Plans Being Developed to Change Mental Health System

A report from the state Department of Human Services recommends an overhaul of the mental health system, moving to regional service delivery groups plus new crisis intervention programs. According to the Des Moines Register, agency chief Chuck Palmer says the county based system being used now doesn't work. The next month and a half staff will be working up plans to hand lawmakers for switching to the regional approach.

DM PD After Driver Who Hit Bridge

Des Moines police are looking for the driver who crashed a car into a bridge this morning at 6th Avenue and Hickman Road. Police tell KCCI the driver ran away from the scene, and that drugs were found in the car. The suspect's a bald white male, wearing a white hoodie, and black pants

WDM ID Theft Case

West Des Moines police are asking for your help in tracking down two people they think are tied to an ID theft case. Investigators say someone stole a briefcase with a debit card inside October 4th. KCCI reports the card's been used multiple times since in Wes Des Moines, Des Moines, and Indianola. Authorities think they're driving a white over grey 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee. If you have information, contact WDM POlice at 512-222-3329, or Polk County Crime Stoppers at 515-223-1400.

DM Neighborhoods Targted for Upgrades

Seven Des Moines neighborhoods are going into city programs that upgrade housing and improve parks, sidewalks and streets. The Des Moines Register reports Gray’s Lake, Lower Beaver and Martin Luther King Jr. Park are going into the Neighborhood Revitalization Program to help stabilize and improve residential areas. Beaverdale, Capitol East, Capitol Park and Woodland Heights will be part of a new program that updates improvement programs over a decade old.

Three Arrested with Weapons at Party

There was a party in Des Moines on Sunday and three men were arrested on weapons charges after a gun was fired at the party. The Des Moines Register reports that Le'Prese Williams, Traeon Blakley and Aaron Dennie, all of Des Moines, were taken into custody in the 38 hundred block of Southwest 56th Street when the three arrived, and argument ensued, one of the three removed a weapon from their vehicle and eventually the three left. Police nabbed them after somebody at the party emailed police all the info and video that somebody shot of the whole event..

Son Risks LIfe To Save Dad

A Boone County man risked his own life to save his dad on Saturday morning. Officials have not released any names in the case, but said the two were spreading anhydrous ammonia on a farm field when the tanks started to leak. Officials said a cloud of toxic gas quickly surrounded the tractor. They said the man's son jumped onto the tractor and climbed inside, trying to drive the tractor out of the cloud. Unfortunately, it was too late. His dad died at the scene. The son was treated and released from the hospital.

Martensdale Congregation Meets in School Gym

A massive fire last week couldn't stop the congregation of the St. Paul Lutheran church in Martensdale from holding services. Most of the 100 members came together yesterday at the local high school gym to mourn the loss of the century old building. They gathered around a makeshift altar that included the one thing firefighters were able to save from the flames--a special candle known as the Christ Candle. Fire officials say they may never be able to determine the exact cause of the fire because it burned the building so completely

Field of Dreams Sells, to Remain Ballpark

The Field of Dreams has been sold, after a year and a half on the market. Don and Becky Lansing’s 193-acre Field of Dreams farm near Dyersville, Ia., was the site of filming for the 1989 Kevin Costner movie of the same name, and the couple often referred to the popular tourist attraction as their “child.” Its new owners plan to expand it into a rural youth baseball utopia.The baseball and softball complex is to be named “All-Star Ballpark Heaven.” Opening is slated for 2014.

Redbox Raising DVD Rental Price

If you rent movies from Redbox, it'll cost you more as of Monday. The company's raising the price for DVD rentals from $1 to $1.20/night. A company spokesperson tells KCCI, they needed the 20% hike to cover the cost of higher debit card interchange rates. The rental charge for Blu-ray and video games
won't be going up.

Inmate Missing from Work Release Captured

Authorities say a missing prison inmate is back behind bars. 34-year old Kory Moorman was reported missing from a Des Moines work release center when he didn't come back from work October 22nd. KCCI Reports he was captured Wednesday, and is in the Polk County jail. He was serving a 24-year sentence for multiple convictions including assault with intent to injure a police officer.

Reward for Pumpkin Theft

An Urbandale Farmer's offering a $200 reward to whoeveer returns 220 pumpkins stolen from his business. According to KCCI, Bryan Etchen says 400-pumpkins were delivered to him Wednesday night. Half were gone the next morning. Etchen says whoever stole them had to have a trailer to pull it off. The missing gourds are valued at $2,000.

ISU's New President Will Start in January

Iowa State's new president will start January 16th. Steve Leath was originally supposed to start Feb 1st, but KCCI reports he informed the university he could start 2-weeks earlier. The Iowa Board of Regents agreed yesterday. Leath's salary will be $440,000 a year and $225,000 in deferred compensation if he stays for three years. Leath comes to Iowa from the University of North Carolina.

