United Group Insurance

Truck into building in Council Bluffs – 1 w/possible injuries

News

July 4th, 2019 by Ric Hanson

Police in Council Bluffs were called Wednesday to the Hub Trampoline Park at 7 S.4th Street, in reference to an accident where a vehicle struck a building. An investigation determined the vehicle was going east, hit a parking meter in the 400 block of 1st Ave and crossed 4th St hitting the building.

photo courtesy Council Bluffs P-D

The driver of the vehicle was identified as Mark Armstrong of Crescent, Iowa. He was transported to a local hospital by ambulance for observation. The vehicle had minor damage and the business sustained about $5000 in damage. There were children in the building at the time, however, no one was injured. Charges are pending against the driver.

Notice from CCHS, re: Main Entrance closed

News

July 3rd, 2019 by Ric Hanson

The main entrance at Cass County Health System will be closed on Thursday, July 4th for maintenance work and repairs. Hospital officials say all visitors and patients should use the Emergency Department entrance.

The Atlantic Medical Center and most clinics will be closed in observance of the holiday. As always, the Emergency Department will remain open 24/7.

Some Pott. County residents could see home access cut-off by additional flooding

News

July 3rd, 2019 by Ric Hanson

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa –Weather forecasters have indicated the chance for widespread rainfall over the next five days in the Missouri River Basin. Current river forecasts estimate an additional 1.6’of river rise as a result. The crest of this latest rise is anticipated around 7a.m. on July 5th. Emergency Management and County Roads officials in Pottawattamie County are advising that some residents in the northwest portion of the county could have access to their homes cut off or limited during this rise, once again.

Residents south of Rosewood Road and 145thStreet could be impacted by this latest river level increase. Currently, the intersection of Rosewood and 145this inundated with water and will likely remain so until levees in northern Pottawattamie County are repaired, as well as areas at the southern portion of Meadowlark Loop. Sumac Road and 152ndStreet may also be over-topped during this upcoming river level increase.

Pott. County Emergency Management Director Doug Reed, says “We want people in the areas still impacted by ongoing flooding to be aware of the potential over the next few days and take appropriate action now, in case safe access to your property is hindered or completely shut-off from this next round of flooding.”

With the potential for additional flooding and isolated thunderstorm chances over the holiday week, all residents should remain weather-aware and take heed to warnings issued by the National Weather Service. Free alerts can be obtained by signing up for Pottawattamie Alert! at www.pottcounty-ia.gov.

Residents are also reminded that the deadline to file for FEMA assistance related to the flooding disaster has been extended to July 16th.

Fireworks damage can spark a sticky insurance situation between neighbors

News

July 3rd, 2019 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) — Fireworks, love ’em or hate ’em, they’re a big part of how Iowans mark the 4th of July. Iowa’s largest home insurer is urging everyone who plans to celebrate the holiday with a bang to use extreme caution. James Walford, a State Farm agent in Des Moines, says in addition to the risk of injury, there’s also a significant fire hazard from fireworks — and it’s vital to have your policy up-to-date.

“If you were to cause damage to your own home, that would be covered under State Farm’s property damage on your homeowner’s policy,” Walford says. “If you were to cause damage to your neighbor’s property, they would actually use their own homeowner’s coverage to cover that damage.”

If the fire damage to a home is significant, the case may quickly evolve into a lawsuit based on negligence and other factors. As far as insurance, a house fire caused by fireworks may be considered much like any other disaster that’s the result of a storm or flood.

“If my tree falls on your property, you’re using your homeowner’s policy,” Walford says. “Sometimes it comes down to, what’s your relationship with your neighbor? Is this a lawsuit thing? Is this a ‘I’ll use my policy but pay my deductible?’ so, it can get interesting.” The way the fine print reads, the homeowner would have to pay a deductible — perhaps $500 or $1,000 — for damage to their own home that was caused by a neighbor’s fireworks.

“It can catch people by surprise,” Walford says. “I’m big on education. That’s the value of having a local agent is staying informed and understanding how your policy works.” State Farm says there are nearly 20,000 reports of fireworks-associated fires every year nationwide and another 13,000 injuries. Last year, a northeast Iowa teenager died after setting off fireworks that exploded on the ground instead of in the air in rural Waverly.

