Police out tonight

Through Thursday evening, 19 people had died in traffic crashes on Iowa roads this month. December is traditionally the deadliest month on Iowa roads. Des Moines police will have six additional traffic officers on duty tonight putting the clamps down on drunken drivers, according to Sgt. Jeff Edwards. They'll also be trying to crack down on seat belt violations.

Culver stops in Des Moines

As Governor-elect Terry Branstad prepares to take over, current Governor Chet Culver has announced that he will go on a farewell tour of the state next week to thank Iowans for the opportunity to serve them. It's a two-day tour that starts Wednesday in Council Bluffs. Culver will be in Des Moines on Thursday. Terry Branstad will be sworn in as the new governor January 14th.

Winnebago merges

If you hit the interstate this weekend, you're likely to see quite a few recreational vehicles. And one of the prominent ones... Winnebago Industries Inc. said it has completed a deal to buy SunnyBrook RV Inc. of Middlebury, Indiana., for $5.7 million in cash. Analysts say the Winnebago deal is a sign that the economic recovery is gaining momentum. It's the first acquisition for Winnebago in more than 20 years. Winnebago is one of the nation's largest makers of motorized recreational vehicles, with about 20 percent of the market.

Burglar gets a surprise

An alarm was triggered early yesterday morning at Radio Shack on University Avenue when a cinder block was thrown through the window. But the item taken doesn't even work. It was display model of a stereo meant for show only, and a courtesy check of the store showed that was the only item taken. The police report says security cameras were not recording at the time of the burglary.

Winning Lotto ticket purchased in Des Moines

The third-largest prize ever offered in the Hot Lotto was sold at a Des Moines store Wednesday, meaning a lucky winner will get $16.5 million. The ticket was purchased at the QuikTrip Store, 4801 N.E. 14th St. QuikTrip will receive a $5,000 bonus for selling the jackpot ticket. Division Manager Tom Gehrke said staff will receive a portion of it based on their position with the company. Iowa shares the Hot Lotto with 13 states and the District of Columbia.

Gas prices up

The former head of Shell Oil predicted recently that the price of gas could approach 5 dollars per gallon by the end of 2011. That made headlines, with some already worried about the three dollar national average.






What's pushing it, is the price of crude oil near one hundred dollars per gallon and, according to the former Shell executive anyway, increased demand in Asia. For now anyway we'll deal with a local average between 2.85 and 2.90 while the national average sits over three dollars a gallon. As for the 5 dollar prediction, other experts predict that won't happen until the middle part of the decade.

Drunk driving can cost you

Ever wondered how much a drunken driving arrest can cost you? There's the cost to tow your vehicle, the bail amount to leave police custody, attorney fees, jail costs and fines, and if you lose your license you might lose your job. Not counting the potential job loss, police say all of that can set you back anywhere from $5000 to $50,000 or more depending on how many offenses you've had and if there were any accident-related injuries. Have that designated driver for your New Year's Eve celebration. Police also suggest if you're partying at someone's house, just sleep there.

DART adjusts schedule for the holiday

The Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority will adjust service today because of the New Year’s holiday. Buses today will run on the weekend service schedule, so that means only local bus routes will be operating. Express service, On Call service and Routes 8, 13 and 71 will not operate. There will be no service on Saturday.

Cronin Captured

The suspect in the kidnapping and beating of a 30-year-old Des Moines woman earlier this week was arrested last night. Ryan Cronin was wanted for 1st degree kidnapping, harassment, and domestic assault. Cronin's in the Polk County Jail. Authorities say Cronin's victim, 30-year old Jennifer Thomason, was taken to a safe location while they looked for Cronin. Police says Cronin beat, kicked, punched, choked, and stabbed Thomason during an argument in her home early Sunday.

KFC Has to Pay Iowa Corporate Income Tax

The Iowa Supreme Court's upheld the state revenue departments decision to send Kentucky Fried Chicken a $248-thousand bill for unpaid corporate income taxes in 2001. KFC challenged the decision, saying it wasn't subject to corporate income taxes since it doesn't own ant restaurants or have any employees in Iowa. According to the Des Moines Register, all of KFC's Iowa restaurants are owned by independent franchisees. The state says any corporation that collects revenue in Iowa should pay taxes.

Judge fined for drunken driving

A Black Hawk County judge has pleaded guilty of drunken driving. Daniel Block was arrested November 26th in Hamilton County. It’s his first such arrest and conviction, so Block was given a deferred judgment, meaning the charge will be removed from his record if he successfully completes probation. He was also fined $625.

Fessler update

More details about the standoff Monday that lasted 7 hours on the north side of Des Moines. Don Fessler was taken into custody at the end, but seemed to have no idea the standoff lasted as long as it did. He confessed to shooting dope and watching television the whole time. He is being held without bond now.

Child abuse hotline has tenth anniversary

Ten years ago, callers to Iowa's child abuse hotline were fed to 99 different locations. Then the state ombudsman called for all abuse tips to feed into one place, and for workers to be better trained to recognize signs of abuse. The centralized call site has helped target responses to child abuse, but since children are pulled from troubled families and placed in foster care at a rate twice the national average, some are wondering whether there is too much intervention. Denise Gonzales, a service area manager and creator of the merged intake center says they make the best decisions possible.

Shootings near downtown last night

Des Moines police received several calls about shots fired near downtown late last night, and one woman was shot and wounded, perhaps seriously. Few details have been released. The shooting happened at 930 School Street. She was taken to Iowa Methodist Medical Center. Shortly before that incident, a juvenile male at Mercy Medical Center told police he had been shot in the hand. It was not known whether the cases were connected.

