowed admission. The
check-in location for admission will be at the Minden United Church of Christ at 106 Lincoln Street. Due to the
hazardous conditions, only residents of Minden will be granted access at this time. Officials are not currently seeking
outside volunteer assistance but will announce those opportunities in the coming days.

Ongoing disaster information can be found on Emergency Management Agency website at https://pcema-ia.org.
Community-specific information for Minden can be found on the City of Minden Facebook page, as well as the Tri-
Center Community School District Facebook page.

Damage to residential and business properties should be reported at the Emergency Management Agency website.

Posted in News, Weather |

Atlantic Trojans Boys Tennis season update with coach Mike McDermott

Sports

April 27th, 2024 by Seth Tiegs

The Atlantic Trojans boys tennis team is coming off a 7-2 Hawkeye 10 Conference regular season win over Red Oak on Thursday. The Trojans are currently 9-6 overall record and 8-5 conference record in the Hawkeye 10 Conference.

The Trojan boys tennis team has been playing well now three-fourths of the way through the season.

Coach McDermott commented on his top performers for the season.

The Trojans got a third place finish at the Atlantic invite.

The Trojans team has made strides throughout the year but coach McDermott wants to see the athletes improve rest of the year.

The Trojans boys next tennis matches will be the Hawkeye 10 Conference Tournament on Monday April 29th in Atlantic. That Tournament will start at 9:30 a.m.

Posted in Sports |

Hawkeyes Drop Series Opener to Huskers

Sports

April 27th, 2024 by Seth Tiegs

LINCOLN, Nebraska — The University of Iowa baseball team was defeated, 7-4, by Nebraska on Friday night at Hawks Field at Haymarket Park.

The Hawkeyes jumped out to an early lead plating three runs in the first inning. Nebraska responded by loading the bases in the third, but Iowa held them to one run.

“We did a good job of getting traffic early,” said head coach Rick Heller. “We got Sear’s pitch count up and got him out of the game in the fifth inning. We felt pretty good about things.”

The Hawkeyes plated a run in the fourth after three singles to extend their lead to 4-1. A Husker three-run home run in the fifth drew the game level, and it was all Nebraska the rest of the way.

Marcus Morgan started on the bump for Iowa. He threw 4 2/3 innings and allowed four runs on five hits, he struck out four and walked three.

“Marcus Morgan having to step up and bump up a day was good early,” said Heller. “He worked out of the jam in the third when he gave up one. But unfortunately, he couldn’t get out of the fifth. Gave up the  two-out, three-run homer to tie the game and after that our offense didn’t do much.”

Anthony Watts entered in relief and threw 2 1/3 innings and allowed two runs (one earned) on two hits and three walks, he struck out four.

Ben DeTaeye threw 2/3 of an inning and allowed a run, before Zach Voelker got the final out of the inning.

Three Hawkeyes had two hits in the contest: Andy Nelson, Sam Petersen, and Kyle Huckstorf. Raider Tello had an RBI triple and he and Davis Cop joined Petersen and Huckstorf as Hawks with an RBI.

“Just disappointing,” said Heller. “I mean, the effort was there, the energy was good. We played hard, but we made a couple errors. One was costly. We just didn’t play well enough to win and we still had too many free bases. We had three walks in the eighth inning of a tight ball game, that just can’t happen, I don’t think Nebraska had a free base after the fifth inning and that’s how it has to be done if you’re going to win.”

Nebraska had four two-out RBIs compared to Iowa’s one. The Huskers hit .400 with runners in scoring position compared to the Hawkeyes .267.

Posted in Sports |