(Radio Iowa) — Iowans are being warned to be on the look-out for counterfeit 20-dollar bills that are circulating around the region. Le Mars Police Chief Kevin Vande Vegte says merchants of all kinds and individual consumers need to be watchful for the bogus bills. Chief Vande Vegte says, “We have not actually seen any in Le Mars yet, however things seem to trickle towards us and we wanted to give everybody a heads up before they started coming across them.”

The counterfeit bills aren’t printed on the high-quality paper as real currency, so that’s a tip-off.  “If you pull a bill out of your pocket, it’s got a certain texture to it, a certain feel. As you rub your fingers across it, you can feel where the thread is built into the paper,” Vande Vegte says. “That’s the first give-away. If it feels like it just came out of the printer, it’s likely a counterfeit.”

There are other, more obvious signs, that the bills are fake — all you have to do is look more closely. “A lot of the bills are inaccurate,” he says. The latest one has “Kruger” where “Jackson” should be under the president’s picture on the twenty. There’s also a typo on the serial number where the “N” is backwards.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Army National Guard is looking for nearly 5,000 fitness instructors and buying roughly $40 million in workout equipment in the next seven months to help its soldiers meet new physical fitness standards being set by the military service. But even as commanders begin delivering the new 10-pound medicine balls, pull-up bars and hexagon barbells, they also worry whether America’s 330,000 citizen soldiers will have the time and the drive to master the new, more grueling Army fitness test.

“For those who are already doing well on their physical fitness test and they have the routine figured out, I think they’re going to transition to this new test without any issues,” said Army National Guard Lt. Col. Brian Dean, who is responsible for implementing the new test across the Guard. “People who are in those parts of their life where they’re still kinda struggling to make the right time for fitness and do fitness in the right ways — this will feel significant.” Could the new physical demands drive soldiers out of the Guard? “It’s a concern,” Dean said.

Spread out in more than 2,800 armories around the country, members of the Army Guard are required to do weekend duty once a month and a two-week stint during the year. A number of units are also tapped by state governors for help during hurricanes, wildfires, border problems and other events. And, during the peak of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, Guard units were routinely called up for active-duty deployments to fill needs that couldn’t be met by the overstretched active-duty troops in the battle zones. Still, many Guard members see more limited duty, and are often focused on their full-time jobs and other commitments, which can be hundreds of miles from the nearest military base.

“Ninety percent of my soldiers are part-time,” Maj. Gen. Timothy Orr, the adjutant general for the Iowa National Guard, told The Associated Press in an interview. “I think there’s apprehension. There’s always the question of how are we going to do this with the time that we have, and the equipment we have.” Orr, who has been in the Guard for 40 years, said that a key unanswered issue will be how soldiers with various permanent physical limitations will be treated, particularly those who have served for many years. Under the current fitness test, troops can arrange to substitute certain exercises for ones they can’t do. For example, someone with a knee injury who can’t run two miles is able to substitute swimming or bicycling for part of the current fitness test. Orr said the Army is still working through the details, so it’s not clear yet how they will handle the matter and whether there will be alternate tests.

“I think we have committed troops today, committed leaders, and folks will step up to the challenge,” said Orr, who has about 8,600 Guard soldiers in his state. “There may be select individuals that will say, ‘Hey, I’ve had enough and I want to leave.’ But I think we’re a professional Army and this is just another of the many challenges we’ve had, especially over the last 18 years.” The Army’s current physical fitness test, which is being replaced by a new more strenuous one, consisted of two minutes of push-ups and sit-ups and a two-mile run. By Oct. 1, Army soldiers will begin taking the new test, which takes about an hour and includes a deadlift, more difficult push-ups, a sled-drag, an array of other exercises, and ends with the two-mile run. Beginning Oct. 1, 2020, all soldiers will have to routinely pass the new test in order to qualify for their military jobs.

Gen. Orr said he would like to see physical therapists assigned to each state that can help Guard soldiers prevent injuries or help them heal if they get hurt.

