Montrose Man Arrest For Conspiring To Commit Murder

Montrose, IOWA --- Michael J. Cain, age 33, of Montrose, Iowa, has been arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit murder, a class “C” felony. Over the past several weeks, Mr. Cain has conspired with another individual to murder a Rock Island, Illinois man involved with Cain’s ex-girlfriend. Cain was arrested in Montrose, Iowa and is currently being housed at the Lee County Jail..

:Regions: 6
:Division: DCI

Travel Not Advised In Parts of Iowa

Des Moines, IOWA ---Travel is not advised in parts of Central Iowa according to the Iowa State Patrol. Motorists in Story, Jasper and northern Polk counties are experiencing blowing snow, low visibility, and slick roadways that are making travel treacherous. A towing restriction is in effect in these areas. High winds could cause major problems for motorists in high profile vehicles.

:Regions: All
:Division: ISP

Snow Followed by High Winds Translates into Dangerous Driving Conditions

Des Moines, IOWA --- Once again the state of Iowa is being covered with nearly a foot of fresh snow.  Though the large, fluffy flakes are picturesque, they wreak havoc on Iowa roadways when followed by high winds, as predicted for tomorrow, Tuesday, February 9, 2010.

:Regions: All
:Division: ISP

Patrol Kicks Off New Enforcement Initiative Over Super Bowl Weekend

Des Moines, IOWA --- Over Super Bowl weekend, February 5-7, 2010, the Iowa State Patrol will be working to take drunk drivers off of Iowa roadways. Motorists who think they can toss back a few drinks and casually get behind the wheel after their football parties should think twice, as this weekend the Iowa State Patrol is also launching a new enforcement initiative aimed at catching those drivers most at risk.

:Regions: All
:Division: ISP

Iowa State Patrol Transports Emergency Blood Supply, Releases Storm Response Statistics

Des Moines, IOWA --- On January 25, 2010, the Iowa State Patrol was asked by Trinity Hospital in Fort Dodge to transport an emergency blood supply needed for a patient.  With help from the Iowa DOT snowplows, the Patrol was able to get the emergency supply through.  The recipient was an open heart surgery patient.

:Regions: All
:Division: ISP

Public Encouraged To Check 511IA.org On Towing Restrictions

Des Moines, IOWA --- The Iowa Department of Public Safety, Division of the Iowa State Patrol advises Iowans with a vehicle that needs to be towed or removed from the roadway to first check the www.511ia.org website or call 511 to make sure there are no towing restrictions in the area your vehicle is located.  If there is not a towing restriction then the vehicle owner must call a towing company of their choice to be placed on the list for removal.

:Regions: All
:Division: ISP

Interstate 35 Re-Opens

Des Moines, IOWA --- The Iowa Department of Public Safety’s Iowa State Patrol Division and the Iowa Department of Transportation announce the northbound and southbound lanes of Interstate 35 from U.S. 30 to the Minnesota border have re-opened.

:Regions: All
:Division: ISP

Travel Not Advised On Iowa Roadways

Des Moines, IOWA --- The Iowa Department of Public Safety’s Iowa State Patrol Division advises Iowans that travel continues to not be advised across much of Iowa today due to blowing snow, low visibility, and drifting caused by yesterday’s blizzard.

:Regions: All
:Division: ISP

I-35 Closed Due to Large, Multi-Vehicle Accident

Des Moines, IOWA --- Due to a large, multi-vehicle accident the Iowa State Patrol and Department of Transportation are closing Interstate 35 from US Highway 30 north to Clear Lake (US 18).  Both northbound and southbound lanes of travel are closed.

:Regions: All
:Division: ISP

ISP Reports Multi-Vehicle Accident In Western Iowa

Monona County, IOWA --- On Monday, January 25, 2010, at approximately 9:00 a.m., a series of multi-vehicle accidents occurred on I-29 southbound at the 125 mile marker in Monona County. The interstate at the time was 100% snow and ice covered and visibility was zero.

