SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) – A judge has convicted a Sioux City man in the stabbing death of a 43-year-old woman. Judge Steven Andreasen announced Wednesday that Isack Abdinur was guilty of first-degree murder. The judge had presided over a three-day nonjury trial that ended Nov. 21.

Prosecutors say Abdinur stabbed Cornelia Stead 23 times in her Sioux City apartment on June 23, 2015. Police say the two were romantic partners. Two psychologists testified that Abdinur is a violent schizophrenic. The defense expert said Abdinur didn’t know what he was doing when he attacked Stead. The prosecution expert said Abdinur knew he’d done something wrong and understood his actions.

Abdinur’s sentencing date hasn’t been set yet.

An overloaded electrical cord is believed to have been the cause of a house fire last Thursday morning, in Walnut. Walnut Fire Chief Justen Tooley told KJAN News the call about a fire at 408 Pearl Street came in a little after 5-a.m. Thursday (Dec. 22nd).

Tooley said when they got on scene, they found flames coming out of the windows of the home. Two people who were renting the home had escaped safely.  The flames had spread to the corner of another house that was only about 5 feet away, according to Tooley. He said also that the fire was knocked down quickly, but the house was a total loss.

CHARLES CITY, Iowa (AP) – An 18-year-old has been accused of battering a 2-month-old baby in northern Iowa. Court records say Nathan Jacobson, of Boone, is charged with felony child endangerment causing serious injury. He remained in custody Wednesday. Jacobson’s arraignment is scheduled for Jan. 3.

The records say he was arrested earlier this month following an investigation of an Oct. 17 incident in Charles City. Authorities say Jacobson was taking care of the infant when the infant suffered face and head injuries. The authorities say the injuries likely were caused by the baby being dropped, shaken and slapped.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – The state of Iowa has reached a birthday milestone. Today (Wednesday) marks 170 years since Iowa achieved statehood. It became the 29th state to be admitted to the Union on Dec. 28, 1846.

The Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs, which oversees the state historical museum near the state Capitol, opened two exhibits this month focused on Iowa history. The department is also hosting an event Wednesday at the museum to mark the state’s birthday.

The Mills County Sheriff’s Office reports two people were arrested Tuesday night for Driving Under Suspension. 35-year old Justin Wayne Schomburg, of Malvern, was taken into custody at around 11-p.m., and 35-year old Colleen Lynn Salmons, of Hastings, was arrested at around 9:30-p.m.  Bonds for both individuals was set at $300.

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) – Officials estimate that it could cost $2.1 million to repair the exterior of the Woodbury County courthouse. County supervisor Mark Monson told the Sioux City Journal that the exterior condition of the nearly century-old building is so dire that entire bricks can be pulled from the foundation in places.

Woodbury County building services department director Kenny Schmitz says the worst spots are higher up, typically from about the third to sixth floors on the eight-story building. He says the north side is the most weathered part of the building.

County supervisors say they want the building renovated for its 100th anniversary celebration in 2018, and that it might be necessary to borrow substantial funds in a capital improvement plan to pay for the repairs.

The Iowa Concern Hotline is seeing a boost in calls from farmers and those who depend on agriculture-related businesses. Hotline director Margaret Van Ginkel says that sector of the economy was thriving just a couple of years ago, but three straight years of low commodity prices are pushing things in a different direction now. “We’re hearing some concerns from those smaller machinery businesses that are looking down the road to see how much that farmer might have to spend on machinery this year,” Van Ginkel says. “They could be having a tough year, too.”

Large equipment manufacturers are also feeling the pinch. Quad Cities-based Deere and Company has idled more than three-thousand workers since 2014. Van Ginkel says the Iowa Concern Hotline is not just for farmers, as counselors have been offering advice to anyone who asks for more than 30 years. Phone calls are free and confidential.  “Call and just talk with someone,” she says. “Sometimes, you just need get a few things off your chest and just get rid of some of that stress. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. You can just call. You can be anonymous. You don’t have to give us your name.”

Van Ginkel says the economy is usually one of the main topics of discussion. She says they often hear from families who wonder how they’ll make their budget stretch if food prices and other costs continue to rise. The hotline was set up by the Iowa State University Extension to offer advice to farmers back in the mid-1980s. The hotline is open round-the-clock at 800-447-1985.

(Radio Iowa w/thanks to Pat Blank of Iowa Public Radio)

The Cass County Board of Supervisors will meet 8:30-a.m. Friday at the courthouse, in Atlantic. During their end-of-month session, the Board will act on passage of a Resolution calling for a portion of County matching funds (amounting to $25,0000), to be used to strengthen the chances The City of Atlantic’s Parks and Rec Department will receive an Enhance Iowa Community Attraction and Tourism (or, CAT) grant for improvements to the Schildberg Recreation Area.

In other business, the Board of Supervisors will hear a report from Zoning Administrator Rich Hansen with regard to a request for a Zoning Change pertaining to the Elite Octane Ethanol Plant. In a related note, the Board will act also on approving Professional Services Agreement with Snyder and Associates Engineers, with regard to the Ethanol Plant Gray Water Transmission line installation and Paving Project for Glacier, Buck Creek and Echo Roads.

And, the Supervisors will hear an annual report from County Weed Commissioner Larry Randall, along with regularly scheduled reports from the County Engineer, Attorney and Mental Health/General Relief Coordinator.

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

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