A bill that would prohibit religious discrimination against adoption agencies has advanced in the Iowa Senate. The conservative Christian groups that support the bill say it’s needed to protect those who run adoption agencies from having to violate their own religious beliefs. That would include being able to deny adoption or foster placements to same-sex couples. Becky Strope-Boggus of Des Moines says her adopted daughter was abused by her father and was very afraid of all men.

Other L-G-B-T-Q parents at the subcommittee hearing Thursday said there’s a shortage of foster parents in Iowa, and the state should be welcoming to all potential foster families.

The president of the Board of Regents addressed concerns this week about the proposal to move the governance of the state’s deaf, blind and visually impaired students to the Iowa Department of Education. Mike Richards said that it is part of the effort to streamline government and bring all K through 12 students within one department.

Richards says the Board of Regents wants what’s best for these students.

Richards says more information will be coming as the state government reorganization moves forward.

Richards also said the search for a new superintendent for the special schools will be put on hold until the reorganization process is complete. He made his comments at Wednesday’s board meeting.

The Red Oak Police Department reports two arrests took place on Friday evening.

At approximately 6:16 p.m. Officers arrested 52-year-old Richard Bryan Jenkins of Red Oak for Assault with Intent to Inflict Serious Injury. Jenkins was arrested at 100 North Broadway and taken to the Montgomery County Jail and held on $2,000 bond.

Later on Friday evening at 9:28 p.m. Red Oak Police arrested 22-year-old Zachary Lee Miller of Council Bluffs on an active Red Oak Police Department Warrant for Domestic Abuse Assault 1st. Miller was arrested at 1310 North Broadway Street and transported to the Montgomery County Jail. He was booked in and held on $300 bond.

The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office reports the arrest on Friday at approximately 4:12 p.m. of 67-year-old Kenny Bowers of Elliott following an incident that had occurred in the 500 block of Main Street in Elliott. Bowers was charged with Reckless use of a Firearm. He was booked in to the Montgomery County Jail and held on $300 cash bond.

A Pacific Junction woman was injured during an accident on Friday evening on Interstate 29. The Iowa State Patrol reports the accident happened at 5:35 p.m. on I-29 southbound at the 35-mile-marker.

A 2006 Chrysler Pacifica driven by Sharon Kay Stewart of Pacific Junction was southbound on I-29 when she suffered an unknown medical condition, causing the vehicle to enter the median and strike the cable barrier in several spots. The van traveled in the median for approximately 1 mile before coming to rest. A witness removed Stewart from the Vehicle and initiated life saving measures until Glenwood Rescue took over upon arrival. Stewart was then taken by Glenwood Rescue to Mercy Medical Center.

No further details were given at this time.

The Audubon County Sheriff’s Office reports that, with assistance from the Page County Sheriff’s Office, they arrested 23-year-old Hunter Gregory, of Mt. Vernon, Illinois on February 17th. Gregory faces charges of Sexual Abuse 2nd Degree and Human Trafficking with Serious Injury. Gregory was transported to the Clarinda Correctional Facility and sentenced by a magistrate to be held on $50,000 cash bond.

The Audubon County Sheriff’s Office also reports the arrest on February 19th of 75-year-old Charles Wheeler, of Exira for Harassment 2nd. He appeared before the magistrate the following day and was held until posting bond later in the day.

Atlantic Police Chief Devin Hogue released information on a number of arrests this month.

On February 5th Atlantic Police arrested 30-year-old Michael Riley of Lewis on a warrant for Contempt of Court. He was booked in and held at the Cass County Jail.

Also on February 5th 27-year-old Esthefany Hayes of Atlantic was arrested for Operating While Under the Influence 1st Offense. She was booked in to the Cass County Jail and held.

On February 6th Atlantic Police arrested 44-year-old Nathaniel Halterman of Atlantic was arrested for Assault with Intent to Inflict Serious Injury, Harrassment 3rd Degree, and Violation of No Contact Order. He was booked in and held at the Cass County Jail.

Also on the 6th 42-year-old Michael Messing of Griswold was arrested for Simple Assault. He was booked in to the Cass County Jail and held.

February 8th Atlantic Police arrested 31-year-old Cody Pleis of Atlantic for Public Intoxication. He was booked in and held at the Cass County Jail.

Two arrests occurred on February 9th. 30-year-old Renson Berdon of Atlantic was arrested on a Cass County Warrant for Failure to Appear. He was booked in and held at the Cass County Jail. That same day 32-year-old Timothy Brown of Atlantic was arrested for Aggravated Assault. He was booked in and held at the Cass County Jail.

On February 11th 35 year old Gleen Raymond of Atlantic was arrested for Operating While Under the Influence 1st Offense, False Information for Citation, Child Endangerment, and two warrants for Failure to Appear. He was booked in to the Cass County Jail and held.

On February 14th 26-year-old Weneity Seker of Atlantic was arrested for Public Intoxication. He was booked in to the Cass County Jail and held.

February 15th Atlantic Police arrested 29-year-old Justine Jones of Atlantic on three Cass County Warrants. Jones was booked in and held at the Cass County Jail.

On February 18th 31-year-old Cody Baker of Atlantic was arrested for Harassment 3rd Degree. He was booked in and held at the Cass County Jail.

On February 20th 28-year-old Mixon Founa of Council Bluffs was arrested for Public Intoxication. He was booked in and held at the Cass County Jail.

February 23rd Atlantic Police arrested 19-year-old Timothy Chupp of Atlantic for Animal Neglect with Serious Injury or Death. He was booked in and held at the Cass County Jail. That same day 42-year-old Mitchell Mullins of Atlantic was arrested for Domestic Abuse Assault. He was booked in and held at the Cass County Jail.

The Cass County Conservation Board (CCCB) will be hosting an “Intro to Turkey Hunting” program, Saturday March 18, 2023 at 10:00am at the Outdoor Classroom shelter, located at 76977 Tucson Rd, Massena, IA. This program will focus on “Becoming a Turkey Hunter”. CCCB employees will talk about scouting, calling, and equipment needed as well as different techniques and equipment used by successful turkey hunters.

This program will be great for someone who wants to start turkey hunting or those with more experience. The CCCB will have examples of calls, decoys, blinds and other tools used in the turkey woods. Once again there will be a drawing for a prize at the end of the event.

So, if you want to hit the Turkey woods this spring but don’t know where to start, or would just like to pick up another technique or tip, come see us at the Outdoor Classroom on March 18, 2023 at 10:00am to learn a few things and get started on your turkey hunting adventure. For questions call CCCB Director Micah Lee at 712-769-2372.

The Glenwood Police Department reports the arrest of 47-year-old Brent Michael of Malvern on Thursday on a charge of Criminal Mischief 4th Degree. Michael was booked in to the Mills County Jail and held on $1,000 cash or surety bond.

The Creston Police Department reports the arrest of 25-year-old Brandon Lucas Jones of Creston on Thursday at 1:53 p.m. at 302 N. Pine Street in Creston. Jones was charged with Violation of No Contact/Protective Order. He was booked into the Union County Jail and held on no bond until seen by a judge.