Iowa man allegedly took kids out in blizzard

DEFIANCE, Iowa (AP) -- Authorities say charges may be filed against a western Iowa man who they say traveled through Monday's blizzard with his two children in search of firewood.

The Shelby County sheriff's office says Doug Welsh, of Shelby, had driven 25 miles to get firewood from someone near Defiance when his pickup got stuck in a snowdrift. He walked to a nearby house to borrow a shovel, leaving his children behind.

Chief Deputy Rod McMurphy says the home's residents called authorities. When officials reached the pickup, it was abandoned.

McMurphy says a search was called off after authorities learned Welsh and his children got a ride back to Shelby.

There is no telephone listing for Doug Welsh in Shelby or surrounding areas, and he could not be reached for comment today.