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ESSEX FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONDS TO BLAZE
(Essex) -- The Essex Fire Department was called to an out-building blaze at the home of Glennys Anderson shortly after five o'clock Thursday afternoon. The location is some four miles southeast of Essex.
Essex Assistant Fire Chief Tim Bowers tells KMA the Shenandoah water tanker was called for additional support. At this hour, Bowers says firefighters remain on the scene, but Bowers says the fire was brought under control by 6:30 and the extent of the damage to the corn crib is unknown at this time. No injuries have been reported because of the fire.
KMA will update the story when more details from Fire Chief Chris Bradfield are available.
Thu, 29 Jul 2010 22:48:57 CDT
SOLDIER SEND OFF SLATED FOR SUNDAY
(Shenandoah) -- Between 90 and 100 of the world's finest soldiers leave for war in Afghanistan Sunday morning after the official military send-off from the Shenandoah High School gymnasium. The ceremony begins at 10:00 for Bravo Company 168th Infantry Division. Seargent Anthony Karr tells KMA News the ceremony will likely be over by noon, and will leave the soldiers a little more time after the ceremony to be with family before they depart town.
The ceremony will feature Staff Seargent Kevin Poort as the emcee. Guest speakers hail from Senator Tom Harkin's and Congressman Steve King's offices; the mayors of Shenandoah and Corning, and the President of the American Legion Marlin Tillman. Karr says a bagpiper will escort the soldiers. Clarinda Teacher Heidi Bird will sing the National Anthem. A patriotic group from Nebraska City will be a part of the service also.
Karr invites the public to join the parade route after the ceremony from the high school down Center Street to Sheridan Avenue, to Highway 59, to Highway 2 through Clarinda down Highway 71 into St. Joseph and on in to Mississippi. He says the American Legion Motorcyle Riders will lead the parade. Karr says one of the organizers of the Legion Riders is James Kearney, who's son James Kearney was killed during the Bravo Company's last deployment.
Why do these soldiers volunteer to risk their lives on foreign soil? Karr patriotically says his motivation is two-fold: for his father who died serving in Vietnam when Karr was 4-years-old, and for his 18-year-old son, Garrett Karr, who's preparing for basic training. Karr expresses deep emotional pride in his son and fellow citizen-soldiers for volunteering to serve the citizens of America in war. Karr was deployed previously and regrets not being able to be a part of this deployment; he's staying behind to serve in a role supporting the armories in Shenandoah, Corning and Council Bluffs.
The Bravo Company 168th infantry division includes Shenandoah, Corning and Council Bluffs armories with members from Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, Illinois and Kentucky. Karr sends a heart-felt thank you for all those involved in the event.
There is also a small ceremony Friday at 10 a.m. at the Council Bluffs Armory and their official send off is Sunday beginning 10 a.m. at the MidAmerica Center. Dennison's Company C, 1-168th Infantry Division ceremony is Sunday morning at 10 a.m. at their high school as well.
Thu, 29 Jul 2010 16:00:53 CDT
COUNCIL BLUFFS AWAITS FEDERAL FUNDING FOR MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE CHANGES
(Washington) -- The West Broadway Corridor in Council Bluffs is the target of federal funding.
Council Bluffs Director of Community Development Don Gross tells KMA News $400,000 is earmarked for projects near 1st Avenue in Council Bluffs for important transportation improvements, housing initiatives and economic development. Gross calls the proposed project "massive" and believes it would take 23 years to complete.
Under the city's plan, Gross says much of the closed industry there would be redeveloped, and commercial nodes at key intersections would be strengthened. He says Thomas Jefferson High School would be right in the middle of the area eyed for improvements.
Gross says the city has applied for EPA assistance for assessments of each issue surrounding such a project and for additional HUD funding to pay for planning and assessment. He feels much more information is being gathered on structural and utility conditions, what the market could bear, and public input would be gathered in hopes of validating what the vision could be.
Gross feels the important part is they're very pleased with the downtown renovations (pictured) and the river front improvements are well received - the West Broadway section of town is simply everything in between.
The funding proposal now goes to the full Senate for consideration as part of the Fiscal Year 2011 bill, approved by the Transportation-HUD Appropriations Subcommittee.
Thu, 29 Jul 2010 11:09:45 CDT
CLARINDA SIREN AWAKENS RESIDENTS
(Clarinda) -- Clarinda Police dispatchers say a malfunction is to blame for at least one of the city's emergency sirens to sound Wednesday night around eleven oclock. The cause of the malfunction is unknown at this time, but residents say the siren blasted for just a few minutes before it was silenced.
