Bell Tower Festival in Jefferson Continues Today
The 36th Annual Bell Tower Festival continues today in Jefferson with a full slate of activities.
This morning there is a breakfast at 6am at the Jefferson Fire Department, the Parks and Recreation’s Ding Dong Dash starts at 8am and by 9am, all the vendors and the carnival rides will be open around the downtown square. The parade starts at 11am.
Several more activities happen in the afternoon with a 3-on-3 basketball tournament at Russell Park, an art show at the Greene County Historical Museum, a spelling bee will be at the Greene County Community Center, a trivia contest takes place at the Jefferson City Hall. The plaza stage entertainment starts at 1pm, followed by the Bill Riley Talent Search at 5pm. Planet Rock will be on a stage on Wilson Avenue at 1pm, History Boy Theatre’s production of “Company” is at 7pm and PopROCKS has two shows at 8 and 10pm on the Wilson Avenue stage.
Plus, Raccoon Valley Radio’s “Big Red Radio” will be out in full force, providing live coverage from 9am to 6pm today.
To find a full schedule, click HERE.
Jefferson Man Killed in Motorcycle Accident Near Ogden
A Jefferson man was killed in a motorcycle accident in Boone County Wednesday.
According to the Boone County Sheriff’s Office, a witness called 911 shortly before 11:30am Wednesday stating a motorcycle drove off the eastbound ramp at the intersection of Highway 169 and Highway 30. Deputies, Ogden Police and EMS responded to the scene.
The driver of the motorcycle, 62 year-old Michael Buswell, later died of his injuries. The cause of the crash is not known at this time and the investigation continues.
Raccoon Valley Radio will bring you more information as it becomes official.
Jefferson Police Arrest Three Following a Traffic Stop on Monday
A traffic stop results in three Jefferson residents being arrested on Monday.
Police Chief Dave Morlan says at 4:22pm, an officer initiated a traffic stop in the 600 block of West Adams Street. Morlan tells Raccoon Valley Radio that the officer recognized the driver as 35 year-old Christopher Herbert Lawrence, who had an outstanding warrant from the Greene County Sheriff’s office for a misdemeanor for carrying weapons. After running the license plates on the vehicle, the officer made the traffic stop due to the plates being expired.
Morlan states that the officer observed Lawrence and his passenger 42 year-old Kimberly Marie Smith making quick movements, which raised the officer’s suspicion. The officer asked Lawrence for permission to search the vehicle, which Lawrence agreed to. During the search, brass knuckles and a glass smoking device with residue was found in the center console under the plastic compartment. Morlan adds that their field test kit of the residue registered positive for methamphetamine. The officer asked both individuals if the items were theirs and they both said yes.
During the traffic stop, Christopher’s mother, 56 year-old Lorrie Leiann Lawrence drove up to the officer, who was still conducting the investigation, and tried to find out what was going on. The officer repeatedly asked her to stay with her vehicle and park down the street until he was done with the investigation. However, Lorrie became non-compliant and tried to confront the officer and cursed at him. Morlan notes that Lorrie told the officer that since the vehicle was registered in her name, that he should arrest her and the officer did.
All three individuals were booked into the Greene County Jail. Christopher Lawrence and Smith are charged with misdemeanors for driving while barred, possession of meth, possession of drug paraphernalia and carrying weapons. Lorrie Lawrence is charged with interference with official acts and permitting an unauthorized person to drive. They have all since been released on their own recognizance.
Morlan says in situations like this, when an officer is conducting an investigation, the public needs to wait for the investigation to be completed so that the officer isn’t distracted from other people wanting to know what’s going on. He adds that it’s a matter of public safety, because a situation can get uncontrollable at any moment.
Scranton Man Taken to a Des Moines Hospital Following Motorcycle Accident
A Scranton man was transported to a Des Moines hospital following a motorcycle-deer accident on Tuesday.
Greene County Sheriff Steve Haupert says at 7:31am, deputies, the Greene and Carroll County Emergency Medical Services, the Scranton Fire Department and the Iowa State Patrol responded to the accident on US Highway 30 between A and B Avenues.
Haupert states that 63 year-old Gale Gene Zellweger was traveling west on Highway 30, when his 2010 Victory Cross Country motorcycle hit a deer. Haupert tells Raccoon Valley Radio the motorcycle rolled into the northwest ditch along with the deer, and Zellweger flew off the bike.
Zellweger was taken by Greene County EMS to the Greene County Medical Center for possible back and shoulder injuries. Haupert adds that he was wearing a helmet and had no life-threatening injuries at the scene. He was later transported by Life Flight to Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines. His status is unknown at this time. The motorcycle was a total loss.
Raccoon Valley Radio will bring you more information as it becomes official.
Free Fishing Derby this Weekend at Spring Lake Park
The Greene County Conservation Department is once again hosting the Kids’ All-American Fishing Derby at Spring Lake Park this Sunday.
Director Dan Towers says they will have three age divisions 5 to 8, 9 to 12 and 13 to 16 year-olds. Registrations will begin at 1pm followed by a short educational presentation where participants will learn about fishing safety and the contest rules. He notes that all the prizes are through donations, and this year they have increased the amount of prizes to give away.
“Butch Ganoe goes out and solicites donations, that we in turn, take that cash and buy fishing equipment. And in the past, we’ve had $600 to $800 to work with, this year, he’s got almost $1,200 lined up. So, there should be enough prizes for everyone.”
Prizes will first be awarded to the top three youth in each age division with the longest fish, then the rest will be from a drawing. Towers points out that they usually have about 100 kids participate. Youth are encouraged to bring their own equipment, but Towers adds, that they will have fishing poles that can be rented for free along with fishing bait provided for all contestants.
The free event is from 1 to 4pm on Sunday, June 14th. No pre-registration is necessary.