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Carroll County Attorney dies unexpectedly

News

March 13th, 2025 by Ric Hanson

(Carroll, Iowa) – Officials in Carroll County said Thursday longtime Carroll County Attorney John Werden died unexpectedly overnight Wednesday in Des Moines. Werden was 69-years old. Werden was preparing to deliver an address Thursday morning to the Iowa State Association of Counties (ISAC) annual conference. He sworn-in as the organization’s 2025 President in January (2025).

Born in Maquoketa, Iowa, Werden graduated from Albia High School, received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Grinnell College and was awarded the Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from Drake University. Werden was first elected as Carroll County Attorney in 1998 and held the position ever since. He was most recently re-elected in 2022.

On Thursday, Iowa State Auditor Rob Sand issued a statement following Werden’s passing, saying “I worked with John on many Carroll County cases when I was a prosecutor,” Sand said. “He had a strong sense of right and wrong and always a clear opinion. He will be missed.”

Carroll County Attorney John Werden

12th District Republican Representative Steven Holt, from Crawford County, said Werden’s death was “tragic and shocking.” He said had just recently spoken with Werden Wednesday night, at the association of counties reception.

Holt said “John fought tirelessly for victims, as the Carroll County Attorney. He was incredibly effective at putting the bad guys behind bars. This is a tremendous loss. Prayers for his family and may he rest in peace.”

The Carroll County Board of Supervisors is expected to appoint an interim county attorney until someone is selected to fill the remainder of Werden’s term, which expires Dec. 31, 2026. The supervisors could choose to appoint an individual, or they can host a special election to fill the vacancy.

Posted in News |

Iowa House passes bill on misrepresentation of service animals

News

March 13th, 2025 by Ric Hanson

(Des Moines, Iowa/Iowa Capital Dispatch) – Iowa House lawmakers unanimously passed legislation Thursday changing how the crime of misrepresenting an animal as a service animal is charged.

Intentional misrepresentation of an animal as a service animal or service animal in training is already a crime in Iowa, charged with a simple misdemeanor. However, there are some requirements in state law that an officer must meet before charging a person for this offense. The person must be given a written or verbal warning that misrepresenting an animal as a service animal is illegal, and the person must know that the animal in question is not actually a service animal or service animal in training.

House File 615 would strike these two provisions, allowing law enforcement to charge someone for misrepresenting an animal without having to give a prior warning and in cases where a person erroneously believed the animal in their possession was a service animal.

Terry Reams, a Mason City veteran, and his service dog, Lola, were introduced at the Iowa House of Representatives March 13, 2025 as lawmakers passed legislation on the misrepresentation of animals as service animals. (Photo by Robin Opsahl/Iowa Capital Dispatch)

Service animals are animals that perform specific tasks to help people with disabilities, like guide dogs, or dogs that can retrieve medication or provide seizure alerts. Emotional support animals, which do not require specific training, are not considered service animals. Rep. Ross Wilburn, D-Ames, said the legislation will “add clarity” to better support people with legitimate service animals.

The legislation heads to the Senate, where the bill’s companion, Senate File 234, has already received approval by the Senate State Government Committee.

Posted in News |

WAYNE “Slim” FREMONT STEFFEN, 94, of Griswold (Celebration of Life 3/22/25)

Obituaries

March 13th, 2025 by Ric Hanson

WAYNE “Slim” FREMONT STEFFEN, 94, of Griswold, died Nov. 1st, 2024. A Celebration of the life of WAYNE “Slim” STEFFEN will be held on March 22nd, 2025, from 1:30-until 3:30-p.m., at the Griswold Community Building. Rieken Duhn Funeral Home in Griswold is assisting the family.

A Private family interment will be in the Greenfield Cemetery.

WAYNE STEFFEN is survived by:

His sons – Jon (Jodi) Steffen, of Creston, and Mark (Mike) Steffen, of Palm Springs, CA.

His daughter – Jayne (Kevin) Mazurkiewicz, of rural Greenfield.

His sisters – Mary Davis, of Glenwood, Henrietta Reppas, of Grundy Center, and Janet Martinez, of Arvada, Colorado.

4 grandchildren; 1 great-granddaughter, other relatives,  and many life-long friends and neighbors.

