Monday, January 13th, 2019
Monday, January 13th, 2020
Today's Weather Outlook -
Skies were cloudy across Iowa early this morning with areas of fog west. The clouds kept early morning temperatures fairly mild for mid January with readings from the teens northwest to near 30 southeast. Winds were light from the southwest. Our active weather pattern will continue this week with the first in a series of systems tonight bringing light snow across northern Iowa and adjacent areas of Minnesota and Wisconsin, and chances of a light wintry mix or light rain farther south. A weaker more subtle system may also produce light freezing drizzle or light snow across the region Wednesday morning. The last system late in the week may bring more appreciable wintry precipitation to the Midwest around Friday. Better details regarding precipitation type and amounts will become available as the event nears later this week, but some portions of the region may receive moderate to heavy snowfall. This will be followed by colder temperatures and brisk winds heading into the weekend.
Jill Biden to visit Harlan on Monday, January 13th -
Jill Biden, the wife of Presidential Candidate and former Vice-President Joe Biden will be in Iowa today. She will have a meet and greet at the Guthrie County Children’s Reading Room at the Mary Barnett Memorial Library in Guthrie Center. Doors open at 10:45 with the event beginning at 11 am. She will then travel to the El Adobe Mexican Restaurant in Audubon where the doors will open at 12:30 and the event beginning at 12:45. She will then travel to Harlan for a meet and greet at Milk and Honey Restaurant in Harlan. Doors open at 2:45 with the event beginning at 3 pm. Members of the public who wish to attend any of the events should make reservations by way of the campaign website.
February 18th trial date set for suspect in C.B. double murder – Daily Nonpareil
The trial for44 year old April Montello-Roberts of Shenandoah, the remaining suspect in a double murder, robbery and police chase in and near Council Bluffs is scheduled to begin on Feb. 18. She is currently being held on a $2.2 million bond at the Pottawattamie County Jail on charges of two counts of first-degree murder, first-degree robbery and first-degree burglary in connection with the killings, plus two counts of attempted murder of a peace officer, Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Deputy Ryan Olderog and Council Bluffs Police Officer Colby McCord. Montello-Roberts has a hearing coming up on Jan. 23, in which her attorney will try to make a case for suppressing evidence, which is the statement she gave to police in December. Both the hearing and the jury trial will be held at the Pottawattamie County Courthouse in Council Bluffs. During interrogation, Montello-Roberts told police that she and suspect 28 year old Troy E. Petersen, of Essex had discussed robbing and killing Jerrot Clark the day before the alleged murder took place on Aug. 4. A neighbor of Clark’s said she witnessed a male and female carrying items out of Clark’s home at about noon on the day of his murder. The description of the female matched that of Montello-Roberts, reports stated. The duo is also suspected of murdering Steve Carlson while breaking into his home on Aug. 7. Petersen reportedly fired a rifle round through a window, which struck Carlson. The man and woman then entered the home.
Iowa Legislature back in session today -
The Iowa Legislature convened this morning with majority Republicans in the position to set the agenda for another year. Leaders say top topics will likely include tax policy, finding more workers to fill jobs and funding education and health care programs. The state’s financial condition is good with a surplus of nearly $300 million.
Discussion may include providing grants or tax credits to help working families pay for child care, funding the children’s mental health program created last year and considering a sales tax increase to pay for water quality and environmental programs.
IRS Free File program now available -
Free tax filing of your 2019 return is now available from the Internal Revenue Service. I-R-S spokesperson Diane Fox says you can find the information on their website - I-R-S-dot-gov-slash-free-file and get started on your taxes. Free File does all the hard work for you. Frankly, it makes taxes less taxing in a lot of ways,” Fox says. She says the program is based on your income. Anyone who made 69-thousand dollars or less last year can use Free File. They even have a special offer for active duty military personnel. And they offer one product in Spanish. Fox says they have a variety of name brand Free File options. “It’s do it yourself software — but it leads people through — so that people don’t leave money on the table — that they get all the benefits that are available to them for their refund,” according to Fox. “And makes sure that it checks everything for them before they electronically file.” Fox says there is added benefit to going through the I-R-S site to get the Free File software. “You end up with the guardrails that we have in place for this program to make sure that you are getting the Free File program that has some protections for you,” she says. “In fact, we even have some of those protections listed on our website — so you can readily see what to expect when you are using the program.”
Fox says around 22-thousand people in Iowa used Free File last year. She says that is well below the number of people who are eligible to use the program.
Audubon County Pursuit Friday afternoon -
A late afternoon pursuit in Audubon County on Friday ended in a crash and the arrest of 2 people. According to reports, authorities were chasing a vehicle that was traveling from 80 to 100 miles per hour. The suspect vehicle blew through the intersection at Highways 44 and 71 just outside of Hamlin. It then crashed about 2 miles west of Hamlin into a field south of the intersection of Highway 44 and Jay Avenue. The pursuit ended with the arrest of two subjects at around 4:28 that afternoon.
New business coming to Audubon -
Audubon is another town that watched it’s Shopko store close about a year ago. But that former Shopko building won’t be empty much longer. The Audubon County Economic Development Office has reached out to “It’s $5”, offering them some incentives and Ryan Wager, owner of the store, has accepted. The store plans to open in February with another retail business in the other half of the store opening in March. Wager’s will be the name of the business adjacent to “It’s $5”. It will offer low price new clothing, health and beauty and everyday products.
Crawford County Law Enforcement Report – 1-13-20 –
The Crawford County Law Enforcement Agency reports that 29 year old Nathanael Seth Herrin of Jefferson was arrested a little after 2 am on Tuesday, January 7th, for driving while his license was suspended and theft in the 2nd degree for operating a black 1995 Jeep Wrangler. The jeep had been reported stolen by 33 year old Jose Alfredo Gonzalez Valle of Denison. At 7:42 pm, the same day, 37 year old Willian Eliseo Chevez Pineda of Denison was arrested for driving while barred.
