Police in Red Oak arrested a man on an OWI/1st offense charge late Wednesday night. 34-year old Billy Lyn Leeper, of Red Oak, was arrested at around 11:50-p.m. and transported to the Montgomery County Jail, where his bond was set at $1,000.

The Adams County Sheriff’s Office reports that at around 11:30-p.m. Wednesday, Deputies assisted a motorist who was parked along Sycamore Avenue near Highway 34. Upon further investigation, James Tiepelman, of Lenox, was placed under arrest for Operating While Intoxicated 1st Offense. Tiepelman registered a Preliminary Breath Test of .180. The owner of the car, Katie Sickels of Mount Ayr was cited for Minor in Possession of Alcohol 18-20 Years of Age.

Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press
IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Two Iowa county treasurers recently vacationed with the businessman who runs the website where their residents pay taxes, staying at his Florida beach property for free in an apparent violation of a state ethics law. Dubuque County Treasurer Eric Stierman and Winneshiek County Treasurer Wayne Walter confirmed the trip in response to questions from The Associated Press.
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — House Republicans are moving forward with a bill that would stop cities and counties from raising property taxes by more than 2 percent. The bill would allow voters to seek a referendum to approve spending increases above 2 percent. A House Ways and Means subcommittee moved the bill forward Wednesday and it’s expected to move through a full House committee within the next week. Republican Rep. Lee Hein says lawmakers have heard from voters concerned about rising property taxes.
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Forecasters say major flooding is likely in eastern Nebraska and western Iowa over the next couple days and some rural roads already had to be closed after being covered with water. The National Weather Service says this week’s significant rain is especially problematic because much of the region is still covered by a blanket of snow and the ground is still frozen, so the rail flows right into streams and rivers.
IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — The Associated Press tested the public’s ability to access police video in use-of-force cases and was met with a series of denials. In rejecting or delaying the requests, most law enforcement agencies and prosecutors cited exemptions that allow them to keep records of pending investigations secret. That’s not the case everywhere. Some departments have begun releasing officer videos within days or weeks of a major incident.

COUNCIL BLUFFS – The American Red Cross, Pottawattamie County Emergency Management, and Officials with the City of Council Bluffs have opened a shelter for area families and individuals affected by flooding from the rising Mosquito Creek in Council Bluffs.  Estimates on continued rise of Mosquito Creek have prompted preemptive protective actions considering the proximity of an area apartment complex and some residential properties in the area. The Valley View Apartments have seen rapid water rise into their parking lot and current conditions have led officials to recommend voluntary evacuation from the area. Those in the area who wish to voluntarily evacuate until threat has passed and do not have an alternate place to go can may seek shelter at Salem United Methodist Church at 14955 Somerset Avenue, Council Bluffs, Iowa.

The shelter will be available for people to come to after 7pm this evening. Anyone who has been displaced from their home or has voluntarily evacuated the Valley View area is urged to come to the shelter. Red Cross volunteers will be on hand to provide a safe place to stay, a place to sleep, a hot meal and referrals to community services.

Anyone evacuating to a shelter should bring essential items for each member of the family, including:
• Prescriptions and emergency medications • Foods that meet unusual dietary requirements • Identification to show residence is in affected area and important personal documents • Extra clothing, pillows, blankets, hygiene supplies and other comfort items • Supplies needed for children and infants, such as diapers, formula and toys • Special items for family members who are elderly or disabled

The shelter will remain open as long as necessary. The Red Cross is working closely with local emergency management officials to coordinate relief services.

To receive emergency weather warnings and community alerts such as evacuations, shelter locations, and other emergency notices, sign up for free alerts from Pottawattamie Alert, part of the Alert Iowa Network, at www.pottcounty-ia.gov.

There are several roads that are closed this morning, due to water over those roads. Locally, Olive Street in Atlantic, from the City Limits (at KJAN) south to Commerce Street is closed due to flood debris on the road. (Olive Street re-opened at 7:05-a.m.) Glacier Road, just east of the ethanol plant to Olive Street, is closed due to flooding. Highway 48 near Elliott was also closed this morning (as of 9-a.m.)

