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Rural Jefferson County Man Accused of Threating Multiple People with Baseball Bat

Posted on by Sam Parsons

JEFFERSON COUNTY – A rural Jefferson County man is behind bars after allegedly threatening to assault multiple people with a baseball bat.

On Monday, October 26, at approximately 4:22 PM, the Jefferson County Communications Center received a 911 call reporting an assault in progress involving a baseball bat at a residence in the 2500 block of Oasis Boulevard in rural Jefferson County.

A Jefferson County Sheriff’s deputy arrived on scene and began an investigation, where it was determined that there were two victims involved. A verbal argument had escalated and the suspect allegedly kicked in a door and dragged one of the victims off of a bed, then proceeded to arm themselves with a baseball bat and threaten to assault both victims.

One of the victims attempted to call 911, but the suspect reportedly took and broke their phone.

The suspect was identified as 24-year-old Justin Cross of rural Jefferson County, and he was arrested. Cross has been charged with two counts of Domestic Abuse Assault – Display of a Dangerous Weapon (aggravated misdemeanors) and one count of Obstruction of Emergency Communications (simple misdemeanor). He was transported to the Jefferson County Correctional Facility, where he remains in custody on a $2,000 bond.

Des Moines Man Arrested After Multiple False Bomb Threats Toward Oskaloosa Locations

Posted on by Sam Parsons

OSKALOOSA – Authorities arrested a man yesterday who made multiple false bomb threats at different locations in Oskaloosa.

The Oskaloosa Police Department reports that on Tuesday, October 27, at around 8:05 AM, they began receiving reports of multiple bomb threats involving locations throughout the Oskaloosa community.

During the investigation, law enforcement determined that multiple threatening communications originated from the same source. Law enforcement and public safety personnel responded to the affected locations and conducted safety checks, and no explosive devices were found.

Investigators identified 33-year-old Joseph Williams of Des Moines as the individual believed to be responsible for the false reports. Williams was located by authorities in Waukee and taken into custody with the assistance of the Waukee Police Department.

Williams now faces 8 criminal charges as a result of this incident, including 5 counts of False Report of Explosive or Incendiary Device (Class D felonies) and 3 counts of 1st Degree Harassment (aggravated misdemeanors). He is currently being held in the Dallas County Jail.

The Oskaloosa Police Department was assisted during the investigation and response by the Iowa Division of Intelligence, Mahaska County Sheriff’s Office, Mahaska County Dispatch, Mahaska County Attorney’s Office, Mahaska County Emergency Management, Oskaloosa Fire Department, Des Moines Police Department, and Waukee Police Department. 

Man serving a life sentence for murder slips through a fence and escapes a Tennessee prison

Posted on by Sam Parsons

TIPTONVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A man serving a life sentence for killing his co-worker four years ago has escaped from a prison in northwest Tennessee by slipping through a fence, authorities said.

Officials realized Jacob Morley, 28, was unaccounted for around 11:30 p.m. Sunday at the Northwest Correctional Complex in Tiptonville, the Tennessee Department of Correction said in a statement.

Investigators looked at security cameras and saw Morley escaped while wearing his prison uniform, officials said. They did not release any other details, including how Morley got through the fence.

Prison officials offered a reward of up to $2,500 for Morley’s arrest. They said law enforcement throughout the area has searched buildings and other structures near the prison about 90 miles (145 kilometers) north of Memphis in an isolated, rural area of flat land tucked near a bend in the Mississippi River near Missouri.

Morley is 5-foot-11 (1.8 meters) and 240 pounds (109 kilograms). He has brown hair and green eyes.

Morley was sentenced to life for killing co-worker Cody Birchfield in 2022. Birchfield’s body was found in a box under Morley’s Carter County home after he had been missing for a few weeks.

Along with first-degree murder, Morley was also convicted of aggravated burglary, tampering with evidence, vandalism and evading arrest. When Morley saw deputies at his home in 2022, he led police on a chase that ended in North Carolina, authorities said.

Several violent attacks between inmates and by employees have been reported in recent years at Northwest Correctional Complex. A grand jury in July returned dozens of indictments for five inmate murders, assaults against staff and inmates and other violence.

Northwest Correctional Complex can house 1,776 men and can house minors who have been convicted as adults, according to the Department of Correction. In 2023, an audit of Tennessee prisons found that the department was struggling to fill open positions at the prison and had a 61% vacancy rate for correctional officers in that fiscal year.

Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report

Posted on by Sam Parsons

DES MOINES — Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig commented on the Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. The report is released weekly April through November. Additionally, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship provides a weather summary each week during this time.

“Warm, mostly dry weather kept combines rolling and helped farmers make significant harvest progress last week,” said Secretary Naig. “Iowa has experienced unseasonably warm temperatures this fall. As farmers continue fall field work, it’s important to time nutrient applications based on ’50-and-falling’ best practices instead of dates on the calendar, especially with a warmer and wetter weather pattern setting up as we head into November.”