On Wednesday, January 8th, Will Soll was arrested for driving under suspension, no insurance and an expired vehicle registration.
A 2-vehicle accident occurred at 6:15 am, Tuesday, January 7th. 61 year old Mark Dee Moreland of Kiron was driving a 2012 Kalm Shag Truck into the Lineage Logistics parking lot at 601 Industrial Drive. 28 year old Jordan Darrell Charles Hollander of Ute followed Moreland into the parking lot in a red 2011 Dodge Pickup and parked along the north curb line. Moreland was backing an enclosed trailer up to dock #16 and was unable to see Hollander’s vehicle and struck the parked vehicle with the right rear wheels of the shag truck. There was no damage to Moreland’s vehicle. Hollander’s vehicle sustained $1,000 damage.
Monona County looking to build bigger jail -
County leaders in Monona County have scheduled a March 3rd election on bonds to build a replacement jail in western Iowa’s Monona County. The jail in Onawa was built in 1976 to hold 12 inmates but now regularly holds 20. A $6.2 million replacement would be built on the northeast side of the courthouse square in Onawa if a bond election passes. It would hold up to 32 inmates, with the possibility of expanding to hold as many as 66. It would also have interview rooms and more office space for the sheriff’s office and police department.
Trial for Carroll man scheduled for April – Carroll Broadcasting -
49 year old Chad Michael Hess, the man from Carroll that was accused of drug trafficking, has been scheduled for trial near the end of April. According to Carroll Broadcasting, Hess submitted a not guilty plea last Thursday to one count of delivery of a controlled substance, a class C felony with habitual offender enhancements. The charge stems from an investigation by the Coon Rapids Police Department, which found Hess had sold about 1.5 grams of methamphetamine on May 16th in Coon Rapids. Hess has a history of drug-related convictions, including trafficking in 1996, 2000, 2004 and 2015 and possession of a controlled substance in 2003 and 2006. A pretrial conference has been scheduled for Monday, April 20th, with jury proceedings set to begin April 28th. This is a Class C felony that carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and $10,000 in fines.
Audubon School Board to act on ordering a special election for $7.5-million in Bonds -
The Audubon School District’s Board of Education will hold a brief, Special session this Wednesday morning. January 15th, to act on approving a Resolution Ordering an Election to be held in March on the issuance of $7.5-million in General Obligation Bonds. The meeting takes place 7:30-a.m. in the Boardroom at the Audubon High School.
If approved by voters in the Audubon Community School District, the bonds would be used to pay for a school improvement project at the high school, which was built over 50-years ago and saw an addition constructed in 2006. School officials have said the building is in need of a replacement HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) system, as well as simple upgrades to classrooms. The School Board had previously decided to handle the projects all at once, in order to save money, as opposed to piecing work on the various projects out over a period of time. And, they voted to approve Denovo as the Construction Manager for the projects, which would begin in the Summer of 2021. Public meetings are planned to better explain the work needed, as well as the bond issue.
Shelby County Democratic Caucus to be held February 3rd -
The Shelby County Democratic Caucus is set to take place in sites across the county on Monday, February 3, 2020. Doors will open at 6 p.m. and the caucus will begin at 7 p.m. Caucus members will elect central committee members, convention delegates and alternates, and develop the party platform. Iowa is first in the nation for the presidential selection process, and caucusing is the only way to register your preference in the presidential race. Anyone eligible to vote in Iowa can caucus. In order to participate, you must be registered as a Democrat and must be at least 18 years old by Nov. 3, 2020. You may register to vote or change your address or party affiliation on caucus night. You must caucus at the site for your precinct. The Iowa Democratic Party has a tool to locate your caucus site at https://iowademocrats.org/2020-caucuses/
Precinct Caucus locations for Shelby County Democrats are as follows:
Grove-Union-Westphalia: St. Joseph Hall, Earling
Douglas-Greeley-Jefferson-Polk: Kirkman Community Building
Cass-Center-Jackson-Lincoln: Shelby County Chamber of Commerce
Fairview-Shelby: Shelby Community Hall
Clay-Monroe: Elk Horn Town Hall
Harlan's ALL 4 Wards: Therkildsen Activity Center
If you have questions, need childcare or a ride, or would like to volunteer to help on caucus night, you may email Shelby County Democrats Co-chairs Ellen Walsh-Rosmann and Amber Mohr at shelbycountyiowademocrats@gmail.com
Museum of Danish America welcome coffee cancelled -
A "Welcome Coffee" planned for January 13th at the Museum of Danish America has been cancelled. Danish citizen Jakob Holm, for whom the meet and greet was planned, has withdrawn from assuming the role of executive director for personal reasons unrelated to the position. Longtime museum curator and acting director Tova Brandt will continue her leadership of the 16 person staff team and many volunteers.
Laborshed Study to be conducted in Shelby County -
The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce and Industry is partnering with Iowa Workforce Development and Iowa Economic Development Authority to complete a Laborshed employment study for the Shelby County area. This study will geographically define which communities contribute to Harlan’s workforce, regardless of political boundaries. This defined area is called a Laborshed area and is based upon commuting patterns.
The purpose of this Laborshed study is to measure the availability and characteristics of Harlan area workers. Laborshed studies are useful tools for economic development teams and existing or prospective employers to understand the local labor market, make informed expansion and site selection decisions, and maintain/recruit a high-quality workforce. For the success of this study, we will be sending letters to employers in Harlan asking that they provide us with aggregate counts of their employees’ residential ZIP codes. This will allow us to define a commuting pattern for the Harlan area and determine what the scope and scale of Harlan’s Laborshed area is and better understand where Harlan’s workforce resides.