Produce prices on the rise

Noticed you're paying more for strawberries now? Florida farmers have lost at least $115 million in this winter's cold blast and it could get worse. It's the latest in a series of blows to America's food producing regions that are having an impact on Iowa food prices. Peppers, squash, endive, eggplant, cucumbers, sweet corn, cabbage and string beans have suffered the worst damage. Dick Rissman prices food for Dahl's.






Wholesale prices on produce have nearly doubled in the past two weeks.

Donated bikes needed

The Des Moines Bike Collective is trying to restock its supply of donated bikes to be restored and sold to low-income customers. The collective operates out of a storefront in a city parking garage along Grand Avenue. Shop manager Brad Overholser said the collective took in 402 donated bikes and resold 304 this year through November. Another 65 were given away. The winter inventory is down though, so donations are needed.

Warrants issued for Cronin

Des Moines police say Jennifer Thomason was held for hours, beaten, choked and stabbed by her boyfriend, Ryan Cronin. The incident happened at 6901 South 14th Street early Sunday morning. Thomason said she attempted to escape but was dragged back into the home by her hair and she wasn't able to escape until Cronin fell asleep. Warrants have been issued for Cronin on charges of first-degree harassment, willful injury, domestic abuse assault enhanced and first-degree kidnapping.

Misspent voting funds

A federal audit shows Iowa broke federal rules by misspending 2.5 million dollars in voting funds. Money was spent on entertainers, a gala, travel, get-out-the-vote radio advertisements, and other items. Secretary of State Micahel Mauro says the state won't have to repay the bulk of the money. After a deal with the election commission, repayments will amount to about 220 thousand dollars.

Education director named

Governor-elect Terry Branstad has named Jason Glass as director of the Iowa Department of Education, calling him a reform-minded leader for the agency. Glass has been working at Battelle for Kids, an Ohio-based non-profit group. He previously worked in human resources and education in Colorado. The job of education department director has been vacant since May, when Judy Jeffrey retired. Glass faces Iowa Senate confirmation proceedings now.

Motel Relax Fire Accidental, Officials Say

The fire that damaged Motel Relax in Urbandale last weekend was accidental, according to fire investigators. In a report released yesterday, fire investigators said a match that was carelessly thrown away is what started the blaze early Sunday. The fire caused $25,000 in damage. The match was apparently thrown into bed covers by a person who thought it was out and cold after they'd lit a cigarette.

Charges filed in Hit-and-Run Bike Crash

An Ames man has been charged in connection with a hit-and-run crash in August. Police said Brodee Darrell Dreesman of Ames was charged after police said he left the scene of a personal injury crash on Aug. 7 near 20th Street on Grand Avenue. Tyler Anderson was hit while riding a bicycle by a pickup truck. He's doing okay now.

Election Funds Mess Finally Cleared

Iowa won’t have to repay Uncle Sam any of the $2.5 million in misspent voting funds, even though federal rules were broken. Audits found state elections officials misspent money on entertainers, a gala, travel, get-out-the-vote radio ads, and more. They ended up with $221-grand that couldn't be cleared. Secretary of State Mike Mauro says the state asked the feds for a credit for expenses that were eligible for federal voting funds, but that Mauro chose to cover with state money. The feds said yes.

Gocke After GOP 35th Nomination

Ankeny lawyer James Gocke's going after the GOP nomination for the 35th District State Senate Seat. Gocke says his concerns are taxes and spending. Gocke tells the Des Moines Register money should be spent wisely with the best return for the dollars spent. Gocke, who's lives in Bondurant, says the state should take care of core services first then tackle spending on quality of life issues. Gocke says he brings not only the law but experience in agriculture, business, education, and plain old common sense.”

Dems to Nominate for 35th January 3rd

The Iowa Democratic Party's set January 3rd for the nominating convention to fill the state Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Larry Noble.
Noble, a Republican, has been picked to be the new director of the Iowa Department of Public Safety. KCCI reports state Democratic Party Chairwoman Sue Dvorsky says the nominating convention will be held in Ankeny. The special election to fill the seat's January 18th. the 35th State Senate District covers the northern half of Polk County.

Man Wanted for Beating ex-Girlfriend

Des Moines police need your help in tracking down 30-year old Ryan Cronin. Investigators say he beat, chocked, and stabbed his girlfriend over the weekend. According to KCCI, 30-year old Jennifer Thomason's told detectives Cronin beat her up during an argument over someone she'd started seeing while Cronin was serving 6 months in jail. Cronin's wanted for harassment, willful injury, domestic abuse assault enhanced and kidnapping. If you know where Ryan Cronin is, call Des Moines police at 515-283-4811 or Polk County Crime Stoppers at 515-223-1400.

Casino lease approved

The Polk County Board of Supervisors has approved a new 8-year lease with Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino. The new lease is about the same as the current one, with one exception. As landlord, the county currently pays 100 percent of the racetrack-casino's annual property taxes, which total about $4.5 million. That amount would be frozen under the new lease. Revenues from the casino are channeled to the county to pay for roughly $5.6 million in community development and betterment grants each year.

Plans for the Botanical Center

The Des Moines Parks and Recreation board gave unanimous support last night to a $10 million plan to transform the Des Moines Botanical Center. The major feature of the redevelopment plan’s first phase is closing a section of Robert D. Ray Drive in front of the center to create an outdoor botanical garden. A $10 million private fundraising campaign will be launched if there is adequate public support.

Way to help wildlife in winter

When the weather turns cold, wild bird populations in Iowa (those that are sticking around anyway) have a harder time finding food to survive. You can help by putting out feeders this winter. David Mizejewski from the National Wildlife Federation.






