news archives - Wednesday |
Wednesday, February 4th, 2025
Shelby County has been placed in a Burn Ban until further notice
A number of agencies respond to incident at Prairie Rose Park -
(2-4-26) - On 2/3/26 at approximately 1650 the Shelby County communications center was notified of fishing gear that had seemed to be abandoned on Prairie Rose state park. Local emergency responders were sent to the scene to assist Iowa Dnr with a potential fall through the ice. Responders searched the area for abandoned vehicles or any other sign of the fisherman. Harlan fire department Ice rescue team retrieved the gear and checked the area of the gear revealing an older hole in the ice. Rescue divers ( Midwest Regional Dive Team) were called in to search the area below the ice where they did locate several fishing items such as a heater and ice auger. Boot tracks were seen coming off the ice but all efforts of search and rescue were still performed with the unknown situation. At this time no one was located. If you have any information on the situation or may have partially fallen through and left your gear behind. Please contact the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office at 712-755-5026
Assisting Agencies include:
Harlan Fire Dept, Iowa DNR, Iowa State Patrol, Denison Fire Dept, Walnut FD, Crawford County EMA, Shelby County EMA, Audubon County EMA, New Market FD, Corning FD, Red Oak FD, Montgomery county, Cass County, Ringold county, and Shelby County EMS, Anita Fire and Mt. Ayr Fire, and many other volunteer agencies.
Accident involving 2 vehicles had no injuries reported -
(1-25-26) -
21 year old Anjel De Jesus Saturno-Hernandez of Creston was checked over by medical personnel after displaying an apparent shortness of breath following an accident Tuesday afternoon. She was not transported to the hospital. According to Creston Police, Saturno-Hernandez was traveling south on South Oak Street at around 4:35 pm. He told police he looked but did not see a full size pickup truck being driven by 22 year old Wyatt Beebe, of Creston approaching from the east on Highway 34. When Beebe proceeded into the intersection, Hernandez vehicle was hit on the rear passenger side by the pickup. Damage from the collision amount to $9,000 altogehter. The SUV sustained disabling damage and was towed from the scene.
Charges filed in arson cases in Monona County -
(2-4-26) – A suspect has been charged in connection with a series of suspicious fires that were believed to be the result of arson. The Monona County Sheriff’s Office says 43 year old David Ira Bryan has been charged with Arson in the 2nd Degree, following an investigation that began after two fires occurred during the evening of January 26th in Onawa and a third fire at the Monona County Fairgrounds on January 28th. Investigative efforts were performed by the Monona County Sheriff’s Office along with the State Fire Marshal’s Office and ATF. The two fires in Onawa on January 26th remain under investigation. Anyone with information on those incidents is urged to contact the Monona County Sheriff’s Office at 712-433-2525.
Atlantic School Board did not accept the resignation of Jesse McCann Wed. morning -
(2-4-26) - A large crowd filled a conference room at the Atlantic Middle (this) Wednesday morning, where the Atlantic School Board was set to act on approving the resignation of High School Counselor Jesse McCann. School Board President Josh McLaren read a statement when the meeting got underway at 7:30-a.m. His statement is as follows:
“After careful consideration as the Board President, I decided last night (Tuesday night) that the Board would not hold this meeting this morning. Director (Gini) Jordan and I still wanted to be here to inform everyone of the situation…decision in-person. While we understand that there may be questions concerning the facts and circumstances related to current ongoing employment matters occurring within the District, the Board of the District cannot provide specific information regarding personnel matters, as this information is considered confidential under State law.
“We can assure you that the District takes any concerns for students, families or staff seriously and appropriately addresses concerns consistent with legal requirements and best practices. This includes investigating and working closely with outside legal counsel to evaluate any necessary and appropriate next steps. The Board of the District considers the safety and well-being of our students and staff to be the highest priority, and will continuously act in the best interest of our school community. Thank you for your support and understanding.”
As mentioned Tuesday, a social media post from the Atlantic Police Department said “The Atlantic Police Department has been made aware of an incident involving a school staff member and students. The Atlantic Police Department has been investigating and looking into the information that has been provided.” Their post did not name the employee who is being investigated.