:Regions: All
:Division: ISP

Travel Not Advised In Central Iowa

Des Moines, IOWA --- The Iowa State Patrol is not advising travel on I-35 from the Missouri border to Story City north of Ames and on I-80 from Dexter (97 mile marker) to Grinnell east of Des Moines due to blizzard conditions.

:Regions: All
:Division: ISP

DPS Releases Additional Information in I-80 Death Investigation

Jasper County, IOWA --- Law enforcement continues to investigate the death of a woman found dead along I-80 early this morning; however her identity has been verified.  The deceased is 27 year old Ravinne Pearl Conard of Des Moines, Iowa.  An autopsy will be conducted by the Iowa State Medical Examiner’s office in Ankeny, Iowa to determine the cause of death for Ms. Conrad.

:Regions: All
:Division: ISP, DCI

Travelers Beware as Freezing Rain Heads into Iowa

Des Moines, IOWA --- Meteorologists are forecasting one-quarter to one-half inch of ice will accumulate over much of Iowa in the next 24 hours.  That translates into big trouble for motorists traveling the many roadways in the Hawkeye State.  The Iowa Department of Public Safety, Division of the Iowa State Patrol advises drivers to take extra precautions when ice glazes over our roadways.

:Regions: All
:Division: ISP

Law Enforcement Investigates Double Shooting Death In Leon

Leon, IOWA --- On Saturday, January 16, 2010, at 1207a.m., the Decatur County Sheriff’s Department received a 911 call reporting a shooting at 305 South Main Street in Leon.  Decatur County Deputies and Leon Police Officers responded and found two (2) adults deceased inside the home.  There were no signs of forced entry into the home.

:Regions: All
:Division: DCI

Put The Pranksters To Rest: Sign Up For Wireless Alerts This AMBER Alert Awareness Day

Des Moines, IOWA --- Throughout 2009 several hoax AMBER Alert messages were distributed via text messages and emails. The Department of Public Safety (DPS) and local law enforcement agencies are diligent about adhering to strict AMBER Alert criteria before an AMBER Alert is issued.

:Regions: All
:Division: ISP

ISP Releases Storm Response Numbers

Des Moines, IOWA --- Today, the Iowa State Patrol Division released the number of phone calls answered by communication specialists at the six communication centers across the state, and the number of crashes Troopers responded to beginning Wednesday, January 6, 2010 through Friday, January 8, 2010, at 10:00 a.m.

:Regions: All
:Division: ISP

ISP Releases Name Of Man Who Died In A Weather-Related Accident

Des Moines, IOWA --- The Iowa State Patrol today released the name of the man involved in a fatal accident Wednesday. Levi Diersen, 29, of Grimes died in an accident that occurred on Interstate 80/35 near 2nd Avenue in Des Moines. Troopers on the scene say snow and icy roadways contributed to the accident.

:Regions: All
:Division: ISP

ISP Asks Iowans To Stay Off Roads During Latest Winter Storm

Des Moines, IOWA --- The Iowa Department of Public Safety's Iowa State Patrol Division (ISP) is responding to accidents and calls for motorist assists during this latest winter storm in Iowa.  Travel conditions are extremely dangerous and travel is not recommended in the western half of Iowa or in the Des Moines metro area.  Roads in the eastern part of the state are 100% snow/ice covered.   Blowing snow is causing white-out conditions and while the pavement may look normal in some places, many motorists are encountering black ice.

:Regions: All
:Division: ISP

You Caught Bowl Fever! Now Catch A Sober Ride Home From The Big Game

Des Moines, IOWA --- The Cyclones just won the Insight Bowl and the Hawks are headed to the Orange Bowl. It's an exciting time for college football fans in Iowa! The Iowa State Patrol would like to encourage you to cheer on your team and take in the grid iron greatness responsibility. Make the right play. When you've been drinking, toss the keys and catch a safe and sober ride. Remember: Fans Don't Let Fans Drive Drunk..