He also suggests you add plants to your landscape that include berries, seeds, and nuts so birds can feed during the winter.

New hotel opens

The first Hyatt Place hotel in the state of Iowa has opened in Des Moines. Hyatt Place Des Moines/Downtown will cater to business and leisure travelers. It's located in the historic downtown area, and the climate-controlled sidewalks connect it to nearby shops and businesses. Gary Dollens heads up the division that helps Hyatt expand, and said they chose Des Moines because it attracts a diverse traveler mix and is a good base for several large companies.

MidAmerican has a big new project

A big project is underway that should generate electricity for years to come. MidAmerican Energy plans to build new Iowa wind farms in Adair, Adams, Calhoun, Cass and Marshall counties that will provide electricity to about 190,000 retail electric customers by 2012. MidAmerican plans to invest in 258 wind turbines for the project, with groundbreaking on the first one next spring. Perhaps the best part...it won't require a rate increase for MidAmerican's 770,000 customers in Des Moines, Sioux City, Council Bluffs, or any of its other customers.

Deputy Hurt in Monday Night Chase

Polk county authorities say a deputy was hurt during a chase late Monday night. Deputy Todd Galetich hit two cars during the chase prompted when an ATV driver was spotted driving with no headlights shortly before midnight in Pleasant Hill. Police say the deputy swerved to miss Dale Pettijohn and slid on the ice into the parked cars. The deputy suffered minor injuries in the crash. He was taken to a hospital to be checked out. Pettijohn faces OWI and other charges related to the incident.

Iowa Wins Insight Bowl

Hawkeye fans may be tired this morning, but they are happy. Iowa (8-5) was looking to end the season on a high note against Missouri at the Insight Bowl. After a third-quarter comeback by Mizzou, Iowa pulled back into the lead in the final stanza, going on to win the Insight Bowl 27-to-24.

Adam Robinson Busted for Pot

Hawkeye football player Adam Robinson's in more hot water. He was busted last night and charged with marijuana possession. Robinson was a passenger in a car stopped by state police for a missing front license plate, and the trooper smelled marijuana and searched the car. Robinson's a sophomore running back who was already suspended by the team for failing to comply with "team expectations and policies," and didn't make the trip for tonight's Insight Bowl.

Branstad Picks Admin Services Chief

A local construction industry manager's been picked by Gov-elect Terry Branstad to head the state department of administrative services. 57-year old Mike Carroll will replace Ray Walton. Carroll's a vp and partner at Hansen Company based in Johnston. The Department of Administrative Services, coordinates state government resource, and the Des Moines Register reports Carroll's work experience includes developing budgets and managing technology, business development and pre-construction services.

West Des Moines city manager discussions continue, but not publicly

The West Des Moines city council is discussing its search for the next city manager behind closed doors. Patrick Banger of O'Fallon, Mo., backed out as candidate for the position last week, after questions were raised about expense reporting in O'Fallon when he was city manager and his consulting work for a nonprofit whose board he chaired. West Des Moines has asked Slavin Management Consultants, the company that handled the city manager search, to keep looking for candidates. It was a closed session yesterday to discuss it all at the city council meeting.

Drunk driver reports himself

Iowa City Police say Francisco Castro called 9-1-1 last Saturday because he wanted to report a drunk driver....himself. Police said when they got to his location on Highway 6 there was an open container of hard liquor in the vehicle, and Castro's blood alcohol content was 0.22. He was arrested.

Mortgage help

Iowa is offering help to those who struggle to make mortgage payments with a free hotline. Trained counselors help identify your best course of action and everything is kept confidential. The Iowa Mortgage Help Hotline is 1-877-622-4866. The goal of the hotline is to put borrowers and lenders together to find solutions. More than 12,000 Iowans have filed applications with the hotline so far.

Shovel the walks

Don't forget to shovel your sidewalks. So far this winter, frustrations over snow- and ice-packed sidewalks have resulted in about 130 complaints filed with the Des Moines Department of Public Works. More than seventy fines have been issued to property owners.

Escapee captured

Des Moines police officers, along with a US Marshall and two parole and probation officers stormed a house yesterday and fired tear gas inside to arrest an escaped inmate. A standoff lasted about 7 hours before the capture. Donald Charles Fessler walked away from a Des Moines work release facility November 30th. Before he was captured at an apartment complex on 24th street, officers said Fessler had cut a hole in the floor to move from the upstairs to one of two units below. He was hauled out of the complex about 4:20 yesterday afternoon and booked into the Polk County jail.

Get a gift card?

More than half of adults in the US are saying their Christmas gift list included gift cards. That's more than asked for clothing, books, entertainment and electronics. Reports have said one in four received gift cards last year and have yet to spend them. New laws passed in August mean gift cards won't lose their value if you put them aside for a while and forget about them. You have at least five years to use the money on the card. But you want to be sure to have at least a little activity on the card during the year, or the merchant can start charging a dormancy fee.

Special election coming up

A special election is coming up quickly to fill Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds' senate seat in District 48. The election covers southern Iowa and twenty thousand people. Joni Ernst is running against Ruth Smith. The special election takes place January 4th, and the legislative session starts January 10th, so the new senator will have to get up to speed quickly.

Incentives to shop

The lines seemed to move relatively quickly for shoppers who wanted to return gifts after Christmas. Most stores were set up to handle the rush and kept the lines moving. Returns used to be the thing that lured shoppers into stores, and now it seems retailers are putting greater emphasis on discounts. Daryl Dell'anno, JCPenney store manager.






Shoppers have already spent 451.4 billion dollars this season, and retailers are giving it one final push this week.