A confidential survey of residents will also be conducted to collect workforce characteristic information specific to the area. Residents will receive a letter directing them how to take the survey online and/or they will receive a telephone call to take the survey. The survey call originates out of Cedar Rapids, IA, therefore, the incoming number will have the 319 area code. It is possible that you may receive a text message from their 888 number as well, alerting you to expect a call from them. Survey questions will cover topics such as: employment status, current and desired wages, current and desired benefits, education level, and type of occupation among other things. However, Iowa Workforce Development will not be asking survey takers identifiable information such as: name, social security number, or date of birth.
Every year Iowa Workforce Development conducts Laborshed studies across the State. The results of each analysis are publicly available online at www.iowalmi.gov/laborshed. If you have any questions about the Laborshed project, please contact Katie Lippold at 515-281-3035 or Todd Valline at 755-2114. Surveys and letters will be mailed to employers and residents starting the week of January 20th.
Citizen of the Year Nominees Requested by Shelby Co Chamber -
The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce & Industry is looking for Shelby County Citizen of the Year nominees. Chamber Director Todd Valline is asking people to submit short paragraphs to the Chamber on citizens they believe deserve the award. “We’re looking for that longevity, you know, that person who’s just been involved and stays involved and does things around the community that just make everybody else’s life better throughout the community,” Valline told KNOD News Monday. Voting for Business of the Year and New Business of the Year will also be taking place. The winners will be announced during the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce & Industry Annual Banquet on Friday, February 28th, at the C.G. Therkldsen Center in Harlan.
Manning Finalist for Healthiest State Award -
Manning is among the finalists for the 2020 Healthiest State Annual Awards. They’re among seven communities looking to win the Healthy Hometown Powered by Wellmark Community Award. The Healthiest State Annual Awards are sponsored by Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Hy-Vee, and Nemours. Award winners will be granted a monetary gift to continue their work focused on improving the health and well-being of their employees, students, or citizens. The winners will be announced on February 6th during the Healthiest State Annual Awards Ceremony in Des Moines.
Shelby, Harrison and Audubon County’s Community Foundation Spring Grant Program Now open -
The Shelby, Harrison and Audubon County’s Community Foundation is pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted from organizations providing charitable services in those counties. As part of this spring grant cycle, approximately $115,000 is available to support Shelby, Harrison and Audubon County nonprofit organizations and community projects. The deadline to apply for funds through the online application process is February 1st. Beginning December 15th, application details, a fact sheet and a link to the application form can be found only by selection your county under the County Listing at swiowafoundations.org. Applications will only be accepted through the online system.
U.S. Census Bureau will start hiring in Iowa next month for 2020 count – Radio Iowa -
The federal government is launching a campaign to hire thousands of people across Iowa and the nation to help with the 2020 Census. The bureau’s Sam Fettig urges anyone who’s interested to apply right away. “There may only be a certain number of jobs in any given area, so once those jobs in a certain area are filled, they’re filled,” Fettig says. “So if someone’s interested, the sooner, the better to get that application in.” Fettig says workers go door-to-door to follow up when someone doesn’t respond to census questions on-line, by phone or on the paper form: “We’re hoping to hire really locally,” he says, “so that when someone comes knocking at your door, it’s someone you know and it’s someone who knows your community.” Fettig says work hours are flexible and the pay starts at 14-dollars an hour and is in some cases 16 or even 20-dollars an hour. “For someone even who might have a 9 to 5 job already, it’s a good way to get involved, to help your community, ensure that you have the federal resources and political representation for the next 10 years,” he says. Fettig says the application review and hiring process will begin in January. “It’s important that we hire workers who have connections in the community, who already have pre-existing relationships and trust,” he says. “To help bridge those gaps in understanding or to help address concerns, it really helps if we can hire from local communities.”
To apply, visit: 2020census.gov/jobs.
GriefShare Seminar and Support Group will meet Mondays now through March 23rd from 5:30 to 7 pm at the First Baptist Church in Harlan. For more information, call the church office at 755-2711.
Free tax preparation services will be available in Shelby County for low and moderate income taxpayers as part of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. For more information or to make an appointment, call on or after January 13th to 755-3104. Call between the hours of 8:30 and 4:30 Monday through Friday. After an appointment is scheduled, the taxpayer will receive a confirmation letter explaining what to bring to the appointment. The VITA program is open to Iowa residents with adjusted gross income below $57,000. In Shelby County, the VITA program is a joint effort of Shelby County Extension and Outreach and the Iowa Center for Economic Success. The program is financially supported by the Internal Revenue Service and the Iowa Department of Human Services.
January activities at Harlan Community Library -
Tuesday, January 14th - Noon-1 pm, Library and Lunch Book Club; 3-4 pm Tech Time; 4-5 pm, Libraries on the Go; 4 pm, Book Worms
Wednesday, January 15th - 10:30 am Story Time: Shapes and Colors; 10 am, Classic Movie: Fried Green Tomatoes
Thursday, January 16th - 6:30 pm Lego Challenge
Saturday, January 18th - 10 am Art for Kids
Monday, January 20th - 2 pm, Kid's Movie and Craft - Abominable
Tuesday, January 21st - 3-4 pm Tech Time; 4-5 pm, Libraries on the Go; 4 pm, Book Worms Youth Volunteers
Wednesday, January 22nd - 10:30 am, Story Time: A.A. Milne and Winnie the Pooh
Thursday, January 23rd - 5 pm, Adult Creative Writing; 6 pm, Iowa Habitats with Shelby County Conservationist Christina Roelofs
Saturday, January 25th - 10 am, Babies and Books, Baby Bouncy Time
Monday, January 27th - 12 Noon - OWLS: Older Wiser Learning Seniors at the Harlan Senior Center, History of the Sled
Tuesday, January 28th - 3-4 pm, Tech Time; 4-5 pm, Libraries on the Go; 4 pm, Book Worms Youth Volunteers
Wednesday, January 29th - 10:30 am, Story Time, Dinosaurs; 7 pm, 5 o'clock Somewhere Book Club
Thursday, January 30th - 6:30 pm, Family Fun Night - Amazing Library Race
The Iowa Community Kitchen will be open 4 to 6 pm, Tuesday, January 14th at the First Baptist Church on Chatburn in Harlan. They will be serving muffin pizza, a salad and a dessert. Everyone is welcome. The First Baptist Church is volunteering. Due to the rising cost of food and supplies, Iowa Community Kitchen will be charging a minimum of $3 per meal to eat in. If you can't afford the $3, then please ask about their new meal program. Children age 15 and under still eat free. All take-out meals are $3.