Crop Report

There were 6.4 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending Oct. 25, 2026. Topsoil moisture condition rated 6 percent short, 81 percent adequate, and 13 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 7 percent short, 79 percent adequate, and 14 percent surplus. Forty-seven percent of corn has been harvested, which is 20 percentage points behind the five-year average. Corn condition rated 73 percent good to excellent. Seventy-eight percent of soybeans have been harvested, which is 6 percentage points behind the five-year average. Pasture condition rated 69 percent good to excellent.

The weekly report is also available on the USDA’s website at https://esmis.nal.usda.gov/publication/crop-progress.

Central Students Win the University of Iowa Tippie International Case Competition

Posted on by Sam Parsons

PELLA — Central College students took home first place in this year’s Tippie International Case Competition, competing against four other teams to win the top spot.  

The team had less than 48 hours to analyze a case provided by the host and prepare recommendations and action steps, which they then presented to a panel of judges during the event. The case was brought forward by the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) and challenged students to research three sub-Saharan countries in which to expand three Iowa economic sectors. 

The winning team from Central shared their ideas on bringing Iowa soybeans, equipment and education to Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana and Senegal. Judges were highly impressed by the comprehensive five-year plan that incorporated IEDA’s budget, suggestions for partnerships and residual income.  

The three-person team was coached by Ann McDonald, lecturer of business management, and was comprised of: 

  • Cooper Cooke, Class of 2029, business management and accounting double major from Clear Lake, Iowa. 
  • Gage Rickard, Class of 2027, accounting major from Eldridge, Iowa. 
  • Evan Sheesley, Class of 2026, business management major from Knoxville, Iowa.  

The Tippie International Case Competition held at the University of Iowa Tippie College of Business focused on bringing together teams of undergraduate students from universities and colleges across the Midwest region and was an invitation-only event. Central bested teams from Iowa State University, Loras College, University of Iowa and Washington University in St. Louis to secure first place. 

“I’m ecstatic to see these students achieve success at such a high level,” McDonald says. “Central’s team represented our institution wonderfully. The efforts of these students came against an elite field of teams, which makes their victory even more impressive. Their dedication to this year’s competition deserves high praise and I am very proud of them for securing first place. It was wonderful watching them showcase high-level problem solving, research and communication skills. I could really tell they blew the judges away with their preparation and completeness.” 

2026 Fall Trout Stocking in Ottumwa Next Week

Posted on by Sam Parsons

OTTUMWA — The Iowa Department of Natural Resources will be stocking 1,500 rainbow trout in the east pond at Greater Ottumwa Park on Monday, November 2, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.

The stocking is part of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources cool weather trout program. This program brings trout to community lakes and ponds that cannot support them during the summer months. It gives local anglers a chance to catch trout without traveling to the cold water streams of northeast Iowa, and it is a great opportunity for kids to catch their first fish. The program is funded through sales of the trout fee.

Stocking dates may change if water temperatures remain too warm. Any change will be announced.

All Iowa Department of Natural Resources fishing rules and regulations apply when fishing at Greater Ottumwa Park.

William Penn University Welcomes Dr. Lourena Arone Maxwell for Annual World Food Prize Laureate Lecture

Posted on by Sam Parsons

OSKALOOSA — William Penn University welcomed Dr. Lourena Arone Maxwell, an internationally recognized plant pathologist and 2026 World Food Prize Top Agri-food Pioneer, to campus on Wednesday, October 21, as part of the University’s annual World Food Prize Laureate Lecture Series.

Maxwell, a researcher at the World Vegetable Center, has dedicated her career to advancing global food security through sustainable agricultural practices. As Founder and Project Lead of the WorldVeg–Biologicals Consortium, she works alongside researchers, industry leaders and farmers to develop biological solutions that reduce dependence on chemical pesticides and improve crop protection.

Her accomplishments include establishing Mozambique’s first Plantwise plant clinics and supporting the registration of the country’s first biopesticide. Her contributions to agricultural innovation earned her recognition among the World Food Prize Foundation’s 2026 Top Agri-food Pioneers.

During her visit, Maxwell shared her expertise with William Penn students and members of the University community, offering insight into the role of scientific research and international collaboration in addressing global food security challenges. Following the lecture, she joined students and faculty for lunch, providing an additional opportunity for conversation and engagement.

Indians Conclude Season with 49-13 Loss to Clippers

Posted on by Sam Parsons

By Sam Parsons

The Oskaloosa Indians football season came to an end on Friday night in a 49-13 loss to Clear Creek Amana, finishing the campaign with an 0-9 record.

It was an up-and-down start to the game for the Indians: after forcing a quick stop on their first defensive possession, a muffed punt set the Clippers up with great field position to score. They did, with quarterback Texton Bollers running it in from 34 yards out to make it a 6-0 game.