Posted in Obituaries |

7 area fire departments battle a Pottawattamie County blaze Thu. afternoon

News

March 13th, 2025 by Ric Hanson

(Pottawattamie County, Iowa) – Firefighters from Red Oak and six other area departments, as well as a local farmer with a disc implement, responded at around 2-p.m. Thursday to Pottawattamie County for multiple structures on fire as well as a field fire. The blaze occurred in the area of Pioneer Trail x 470th Street. Red Oak fire officials say the tractor and disc helped mitigate further spread of the field fire. (Photos below are from the Red Oak FD Facebook page)
An off-duty Red Oak firefighter was close by at the time of the call and assisted with stopping the spread of fire to an area home as well as a steel outbuilding at an adjoining property, ultimately preventing what could have been a significant loss of property.
Crews arrived on scene and found an active field fire (<10 acres) with fire impinging on multiple structures, several debris piles on fire as well as a piece of farm machinery. Crews quickly contained the spread of fire and worked to control the field fire and other areas that were burning.
Two subjects were also evaluated by medical personnel for minor injuries.
The Red Oak Fire Department reminds area residents that “Fire weather concerns continue throughout the entire area until adequate moisture is received. Any previously lit piles should be checked often to ensure they are out and free of any smoldering debris.”
Red Oak FD assisted the following agencies on scene:
Macedonia Fire

Posted in News |

Southwest Valley CSD Board selects 3 finalists for Superintendent interviews

News

March 13th, 2025 by Ric Hanson

(Corning, Iowa) – Officials with the Southwest Valley School School District, this (Thursday) afternoon, posted on social media the the SW Valley Board of Education has narrowed-down the list of candidates for district Superintendent to three candidates. The finalists will be interviewed on Monday, March 17, 2025. “The School Board’s desire,” officials say, “is to make [the] choice for [the] next superintendent Monday, evening.”
In January, current Southwest Valley Schools Superintendent Chris Fenster submitted his resignation to the Southwest Valley School Board, effective June 30, 2025. Fenster is leaving the district after accepting the superintendent position at South Hardin.
According to the press release from EDWise Consulting Firm, the finalists are: Joe Erickson, Troy Lentell, and Bruce Snodgrass.
Joe Erickson currently serves as superintendent at North Iowa Community School District, in Buffalo Center. He has been a superintendent for seven-years and has spent nearly 20 years in teaching and leadership positions in K-12 education. In his current position, he developed and implemented a strategic plan to provide curriculum materials, technology, a transportation fleet, and facilities for the district. Before his current position, he served as an elementary principal in Eagle Grove.
Troy Lentell is the current principal of Clear Creek Elementary School in the Clear Lake Iowa School District. He has 19- years of experience as a school administrator, including 11 with the Sioux Center CSD, and eight in the Central CSD. Early in his career, Lentell served as a classroom teacher and coach. He has supported PBIS and MTSS frameworks and the development of a curriculum that leads to a system of autonomy throughout his staff.
Bruce Snodgrass has served as the 6th-12th grade principal of West Burlington Junior/Senior High School for the past 17 years. He developed the implementation plan for the Iowa Core Leadership program, served as co-chair of a Special Education Delivery Plan Committee, and created the Falcons SOAR PBIS program. He also was the lead administrator for curriculum realignment and vertical articulation and managed the building’s budget.

Posted in News |

Treasurer’s Office Reminding Iowans Not to Fall for Scams

News

March 13th, 2025 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES – Treasurer Roby Smith is reminding Iowans his office will never call and ask for bank account numbers. Today his office was made aware of a ‘spoofing’ scam where a group of individuals described as ‘Treasury Officers’ wanting bank account numbers and other personal information from a citizen.

“I want Iowans to remain on high alert for scammers trying to take their hard-earned money,” said Treasurer Smith. “If something seems off or too good to be true know, it probably is. I applaud this Iowan for stepping up and reporting the issue straight to my office, so other individuals don’t fall victim to this scam.”

It’s important to know that the State Treasurer’s Office would never call and ask for your bank account information or to meet you in a location other than Treasurer’s office.

If you encounter a possible scam, it’s important to remember:

  • Do not give out personal information.
  • Resist the urge to act quickly or secretly.
  • Don’t send money and don’t meet someone you don’t know or give out your address to scammers.

