Greene County is one of several governmental agencies who were asked for documents by Michael J. Merritt of Newton under Iowa’s Freedom of Information Act. Merritt’s requests have been so expansive, and followed so many times by complaints to the Iowa Public Information Board (IPIB), that the IPIB is now considering proposing legislation that would enable state agencies, as well…
Read MoreDay: September 25, 2023
How one man’s actions led to proposed new limits on public records access
by Clark Kauffman, Iowa Capital DispatchSeptember 22, 2023 A Navy veteran who says he has PTSD is the man responsible for triggering proposed new restrictions on Iowans’ access to government documents. The individual, Michael J. Merritt of Newton, calls himself “Cipher Hunter” and describes himself as a “creative writer/musician and information warfare specialist.” In the lengthy, stream-of-consciousness missives he has…
Read MoreRams drop homecoming game to Kuemper Knights, 39-3
Behne kicks 49-yard field goal The Greene County Ram football team didn’t win the homecoming game against the Kuemper Knights of Carroll Friday, but despite the 39-3 score, there were positive take-aways for the Rams. The Rams showed grit during the Knights’ first possession. The Knights received the opening kickoff, a Nathan Behne kick to the endzone, starting their possession…
Read MoreSheriff’s report – September 2023
Following are excerpts of activities reported by the Greene County sheriff’s office: Saturday, Sept. 30: At 6:58 am a deputy investigated a car-deer accident on 170th St near W Ave in Paton Township. Luis Rogue Castro, 24, of Webster City struck a deer with a 2015 Toyota Corolla, causing an estimated $3,000 damage to the vehicle. At 3:12 pm a…
Read MorePolice blotter – September 2023
Following are excerpts of activities reported by the Jefferson police department: Saturday, Sept. 30: At 12:26 am an officer performed a traffic stop with a driver near Hwy 30 and N. Elm St. During the encounter the officer could smell the odor of marijuana emitting from the vehicle. During a probable cause search of the vehicle, the officer located numerous…
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