Oskaloosa struck back later in the first quarter on their most explosive play of the season. Quarterback Coleton Fawcett connected with wide receiver Cael Ashman on an in-breaking route, and Ashman proceeded to shake a tackle attempt and turn on the jets for an 80-yard score. Senior Ayden Plumb tacked on the extra point to make it 7-6 Oskaloosa midway through the first quarter.

Unfortunately, the Clippers were able to lock in from there. They scored 43 unanswered points from the late first quarter until the fourth quarter, with Bollers tacking on four additional touchdowns (he finished with three passing TDs and two rushing TDs). The Indians were unable to get their running game going – they finished with -32 rushing yards on the game – which hampered their ability to hang with the Clippers. A late TD pass from Fawcett to Ashman (who finished the game with 112 receiving yards and 2 TDs) made the final score 49-13 in favor of Clear Creek Amana.

Oskaloosa graduates a class of 17 seniors: Isaiah Williams, Cael Ashman, Tyler Edgar, Stuart Fleener, Kinnick Wright, Ayden Plumb, Kolby Williams, Oscar Chambers, Courtland Metier, Trace Rupprecht, Dawson Boertje, Jonah DeVore, Kaden Toubekis, Kyson Smith, Grady Kennedy, Kyron Smith, and Logan Hendricks. The Indians will wait until the 2027 season to attempt to put an end to their ongoing 19-game losing streak, which dates back to the 2024 season.

Singer Chris Brown set to be sentenced over bottle attack at a London nightclub

Posted on by Sam Parsons

LONDON (AP) — Grammy-winning singer Chris Brown arrived Monday at a London court for sentencing over brawling at a Mayfair nightclub three years ago.

Brown, 37, faces up to three years in prison after pleading guilty to a count of affray in July for attacking a music producer with a bottle.

Several fans cheered as Brown stepped out of a car when he arrived at Southwark Crown Court. His face was covered behind in a black mask and dark glasses and his dyed blond hair was mostly hidden from view under a black ball cap. He wore a black leather jacket and light-colored turtleneck.

Brown had denied striking Abraham Diaw at the Tape nightclub in the swanky Mayfair neighborhood in February 2023. But prosecutors said the fight was caught on surveillance camera in front of a club full of people.

The plea deal had prosecutors drop charges of assault, attempting to cause grievous bodily harm and having an offensive weapon, a bottle.

Brown’s friend and vocal coach Omololu Akinlolu also pleaded guilty to affray. He will be sentenced too.

Brown left the United Kingdom after the brawl but was arrested in May 2025 at a Manchester hotel after flying to the city for a concert.

Brown had been free on bail of 5 million pounds ($6.7 million), which allowed him to tour Europe and North America last summer.

Brown, who rose to stardom as a teen in 2005, won his first Grammy for best R&B album in 2011 for “F.A.M.E.” He earned his second in the same category for “11:11 (Deluxe)” in 2025.

He has been in repeated legal trouble since his felony conviction in the 2009 assault of his then-girlfriend, Rihanna, hours before the pair were due to perform at the Grammys.

He has been arrested in several U.S. states over altercations, and in 2019 he was arrested in Paris and questioned on suspicion of rape. He was released without charge.

UNI professor says Iowa has rarity of 3 competitive US House races

Posted on by Sam Parsons

By O. Kay Henderson (Radio Iowa)

University of Northern Iowa political science professor Donna Hoffmann says three of Iowa’s four congressional races were considered competitive at the beginning of the year and seem to be among the country’s most competitive as election day draws near.

“435 races for the House of Representatives every two years, with Iowa having two or three seats in that almost every single cycle is really unusual,” Hoffman said.

Hoffmann published research in early 2023 suggesting recent electoral history and Iowa’s non-partisan process for drawing district lines indicate three of Iowa’s congressional districts are prone to have competitive races. “Especially if you look at, for example, the northwest Iowa segment of Iowa even if you go back 20 years,” Hoffman said. “A Republican represents it, then a Democrat, then a Republican, then a Democrat, then a Republican.”

The second congressional district covers 22 counties and includes the cities of Mason City, Cedar Rapids, Waterloo, and Dubuque. There are four candidates on the ballot in the second district Democrat Lindsay James, Republican Joe Mitchell, Libertarian Rick Stewart and independent Dave Bushaw. “Of course we don’t see a lot of good polling in terms of House districts, generally speaking,” Hoffman said. “I don’t have a good sense of how that particular race is going to go. I think it is highly competitive…but voters have a Libertarian candidate, they have a no-party candidate.”

About a third of voters in the second congressional district have either registered as no-party independents or with a third-party, like the Libertarian Party.

In Iowa’s third congressional district, 36% of registered voters are Republicans and 33% are Democrats. In the first district, there are 4.5% more Republicans compared to Democrats. In Iowa’s fourth congressional district, nearly half of registered voters are Republicans and political forecasters predict a Republican will easily win the seat.

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