(Narrative corrected slightly by authorities on 2/26) — Sheriff’s officials in Union County said Monday, one person was injured during a three-vehicle, chain-reaction collision late Friday morning, in Creston. Authorities report 59-year-old Becky Sue Riley, of Creston, was driving a 2015 Chrysler Town and Country van northbound on Russell Street at around 11:30-a.m., and was stopping for two other vehicles ahead of her, that had stopped on the road, waiting to get around a large pot hole. As Riley was waiting for oncoming traffic stop go by so she could go around the hole, a northbound 2007 GMC Denali driven by 20-year-old Ashtyn Elisabeth Grossnickle, of Clarinda, slowed for Riley’s vehicle. 40-year-old Tony Alan Jensen, of Afton, was also traveling north on Russell Street.

Jensen failed to see the vehicles in front of him had slowed down or stopped. His 2016 Dodge Ram pickup struck the rear of the Grossnickle’s SUV, which in-turn hit the rear of Riley’s van. Jensen, who was not wearing a seat belt, complained of pain and possible injury. He was transported to the Greater Regional Medical Center by Ambulance. Damage from the collisions amounted to $14,000.

The Atlantic Parks and Recreation Board, Monday evening, voted to appoint Parks and Rec Foreman Bryant Rasmussen, as Interim Parks and Rec Director. He will begin in that position March 15^th, and succeeds Seth Staashelm, who submitted his letter of resignation earlier this month, in order to accept a position in Marion, Iowa. His last day is March 14^th. Board Chair Stuart Dusenberry praised Staashelm for his service to the City. Rasmussen will begin his term as Interim Director on March 15^th. Dusenberry said they’re also calling on a familiar face to serve as a consultant. Former Parks and Rec Director Roger Herring has accepted the consultant’s position for six-months.

When Rasmussen takes over March 15^th, he’ll have a full benefits package with the City. He’ll have a starting salary of $42,000. A review will be conducted during the probationary six month period, and on about October 1st, the Board will do a final evaluation. Herring will start the week of March 10^th, for no more than 20-hours per week at $20 per hour. Herring is willing to work up to Oct. 1^st on an “as-needed” basis. Atlantic City Attorney Mark Bosworth said “Because the Parks Director’s position is an appointed position, I don’t have any objections your interim basis issues, but I think you will have to post the position to comply with Veterans Preference,” prior to the expiration of the interim window.

Rasmussen talked a little bit about his background and family. He said he grew up in Glenwood. His wife, who is a teacher in Cresco, pushed him to take the Park Foreman position when it opened up, so the couple and their three children can get back to the area. He say he went to school at UNI and majored in Earth Science teaching.)

Adair County Sheriff Jeff Vandewater, Monday night, released a report on arrests and other activity. The report shows 23-year old Gage Thomas Zimmerline, of Stuart, was arrested at around 12:10-a.m. Saturday, for OWI/1st offense. A deputy had been dispatched to investigate a vehicle in the ditch off Highway 25, near the intersection with 170th Street. Zimmerline, who was still in the vehicle, exited when the deputy approached and explained his 2000 Ford Ranger had spun around on the road, and ended-up in the ditch due to the ice-covered road. The Deputy noticed Zimmerline had a slowed and slurred speech, bloodshot, watery eyes, and an odor of alcohol on his breath. The man admitted he had a couple of beers at the bowling alley in Greenfield. After he refused to take Field Sobriety and Breathalyzer tests, Zimmerline was placed under arrest. He was released later in the day, Saturday, on a $1,000 cash or surety bond, with 10% acceptable.

Late Friday morning, 42-year old Joshua Isaac Stringfield, of Council Bluffs, appeared in Adair County District Court. Stringfield pled guilty to a charge of OWI/3rd or subsequent offense. He was sentenced to 14 days in jail, with credit for time-served. A warrant for his arrest was cancelled as a result of his plea and time served. At around 1:16-a.m. on Feb. 21st. 50-year old Jack Howard Davis, of Orient, was arrested on warrants for Driving While Barred ($1,000 bond), A Class-B felony warrant for a Controlled Substance Violation (No bond) and a warrant for Violation of Parole (No bond). Davis was transported later that same day to the Newton Correctional Facility to be held until an Administrative Law Judge can make a determination on the charges.

On Feb 19th, 23-year old Cody Alan Brommel, of Stuart, was arrested for Disorderly Conduct and 1st offense Public Intoxication, after Stuart Police were called to the Kum and Go Store in Stuart. At the store, Brommel had allegedly threatened to “Beat up everyone in the store,” acting agitated and aggressive towards customers. He was being held in the Adair County Jail on a $600 cash or surety bond.