The siren that activated last night is the one located near the Clarinda Lutheran School. City officials are investigating this morning.
Thu, 29 Jul 2010 10:27:21 CDT
BEDFORD MEAL SITE CLOSED DUE TO WATER MAIN BREAK
(Bedford) -- Those planning on eating at the Bedford Meal Site today will have to reschedule their plans for Monday. Meal Site Manager Jeanie Killam tells KMA News a water main break has closed the facility, so no food will be available from the site today. She says, however, the facility will be reopened Monday.
Killam says the card playing tournament will still occur at 10 a.m. Monday.
The site is open Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 115 Pearl Street in Bedford.
Thu, 29 Jul 2010 8:48:34 CDT
4 CHARGED IN CLARINDA INMATE’S DEATH
(Clarinda) -- Charges have been filed in connection with last month’s death of an inmate at the Clarinda Correctional Facility.
The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation says 29-year-old Martin Edward Dahlke (pictured top left), 34-year-old Richard Jason Martin (pictured top right), 31-year-old Rolland William Jacobsen (pictured bottom left), and 27-year-old Jeremy John McIntosh (pictured bottom right) are charged with 2nd degree murder, a class B felony, in the death of a fellow inmate, 44-year-old Alfred Eugene Myre. An employee found Myre deceased in the correctional facility’s yard area June 14th. An autopsy performed at the Iowa State Medical Examiner’s Office in Ankeny a day later found that Myre died from an assault. Myre had numerous internal injuries, including a ruptured spleen, which was fatal.
Court affidavits allege the four inmates charged are members of an organized prison gang called “the Peckerwoods.” In the affidavit, David Dales, a special agent for the DCI who conducted the investigation, states Dahlke, as the gang’s leader, was observed directing the other three inmates to assault Myre. The incident reportedly lasted 30 minutes. Multiple inmates who witnessed the assault allege the inmates delivered many punches to Myre’s torso area. Many of the heavy punches were delivered to Myre’s side and back. Witnesses alleged the blows hitting Myre’s body were heard in the yard area’s baseball fields.
Dahlke has been serving a 10-year sentence for 2nd degree burglary from Pottawattamie County since March of this year. McIntosh was serving a similar sentence out of Pottawattamie County for 1st degree theft. Jacobsen was incarcerated for seven years on two counts of 2nd degree theft, and two counts of driving while barred from Harrison and Monona counties. And, Martin was serving a five-year term for prohibited acts without a prescription from Warren County. All four inmates remain in custody at the Clarinda facility.
(Click on picture to enlarge.)
Thu, 29 Jul 2010 11:13:50 CDT
PAGE COUNTY JURY RULES "NOT GUILTY"
(Clarinda) -- An 18-year-old Clarinda resident was found not guilty Wednesday afternoon by a Page County jury in Page County District Court. Brody Dallas Swanson was found not guilty of leaving the scene of an accident. The accident occurred in August of last year.
A jury of seven women and five men found Swanson not guilty following two days of testimony. Swanson is a 2010 graduate of Clarinda High School and is on his way to Simpson College in Indianola this fall.
Wed, 28 Jul 2010 19:43:36 CDT
FARMERS MARKETS OFFER FRESHER FOOD ALTERNATIVES
(Lincoln) -- Just like crops in the midwest have flourished over the past decade, Farmers' Markets in Nebraska have increased from 39 in the year 2000 to 81this year; and the number of produce stands between 2000 and 2009 the state have increased from 78 to 538. U-pick operations have sprung up in abundance as well.
And rightly so - it's hard to resist the taste of locally grown sweet corn, the juiciness of a vine ripened tomato or the crispness of fresh green beans and peas straight from this fertile soil.
Nebraska Department of Agriculture Director Greg Ibach feels the Nebraska Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program is a win-win for everyone as it helps low-income senior citizens receive locally grown, fresh fruits and vegetables at no cost to them. Over 5,000 such Nebraskans are expected to utilize the program this year.
Ibach is encouraging Americans to join him in celebrating National Farmers' Market Week in Nebraska from August 1 - 7.
Click here to find a market near you.
Wed, 28 Jul 2010 12:02:30 CDT
SHENANDOAH COUNCIL APPROVES GOLF CART ORDINANCE FIRST READING
(Shenandoah) -- Golf carts may soon be allowed on some streets in Shenandoah.
