(Red Oak, Iowa) – A pursuit in Montgomery County Friday afternoon resulted in two Red Oak Police cars being struck, a suspect in custody, and two police officers suffering minor injuries. The Red Oak Police Department reports the incident began at around 2:41-p.m. At that time, the Montgomery County Communications Center was notified by Mills County Communications, that there was a silver sedan all over the road, heading eastbound on Highway 34 from Emerson. Red Oak Police Officers located the suspect vehicle at Highway 34 and G Avenue, and attempted to make a traffic stop just west of the intersection of Highways 34 and 48.

The vehicle increased its speed and traveled south on Broadway Street. Officers pursued the vehicle southbound on Broadway, at speeds in excess of 80 miles per hour. The pursuit continued south out of the Red Oak City Limits, and turned west on 223rd Street. At the intersection of 223rd and Gingko Avenue, the suspect vehicle turned back east toward Highway 48. It then turned back north and headed back into the City of Red Oak, where it turned east, with Red Oak Police in pursuit.

The fleeing vehicle struck a Red Oak PD vehicle at S. 5th and High Streets, before turning west onto Oakwood Avenue. The suspect vehicle struck another Police vehicle before becoming disabled at about S. 2nd and Oakwood Avenue. The driver – later identified as 29-year-old Juan Esquivel, Jr. – refused to exit his vehicle, and had to be physically removed. He was taken into custody at around 3-p.m. Two Red Oak Police officers suffered minor injuries during the arrest. Esquivel faces charges that include: Eluding (over 25 mph); OWI/1st offense; 2 counts of Criminal Mischief in the 2nd Degree; 2 counts of Assault on a Peace Officer with a dangerous weapon; 2 counts of Interference with Official Acts causing bodily injury, and Driving Under Suspension.

The two Red Oak Police vehicles sustained minor damage. Red Oak Police were assisted during the incident, by the Montgomery County Communications Center, and Montgomery County Sheriff’s Deputies.

DES MOINES, Iowa – The Iowa Department of Public Safety announced Friday, the graduation of the 51st Basic Academy. The ceremony recognized a graduating class of 18 recruits who entered the academy in July 2024. Lieutenant Matthew Struecker served as Camp Commander. Conducted at Camp Dodge, their 20-week academy training focused on completing law enforcement coursework on laws of arrest, search and seizure, defensive tactics, arrest techniques, precision driving, firearms, emergency management services, fair and impartial policing, and much more.

IDPS Facebook page photo of some of the graduates being sworn-in, 12/20/24

Among the list of graduates was Trooper Austin Costello, Badge #363 who will service out of District 4, in Denison.

You can view the entire list of graduates from the 51st Basic Academy, HERE.

[Council Bluffs, IA] – The Pottawattamie County Long-term Disaster Recovery Center (LT-DRC) will be closed for
Christmas from Tuesday, December 24, through Friday, December 27. It will also be closed on Tuesday, December 31,
and Wednesday, January 1, New Year’s Day.

Additionally, the Disaster Case Advocacy Helpline will have limited staffing. If you need assistance during this time leave
a detailed message and a Disaster Case Advocate will return your call as soon as possible.

Pott. County EMA

Additional Ways to Reach a Disaster Case Advocate

• Apply online homelandsecurity.iowa.gov/assistance, DCA Online Form
• Call 515-675-1884
• Email DisasterCaseAdvocacy@iowa.gov

LT-DRC’s

At the LT-DRC, Disaster Case Advocates are on hand to help survivors navigate the recovery process and answer questions about available state, local, and federal assistance and how to apply. Survivors can also check their FEMA or Small Business Administration (SBA) status, receive assistance with their federal assistance applications, including how to file an appeal on a denied federal application, and receive ongoing assistance with unmet needs. Survivors are encouraged to visit the LT-DRC during its hours of operation at:

Pottawattamie County
Emergency Management Agency
205 S Main St, Council Bluffs, IA 51503

The Pottawattamie County LT-DRC offers in-person FEMA assistance by appointment only. Survivors who want to make an appointment with FEMA staff at the LT-DRC can call 816-283-7529. Survivors should leave their full name, FEMA registration ID number, and a good phone number for a return call to schedule an appointment.

(Des Moines, Iowa) – The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (Iowa HHS) is reporting the first human case of avian influenza A(H5) in the state. The individual was exposed to infected poultry while working with a commercial flock in northwest Iowa. The individual reported mild symptoms, has received appropriate treatment and is recovering. The case was identified through testing at the State Hygienic Laboratory and confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

As of December 20, 2024, the CDC has reported 64 confirmed human cases of H5 HPAI across nine states. The majority of the exposures are linked to infected poultry or dairy cows. There is no evidence that human-to-human transmission of influenza A(H5) is occurring in the U.S.

