Lights and Sirens

Rock Valley Man Airlifted From Scene After Alvord Area Accident

Alvord, Iowa — A Rock Valley man was airlifted to a Sioux Falls hospital after an accident near Alvord on Monday, January 12, 2015.

The Iowa State Patrol reports that about 4:20 PM, 52-year-old Robert Hepp of Hartford, South Dakota was westbound on 210th Street, about two and a half miles east of Alvord in a 2004 Peterbilt semi. Thirty-eight-year old Aaron Westra of Rock Valley was southbound on Fir Avenue in a 1996 Buick.

Westa failed to stop for a stop sign according to the report, and drove into the passenger side of the truck.

Westra was trapped and was freed mechanically. The Avera Care Flight helicopter landed at the scene and transported Westa to Avera Medical Center in Sioux Falls.

The investigation continues.

The Lyon County Sheriff’s Office and rescue crews from Inwood, Rock Rapids, and Alvord assisted Iowa State Patrol troopers on the scene.

Scott Van AartsenJanuary 13, 2015January 13, 2015

Incidents And Accidents From Lyon County Sheriff’s Office

Rock Rapids, Iowa — Here are the latest minor incidents and accidents from the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office

The Lyon County Sheriff’s Office investigated a one vechicle accident on January 9, 2015 at approximately 5:45AM .The accident occured on the 2500 Block of Hwy 18 south of Inwood. Austin J Bohlke (34) of Inwood, Iowa was operating a 2006 GMC Denali owned by Richard Bohlke. Bohlke was driving south on Hwy 18 and struck a snow drift and lost control striking a guradrail. No injuries were reported and Bohlke’s vehicle sustained approximately $1,500.00 in damages.

On Wednesday, January 7, 2015 at approximately 10:15 AM, The Lyon County Sheriff’s Office investigated a two vehicle accident at S Carroll Street and 3rd Avenue in Rock Rapids. Darwin Korthals (67) of Rock Rapids was driving a 1988 Ford Pick up northbound on S Carroll Street. Erin Reed (38) of Rock Rapids was driving a 2002 Buick and had stopped at the stop sign at 3rd Avenue. Reed pulled away from the stop sign and collided with Korthals in the intersection. No injuries were reported. The Korthals vehicle sustained approximately $750.00 in damages while the Reed vehicle sustained approximately $2,000.00 in damages. Reed was cited for Failure to Yield to Vehicle on the Right.

On January 2, 2015, at approximately 8:00 AM, the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office investigated a two vehicle accident at the intersection of IA Highway 9 and Fig Avenue. Kevin R Metzger (55) of Rock Rapids, IA, was operating a 1995 Ford Van pulling a trailer, both owned by Leuthold Plbg, Htg & Elec of Lester. Metzger was attempting to turn south onto Fig Avenue and was struck by Dennis L Van Maanen (67) of Hull, IA who was operating a 2014 Peterbuilt tractor pulling a 2015 Trailer, both owned by AD Trucking of Hull. Van Maanen struck the right side of Metzger’s vehicle and both units came to a stop in the ditch. No injuries were reported. Metzger’s vehicle sustained approximately $1,500 in damages, while Van Maanen’s sustained approximately $10,000 in damages. Van Maanen was cited for Following too Closely.

Scott Van AartsenJanuary 10, 2015January 10, 2015

Two Sioux Falls Men Arrested, Charged With March Burglary In Little Rock

Rock Rapids, Iowa — Two Sioux Falls men have been charged in a burglary case in Little Rock from back in March of 2014.

The Lyon County Sheriff’s Department reports that they charged 30-year-old Nathan Bradley Perkins and 19-year-old Jared Christian Gates, both of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, with 3rd degree burglary, a Class D Felony; and 4th degree criminal mischief, a Serious Misdemeanor.

The two are accused of burglarizing the Bucksaw Bar in Little Rock, Iowa on March 14, 2014.

Both men are currently in the Minnehaha County Jail in Sioux Falls on separate charges.

Scott Van AartsenJanuary 9, 2015January 9, 2015

Nine Arrested On Drug-Related Charges In Orange City

Orange City, Iowa — Nine people, seven of them from Orange City have been arrested and charged with drug-related offenses.

The Sioux County Sheriff’s office reports that in the 1 AM hour on Wednesday, January 7, their deputies carried out a search warrant following a drug investigation at an apartment on Fourth Street SE in Orange City.

Upon further investigation, deputies found marijuana, cocaine, acid paper, THC wax and drug paraphernalia.

Elizabeth Winship, age 18, of St. John, IN, Zacariah Wothe, age 21, of Le Mars, IA, Chance Wetter, age 19, Kevin Moore, age 21, Trey Beltman, age 19, Sierra Johnson age 20, Cody Langel, age 19, Samantha Van Grouw, age 18, and Sarah Eubank, age 21, all of Orange City, were arrested and charged with possession of controlled substances and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Scott Van AartsenJanuary 9, 2015January 9, 2015

O’Brien County Sheriff’s Office Investigating Report Of Vandalism At Sanborn Pipeline Terminal

Sanborn, Iowa — The O’Brien County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the report of an alleged criminal mischief incident at the Mid-America Pipeline Terminal one mile east of Sanborn near the junction of Highways 59 and 18. The incident is believed to have occurred between 2:00 PM and 11:45 PM on December 29, 2014.

The Sheriff’s Office reports that it appears that a vehicle was used to ram the main gate of the security fence that encompasses the property. The gate was heavily damaged in the process of the collision and the suspect’s vehicle also sustained front end damage. But the vehicle had left the scene prior to the officer’s arrival.

The Crime Dusters program is offering a $400 reward to anyone who provides information on this crime that leads to the arrest and conviction of the offender. You can provide information on this crime or any other crimes by calling the O’Brien County Sheriff’s Office at 712-957-3415. When you call, they’ll connect you with a deputy who will take your information. You can also provide information or tips on crimes by using the “Hot Tip” link or “e-mail” button at obriencountysheriff.com. If you want to remain anonymous but still be eligible for the reward, arrangements can be made for that as well.

Scott Van AartsenJanuary 7, 2015January 7, 2015

Alcester Man Dies In Accident Near Hawarden

Alcester, South Dakota — An Alcester man died Monday in a rollover crash on County Road 13, just west of the state line on the Big Sioux River.

The South Dakota Highway Patrol reports that 67-year-old Lee Wayne Thormodsgaard of Alcester was driving a 1994 Jeep Cherokee west on County Road 13 in Union County. He traveled off the snow-covered road into the north ditch, and his SUV rolled. Thormodsgaard sustained fatal injuries in the crash. He was wearing a seatbelt.