Atlantic Police statement on incident allegedly involving an ACSD staff member & students -
(2-4-26) - (KJAN) - Officials with the Atlantic Police Department issued a statement Tuesday indicating the Department “Has been made aware of an incident involving a school staff member and students.” In their statement, the A-PD said “The Atlantic Police Department has been investigating and looking into the information that has been provided. We take the safety of the children and community that we serve very seriously and will continue to handle this investigation thoroughly. The Atlantic Police Department has been assisted by the Cass County Sheriff’s Office during our investigation. No other details are being released at this time. If you have beneficial information regarding this issue, please call the Atlantic Police Department at 712-243-3512.”
Fareway Meat and Grocery donates more than 69,000 hams to food banks in the State -
(2-4-26) - Families across Iowa will be able to have nutritious protein during the coldest months of the year, thanks to Fareway Meat and Grocery. On Tuesday, Feb. 3, Fareway Stores, Inc. made a donation of more than 69,000 lbs. of ham, totaling about 5,504 individual hams, to Iowa food banks.
Fareway says the hams will be distributed through the following food bank partners:
Fareway says the ham was donated to help feed Iowans who face food insecurity. The donation announcement took place at the Food Bank of Iowa, Tuesday.
Only Minor Issues In City Of Denison’s FY24 Audit -
(2-4-26) - An audit from the Iowa State Auditor’s Office for the City of Denison’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 budget found only minor issues concerning city operations. While the audit did not note any misappropriation of public funds, the report did show issues with internal review and reporting controls. The report did not include a review of the publicly owned Denison Municipal Utilities, as those documents were not submitted. As is common in municipal audits, Denison was criticized for its minimal segregation of duties across various offices, including city hall, the Denison Library Friends, and the Denison Volunteer Firefighters Association. No examples of misplaced funds were noted, but auditors stress that the potential for fraud or misuse increases as the number of people who manage receipts, disbursements, and bank statements decreases. The audit also noted deficiencies in reconciling delinquent accounts in utility billings, which the city indicated will be incorporated into its policies. Another common issue reported was improper reporting related to federal COVID-19 relief funds, noting that an annual project and expenditure report was not independently reviewed before submission. Auditors noted no questionable disbursements, travel issues, or deposit and investment violations.
Hunter Safety Education Online Field Day coming up -
A Hunter Safety Education Online Field Day is set for Saturday, March 21st from 8 am to Noon at Nishna Bend Recreation Area south of Harlan. This is for anyone born after January 1st, 1972 who must complete a hunter safety education course in order to obtain an Iowa hunting license. You must be at least 12 years old to take the class. Register for the field day online at license.gooutdoorsiowa.com/Event/ViewEvent; complete the online class before coming to the field day. Go to iowadnr.gov/huntered to sign up and get started. You must bring your online completion voucher to be admitted to this field day!!!! If you have questions, call 744-3403.
Judge sentences illegal immigrant to at least 2 decades in prison -
(2-3-26) – 29 year old Eswin Mejia, the man convicted of hitting and killing Sarah Root of Western Iowa in a crash that occurred nearly 10 years ago in Omaha will serve approximately 20 to 22 years in prison for motor vehicle homicide and flight to avoid arrest. Mejia caused the crash that killed Sarah Root near 33rd and L streets in 2016. In December, he pleaded guilty to a charge of failure to appear and no contest to motor vehicle homicide. Authorities said Mejia was driving drunk and street racing when he rear-ended Root’s car at a stoplight. Prosecutors said his blood alcohol level was 0.179%, and at the time of impact, he was driving 71 mph while Root was traveling at 3 mph. She was coming to a stop near 33rd and L streets. Mejia, who was in the country illegally, was not put on an immigration hold, following the crash. The Honduran native who was living in the United States illegally at the time, fled the United States after posting a $5,000 bond (an allowed 10% of $50,000). It wasn’t until February 27th, 2025 that Honduran National Police said it had arrested Mejia, who was then extradited back to the U.S. in March 2025. Root, a Council Bluffs native, had recently graduated from Bellevue University with a 4.0 grade point average when she was killed.