Clarinda Police Chief Keith Brothers said Monday night, a 16-year old white male student at the Clarinda Academy is missing. The teen is described as being 5-feet 9-inches tall, and weighing about 144-lbs. He has green Eyes, straight brown hair and unknown clothing. He left the Academy in an unknown Direction of Travel. If you spot a teenager matching that description, call 9-1-1 or the Clarinda Police Department at 712-542-2194.

The Clarinda Academy is a residential academic and behavioral health treatment facility for at-risk youth.

The Page County Sheriff’s Office, Monday, released a report on several recent arrests. Sheriff Lyle Palmer said on Friday, Feb. 22nd, Deputies were dispatched at around 11:19 AM to 2149 A Avenue in Page County, in reference to a Domestic Disturbance. During the investigation, a resident, 38-year old Bennett James Blane, was arrested for Domestic Abuse Assault. Blane was transported to the Page County Jail where he was held without bond until being seen by a Magistrate. 26-year old Daniel Nathan August, of Clarinda, was arrested Friday on a Page County warrant for Failure to appear for a hearing on a Probation violation. August was arrested at the Page County Courthouse and transported to the Page County Jail where he was being held on $5,000 bond.

Page County Deputies Friday, arrested 28-year old Jasmine Jade Wilcoxson, of Clarinda, on a Page County Warrant for Violation of Probation. Wilcoxson was arrested at the Page County Courthouse and transported to the Page County Jail, where she was held on $2,000 bond. On Sunday, 35-year old Rusty Alan Kaiser, of Coin, was arrested on a Page County Warrant for Failure to appear for arraignment on sex offender – registration violation 2nd or subsequent offense. Kaiser was arrested at a residence in Clarinda and transported to the Page County Jail for holding on a $5,000 bond. While Kaiser was being booked into the Page County Jail, the Page County Sheriff’s Office conducted an investigation into Kaiser’s location of residence and his registration of that address. A new charge of sex offender – registration 2nd or subsequent offense was filed on Kaiser for that violation. Bond on the new charge was $5,000.00. Kaiser was being held on $10,000.00 bond for violations of the sex offender registry

And, 29-year old Danielle Hull, of Coin, was arrested  Sunday on a warrant for Failure to appear. She was arrested at the Page County Sheriff’s Office and was unable to post the $1,300 bond. Hull was being held in the Page County Jail pending further court proceedings.

Police in Council Bluffs are asking for your help in identifying the driver of a pickup believed to have been involved in a weekend hit-and-run personal injury accident. The incident happened at around 7:54-p.m. Saturday, in the 2200 block of the South Expressway, in the northbound lanes. 20-year-old Kane Fideler, of Council Bluffs, told KETV in Omaha, that the suspected pickup was a silver or gray Dodge Ram with a business logo, possibly a large letter “C” with a tree symbol.

Suspected hit and run vehicle

He said moments before the crash, he and his friends were already having problems with a fender-bender. Fideler said as they were stuck on the side of the road, he was trying to brush snow from their back window.

Fideler was recovering from severe injuries at CHI Health Mercy Hospital. A picture of the suspect vehicle can be seen here >>>. If you have any information about the incident, call Crime Stoppers at 712-328-STOP (7867).

An Iowa State Patrol Trooper was injured Monday morning in Pottawattamie County, when his patrol vehicle was struck by an out of control car. According to the State Patrol, 50-year-old Trooper James Bullington‘s 2018 Dodge Charger was parked on the northbound shoulder of Interstate 29 with its emergency lights on, while Bullington, of Council Bluffs, was investigating a previous accident at mile marker 70.

Photos from ISP Facebook page

When a northbound 2004 Pontiac Gran Am driven by 25-year-old Aaron Schutt, of Omaha, moved from the right to left lane of traffic, his car went out of control on the ice-covered road and spun across the roadway, hitting Bullington’s patrol car. Both vehicles came to rest on the northbound shoulder. The accident happened at around 10-a.m.

