Veteran Farmer Conference to be Held in Nebraska

Posted on March 8, 2018March 8, 2018 by Rick Watts

(HASTINGS, Neb.) – The registration deadline is approaching for Answering the Call, a one-day conference for military veterans who are farming or who are interested in farming, on Saturday, March 24, at the Hall Student Union on the campus of Central Community College, 550 Technical Blvd., Hastings, Nebraska.

The event is free; registration is required by March 16. Answering the Call is sponsored by Center for Rural Affairs and Legal Aid of Nebraska.

“The conference is an opportunity for veterans to connect with fellow former service members,” said Cora Fox, policy program associate at Center for Rural Affairs. “Veterans can see firsthand how other veterans have translated the duty and drive of military life into a second career on the farm.”

The day will begin at 9 AM with networking and an opportunity to connect with agriculture and veterans services organizations. Nebraska Sens. Sue Crawford, of Bellevue, and Tom Brewer, of Gordon, will open the conference, followed by a presentation by Brad Dirksen, of the Nebraska Department of Education, on veteran on-the-job training and apprenticeship opportunities.

Attendees may then attend a session on farm and ranch diversification. Speaking will be Lt. Col. Anthony and Mariel Barreras of Barreras Family Farm, Tyler Peters of Farm Credit Services, and Krista Dittman of the Center for Rural Affairs Advisory Board.

Following lunch, attendees will be able to attend panel sessions. Agritourism and ecotourism will be the topics of conversation with Karen Kollars and Alex Duryea, of the Nebraska Tourism Commission. Brent Hoops, an Army veteran and owner of Good Earth Farms, Shanda Spurgeon of the Natural Resource Conservation Service, and Greg Reisdorff of the Farm Services Agency will host a panel discussion on conversation practices and operation diversification. The conference will conclude with round table discussions and networking.

“There is a camaraderie in agriculture that is similar to life in military service,” Fox said. “This conference seeks to foster the network of veterans in farming and ranching and encourage them to share experiences and ideas as they grow and diversify their operations.”

Spots are filling quickly. Registration is open to residents of any state. For more information and to register, call 402-687-2100 ext. 1012 or visit www.cfra.org/AnsweringTheCall.

Additional support for Answering the Call is provided by the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Farm Credit Services of America Working Here Fund, Nebraska Tourism Commission, and Central Community College Veterans and Military Resource Center.

Next ‘Eggs & Issues’ to Feature Area Directors

Posted on March 7, 2018 by Rick Watts

(MAHASKA COUNTY, Iowa) – Eggs & Issues, a forum hosted by the Oskaloosa Area Chamber and Development Group, will again be held at Smokey Row in Oskaloosa this Saturday, March 10 at 8:30 AM.

The panel for this week’s Eggs & Issues will consist of Executive Director of MCDG Tom Flaherty, Main Street Director Emily Brown, and Oskaloosa Area Chamber and Development Group Director Ann Smith. According to a news release from the OACDG, the three will share updates about what is going on in Mahaska County and Oskaloosa. After the three are done sharing their respective updates, questions from the public will be welcomed by special moderator Andy McGuire. Free coffee will be provided by MidWest One Bank.

The final Eggs & Issues for 2018 will be Saturday, March 24 at Smokey Row from 8:30 – 9:30 AM. The panel will consist of anyone who is running for an elected office in the community, county or district.

Those interested in participating in the final Eggs & Issues who would like a seat on the panel, email Ann Smith at asmith@oacdg.org or call the OACDG at 641-672-2591.

Ottumwa Man Arrested for Burglary, Resisting Police

Posted on March 7, 2018 by Rick Watts

(OTTUMWA, Iowa) – On Tuesday, March 06, 2018, at approximately 3:23 AM, officers responded to 317 S. Milner, Ottumwa, on a possible burglary in progress call. Officers located a male suspect inside the basement area of the residence. The male refused to identify himself to police but was later identified as Christopher Garrett Allen, age 27, of Ottumwa.

Allen was arrested and charged with Burglary in the 2nd Degree, a Class “C” Felony and Interference with Official Acts (3 Counts), all simple misdemeanors.

Please note the following pursuant to recent Supreme Court rulings: “A criminal charge is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.”

