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KMA News
(KMAland) -- Area campgrounds are gearing up for a big weekend. With Memorial Day fast approaching, campers are taking advantage of the warm temps and the three-day weekend. Ranger Clint Peterson at Viking Lake State Park near Stanton says the campground there is filling up fast. As of now, all the electrical and full hookup sites are reserved or taken for the weekend, however, there are still some non-electrical sites that are available on a first-come, first-serve, basis. Peterson says the park has all sorts of amenities for campers. There's a full restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as a variety of boats for rentals. They also have a hiking and biking trail system that stretches roughly six miles around the lake that people seem to enjoy. Waubonsie State Park near Hamburg is also filling up, according to Ranger Kevin Thorson. 
(Shenandoah) -- Memorial Day is just around the corner. With that in mind, attention is given to the plight of our nation's veterans, many of whom are dealing with post-war physical and mental issues. To assist, the Iowa Department of Veteran's Affairs Mobile Vet's Center will be in Glenwood Thursday at the Glenwood American Legion Building from 10:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Spokesperson Melissa Gray shared the benefits the center provides. They offer counseling services to local veterans, both individual and group, and counseling for families, as well as outreach and education, substance abuse and referrals, and employment information, as well as referrals. Gray says in the back of the unit, they also have the capabilities of doing the Telehealth service. So the unit is not just for counseling, though that is the primary focus. She says there's a big reason they're bringing the unit to Glenwood. 
(Tabor)--You don't have to drive to South Africa to find South African Boer goats. All you have to do is take a drive to Tabor. There you'll find Roger Meier who raises the beautiful animals on his farm about three miles north of Tabor just off Hiway 275. Roger and his wife, Erin, live in the Mills County community where they enjoy spending time with their two children; Natasha and Elizabeth. Roger, a 1990 graduate of Fremont Mills High School, is from a big family. He's one of seven children raised by Ron and Gloria Meier who still make their home in the Tabor area. After living in North Dakota and Colorado for a time, Roger decided to come "home" in 2001 where he has not only established a successful landscaping business but is also trying his hand, along with his dad and his nephew Haydn, at raising meat, show and registered breeding stock goats. 
(Washington, DC) -- A Shenandoah native and staffer for the Iowa Senate Republicans reportedly plans to file a civil rights complaint citing sexual harassment after she was fired on Friday. According to the Des Moines Register, 34-year-old Kirsten Anderson was communications director for the Senate Republicans until she was fired shortly after giving her supervisors a written memo that made note of her previous complaints about “the sexually hostile work environment.” Officials say she was terminated only after her substandard work performance had been documented, and said sexual harassment is not tolerated, and that Anderson was fired only after she was given an opportunity to improve her work performance but failed to do so. Further details into the incident are pending. 
(Tabor) -- The brother and stepson of the two people accused of animal abuse is giving his side of the story. The Fremont County Sheriff's office reports 65-year-old Orrie Covert Jr. and 30-year-old Amber Sharp, both of Tabor, were arrested Tuesday on four counts of animal abuse. The charges stem from an investigation that began at around 1 a.m. May 12th, when the sheriff's office responded to a call in the 2300 block of 113th Street for a report of several dogs reportedly shot while chasing livestock. Donavan Sharp gave his account of what happened in an interview with KMA News. "About 15 minutes after 12:00 in the morning, our birds started raising Cain outside, my sister went out on the front porch to see what was causing the birds to have a fit out there, and she seen a dog out there, snapping and barking at our bird pen. 
(KMAland) -- Full details have been released regarding a major accident on Highway 2. The Iowa State Patrol says the accident took place west of Clarinda at the 45 mile marker, near the turn off for the county landfill. A vehicle driven by 86-year-old Martha Bordner of Clarinda was westbound on Highway 2, when for unknown reasons, she crossed the center line, striking a vehicle driven by 78-year-old Nola Bloomfield of Yorktown. Both drivers were trapped in their vehicles and had to be freed by mechanical means. They taken by Clarinda Rescue to Clarinda Regional Health Center for treatment of injuries. 
(Webster City) -- Investigators and search parties have gained additional information surrounding the abduction and subsequent search for Kathlynn Shepard. Most significantly, a search team of law enforcement and K9s located the young girls' backpacks late yesterday, Tuesday, May 21, 2013. Additionally, investigators obtained an image of Kathlynn from the day of the abduction. In the included image you can see Kathlynn as she exited the school bus, shortly before her abduction. Previous reports indicated she was wearing a Vikings Baseball cap. However, in this image you can see she is wearing an Cubs cap. As the search area is primarily rural and uninhabited terrain, investigators continue to solicit information from locals and frequent visitors. 