At its regular meeting Tuesday evening, the Shenandoah City Council approved the first reading of an ordinance setting regulations for residents wanting to drive carts in town. Under the ordinance, individuals driving carts must have a valid Iowa operator's license and be 18 years old. Also, golf carts may not be operated on streets serving as primary road extensions through the city. Streets where carts are prohibited include Center Street, Ferguson Road or Highway 48, Fremont Street or Highway 59, Nishna Road, Anna Crose Highway, and Sheridan Avenue between the intersections with Willow Street on the east and Railroad Street on the west. Operators of golf carts must obey all traffic signs and signals, and shall be operated at a speed--quote--"in excess of the lesser of 25 mph or a posted speed limit, nor shall any golf cart be operated at a speed limit than is reasonable and proper for the existing conditions."
Carts are also banned from recreational, biking or walking trails, as well as sidewalks, and cannot be operated in city parks unless for a special event authorized by the council. The operator must also possess a valid permit from the city during those events. In addition, the ordinance sets equipment standards for carts--each cart must have a slow moving vehicle sign, a bicycle safety flag, the top of which shall be a minimum of 5 feet from ground level, adequate breaks, headlights, taillights and break lights. And, golf carts may be operated on city streets open from sunrise to sunset from April 1st to October 1st.
Shenandoah Police Chief Kris Grebert is a member of the committee which studied the issue for almost a year. In a recent interview with KMA News, Grebert says the committee attempted to address safety concerns regarding carts. Grebert, however, says many residents see golf carts as a economical and greener alternative to regular motor vehicles. The ordinance's second reading takes place at the next regular council meeting in August.
Wed, 28 Jul 2010 12:29:09 CDT
LIFE PLANS ENCOURGAGED BY IOWA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
(Des Moines) -- Student career planning is being supported with a program called I Have a Plan Iowa, but the program has spread to assist adult job seekers and provide resources for those wishing to advance in their lives. High school and college students, as well as adults looking to return to college, can research colleges and majors, prepare for standardized tests, search for scholarships, and apply for state financial aid.
Heather Doe is a spokesperson for the organization and tells KMA News the Iowa Financial Aid Application is the newest enhancement to the statewide community web portal, www.iHaveaPlanIowa.gov.
Doe says the on-line program is a free resource for individuals to investigate career opportunities, explore education options, learn how to use education to meet career goals, as well as find employment opportunities in Iowa. As early as middle school, students can explore their interests and develop a six-year education course plan that connects high school course work with education and career goals. Iowans looking for a career change or are in need of additional skills to reenter the work force can match their interests and abilities to career options, as well as search for employment opportunities in Iowa.
Wed, 28 Jul 2010 11:38:10 CDT
GLENWOOD COUNCIL HEARS GOLF CART REQUESTS
(Glenwood) -- Glenwood officials have their own concerns when it comes to allowing golf carts in city streets.
During Tuesday night's Glenwood City Council meeting, local resident Tim O'Connor asked the council to consider removing restrictions against residents other than handicapped individuals from driving golf carts in streets. Glenwood City Administrator Mary Smith tells KMA News O'Connor presented copies of Shenandoah's proposed golf cart ordinance, and a petition with 60 eligible signatures calling for legalizing the use of carts in streets.
Smith says council members have concerns regarding golf carts unique to Glenwood. For example, Smith says the city's hilly topography presents vision issues for carts. Smith adds there's no regulations for golf carts on county roads adjacent to city limits--including one connected to a local golf course.
Council members are expected to study the issue--and Shenandoah's proposed ordinance--and discuss the issue further at a future council meeting.
Wed, 28 Jul 2010 11:18:35 CDT
GLENWOOD COUNCIL APPROVES OFFICER'S DISCIPLINARY ACTION
(Glenwood) -- A Glenwood police officer faces a demotion and loss of pay as a result of recent charges against him.
On Tuesday night, the Glenwood City Council approved disciplinary action for Officer Patrick Martin. Employed with Glenwood Police since 1997, Martin was charged with serious assault in connection with an incident in Pacific Junction in the early morning hours of July 5th. Glenwood City Administrator Mary Smith tells KMA News the council took action after hearing a report on the matter from Police Chief Eric Johansen. Smith says the disciplinary action entails a demotion in rank from sergeant to police officer 3 and a pay reduction from $21.30 to $20.08 per hour. The changes are effective Thursday.
Martin, who has pleaded not guilty to the charges, remains on personal leave unrelated to the incident earlier this month.
Wed, 28 Jul 2010 11:41:57 CDT
ESSEX COUNCIL DISCUSSES NOISE ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS
(Essex) -- Essex officials are discussing stricter laws against noise in the community.