Christopher Garrett Allen, 27, of Ottumwa, Iowa. **Photo provided by the Ottumwa Police Department.**

– This information was provided in a news release from the Ottumwa Police Department on March 6, 2018.

What Cheer Man Charged After Weekend Stabbing

Posted on March 6, 2018March 6, 2018 by Rick Watts

(KEOKUK COUNTY, Iowa) – A What Cheer man is being charged after an incident on Highway 22 near Thornburg turned violent over the weekend.

On Saturday, March 3, 2018, the Keokuk County Sheriff’s Office arrested Johnathan James Ray Walker, 27, of What Cheer, Iowa, for attempt to commit murder.

Reports indicate the Keokuk County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call reporting a stabbing at approximately 12:40 AM on March 3. Upon their arrival, Deputies found a male victim suffering from multiple stab wounds. The victim was then transported to the University of Iowa Hospitals and his condition was not disclosed to the media.

The Keokuk County Sheriff’s Department has been assisted by the Sigourney Police Department during this investigation and no other details are available at this time.

Charges are merely accusations and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Johnathan James Ray Walker. Photo courtesy of the Keokuk County Jail.

–By Hailey Brown, KBOE/KMZN

Sewer Repair Work in Ottumwa

Motorists are advised that an Emergency Sewer Repair will be taking place in the 1200 block of Elm Street between Pennsylvania Avenue and Maple Street in Ottumwa. During this repair, motorists will be limited to 1 lane of traffic. Motorists are advised to take caution around the work zone. This repair work will begin March 6, 2018 and (with favorable conditions) should be completed by the end of the week.

‘No Danger’ at Knoxville Schools After Threat Investigation

Posted on March 5, 2018March 5, 2018 by Rick Watts

(KNOXVILLE, Iowa) – A possible threat to Knoxville High School reported early last Wednesday turned out to be false after a student posted photos of a fake gun to her social media.

At approximately 8:15 a.m. on February 28, Knoxville Police School Resource Officer Keller was notified of a possible threat to the high school when at least two students reported seeing a post on social media outlet Snapchat last Tuesday evening from another student at Knoxville High School.

According to a news release sent by the Knoxville Police Department, the Snapchat post was of what appeared to be an assault rifle with the caption “Coming soon to high school.” Authorities know who posted the content and have said that they interviewed the student. The weapon in the post was also located and found to be a plastic toy. Law enforcement officials say that there was no danger to any person at any time during this incident.

As a result, a 16-year-old female was charged with violating 708A.5 Threat of Terrorism, a class D felony. The suspect was taken into custody and then transported to a secure juvenile holding facility. Since she is a juvenile, the name of the suspect has not been release. Reminder: A charge is not an indication of guilt and all suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Anyone that perceives a threat or sees something suspicious is reminded to always contact local law enforcement authorities. Knoxville Community School District officials say the district will continue to pursue additional safety precautions and appreciate the support of the Knoxville community and partnership with the Knoxville Police Department.

–By Hailey Brown, KBOE/KMZN

Scammers Again Targeting MidAmerican Energy Customers

Posted on March 5, 2018 by Rick Watts

Residential, commercial customers report flurry of imposter calls seeking immediate payment

(DES MOINES, Iowa) – Residential and commercial customers of MidAmerican Energy today report receiving calls from imposters demanding immediate payment on behalf of MidAmerican Energy.

Imposter scam callers threaten to shut off power unless the customer makes an immediate payment over the phone with a prepaid debit card.

Scammers are persistent and aggressive and can:

Spoof caller-ID to make the call appear as if it is coming from the utility or any number.
Require customers to make an immediate payment using a prepaid card (such as a Green Dot card).
Threaten disconnection if the customer doesn’t pay immediately over the phone.

Customers who receive a suspicious call should hang up, and report it to their local police department or sheriff’s office. MidAmerican does not call customers demanding immediate payment by phone.

Once you’ve reported the call to law enforcement, report it to MidAmerican Energy at the number on your monthly utility bill, or call 888-427-5632. Don’t call the number that appears on your caller-ID display.

To check your billing status, call MidAmerican. Or, access your billing records online through My Account on the company’s website at www.midamericanenergy.com.

