DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — An influential Iowa Republican legislator says he opposes gun legislation that would allow authorities to take firearms away from people deemed a threat to themselves or others.

Sen. Jake Chapman said Thursday he will oppose efforts to pass so-called red flag legislation in Iowa despite national support for such a move by President Donald Trump and Iowa U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley. Congressional proposals would provide money to states to implement such laws.

Chapman, an assistant majority leader, says it violates the concept of innocent until proven guilty by forcing people who lose their gun rights to prove to a judge they’re competent. He says it would deny law-abiding gun owners due process rights.

The Iowa Legislature under Republican leadership has significantly loosened gun restrictions in recent years. Chapman says increased mental health care is a better answer but added sometimes there’s little government can do to stop someone intent on harming others.

INDEPENDENCE, Iowa (AP) — A northeastern Iowa man has been found guilty of torturing the family dog — an act prosecutors say he had videoed to make his children watch.

The Buchanan County Attorney’s Office says in a news release that a jury on Thursday convicted 42-year-old Jason O’Neil Johnson, of Independence, of animal torture. Prosecutors say Johnson held down the dog, named Daisy, in May and repeatedly beat her with a belt and closed fists for chewing on a pair of sunglasses Johnson had left out. Prosecutors say Johnson made his son record the beating to send to his other children as a warning of what happens when they failed to securely kennel Daisy.

Johnson faces up to two years in prison when he’s sentenced at a later date.

DES MOINES — A second consecutive month of below normal precipitation has about 36 percent of the state rated as abnormally dry, according to the latest Water Summary Update.  “It seems surprising that after the wet winter and spring that we would be thinking about drought conditions, but recent dryness has pushed parts of the state in that direction,” said Tim Hall, DNR’s coordinator of hydrology resources. “So far, streamflow and shallow groundwater are at normal levels, but we will continue to monitor those conditions.”

The data show two-thirds of Harrison County, all but the southeast corner of Pottawattamie County, the eastern half of Page County, nearly all of Taylor County, the northern half of Adair and Madison Counties, and most of Guthrie and Dallas Counties, to name a few, are abnormally dry.

July averaged 3.35 inches of rainfall around the state, which is 1.15 inches less than normal. June and July together were 2.3 inches below normal for rainfall. Despite this recent dry weather, the previous 12 months were the fourth wettest on record. Iowa temperatures averaged 75.1 degrees, or 1.5 degrees above normal, ranking this as the 51st warmest July. The month’s high temperature of 99 degrees was reported on July 19 in Little Sioux in Harrison County, which was 13 degrees above average for that date. Cresco in Howard County reported the month’s low temperature of 48 degrees on July 31, 11 degrees below average.

For a thorough review of Iowa’s water resource trends, go to www.iowadnr.gov/watersummaryupdate.

The report is prepared by technical staff from Iowa DNR, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, IIHR—Hydroscience and Engineering, and the U.S. Geological Survey, in collaboration with Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Department.

Authorities in northeast Iowa say one person is dead as a result of a plane crash in the northeast Iowa town of Sumner. KWWL-TV reports investigators say the crash happened this morning along Main Street outside a local convenience store. The pilot clipped a number of power lines on his way down. The crop duster didn’t crash into any buildings, though. Officials say nearby residents also reported seeing a large fireball after the plane hit the ground. Investigators are currently are on the scene and additional information is expected to be released as soon as it becomes available.

(KCRG-TV/Radio Iowa) — Cedar Rapids began using its automated traffic cameras on Interstate 380 again on July 1st after a two-year shutdown. The city has since found errors in some of the nearly 6,000 citations sent out in the first four days of operation Cedar Rapids city administrators said tickets would only be issued for drivers going more than 66 miles an hour — but Doug Wolcott told K-C-R-G T-V-9 he got a ticket even though he was under the level set. “I couldn’t believe it,” Wolcott says.