There will be a Ribbon Cutting and Open House from 4 to 7 pm, at the Old Harlan Library, welcoming the Wandering Fig, Coffee Girl, a Yoga Studio, Photography Studio and small business offices.
Blood Donations Needed -
The American Red Cross is asking the public to kick off 2020 by doing something big: Give blood now to address the critical need for donations after the holidays. As a special thank-you, those who come to give now through January 19th, will be entered for a chance to win a trip to Super Bowl LIV!
Upcoming donation opportunities include:
Thursday, January 16th - noon to 6 pm - Atlantic YMCA
Tuesday, January 21st - Veteran's Memorial Building in Harlan - 11:30 to 5:30 Walk Ins are
welcome. For an appointment, call Sue at 755-5725 or visit RedCrossBlood.org
Wednesday, January 22nd - 11 to 5 pm - St. Boniface Parish Center in Westphalia.
Monday, January 27th - noon to 6 pm - Exira Recreational Center
Tuesday, January 28th - 11:30 am to 5:30 pm - Elk Horn Lutheran Church
Wednesday, January 29th - noon to 5:30 pm - Lewis Community Center
Thursday, January 30th - noon to 6 pm - Halbur Community Center
Be mindful and attend a mindful lunch: Supporting Mental Health in the workplace, Thursday, January 16th from 11 to 1 at Myrtue Medical Center's Auble Room. Join them for a look at mental health in the workplace. When employees are operating from a healthy place mentally, emotionally and socially, they are more motivated and engaged. This mindful lunch will empower business leaders, Human Resource representatives and company health and wellness coordinators with fresh ideas and resources to build engagement in your team. Please register by Tuesday, January 14th, 712/304-0164.
A Legislative Coffee will be held at 10 am, Saturday, January 18th. It will be hosted and sponsored by Town and Country Credit Union at 1414 Chatburn Avenue in Harlan.
The Harlan Community Theater Planning Retreat will be held Saturday, January 18th, and Saturday, January 25th at 9 am at New Park Coffee in Harlan. Anyone interested in helping in the areas of directing, stage managing, set design, sound and lighting is invited to attend the meetings. No experience is necessary, only a will to learn and be involved. Auditions will be announced at a later date. Please RSVP or send questions to Kayla Weis at kweis@hcsdcyclones.com.
The Iowa Community Kitchen will be open 4 to 6 pm, Tuesday, January 21st at the First Baptist Church on Chatburn in Harlan. They will be serving spaghetti, garlic bread, a salad and a dessert. Everyone is welcome. A free will donation will be accepted. Harlan High School FFA is volunteering.
The Iowa Community Kitchen will be open 4 to 6 pm, Tuesday, January 21st at the First Baptist Church on Chatburn in Harlan. They will be serving spaghetti, garlic bread, a salad and a dessert. Everyone is welcome. A free will donation will be accepted. Harlan High School FFA is volunteering.
St. Patrick's Church in Neola will hold their annual Parish Auction, Saturday, January 25th. Mass will begin at 4 pm, the Staley's Chicken Dinner and raffle will begin at 4:30 pm and Live Auction will start at 6. The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for those 8 and under.
The Iowa Community Kitchen will be open 4 to 6 pm, Tuesday, January 28th at the First Baptist Church on Chatburn in Harlan. They will be serving pancakes, biscuits and gravy, bacon, fruit and a dessert. Everyone is welcome. A free will donation will be accepted. The Congregational Church is volunteering.
-------
The Shelby County Cattlemen's Annual Banquet will be held on Saturday, February 1st at St. Mary's Hall in Panama. Social hour starts at 5 pm, with a New York Strip dinner starting at 6 pm. The annual meeting plus the Trophy and Scholarship Fund Auction will follow. Tickets are $15 and are available at the door.
An Immunization Clinic for Children will be held on Wednesday, February 5th, from 2 to 6 pm at the Community Health office in Harlan. Immunizations are free for children that qualify for the VFC program. If you have insurance that pays for immunizations, including Hawk-I, please call Myrtue Medical Clinic at 755-4516 to schedule an appointment there. Appointments are recommended to save time but not required. Walk-ins are welcome. Make appointments by calling 755-4422 or at shelbycountyclinics.com. Please ask for Cathy Buman if you have questions or need to make an appointment for a different day or time.
A Murder Mystery Event will be held Thursday, February 6th from 5:30 to 8 pm. It is hosted by the Harlan Community Library. Join them for a night of mystery. It takes place within the walls of the dark and tainted Deadwood Saloon. This is a free event, but you must reserve your spot by calling the library at 755-5934. Their night of mystery is much like a game of Clue and each attendee will be assigned a character. All attendees are encouraged to dress for the occasion. Dinner will be served during the event.
MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) meet every month at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Harlan. The meetings begin at 6:30 pm. The monthly meetings will be held on:
Thursday, February 13th
Thursday, March 12th
Thursday, April 2nd
Thursday, May 14th
Friday, February 28th is the date set for the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce and Industry Annual Awards Banquet at the C.G. Therkildsen Center in Harlan. It will be a night of great dining, fun, and the Annual Business Awards.