Although human infections are rare, the virus is spread through prolonged exposure around infected flocks and herds, through the eyes, nose or mouth. Any individuals with direct contact who develop flu-like symptoms or an eye infection should contact their doctor. To reduce the risk of infection or spread, people in direct contact with exposed animals should wear proper PPE and avoid direct contact with sick or dead animals, including birds.

“Iowa has monitored the spread of avian influenza closely since it was first detected in poultry in the state in 2022, and our state is prepared with the established knowledge, strong partnerships, and effective tools to mitigate its impact on our community,” said Iowa HHS State Medical Director Dr. Robert Kruse.

There is no concern about the safety of eggs and poultry products or pasteurized milk and dairy products. As a reminder, consumers should always properly handle and cook eggs and poultry products, including cooking to an internal temperature of 165˚F. Pasteurization has continually proven to successfully inactivate bacteria and viruses, like influenza, in milk.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) today (Friday) sent a letter to the Chief Administrative Officer of the House of Representatives requesting his pay be withheld in the case of a government shutdown beginning at 12:00 a.m. on December 21, 2024, until the government is funded.

“Members of Congress have a responsibility to the American people to work together to resolve our differences, responsibly cut wasteful spending, and protect the critical programs that Americans rely on,” said Rep. Nunn. “Congress’s failure to do so will directly subject many Americans to painful decisions about their budget.  Members of Congress must not live by a different set of rules than the people they are sworn to serve. As such, I will not receive pay during a shut down.”

Rep. Nunn’s letter can be found here.

BACKGROUND 

To ensure that Congress isn’t profiting while the American people suffer, Rep. Nunn has introduced two bills:

• The bipartisan No Work, No Pay Act would impose a fine on Representatives and Senators equal to one day’s pay for each day the government is shut down. The full text of the No Work, No Pay Act—which is co-lead by U.S. Representatives Marie Glusenkamp-Perez (WA-03), Chris Pappas (NH-01), and Andrew Garbarino (NY-02)—can be found here.
• The People Before Politics Act would prohibit Members in both the House and Senate from directing or personally engaging in fundraising for their political campaign during a government shutdown. The full text of the People Before Politics Act can be found here.

Additionally, Rep. Nunn is a cosponsor of the bipartisan Pay Our Troops Act, led by U.S. Representative Jen Kiggans (VA-02), which would ensure members of the military are paid in the event of a government shutdown.

December 20, 2024 (DES MOINES, IA) – Today (Friday), the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) Board approved awards for two companies, which will assist in the creation of 223 jobs and result in $20 million in new capital investment for the state. These projects are located in Rock Valley and West Des Moines. The board also approved Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) grants in Cedar Rapids, Grundy County, Maquoketa and Pella.

Kooima Company to expand into larger Rock Valley facility
Kooima Company LLC specializes in tube laser cutting, flat laser cutting, machining, welding, robotic forming and tube bending. The company plans to lease an 82,500-square-foot facility in Rock Valley and install automated systems and equipment. The board awarded the $11.6 million capital investment project tax benefits through the High Quality Jobs (HQJ) program. The project is expected to create 11 jobs at a qualifying wage of $25.97 per hour.

HMA Group Holdings to lease space in West Des Moines
The incorporated entity for Holmes Murphy, HMA Group Holdings, LLC, is an independent insurance brokerage that partners with businesses across the country in every industry and of almost every size for their risk management and benefits consulting needs. The company plans to expand beyond their Waukee building and lease and build out space in West Des Moines. The project represents a capital investment of $8.4 million and is expected to create 212 jobs at a qualifying wage of $36.80 per hour. The board awarded the company tax benefits through the HQJ program.

CAT grants awarded to four communities
The National Czech and Slovak Museum & Library in Cedar Rapids was awarded $42,500 to renovate and improve their Orloj Clocktower, modeled after the famous Prague Orloj. The project will add unique features that highlight Czech composers, incorporate repairs and finishes, and redevelop the plaza around the clocktower. Total project cost is $685,000.

The Grundy County Conservation Board was awarded $214,000 to pave the remaining 1.3 miles of trail that will complete the seven-mile stretch of the Pioneer Trail between Reinbeck and Grundy Center. The 12-mile trail will interlink four communities and several recreational trails along the route. Total project cost is nearly $1.1 million.

The Prairie Recreation Area project led by City of Maquoketa and Jackson County was awarded $400,000 to make large scale improvements. The project includes streambank restoration for fishing, viewing and camping; construction of shelters, restrooms, trailheads and bridges; a trail connection from the recreation area to the city limits; and the addition of an 18-hole championship caliber disc golf course. Total project cost is nearly $2 million.