Connect with the Treasurer on Facebook,  Instagram and X, to stay informed of updates and news.

Posted in News |

Cass County (IA) Sheriff’s report, 3/13/25

News

March 13th, 2025 by Ric Hanson

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Cass County Sheriff’s Office reports the following arrests took place over the past week:

  • On March 8th, 34-year-old Michelle Lynn Kasha, of Henderson, was arrested for two counts of Possession of Controlled Substance. She was later released on her Own Recognizance.
  • There were five arrests March 11th in Cass County:
    • 42-year-old Joseph Lee Reynolds, and 64-year-old James Richard Cisar, Jr., both of Atlantic, were arrested for being a Felon in Control of Firearm, and on two counts of Possession of Controlled Substance. Reynolds was was later released on bond. Cisar, Jr. was later released his Own Recognizance.
    • 61-year-old Catherine Beth Christensen, of Atlantic, was arrested March 11th for being a Felon in Control of Firearm, OWI/1st Offense, Possession of Controlled Substance, and Possession of Marijuana 1st. Christensen was later released after posting bond.
    • 31-year-old Justine Danielle Jones, of Harlan, was arrested March 11th in Cass County for Possession of Controlled Substance. She was later released on her own recognizance.
    • And, 25-year-old Melissa Jean Wiechman, of Villisca, was arrested on two counts of Possession of Controlled Substance. Wiechman was booked into the Cass County Jail and held.

Posted in News |

TOM LETO, 55, of Des Moines (formerly of Greenfield) – Mass of Christian Burial: 3/22/25

Obituaries

March 13th, 2025 by Ric Hanson

TOM LETO, 55, of Des Moines (& formerly of Greenfield), died Thursday, March 13, 2025, at the Catholic Charities Food Pantry, where he loved to work. A Mass of Christian Burial for TOM LETO will be held 10:30-a.m. Saturday, March 22nd 2025, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Greenfield. Lamb Funeral Home in Greenfield has the arrangements.
An open visitation will be held at the funeral home on Friday, March 21st, from 2-until 7-p.m.
Burial is in the Greenfield Cemetery. A luncheon featuring one of Tom’s favorite meals will be held at The Gathering Place in Greenfield, following the burial.
Memorials may be directed to The Catholic Charities Food Pantry, 1815 Hubbel Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa, 50316.

TOM LETO is survived by:

His brother – Joe (Linnea) Leto, of Parkersburg, IA.

and other relatives.

Online condolences may be left to the family at www.lambfuneralhomes.com.

Posted in Obituaries |

STEVE BEHNKIN, 69, of Anita (Visition 3/20/25; Graveside Svcs. 3/21/25)

Obituaries

March 13th, 2025 by Ric Hanson

STEVE BEHNKIN, 69, of Anita,  died Thursday, March 13, 2025, at the University Medical Center in Omaha, NE. A public visitation for STEVE BEHNKIN will be held from 5-until 7-p.m. Thursday, March 20th at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Atlantic.

A Graveside service will be held at Evergreen Cemetery in Anita, at 2:00 p.m., on Friday, March 21, 2025.

Posted in Obituaries |

Shorthanded Iowa State falls to No. 17 BYU at Big 12 Tournament

Sports

March 13th, 2025 by Ric Hanson

A valiant effort fell short for 12th ranked Iowa State, today (Thursday), at the Big 12 Tournament.

John Walters on the Cyclone Network. With starting guards Tamin Lipsey and Keshon Gilbert sidelined with injuries the Cyclones pushed 17th ranked BYU to the limit before falling 96-92 in Kansas City. The teams combined to make a tournament record 31 three pointers.

That’s ISU coach T.J. Otzelberger. Curtis Jones scored 31 points and the Cyclones shot 56 percent in a losing effort.

Gilbert did not dress and Otzelberger says the decision to sit Lipsey was made prior to tip-off.

The Cyclones are 24-9 and will find out Sunday where they are headed for the NCAA Tournament.

Milan Momcilovic finished with 18 points and says everybody needed to step up their game with two starters out.

Momcilovic says the focus now shifts to the NCAA Tournament.

 

Posted in Sports |