The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children is seeking the public’s help in finding a missing 17-year-old Nebraska boy. Kevin Stewart, a white male with brown hair and green eyes, has been missing from Boys Town since Jan. 3, 2019. He’s described as being 5-foot-8 and 120 pounds and may be in the Carter Lake, Iowa area. If you have any information, please immediately call 911 or NCMEC at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) or the Boys Town Police Department at 1-402-498-1170.

Kevin Stewart

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Some Des Moines officials say the initial design for the new federal courthouse downtown is a disappointment. The reaction comes after a private meeting last month between city leaders and the General Services Administration, which is overseeing the $137 million riverfront project. City communications director Jen Schulte says city leaders had asked that the courthouse be designed to interact with the Principal Riverwalk and make it inviting to pedestrians.

Schulte told The Des Moines Register that those aspects either weren’t incorporated or were included with the caveat they could be engineered as the agency works to control the project’s budget. The GSA pledged two weeks after the meeting to make several changes, including creating access to the riverwalk, incorporating publicly accessible green spaces and investigating ways to use public art.

The Glenwood Police Dept. reports two arrests. 48-year old Lonnie Ritchison, of Glenwood, was arrested today (Wednesday), for providing false identification information, driving under suspension, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of a controlled substance. His cash or surety bond was set at $5,900. On Tuesday, 35-year old Anthony Anglen, of Glenwood, was arrested on a Mills County warrant for Probation violation. His cash-only bond was set at $1,000.

Atlantic Trees Forever spokesperson Dolly Bergmann said today (Wednesday), that Spring tree vouchers are now available from the Atlantic Trees Forever. Tree vouchers are a great way to help individuals with the cost of purchasing a tree to plant. The vouchers are worth $30 off the price of a tree, and can be obtained at Pymosa Farms, north of Atlantic.

Bergmann advised that there are a limited number of vouchers available and said officials at Pymosa Farms could help you determine what kind of tree would do best for your location. The business is located at 50979 Buck Creek Road, Atlantic. Bergmann suggests you contact owner Tim Reavis at 402-659-1213 before driving to the farm to make sure someone is available to help you since he and his employees may be out planting trees.

The Exira-Elk Horn-Kimballton School Board, Monday, approved the hiring of a 6th through 12th grade Principle. Superintendent Trevor Miller told KJAN News they selected Mary Bleth-Harris, who is currently an Instructional Coach at Treynor. She has a background as a middle and elementary school teacher. She was offered the position and has accepted. She’ll start her new position with Exira-EHK in August.

The Board also approved the 2019-20 budget, Monday, following a Public Hearing. Miller said there was no input from the community during the hearing, most likely because the tax rate is going DOWN about six-cents. The rate for 2019-20 will be $12.03/$1,000 valuation. The Exira-EHK School Board also approved Certified Teachers’ salaries. They’ll receive a total package increase of 3.28%. Support and administrative staff received a 3.49% increase. The Board also approved the purchase and installation of a new Outfield fence for the Baseball Field from Devore Fencing, in Atlantic. It’ll be set-up in mid-July.

In other business, the Board discussed the Wrestling Program, but took no action on a sharing agreement. And, they approved new hires/or transfer of personnel.

There were no resignations.

(SIOUX CITY) – The Iowa Department of Corrections report 28-year old Nicholas James James, who was convicted of Robbery 2nd Degree and other crimes in Woodbury County, left the Sioux City Residential Treatment Facility without permission last (Tuesday) night.  James is a Native American, 5’9″ tall, weighing 162 pounds. He was admitted to the work release facility on April 9, 2019. Persons with information on James’ whereabouts should contact their local police.

Nicholas James

More State and area news from KJAN News Director Ric Hanson.

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Montgomery County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Director Brian Hamman reports thanks to a generous donation from the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, the Montgomery County EMA has received a new utility terrain vehicle (UTV) valued at more than $24,000. The Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation was founded in 2005 in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. It’s mission is to impact the lifesaving capabilities, and the lives, of local heroes and their communities. (for more info.: https://firehousesubsfoundation.org/about-us/)

Hamman said the UTV will allow them “To rapidly respond to emergencies and disasters faster and more effectively when time is critical, and conditions warrant the use of smaller vehicles.” The new UTV will also be available for use at local events by local first responders to respond to emergency incidents and situations, in a quick and timely manner. Hamman said the Montgomery County EMA continues to seek additional funds to purchase a medical slide-in unit to transport sick and injured persons to awaiting ambulances, as well as a dedicated trailer for the UTV. The Montgomery Community Foundation and Casey’s General Stores have contributed towards this phase of the project, with more grants and donations pending.

MASON CITY, Iowa (AP) — A Mason City woman has pleaded guilty to theft and four counts of insurance fraud. Cerro Gordo County District Court records say 34-year-old Amber Griffin entered the written pleas Monday. The records say that in return for her pleas prosecutors will recommend three years of probation, suspended five-year prison terms and that Griffin pay restitution. Her sentencing is scheduled for May 20.

Criminal complaints say Griffin submitted two fraudulent claims in October 2016 and one each in November and December that year. Each said a family member had been treated at a local medical facility. The complaints also said she submitted false medical records with the claims.

The Creston Police Department reports two arrests took place Tuesday. 33-year old Trel Peterson, of Massena, was arrested for Driving While Barred. He was subsequently released from the Union County Jail on a $2,000 bond. And, 35-year old Nichole Rinehart, of Creston, was arrested for Theft in the 5th Degree. She was cited and released on a Promise to Appear in court.