Just warnings this time

Instead of $35 tickets, those who parked illegally on snow covered streets got only warnings. Back on December 12th, police wrote more than 500 tickets for those who violated the new ordinance that prohibits on-street parking during snowstorms in 16 designated neighborhoods. But since it was Christmas, officials decided on warnings this time since so many out-of-towners would be in the city and would likely be uninformed. By the way, police will keep track of warning notices. Anyone who previously has received a warning will get a ticket next time.

Snow Route Parking: Warnings This Time, Not $35 Tickets

If you were parked on a snow route this weekend, consider yourself lucky for getting a warning instead of a ticket. The ordinance that prohibits on-street parking in 16 neighborhoods across Des Moines is still pretty new, and police found there were a lot of complaints after the first snowstorm. So with all the visitors for Christmas and the city wanting people to be aware of the need to move cars more than they wanted the money from the tickets, the decision to write only warnings was made late last week. They wrote more than 500 tickets during the December 12th storm.

Day-Long Standoff End with 20+ Officers Rushing Apartment

More than 20 police officers rushed an apartment near Drake University yesterday afternoon following a standoff that had lasted most of the day. A work-release inmate, Donald Fessler, was holed up in one of the unit, and his refusal to come out eventually led to police firing tear gas into the unit where they thought he was along with several neighbors. Because of that, the neighbors are being helped by Red Cross -- their unit are uninhabitable until the windows are repaired and the damage from the tear gas cannisters cleaned up.

Feds Bonus to Iowa Medicaid

Iowa's getting a $7-million federal bonus for good work with its Medicaid system – enough to plug a shortfall for this budget year. But state officials say they still have to find a way to plug a $462-million shortfall in the next budget year. The Feds awarded Iowa the bonus for simplifying eligibility and enrollment processes for kids who apply for Medicaid, a state-federal health insurance program.

Chair Name for Court Search Committee

State Supreme Court Justice David Wiggins will be playing a major role in the search to replace three of his colleagues on the bench. Wiggins will chair the 15-member commission that'll seek, screens and select finalists for the Iowa Supreme Court. The nonpartisan commission's scheduled to meet the week of Jan. 24 to interview replacements for the three justices voted out of office in November.

Police End Standoff

Police used tear gas this afternoon to end an escaped prison inmate who'd holed up in a Des Moines home for most of the day. The Des Moines Register reports 42-year old Donald Fessler's wanted on a probation violation and was earlier convicted of second-degree robbery.
Fessler tried to make his stand in a home at 1327 24th street.

Local ties to a national TV show

You might recognize one of the faces on the Food Network's "Worst Cooks in America" when it launches its second season. Erika Rumsey now lives in suburban Chicago, but used to live in Akeny, and she is one of several cooks nominated by friends and family for the having pathetic cooking skills, according to a Food Network press release. Rumsey can't divulge too many details because of her contract with Food Network, but she did say host Anne Burrell called her the Barbie of the show at one point. The show airs Sunday nights through February.

Family recovers from fire

Two weeks ago, Shannon Farwell woke up her 10 and 8 year old daughters because there was a fire in their house on Allison Avenue. Thankfully, they got out out. Shannon is hearing-impaired, so her daughter called 9-1-1 that night. Their home was destroyed, along with money they had set aside to buy Christmas presents. But by Christmas Eve, Shannon and her girls had moved into a new furnished townhome and they are doing just fine thanks to friends and neighbors who had come together to help. The girls have transferred school and will attend in West Des Moines next year.

What you can and can't recycle

Metro Waste Authority says a number of holiday items can be recycled, but some common items cannot be. Wrapping paper, greeting cards, catalogs and cardboard can all be recycled. Just stick those in your bin. But take the plastic bags back to the store to be recycled. Also, you can't recycle bows, ribbons, metallic wrapping paper, styrofoam packing materials and disposable plates, silverware and glasses. Trash and recylcing collections are on their regular schedule this week. There is no delay for the New Year's holiday.

Funds for home building available

More help now as people in the state recover from the floods of 2008. More than $11 million has been awarded to build 246 homes in Iowa, including Des Moines, as part of the Single Family New Construction Program. The funds are part of $516 million approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and announced by Gov. Chet Culver last fall. Qualifying homeowners may be eligible for up to 25 percent of the price of a home built under the program, but they must be able to support a mortgage and live in the home for 5 years.

Library worker retires

Today is Jane Horn's last day working at the library in downtown Des Moines. It's the only place she has ever worked, and she's been there for 46 years. Most of her 46 years with the library were spent at the old downtown branch, at 100 Locust St. She has worked out of the current building at 1000 Grand Ave. since it opened in 2006.

Titan Contract Agreement

United Steelworkers Union members at Titan are back at work, after approving a contract agreement with the company this weekend. The new contract freezes wages at $22 per hour and requires workers to contribute more to the cost of health insurance coverage.

Day-After Christmas Sales

On the day after Christmas, return lines weren't the only thing that had shoppers out and about. The day-after sales led to yesterday being the tenth-largest shopping day of the year, according to the peop[le who track those kind of things. Large crowds were out making use of those gift cards, stocking up on clearance-priced Christmas stuff for next year, and checking out the day-after sales.

One Injured in Urbandale Hotel Fire

An extended stay hotel in Urbandale caught fire early yesterday, leading to one person staying there being treated for smoke inhalation. Firefighters say the blaze at Motel Relax was reported shortly after midnight yesterday morning.The fire started in a lower unit and quickly spread to another room and to the balcony of a unit above. The cause of the fire, which is blamed for several thousand dollars worth of damage, is still under investigation.