At a special meeting Tuesday evening, the Essex City Council examined proposed changes in the existing ordinance developed by City Attorney Mahlon Sorensen designed to address citizens' concerns regarding excessive noise in the community. Essex Mayor Russell Hilker tells KMA News the concerns involve noise coming from new bars located along Iowa Avenue, the city's main street.
Hilker says the city's current laws have no standards regarding excessive noise. Under the proposed changes, Hilker says a decibel meter would be used to measure sound levels. Hilker says the proposed changes would set levels of 90 decibels on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less and 94 decibels on roads with speed limits beyond 35 mph. The proposal also sets limits of 60 decibels in residential districts, 65 decibels in commercial districts and 75 in industrial districts.
In addition, the proposal states "unreasonably loud and raucous noise" would be unacceptable in commercial businesses attached to residential areas between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.. Hilker says the proposal differs from state laws in regards to hours when excessive noise is prohibited. While state law allows bars to stay open until 2 a.m., Hilker says he and the council don't believe activities should continue past midnight.
Hilker stresses that the council is still exploring possible changes. He adds the city has had no real problems with excessive noise from the new establishments or any other location in the community. More discussion on the proposed changes is expected at the council's next regular meeting in August.
Wed, 28 Jul 2010 12:17:03 CDT
SHENANDOAH CITY COUNCIL AGREES ON INCREASED COMPENSATION
(Shenandoah) -- Shenandoah City Council members serve on many boards and committees in their role with the council; now they'll be paid for up to 40 meetings per year that they attend rather than 24.
Shenandoah City Adminstrator Bo Harris tells KMA News in Tuesday night's meeting, the council also approved a new Sunday liquor sales permit and outdoor service application for the Wabash Wine Company on Ferguson Road.
Harris says the council also agreed to purchase property located at 604 and 607 West Lowell Avenue; and received a gifted vacant residential property located at 109 West Sheridan Avenue.
They also made a payment for the 2009 street improvement project in the amount of $268,620.
Wed, 28 Jul 2010 6:34:03 CDT
ANDREW COUNTY ACCIDENT INJURES ONE
(Saint Joseph) -- A Stanberry, Missouri woman is injured in a two-vehicle collision in Andrew County Tuesday afternoon.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports the crash happened on Highway 59 south of I-29 five miles north of Saint Joseph. Thirty-eight-year-old Linda Noble, of Saint Joseph, was driving southbound on Highway 59 when a pickup driven by Samantha Cates, of Stanberry, crossed the center line and struck Noble's pickup in the left rear. Cates's pickup came to rest facing west on the shoulder. Noble's truck came to rest facing north off the east side of the roadway.
Cates received moderate injuries and was taken to Heartland Hospital by Andrew County Ambulance.
The patrol was assisted by Andrew County Sheriff's Department.
Wed, 28 Jul 2010 5:34:19 CDT
MAN FOUND DEAD ON ROADSIDE IN KMALAND
(McPaul) -- A 71-year-old Tabor man was found dead Monday afternoon in Fremont County.
Fremont County Chief Deputy Steven Owen tells KMA News the man is identified as William L. Morgan. Owen responded to the 911 call at 4:30 from a citizen who reported the body lying on a gravel road west of the McPaul interchange.
Owen says Morgan's pickup was located about 1/4 of a mile away from where Morgan was found. Owen says the investigation determined Morgan had been driving east on the minimum maintenance road when his pickup got stuck in the mud; Morgan then walked east of the truck until he collapsed in the roadway.
The Fremont County medical Examiner, David Owen, responded to the scene and determined the death was caused by heat exhaustion and respiratory failure, which led to cardiac arrest.
Owen says Morgan's little dog was with him. Owen says he learned that Morgan had left home around 9 a.m. that morning and assumes he was out for a drive with his dog.
Owen says Morgan's pickup was full of gas, the air conditioner was in working order, and it was secured with locked doors. Owen says when he arrived at the scene his vehicle outdoor temperature gauge read 93 degrees. Therefore, the chief deputy suggests motorists travel with water or other fluids and urges people to stay hydrated. He adds that motorists should be aware of their surroundings and location, and take an account of the weather in the event your vehicle becomes stranded.
Tue, 27 Jul 2010 15:01:46 CDT
TRIAL SET FOR BEARDSLEY'S PAGE COUNTY CHARGES
(Clarinda) -- The suspect in the May shooting incident in Adams County now faces trial on charges in Page County.
