OELWEIN PUBLIC SAFETY
CITY OF OELWEIN, IOWA
Media Release
DATE: July 11, 2026
Release: Pancakes, Ice Cream, and a Roof Rescue
Oelwein Fire Department Serves Supper, Supports the Community, and Proves There Is an Easier Way to Get Take-Out
The Oelwein Fire Department once again hosted a successful Pancake Supper on Friday, July 10, welcoming a steady crowd of community members who turned out to enjoy a great meal and show their continued support for the department. Throughout the event, department members worked through the heat of the day to serve pancakes, hashbrowns, sausage, and ice cream, while visitors enjoyed good food, warm weather, and the opportunity to connect with one another. As in years past, the community's generosity and support were evident throughout the fundraiser.
In the middle of the event, however, firefighters were reminded once again that public safety does not pause for supper. At approximately 4:28 p.m., the Oelwein Fire Department received an emergency call involving a person who had slipped while on the roof of a two-story home and was at risk of falling. A team of fire department members, along with the Oelwein Police Department and MercyOne Ambulance, quickly responded to the scene and successfully rescued the individual from the roof without further incident.
After completing the rescue, firefighters returned to the station and resumed serving the meal. Naturally, our members did remind the person that there are easier ways to get a take-out order.
The event was another great example of what makes Oelwein special: dedicated volunteers, strong community support, and a willingness to come together, whether for a fundraiser or an emergency response. Good food. Great people. Strong community.
And for the record, roof delivery is not available next year.
At 6:51am on July 9, 2026, Oelwein Police arrested Ashley Jean Vanhyfte, 27, of Oelwein. Vanhyfte was charged with Domestic Abuse Assault (3rd or Subsequent Offense) - Class D Felony. The arrest was made in the 1100 block of 1st Ave SW after officers investigated a reported assault.
On July 7, 2026, at 6:21 p.m., Oelwein Officers were dispatched to a two-vehicle accident in the 1100 block of South Frederick Avenue. Upon completion of the investigation, it was determined that a 2017 Polaris Ranger, operated by Aaron Ryan of Lawler, was traveling northbound on South Frederick Avenue when a 16-year-old male operating a 2014 Nissan Pathfinder backed into the roadway, causing the two vehicles to collide.
The 16-year-old male was issued a citation for unsafe backing. The Nissan sustained approximately $4,500 in damage, while the Polaris sustained approximately $6,000 in damage.
The Oelwein Police Department was assisted by the Oelwein Fire Department, MercyOne Oelwein Ambulance Service, and Midwest Collision Towing. No injuries were reported.
On July 5, 2026, Oelwein Police charged Nick David Walker, 48, of Oelwein, with Leaving the Scene of an Accident (Vehicle Damage Only) - Simple Misdemeanor. Walker was issued a summons to court for the infraction, which occurred on June 30, 2026 in the 100 block of 1st Ave SE, following a report of a red 2002 Ford F150 leaving the scene after backing into another vehicle in a parking lot.
At 9:08pm on July 6, 2026, Oelwein Police arrested Carter Louis Roelfsema, 18, of Oelwein, in the 2600 block of S Frederick Ave. Roelfsema was arrested on a Fayette County warrant for Failure to Appear on original charges of Possession of a Controlled Substance - Serious Misdemeanor.
At 12:54pm on July 2, 2026, Oelwein Police arrested Cyle Bruce Moser, 57, of Oelwein. Moser was arrested on a Fayette County warrant for an original charge of 3rg Degree Burglary (Motor Vehicle) - Aggravated Misdemeanor. The arrest was made near the intersection of 20th St SE and Palace Rd.
At around 2:50pm on July 1, 2026, Oelwein Police responded to a single vehicle accident in the Dollar General parking lot. The investigation revealed that a white 2016 Ford Focus, driven by Deanna Parker of Oelwein, struck a safety pole after their foot slipped from the brake and hit the accelerator while parking. Initial estimates of damages were $2,500 to the vehicle driven by Parker and no reported damage to the safety pole.
On June 28, 2026, at 6:27pm, Oelwein Officers took a report of a vehicle being taken without the owner’s consent from a residence. At 6:45pm, Oelwein Officers located the vehicle and the subject driving. As a result, Mitchell Lee Wolford, 42, of Oelwein was arrested for Driving While License Under Suspension – Scheduled Infraction, Driving While License Barred – Aggravated Misdemeanor, and Operate Without Interlock Device – Simple Misdemeanor. This incident took place in the 300 block of 5th Street Southeast.
On June 24, 2026, at 5:04pm, Oelwein Officers responded to a report of a 2-vehicle accident in the 10 block of East Charles. As a result of the investigation, it was determined that a white Chevrolet Silverado, operated by Troy Richards, 63, of Oelwein, was traveling East bound when he struck a parked Red Dodge Durango, owned by Cindy Mahan, 55, of Oelwein. There was approximately $1,000 of damage to the Silverado and $10,000 dollars of damage to the Durango. As a result of the investigation, Richards was issued a citation of Failure to Maintain Control.
On June 23, 2026, at 5:27pm, Oelwein Officers conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of 4th St and 6th Ave Sw. As a result of the traffic stop, the driver, Izabelle Mina Hallett, 20, of Oelwein was arrested on a Buchanan County Warrant – Original charge of Possession of a Controlled Substance – 1st Offense. Additionally, the passenger, Conner Lee Rawlins, 21, of Oelwein was arrested on two Buchanan County Warrants. Warrant One Original Charge – Failure to Affix Drug Tax Stamp and Possession of a Controlled Substance 3rd or Subsequent Offense. Warrant Two Original Charge – Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
At 8:38pm on June 19, 2026, Oelwein Police charged John Norman Klink, 39, of Oelwein, with violation of Oelwein City Code 19-22 - Dog Running at Large. Klink was issued a citation and summons to court for the violation which originally occurred on June 10, 2026, in the 300 block of 4th St NW.