Wolcott says the ticket showed he was going 60 in the 55 zone and was he was surprised the ticket was even sent out. “I got to looking at it and it was only five over — I didn’t think that was the case,” Wolcott says. Cedar Rapids Police Chief Wayne Jerman told K-C-R-G T-V-9 that Wolcott was one of 12 drivers who got tickets but shouldn’t have. Chief Jerman says all of the data goes to the camera vendor, Gatso, for processing and is then sent to the Cedar Rapids Police Department. An officer then makes a decision to send out a citation. “When you have the human element mistakes can be made,” Jerman says.

Chief Jerman said the 12 citations will be dismissed. “We strive for 100 percent — but if we don’t meet 100 percent we’re going to admit our mistake and take corrective action necessary,” according to Jerman. Cedar Rapids City Council member Ashley Vanorny says the ticketing process is not perfect and encouraged anyone with concerns to contact officials. “Regardless of whether someone is here as a commuter or they’re here as a resident, we need them to speak up. And we’ll continue to work on that process to make sure we’re holding up our end of the bargain,” Vanorny says.

Data for the rest of the month of July is still being processed. The city said there could potentially be more tickets issued by mistake and that anyone who receives a ticket they feel was wrongly issued should contact the police department.

Officials with the Council Bluffs Police Department today (Thursday) released more information about incidents that took place with regard to recent homicides and a pursuit, which culminated with an officer-involved shooting of the suspect. Police Chief Tim Carmody said that on Sunday, August 4th, at approximately 5:15-p.m, Council Bluffs Officers were dispatched to 2103 6th Ave. to investigate a suspicious death. Further investigation revealed that 52-year old Jerrot H. Clark was found deceased inside the residence. Clark appeared to have died as a result of homicidal violence – in this case a single gunshot.

On Wednesday, August 7th, 2019 at approximately 2:15-a.m., Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Deputy Ryan Olderog observed a green 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup stopped in the area of County Road L34 and Juniper Road, with its headlights off. The Deputy attempted to stop the Dodge for the minor traffic violation and suspicious activity. An occupant of the vehicle fired shots from the Ram at Deputy Olderog as it fled from him. Deputy Olderog lost sight of the Ram as it fled south on Juniper Rd.

At approximately 2:39-a.m. Wednesday, Council Bluffs Officers were in the area of Kanesville Blvd. and Railroad Ave. to assist Pottawattamie County Deputies in locating the suspects and vehicle mentioned above. Officers Colby McCord and Anthony Fletcher observed the Dodge Ram and attempted to stop it. The driver of the Dodge fled from both officers onto Indian Hills Rd. while the passenger again began firing shots at the officers. The Dodge Ram crashed in the 1400 block of Indian Hills Rd. with both occupants still inside. The male subject, later identified as 28-year old Troy E. Petersen, from Essex, Iowa and 44-year old April M. Montello-Roberts, of Shenandoah, Iowa were actively moving inside the vehicle.

Troy E. Petersen

Montello-Roberts

Officers actively worked to communicate with Petersen, who was holding a long black rifle, but he refused to surrender or release Montello-Roberts. At approximately 2:41-a.m., two minutes after the vehicle came to rest, Petersen indicated that he was holding Montello-Roberts hostage. Officer’s on-scene continued to negotiate with Petersen for the better part of almost two hours. During the negotiations with Petersen, officers were able to convince him to throw one gun out of the truck. At approximately 4:26-a.m., Petersen began pointing a firearm at Montello-Roberts’ head and became more agitated.

In an effort to save Montello-Roberts’s life a CBPD officer fired one shot through the windshield of the Dodge Ram. The shot incapacitated Petersen, allowing officers to move in and rescue Montello-Roberts. After removing her from the vehicle, Montello-Roberts was transported to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment of non-life threatening injuries. Once Montello-Petersen was safely removed, Petersen was examined by medics – they confirmed that he was dead.

At around 12:29-p.m. Wednesday, Pottawattamie County Deputies and Council Bluffs Police Officers were dispatched to 270 Yellow Pole Road to investigate a suspicious death. Upon entering and securing the scene deputies/officers discovered the resident, Steven P. Carlson, a 51 year old male, deceased inside his house. Further investigation revealed that Mr. Carlson died from homicidal violence – again gunshots.