:Regions: All
:Division: ISP

DPS Reminds Iowans To Celebrate Safely This New Year's Eve

Des Moines, IOWA --- This New Year's Eve, the Iowa Department of Public Safety reminds Iowans to celebrate responsibly and safely ring in the New Year. According to the Department of Public Safety's Governor's Traffic Safety Bureau, six people died in motor vehicle accidents in 2008 over the New Year's holiday weekend. None of the accidents involved alcohol.

:Regions: All
:Division: COM

ISP Tackles Another Winter Storm, Applauds Iowans For Avoiding Travel

Des Moines, IOWA --- The Iowa Department of Public Safety's Iowa State Patrol Division successfully worked another large winter storm in Iowa, coming to the aid of hundreds of motorists.

:Regions: All
:Division: ISP

State Fire Marshal's Office Advises Iowans To Shovel Out Curb Side Fire Hydrants

Des Moines, IOWA --- As you shovel and plow your sidewalks and driveways this week, the Iowa Department of Public Safety's State Fire Marshal Division is asking Iowans to take a few extra moments to dig out their fire hydrants as well.

:Regions: All
:Division: SFM

You Caught Bowl Fever! Now Catch A Sober Ride Home From The Big Game

Des Moines, IOWA --- The Cyclones are going to the Insight Bowl and the Hawks are headed to the Orange Bowl. It's an exciting time for college football fans in Iowa! The Iowa State Patrol would like to encourage you to cheer on your team and take in the grid iron greatness responsibility. Make the right play. When you've been drinking, toss the keys and catch a safe and sober ride. Remember: Fans Don't Let Fans Drive Drunk.

:Regions: All
:Division: ISP

Department of Public Safety Offers Home Safety Tips For Impending Storm

Des Moines, IOWA --- As the winter storm approaches, it may bring the chance of freezing rain and sleet. Department of Public Safety Commissioner Eugene T. Meyer says ice often causes power outages and the public needs to be prepared. Meyer says, “As we prepare for the worst, information can be your most powerful ally. There are a lot of resources available and the most important decision you can make for yourself and your family is to put your safety and well-being first.”

:Regions: All
:Division: All

Department of Public Safety Offers Travel Safety Information As Winter Storm Approaches

Des Moines, IOWA --- Iowa Department of Public Safety Commissioner Eugene T. Meyer asks Iowans to stay informed as the winter storm moves into the state. Meyer says, "Thousands of people will be on Iowa's roads during this week of Christmas. It's imperative that drivers watch road conditions closely and use good judgment about when to travel, or if to travel at all."

:Regions: All
:Division: All

Subject In Seymour Officer Involved Shooting Arrested

Seymour, IOWA --- A follow up to the October 15, 2009, officer involved shooting investigation in Seymour, Iowa. On Friday, December 18, 2009, at approximately 4:25 p.m., DCI Agents and members of the Davis County Sheriff’s Office arrested Justin R. Jacob, of Drakesville, Iowa.   Jacob was arrested for two outstanding warrants - one for Failure to Appear and one for Attempted Murder.  Jacob was taken into custody without incident.

:Regions: All
:Division: DCI

Iowa Department of Public Safety To Close District 5 Headquarters in Cherokee

Des Moines, IOWA --- The Iowa Department of Public Safety is closing the Iowa State Patrol District 5 office in the western Iowa city of Cherokee. The move is a cost-saving measure. By eliminating the District 5 office, the six counties currently served by District 5 will be divided between the District 4 office to the south in Denison and the District 6 office to the north in Spencer.

:Regions: All
:Division: COM, ISP

Don't Let The Warm Glow of Holiday Lights Spark A Disaster In Your Home

Des Moines, IOWA --- Forty-eight percent of home Christmas tree fires are caused by electrical problems, with many (36%) occurring in the 10 days between December 24th and January 2nd. As this critical time approaches, make sure the holiday lights you've strung with joy aren't a fire hazard.

:Regions: All
:Division: SFM

'Tis The Season To Crack Down On Holiday Partiers Who Choose To Drink and Drive

Des Moines, IOWA --- Nearly 300 law enforcement agencies across the state of Iowa will step up enforcement beginning this Wednesday, December 16, 2009, to keep the state's roadways safe from drunk drivers.