Christmas Recycling Tips

The Metro Waste Authority has advice for how to make your Christmas more green this year. You can recycle Wrapping paper, greeting cards, catalogs and cardboard. Recycle your plastic bags at the store, not in your Curb It! cart. You can't recycle Bows, ribbons, metallic wrapping paper, Styrofoam packing materials and disposable plates, silverware and glasses. Toss these in your garbage can, or better yet reuse them.

Titan Tire update

Titan Tire workers have rejected the latest contract offer. The company called this contract its final offer, but the union rejected it despite being out of work for almost a week. Some workers say the biggest sticking point was forced overtime without prior notice. Talks are continuing, but its possible that a strike is looming. We'll keep you updated.

Teacher charged

A police report was filed nearly a year ago, and an arrest made this week. Kenneth Peter Rettler of Bear Creek, Wis., was arrested in Des Moines for having an inappropriate relationship with one of his students. He was a biology teacher at Scavo Alternative High School in October 2009 when he allegedly began contacting a female student by email through a school computer and coerced the victim into consensual intercourse in his classroom. According to the police report filed last January, the victim was three months pregnant, possibly with the teacher’s child. Rettler was terminated from employment at the school in December 2009, police said. When detectives began the investigation they learned Rettler was moving back to Wisconsin with his wife. He relinquished his license in May.

To waive or not to waive

Earlier this fall the Des Moines school district announced it was going to make it tougher for students to waive their physical education classes by scaling back exemptions. That caught students and parents by surprise and went opposite a national trend. Despite growing concerns about obesity, the number of states that allow students to waive or substitute physical education classes has grown from 27 to 32 since 2006, according to Paula Kun, a spokeswoman for the National Association for Sport and Physical Education. Those students can enroll in marching band, cheerleading, or a variety of other actitities. As educators and parents try to get together on this, it will no doubt make more headlines in 2011.

Snow and parking

City officials are reminding us all in Des Moines not to park along designated streets if a “measurable snowfall” occurs anytime on Christmas weekend. The police department says those vehicles can be ticketed or towed. Two weeks ago, more than 800 tickets were issued for illegal parking along snow ordinance streets when Des Moines was hit with its first winter storm of the season. The tickets are $35 for each violation. Some residents have spoken out against the new ordinance that prohibits on-street parking in 16 residential neighborhoods when Public Works Department crews plow during snow storms. In fact, some have urged the City Council to allow parking in front yards during snow storms, which didn't get much traction at this week’s council meeting. Stay tuned on that.

Air Jordan rush

One more day of shopping? Are you finished? The average person, according to the National Retail Federation, spent 688 dollars on gifts this holiday season. That injects 451.4 billion dollars into the US economy. Some shoppers aren't so much concerned about a good deal, as the hottest new thing. The much-anticipated new “Cool Grey” Nike Air Jordan 11 sneakers, which sell for $175 a pair, went on sale at midnight Thursday at several local retailers. The Air Jordan's were last sold in 2001, and Nike made them available for only 24 hours this year.

Positive signs for 2011

Here's some good news for your Christmas....Economic reports suggest employers are laying off fewer workers, businesses are ordering more computers and appliances, and consumers are spending with more confidence. The latest data confirm that the economy is improving, even though too few jobs are being created to lower the 9.8 percent unemployment rate. But this is a good sign heading into the new year.

Des Moines earns ranking

Des Moines is one of the best cities in the US for business. Washington DC landed the top spot, followed by Omaha, Boston; Des Moines, Minneapolis and Denver. Marketwatch says the Best Cities for Business ranking included the concentration of businesses within a metro area, as well as metrics such as unemployment, job growth, population growth, personal income and local gross domestic product. Cities with populations of 500 thousand or more were ranked.

PAWS Findings

The Wyoming Education Department spends too much for PAWS, and doesn't use the results very well. That's the result of a legislative audit. The Casper Star-Tribune reports the audit confirmed educators don't understand or trust the validity of the PAWS. The audit suggested PAWS be used for other high-stakes purposes such as graduation requirements, Hathaway Scholarship criteria or performance pay for teachers and principals.

Teacher Busted for Alleged Inappropriate Student Relationship

a former Des Moines teacher's been busted for having sex with a student. According to The Des Moines Register, police say Kenneth Rettler of Wisconsin, had a sexual relationship with a student while he was a biology teacher at Scavo Alternative High School last fall. He was fired last December and surrendered his teaching license this past May. He was released on $400-bond. He's due back in court next week.

Special Election for the 35th Senate Seat Set

A special election's been set for January 18th to fill the 35th district Iowa Senate seat. Republican Larry Noble, won that seat last month, but is stepping down after being named the new Commissioner of the Iowa Department of Public Safety. Noble's a retired Iowa State Patrol trooper and also worked in the Division of Criminal Investigation. the 35th Senatorial District covers northern Polk County.

Man lied about being stabbed

According to Des Moines police, a man lied about being stabbed and robbed earlier this week. 37-year old James Kevin Evans told police he was leaving a bathroom at 699 Walnut St. when an assailant stabbed him and took his wallet. Then Evans allegedly admitted to police that he lied about the incident because he did not want to admit to his fiancee that he lost his job. Police say he stabbed himself in the side. Police issued Edwards a citation for filing a false report and released him.

Ebert killed in an accident

The founder of the AGAPE Pregnancy Center died in a car crash in Des Moines Tuesday. 74-year old Jan Ebert when she pulled out in front of an SUV near the AGAPE offices on ML King Blvd. She died at the scene. Ebert founded the AGAPE Pregnancy Center more than 25 years ago. It’s a place for unmarried mothers to get help for their unborn babies.