-----
The 34th annual Harlan Newspapers Home, Garden and Living Show will be held 10:30 am to 5 pm Saturday, March 28th, at Vet's Auditorium in Harlan. Admission is free
Today's Weather Outlook -
Skies were cloudy across Iowa early this morning with areas of fog west. The clouds kept early morning temperatures fairly mild for mid January with readings from the teens northwest to near 30 southeast. Winds were light from the southwest. Our active weather pattern will continue this week with the first in a series of systems tonight bringing light snow across northern Iowa and adjacent areas of Minnesota and Wisconsin, and chances of a light wintry mix or light rain farther south. A weaker more subtle system may also produce light freezing drizzle or light snow across the region Wednesday morning. The last system late in the week may bring more appreciable wintry precipitation to the Midwest around Friday. Better details regarding precipitation type and amounts will become available as the event nears later this week, but some portions of the region may receive moderate to heavy snowfall. This will be followed by colder temperatures and brisk winds heading into the weekend.
Jill Biden to visit Harlan on Monday, January 13th -
Jill Biden, the wife of Presidential Candidate and former Vice-President Joe Biden will be in Iowa today. She will have a meet and greet at the Guthrie County Children’s Reading Room at the Mary Barnett Memorial Library in Guthrie Center. Doors open at 10:45 with the event beginning at 11 am. She will then travel to the El Adobe Mexican Restaurant in Audubon where the doors will open at 12:30 and the event beginning at 12:45. She will then travel to Harlan for a meet and greet at Milk and Honey Restaurant in Harlan. Doors open at 2:45 with the event beginning at 3 pm. Members of the public who wish to attend any of the events should make reservations by way of the campaign website.
February 18th trial date set for suspect in C.B. double murder – Daily Nonpareil
The trial for44 year old April Montello-Roberts of Shenandoah, the remaining suspect in a double murder, robbery and police chase in and near Council Bluffs is scheduled to begin on Feb. 18. She is currently being held on a $2.2 million bond at the Pottawattamie County Jail on charges of two counts of first-degree murder, first-degree robbery and first-degree burglary in connection with the killings, plus two counts of attempted murder of a peace officer, Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Deputy Ryan Olderog and Council Bluffs Police Officer Colby McCord. Montello-Roberts has a hearing coming up on Jan. 23, in which her attorney will try to make a case for suppressing evidence, which is the statement she gave to police in December. Both the hearing and the jury trial will be held at the Pottawattamie County Courthouse in Council Bluffs. During interrogation, Montello-Roberts told police that she and suspect 28 year old Troy E. Petersen, of Essex had discussed robbing and killing Jerrot Clark the day before the alleged murder took place on Aug. 4. A neighbor of Clark’s said she witnessed a male and female carrying items out of Clark’s home at about noon on the day of his murder. The description of the female matched that of Montello-Roberts, reports stated. The duo is also suspected of murdering Steve Carlson while breaking into his home on Aug. 7. Petersen reportedly fired a rifle round through a window, which struck Carlson. The man and woman then entered the home.
Iowa Legislature back in session today -
The Iowa Legislature convened this morning with majority Republicans in the position to set the agenda for another year. Leaders say top topics will likely include tax policy, finding more workers to fill jobs and funding education and health care programs. The state’s financial condition is good with a surplus of nearly $300 million.
Discussion may include providing grants or tax credits to help working families pay for child care, funding the children’s mental health program created last year and considering a sales tax increase to pay for water quality and environmental programs.
IRS Free File program now available -
Free tax filing of your 2019 return is now available from the Internal Revenue Service. I-R-S spokesperson Diane Fox says you can find the information on their website - I-R-S-dot-gov-slash-free-file and get started on your taxes. Free File does all the hard work for you. Frankly, it makes taxes less taxing in a lot of ways,” Fox says. She says the program is based on your income. Anyone who made 69-thousand dollars or less last year can use Free File. They even have a special offer for active duty military personnel. And they offer one product in Spanish. Fox says they have a variety of name brand Free File options. “It’s do it yourself software — but it leads people through — so that people don’t leave money on the table — that they get all the benefits that are available to them for their refund,” according to Fox. “And makes sure that it checks everything for them before they electronically file.” Fox says there is added benefit to going through the I-R-S site to get the Free File software. “You end up with the guardrails that we have in place for this program to make sure that you are getting the Free File program that has some protections for you,” she says. “In fact, we even have some of those protections listed on our website — so you can readily see what to expect when you are using the program.”
Fox says around 22-thousand people in Iowa used Free File last year. She says that is well below the number of people who are eligible to use the program.
Audubon County Pursuit Friday afternoon -
A late afternoon pursuit in Audubon County on Friday ended in a crash and the arrest of 2 people. According to reports, authorities were chasing a vehicle that was traveling from 80 to 100 miles per hour. The suspect vehicle blew through the intersection at Highways 44 and 71 just outside of Hamlin. It then crashed about 2 miles west of Hamlin into a field south of the intersection of Highway 44 and Jay Avenue. The pursuit ended with the arrest of two subjects at around 4:28 that afternoon.
New business coming to Audubon -
Audubon is another town that watched it’s Shopko store close about a year ago. But that former Shopko building won’t be empty much longer. The Audubon County Economic Development Office has reached out to “It’s $5”, offering them some incentives and Ryan Wager, owner of the store, has accepted. The store plans to open in February with another retail business in the other half of the store opening in March. Wager’s will be the name of the business adjacent to “It’s $5”. It will offer low price new clothing, health and beauty and everyday products.
Crawford County Law Enforcement Report – 1-13-20 –
The Crawford County Law Enforcement Agency reports that 29 year old Nathanael Seth Herrin of Jefferson was arrested a little after 2 am on Tuesday, January 7th, for driving while his license was suspended and theft in the 2nd degree for operating a black 1995 Jeep Wrangler. The jeep had been reported stolen by 33 year old Jose Alfredo Gonzalez Valle of Denison. At 7:42 pm, the same day, 37 year old Willian Eliseo Chevez Pineda of Denison was arrested for driving while barred.
On Wednesday, January 8th, Will Soll was arrested for driving under suspension, no insurance and an expired vehicle registration.
