Five people were arrested on separate charges over the past few days, in Creston. According to Creston Police, there were four arrests on Friday:

• 26-year old Brandon Stone, of Gravity, was arrested for Theft in the 5th Degree. He was cited and released from the scene on a Summons to Appear.
• 27-year old Jesse Johnson, of Creston, was arrested at the Union County Law Enforcement Center, for Theft in the 5th. He was also cited, released & issued a Summons.
• 40-year old Jennifer Wollums, of Creston, was arrested Friday night for Driving While Suspended. She was cited and issued a Summons.
• 31-year old Roy Bond, of Las Vegas, NV, was arrested Friday night in Creston, for Public Intoxication and Disorderly Conduct. He was released on a $200 bond.

And on Saturday, Creston Police arrested 37-year old Keri Lemon, of Creston, for Criminal Mischief in the 5th Degree. She was cited and released with a Summons to Appear.

If you’re looking to take in the holiday season via a brief road trip, consider seeing the Baird Family Christmas Light Display, in rural Montgomery County. Jack Baird has been adding to, and updating the display, since the first display was lit-up about 45 years ago. The family began to work on this year’s display began around the first of October.

This year’s display was first opened to the public on Saturday. Jack Baird says making sure everything is working on the nearly one-quarter of a mile light and display show, is a constant challenge.

Jack Baird checks on the lights during this 2106 file photo from the Baird Facebook page.

When you come to see the display, you’ll stay in your car and be able to drive around to see all the details. The lights are turned on when it turns dark, and remain on until 10-p.m., each night, through New Year’s night. One of Jack’s favorite, new displays to be on the lookout for, is a 14-foot horse and carriage with moving feet and wheels.

The display – which can be seen for miles can be found four-miles west/southwest of Elliott. The address is 1233 E Avenue, rural Red Oak. If there’s severe weather, like a blizzard. The family will notify the media so no one gets caught in a storm. A donation box is available to help with the costs of the display. Baird says all contributions to are put toward the repair/replacement of the lights and for new additions each year. For more information, follow Baird’s Christmas Lights on Facebook.

A reminder from Montgomery County Auditor Stephanie Burke: Today is the last day to request an in-person Absentee ballot for a Special Election that will take place Tuesday, for those persons residing in Montgomery County Board of Supervisors District 1. The election is to fill a vacancy in that District only. The District #1 map can be viewed at www.montgomerycountyia.gov or at the Auditor’s office. Candidates on the ballot include Charla Schmid (Nominated by Petition) and Steve Berendes (Republican).

The polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 15^th at the Red Oak Gold Fair Building. Request forms and ballots can be mailed, dropped off at the county Auditor’s office or in the official county drop box located at the courthouse. The Montgomery County Auditor’s Office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 A.M. until 4:30 P.M. If anyone has questions about voter registration, absentee ballots, or voting, call the Auditor’s office (712)-623-5127.

(Radio Iowa) – Holiday shopping is underway from home and out at stores this year, and both methods can cause you some problems if you don’t take the necessary precautions. Le Mars Police Chief Kevin Vande Vegte says if you go out don’t get caught up in the excitement and forget some simple things. “When you are filling up your gas tank at gas stations, make sure that you lock your doors. don’t leave your wallet or purse laying on the seat,” Vande Vegte says. “Do not leave your car unlocked or unoccupied idling in a driveway or at a store.”

He says if you are going to different stores — put the things you have bought in the trunk or out of sight in your car. Vande Vegte says be aware of strangers that may approach you. “Be wary of strangers coming up to your door and asking strange things — they’re probably trying to case you out or get you to look away — and somebody might be on the other side of the car and they might steal something,” he says.

Vande Vegte says home shoppers need to take steps to prevent porch pirates. He says if you are expecting packages from online purchases you might consider getting an outside camera. Or you can put a large decorative piece on the porch which the packages can be hidden behind to keep them out of view of thieves. There are other precautions you can take as well. “If you are expecting a high-dollar item or expecting something to come at a certain time — try to be home or ask somebody to look for the item for you,” Vande Vegte says.

The Le Mars Police Chief also reminds you to not sit out empty boxes with your trash to clue in thieves about items in your home they may be interested in.

One person died and two others were injured, when a pickup truck struck a car broadside Sunday night, in eastern Iowa. The Iowa State Patrol reports a passenger in a 2009 Toyota Prius, 31-year old Jessica Ann Marie Schulte, of Upper South Amana, died at the scene of the crash at U-S Highway 151 and 120th Street, in Iowa County. The Patrol says the car was traveling south on Highway 151 at around 9:53-p.m., when a westbound 2001 Dodge RAM pickup driven by 33-year old John David Nagel, of Amana, failed to yield.

Nagel, and the driver of the Prius, 25-year old Michael A. Humna, of Amana, were injured and transported by Iowa County Ambulance to a local hospital. The accident remains under investigation.