Woman allegedly neglects children at campground

HARTINGTON – A woman who allegedly neglected her children at a campground is facing a child abuse charge.

A Cedar County sheriff’s deputy responded to the Cottonwood Campground May 11 to the report of the woman, later identified as Kaari Rood, 54, Yankton, S.D., “passed out” and children being cared for by strangers in the campground.

Campers reported a 2-year-old child at the playground without parental supervision and then a short time later noticed the child had a full diaper with feces falling out of it.

Several attempts were made to get Rood to care for the child but she was reportedly incoherent.

Campers took turns caring for the girl and her 5-year-old brother, who were not clothed properly, and were hungry and thirsty, they told law enforcement.

When the deputy arrived he made several attempts to rouse Rood and pulled her from the tent when she finally came to, according to court documents.

When asked where her children were, Rood responded, “at daycare.”

Rood was arrested on suspicion of negligent child abuse and the children were placed in the custody with a family member.

Her next court appearance was set for June 20 in Cedar County Court.

Stalking charges

In other court news, Michael Hakeneis, 54, Laurel, is facing additional charges for alleged stalking and two counts of violating a protection order for driving by two different residences where the petitioner was and yelling profanities.

A warrant has been issued for his arrest.

The new charges come after a May 7 incident with the same woman at a Laurel residence.

According to witnesses, Hakeneis allegedly grabbed a woman and shoved her, stomped on her feet, and attempted to push her over a railing. Law enforcement observed injuries consistent with the witness statements.

He was charged with domestic violence causing bodily injury- third offense and disturbing the peace.

The protection order was issued two days later.

His next court date is set for June 20 in Cedar County Court.