Pella Job Cuts

Pella Corporation announced Thursday it plans to close its plant in South Carolina and ask workers in its Iowa plants to retire or voluntarily leave. Pella said the West Columbia, S.C., plant will close by the end of December. It currently employs 147 people.
The company said that it is also offering incentives for employees to retire or voluntarily leave the workforce at its operations in Carroll, Shenandoah, Sioux Center and Pella. Incentives are also being offered at Pella’s manufacturing sites in Macomb, Ill. and Portland, Ore.

Marensdale Church Destroyed by Fire

St. Paul Lutheran Church in Martensdale is a total loss, according to firefighters, after a fire ripped through at about 9 p.m. Seven fire departments were at the scene, but the flames still burned for hours. KCCI reports firefighters had trouble getting enough water through the city system, so they had to truck more water in to the more than 100-year-old church.

3-Minute Car Chase Ends with Teen's Crash, Death

Authorities say they're finding it hard to explain why a teen took off after police tried to pull him over late Tuesday night. The state patrol says 18-year old Jonathan Bindel was speeding on US 30 near Jefferson, but when a trooper turned on the emergency lights to pull him over, he only sped up. After he was clocked at over 100 miles an hour, Bindel slammed into a Jefferson police pickup that had just pulled onto the highway to slow him down. That crash didn't hurt the officer, but it killed Bindel and injured a 20-year old passenger.

People Want Details on Branstad Education Reform Plan

Rural southwest Iowans told Gov. Branstad today they want more detail on how families and the community will be involved in his education reform plan. They also say school reform should allow a big role for local school boards, administrators and teachers who should be deciding what works for their students and what doesn't. Branstad and the Lt. Gov. were at a forum in Greenfield.

Ex DM HS Student Sues Over Teacher Sexual Advances

A former Scavo High School student's suing the Des Moines School District, and school's principal for doing nothing while another teacher, Kenneth Rettler, made sexual advances towards her. Josephine Stevens, alleges Rich Blonigan and at least one other teacher knew she was alone in Rettler's classroom, with the door locked-a violation of school policy. Stephens ended up pregnant, and Rettler was fired over allegations of an inappropriate relationship with Stephens.

Cedar Rapdis Church Members Not Holding Sex Sting Bust Against ex-Pastor

A Cedar Rapids minister's church wants him back, even though he quit after being busted in a prostitution sting. Police say the Rev. Jonathan Offt was arrested Oct. 15, when he answered an online ad and offered money to an undercover female police officer posing as a prostitute. According to KCCI, Trinity Lutheran Church members say Offt was well liked and belongs at the church.

Regents - Tuition Hike Vote Expected Tomorrow

Iowa Board of Regents is expected to vote on another tuition hike tomorrow. In-state students would pay 3.75% more, and 2.63% for out of state students in the 2012-13 academic year. KCCI reports in dollars, in-state students $240 more and out-of-state students $480 more at ISU, $570 at UNI and $1,130 at Iowa.

Man Robbed At Des Moines Motel

He thought he was doing a good deed, but all Alam Mohammed got for his trouble was...robbed. Mohammed says he was in his room at the Royal Motel on Douglas Avenue in Des Moines Monday night when two women knocked on his door and asked for water. As they walked in, a man appeared and punched Mohammed in the face, while the women took 40 dollars from his pants. Mohammed says he let the women in because they were friends of a neighbor.

Trial Date Set For State Trooper

Trial for an Iowa State Patrol Trooper on burglary charges will be held next February. Mikel Yauk of Oelwein has pleaded not guilty in Fayette County District Court. Yauk is accused of entering the home and performing a sex act on the woman as she was sleeping. She says she woke up to find him naked from the waist down. She says he got dressed, took her cell phone and left. Yauk was arrested and placed on administrative leave.

Rep. King Not Ready To Endorse

If you're a Republican presidential candidate, you want an endorsement from Iowa Congressman Steve King. Problem is, King says he not ready to endorse any of them just yet. King says he's not going to get everything he wants in any one of the candidates, but he has been complimentary of Rick Perry of late. The two also recently went hunting together.

High Speed Chase Ends In Fatal Crash

A Jefferson man was killed in a Greene County crash Tuesday night, after leading the Iowa State Patrol on a high speed chase. 18-year-old Jonathon Bindel was being pursued on westbound Highway 30 after being observed driving fast and erratically. The Taurus he was driving collided with a Jefferson Police Department pickup truck at North Grimmell Road. Bindel's 20-year-old passenger was taken to the Greene County Medical Center.

Five Candidates To Attend Des Moines Dinner

The Ronald Reagan dinner in Des Moines will be held November 4th at Hy-Vee Hall, and so far, five of the Republican presidential nominees say they will attend. Michele Bachmann, Newt Gingrich, Rick Perry, Ron Paul and Rick Santorum have confirmed. Mitt Romney will send his son, Josh, and Herman Cain is undecided. Tickets for the event start at 75 dollars apiece.