(Sidney) -- An investigation continues into an alleged animal abuse incident in Fremont County. The Fremont County Sheriff's Office says 65-year-old Orrie Covert Jr. and 30-year-old Amber Sharp, both of Tabor, were arrested Tuesday on four counts of animal abuse. The charges stem from an investigation that began at around 1 a.m. May 12th, when the sheriff's office responded to a call in the 2300 block of 113th Street for a report of several dogs reportedly shot while chasing livestock. Upon arrival, deputies determined that the dogs weren't chasing any livestock, and conducted an investigation into the incident over the next several days. An investigation determined that the dogs were all shot execution style, with single gunshot wounds. Fremont County Sheriff Kevin Aistrope tells KMA News the four animals were used for hunting. "These were champion-bred hunting dogs," said Aistrope. 
(Shenandoah) -- Memorial Day ceremonies are set all over KMAland this weekend--including in Shenandoah. Shenandoah's Rose Hill Cemetery is the site of the traditional services Monday morning at 10 a.m., at the Veteran's Memorial Circle. Richard Haigwood, past commander of Shenandoah's American Legion Post #88, says preparations actually begin with the placement of flags in the cemetery Saturday and Sunday. Small flags will be placed on all veteran's graves Saturday morning at 9. Poles for the large American flags are installed Sunday at 5 p.m. The flags are then placed in the cemetery beginning Memorial Day at 6 a.m. Haigwood says scores of volunteers help each year with the flag placement. "The boys scouts and the cub scouts come out and help us," said Haigwood. "We have a lot of people come out--citizens that have nothing to do with the American Legion. 
(Shenandoah) -- The former sandpits-turned-recreation destination north of Shenandoah is celebrated Thursday. Dedication ceremonies for the Rapp Park Recreation Area take place at 2 p.m. Located along Highway 48 north of town, the park has developed into a major location for camping and fishing over the past four years. Charlie Spencer, longtime chair of the Page County Conservation Board, spearheaded efforts to establish the park. Spencer tells KMA News the event will not only celebrate the park--including the new campgrounds--but a new sign donated by Shenandoah's Pella Corporation plant, as well. In addition to the electrical services added last fall at the campgrounds, Spencer says visitors will notice some new attractions to the park this spring and summer, including new benches. Plans call for construction of a shelterhouse this summer, as well as new tree plantings. 
(Dayton) -- The search continues for a teenage girl who authorities say was abducted, along with a 12-year-old girl, by a convicted sex offender who committed suicide. The 12-year-old girl was able to escape and notify police shortly after the abduction Monday afternoon in Dayton. The other girl, 15-year-old Kathlynn Shepard (pictured), has not been located despite a massive search effort involving hundreds of volunteers. Bill Kietzman is with the Iowa DCI. “Our plan is we’re going to find her alive,” Kietzman said late Tuesday afternoon. “That’s our hope. We’re working very hard to find her and we’re still searching many areas. That’s our plan, at this point, to find her alive. But, as time goes on…of course, that’s usually not a good thing.” The man accused of abducting the girls, 42-year-old Michael Klunder, was found dead from a self-inflicted injury Monday night northeast of Dayton. 
(Red Oak) -- A traffic stop led to an arrest on drug and alcohol charges in Montgomery County early Wednesday morning. The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office says 29-year-old Nicole M. Snyder of Elliott was arrested for driving while barred, possession of marijuana with intent to deliver, possession of methamphetamine, unlawful possession of prescription drugs, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Authorities say Snyder's vehicle was southbound on Highway 48 when it was stopped for an insufficient number of head lamps. During the stop, it was discovered that Snyder was driving while barred. Upon arrest, and before the vehicle was towed, marijuana and a small amount of meth was located. Authorities also found Snyder in possession of prescription medication, as well as several items of drug paraphernalia. Snyder is in custody in the Montgomery County Jail on $5,000 bond. 
(Sidney) -- Last December's deadly shooting at an elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut forced schools all over the country to review and improve security procedures. Now, the attention shifts to severe weather safety, in light of Monday's massive tornado in Moore, Oklahoma. The EF-5 twister destroyed two elementary schools--seven students, alone, were killed in the destruction of Plaza Towers Elementary School. Gregg Cruickshank is superintendent of the Sidney and South Page school districts. Cruickshank tells KMA News school officials may review storm safety procedures in light of the Moore tornado. Usually, Cruickshank says the best thing for school districts to do is fall back on their tornado drill procedures. 
