The Greene County Sheriff’s Office responded to several incidents over the weekend, including one fatality.
According to a press release, 60-year-old Ronald Kolbeck of Jefferson was seen by a deputy at a Flack River Farms event and then was involved in a single vehicle crash when his truck struck a bridge rail. He was taken to Greene County Medical Center by Greene County Ambulance and later died of his injuries. The incident occurred at 11:57pm.
A Greene County Sheriff’s Deputy responded at 9pm Saturday to Flack River Farms following a report of underage drinking on the premises. Sheriff Jack Williams said the underage individuals had wristbands on indicating that they were of age to possess and consume alcohol, however, they were not of age but because officials can’t prove that they were drinking, nor was consent given to do a breathalyzer, Williams said charges will not be filed. While at the venue, two additional reports were made of alleged minors running alongside 220th Street in their swimsuits. No charges were filed against them.
Additionally, Williams said there were three traffic incidents that stemmed from the same event. The first traffic incident happened at 11:14pm. Jefferson Police Officers found a vehicle parked on North Grimmel Road, just off of Highway 30. The report shows officers noticed signs of intoxication and following their investigation, 36-year-old Ashley McManus of Ottumwa was arrested. She was charged with her first offense for an OWI, along with traffic violations including failure to carry registration card, failure to provide proof of financial liability and stopping on a paved part of highway. No damage to the vehicle or injuries to McManus were reported.
The second incident was a traffic crash that involved a 19-year-old Eva Gerst from Urbandale who lost control of her vehicle and caused minor damage to it. The incident happened at 11:34pm on 290th Street. Sheriff Williams said the driver admitted to being at Flack River Farms, but charges weren’t filed and she was picked up by her parents. No injuries were reported.
The final traffic incident was reported at 2:12am Sunday. Authorities responded to a single vehicle crash at the intersection of 230th Street and Kirkwood Avenue. While authorities were at the fatal accident, a 2006 Jeep Wrangler almost hit Jefferson Fire crews and equipment. The driver sped off and ended up entering the north ditch on Kirkwood Avenue, and struck a guy wire to a power pole. Jefferson Police Officers responded to the incident and charged 20-year-old Bryce Murano with his first offense for an OWI, along with traffic violations including failure to maintain control and possession of alcohol under the legal age. Murano’s passenger, 20-year-old Breanne Parkins of Pleasant Hill, was charged with possession of alcohol under the legal age.
Sheriff Williams noted at the Greene County Board of Supervisors meeting Monday morning that he had all available rooms at the law enforcement center occupied from those who were arrested. He said he didn’t have enough personnel to transport any suspects to neighboring county jails. He noted that they were busy from 9pm Saturday until 3am Sunday handling the different situations resulting from the event.
Williams told Raccoon Valley Radio there was one hired police officer to provide security at the event, which wasn’t from his deputies or the Jefferson Police Department. His office got involved following the first complaint reported of underage drinking. Williams added that additional charges are pending completion of their investigation into the event.
The Jefferson Police and Fire departments, the Greene County Ambulance and Iowa State Patrol assisted throughout the evening. Raccoon Valley Radio will bring you more information as it becomes official.