Bullington, who was wearing his seat belt as he was parked on the shoulder, was transported by law enforcement to Mercy Hospital in Council Bluffs for treatment of his injuries. Family members took Schutt to an Omaha hospital. Authorities say he was not wearing a seat belt. The Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office and the Iowa Department of Transportation’s Motor Vehicle Enforcement Division assisted the patrol at the scene.

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — At least 28 priests are credibly accused of having sexually abused more than 100 boys and girls while working for a Roman Catholic diocese in Iowa, church officials announced Monday.
The Diocese of Sioux City identified those 28 priests as it published a long-awaited list of those who have been the subject of credible allegations of sexual abuse involving minors. The list included about 5 percent of the priests who have worked for the diocese at some point since its inception in 1902. A 29th priest has been accused but his name is being withheld pending an appeal to the Vatican.

“Publishing this list is the beginning of a new chapter in the history of our diocese,” said Bishop R. Walker Nickless, who released the list at a news conference. “We want it to usher in a climate of openness and transparency, resulting in the protection of our youth and accountability for clergy and church leaders.” He said releasing information about the church’s “shameful history” might help some victims heal while reopening old wounds for others.

Advocates for abuse victims had long urged the diocese to release such a list, as two of Iowa’s three other Roman Catholic dioceses have done. The diocese had promised to do so in November after an investigation by The Associated Press exposed its 32-year cover-up of the Rev. Jerome Coyle, who had allegedly confessed to abusing more than 50 boys over a 20-year period. The diocese, which operates churches and schools throughout northwestern Iowa, urged victims to come forward at that time. Its review board has spent recent weeks reviewing files and weighing the credibility of allegations. The diocese said the alleged abuse took place between 1948 and 1995 and involved 106 individuals who have come forward to make claims. Additional complaints of abuse have been made more recently, but none have been deemed credible by police or a church review board, the diocese said.

Attorney Levi Monagle, whose New Mexico law firm represents clergy abuse victims, said the release of such lists is an important gesture that usually helps some victims heal and inspires others to come forward. He praised Albuquerque resident Reuben Ortiz, who became aware of Coyle’s abuse last year while the priest was living with Ortiz’s family and made it public. Ortiz’s disclosure prompted the diocese to move Coyle out of an Iowa retirement home where he was quietly living next to a Catholic school, and provided the “jolt to the status quo” that the diocese needed to finalize and release the long-discussed list, Monagle said.
“It’s tragic that it took so long for this information to come out,” said Monagle, whose firm represents one man who was allegedly abused by Coyle decades ago.

All but six of the priests on the list have died. Those who are still living are not involved in the ministry or active with youth, and have been stripped of their ability to celebrate mass or represent themselves as priests, the diocese said. One of the accused, John Perdue, 71, told the AP that his inclusion on the list was embarrassing but that he denies the allegation of abusing a boy in the 1980s. The Iowa Court of Appeals in 2011 dismissed lawsuits filed against Perdue and another priest by two alleged victims, ruling that the statute of limitations had expired.

Diocese officials acknowledged the list is likely incomplete because additional victims have not come forward. For instance, the diocese said that it was aware of 13 victims of Coyle even though he allegedly confessed to abusing dozens more. The list included 39 victims of the Rev. George McFadden, whose abuse has long been documented and spawned an array of civil lawsuits, and 11 victims of the Rev. Peter Murphy. More than half of the identified priests, however, only have one known accuser. The list does not include former Sioux City Bishop Lawrence Soens even though he allegedly abused boys while he was a priest and principal. Soens, who retired as bishop in 1998, is not included on the list because the allegations date to when he worked for a different diocese.

The list also did not include a priest who was removed from the ministry in 2017 after being accused of improperly touching a girl’s leg during confession, or an active priest who chased after an adult parishioner in 2013 while naked and yelling about raping her. Those cases didn’t meet the criteria used by the review board, a spokeswoman said. Still, the list represents a more comprehensive accounting than statistics that were released by now-Cardinal Daniel DiNardo when he was Sioux City bishop in 2004. DiNardo, who is now archbishop of Galveston-Houston and leads the church’s response to the sexual abuse crisis, told Sioux City parishioners in 2004 that it was aware of 33 allegations against 10 priests since 1950. The diocese says it had paid $4.7 million in legal settlements to 58 individuals since 2002.