Oelwein Police Department

09/27/2026

09/24/2026

Northeast Search Warrant Executed - Arrest Made

At approximately 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 23rd, 2026, the Oelwein Police Department executed a search warrant in the 400 Block of 1st Street NE in Oelwein. During the course of the search warrant, illegal controlled substances were located and seized.

The following subject has been arrested and charged:

1) Nicole Marie Cornish, 40, of Oelwein
Possession of a controlled substance, 3rd or subsequent- Methamphetamine- Class D Felony
Possession of a controlled substance, 3rd or subsequent- Ma*****na- Class D Felony
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia - Simple Misdemeanor

The subject was taken into custody and transported to the Fayette County Jail pending an initial appearance. Additional charges are pending, and this case is still under investigation.

09/24/2026

Thursday Trivia Reveal

Correct Answer: B) Around dawn and dusk

Deer are crepuscular.

There's your $5 word for the day.

It means they're generally most active around dawn and dusk.

Unfortunately, those are also times when visibility isn't particularly great for drivers.

And here's another important thing to remember:

If you see one deer cross the road, expect another.

Slow down.

Watch the ditches.

And don't assume the deer sees you, understands what you're doing, or has developed any sort of plan.

It hasn't.

It's a deer.

09/23/2026

Wednesday Wisdom

Fall in Iowa.

Cooler temperatures.

Changing leaves.

Harvest.

And deer suddenly appearing alongside highways as though they've been waiting all summer to make questionable decisions.

So...

When are deer generally MOST active and more likely to be encountered on the roadway?

A) Noon to 3 p.m.

B) Around dawn and dusk

C) Midnight to 3 a.m.

D) Immediately after someone in the vehicle says, "You never see deer on this road."

One answer is scientifically correct.

D just feels scientifically correct.

Uncle Bob has selected D based on several years of "research."

Answer revealed Thursday.

09/21/2026

Monday Mythbusters

Myth: If there's no damage after a car accident, there's no reason to stop.

Reality: Please stop.

Even a seemingly minor collision can involve damage you don't immediately notice, and drivers still have legal responsibilities following a crash.

Bumping another vehicle and thinking,

"Eh... looks fine."
..is not the official accident investigation process.

Neither is looking in the rearview mirror and deciding the other driver "seemed okay with it."

Stop. Check for injuries. Exchange the required information, and contact law enforcement when the circumstances require it.

And if you hit an unattended vehicle, leaving a note that says:

"Sorry :("

is thoughtful...

but we're going to need a little more information than that.

Bottom line: Don't turn a minor accident into a much bigger problem by leaving. Stop and handle it properly.

The dent might be small.

The headache you create by driving away might not be.

09/19/2026

🌧️ HEAVY RAIN & FLASH FLOODING — CHECK YOUR PROPERTY

Fayette County received a significant amount of rainfall overnight, with reports generally ranging from 4 to around 6 inches in less than 24 hours.

During the overnight hours, Fayette County was placed under a Flash Flood Watch as heavy rain impacted a large portion of the county. With so much rain falling in such a short period, flooding can occur in both traditional flood-prone areas and places that normally do not experience flooding.

⚠️ Please use extra caution when traveling.

Never drive through a flooded roadway. It can be difficult—or impossible—to tell how deep the water is or whether the roadway underneath has been damaged or washed away.

Remember: Turn Around, Don’t Drown.

🏠 Please check your property this morning.

Even if you do not live in a traditional flood area, take a few minutes to check your basement, lower levels, outbuildings, and other areas of your property for water intrusion or damage. Flash flooding and heavy rainfall can cause problems well outside normal river and creek flood zones.

📋 Did you receive water or flood damage?

If your home or property sustained damage from the heavy rainfall, please report it using the link below. These reports help Fayette County Emergency Management better understand the extent and location of damage throughout the county.

🔗 REPORT DAMAGE HERE:

https://form.jotform.com/261954428227059?fbclid=IwdGRjcATjOCNwZG9mAWZkaWQWUMBn_mpS5VjKaID5Ylr8wxCxTRpCKWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR4m8BHOJpdDKfMJ53gDGwZqdtARPT6sYGDV6cBg75WjoDjm69M-7XqWb0BXsg_aem_Iqy4UE7uVmwqqPTHO6NbEQ&utm_id=97758_v0_s00_e0_tv2_a1demo0e6aqp3a

Please stay safe, avoid flooded roads, and continue to use caution around creeks, streams, drainage areas, and other locations where water may be moving quickly.

Check river gauges with this link:

https://ifis.iowafloodcenter.org/ifis2025/

09/17/2026

Thursday Trivia Reveal

Correct Answer: B) Smoke and toxic gases

The flames get the movie posters.

Smoke is often the greater threat.

Smoke from a structure fire can contain toxic gases, reduce visibility to nearly nothing, and incapacitate someone very quickly.

That's one reason firefighters are rather persistent about:

GET OUT. STAY OUT.

Not:

"I forgot my wallet."

Not:

"The dog is probably under the bed."

And definitely not:

"I'll only be a second."

There are no possessions inside your home worth gambling your life to retrieve.

Have working smoke alarms.

Have an escape plan.

Once you're outside, stay outside.

Let the people dressed like they're going to the moon handle the rest.