Relatives in Spain of a star collegiate golfer who was stabbed to death by a stranger on an Iowa golf course say they are distraught. Miriam Arozamena says it was terrible fate that her 22-year-old daughter, Celia Barquin, crossed paths with her killer on Tuesday morning. Collin Daniel Richards has been charged with murder in Barquin’s death.

Speaking from her residence near Torrelavega in northern Spain, Arozamena told broadcaster Tele 5 on Wednesday that her daughter had “such bad luck.” She says Richards “was just going out with the goal of killing.” Police have said the suspect told an acquaintance he wanted to rape and kill someone. Around 500 residents of Torrelavega held a minute of silence for Barquin Wednesday, including her brother Andres who said the family is “heart-broken.”

(DES MOINES) – Gov. Kim Reynolds issued a disaster proclamation Wednesday for Union County in response to severe storms that took place beginning Aug. 28th. The governor’s proclamations allow state resources to be utilized to respond to and recover from the effects of this severe weather and activates the Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program for qualifying residents, along with the Disaster Case Management Program.

The Individual Assistance Grant Program provides grants of up to $5,000 for households with incomes up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level or a maximum annual income of $41,560 for a family of three. Grants are available for home or car repairs, replacement of clothing or food and temporary housing expenses. Original receipts are required for those seeking reimbursement for actual expenses related to storm recovery. The grant application and instructions are available on the Iowa Department of Human Services website. Potential applicants have 45 days from the date of the proclamation to submit a claim.

Disaster Case Management is a program to address serious needs to overcome a disaster-related hardship, injury or adverse condition. Disaster case managers work with clients to create a disaster recovery plan and provide guidance, advice and referral to obtain a service or resource. There are no income eligibility requirements for this program; it closes 180 days from the date of the governor’s proclamation. For information on the Disaster Case Management Program, contact your local community action association or visit www.iowacommunityaction.org.

Residents of counties impacted by the recent severe weather are asked to report damage to help local and state officials better understand the damage sustained. Damage to property, roads, utilities and other storm-related information may be reported. This information will be collected by the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management and shared with local emergency management agencies.

Sheriff’s officials in Mills County report a man and a woman from Pottawattamie County were arrested Tuesday night on drug charges. 51-year old Shad Lee McCurley, and 40-year old Carrie Annie Quinlan, both of Council Bluffs, were taken into custody in the vicinity of Deacon and Glover Roads between nine and 10-p.m.  Both were charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. McCurley was also charged with OWI/1st offense, speeding and Driving Under Suspension. His bond was set at $4,600. Bond for Quinlan was set at $1,300.

And, 21-year old Brandon Lee Mayberry Meston, of Glenwood, was arrested Tuesday evening for Driving Under Suspension and a financial responsibility violation. His bond was set at $1,300.  The Mills County Sheriff’s Office said also, 71-year old Jerry Ponow, of Hastings (IA), was transported by Malvern Rescue to Jennie Edmundson Hospital in Council Bluffs, following an accident at around 6:40-a.m. today (Wednesday). Authorities say 45-year old Shannon Gravett, of Emerson, was driving a 2007 Chevy westbound on Highway 34, when Ponow, who was driving a 2012 Ford, entered the roadway from 315th Street on the north side of Highway 34. He failed to see the westbound Chevy. His vehicle was hit by the Gravett vehicle. Gravett was not injured in the crash.

Officials with the Harlan Police Department have released a report on arrests. Authorities say last Saturday, 35-year old Amy Jean Marie Lesline, and 47-year old Timothy Thomas Sorensen, both of Harlan, were arrested after a search warrant was executed at a residence in the 800 block of 10th Street. Lesline and Sorensen were arrested on charges that include: Distribution of a Controlled Substance; Failure to affix a drug tax stamp; Prohibited Acts; Gathering where controlled substances are used; Possession of Drug Paraphernalia; Delivery/manufacture of a controlled substance, and Child Endangerment. They were booked into the Shelby County Jail.

On Sept. 12th, 31-year old Joey Lee Ranney, of Harlan, was arrested on active Shelby County warrants for Theft in the 5th Degree, and Trespassing. After being transported to the Shelby County Jail, Ranney was also charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance. And, 26-year old Kayla Marie Strong, of Harlan, was arrested that same day, on an active warrant. She was also transported to the Shelby County Jail.