A 2-vehicle accident occurred at 6:15 am, Tuesday, January 7th. 61 year old Mark Dee Moreland of Kiron was driving a 2012 Kalm Shag Truck into the Lineage Logistics parking lot at 601 Industrial Drive. 28 year old Jordan Darrell Charles Hollander of Ute followed Moreland into the parking lot in a red 2011 Dodge Pickup and parked along the north curb line. Moreland was backing an enclosed trailer up to dock #16 and was unable to see Hollander’s vehicle and struck the parked vehicle with the right rear wheels of the shag truck. There was no damage to Moreland’s vehicle. Hollander’s vehicle sustained $1,000 damage.
Monona County looking to build bigger jail -
County leaders in Monona County have scheduled a March 3rd election on bonds to build a replacement jail in western Iowa’s Monona County. The jail in Onawa was built in 1976 to hold 12 inmates but now regularly holds 20. A $6.2 million replacement would be built on the northeast side of the courthouse square in Onawa if a bond election passes. It would hold up to 32 inmates, with the possibility of expanding to hold as many as 66. It would also have interview rooms and more office space for the sheriff’s office and police department.
Trial for Carroll man scheduled for April – Carroll Broadcasting -
49 year old Chad Michael Hess, the man from Carroll that was accused of drug trafficking, has been scheduled for trial near the end of April. According to Carroll Broadcasting, Hess submitted a not guilty plea last Thursday to one count of delivery of a controlled substance, a class C felony with habitual offender enhancements. The charge stems from an investigation by the Coon Rapids Police Department, which found Hess had sold about 1.5 grams of methamphetamine on May 16th in Coon Rapids. Hess has a history of drug-related convictions, including trafficking in 1996, 2000, 2004 and 2015 and possession of a controlled substance in 2003 and 2006. A pretrial conference has been scheduled for Monday, April 20th, with jury proceedings set to begin April 28th. This is a Class C felony that carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and $10,000 in fines.
Audubon School Board to act on ordering a special election for $7.5-million in Bonds -
The Audubon School District’s Board of Education will hold a brief, Special session this Wednesday morning. January 15th, to act on approving a Resolution Ordering an Election to be held in March on the issuance of $7.5-million in General Obligation Bonds. The meeting takes place 7:30-a.m. in the Boardroom at the Audubon High School.
If approved by voters in the Audubon Community School District, the bonds would be used to pay for a school improvement project at the high school, which was built over 50-years ago and saw an addition constructed in 2006. School officials have said the building is in need of a replacement HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) system, as well as simple upgrades to classrooms. The School Board had previously decided to handle the projects all at once, in order to save money, as opposed to piecing work on the various projects out over a period of time. And, they voted to approve Denovo as the Construction Manager for the projects, which would begin in the Summer of 2021. Public meetings are planned to better explain the work needed, as well as the bond issue.
Shelby County Democratic Caucus to be held February 3rd -
The Shelby County Democratic Caucus is set to take place in sites across the county on Monday, February 3, 2020. Doors will open at 6 p.m. and the caucus will begin at 7 p.m. Caucus members will elect central committee members, convention delegates and alternates, and develop the party platform. Iowa is first in the nation for the presidential selection process, and caucusing is the only way to register your preference in the presidential race. Anyone eligible to vote in Iowa can caucus. In order to participate, you must be registered as a Democrat and must be at least 18 years old by Nov. 3, 2020. You may register to vote or change your address or party affiliation on caucus night. You must caucus at the site for your precinct. The Iowa Democratic Party has a tool to locate your caucus site at https://iowademocrats.org/2020-caucuses/
Precinct Caucus locations for Shelby County Democrats are as follows:
Grove-Union-Westphalia: St. Joseph Hall, Earling
Douglas-Greeley-Jefferson-Polk: Kirkman Community Building
Cass-Center-Jackson-Lincoln: Shelby County Chamber of Commerce
Fairview-Shelby: Shelby Community Hall
Clay-Monroe: Elk Horn Town Hall
Harlan's ALL 4 Wards: Therkildsen Activity Center
If you have questions, need childcare or a ride, or would like to volunteer to help on caucus night, you may email Shelby County Democrats Co-chairs Ellen Walsh-Rosmann and Amber Mohr at shelbycountyiowademocrats@gmail.com
Museum of Danish America welcome coffee cancelled -
A "Welcome Coffee" planned for January 13th at the Museum of Danish America has been cancelled. Danish citizen Jakob Holm, for whom the meet and greet was planned, has withdrawn from assuming the role of executive director for personal reasons unrelated to the position. Longtime museum curator and acting director Tova Brandt will continue her leadership of the 16 person staff team and many volunteers.
Laborshed Study to be conducted in Shelby County -
The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce and Industry is partnering with Iowa Workforce Development and Iowa Economic Development Authority to complete a Laborshed employment study for the Shelby County area. This study will geographically define which communities contribute to Harlan’s workforce, regardless of political boundaries. This defined area is called a Laborshed area and is based upon commuting patterns.
The purpose of this Laborshed study is to measure the availability and characteristics of Harlan area workers. Laborshed studies are useful tools for economic development teams and existing or prospective employers to understand the local labor market, make informed expansion and site selection decisions, and maintain/recruit a high-quality workforce. For the success of this study, we will be sending letters to employers in Harlan asking that they provide us with aggregate counts of their employees’ residential ZIP codes. This will allow us to define a commuting pattern for the Harlan area and determine what the scope and scale of Harlan’s Laborshed area is and better understand where Harlan’s workforce resides.
A confidential survey of residents will also be conducted to collect workforce characteristic information specific to the area. Residents will receive a letter directing them how to take the survey online and/or they will receive a telephone call to take the survey. The survey call originates out of Cedar Rapids, IA, therefore, the incoming number will have the 319 area code. It is possible that you may receive a text message from their 888 number as well, alerting you to expect a call from them. Survey questions will cover topics such as: employment status, current and desired wages, current and desired benefits, education level, and type of occupation among other things. However, Iowa Workforce Development will not be asking survey takers identifiable information such as: name, social security number, or date of birth.