Montgomery County News -
(2-3-26) - Two people were injured, with one suffering serious injuries, following a collision late Sunday afternoon in Montgomery County. According to the Red Oak Police Department, a 2019 Chevy Equinox driven by 61-year-old Orlando Aday, of Osceola, was traveling eastbound on Highway 34 at around 4:06-p.m., when – according to his statement to police – Aday fell asleep at the wheel. The SUV crossed the center line of the highway at 8th Street and struck the front passenger side of a westbound 2013 Dodge Journey, driven by 28-year-old Whitney Lynn Wright, of Malvern. According to a witness to the collision, following the impact, the SUV went airborne and turned in the air before landing on its top in the north ditch. Aday managed to crawl out the back driver’s side door of the SUV and waited in the ditch for EMS personnel to arrive. Whitney Wright exited her vehicle, and with the help of witnesses, opened the rear passenger side door to remove her child from the car seat. Wright suffered minor injuries. Her child was unharmed. Both were going to get checked out, but did not seek transport by ambulance. Two dogs in the back of her vehicle were uninjured. Aday was transported by Red Oak Rescue to the MCMH helipad, before he was flown by Life Flight helicopter to the UNMC in Omaha. Both vehicles were totaled in the crash. Police said Aday would be cited for driving left of center.
ATF Is Investigating Suspicious Fires In Onawa -
(2-3-26) - (KSOM) - Three suspicious fires in Onawa are now being investigated by the ATF. One of them burned down the grandstand at the Monona County Fairgrounds. The fairgrounds fire on Wednesday and two others that were set on Monday, January 26th are being investigated for arson. No one was injured but firefighters say some equipment was damaged, including the newest Onawa fire engine that was put in circulation in 2024. The Onawa Kiwanis Club is hosting a pancake breakfast on March 14th with benefits going to the fire department and rebuilding the grandstands.
Pomeroy Man Facing 15 Felony Sexual Abuse Charges -
(2-3-26) – (Carroll Broadcasting) - 38 year old Jason Michael Peed of Pomeroy remains in custody on multiple felony sexual abuse charges for alleged continued sexual abuse of a minor female over a five-year period. According to Calhoun County District Court records, Peed was taken into custody on Jan. 23 on an arrest warrant after he was reported to force sexual acts on a juvenile female between 2020 and Oct. 2025 when she was between the ages of 11 and 14 years old, with him being 36 at the time the alleged abuse started. The alleged acts look place multiple times over the five-year period at Peed’s residence in Pomeroy and in his vehicle on backroads between Pomeroy and Storm Lake. Peed is facing multiple charges, including: sexual abuse, continuous sexual abuse of a child, eight counts of second-degree sexual abuse, all class B felonies, third-degree sexual abuse and six charges of various lascivious acts with a child, all class C felonies. Peed remains in custody at the Pocahontas County Jail on a $295,000 bond. All the charges could carry a maximum sentence of up to 270 years in prison and over $95,000 in fines.
Guthrie County Accident Report -
(2-3-26) - One person suffered suspected serious injuries during a single-vehicle accident last week, in Guthrie County. The Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office reports 20-year-old Denon Joseph Doherty, of Casey, was transported by Adair County EMS to Mercy Hospital in Des Moines, after the 2005 Isuzu SUV he was driving left Whitepole Road as it was traveling eastbound, just west of the Stuart City limits. The vehicle entered the south ditch and ramped the Iowa Interstate Railroad tracks before becoming airborne and rolling several times after landing, and before coming to rest on its passenger side. The crash, which occurred at around 2:10-p.m., Tuesday (Jan. 27th), remained under investigation. The vehicle sustained a law enforcement-estimated $8,000 damage.
And, a run-in with a deer Friday night in Guthrie County caused an estimated $1,500 damage to a 2020 GMC Terrain SUV, driven by 53-year-old Dawn Shepherd, of Creston. The Sheriff’s Office reports the vehicle was southbound on Wagon Road at around 7-p.m., when it struck a deer crossing the roadway in the 2700 block of Wagon Road. Shepherd was not injured during the collision.
No injuries reported following an accident in Creston -
(2-3-26) - Authorities in Creston say no injuries were reported and no citations were issued, following a collision late Monday morning in Creston. According to the Creston Police Department, a 2003 Chevy SUV driven by 59-year-old William Atteberry, of Lenox, and a 2023 Ford Bronco driven by 54-year-old Laurie Novotny, of Creston, were both traveling east on Adams Street. The Bronco was in the turning lane while the Chevy was in the lane to the left. Atteberry told police he looked but didn’t see the Ford before turning to the right and into the side of the Bronco. The collision happened at around 11:55-a.m. Damage from the accident amounted to $2,000 altogether, according to the report.
