Newton
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Tuesday, August 5, 2014 OBITUARIES Teresa Cormeny, 50 James T. Jagau, 59 Cornelia Thomas, 100 INSIDE TODAY
Local
NHS cheerleaders at NCA camp
www.newtondailynews.com
Newton, Iowa
Vehicular homicide trial likely for October Edwards rejects plea offer
northbound in the 1100 block of East 19th Street North with a group of friends. Edwards, traveling at approximately 41 mph in a 35 mph zone, hit him with his vehicle as he was out delivering pizzas, according to court documents. After O’Brien was hit, he was thrown onto the hood of Edwards’ vehicle and Edwards carried for several feet before the Blazer came to a stop. O’Brien was unresponsive when police officers arrived on the scene.
By Abigail Pelzer Daily News Editor A Newton man charged with vehicular homicide in the death of a local teenager rejected a plea deal Monday and will likely go to trial in October. Daniel L. Edwards, 42, was charged in April 2013 after police determined Edwards was speeding and under the influence of synthetic drugs when he struck 14-year-old Brendan O’Brien with a Chevy Blazer, causing fatal injuries. O’Brien was hit at approximately 9 p.m. on a Sunday night as he was walking
He was transferred to Skiff Medical Center and then airlifted to Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines where he died two days later as a result of injuries sustained in the collision. Edwards consented to field sobriety tests and failed the walk and turn test. He also complied with providing a urine sample which came back positive for the presence of synthetic cannabinoids, according to court documents. Police also recovered a pipe and more than 2 grams of synthetic cannabinoids, “Psycho” brand K2 substance, from Edwards’ vehicle. EDWARDS See Page 5A
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Monroe man charged in fatal crash
Agriculture
By Abigail Pelzer Daily News Editor
Leasing farmland becoming more viable option Page 8A
Jamee A. Pierson/Daily News An air ambulance was needed after an accident Monday afternoon on Highway T-12 North just outside of Newton. The condition of the car driver is currently unknown.
Sports
NHS players nab LHC honors
One injured in car collision with tractor
Page 1B
Weather
By Ty Rushing Daily News Senior Staff Writer
One person was airlifted from the scene of a crash Monday on Highway T-12 North on the outskirts of Newton. A 26-year-old Newton woman, Katie Hernandez, struck the back of a tractor with a Chevy Malibu at 1:20 p.m., according to the Iowa State Patrol. The tractor was driven by Jeremy Beukema, 35, also of Newton.
Wednesday
High 70 Low 63
Both vehicles were southbound on the highway when Hernandez failed to stop at an assured distance and struck the rear of the tractor that had a hauler attached. Hernandez’s vehicle later became completely engulfed in flames. Hernandez was airlifted by a medical helicopter to Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines. A call to check her COLLISION See Page 5A
Thursday
High 73 Low 64
Early morning crash reported on I-80
Weather Almanac
Motorcycle driver air lifted from scene
Mon., Aug. 4
By Abigail Pelzer Daily News Editor
High 85 Low 65 No Precipitation
The motorcycle driver was taken by air ambulance to a hospital following a crash on I-80 early Tuesday morning.
Also: Astrograph Page 5B Classifieds Page 4B
Council working toward beautification of Newton
Comics & Puzzles Page 6A
The Newton City Council continued on its path to clean up and beautify the city at Monday’s meeting. A unanimous council approved a resolution for Sign Pro to install signage at city parks and facilities as well as decals on city vehicles. Also approved was the purchase of real estate at 1012 E. Eighth St. N. for the D&D program. In an April meeting, the council approved a contract with Sign Pro to design and install new “Get to Know Newton” signage and vehicle wraps. The funds for this project are coming from the 2013-2014 Ending Fund Balance in the amount of $26,029.
Opinion Page 4A Obituaries Page 3A Police Page 3A Our 113th Year No. 55
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unknown at press time. The Jasper County Sheriff ’s Office is investigating the accident Newton Fire and EMS also responded to the scene. Contact Editor Abigail Pelzer at (641) 792-3121 ext. 6530 or apelzer@newtondailynews. com.
CRASH See Page 5A
Illingworth settles suit against county Former Jasper County employee was terminated, claimed harassment By Ty Rushing Daily News Senior Staff Writer A former employee of the Jasper County Treasurer’s Office has come to terms with the county — more than two years since her dismissal — after filing a civil suit claiming harassment, sexual discrimination and wrongful termination. ILLINGWORTH See Page 5A
Revving up for ‘Red Pride’
By Jamee A. Pierson Daily News Staff Writer
Dear Abby Page 6A
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Jasper County Sheriff John Halferty said the accident occurred at around 4 a.m. west of Newton on eastbound I-80 near mile marker 153. Paul Manuel, 61, of Indianapolis, Ind., was transferred to a Des Moines area hospital by air ambulance. His condition was
A Monroe man is charged with vehicular homicide and third-offense OWI following a fatal crash Sunday north of Knoxville. Michael L. Liggett, 32, was northbound on Highway 14 just after 7 p.m. when he failed to yield to a motorcycle driven by Clayton B. Harris, 20. Liggett struck the motorcycle Liggett from behind at the intersection of Highway 14 and Highway G44, according to Marion County Sheriff Jason Sandholdt. Harsin, of Knoxville, sustained fatal injuries from the crash.
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COUNCIL See Page 7A
Ty Rushing/Daily News Colleen Jacobsen test drove a new Dodge Challenger on Monday evening to support the Newton Senior High School Booster Club. For every person that filled out the form and test drove one of the three Dodge vehicles at school yesterday, the booster club received $20 from Noble All-American. More than 100 people signed up. This was part of Dodge’s national “Drive 4 UR School” campaign to help schools fundraise.