Every year Iowa Workforce Development conducts Laborshed studies across the State. The results of each analysis are publicly available online at www.iowalmi.gov/laborshed. If you have any questions about the Laborshed project, please contact Katie Lippold at 515-281-3035 or Todd Valline at 755-2114. Surveys and letters will be mailed to employers and residents starting the week of January 20th.
Citizen of the Year Nominees Requested by Shelby Co Chamber -
The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce & Industry is looking for Shelby County Citizen of the Year nominees. Chamber Director Todd Valline is asking people to submit short paragraphs to the Chamber on citizens they believe deserve the award. “We’re looking for that longevity, you know, that person who’s just been involved and stays involved and does things around the community that just make everybody else’s life better throughout the community,” Valline told KNOD News Monday. Voting for Business of the Year and New Business of the Year will also be taking place. The winners will be announced during the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce & Industry Annual Banquet on Friday, February 28th, at the C.G. Therkldsen Center in Harlan.
Manning Finalist for Healthiest State Award -
Manning is among the finalists for the 2020 Healthiest State Annual Awards. They’re among seven communities looking to win the Healthy Hometown Powered by Wellmark Community Award. The Healthiest State Annual Awards are sponsored by Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Hy-Vee, and Nemours. Award winners will be granted a monetary gift to continue their work focused on improving the health and well-being of their employees, students, or citizens. The winners will be announced on February 6th during the Healthiest State Annual Awards Ceremony in Des Moines.
Shelby, Harrison and Audubon County’s Community Foundation Spring Grant Program Now open -
The Shelby, Harrison and Audubon County’s Community Foundation is pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted from organizations providing charitable services in those counties. As part of this spring grant cycle, approximately $115,000 is available to support Shelby, Harrison and Audubon County nonprofit organizations and community projects. The deadline to apply for funds through the online application process is February 1st. Beginning December 15th, application details, a fact sheet and a link to the application form can be found only by selection your county under the County Listing at swiowafoundations.org. Applications will only be accepted through the online system.
U.S. Census Bureau will start hiring in Iowa next month for 2020 count – Radio Iowa -
The federal government is launching a campaign to hire thousands of people across Iowa and the nation to help with the 2020 Census. The bureau’s Sam Fettig urges anyone who’s interested to apply right away. “There may only be a certain number of jobs in any given area, so once those jobs in a certain area are filled, they’re filled,” Fettig says. “So if someone’s interested, the sooner, the better to get that application in.” Fettig says workers go door-to-door to follow up when someone doesn’t respond to census questions on-line, by phone or on the paper form: “We’re hoping to hire really locally,” he says, “so that when someone comes knocking at your door, it’s someone you know and it’s someone who knows your community.” Fettig says work hours are flexible and the pay starts at 14-dollars an hour and is in some cases 16 or even 20-dollars an hour. “For someone even who might have a 9 to 5 job already, it’s a good way to get involved, to help your community, ensure that you have the federal resources and political representation for the next 10 years,” he says. Fettig says the application review and hiring process will begin in January. “It’s important that we hire workers who have connections in the community, who already have pre-existing relationships and trust,” he says. “To help bridge those gaps in understanding or to help address concerns, it really helps if we can hire from local communities.”
To apply, visit: 2020census.gov/jobs.
GriefShare Seminar and Support Group will meet Mondays now through March 23rd from 5:30 to 7 pm at the First Baptist Church in Harlan. For more information, call the church office at 755-2711.
Free tax preparation services will be available in Shelby County for low and moderate income taxpayers as part of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. For more information or to make an appointment, call on or after January 13th to 755-3104. Call between the hours of 8:30 and 4:30 Monday through Friday. After an appointment is scheduled, the taxpayer will receive a confirmation letter explaining what to bring to the appointment. The VITA program is open to Iowa residents with adjusted gross income below $57,000. In Shelby County, the VITA program is a joint effort of Shelby County Extension and Outreach and the Iowa Center for Economic Success. The program is financially supported by the Internal Revenue Service and the Iowa Department of Human Services.
January activities at Harlan Community Library -
Tuesday, January 14th - Noon-1 pm, Library and Lunch Book Club; 3-4 pm Tech Time; 4-5 pm, Libraries on the Go; 4 pm, Book Worms
Wednesday, January 15th - 10:30 am Story Time: Shapes and Colors; 10 am, Classic Movie: Fried Green Tomatoes
Thursday, January 16th - 6:30 pm Lego Challenge
Saturday, January 18th - 10 am Art for Kids
Monday, January 20th - 2 pm, Kid's Movie and Craft - Abominable
Tuesday, January 21st - 3-4 pm Tech Time; 4-5 pm, Libraries on the Go; 4 pm, Book Worms Youth Volunteers
Wednesday, January 22nd - 10:30 am, Story Time: A.A. Milne and Winnie the Pooh
Thursday, January 23rd - 5 pm, Adult Creative Writing; 6 pm, Iowa Habitats with Shelby County Conservationist Christina Roelofs
Saturday, January 25th - 10 am, Babies and Books, Baby Bouncy Time
Monday, January 27th - 12 Noon - OWLS: Older Wiser Learning Seniors at the Harlan Senior Center, History of the Sled
Tuesday, January 28th - 3-4 pm, Tech Time; 4-5 pm, Libraries on the Go; 4 pm, Book Worms Youth Volunteers
Wednesday, January 29th - 10:30 am, Story Time, Dinosaurs; 7 pm, 5 o'clock Somewhere Book Club
Thursday, January 30th - 6:30 pm, Family Fun Night - Amazing Library Race
The Iowa Community Kitchen will be open 4 to 6 pm, Tuesday, January 14th at the First Baptist Church on Chatburn in Harlan. They will be serving muffin pizza, a salad and a dessert. Everyone is welcome. The First Baptist Church is volunteering. Due to the rising cost of food and supplies, Iowa Community Kitchen will be charging a minimum of $3 per meal to eat in. If you can't afford the $3, then please ask about their new meal program. Children age 15 and under still eat free. All take-out meals are $3.