Customers should follow these steps to stay safe:

Don’t pay immediately by phone, especially if you did not initiate the call.
Remember, MidAmerican Energy accepts many forms of payment, but won’t demand a specific payment method by phone.
Never give out personal or financial information when someone calls you. Do not share credit card, bank, prepaid money card or even gift card account numbers when you receive a call. For more information, visit www.midamericanenergy.com/scams. The Consumer Protection Division of the Iowa Attorney General’s office has also set up a utility scam recording – call 515-281-5926.

Source: MidAmerican Energy

Filing Period Now Underway For Legislative, Statewide, Federal Candidates

Posted on March 5, 2018March 5, 2018 by Rick Watts

(Iowa, USA) – The candidate filing period for state and federal offices in the June 5, 2018 primary election began on Monday, February 26. It runs through Friday, March 16. Candidates can file their nominating petitions and affidavits of candidacy with the Office of Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate, either in the Capitol Building or in the Lucas Office Building.

An updated list of candidates whose papers have been received and accepted will be published to the Iowa Secretary of States’ website at the end of each day, and will also be updated periodically. That page is available here and will also be accessible from the home page of the Secretary of State’s website, https://sos.iowa.gov/.

Pictures of candidates will be available on the Secretary of State’s Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/IASecretaryofState/.

Source: Office of the Iowa Secretary of State

Des Moines Man Pleads Guilty to Firearms Offenses

Posted on March 5, 2018March 5, 2018 by Rick Watts

(Des Moines, Iowa) – On February 22, David Marken Aikoriegie, of Des Moines, appeared in federal court and pleaded guilty to charges related to a series of gun store burglaries in the Des Moines area, announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum.

Aikoriegie pleaded guilty to three counts of stealing a firearm from a federal firearm licensee and one count of unlawful possession, receipt, and sale of a stolen firearm. Aikoriegie admitted he stole three firearms from JLM Gun Shoppe in Urbandale on November 16, 2017; ten firearms from Rangemasters in Clive on December 2, 2017; and eleven firearms from Rangemasters on December 14, 2017. He also admitted to selling one of those stolen firearms to another person on December 16, 2017. A sentencing date has not been scheduled at this time.

This investigation was conducted by the Clive Police Department; United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); Des Moines Police Department; and Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement. The case is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

Pleasant Hill Woman Facing Fraud Charges

Posted on March 5, 2018 by Rick Watts

(Des Moines, Iowa) – Cora Lea Harrington, age 42, of Pleasant Hill was charged with Fraudulent Submissions (Class D Felony) and Theft in the 2nd Degree (Class D Felony) following an insurance fraud investigation by the Iowa Insurance Division’s Fraud Bureau.

The charges against Harrington, a former insurance claims representative, stem from an investigation that began in March 2017. It is alleged that Harrington engaged in altering financial documents related to insurance claims in order to redirect insurance claim proceeds to herself for personal use.

On January 30, 2018, a State of Iowa warrant was issued for the arrest of Harrington. On February 9th, 2018, Harrington was arrested by the Pleasant Hill Police Department and booked into the Polk County Jail.

Iowans with information about insurance fraud are encouraged to contact the Iowa Insurance Division’s Fraud Bureau at 515-242-5304. No additional information has been provided at this time.

Note: A criminal charge is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

TAG SEARCH RESULTS FOR: "Iowa"

Veteran Farmer Conference to be Held in Nebraska

Next ‘Eggs & Issues’ to Feature Area Directors

Ottumwa Man Arrested for Burglary, Resisting Police

What Cheer Man Charged After Weekend Stabbing

Sewer Repair Work in Ottumwa

‘No Danger’ at Knoxville Schools After Threat Investigation

Scammers Again Targeting MidAmerican Energy Customers

Residential, commercial customers report flurry of imposter calls seeking immediate payment

Filing Period Now Underway For Legislative, Statewide, Federal Candidates

Des Moines Man Pleads Guilty to Firearms Offenses

Pleasant Hill Woman Facing Fraud Charges

Booking photo courtesy of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

TAG SEARCH RESULTS FOR: "Iowa"

Residential, commercial customers report flurry of imposter calls seeking immediate payment

Booking photo courtesy of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

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