The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office reports four arrests. On Jan. 26th, authorities were called at around 4-p.m. to a residence in Elk Horn, with regard to a disturbance. Upon further investigation, 22-year-old Seth Dewayne Strong, of Exira, was arrested for Interference with Official Acts, a simple misdemeanor.   Strong was transported to the Shelby County Jail and held pending appearance in front of magistrate.   The follow morning, Strong plead guilty to the charge and was sentence two days in jail with credit for time already served.

On Jan. 30th, Shelby County Deputies arrested 35-year-old Timothy Ryan Hoffman, of Dow City, on outstanding warrant for driving while suspended, and failure to maintain control.    Hoffman was transported to the Shelby County Jail without incident, where he was released later that evening after posting bond.

Last Saturday, Shelby County Deputies responded to a 911 call from a residence in Portsmouth, and upon further investigation, arrested 33-year-old Clara Jo Mohr, for Public Intoxication.   Mohr was transported by deputies to the jail without incident and turned over to jail staff.   She was released from jail on her own recognizance the follow morning.

And today (Monday), 43-year-old James Lyle Behrens, of Harlan, was arrested as a result of a traffic stop along Highway 59 and Highway F32.    Behrens was transported to the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office for further testing and then turned over to jail staff for processing.   He was charged with Operating while Intoxicated (2^nd Offense), and speeding. Behrens was released later in the morning, after posting the required cash bond.

Montgomery County Emergency Management Coordinator Brian Hamman reports the Montgomery County Communications Center received multiple calls at around 10-p.m. Sunday, with regard to a structure fire at 507 4th Street, in Grant.

Firefighters arrived on the scene a short time later and found the home to be fully engulfed in flames. Due to the amount of fire, smoke and downed power lines, crews began a defensive firefighting operation. Firefighters were on scene for roughly four hours.

All photos are courtesy Brian Hamman, Montgomery County EMA.

The investigation continues into the cause of the fire, but at this time, the home and its contents are considered a total loss.There were no injuries to the occupants of the home or any firefighters.

Agencies assisting the Grant Fire Department on the scene were: Elliott Fire Department, Villisca Fire Department, Griswold Rescue, Montgomery County Emergency Management, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office,Montgomery County Communications, Red Oak Police Department, Alliant Energy and the American Red Cross.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) – With Democratic presidential candidates in Iowa for its kickoff caucuses, Michael Bloomberg is going his own way. The billionaire former New York City mayor is in California rallying supporters, as he bypasses early voting states like Iowa in favor of bigger, delegate-rich states to come. Bloomberg started his day in a coffee shop in Sacramento, where he urged voters to go to the polls. Early voting starts Monday in California in advance of the state’s March 3 primary.

Officials with the Creston Police Department report four people were arrested Friday, following the execution of a search warrant at 612 West Mills Street, in Creston. The warrant was for stolen property taken in recent thefts in Creston and the surrounding area. Authorities say during the search, five guns were recovered, along with drug paraphernalia and methamphetamine. A large amount of property was seized, along with one stolen vehicle.

Arrested at the scene were the following individuals:

• Adam Cross, for: Theft in the 5th degree (2 counts); Criminal Mischief in the 5th; Possession of Burglary tools; Possession of a Controlled Substance (PCS)/3rd or subsequent offense, Dominion or control of a firearm by a Felon, and Gathering where controlled substances are used (All Class-D Felonies), as well as Attempted Burglary in the 3rd degree. Cross was also served with warrants for Interference with official acts (Union County), and Violation of Probation (Adams County). His total bond was set at $19,200. Cross with being held without bond on the Adams County warrant.
• 39-year old Jennifer Beard, of Creston, was arrested Friday for: Possession of a Controlled Substance/1st offense; Theft in the 2nd degree and Gathering where controlled substances are used (both Class-D Felonies). She was also served with a Union County warrant for Violation of a No Contact Order (No bond until seen by the magistrate). A Union County Warrant for Theft in the 5th degree was requested, but had not yet been served as of the latest report. Total bond for Beard was set at $11,000. On Monday, Beard was charged with Violating a Court Order after attempting to contact a person with whom she has a valid No Contact Order. She was being held in the Adams County Jail on the previous charges.
• Patrick Farlow was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance/2nd offense; Gathering where controlled substances are used and Burglary in the 3rd degree (Both Class-D felonies). He was also served with Union County warrants for: Probation Violation (on an original PCS charge); Probation Violation (on an original charge of Carrying Weapons, and a Controlled Substance Violation (By Department of Narcotics Enforcement). He was being held without bond on latter three charges, and on $12,000 bond for the other charges.
• Natalie Eslinger: Was arrested on a Polk County warrant for Probation Violation, on an original charge of Operating a Vehicle without the owners’ consent.

Additional charges may still be filed, pending further investigation. Creston Police said also, the Department will notify victims of recent thefts to come the LEC (Union County Law Enforcement Center), to identify any possible missing property. That will take place after all the seized evidence has been logged and tagged. Agencies participating in the execution of the search warrant and investigation include: Creston Police; The Union, Adams, Ringgold, Adair and Taylor County Sheriff’s Offices; Afton Police, and the Dept. of Narcotics Enforcement (DNE).

(Radio Iowa) — Authorities are investigating a weekend accident that left a bicyclist dead in Waterloo. Police say 45-year-old Gerrick Stotser, of Waterloo, died from injuries suffered in the accident, which happened in the 1800 block of Greenhill Road shortly after 12:30 a.m. Sunday. According to police, officers and fire rescue personnel found Stotser’s body when they arrived at the scene. Authorities say Stotser had been struck by a motor vehicle. Investigators are seeking information about the accident. They’re asking anyone who knows anything about the mishap to contact Waterloo police.