Shelby County Chamber seeking nominations for Citizen of the Year -
(2-2-26) – The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce and Industry is now accepting nominations for the 2025 Citizen of the Year. Nominees must be residents of Shelby County for at least one year, and have achieved excellence in service and volunteerism to the Shelby County Community. To submit a nominee, please write a letter describing why your nominee should be selected. You can mail the letter to the chamber office at 1901 Hawkeye Ave.Ste. 101 Harlan, IA 51537 or email it to [email protected]. Submissions are due Friday, February 27th.
For farm news and market information, visit www.brownfieldnetwork.com.
Upcoming events -
The Harlan Community Library has opened a Free Little Food Pantry, located in the entryway of the library. Help them out by dropping off your canned and dry goods. Check out the Library Facebook page for their hours.
For a $50 annual fee, the Boy Scout Troop 90B and 90G will place a 3 by 5 foot flag on a 10 foot pole in front of your house on five national holidays - Memorial Day, Flag Day, 4th of July, Labor Day and Veteran's Day. Subscription forms can be found online or in the Harlan Tribune.
ST. MARY’S PARISH IN PANAMA WILL BE HOLDING A BINGO FUNDRAISER EVERY SUNDAY NOW THROUGH MARCH 22ND. ALL THE FUN BEGINS AT 11:30 AM IN THE ST. MARY’S PARISH CENTER IN PANAMA. STOP BY AT 11 AM AND PURCHASE COFFEE AND A SMALL BRUNCH BEFORE BINGO BEGINS. FUNDS WILL BE USED FOR NEEDED CHURCH REPAIRS. BINGO AT ST. MARY’S PARISH CENTER IN PANAMA, EVERY SUNDAY THROUGH MARCH 22ND, STARTING AT 11:30 IN THE PARISH HALL.
IT’S HAPPENING SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7TH, THE SHELBY COUNTY CATTLEMEN’S ANNUAL BANQUET AT ST. PETER’S HALL IN DEFIANCE ! SOCIAL HOUR STARTS AT 4:30 PM WITH A NEW YORK STRIP DINNER SERVED AT6 PM. THE TROPHY AND SCHOLARSHIP FUND AUCTION WILL FOLLOW. THERE WILL BE NO SEAT SAVING. YOU MUST SELECT YOUR SEAT IN PERSON UPON ARRIVAL. THE COST IS $20 PER PERSON WITH TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR OR FROM ANY BOARD MEMBER. THE SHELBY COUNTY CATTLEMEN’S ANNUAL BANQUET, WITH DOORS OPEN AT 4:30 PM, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7TH, AT ST. PETER’S HALL IN DEFIANCE.
The Defiance Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department invites you to their 2026 Chicken Supper, Sunday, February 15th from 4 to 7 pm at St. Peter's Hall in Defiance. Come and enjoy Staley's Chicken Dinner with all the trimmings. The cost is a $14 donation. Plus get your raffle tickets for a ribeye loin. Get 1 ticket for $10, 3 tickets for $20 and 10 tickets for $50. You'll have 4 chances to win and you do not need to be present to win.
Upcoming Red Cross Bloodmobiles -
Wednesday, February 25th - 7:30 to 11:30 am - Harlan Community High School
Life Serve Blood Donations -
Denison Community, 2/9/2026 from 12:15 PM to 5:45 PM at 100 Medical Parkway
Westside Community, 2/19/2026 from 1:30 PM to 6:00 PM at 200 Main Street
The February Legislative Coffee will be held at the Shelby County Farm Bureau at 908 6th Street in Harlan. Hours are from 10 to 11 am on Saturday, February 21st.
DON’T MISS SHELBY’S 26TH ANNUAL SOUP COOKOFF, SATURDAY, MARCH 7TH FROM 5 TO 7 PM AT THE SHELBY FIRE STATION. COME AND ENJOY UNLIMITED SAMPLES OF 12 SOUPS. THE COST IS $12 FOR ADULTS, AGES 12 AND UNDER-$6 .. PRIZES FOR THE SOUPS WILL BE AWARDED IN 6 CATEGORIES, INCLUDING PEOPLE’S CHOICETHERE WILL BE A PIE AUCTION AND A SILENT AUCTION, TOO!. SHELBY’S 26TH ANNUAL SOUP COOKOFF AND PIE AUCTION, SATURDAY ,MARCH 7TH FROM 5 TO 7 PM AT THE SHELBY FIRE STATION. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL KAREN AT 402/699-0335.
Relay for Life of Shelby County is scheduled for Friday, June 5th from 5 to 10 pm on the downtown Harlan Square.