None of the officers or deputies at the Indian Hills Rd. incident were aware that Petersen and Montello-Roberts were connected to the Clark homicide. Nor were they aware that Petersen and Montello-Roberts were involved in the Carlson homicide. It was only through yesterday’s case at 1400 Indian Hills Rd. and interviews, we were able to connect each of these cases. Ultimately, we learned that Petersen and Montello-Roberts entered 2103 6th Ave. with the intent to rob the victim, Mr. Clark, and ultimately killed him.

Evidence and information at this point indicates that Montello-Roberts was driving the fleeing Dodge Ram while Petersen fired shots at Deputy Olderog. During the short time that deputies and officers lost sight of Petersen and Montello-Roberts they killed Mr. Carlson and forced entry into his residence. Chief Carmody said “Unfortunately, we didn’t learn about that part of this tragedy until Mr. Carlson was discovered by family.”

Officers observed Petersen and Montello-Roberts shortly after they fled Mr. Carlson’s home. Again, they shot at officers; striking Officer McCord’s marked cruiser while attempting to get away. Carmody said “Even after they tried to kill Deputy Olderog and attempted to murder Officer McCord they chose not to surrender. Instead, Petersen took Montello-Roberts hostage while surrounded by over 20 officers and deputies. Even as officers attempted to negotiate Montello-Roberts’ release Petersen chose to place a rifle under her chin as if preparing to kill her. It was at that point that one of our CBPD Emergency Services Team (EST) members fired a single shot – saving Montello-Roberts life and ending the deadly force threat.”

The officer who fired the shot is a nine year veteran of our department and has been serving on our EST Team for 5 ½ years. Detectives and Crime Scene Investigators recovered evidence, including multiple loaded firearms, connected to the Clark and Carlson homicides and the attempted murders of the two law enforcement officers.

The Chief said “Initially we believed that Petersen was the driver of the Dodge Ram, but that does not appear to be the case. Our investigation later revealed that Montello-Roberts was the driver, as Petersen fired the shots out of the moving pickup.” Montello-Roberts was booked into the Pottawattamie County Jail on the following charges: Felony Murder – 2 counts; Attempted Murder – 2 counts; Robbery First Degree – 1 count; Burglary First Degree – 1 count.

As mentioned previously, this investigation is still on-going.

Clarinda Police Chief Keith Brothers reported at around 9-a.m. today (Thursday), that two, white male 16 year old students had absconded from the Clarinda Academy. Brothers says a perimeter was set up around a cornfield located southwest of the campus. The Clarinda K-9 unit of Reed and Raiko was deployed, as well as an Montgomery County EMA drone operated by EMA Coordinator Brian Hammon. Page County EMA Kris Grebert assisted at the scene as well.

As of 10:30-a.m., Brothers said authorities had suspended the search. He said also, “We have been unable to locate the students. We believe they have slipped our perimeter.”

Region 17 Table Setting Contest: Region 17 Table Setting Contest was held Thursday, August 1 at 4:00pm the Council Bluffs Public Library in Council Bluffs, Iowa.  The Region 17 Table Setting Contest is an event bringing the best of the best from each county in Region 17 together to compete for the top table setting in each category and age division.  Counties in Region 17 include Fremont, Harrison, Mills, Montgomery, Page, East Pottawattamie and West Pottawattamie.

During each county fair, each county holds a Table Setting Contest where youth choose a theme for either a formal or casual table setting.  They plan a menu of what would be served, arrange a full single table setting with flatware, stemware, and dinnerware as needed to serve the planned meal at their dinner or party.  They create a centerpiece to fit the theme.  Finally, they set up the table setting, menu and centerpiece on a card table, or for informal table settings such as a picnic, arrange everything on a blanket on the floor.  They youth wear clothing that goes along with the theme to strengthen the presentation.  A judge then talks to the participant and judges them on their planning skills, ability to set a proper table, manners, ability to develop a theme, the menu, centerpiece and clothing choices, hospitality skills and communication throughout the judging process.

