Police Blotter

Newton Police

Department

• Two Newton residents — 24-year-old Kristin K. Stewart and 27-year-old Michelle A. Pherigo — were arrested after authorities responded to a report of a fight at 1:39 a.m. Friday behind the Scoreboard. Upon arrival, officers observed several females involved in a fight, and several began to leave the scene. Authorities stopped one female as she was re-entering the Scoreboard, and she allegedly refused to cooperate with orders from an officer. She was identified as Pherigo, and another female outside on the ground was identified as Stewart. Both were charged with public intoxication and disorderly conduct in connection with the incident, and Pherigo also was charged with interference with official acts. Both were transported to the Jasper County Jail.

• Two Newton residents — 42-year-old Jeannie L. Howell and 38-year-old James A. Howell — were arrested Friday and charged with criminal trespass after authorities responded to a complaint at 5:32 p.m. at Wal-Mart. The Howells were charged for allegedly being in Wal-Mart after having been banned from the store. They were transported to the Jasper County Jail.

Prairie City Police

Department

• Shannon M. Baarda, 37, of Pella was charged with driving while license revoked after Prairie City authorities stopped her at 9:50 p.m. Nov. 10 for a traffic violation and determined her license had been revoked. Baarda was charged and released on her own recognizance.

• Michael J. Downing, 33, of Prairie City was arrested and charged with operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated after Prairie City police stopped him at 4:22 a.m. Sunday and determined Downing allegedly was driving while intoxicated. Downing was transported to the Jasper County Jail.

A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.