A number of agencies respond to incident at Prairie Rose Park -
(2-4-26) - On 2/3/26 at approximately 1650 the Shelby County communications center was notified of fishing gear that had seemed to be abandoned on Prairie Rose state park. Local emergency responders were sent to the scene to assist Iowa Dnr with a potential fall through the ice. Responders searched the area for abandoned vehicles or any other sign of the fisherman. Harlan fire department Ice rescue team retrieved the gear and checked the area of the gear revealing an older hole in the ice. Rescue divers ( Midwest Regional Dive Team) were called in to search the area below the ice where they did locate several fishing items such as a heater and ice auger. Boot tracks were seen coming off the ice but all efforts of search and rescue were still performed with the unknown situation. At this time no one was located. If you have any information on the situation or may have partially fallen through and left your gear behind. Please contact the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office at 712-755-5026
Assisting Agencies include:
Harlan Fire Dept, Iowa DNR, Iowa State Patrol, Denison Fire Dept, Walnut FD, Crawford County EMA, Shelby County EMA, Audubon County EMA, New Market FD, Corning FD, Red Oak FD, Montgomery county, Cass County, Ringold county, and Shelby County EMS, Anita Fire and Mt. Ayr Fire, and many other volunteer agencies.
Accident involving 2 vehicles had no injuries reported -
(1-25-26) -
21 year old Anjel De Jesus Saturno-Hernandez of Creston was checked over by medical personnel after displaying an apparent shortness of breath following an accident Tuesday afternoon. She was not transported to the hospital. According to Creston Police, Saturno-Hernandez was traveling south on South Oak Street at around 4:35 pm. He told police he looked but did not see a full size pickup truck being driven by 22 year old Wyatt Beebe, of Creston approaching from the east on Highway 34. When Beebe proceeded into the intersection, Hernandez vehicle was hit on the rear passenger side by the pickup. Damage from the collision amount to $9,000 altogehter. The SUV sustained disabling damage and was towed from the scene.
Charges filed in arson cases in Monona County -
(2-4-26) – A suspect has been charged in connection with a series of suspicious fires that were believed to be the result of arson. The Monona County Sheriff’s Office says 43 year old David Ira Bryan has been charged with Arson in the 2nd Degree, following an investigation that began after two fires occurred during the evening of January 26th in Onawa and a third fire at the Monona County Fairgrounds on January 28th. Investigative efforts were performed by the Monona County Sheriff’s Office along with the State Fire Marshal’s Office and ATF. The two fires in Onawa on January 26th remain under investigation. Anyone with information on those incidents is urged to contact the Monona County Sheriff’s Office at 712-433-2525.
Atlantic School Board did not accept the resignation of Jesse McCann Wed. morning -
(2-4-26) - A large crowd filled a conference room at the Atlantic Middle (this) Wednesday morning, where the Atlantic School Board was set to act on approving the resignation of High School Counselor Jesse McCann. School Board President Josh McLaren read a statement when the meeting got underway at 7:30-a.m. His statement is as follows:
“After careful consideration as the Board President, I decided last night (Tuesday night) that the Board would not hold this meeting this morning. Director (Gini) Jordan and I still wanted to be here to inform everyone of the situation…decision in-person. While we understand that there may be questions concerning the facts and circumstances related to current ongoing employment matters occurring within the District, the Board of the District cannot provide specific information regarding personnel matters, as this information is considered confidential under State law.
“We can assure you that the District takes any concerns for students, families or staff seriously and appropriately addresses concerns consistent with legal requirements and best practices. This includes investigating and working closely with outside legal counsel to evaluate any necessary and appropriate next steps. The Board of the District considers the safety and well-being of our students and staff to be the highest priority, and will continuously act in the best interest of our school community. Thank you for your support and understanding.”
As mentioned Tuesday, a social media post from the Atlantic Police Department said “The Atlantic Police Department has been made aware of an incident involving a school staff member and students. The Atlantic Police Department has been investigating and looking into the information that has been provided.” Their post did not name the employee who is being investigated.
Atlantic Police statement on incident allegedly involving an ACSD staff member & students -
(2-4-26) - (KJAN) - Officials with the Atlantic Police Department issued a statement Tuesday indicating the Department “Has been made aware of an incident involving a school staff member and students.” In their statement, the A-PD said “The Atlantic Police Department has been investigating and looking into the information that has been provided. We take the safety of the children and community that we serve very seriously and will continue to handle this investigation thoroughly. The Atlantic Police Department has been assisted by the Cass County Sheriff’s Office during our investigation. No other details are being released at this time. If you have beneficial information regarding this issue, please call the Atlantic Police Department at 712-243-3512.”