:Regions: All
:Division: ISP, COM

Fire Marshal Jim Kenkel Announces His Retirement

Des Moines, IOWA --- Today, State Fire Marshal Jim Kenkel announced his retirement from the State Fire Marshal Division in the Department of Public Safety, effective March 12, 2010. Jim graduated in the 13th DPS Basic Academy. He worked in the State Fire Marshal Division as a fire inspector, investigator, assistant state fire marshal before being appointed state fire marshal in 2002.

:Regions: All
:Division: SFM, COM

Preliminary Numbers Roll In:  Troopers, Communications Staff Step Up During Times of Crisis

Des Moines, IOWA --- The winter storm has passed and clean up has begun.  Now staff at the Department of Public Safety, Division of the Iowa State Patrol (ISP) can reflect upon the storm of the last two days.  After review of statistics from the State Patrol’s six communications centers from across the state, it’s clear the hard-working, professional staff of ISP withstood the pressure of life threatening winter weather to assist the motoring public.

:Regions: All
:Division: All

DPS Reminds Motorists to Prepare for Winter Driving

Des Moines, IOWA --- In light of the recent snowfall and the impending winter storm, the Iowa Department of Public Safety reminds motorists across Iowa that snow, wind, ice, fog and rain can make travel conditions difficult. Safe driving and well-maintained vehicles can go a long way in preventing accidents and saving lives.

:Regions: All
:Division: All

Give The Gift of True Friendship This Holiday Season: Tell Your Pals, "Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving"

Des Moines, IOWA --- Impaired driving continues to be a social scourge that kills and maims thousands of Americans every year. Statistics show the incidence of impaired driving crashes during the Christmas and New Year holiday period is significantly higher than during the rest of the year.

:Regions: All
:Division: COM

Don't Burn Up The Turkey or Burn Down The House This Thanksgiving

Des Moines, IOWA --- The State Fire Marshal Division is joining with the National Fire Protection Association to make fire safety a top priority this Thanksgiving.

:Regions: All
:Division: SFM

Reminder ~ Statewide Seat Belt Initiative Launched During Thanksgiving Holiday

Des Moines, IOWA --- Law enforcement officials from over 325 agencies will be patrolling Iowa's city streets, rural roadways, and interstates, urging motorists to buckle up and obey all traffic laws in preparation for the busy, Thanksgiving holiday.

:Regions: All
:Division: COM, ISP

Statewide Seat Belt Initiative Launched During Thanksgiving Holiday

Des Moines, IOWA --- Law enforcement officials from over 325 agencies will be patrolling Iowa's city streets, rural roadways, and interstates, urging motorists to buckle up and obey all traffic laws in preparation for the busy, Thanksgiving holiday.

:Regions: All
:Division: COM, ISP

DCI Launches New Sex Offender Registry Database and Website

Des Moines, IOWA --- At an early afternoon press conference, the Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS), Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) unveiled the newly re-designed Sex Offender Registry database and website, www.iowasexoffender.com

:Regions: All
:Division: DCI

Reminder: DCI Unveils Updated, Re-designed Sex Offender Registry and Web Site

Des Moines, IOWA --- The Iowa Department of Public Safety, Division of Criminal Investigation is launching its newly updated Sex Offender Registry and Web Site. This re-design will enable Iowans to more easily monitor their neighborhood and surroundings.

:Regions: All
:Division: DCI

Shenandoah Fire Over Weekend Ruled Accidental

Shenandoah, IOWA --- On Sunday, November 1, 2009, a house fire at 1938 C Avenue in Shenandoah claimed the life of 65 year old Karen Kay Beecher.

:Regions: All
:Division: SFM

DCI Unveils Updated, Re-designed Sex Offender Registry and Web Site

Des Moines, IOWA --- The Iowa Department of Public Safety, Division of Criminal Investigation is launching its newly updated Sex Offender Registry and Web Site. This re-design will enable Iowans to more easily monitor their neighborhood and surroundings.

:Regions: All
:Division: DCI