On December 29, the Bremer County court logs revealed a blend of new beginnings and legal disputes. The court documented multiple marriages celebrated in October, alongside several probation violations and criminal pleadings that have drawn attention.
Marriages Mark New Beginnings
A number of couples tied the knot in Bremer County recently. Notable unions included Mariah Kay Riley and Damon Tyrone Ross, who were married on October 17 in Waverly. Other couples included Madison Jay Stirling and Matthew Jeffrey Negen, who exchanged vows on October 18 in Charles City, and Kelly Marie Hogue with Kevin John Barnes, married the same day in Nashua.
Additional ceremonies featured Aidan Charles Calonder and Maria Eduarda Vianeli Rodrigues in Tripoli, along with Stephanie Jo Franzen and Miles Gary Matthias from Readlyn, both celebrating their marriages on October 25. The last of the October celebrations included several couples from Waverly, such as Kelsey Elizabeth Hackenmiller and Wyatt Jeffery Thomas Sawvel.
Legal Matters: Probation Violations and Thefts
The court records also highlighted a series of probation violations. David Leroy Jones, 53, from Afton, had his probation revoked due to a May 7, 2024 suspended sentence. This followed his guilty plea for forgery related to a lottery ticket. As a result, he faces a sentence of two to five years in prison, served concurrently with sentences from two other counties for similar offenses.
Another case involved Quaddre Phillip White, 26, from Saint Paul, Minnesota. White’s probation was also revoked, leading to a modification of his sentences related to drug possession and eluding police. This decision stems from a high-speed chase that occurred on April 12, 2024.
Additional theft cases were recorded in the magistrate court. Jose Vicente Montano McCain, 42, from Nashua, pleaded guilty to fifth-degree theft. He was ordered to pay a fine and restitution amounting to $186.06 after an incident involving an insufficient funds check dating back to May 5, 2022.
Similarly, Melinda Jean Hauser, 47, from Shell Rock, received a deferred judgment for her guilty plea to fifth-degree theft. She faces a civil penalty and restitution totaling $180.56 after failing to scan items at Wal-Mart on two occasions.
The court also addressed several young offenders, including Abigail Jane Schafer, 18, who was caught stealing at Wal-Mart. She was similarly placed on unsupervised probation and required to pay restitution of $148.76.
In a concerning trend, several individuals have faced charges related to operating while intoxicated. Joseph Lee Foster, 41, from Waverly, was sentenced to 20 days for unlawful possession of a prescription drug. Jason Michael Pates, 55, also from Waverly, pleaded guilty to first-offense OWI, receiving a sentence of two days in a diversion program and a substantial fine.
As the year concludes, Bremer County’s court activity illustrates a significant mixture of personal milestones and serious legal matters. The community continues to witness both the joys of new marriages and the challenges of legal repercussions faced by its residents.