Fareway Meat and Grocery donates more than 69,000 hams to food banks in the State -
(2-4-26) - Families across Iowa will be able to have nutritious protein during the coldest months of the year, thanks to Fareway Meat and Grocery. On Tuesday, Feb. 3, Fareway Stores, Inc. made a donation of more than 69,000 lbs. of ham, totaling about 5,504 individual hams, to Iowa food banks.
Fareway says the hams will be distributed through the following food bank partners:
- The Food Bank of Iowa, which is receiving 60% of the donated hams.
- Siouxland and River Bend Food Banks, each of which will receive 20% of the donated hams.
Fareway says the ham was donated to help feed Iowans who face food insecurity. The donation announcement took place at the Food Bank of Iowa, Tuesday.
Only Minor Issues In City Of Denison’s FY24 Audit -
(2-4-26) - An audit from the Iowa State Auditor’s Office for the City of Denison’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 budget found only minor issues concerning city operations. While the audit did not note any misappropriation of public funds, the report did show issues with internal review and reporting controls. The report did not include a review of the publicly owned Denison Municipal Utilities, as those documents were not submitted. As is common in municipal audits, Denison was criticized for its minimal segregation of duties across various offices, including city hall, the Denison Library Friends, and the Denison Volunteer Firefighters Association. No examples of misplaced funds were noted, but auditors stress that the potential for fraud or misuse increases as the number of people who manage receipts, disbursements, and bank statements decreases. The audit also noted deficiencies in reconciling delinquent accounts in utility billings, which the city indicated will be incorporated into its policies. Another common issue reported was improper reporting related to federal COVID-19 relief funds, noting that an annual project and expenditure report was not independently reviewed before submission. Auditors noted no questionable disbursements, travel issues, or deposit and investment violations.
Hunter Safety Education Online Field Day coming up -
A Hunter Safety Education Online Field Day is set for Saturday, March 21st from 8 am to Noon at Nishna Bend Recreation Area south of Harlan. This is for anyone born after January 1st, 1972 who must complete a hunter safety education course in order to obtain an Iowa hunting license. You must be at least 12 years old to take the class. Register for the field day online at license.gooutdoorsiowa.com/Event/ViewEvent; complete the online class before coming to the field day. Go to iowadnr.gov/huntered to sign up and get started. You must bring your online completion voucher to be admitted to this field day!!!! If you have questions, call 744-3403.
Judge sentences illegal immigrant to at least 2 decades in prison -
(2-3-26) – 29 year old Eswin Mejia, the man convicted of hitting and killing Sarah Root of Western Iowa in a crash that occurred nearly 10 years ago in Omaha will serve approximately 20 to 22 years in prison for motor vehicle homicide and flight to avoid arrest. Mejia caused the crash that killed Sarah Root near 33rd and L streets in 2016. In December, he pleaded guilty to a charge of failure to appear and no contest to motor vehicle homicide. Authorities said Mejia was driving drunk and street racing when he rear-ended Root’s car at a stoplight. Prosecutors said his blood alcohol level was 0.179%, and at the time of impact, he was driving 71 mph while Root was traveling at 3 mph. She was coming to a stop near 33rd and L streets. Mejia, who was in the country illegally, was not put on an immigration hold, following the crash. The Honduran native who was living in the United States illegally at the time, fled the United States after posting a $5,000 bond (an allowed 10% of $50,000). It wasn’t until February 27th, 2025 that Honduran National Police said it had arrested Mejia, who was then extradited back to the U.S. in March 2025. Root, a Council Bluffs native, had recently graduated from Bellevue University with a 4.0 grade point average when she was killed.