On Sept. 9th, 21-year old Devin M. Ramirez, of Harlan, was arrested for Willful Injury, following a call about a possible assault in the 1100 block of Durant Street, in Harlan. On Sept. 8th, 55-year old George Otis Brittain, and 57-year old Susan Kaye Boruff, both of Harlan, were arrested following the execution of a search warrant. They face charges that include: Possession with the intent to deliver; Possession of a Controlled Substance; Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Prohibited Acts. That same day, 25-year old Adam Tyrone Scheffler, of Harlan, was arrested following a traffic stop, and charged with; Delivery of a Controlled Substance; Possession with the intent to deliver a controlled substance; Possession of drug paraphernalia; Possession of a Controlled Substance, Prohibited Acts penalties, ongoing criminal conduct, and failure to affix a drug tax stamp.

On Sept. 7th, 60-year old Jolene J. Rihner, of Harlan, was arrested for OWI and Failure to Maintain control, following an accident in the 2200 block of 8th Street, in Harlan. 37-year old Kristina Marie Namanny, of Harlan, was arrested Sept. 7th also, for Criminal Mischief in the 4th Degree, and Assault. And, on Sept. 6th, 49-year old Todd Alan Horner, of Harlan, was arrested for OWI, following a call about a possible intoxicated person in the 2200 block of Chatburn Avenue, in Harlan.

Des Moines, Iowa – In the wake of widespread damage caused by Hurricane Florence, the Iowa Insurance Division is cautioning Iowans to watch out for opportunistic investment or charitable scams. “Iowans know that natural disasters can bring out the best in people as neighbors help neighbors through extremely tough times.  Unfortunately, natural disasters can also bring out the worst in scammers seeking to profit from the misfortune of others,” Iowa Insurance Commissioner Doug Ommen said. “Unsolicited investment offers seeking to capitalize on the aftermath of Hurricane Florence should be approached with extreme caution.”

The Iowa Insurance Division is reminding Iowans to watch for red flags of hurricane-related investment scams, including unsolicited email, social media messages, crowdfunding pitches or telephone calls promoting investment pools or bonds to help storm victims. The Iowa Insurance Division also cautioned about fraudulent charitable solicitations that prey on the goodness of people seeking to help those in need.

“There will undoubtedly be fraudulent solicitations for charities in Florence’s wake so it’s important for Iowans to do their research,” Ommen said. “As with any charitable contribution, those who want to contribute to relief efforts should send contributions to charitable organizations with an established track record of getting donations to victims.” Iowans can find more tips and information to protect yourself from fundraising and charity abuses on the Iowa Attorney General’s website. (https://www.iowaattorneygeneral.gov/for-consumers/general-consumer-information/charitable-giving)

FORT DODGE, Iowa (AP) — County officials in central Iowa plan to make a 3D scan of a historic courthouse clock tower to study how to repair the structure. The Messenger reports that the Webster County Board of Supervisors approved the $72,200 plan with Shuck-Briston Inc. engineers. The project will also involve a crane to get measurements and details of the copper dome and a drone to take pictures. The green clock tower was built in 1902 along with the rest of the courthouse, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The clock’s mechanics were most recently replaced in 2016.

Supervisor Merrill Leffler says the 3D scan will help show officials what needs to be done to keep the dome in good shape. Supervisor Nick Carlson says the scan hasn’t been scheduled.

MONTEZUMA, Iowa (AP) — The farmhand charged in the abduction and stabbing death of 20-year-old Mollie Tibbetts in Iowa has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder. Cristhian Bahena Rivera entered his plea Wednesday at the Poweshiek County Courthouse in Montezuma, Iowa. Rivera is charged in the killing of Tibbetts, a University of Iowa student who disappeared while out for a run July 18 in Brooklyn, Iowa.
Investigators recovered her body a month later in a cornfield. A medical examiner has said Tibbetts was stabbed to death.

Rivera is a Mexican national who has been accused of being in the country illegally. The 24-year-old worked at a dairy farm a few miles from where Tibbetts disappeared. He waived his right to be tried within 90 days. Trial is set for April 16.

The Union County Sheriff’s Office says a Creston man reported Monday, that sometime on Saturday, someone stole his 2013 Suzuki 500 King Quad 4-Wheeler (camo in color).  The machine has an estimated value of $5,000.

The ATV looks similar to this 2013 400 model.

The Cass County Health System in Atlantic reports the facility is currently experiencing a phone outage, and is unable to receive incoming phone calls. CCHS is working with local utilities to fix this problem as soon as possible. Until the problem is resolved, you’re asked to please use 712-779-3626 to reach the CCHS Switchboard, who will then route your call to the appropriate clinic or department. As always, in an emergency, call 911.