Trowbridge charged

Ankeny police said yesterday that a Des Moines man is charged with first-degree murder in the death of his infant daughter last summer. 20-year old Ryan Trowbridge is accused of causing fatal injuries to his 4-month-old daughter, Rylee, on July 12. Trowbridge and his daughter lived in Ankeny at the time. Police received a call about an infant who was not breathing. According to police, Trowbridge told officers his daughter had been laid down for a nap and he found her blue and unresponsive. An autopsy showed the child suffered head injuries. Trowbridge is in the Polk County jail on $500,000 bond.

Big travel day today

Triple A says today will be the biggest travel day of the holiday week with 92.3 million people headed 50 miles or more away from home. Three million people are flying. The National Weather Service says some in Iowa will see 6 inches of snow today. The high will hover right around freezing for the next two days with that chance of wintry precipitation, so allow plenty of extra time to get to your desination.

Titan vote expected

Titan Tire union workers are expected to vote today on a new contract. Production ended last Friday night after owners and union leaders failed to reach a new agreement. The closure affects close to 500 workers. Union leaders presented the latest offer to workers and they will hold the vote today. Workers at the Titan Tire plants in Bryan, Ohio, and Freeport, Ill., are also expected to vote on today.

Robber met his match

21-year old Dominique Erick Lee of Des Moines, was arrested this week on charges of first-degree burglary, parole violation, possession of a weapon as a felon and intimidation with a dangerous weapon. Officers said they responded to the call Tuesday night they found a shotgun on the floor and Lee detained on the floor with vacuum cleaner cord wrapped around his feet. His fingers were bleeding from machete wounds. The occupants of the house resisted the burglary and overpowered Lee. A machete cut nearly removed the top of one of Lee’s fingers, police said. He was taken to Broadlawns Medical Center for treatment and later was transported to the Polk County Jail.

Home sales report

There may not have been that many home sales this year, but the houses that sold got a good price. Home sales across Iowa fell 33 percent in November compared to a year earlier, according to the Iowa Association of Realtors. But the price increased. The average sale price climbed $3,888 over the year to $141,342. Kurt Schade, president of the Iowa Association of Realtors, said he thinks buyers' concern about the economy and job security concerns continue to influence home sales. But he thinks sales will pick up after the holidays as consumers see interest rates tick higher and prices stabilize.

State Patrol in Financial Trouble?

Iowa's State Patrol's already on the lean side, and unless the legislature acts, 45-troopers could lose their jobs when federal funding used to pay for them runs out next June. There are 371 troopers, the lowest level in more than 40-years. Right now no troopers assigned overnight on major highways in rural areas of Iowa. a spokesperson for Gov.-elect Branstad, says its' under review. State Senate President Jack Kibbie, says he thinks lawmakers will authorize the State Patrol more troopers. Republican State Rep. David Tjepkes, a former state trooper and incoming chair of the House Transportation Committee, tells the Des Moines Register he'll back sufficient state funding for troopers, but he wants some moved from desk jobs and back on the road.

Titan Tire Contract Vote Expected

Union workers at Titan Tire are scheduled to vote on a new contract Thursday. Production at the plant stopped last Friday night after the owners and union leaders couldn't come to terms on a new contract. KCCI TV reports the closure affects close to 500 workers. Union leaders presented the latest offer to workers and Thursday's decision day . Workers at the Titan Tire plants in Bryan, Ohio, and Freeport, Ill., are also expected to vote on the proposed contract Thursday.

Ankeny Man Charged With Killing Infant Daughter

Ankeny Police have charged 20-year old Ryan Trowbridge with murder in the death of his 4 month old daughter Rylee. He surrendered this morning, and is being held in the Polk County Jail on $500-thousand bond. Police say while Trowbridge was caring for Rylee in July, he put her on a bed for a nap. He told police at the time he'd later checked on her and found she'd stopped breathing, and called 911. An autopsy found head injuries on the child that didn't match Trowbridge's story. His attorney tells the Des Moines Register: “At the time of the unfortunate death of his daughter he did cooperate and provide information to investigators. This is a medical case with complex medical issues. He knew there was a chance that based on the results of an autopsy he might be charged.

Grandmother Sentenced in Incest Case

A Des Moines Grand mom was sentenced to probation today over beating a 12-year old male relative she said sodomized her then 8-year old grand daguther. Prosecutors wanted Maia Beaudeau to do 5-years in prison. the 54-year old's been in jail for 9-months. She still faces trial for fleeing the country after she was charged in 2007. Beadeau was convicted in September for assault, and child endangerment causing bodily injury. She says she might appeal the child endangerment charge. In a detailed report earlier this year in the Des Moines Register, Beadeau's case was highlighted problems investigating charges of sexual abuse in families and the fairness of the criminal charges filed against her.

Hunt for a city manager

West Des Moines officials have said they are reopening their search for city manager after the front-runner, Patrick Banger, withdrew his name from consideration. Ethical questions had been raised about his previous employment. Banger had been the favorite until an audit showed missing information on spending when he was city manager of O'Fallon, Missouri. Officials also questioned his position as a consultant for a Missouri nonprofit whose board he chaired. The city council now will retain Slavin Management Consultants to present new candidates in the next 45 days.

Is this your landlord?

Des Moines Water Works officials have filed $53,000 in liens against properties owned by landlord Mark Critelli as part of a larger effort to recover almost $100,000 in unpaid water bills. Reports came out recently that revealed Critelli may be delinquent on taxes, liens, and unpaid fees and fines tied to his properties. That's when the utility company began trying to collect too. Critelli owns about 60 rental properties in Des Moines and has reportedly violated city code when it comes to bugs, rodents, broken windows, and missing fire extinguishers. Critelli has told city officials he's working with investors and a new property management firm to fix the issues. The utility company will not disconnect the water, because they don't want to punish tenants for the landlord's issues.

