Police in Harlan report two recent arrests. On Jan. 21st, 23-year old Stephaun Javon Lancer, of Harlan, was arrested on trespass and possession of drug paraphernalia charges. And, today (Tuesday), 34-year old Brandon Amos Woodruff along with 36-year old Maura Margarita Reyes Mejia, both of Omaha, NE were arrested following a traffic stop.

Woodruff faces charges that include speeding, failure to have a valid driver’s license, and prohibited acts. Reyes Mejia was charged with possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Harlan Police report also, a 1996 Dodge Ram driven by Michael Arnold, of Harlan, went out of control Jan. 23rd at 12th and Hill Streets. The pickup left the road and hit a tree before going airborne over an embankment and flipping. The vehicle landed on all four wheels, and was declared a total loss. No injuries were reported.

WATERLOO, Iowa (AP) – A warming center being evicted for not meeting fire codes has found a new spot to serve the homeless in Waterloo. The Waterloo Warming Center announced Tuesday it will be moving to the former Hawkeye Community College Metro Center and open for service on Friday. The overnight shelter opened Jan. 6 at Jubilee United Methodist Church Freedom Center to provide a safe haven from freezing temperatures. But organizers later were told it would have to close because inspectors found the space didn’t have a sprinkler system — a requirement for any building serving residential needs.

(Radio Iowa) – A half dozen lawmakers have taken the first steps in the legislature toward cutting red tape — so a Waterloo barber can take his cuts on the road. William Burt has built a mobile barbershop in a bus, hoping to drive to customers who can’t get to a brick-and-mortar shop for a hair cut.We can get in those remote locations and bring haircuts to some of these seniors and kids who have to travel 40 miles, 50 miles let’s say to Des Moines to get that haircut,” Burt says.

The problem is current state law requires barbershops and beauty salons be in a permanent structure and a bill that’s cleared subcommittees in the House AND Senate would authorize mobile hair-cutting units like Burt’s. His vision is to help train other barbers and encourage them to take their shears on the road, too. Representative Ras Smith, a Democrat from Waterloo, has been working for a couple of years to change state rules so mobile barbershops can be licensed. “In the black community, a barbershop is a safe haven. It’s a sanctuary. It always has been through civil rights,” Smith says. “For us to be able to take the next step forward is really exciting not only for out community, but for the state of Iowa as a whole, opening up doors for a lot of people to seek a profession and a livelihood that we know is impactful.”

Smith says everybody feels better after a haircut, but there are too many Iowans who do not have access to a neighborhood barbershop or beauty shop anymore. Representative Rob Bacon, a Republican from Slater, is a fan of Burt’s concept. “it’s a great idea. It’s a great business proposal,” Bacon said. “It’s entrepreneurship at its best.”

Governor Kim Reynolds invited Burt to her “Condition of the State” speech in Des Moines early this month, introducing him to the crowd as “an active and productive citizen.” Burt spent much of his early life in prison, but is now a business owner who cuts hair at four different locations in the Waterloo area. The governor recently restored Burt’s voting rights.

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (AP) – Police say a wounded man died at a hospital Tuesday after officers found him shot in the parking lot of a northern Cedar Rapids apartment complex. Officers sent to the scene before 3:40 a.m. found the 22-year-old man, who’d suffered several gunshot wounds. Police say he was taken to St. Luke’s Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. His name hasn’t been released. No arrests have been reported.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Des Moines police have cited five people who refused to leave the Des Moines campaign office for Democrat Joe Biden after demanding to talk to him about Medicare for All proposals and his campaign donors. The five were among about two dozen people who’d entered the building Monday and remained until officers showed up. Police say the five were given summonses alleging criminal trespassing. The Citizens for Community Improvement Action Fund says the five were members of the organization or Iowa Student Action. A Biden spokeswoman said Tuesday that she couldn’t immediately comment.

Officials with the Midwest Partnership Economic Development Corporation (EDC) last week, recognized Colleen and Corey Conrad, of Casey, with the Economic Impact Award for their contributions to the community and organizations they support. The award was presented during the organization’s annual dinner and meeting on January 23rd, at the Casey Community Building. The Economic Impact Award recognizes Recognizing outstanding businesses and individuals for making a positive impact on economic growth and prosperity in the Midwest Partnership Development Corporation region.

Photo courtesy MWP EDC

The Conrad’s were nominated for their leadership in several of Casey’s civic organizations, the restoration of six downtown buildings and new businesses opening on Main Street. The Conrad’s ignored the rumblings around town of those who felt this effort was a “lost cause”. They then took on the task of restoring these structures and the town that came with it. Their first building renovation, Pioneers Pub and Grub, opened just in time for Casey’s 150th Celebration.  The Conrad’s have not only invested in downtown properties, they have invested in the community and the people in it for years to come.

Other highlights from the annual dinner included recognizing outgoing board member Doug Burns representing Guthrie County for his dedication and service to the organization over the past four years. Jerry Sullivan representing Guthrie County was elected President of the organization for 2020.  Sarah Gomez, Executive Director, provided a recap and highlights of the last year. David Maahs delivered a summary of the strategic regional marketing plans for the Greater Des Moines Partnership.  Those in attendance had the opportunity to hear from the evening’s guest speakers, Colleen Conrad and Kacey Peterson, who spoke about the revitalization of Casey.

Midwest Partnership is the region’s leading facilitator for the retention, expansion and attraction of business to create jobs and improve quality of life in Adair and Guthrie counties.