There will be a Ribbon Cutting and Open House from 4 to 7 pm, at the Old Harlan Library, welcoming the Wandering Fig, Coffee Girl, a Yoga Studio, Photography Studio and small business offices.
Blood Donations Needed -
The American Red Cross is asking the public to kick off 2020 by doing something big: Give blood now to address the critical need for donations after the holidays. As a special thank-you, those who come to give now through January 19th, will be entered for a chance to win a trip to Super Bowl LIV!
Upcoming donation opportunities include:
Thursday, January 16th - noon to 6 pm - Atlantic YMCA
Tuesday, January 21st - Veteran's Memorial Building in Harlan - 11:30 to 5:30 Walk Ins are
welcome. For an appointment, call Sue at 755-5725 or visit RedCrossBlood.org
Wednesday, January 22nd - 11 to 5 pm - St. Boniface Parish Center in Westphalia.
Monday, January 27th - noon to 6 pm - Exira Recreational Center
Tuesday, January 28th - 11:30 am to 5:30 pm - Elk Horn Lutheran Church
Wednesday, January 29th - noon to 5:30 pm - Lewis Community Center
Thursday, January 30th - noon to 6 pm - Halbur Community Center
Be mindful and attend a mindful lunch: Supporting Mental Health in the workplace, Thursday, January 16th from 11 to 1 at Myrtue Medical Center's Auble Room. Join them for a look at mental health in the workplace. When employees are operating from a healthy place mentally, emotionally and socially, they are more motivated and engaged. This mindful lunch will empower business leaders, Human Resource representatives and company health and wellness coordinators with fresh ideas and resources to build engagement in your team. Please register by Tuesday, January 14th, 712/304-0164.
A Legislative Coffee will be held at 10 am, Saturday, January 18th. It will be hosted and sponsored by Town and Country Credit Union at 1414 Chatburn Avenue in Harlan.
The Harlan Community Theater Planning Retreat will be held Saturday, January 18th, and Saturday, January 25th at 9 am at New Park Coffee in Harlan. Anyone interested in helping in the areas of directing, stage managing, set design, sound and lighting is invited to attend the meetings. No experience is necessary, only a will to learn and be involved. Auditions will be announced at a later date. Please RSVP or send questions to Kayla Weis at kweis@hcsdcyclones.com.
The Iowa Community Kitchen will be open 4 to 6 pm, Tuesday, January 21st at the First Baptist Church on Chatburn in Harlan. They will be serving spaghetti, garlic bread, a salad and a dessert. Everyone is welcome. A free will donation will be accepted. Harlan High School FFA is volunteering.
The Iowa Community Kitchen will be open 4 to 6 pm, Tuesday, January 21st at the First Baptist Church on Chatburn in Harlan. They will be serving spaghetti, garlic bread, a salad and a dessert. Everyone is welcome. A free will donation will be accepted. Harlan High School FFA is volunteering.
St. Patrick's Church in Neola will hold their annual Parish Auction, Saturday, January 25th. Mass will begin at 4 pm, the Staley's Chicken Dinner and raffle will begin at 4:30 pm and Live Auction will start at 6. The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for those 8 and under.
The Iowa Community Kitchen will be open 4 to 6 pm, Tuesday, January 28th at the First Baptist Church on Chatburn in Harlan. They will be serving pancakes, biscuits and gravy, bacon, fruit and a dessert. Everyone is welcome. A free will donation will be accepted. The Congregational Church is volunteering.
-------
The Shelby County Cattlemen's Annual Banquet will be held on Saturday, February 1st at St. Mary's Hall in Panama. Social hour starts at 5 pm, with a New York Strip dinner starting at 6 pm. The annual meeting plus the Trophy and Scholarship Fund Auction will follow. Tickets are $15 and are available at the door.
An Immunization Clinic for Children will be held on Wednesday, February 5th, from 2 to 6 pm at the Community Health office in Harlan. Immunizations are free for children that qualify for the VFC program. If you have insurance that pays for immunizations, including Hawk-I, please call Myrtue Medical Clinic at 755-4516 to schedule an appointment there. Appointments are recommended to save time but not required. Walk-ins are welcome. Make appointments by calling 755-4422 or at shelbycountyclinics.com. Please ask for Cathy Buman if you have questions or need to make an appointment for a different day or time.
A Murder Mystery Event will be held Thursday, February 6th from 5:30 to 8 pm. It is hosted by the Harlan Community Library. Join them for a night of mystery. It takes place within the walls of the dark and tainted Deadwood Saloon. This is a free event, but you must reserve your spot by calling the library at 755-5934. Their night of mystery is much like a game of Clue and each attendee will be assigned a character. All attendees are encouraged to dress for the occasion. Dinner will be served during the event.
MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) meet every month at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Harlan. The meetings begin at 6:30 pm. The monthly meetings will be held on:
Thursday, February 13th
Thursday, March 12th
Thursday, April 2nd
Thursday, May 14th
Friday, February 28th is the date set for the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce and Industry Annual Awards Banquet at the C.G. Therkildsen Center in Harlan. It will be a night of great dining, fun, and the Annual Business Awards.
-----
The 34th annual Harlan Newspapers Home, Garden and Living Show will be held 10:30 am to 5 pm Saturday, March 28th, at Vet's Auditorium in Harlan. Admission is free
KNOD Radio
|
Phone: 712.755.3883
800.876.KNOD (5663) FAX: 712.755.7511 General Email: knodfm@harlannet.com News Email: knodnews@harlannet.com |
|
Site Map |
|
Copyright © 2012-02017 KNOD Radio 105.3 FM • 909 Chatburn Ave. • Harlan, Iowa 51537 • 712.755.7511 • All rights reserved
|