GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (AP) — Authorities say two Iowa residents were arrested in south-central Nebraska after a state trooper found several pounds of marijuana in their car. The Nebraska State Patrol says the trooper pulled over the car around 5:15 p.m. Wednesday, just west of Grand Island on Interstate 80. The patrol says a subsequent search turned up 37 pounds of marijuana and other drug items.
The driver was identified as 26-year-old James Chase and his passenger as 25-year-old Charitie Olson. Both live in Des Moines.

They’ve been charged with possession of drugs for sale and related drug crimes. Attempts to reach his attorney Friday were unsuccessful. The next court hearing for Chase and Olson is scheduled for Nov. 2.

Two people were arrested on separate warrants Thursday, in Creston. Authorities say 32-year old Cortni Lynn White, of Creston, was arrested at her home Thursday afternoon, on a warrant for Probation Violation. White was transported to the Adams County Jail and held on a $2,000 cash-only bond. And, 39-year old Seth Jacob Preston, of Creston, was arrested Thursday morning, on an outside law enforcement agency warrant for Probation Violation. Preston was being held in the Union County Jail on a $20,000 cash-only bond.

Red Oak Police say no injuries were reported following three separate accidents Thursday night. At around 10-p.m., a two-vehicle accident happened in the 1000 block of E. Coolbaugh Street. Officials say a 2014 Nissan Sentra driven by 16-year old Ethan Stewart, of Red Oak, was traveling westbound on E. Coolbaugh, when Stewart lost control of the car. The vehicle struck a legally parked 2000 Dodge Durango, registered to William Elwood. Damage from the collision amounted to $4,000. Stewart was cited for Failure to Maintain Control. Red Oak Fire assisted at the scene.

At around 8:45-p.m., an accident occurred in the 500 block of E. Washington Street, in Red Oak. Authorities say a 2012 Nissan Altima driven by 69-year old Stephen Kling, of Red Oak, was traveling eastbound, when he lost control of his car. The vehicle hit a legally parked 2014 Ford Explorer, registered to Tara Robinson. Damage from the collision amounted to $16,000. Kling, who claimed a dog ran into the street causing him to lose control, was cited for Failure to Maintain Control. Red Oak Fire assisted at the scene.

Earlier in the day, a 2010 Buick Enclave driven by 25-year old Tamera Sutton, of Red Oak, was struck broadside by a 2005 Chevy Trailblazer, driven by 18-year old Halee Myers, of Red Oak. The accident happened at around 5:20-p.m., as Sutton was traveling southbound on 6th Street. When her SUV entered an uncontrolled intersection at Elm Street, it was hit by Myers’ SUV. Following the collision, Sutton’s vehicle struck a power pole, snapping it in-two. Damage to the vehicles amounted to $23,000. The City of Red Oak power pole sustained about $3,000 damage. Police cited Myers for Failure to Yield. Red Oak Fire and Rescue assisted at the scene, along with a Mid-American Energy crew.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A woman has been imprisoned for her role in the slaying of a Des Moines man. Polk County court records say Crystal Purdy was sentenced Thursday to 35 years. She’d pleaded guilty to burglary and conspiracy to commit a forcible felony after prosecutors dropped a murder charge for the slaying of Cody Channon on Jan. 9. Her plea deal calls for her to testify against others involved, including William Burton II. He’s pleaded not guilty to a murder charge.

Investigators say they suspect Burton, Purdy and another man who has yet to be charged went to Channon’s home to confront him, and then Burton intentionally shot Channon once in the chest. Police say Burton and Purdy told investigators the gun went off during a scuffle.

(Radio Iowa) — Dordt College in Sioux Center has placed its band director on leave following accusations of inappropriate student contact, according to an email sent to students. Dr. Bradley Miedema is an associate professor of music at the northwest Iowa college and director of instrumental ensembles. The provost of Dordt College confirms Miedema will remain on leave, pending the college Board of Trustees decision on the issue. Brandon Huisman, vice president of enrollment and marketing at Dordt, says the college recognizes the seriousness of this issue. “We’re working with those involved to move forward in ways to acknowledge the seriousness of these actions in ways that we believe will lead to Christ-centered resolution, healing and hope,” he says.

Huisman says he cannot reveal details of the allegations because it’s a personnel matter. The Dordt College Board of Trustees will review the matter at its regular meeting next week.  “We value of students’ and employees’ well-being and we are committed to ministering to those affected by this situation,” Huisman says.

Other faculty are teaching Miedema’s classes and overseeing rehearsals. Concerts will go on as scheduled. Dordt College is associated with the Christian Reformed Church. It and has a student body of about 15-hundred and 85 full-time faculty.