BLAIR, Neb. —

The Iowa mother, who was arrested in Blair after her two children were rescued from a hot car, pleaded guilty to child abuse.

The incident happened in August at an apartment complex.

Blair police said employees at a nearby business heard children screaming and called 911. A Washington County Sheriff's sergeant, who was in the area, found a 3-year-old and a 16-month old crying inside a locked vehicle. The vehicle was not running, and the children were secured in car seats.

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The kids were taken to the hospital and were released to a family member.

Blair police arrested Tanya Knudsen of Missouri Valley, Iowa, and on Wednesday, Knudsen pleaded guilty to child abuse.

She is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 6, 2026.

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