The Harlan Police Department reports they were called to the scene of an assault Sunday (9/22) in the 1000 block of 6th Street in Harlan.  Officers arrived on scene and discovered Michael Clarkson of Remsen lying on the sidewalk unconscious and bleeding.  Clarkson had a large laceration on his head and was being attended to by a citizen.

Witnesses stated that the subject Clarkson had been fighting with had left the scene.  Clarkson was transported by Medivac Ambulance to Myrtue Medical Center where he was treated for his injuries.

Officers have a complaint into the Shelby County Clerk of Court for the assailant identified by several witnesses and have requested a warrant be issued for his arrest.  More details will be released once the assailant has been apprehended.

The Harlan Police Department reports two separate incidents last week.  The first incident was a report of damage done to a vehicle owned by Clinton Scheffler of Harlan on Tuesday, September 17th.  The vehicle was parked at his residence in the 1000 block of Park Street and was sprayed with green spray paint.  Officers took photos and the case remains under investigation.

Harlan PD also reports a burglary arrest on Wednesday, September 18th.  Police were called to the 1400 block of 6th Street for a report of someone in a building whom did not belong there.  Officers discovered and arrested 31-year-old Elwin Jenkins of Harlan.  Jenkins was taken to the Shelby County Jail and charged with Burglary 3rd Degree and Possession of a Controlled Substance.

The Adair and Guthrie County hospitals and public health agencies have teamed up to create a new local healthcare coalition called “Adair/Guthrie Prepares”.  The coalition was formed in order to comply with new requirements to apply for grant funds.

The coalition was formalized in June, 2013 and includes Adair County Memorial Hospital, Adair County Home Care, Guthrie County Public Health & Nursing Services and Guthrie County Hospital, with Adair/Guthrie Emergency Management as a founding partner.  The Adair County Board of Supervisors will serve as the fiscal agent for grants awarded to the coalition. 

The coalition applied for a Hospital & Public Health Preparedness Grant in July and was notified of an award totaling $51,567.00.  That grant money was finalized on September 18th. With the grant the hospital and public health members of the coalition will be able to receive reimbursement for time and supplies used to improve their disaster capabilities and training. 

Stephanie Claussen of Adair County Home Care is serving as the coalition chairman and Lisa Chiodo of Guthrie County Public Health & Nursing Services is the vice-chairman.

w/ Chris Parks

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Crews working on a street in Massena struck a line and caused a gas main leak around 10:30am on Monday (9/23). Utility crews responded quickly to the leak at 3rd and Cedar Streets. A gas shutoff crew from Council Bluffs was called in and the situation was reported to be under control about 2 hours later.

The Cass County Sheriff’s Office reports two arrests over the past weekend.

On Saturday (September 21, 2013) the Cass County Sheriff’s Office arrested 28-year-old Thomas Lee Curtis of Griswold on a charge of Driving Under Suspension. Curtis was taken to the Cass County Jail where he plead guilty and was released the following day on his own recognizance.

On Sunday (September 22, 2013) the Cass County Sheriff’s Office arrested 31-year-old Mathew Douglas Minnick of Adair on charges of Disorderly Conduct and Interference with Official Acts. Minnick was taken to the Cass County Jail where he plead not guilty and was released later that day on his own recognizance.

Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – The Iowa Supreme Court has agreed to review the case of a Davenport man serving 60 years in prison for a 2011 shooting death. The court will hear the appeal of Aki Malik Ross. He was convicted of voluntary manslaughter and intimidation with a dangerous weapon. Authorities have said Ross shot Joevante Howard during a confrontation.

NORTHWOOD, Iowa (AP) – Authorities in northern Iowa are investigating the death of a man who was being detained on suspicion of beating a woman. The Worth County Sheriff’s Department subdued Michael Zubrod after they responded to a domestic assault call. He became unresponsive while he was handcuffed. He was later pronounced dead.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – A groundbreaking ceremony is planned today for the transformation of a former department store in Des Moines into housing and retail space. The Younkers Building is a 114-year-old landmark that has been vacant since 2005. Alexander Company is receiving about $15 million in state and federal historic tax credits for the project.

DUBUQUE, Iowa (AP) – Dubuque’s fire department is conducting a live demonstration on fire safety. Firefighters plan to set fire to two structures that look like a typical home. Only one of the structures will have a fire sprinkler. Officials say the event aims to teach residents about the importance of fire safety technology.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – The Iowa Republican State Central Committee has voted to hold its state convention in June, a month earlier than previously scheduled.

The Des Moines Register reports  the committee voted Monday to hold the convention June 14 after initially voting to hold the event in July.

The decision to change the date came after complaints that a July convention could delay the selection of a Republican candidate for U.S. Senate, giving an edge to the Democrats. A number of Republicans are seeking the GOP Senate nomination while Democratic Rep. Bruce Braley has no competition for his party’s nomination.

The committee also agreed to hold the 2014 caucuses on Jan. 21, the same date the Democrats have agreed to.

The Atlantic Department of Parks and Recreation Board is set to meet Tonight (Monday, Sept. 23rd) at 5:15pm in the City Council Chambers.  The board will hear a presentation from a task force looking into a smoke free/tobacco free policy for Sunnyside Park.  The board will also hear updates on various projects including: the Shildberg Recreation Area campground, Sunnyside Park tennis court reconstruction, Park maintenance building, boat ramp, summer recreation programs, Buck Creek Dog Park, Kiosks and Bike Racks project.

The Audubon City Council is also set to meet tonight at 7pm at City Hall.  On the council’s agenda is discussion from Mark Heller, Mike Wede and Dennis Olesen on a carwash.  Presentation from Laurie Gilbert on contracts.  They will also address a resolution approving the street finance report.  The Council will also hear reports on street bids, pool repairs, and a curb cut for driveway at 706 Brayton Street.

The Atlantic Police reports 1 arrest and 2 traffic accidents over the weekend in Atlantic.  On Friday (9/20) 49-year-old David Kirchner of Atlantic was arrested for shoplifting.  He was transported to the Cass County Jail and booked in.

On Saturday (9/21) Atlantic Police report an accident around 10:06am in the 300 block of East 3rd Street.  A vehicle driven by Bryan Rutherford of Atlantic struck a legally parked vehicle owned by Bruce Petterson of Atlantic.  Rutherford was traveling west on 3rd Street and became distracted and drifted to the right striking the parked vehicle.   Damage to both vehicles totaled $5,000.  Rutherford was also cited for no proof of insurance.

Atlantic Police report another incident where a vehicle struck another legally parked vehicle at 1:20pm Sunday (9/21).  James Hildebrand of Atlantic was backing out of a drive at 404 Crombie Street and backed into a legally parked vehicle owned by Deborah Hart of Atlantic.  Hart’s vehicle suffered $2,000 damage.