Schools In Lockdown As Law Enforcement Authorities Search For Subject
(Sioux City) — Area schools have gone into a lockdown as authorities continue to search the area for a 16 year old male subject that is a person of interest. Siouxland Community Christian, Lawton-Bronson, Woodbury Central, and now even the Kingsley-Pierson community schools have issued a lockdown as a precautionary measure while the Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office and the Sioux City Police Department conduct an investigation into reported threats. Kingsley-Pierson school superintendent Scott Bailey confirmed with KLEM news that indeed the school issued a lockdown after law officials made the suggestion. It is thought the male subject may have brought a gun to the Siouxland Community Christian School. Woodbury County Sheriff’s officials say this is an on-going investigation. The lockdown of all four schools is to ensure the safety and security of the students and the staff at these schools. Law enforcement is on-scene at all four schools.
Officials say more information will be released as it is deemed appropriate and the investigation allows. Kingsley Police is assisting with the lockdown procedure, but Plymouth County Sheriff Mike Van Otterloo reports Plymouth County Sheriff’s authorities have not been requested to assist with the search, but Van Otterloo indicated staff from his office would participate, if formally requested by the Woodbury County Sheriff’s office.
Cherokee Fugitive Found In Vermont
ST. JOHNSBURY, Vt. (AP) – An Iowa sheriff’s deputy says his agency has contracted to pick up a man in a Vermont jail so he can face charges in his home state.
Thirty-two-year-old Christopher M. Wood was arrested in the northeastern Vermont town of St. Johnsbury last week after a traffic stop and police discovered he’s wanted on warrants stemming from an April hammer attack in Cherokee County.
A Vermont judge offered Wood the opportunity to drive himself home so he could face the charges, but he couldn’t post the required bail.
The Caledonian Record (https://bit.ly/1tM2X8u) reports Wood’s attorney says his client wants to return to Iowa.
Cherokee County Chief Deputy Jeff Friedrichsen says Wood waived extradition and they’ve contracted with a transport company to get him. He doesn’t know when Wood will be returned.
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Martha Toben Honored As “Employee Of The Month”
(Le Mars) — An employee at the Good Samaritan Society of Le Mars nursing care facility was awarded the Le Mars Chamber of Commerce Employee of the Month. Martha Toben serves as the Director of Nursing Services. According to the nomination submitted by Amy Harnack, Marketing Development Director with Good Samaritan Society of Le Mars, Martha Toben has served in long term care for more than 18 years. She has worked in several different roles, which has added not only to her work expertise, but has also added to her compassion, patience and excellence when working with staff, residents and families. Martha started in 1996 working first as a Charge Nurse where she learned the routines of the C.N.A.’s and the Nursing staff. Then when she transitioned into working as a Staff Development Coordinator, she was instrumental in starting and expanding several quality initiatives. Over the past 6 years, she has been serving as the Director of Nursing Services. In this role she continues her strong push for continuous quality improvement, through listening to the wants and needs of the residents, and promoting great teamwork. Martha has always put needs of residents in all she does daily. She can be seen out in the neighborhoods assisting when needed and always has her door open to visit with residents, family members, and staff to discuss any questions. Our congratulations to Martha Toben for being named this month’s Chamber of Commerce Employee of the Month.
Grassley Questions IRS Tactics With Arnolds Park Restaurant Owner
(Washington) — Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley says he’s looking into the federal government’s use of civil forfeiture laws after learning how the IRS seized thebank account of a restaurant owner in northwest Iowa. The Republican served onthe IRS Restructuring Commission, which sought to end the agency’s “harassment”of small businesses back in 1998.
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In May 2013, the IRS seized almost $33,000 from Carole Hinders, who hasoperated Mrs. Lady’s Mexican Food in Arnolds Park for 38 years. The restaurantonly accepts cash and the IRS used civil forfeiture to seize Hinders’ bankaccount, claiming by making small deposits, she was evading a federal law thatrequires banks to report cash deposits greater than $10,000. Officials with the IRS have responded to Grassley’s inquiry about the matter.
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The Washington, DC-based Institute for Justice is helping Hinders with hercase. The law firm reports federal law enforcement agencies — using civilforfeiture — can take cash, cars and other property without charging theproperty owner with a crime. Grassley says the IRS plays a role in fightingmoney laundering and other criminal activity, but it should treat businessowners fairly.
Listen to
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Grassley says the IRS should establish a system that investigates largebusinesses and one that investigates small businesses. He says the”harrassment” of small business owners needs to stop. “not justified.”
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The 67-year-old Hinders, who describes her last year as “Hell,” has borrowedmoney and used credit cards to pay bills and keep her restaurant in business.The New York Times recently featured a story about Hinders’ plight on its frontpage.