(KMAland) -- Across the country, volunteers are mobilizing to aid the victims of the tornado tragedy in Moore, Oklahoma. At around 3:00 p.m. Monday afternoon, a tornado ripped through the town, resulting in numerous fatalities including a number of victims at the Plaza Towers Elementary School. Liz Dorland, the Communications Director of the Nebraska/SW Iowa Region of the American Red Cross says their hearts go out to the victims as they standby to help. They extend their hearts to all the people who have been impacted, and like the rest of the nation, they just want to help. They are on standby and have three emergency response vehicles ready to make the journey, as well as the volunteers. Right now, 30 emergency response vehicles from across the nation are either on their way to Moore or are already there bringing emergency supplies and workers. 
(KMAland) -- Three people were injured in separate accidents in Mills County. According to the Mills County Sheriff's Office, the first accident took place Friday evening at around 7:45 pm five miles southwest of Hastings on Merrill Road, in the vicinity of 63173 Merrill Road. Scott Rogers of Hastings was westbound on Merrill road taveling at a high rate of speed when he failed to negotiate a turn and tipped over. He was taken by Malvern Rescue to University of Nebraska Medical Center. The second accident was reported Saturday evening at around 7:30 in Pacific Junction. Jeffrey Fink of Silver City was leaving the Junction Bar at 413 Lincoln Avenue. He lost control and laid the bike down, colliding with a parked vehicle in front of 500 Lincoln Avenue and becoming pinned under the vehicle. Fink was taken by Life Flight to Creighton University Medical Center. 
(KMAland) -- Reactions continue to pour in following the devastating tornado which ripped through Moore, Oklahoma on Monday. Rescue crews and residents continue to pick up the pieces of the community in the wake of the aftermath, and describe the situation in the community. An Oklahoma truck driver made a special call to KMA's Elephant Shop program Tuesday morning. While saying he did not witness the destruction first hand, family members in the area have described the aftermath. "My mom lives south of Oklahoma City, and it's just a devastating area. I survived the May 3rd 1999, which was an F-5, went to an F-6, but this is the most devastating tornado I've ever seen, I couldn't believe it." The driver, who did not give his name, thanked everyone for their support. 
(Yukon, OK) -- As one Oklahoma community lay in ruins, tornadoes bypassed another nearby city. Chastity Crawford lives in Yukon, Oklahoma, located west of Oklahoma City, and 15 minutes north and west of Moore. Crawford, the daughter-in-law of Susan Wetzel of Shenandoah, tells KMA News she was at home when storms began threatening her community and others early Monday afternoon. "I turned on the weather," she said. "It was only 1:30. The storms were building. We were under a tornado watch. But, pretty soon, the storms multiplied. There was one right over Mustang and Yukon, which is where I live. They said if you live near this one intersection--which is where I live--you need to take shelter." Crawford, along with a neighbor, crowded into a storm shelter located in Crawford's home, and waited until storm warnings expired. Though tornadoes missed Yukon, she says Moore wasn't so lucky. 
(Council Bluffs) -- A long-time pediatrician in western Iowa is accused of sexually abusing his granddaughter. Mitch Mortvedt, with the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, says 68-year-old Dr. Dennis Jones turned himself in to law enforcement Monday. According to an affidavit, Jones’ five-year-old granddaughter told her parents on May 12 that her grandfather “tortures” her. “It’s our understanding that the parents were getting ready to take the child to the grandparents’ home and the child stated they did not want to go. The mother started to question the child further and the disclosure was made,” Mortvedt said. Jones is a pediatrician at Methodist Physicians Clinic in Council Bluffs. The hospital released a brief statement which says, upon learning of his arrest this morning, Jones was put on immediate suspension. 
(Moore, OK) -- A Moore, Oklahoma resident with ties to KMAland is thankful Monday's tornado sparred her property--and her husband. Rona Badley, a friend of Susan Wetzel of Shenandoah, was actually working in nearby Norman, Oklahoma when civil defense sirens sounded. Badley and other co-workers took shelter until an all-clear was sounded. She then entered the break room, where she watched on television as a twister began threatening Moore, and realized that her husband Steve, a postal worker, was out and about. Badley finally left work at around 3:30 p.m., and drove home using back roads--since Interstate 35 was shut down by debris. Upon arrival in Moore, Badley was forced to park her car at an intersection 10 miles away from her house, and walk home. She says the destruction witnessed during her walk was "surreal"--and hard to talk about. "It was unbelievable. I've never seen anything like it. 