6th Street in Harlan temporarily closed from Chatburn to Walnut

News

July 3rd, 2019 by Ric Hanson

Harlan Mayor Gene Gettys reports “Due to heavy rains 6th Street will be temporarily closed from Chatburn Avenue to Walnut Street,” today (Wednesday).

WILMA DARLENE EGGERSS, 70, of Harlan (7-8-2019)

Obituaries

July 3rd, 2019 by Jim Field

WILMA DARLENE EGGERSS, 70, of Harlan died Tuesday, July 2nd at Elm Crest Assisted Living.  Funeral services for WILMA DARLENE EGGERSS will be held on Monday, July 8th at 11:00 am at Pauley-Jones Funeral Home in Avoca.

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Visitation will be held on Monday from 9:00 am until service time at the funeral home.

Burial in the Graceland Cemetery in Avoca.

WILMA DARLENE EGGERSS is survived by:

Uncles:  Rudy (Linda) Simons of Lakewood, WA; Andrew “Bunky” (Maggie) Simons of Georgia; Bennie Simons of Georgia.

Aunt:  Betty (Clarence) Smith of Columbus, GA.

DNR Conservation Officers on the lookout for intoxicated boat operators

Ag/Outdoor, News, Sports

July 3rd, 2019 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES – State, federal and local law enforcement agencies will be focusing on the boating while intoxicated law as part of the national Operation Dry Water campaign to draw public attention to the hazards of boating under the influence. Iowa DNR Conservation Officers will be heavily patrolling Iowa waterways over the Fourth of July holiday and during the Operation Dry Water campaign, July 5 – 7.  The DNR will be conducting heightened awareness and enforcement of boating under the influence laws in hopes to decrease the number of crashes, causing injuries and deaths and remove any impaired boat operators, providing a safe and enjoyable experience for boaters this season.

Susan Stocker, boating law administrator and education coordinator for the Iowa DNR, says “The effects of alcohol can be intensified when combined with wind and wave action and an extended time spent in the sun.  Operators may not think they are under the influence, but their judgment, reaction time, balance and vision indicate that they are.”

Tips to staying safe on the water this summer:

  • Boat sober.Alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in recreational boater deaths*. Alcohol and drug use impairs a boater’s judgment, balance, vision and reaction time.
  • Wear your life jacket.
  • Take a boating safety education course.

Operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal on all navigable waters of the State and can lead to serious injuries and consequences. In Iowa, it is illegal to operate a vessel with a BAC level of .08 or higher – the same as it is to operate a vehicle. If you are found to be impaired and operating a boat you will face the consequences.

2018 top areas for BWI arrests

Saylorville Lake: 9
Okoboji: 6
Coralville: 5
Lake Manawa: 5
Total BWI: 38

Stay safe paddling this 4th of July holiday and weekend

Ag/Outdoor, News

July 3rd, 2019 by Ric Hanson

Some Iowa streams are still swollen and swift after a rainy end of June.  While some rivers remain dangerously high, others have dropped to safe levels for paddlers. Todd Robertson, paddling instructor and Outreach Coordinator for Rivers Programs at the Iowa DNR, says “High rivers are super powerful and have unpredictable current along with numerous deadly river hazards.  Piles of trees and branches can suck a paddler in and under with little chance of escape.” The Iowa DNR learned of a kayaking fatality on the South Skunk River last weekend.

Stay safe this holiday weekend and each time you paddle with these simple safety tips:

  • Always wear your life jacket. Kids 12 and under must wear a life jacket at all times when underway on a recreational vessel on any Iowa water. It’s also law that those 13 and over, if not wearing their life jacket, must have a life jacket on board their vessel. “It’s best to wear your life jacket, not just store it on board,” encourages Robertson. “If you are not wearing your life jacket, it probably won’t be there when you really need it.”
  • Tell a friend or loved one where you will be paddling, including what access to what access, and when you are expected to return. It will be easier to find you if you need help.
  • Always know your rivers conditions before you go paddling.