Weather and holiday travel

Triple A says Thursday will be the biggest travel day of the holiday week with 92.3 million people headed 50 miles or more away from home. The National Weather Service says a storm is brewing, and will be arriving in the Midwest Thursday and will continue Friday. There will be locations of heavy snowfall, but those locations are still uncertain. Miles Schumacher, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service says "The bigger problem will be south of Iowa. Anyone heading south may experience ice and sleet. Looks like that will all stay south of the Iowa border."

Preschool spending

A new report says Iowa is third in the nation on spending on the youngest of preschool children. The study is by the Washington-based Voices for America's Children. It says Iowa spends $753 per child on preschool for children up to the age of 2, which experts say is the most crucial age for brain development. California leads the nation. Some worry that purse strings will have to be tightened, as Gov.-elect Terry Branstad has said that spending will be an issue when the Legislature convenes next month. Child advocates hope there's room for compromise.

KCCI number one

KCCI Television is still dominant in the ratings. The CBS Affiliate and Hearst Television, Inc. station is number one in the November 2010 local news ratings according to Nielsen Media Research. KCCI wins every weekday newscast and at 10pm is watched by more than its competitors combined.

Scam alert

Be warned of consumer scams this time of year. The Department of Justice is aware of several. A delivery confirmation scam sends you an email that says a package could not be delivered and asks you to click a link. Free iPad pop up ads don't give you anything free, and may work their way into your bank account. And cyber thieves are posting fake vacation rentals on the cheap that don't really exist.

Traffic fatality

Des Moines police said a woman is dead after a two-vehicle accident yesterday afternoon on Martin Luther King Jr. Pkwy north of Hickman Road. The woman was driving a Toyota Corolla and she was killed when it collided with a Cadillac Escalade. Police said it appeared another vehicle pulled out in front of the Escalade and that broadsided the Corolla. The woman's name has not been released.

Energy credit deadline approaching

Time is running out to take advantage of the energy-savings tax credit. The credit was part of the federal stimulus package that took effect in February 2009, and applies to people who buy appliances like furnaces, air conditioners and windows that make their homes more energy-efficient. The deadline is Dec. 31, and local business owners are reporting a high number of people coming in to take advantage of the 30 percent credit. The tax credit is limited to $1,500 and only applies to the primary homeowner.

Census

The US Census released population figures yesterday. Director Robert Groves






There are over 308 million people in America and although there has been steady growth, it's still the slowest rate of growth since the Great Depression. In the Midwest, the population growth rate was at 3.9 percent. Iowa has just over 3 million people, and since the population didn't grow as fast as the rest of the nation here, the state will lose a seat in the House of Representatives. Instead of 5 seats in the 2012 election, Iowa will have 4.

Branstad IPERS

The state employee pension system will need some tweaks, but Gov-elect Terry Branstad says he's changed his mind about replacing Donna Mueller as IPERS chief executive. The Iowa Public Employees’ Retirement System, serves 300,000 current and former public employees and retirees from state and local governments. Branstad told a town hall in West Des Moines that says right now IPERS isn't actuarially sound and they’ve been increasing the contributions. Branstad says he knows public employees are worried about any changes to the pension system, but “we also need to balance that against a concern for the taxpayers who are footing the tab for its' cost.

Titan Tire lockout

Titan Tire plants across the Midwest have been lockin their doors... this comes after a temporary contract extension between the company and the United Steel Workers Union expired last Friday. Most facilities are expected to be closed until at least December 26th, and could be shut down longer if a deal is not reached. A woman in Titan’s Des Moines, Iowa, corporate communications office said Monday afternoon she couldn’t comment on the lockout. Titan Tire employs nearly 500 union workers across the Midwest.

Manure watch

The nonprofit Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement is vowing to watch Iowa livestock farmers' moves this winter when it comes to manure spreading. The group wants to make sure the fish-killing byproduct doesn't run into streams. It's been a hot issue for awhile. Environmentalists and some regulators wanted to ban farmers from spreading manure on frozen or snow-covered ground. A state panel moved to do that, and new rules take effect today. But the state decided to let farmers continue emergency applications, with approval, over the next five years. The citizens' group has fought to prevent winter spreading of the wastes because the frozen conditions can lead to runoff, which increases ammonia levels and harms fish.

Chances of a white Christmas

The National Weather Service has released some weather facts about Des Moines this time of year. The city has had a white Christmas (that is, measurable snowfall) 26 times since 1884, giving us a 21 percent chance that it will occur each year. 55 Christmas days have had a trace of snowfall since 1884. The third snowiest Christmas Day on record came in 2009. The snowiest, if you're wondering, happened in 1909 with 4.1 inches falling that day.

Robinson arrested

A standoff early yesterdy morning at a mobile home park near the west side of Ames ended peacefully. 28-year old Major L. Robinson was taken into custody outside his mobile home on west Lincoln Way shortly before 6 a.m. and charged with interference with official acts, disorderly conduct and first-degree harassment. The sheriff said deputies were called about a report of loud music at the mobile home about midnight. They knocked on the door. Robinson threatened the officers, claimed he had a weapon and went into a tirade Robinson didn't emerge until dawn. He's being held in the Story County Jail on 2600 dollars bond.