The Shelby County Emergency Management Agency reported the following roads were closed:

• Highway 44 east of Harlan. (Open as of 10:30-a.m.)
• Nishna Ave from 1st St to Oak Road (Harlan)
• 6th St between Chatburn Avenue (Hwy 44) and Walnut Street (Harlan)
• Utility Ave between Chatburn and Industrial (Harlan)
• Exchange between Chatburn and Stow Red-E-Mix. (Open as of 8:30-a.m.)
• F-58 from Maple Road to Highway 59.
• Highway 59 is closed at the Corley Bridge (south of the Harlan Airport).
• Highway 30 from Hwy 44 to Denison: Alternate route – Hwy 44 to Hwy 59 and back north of Hwy 30.
• Hwy 30 is closed at I-29, the Missouri Valley exit to eastbound traffic.

There was a mandatory evacuation of Westridge Trailer Court and the southern homes of Exchange Street in Harlan, yesterday. Two shelters were set up at Community Health (2712 12th St). and the Vets Auditorium (1104 Morning View Drive). People with pets are to go to Community Health. Highway 30 between I-29 (Missouri Valley) and U-S Highway 59 (Denison), is closed in both directions.

In addition, Interstate 680 was closed in both directions from east of Crescent to I-29, and from I-29 west to the Mormon Bridge at the Missouri River at Omaha. Interstate 29 was closed from Missouri Valley to Council Bluffs, also. For the latest road closures and other road information, go to 511ia.org

The Shelby County Sheriff’s office reported at 10:00pm Wednesday that Highway 59 south of Harlan is closed at the Corley Bridge due to water rising and crossing over the roadway. Traffic is being diverted. Please plan an alternate route for travel.

Shelby County EMA has also announced that there has also been a mandatory evacuation of Westridge Trailer Court and the southern homes of Exchange Street in Harlan. A shelter has been set up at 2712 12th St., the Community Health Building.

Local officials have closed North Olive Street on the north edge of Atlantic.  Late Wednesday evening, water that had been rising all day at the Atlantic Little League Complex began running across the road.  Barricades have been put in place to keep motorists from crossing.  The barricades are located just outside the KJAN studios and a few hundred yards to the south.

The Iowa Department of Transportation reported about 6:30pm on Wednesday that Highway 71 is closed in both directions in Carroll. The closure is between County Road E37 and US 30 (Carroll). The road is closed because of flooding. A detour is in operation.

Harrison County EMA announced a mandatory evacuation in place in Missouri Valley. Evacuation area is any residence and business in Missouri Valley from 1st Street and Erie west to Interstate 29 and anything south of the railroad tracks

Highway 30 is closed from highway 44 to Denison. The alternative route is Highway 44 to Highway 59 north back to Highway 30.

Do not cross running or standing water over the roadway.

COUNCIL BLUFFS – As heavy rains move in and snow melt continues, the potential for river flooding begins. Officials are preparing for what the National Weather Service has described as a flood event that has historic potential, primarily along the West Nishnabotna River. Levels at the Missouri River are forecast to reach a potential 29 feet in minor flood stage by 7am Saturday morning, similar to events observed last summer. The Nishnabotna is forecast to crest at just over 26 feet in major flood stage by 1am Thursday, topping the 23.5 foot record set in July of 1993.

“There are many variables in this scenario that will impact the river levels,” commented Doug Reed, Director of Emergency Management. “With existing snow pack, frozen ground, and varying ranges of potential rainfall this event could go either way – however, we need to be prepared for the worstcase potential.” In doing so, a Declaration of Disaster Emergency has been authorized for the communities of Avoca, Hancock, Oakland, Carson, Macedonia, Council Bluffs, and unincorporated areas of Pottawattamie County as a preemptive measure should any of the jurisdictions require assistance from mutual aid partners or state agencies based on actual observed conditions.

Currently, county and city agencies are preparing to secure storm sewer systems, roads, and other infrastructure that may be impacted. Urban streets are likely to experience flooding during the heavy rain event and some rural highways and roads near and around the Nishnabotna River could be closed due to floodwaters. Pottawattamie County Conservation is working to relocate the Botna Bend Park buffalo herd to a safer location and moving the elk herd to a higher elevation within the park. Emergency Management has been coordinating additional resource support with Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management should they be needed and coordinating preparedness efforts with partners such as MidAmerican Energy and others.

Residents and people with interests along the rivers are advised to begin monitoring river conditions and prepare accordingly. With frozen ground conditions creating higher runoff than normal, river levels have the potential to rise more rapid than in normal high water and flooding events. For more information on flood preparedness, visit the Floods and Flash Floods page at www.beready.iowa.gov.

To receive emergency weather warnings and community alerts such as evacuations, shelter locations, and other emergency notices, sign up for free alerts from Pottawattamie Alert, part of the Alert Iowa Network, at www.pottcounty-ia.gov.