Youth are divided into age groups of juniors (grades 4-6), intermediates (grades 7-8) and seniors (grades 9-12) and then are divided again into the categories of formal or casual.  At the end of each county fair, their top junior, intermediate and senior in both casual and formal are selected to participate in the Region 17 Showcase night.  Youth came together, set up their tables and were judged.  The top junior, intermediate and senior in both casual and formal were selected and received an award at the end of the showcase evening.

Region 17 Showcase Results:

Junior Casual Participants: Angelina Cain, Cadence Jahn, Ella Johnson, Summer Maher, London Schueman, Sophia Stroud

• Champion Junior Casual: Ella Johnson
• Reserve Champion Junior Casual: Cadence Jahn

Junior Formal Participants: Lexie Clark, Lilly Kurth, Ailey Marburger, Evelyn Stoakes

• Champion Junior Formal: Evelyn Stoakes
• Reserve Champion Junior Formal: Lilly Kurth

Intermediate Casual Participants: Cale Clark, Rebecca Cody, Paige Goodspeed, Lea Hendrickson, Jaiden Jahn

• Champion Intermediate Casual: Jaiden Jahn
• Reserve Champion Intermediate Casual: Rebecca Cody

Intermediate Formal Participants: Cora Killpack, Emily Newby, Allyee Pierson

• Champion Intermediate Formal: Cora Killpack
• Reserve Champion Intermediate Formal: Allyee Pierson

Senior Casual Participants: Mariah Cain, Kandalyn Davies, Camryn Pierson, Camryn Schafer

• Champion Senior Casual: Kandalyn Davies
• Reserve Champion Senior Casual: Mariah Cain

Senior Formal Participants: Bailey Maher, Anna Newby

• Champion Senior Formal: Anna Newby
• Reserve Champion Senior Formal: Bailey Maher

Healthy & Homemade: Healthy and Homemade is a series focused on strategies for using your time, money and skills wisely to save money and prepare nutritious and safe foods. Explore the benefits of using the slow cooker, food safety tips, and meal ideas. Discover how planning can reduce stress, save money, and provide your family nutritious home-cooked meals. Tour our virtual grocery store and learn how to identify and purchase the most nutritious food items. Healthy and Homemade will be held at the Guthrie County Extension Office from 6:00- 7:00 pm on November 7, 14 and 21, 2019. Register by November 4, 2019 at http://bit.ly/hh13242.

Silent Auction Donations: Guthrie County 4-H’ers are asking for your donation to the 4-H Silent Auction taking place during the 2019 Guthrie County Fair. Last year’s auction was a big success & we are hoping to raise even more funds this year to offset the rising cost of 4-H enrollment fees. If you would like to donate or have any questions, please contact the Extension Office at 641-747-2276.

Cy-Hawk Tailgate: Guthrie County Extension is partnering with Guthrie County Corn Growers Association to host the 8th Annual Cy-Hawk Tailgate Party on Friday, September 13th from 11:00 am- 1:00pm! Help us celebrate Iowa’s biggest game of the year and team rivalry! Whether you’re a Cyclone fan or Hawkeye fan, come and enjoy free grilled hot dogs, chips, cookies and bottled water. We have added tailgate games this year! Register for a chance to win an ISU tailgate package!

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Two voter advocacy groups say Iowa must stop rejecting voter ballots from people misidentified as felons. The Des Moines Register reports that the Brennan Center for Justice and the League of Women Voters of Iowa told Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate that the rejections violate federal law. An attorney for the Brennan Center says the state could face civil action in federal court if the problems arising from the errant felon database aren’t fixed. The warnings were contained in a June 13 letter to Pate.

Pate’s staff says he’s working on administrative rule changes that would require courts to provide conviction documents anytime someone is submitted for inclusion on the felon list.
Iowa bars felons from voting unless the governor or president individually restores the right.