Mortgage fraud to be targeted

The housing crisis may have given some motivation to work around the system. That has federal and state prosecutors saying they will combine forces to investigate mortgage fraud in Iowa. U.S. Attorney Nick Klinefeldt and Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller announced the joint effort yesterday, called Iowa Mortgage Fraud Working Group. One thing that will be closely scrutinized...“robo-signers,” the practice of one individual signing dozens of court documents without ensuring the foreclosure information in them is accurate. Miller said he wants to make Iowa a very bad place to commit mortgage fraud.

Marijauna found on trains

This might cause you to think differently about passing trains Within the past week in Chicago, police seized enough marijuana from a rail car to total 22 million dollars in street value. Now in Blair, Nebraska authorities have seized hundreds of pounds of marijuana from a railroad tanker that sat in the Cargill plant. The estimated street value of that bust was 400 thousand dollars. In both cases, the drugs reportedly originated in Mexico.

Motherly instincts take over

After an intruder broke into a woman's apartment Sunday, she reportedly threatened him with a knife. She told police she opened the door after she asked who it was and heard "the mailman". He reportedly pushed open the door and said he wanted all of the Christmas presents, and when she refused he threatened to take the woman's infant instead. She grabbed a knife and threatened to stab him, and at that point he ran. The investigation continues.

Grassroots opinions matter

Gov-elect Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov-elect Kim Reynolds flew to Sioux City and Council Bluffs yesterday to ask Iowans' opinions on how to meet state goals. Branstad’s goals are to create 200,000 new jobs over the next five years, raise family incomes by 25 percent, reduce the size and cost of government by 15 percent, and restore Iowa’s educational system to its best-in-the-nation status. Some ideas? Raise the gas tax, waive taxes on spec houses--that is, don't charge contractors property taxes until they're occupied, and work on corporate property tax relief.

Des Moines U gets new President

Des Moines University announced yesterday that Dr. Angela Walker Franklin will be its 15th President. She replaces Terry Branstad who resigned last year to make a successful run for the governor's office. Franklin is currently the president of Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee. Franklin will begin her duties in the spring.

New Gun Law Takes Effect January 1st

Some big changes hit January 1st when Iowa's new gun law takes effect. KCCI-TV reports as of the new year, there'll be one set of rules for the sheriff's in all 99 counties to follow when issuing a gun permit. Any Iowa residents who's not barred from gun ownership by state or federal restrictions will be able to get a permit once they've completed firearm safety training. There will no longer be a proficiency requirement for gun ownership. Sheriff's will no longer have a say in where an applicant has to go to get their firearms training. Most sheriffs currently require gun owners to keep their firearms concealed in public, but under the new law, sheriffs have no say in that either, which could be the biggest change under the new law. Another major change is that you will be allowed to carry your weapon while drinking; although your permit will be invalid if you're intoxicated, which under state l;aw is having a blood alcohol concentration-or BAC of .08 or above.

Wind Farms and Crops

A wind farm could be good for your crops, at least corn and soybeans that is. That's the conclusion of an Iowa State University researcher. George Tackle, a geological and atmospheric sciences professor, says the turbines help moderate ground level temperatures, blow away moisture that can grow fungi, and stir up the air, exposing plants to more growth-promoting carbon dioxide. The Des Moines Register reports, Takle researched wind farms last summer, collected data on wind fluctuation, temperature change and carbon dioxide levels from fields near the turbines.

Busy mail day today

As you head to the Post Office this morning to mail off those last minute cards and packages, be prepared for a line. Today is the busiest day of the year for the USPS. The Postal Service said it is prepared to handle an estimated 800 million pieces of mail today, 40% more than on an average day. FYI-As long as you get your cards and packages in the mail by tomorrow, they should be delivered by Christmas Eve.

Gas prices spike

Gas prices are up as many hit the road for the holidays.






Triple A's Marie Dodds also projects that if crude prices don't come down from the current 90 dollars or so per barrel, we could see gas prices next summer about 60 cents higher. If crude stays the same or falls, we wouldn't have that problem. The average price of gas in Des Moines in the past 36 hours seems to be 2.90.

Des Moines In Top 20 Economically

There are many who remain jobless in Des Moines, but overall the local economy is doing well. A new report by the Brookings Institute says the local economy was among the 20 best-performing in the country in the third quarter. Des Moines, Madison and Omaha were on the second-quarter top-performing list, too. The report takes into consideration employment, jobless rates, economic output and housing in the nation’s 100 largest metros each quarter.

Questions Arise Regarding West Des Moines Manager Candidate

A 2005 audit from a St. Louis suburb has raised questions about the front-runner to become city manager in West Des Moines. Finalists to replace Jeff Pomeranz were introduced earlier this week, and Patrick Banger, the former city manager of O'Fallon, Mo., emerged as the favorite. But city officials reopened the search Wednesday and said they would send a group to Missouri to look further into the background of Banger. A city audit in Missouri turned up salary incentives and a trip to Ireland, and now that city's expense report is being questioned. City officials still have a high interested in Banger, but they have to get past this investigation to proceed.

Alliant Customers May Get a Refund

You may hve some money coming back to you. Alliant Energy asked for a 13 percent rate increase, or nearly 150 milion dollars. Regulators have approved an increase of $114.5 million, or 9%. That's less than a temporary increase of $119 million implemented in March, which means customers will get a refund of about $4.5 million. The board wants Alliant to agree to a minimum 3-year rate freeze now. Alliant says it is reviewing the board's decision.

Johnston School Board Member Charged with Shoplifting

A member of the Johnston school board has been charged with shoplifting after stealing a $38 piece of clothing November 30th. Julie Walter allegedly committed the theft at Valley West Mall's Von Maur department store, according to a West Des Moines police report, after making multiple other purchases totaling more than $500. She pleaded not guilty and has a trial date of Jan. 20.