On Wednesday, March 7, join Dalton Showers at the Oskaloosa Fairgrounds inside of the DVA building from 11 AM – 6 PM to help end muscular dystrophy. Dalton is a 15-year-old that suffers from muscular dystrophy, specifically CMT. His goal is to raise $500 to help end muscular dystrophy and all proceeds will go to Team Dalton. There will a bake sale, a 50/50 raffle, pork sandwiches and chips. There will be signs directing towards the building.
Wabash Street in Ottumwa Closed
Motorists in Ottumwa are advised that Wabash Street at the intersection of Sheridan Avenue will be temporarily closing as early as March 8, 2018. The temporary closure will allow for the installation of a new Water Main. The closure is anticipated to last 1 week. This work is being completed as part of the Sheridan Avenue Reconstruction Project.
Family Fest at the Bridge View in Ottumwa
Family fest is a FREE single-day event held at the Ottumwa Bridge View Center to give back to the Ottumwa community, showcase and highlight STEM initiatives and activities, as well as other education and health/wellness components, and allows children to also have a bit of fun and be entertained. Learn more by clicking here.
What Cheer Man Charged After Weekend Stabbing
(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.
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
(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.
Scammers Again Targeting MidAmerican Energy Customers
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
(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/.
Iowa State Fair Grandstand Tickets Go on Sale This Friday
(DES MOINES, Iowa) – Country smash duo Florida Georgia Line brings their multi-platinum sound to the Iowa State Fair on the final night of the 2018 Fair, Sunday, August 19.
Florida Georgia Line joins already announced Grandstand Acts: Casting Crowns (August 9), Reba (August 10), Old Dominion (August 12), Jim Gaffigan (August 14), Earth, Wind & Fire (August 16), and Sugarland (August 17). Tickets for Florida Georgia Line (August 19) go on sale on Friday, March 9, at 10:00 AM.
Since their breakout in 2012, Florida Georgia Line has earned prestigious honors from the AMA, ACM, CMA, Billboard Music Awards and CMT Music Awards. The top-shelf entertainers continue to crush records as the first and only country act to achieve RIAA Diamond certification: 10 million copies sold for their breakout smash, “Cruise,” which is the best-selling digital country single of all time.
Ticket prices vary depending on location of seats in the Grandstand. Tickets can be purchased at www.etix.com or by calling 800-514-3849. Please see concert maps for reserved and standing pit area seating. Convenience charges apply to all tickets. Grandstand tickets do not include Fair admission, but discounted advanced admission tickets are available at www.iowastatefair.org. The Iowa State Fair is not responsible for tickets purchased through any third party vendors; please check that you are purchasing tickets from www.etix.com.
Source: Iowa State Fair
Des Moines Man Pleads Guilty to Firearms Offenses
(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.