The City of Pella was awarded $500,000 for the Pella Recreation Center to be located within the Pella Sports Park. The project will construct a two-story building to house sports amenities like a competition swimming pool, indoor turf field, track and more, which is projected to attract approximately 18,000 players, coaches and family members per year. Total project cost is nearly $33 million.

The CAT program provides financial assistance to communities for the construction of recreational, cultural, educational or entertainment facilities that enhance the quality of life in Iowa. Award recommendations for these funds are made by the CAT Review Committee to the IEDA Board for approval.

(Radio Iowa) – Can poinsettias kill you? There’s a long-standing rumor about the red-and-green flowers traditionally associated with Christmas being deadly if eaten. Janna Day, a nurse and the education and outreach manager at the Iowa Poison Control Center, says that’s simply an urban legend that is not true. “Unfortunately, poinsettias have really gotten a bad reputation over the years, and a lot of folks think that they are poisonous and that they could hurt you or even kill you,” Day says, “but what we have found is that really they’re not as toxic as maybe we once thought.” One study found that a child would have to eat as many as 500 poinsettia leaves to become poisoned. Aside from that, Day says the leaves taste terrible so no one would likely ever eat a lethal dose of them. They’re a lovely plant, she says, and they shouldn’t concern you.

“Swallowing some of the leaves could cause some mild stomach upset and make you not feel great, but you would have to ingest a lot of the leaves to really get quite ill,” Day says. “We feel like it’s okay to have those poinsettias in your home, and give them to your family members who are in the nursing homes, and those types of things. They are really quite low risk.” Sometimes dogs, cats and other pets will nibble the leaves of houseplants, or even chew them down to the stem, so are these decorative flowers a risk to Fido and Fluffy?

“Were not as concerned with the poinsettias and poinsettia leaves with pets,” Day says. “They could cause some upset stomach, but it would take quite a lot of the leaves to make that pet ill.” Other plants that may appear in your house during the year-end holidays could pose a more significant threat. Day says to take care with holly berries and mistletoe as they -can- be poisonous. If you have a question or concern, call the Sioux City-based Iowa Poison Control Center anytime at 1-800-222-1222.
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The poinsettia is native to Mexico and dates back centuries to when the Aztecs cultivated them to be more like trees that grew to be ten feet high. Seventeenth-century Franciscan priests in Mexico used poinsettias in nativity processions, the first recorded use for a Christmas celebration, though they weren’t called poinsettias then. That didn’t come until Joel Robert Poinsette introduced the plant to the U.S. in 1825 while he was the U.S. Ambassador to Mexico. The plants were later named to honor him.

(Radio Iowa) – Iowa State University researchers say the recent outbreaks at several poultry operations in northwest Iowa are connected to a virus circulating in wild birds. I-S-U veterinarian Yuko Sato says the version that has hit twelve poultry operations is different from the strain that infected 13 dairies and three poultry operations in late May and June.

“And one of the first ways we know what kind of virus is out there to figure out that link is to find dead wild birds in the area,” she says. The Iowa D-N-R says there’s been a spike in sick and dead waterfowl from avian influenza since early December. The D-N-R’s state wildlife veterinarian Rachel Ruden asks everyone to be on the lookout for diseased birds and report them to a conservation officer.

“If you see sick birds in your yard or at the park or whatever, you know, keep your pets away from direct contact. And, you know, don’t handle those birds, but we still want to hear about them.” Ruden says the D-N-R is tracking detections of the virus in wild birds to understand the scope of the current outbreak and will remove infected carcasses where possible to prevent the spread of the virus.

(Radio Iowa) – The remains of an Iowa soldier who died in a Japanese prison camp during World War Two have been identified. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency identified the remains as 22-year-old U-S Army Air Force Tech-4 Lloyd Bruntmyer of Des Moines. Bruntmyer was serving in the Phillippine Islands when the Japanese invaded in December of 1941.

Lloyd Bruntmyer. (photo courtesy of the Defense POWMIA Accounting Agency. )

Bruntmyer was among those reported captured when U-S forces surrendered, and the Japanese forced them on the 65-mile Bataan Death March to a prison camp. Records show Bruntmyer died November 1st, 1942, and was buried in the prison camp cemetery. His remains were later moved to Manilla and advanced techniques allowed for their identification.

Brentmyer’s remains will be buried in San Diego, California, in November of 2025.

(Radio Iowa) – The Iowa Association of Realtors reports says there were some positive numbers in November.  The Association’s November report says the number of new homes on the market across the state grew by nearly nine percent compared to November 2023.

The overall number of listings is up nearly 19 percent compared to last year. Single-family home sales increased by six percent in November compared to last year. The median sales price increased by eight-and-a-half percent compared to last November as sat at 230-thousand dollars.