For the latest river conditions, visit the USGS site for Iowa streamflow readings at https://waterdata.usgs.gov/ia/nwis/current/?type=flow. You can also call the local county conservation board where the river flows through and ask for an update. Check the Iowa DNR’s interactive paddlers map for updates on real-time hazards like downed trees and log jams, strainers and bridge construction: https://www.iowadnr.gov/Things-to-Do/Canoeing-Kayaking/Where-to-Paddle

MICHAEL SCOTT KERR, 74, of Manilla (Svcs. 7/10/19)

Obituaries

July 3rd, 2019 by Ric Hanson

MICHAEL SCOTT KERR, 74, of Manilla, died Tuesday, July 2nd, at the Salem Lutheran Home, in Elk Horn. Funeral services for MICHAEL KERR will be held 10:30-a.m. Wed., July 10th, at the United Methodist Church in Manning. Ohde Funeral Home in Manilla has the arrangements.

Friends may call at the Ohde Funeral Home on Tuesday, July 9th, from 6-until 8-p.m., with a Masonic Service at 7-p.m.

Burial is in the Nishnabotna Cemetery near Manilla.

MICHAEL KERR is survived by:

His sons – Nick (Peggy) Kerr, of Newport Beach, CA., and Tim Kerr, of Manilla.

His brother – Alex Kerr, of Skykomish, WA.

His sister – Sandy Sorenson, of Fayetteville, NC.

and 3 grandchildren.

Mills County Sheriff’s report: 5 arrested on Theft/Burglary charges

News

July 3rd, 2019 by Ric Hanson

The Mills County Sheriff’s Office is reporting numerous arrests took place from June 26th through July 2nd.

Six people were arrested on various Theft and/or Burglary charges June 26th, in Mills County:

  • 39-year old Daniel Lee Walling, of Glenwood, was arrested for Ongoing Criminal Conduct, as well as Theft in the 1st, 2nd and 5th degrees, and Burglary in the 3rd degree. His bond was set at $45,300.
  • 23-year old Gregory Jacob Jamison, of Glenwood, was arrested: for Possession of a Controlled Substance; a Drug Tax Stamp Violation; Possession of a Firearm; Possession of drug paraphernalia; 1st and 2nd degree Theft, and ongoing Criminal Conduct. His bond was set at $50,300.
  • 32-year old Shaw Aaron Peterson, of Glenwood, was arrested for: ongoing Criminal Conduct; 3rd degree Burglary, and Theft in the 3rd and 4th degrees. Bond was set at $33,000.
  • 32-year old Danielle Jean Frazier, of Glenwood, was arrested for Ongoing Criminal Conduct and Theft in the 3rd. Her bond was set at $27,000.
  • And, 42-year old Matthew Michael Zimmerman, of Lincoln, NE., was arrested June 26th for OWI/1st offense, and Theft in the 1st degree. His bond was set at $2,000.

On Tuesday (7/2), 20-year old Chase Zachary Stewart, of Council Bluffs, was arrested at the sheriff’s office for Violation of a No Contact Order. And, 41-year old Andy Charles Andrews, of Pacific Junction, was arrested at the sheriff’s office for Theft in the 1st degree. His bond was set at $10,000.

Last Saturday, 19-year old Sexztinh Richard Donaldson, of Council Bluffs, was arrested at the Mills County Sheriff’s Office on a warrant for Violation of Probation. Bond was set at $5,000. There were three arrests last Friday in Mills County: 30-year old Arron Wade Opdyke, of Malvern, was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance and on two counts of Child Endangerment; 40-year old Christopher Michael Peterson, of Wichita, TX, was arrested for Public Intoxication, Interference with Official Acts, Criminal Mischief in the 3rd and 4th degrees. His bond was set at $3,600; and 18-year old Nathan Edward Lee Richardson, of Malvern, was arrested for OWI/1st offense.

Last Thursday, Mills County Deputies arrested 40-year old Christina Mae Robbins, of Glenwood, for Assault and Criminal Mischief in the 5th degree. And, 55-year old Kevin Dale Elwood, of Glenwood, was arrested on two counts of 1st degree Harassment. His bond was set at $4,000.