Trial information has been filed in Page County against 16-year-old Daniel Beardsley on charges of 1st degree robbery, a class B felony, and assault while participating in a felony, a class D felony, in connection with a May 17th incident, in which Beardsley allegedly assaulted a Clarinda Academy staff member and fellow student, and took off in an academy vehicle. Beardley drove to Adams County, where he allegedly shot a Brooks man at his residence and wounded an Adams County sheriff's deputy before surrendering peacefully after a three-hour standoff with state and local authorities.
Arraignment for Beardsley on Page County charges is set for Monday, with trial date scheduled for August 31st. Beardley's trial on attempted murder charges in Adams County has been rescheduled for November 3rd. with pre-trial conference Octobert 18th.
Tue, 27 Jul 2010 13:50:46 CDT
13 ARRESTED IN NODAWAY COUNTY DRUG SWEEP
(Maryville) -- More a dozen suspects face charges following a weekend drug sweep through Nodaway County.
The Nodaway County Sheriff's Office says 13 people were arrested following a month-long investigation involving the manufacture of illegal drugs. Seven of the 13 were arrested at different locations in the county early Saturday morning. Five more were arrested by Page County officers, and another by the Taylor County Sheriff's Office at the same time. Arrested were 25-year-old Ashley Doughery, 21-year-old Jessica Mace, 32-year-old Shay Buyas, 27-year-old Jimmie Potter, 34-year-old Heather Vinzant, all of Maryville, 30-year-old Christopher Holbrook of Guilford, 39-year-old Dawn Woodward, 18-year-old Keaton Osthoff, 35-year-old Jason Baker and 37-year-old Jason Long, all of Clarinda, and 51-year-old Edward Gray Senior and 31-year-old Edward Gray Junior, both of New Market. In all, Nodaway County Prosecuting Attorney David Baird filed 39 felony counts of possession of methamphetamine precursors.
Nodaway County Sheriff Darren White tells KMA News an officer with his department got the investigation rolling. The sheriff's office says investigators working in consultation with Baird developed a plan designed to disrupt some of the drug activity not only in Nodaway County, but also in the surrounding area. After compiling the necessary evidence, it was determined the best course of action was to obtain arrest warrants and execute them simultaneously, thereby reducing the chance that any suspects would be aware of their impending arrest.
White says the arrests are just one more step in the battle against drugs in the community. Baird, meanwhile, indicates that additional charges may be filed as further evidence is developed. Maryville Public Safety, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, The Buchanan County Drug Strike Force, the Page and Taylor County Sheriff's Offices, Clarinda Police and the Tri-County Narcotics Unit participated assisted the Nodaway County Sheriff's Office in the investigation.
Tue, 27 Jul 2010 14:09:27 CDT
PAGE COUNTY INJURY ACCIDENT UNDER INVESTIGATION
(Shenandoah) -- Two people are injured in a two-vehicle accident in Page County late Monday afternoon.
The Page County Sheriff's Office says 42-year-old Brian Dean Jones and 19-year-old Kenneth Howard Crum Junior, both of Shenandoah, were taken to Shenandoah Memorial Hospital following the accident at the intersection of 200th Street and C Avenue. The sheriff's office report states Jones' car was eastbound on 200th Street when it entered the intersection and struck Crum's vehicle, which was southbound on C. The collision sent both vehicles into the southeast ditch.
The accident remains under investigation. Charges are pending. Shenandoah's fire, police and ambulance departments assisted the sheriff's office at the scene.
Tue, 27 Jul 2010 15:55:57 CDT
CORNING COUNCIL DISCUSSES BURN BAN ORDINANCE
(Corning) -- Corning officials want to put some heat on individuals violating the city's burn ban ordinance.
At its regular meeting Monday evening, the Corning City Council instructed Mayor Guy Brace to ask City Attorney Jeff Millhollin to review the city's existing ordinance prohibiting some opening burning situations. Brace tells KMA News the council wants the review in light of recent problems with illegal burning--one incident recently caused a house fire.
While saying the city has an ordinance in place, Brace says it doesn't specify penalties for violations. Brace says the ordinance allows the burning of yard wastes on private properties, but nothing else. Brace says the ordinance also allows so-called "recreational" burning--such as barbecue grilling, for example. Brace says Corning Fire Chief Donnie Willet has expressed concerns over repeated violations.
Not only does illegal burning pose a fire danger, Brace says there's also a health factor, as the smoke creates problems for individuals with breathing difficulties. Brace says he hopes the city will put some teeth in the ordinance, so that citations can be written against those in violation.
Tue, 27 Jul 2010 9:49:25 CDT
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