Environmental Groups Call For More Action On Water Clean Up
(Des Moines) — A coalition representing environmental groups from 10 states is calling on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to do more clean up on waterways that drain into the Mississippi River. Susan Heathcote (HEETH-coat) is with the Iowa Environmental Council, which is part of The Mississippi River Collaborative. Heathcote says the group’s waiting to see what changes President-elect Trump may make.
She says recent drinking water problems in several states highlight the stakes.
The Mississippi River Collaborative released a report this week, suggesting STATE regulations are inadequate and it’s time for FEDERAL officials to force action to improve water quality. Heathcote says she’s hopeful that in 2017, legislators at the STATE level will find a “sustainable source” of funding for water quality projects.
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey has additional funding designated for water quality on his wish list for the upcoming Iowa legislature’s budget. Northey believes in voluntary efforts and additional education efforts to help clean up our waterways. He believes additional money may be devoted for water quality, but he admits it may be tough to find.
Ankeny Man Arrested For Trying To Abduct Onawa Girl
ONAWA, Iowa (AP) – An Ankeny man accused of trying to lure a 6-year-old girl into his car faces several charges. Police tell the Des Moines Register that 56 -year-old Jeff Lee Altmayer approached the girl Wednesday on an Onawa street and
offered her $100 to get in his car. Police say another child screamed, and neighbors confronted Altmayer. Police say Altmayer told them he was a police officer and armed before driving off.
Indiana Man Arrested For Fraudulent Construction Claims Against Elderly Woman
TOLEDO, Iowa (AP) – Officials in east-central Iowa have charged an Indiana contractor, accusing him of defrauding an Iowa woman out of about $50,000.
The Tama County Sheriff’s Office has charged 21-year-old Shawn Bolduc Jr., of Bargersville, Indiana, with first-degree theft.
Investigators say Bolduc, doing business as American Construction of Indianapolis, pressured the elderly woman into giving him several checks totaling about $50,000 for home repair work that should have cost only a fraction of that.
Authorities are searching for two other men believed to have been working with Bolduc.
Bolduc’s next court appearance has been set for Tuesday. He’s being held on $50,000 bail. His appointed public defender was out of the office Saturday and did not immediately return a message seeking comment.
Linn County Attorney Calls For Grand Jury On Police Shooting
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (AP) – Linn County’s top prosecutor is calling for a grand jury investigation into the police shooting of a man earlier this month.
Television station KCRG reports that County Attorney Jerry Vander Sanden said Friday in a news release that “it would be in the public interest” for a grand jury to determine whether criminal charges are warranted. Officer Lucas Jones
shot and seriously injured Jerime Mitchell on Nov. 1 near Coe College.