Montgomery County News -
(2-3-26) - Two people were injured, with one suffering serious injuries, following a collision late Sunday afternoon in Montgomery County. According to the Red Oak Police Department, a 2019 Chevy Equinox driven by 61-year-old Orlando Aday, of Osceola, was traveling eastbound on Highway 34 at around 4:06-p.m., when – according to his statement to police – Aday fell asleep at the wheel. The SUV crossed the center line of the highway at 8th Street and struck the front passenger side of a westbound 2013 Dodge Journey, driven by 28-year-old Whitney Lynn Wright, of Malvern. According to a witness to the collision, following the impact, the SUV went airborne and turned in the air before landing on its top in the north ditch. Aday managed to crawl out the back driver’s side door of the SUV and waited in the ditch for EMS personnel to arrive. Whitney Wright exited her vehicle, and with the help of witnesses, opened the rear passenger side door to remove her child from the car seat. Wright suffered minor injuries. Her child was unharmed. Both were going to get checked out, but did not seek transport by ambulance. Two dogs in the back of her vehicle were uninjured. Aday was transported by Red Oak Rescue to the MCMH helipad, before he was flown by Life Flight helicopter to the UNMC in Omaha. Both vehicles were totaled in the crash. Police said Aday would be cited for driving left of center.
ATF Is Investigating Suspicious Fires In Onawa -
(2-3-26) - (KSOM) - Three suspicious fires in Onawa are now being investigated by the ATF. One of them burned down the grandstand at the Monona County Fairgrounds. The fairgrounds fire on Wednesday and two others that were set on Monday, January 26th are being investigated for arson. No one was injured but firefighters say some equipment was damaged, including the newest Onawa fire engine that was put in circulation in 2024. The Onawa Kiwanis Club is hosting a pancake breakfast on March 14th with benefits going to the fire department and rebuilding the grandstands.
Pomeroy Man Facing 15 Felony Sexual Abuse Charges -
(2-3-26) – (Carroll Broadcasting) - 38 year old Jason Michael Peed of Pomeroy remains in custody on multiple felony sexual abuse charges for alleged continued sexual abuse of a minor female over a five-year period. According to Calhoun County District Court records, Peed was taken into custody on Jan. 23 on an arrest warrant after he was reported to force sexual acts on a juvenile female between 2020 and Oct. 2025 when she was between the ages of 11 and 14 years old, with him being 36 at the time the alleged abuse started. The alleged acts look place multiple times over the five-year period at Peed’s residence in Pomeroy and in his vehicle on backroads between Pomeroy and Storm Lake. Peed is facing multiple charges, including: sexual abuse, continuous sexual abuse of a child, eight counts of second-degree sexual abuse, all class B felonies, third-degree sexual abuse and six charges of various lascivious acts with a child, all class C felonies. Peed remains in custody at the Pocahontas County Jail on a $295,000 bond. All the charges could carry a maximum sentence of up to 270 years in prison and over $95,000 in fines.
Guthrie County Accident Report -
(2-3-26) - One person suffered suspected serious injuries during a single-vehicle accident last week, in Guthrie County. The Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office reports 20-year-old Denon Joseph Doherty, of Casey, was transported by Adair County EMS to Mercy Hospital in Des Moines, after the 2005 Isuzu SUV he was driving left Whitepole Road as it was traveling eastbound, just west of the Stuart City limits. The vehicle entered the south ditch and ramped the Iowa Interstate Railroad tracks before becoming airborne and rolling several times after landing, and before coming to rest on its passenger side. The crash, which occurred at around 2:10-p.m., Tuesday (Jan. 27th), remained under investigation. The vehicle sustained a law enforcement-estimated $8,000 damage.
And, a run-in with a deer Friday night in Guthrie County caused an estimated $1,500 damage to a 2020 GMC Terrain SUV, driven by 53-year-old Dawn Shepherd, of Creston. The Sheriff’s Office reports the vehicle was southbound on Wagon Road at around 7-p.m., when it struck a deer crossing the roadway in the 2700 block of Wagon Road. Shepherd was not injured during the collision.
No injuries reported following an accident in Creston -
(2-3-26) - Authorities in Creston say no injuries were reported and no citations were issued, following a collision late Monday morning in Creston. According to the Creston Police Department, a 2003 Chevy SUV driven by 59-year-old William Atteberry, of Lenox, and a 2023 Ford Bronco driven by 54-year-old Laurie Novotny, of Creston, were both traveling east on Adams Street. The Bronco was in the turning lane while the Chevy was in the lane to the left. Atteberry told police he looked but didn’t see the Ford before turning to the right and into the side of the Bronco. The collision happened at around 11:55-a.m. Damage from the accident amounted to $2,000 altogether, according to the report.