(Nebraska City) -- David Partsch calls it a perfect union--acting as both Nebraska City and Otoe County's attorney. On Monday night, the Nebraska City City Council appointed Partsch to succeed William "Bill" Davis as city attorney. Partsch was one of two candidates interviewed for the opening last week--Graham Jura of Lincoln was the other candidate. Partsch tells KMA News he's excited about his additional duties. "I grew up here in the community," said Partsch. "Having moved back here, I've dedicated myself to community service in one respect. This is one way of giving back to the community, while also pursuing my profession. This is a perfect union between my professional and personal interests." Partsch has served as Otoe County attorney for the past six years, after serving as the county's deputy attorney two years before that. 
(Moore, OK) -- Prior to Monday's devastating tornado in Moore, Oklahoma, meteorologists were expecting the area to be a hot bed for severe weather. Weather Eye Meteorologist Steve Wohlenhaus is among those monitoring the developments in the community south of Oklahoma City, which was hit by a twister leaving a path of destruction two miles wide and 22 miles long. Though the destruction is terrible, Wohlenhaus says these type of storms should be not surprising this time of the year. "You certainly expect the possibility for big storms like that," said Wohlenhaus. "Whether they hit big population areas is a completely different issue. As these populations continue to expand, the likelihood of that sort of thing becomes more probable. 
(Sidney) -- Sidney's School Board plans some security improvements to both of the district's buildings over the summer. The improvements are the result of a recent inspection conducted by a Homeland Security Administration official in both the Sidney and South Page school districts. Gregg Cruickshank, superintendent of both districts, tells KMA News federal officials believe security procedures at Sidney are adequate. But, they did recommend some enhancements, such as securing vestibules with intercoms and closed-circuit cameras at all entrances. Another recommendation is to keep all exterior doors closed at all times. Cruickshank says most of the improvements were in the works prior to the inspection. He says Sidney Maintenance Director Ray Moreland, has been working to secure bids for camera and intercom systems. Similar steps are planned at South Page. 
(Osceola) -- A group of southern Iowa landowners is hoping a last-minute effort from lawmakers could roll-back construction plans for a lake near Osceola. Doug Robins of Osceola says the farm ground that’s been in his family since 1971 may go under water if lawmakers don’t act. “We thought the 2006 law was going to solve everything and two weeks later they came up with the loopholes to get around it,” Robins says. The City of Osceola and other local governments in the area are planning to build a 900 acre lake for drinking water and as a water supply for businesses, like a meat processing plant in Osceola. Developers hope to start buying land for the project this year, but Republican Representative Bobby Kaufmann of Wilton is making one last attempt to forbid Iowa governments from using eminent domain to acquire land for lakes that would be used from recreation. 
(Red Oak) -- Red Oak Police will soon have a new officer on all fours. At its regular meeting Monday evening, the Red Oak City Council approved the purchase of a new canine officer from I-80 Canine Services of Atlantic for $12,000. Red Oak City Administrator Brad Wright tells KMA News the dual-purpose dog will be used for narcotic detection and officer protection, as well. Wright says funding for the police department's new dog will come from two sources: $4,500 from an insurance payment following the death of the city's previous canine, and $7,500 from properties seized by the police. Also Monday night, the council approved an amendment to the city's parking regulations allowing construction company trailers unhooked from vehicles to be parked on city streets. 
(Nebraska City) -- Otoe County's attorney is now Nebraska City's attorney. By a 4-to-0 vote, with one council member absent, the Nebraska City City Council Monday approved the appointment of David Partsch as city attorney. Partsch succeeds William "Bill" Davis, who retired last month after 43 years with the city. The council's decision followed extensive interviews with Partsch and one other candidate, Graham Jura of Lincoln. Partsch is a partner in the firm of Hoch, Partsch, & Noerrlinger in Nebraska City. Partsch joined the firm in 2005 after having been a solo practitioner in Nebraska City. Previously he was also an associate in a Norfolk law firm and served as legal counsel for the Nebraska Commission of Industrial Relations. In other business, the council approved an amendment to the city's ordinance regarding infrastructure permits for use of public space. |
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