Shelby County Chamber seeking nominations for Citizen of the Year -
(2-2-26) – The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce and Industry is now accepting nominations for the 2025 Citizen of the Year. Nominees must be residents of Shelby County for at least one year, and have achieved excellence in service and volunteerism to the Shelby County Community. To submit a nominee, please write a letter describing why your nominee should be selected. You can mail the letter to the chamber office at 1901 Hawkeye Ave.Ste. 101 Harlan, IA 51537 or email it to [email protected]. Submissions are due Friday, February 27th.
For farm news and market information, visit www.brownfieldnetwork.com.
Upcoming events -
The Harlan Community Library has opened a Free Little Food Pantry, located in the entryway of the library. Help them out by dropping off your canned and dry goods. Check out the Library Facebook page for their hours.
For a $50 annual fee, the Boy Scout Troop 90B and 90G will place a 3 by 5 foot flag on a 10 foot pole in front of your house on five national holidays - Memorial Day, Flag Day, 4th of July, Labor Day and Veteran's Day. Subscription forms can be found online or in the Harlan Tribune.
ST. MARY’S PARISH IN PANAMA WILL BE HOLDING A BINGO FUNDRAISER EVERY SUNDAY NOW THROUGH MARCH 22ND. ALL THE FUN BEGINS AT 11:30 AM IN THE ST. MARY’S PARISH CENTER IN PANAMA. STOP BY AT 11 AM AND PURCHASE COFFEE AND A SMALL BRUNCH BEFORE BINGO BEGINS. FUNDS WILL BE USED FOR NEEDED CHURCH REPAIRS. BINGO AT ST. MARY’S PARISH CENTER IN PANAMA, EVERY SUNDAY THROUGH MARCH 22ND, STARTING AT 11:30 IN THE PARISH HALL.
IT’S HAPPENING SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7TH, THE SHELBY COUNTY CATTLEMEN’S ANNUAL BANQUET AT ST. PETER’S HALL IN DEFIANCE ! SOCIAL HOUR STARTS AT 4:30 PM WITH A NEW YORK STRIP DINNER SERVED AT6 PM. THE TROPHY AND SCHOLARSHIP FUND AUCTION WILL FOLLOW. THERE WILL BE NO SEAT SAVING. YOU MUST SELECT YOUR SEAT IN PERSON UPON ARRIVAL. THE COST IS $20 PER PERSON WITH TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR OR FROM ANY BOARD MEMBER. THE SHELBY COUNTY CATTLEMEN’S ANNUAL BANQUET, WITH DOORS OPEN AT 4:30 PM, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7TH, AT ST. PETER’S HALL IN DEFIANCE.
The Defiance Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department invites you to their 2026 Chicken Supper, Sunday, February 15th from 4 to 7 pm at St. Peter's Hall in Defiance. Come and enjoy Staley's Chicken Dinner with all the trimmings. The cost is a $14 donation. Plus get your raffle tickets for a ribeye loin. Get 1 ticket for $10, 3 tickets for $20 and 10 tickets for $50. You'll have 4 chances to win and you do not need to be present to win.
Upcoming Red Cross Bloodmobiles -
Wednesday, February 25th - 7:30 to 11:30 am - Harlan Community High School
Life Serve Blood Donations -
Denison Community, 2/9/2026 from 12:15 PM to 5:45 PM at 100 Medical Parkway
Westside Community, 2/19/2026 from 1:30 PM to 6:00 PM at 200 Main Street
The February Legislative Coffee will be held at the Shelby County Farm Bureau at 908 6th Street in Harlan. Hours are from 10 to 11 am on Saturday, February 21st.
DON’T MISS SHELBY’S 26TH ANNUAL SOUP COOKOFF, SATURDAY, MARCH 7TH FROM 5 TO 7 PM AT THE SHELBY FIRE STATION. COME AND ENJOY UNLIMITED SAMPLES OF 12 SOUPS. THE COST IS $12 FOR ADULTS, AGES 12 AND UNDER-$6 .. PRIZES FOR THE SOUPS WILL BE AWARDED IN 6 CATEGORIES, INCLUDING PEOPLE’S CHOICETHERE WILL BE A PIE AUCTION AND A SILENT AUCTION, TOO!. SHELBY’S 26TH ANNUAL SOUP COOKOFF AND PIE AUCTION, SATURDAY ,MARCH 7TH FROM 5 TO 7 PM AT THE SHELBY FIRE STATION. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL KAREN AT 402/699-0335.
Relay for Life of Shelby County is scheduled for Friday, June 5th from 5 to 10 pm on the downtown Harlan Square.
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