Protesters To Attend Wisconsin Governor's Speech

Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker is giving a speech in West Des Moines tonight, but he may not be thrilled with some of those in attendance outside the Sheraton hotel. Union members and other Iowans are protesting what they call Walker's "union-busting actions toward workers in his state." Walker signed the Wisconsin law that cut back collective bargaining rights for state public workers earlier this year.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Blamed For Des Moines Death

A man found dead in a West Des Moines church parking lot appears to have died from carbon monoxide poisoning. Police say James Twadell of Omaha was using a charcoal grill to stay warm inside his SUV Friday night. Twadell was in Des Moines for a tree trimming job at a home near the church. Unable to find a campground, Twadell opted for staying in his SUV in the parking lot. His body was found Saturday night after he didn't show up for work earlier in the day.

Richter Murder Trial Begins Today

Opening statements in a Fort Dodge court room today in the murder trial of Tracey Richter. Richter is charged with the killing of 20-year old neighbor Dustin Wehde in 2001. Richter claims Wehde and another man broke into her Early home and assaulted her, resulting in her killing Wehde in self-defense and the defense of her three children. Prosecutors say evidence uncovered in 2008 will prove it wasn't self-defense, and that Richter committed the crime to frame her ex-husband.

Great Harvest Bakery Gone for Good

If you'd planned on picking something up at Great Harvest Bread Co. in Des Moines, make new plans. The owners have decided to call it quits, and their stores in Des Moines and Clive have closed their doors for good. Signs went up at the stores last week. KCCI says the owners confirmed the news in a post on their facebook page.

Two Debates This Week in Special State Senate Election

There'll be two debates this week for the candidates running in the Nov. 8th special election to fill the state senate seat of Swati Danekar, who stepped down when Gov. Branstad named him to the state Utilities Board. The Des Moines Register reports the candidates are democrat Liz Mathis and republican Cindy Goulding. The first debate's 7-to-8p.m. Wednesday at the Linn-Mar High School Auditorium in Marion. The 2nd is Thursday at 7 at the Kirkwood Training and Outreach Center, also in Marion.

Carlisle Gets Grant for Trail Loop

Carlisle's won a $460,000 grant from the Vision Iowa Board to help build a nature trail loop. The Des Moines Register reports just over 3-miles of the trial would be built in Carlisle, and it would link the Summerset Trail to the Scotch Ridge Nature Park. It will eventually provide a commuter route to downtown Des Moines. Carlisle's already got the rest of the $2.5-million total needed from other sources.

Arrest in Freeborn Murder

Des Moines police have arrested and charged 32-year old Richard Polak of Nebraska with homicide for August's murder of Charles Freeborn. Detectives interviewed Polak shortly after the murder, but it took another few months to bring the case together. The Des Moines Register reports someone fired into the house Freeborn was visiting in Des Moines. There's no word on the motive.

Arrest Made in Freeborn Murder

Des Moines police have arrested and charged 32-year old Richard Polak of Nebraska with homicide for August's murder of Charles Freeborn. Detectives interviewed Polak shortly after the murder, but it took another few months to bring the case together. Someone fired into the house Freeborn was visiting in Des Moines. There's no word on the motive. More charges filed against Boone woman in Ames shooting incident (Des Moines Register)

Florida GOP Punished For Primary Move

Florida Republicans are paying the price for moving their primary. Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus says the Florida GOP's decision to move the state's primary up will cost Florida half its delegates at the Republican National Convention next summer. The move is a violation of Republican party rules, and forced Iowa to move its caucuses from February 6th to January 3rd--far earlier than the Iowa GOP would have preferred.

PM2 Highway 2 reopens

For Iowans who have to drive into Nebraska City, Nebraska on a regular basis, this will be good news. Iowa Highway 2 opened again Monday after Missouri River floodwaters left it unpassable for more than four months. Detouring around the closure added an hour to the trip for those who commute between Iowa and Nebraska City regularly. Area retailers are estimated to have lost 30 percent of their regular business during the closure.

Des Moines Woman Injured In Stalker Incident

A Des Moines woman was injured Monday night after an alleged attack by a stalker. The 20-year old woman told police she was removing her daughter from a vehicle when a man grabbed her, told her he loved her, then hit her in the face. She managed to free herself and flee with her baby. The victim says she doesn't know the man's name or his background, but she's had trouble with him in the past and has filed multiple police reports.

Crews Removing Truck From Neal Smith Trail

Road crews were working today to remove the damaged tractor trailer from the east bank of the Des Moines River. The truck went through a guard rail Monday night and careened down a slope to the Neal Smith recreational trail. The driver of the truck was not seriously injured, but the Iowa State Patrol says the truck is totaled. There's also some damage to the trail itself. The accident is under investigation, although no one was ticketed.

Casey's May Make More Stores 24-Hour

Your convenience store may be getting more...convenient. Ankeny-based Casey's General Stores says it may be converting more of its nearly 17-hundred stores to 24-hour operations. Currently, about 10 percent of the company's stores are open around the clock, including six in the Des Moines area. The co-founders of the company were originally against the idea, but positive reviews of the first 160 conversions could lead to more.

Des Moines Water Works Eyes Rate Increase

Des Moines Water Works customers can expect higher water bills in 2012. The Water Works board is voting today on a rate increase that would generate nearly a half a million dollars in new revenue. The new money would offset an increase in operating, maintenance, and capital expenses for the utility. If approved, the new rates would take place on April first of next year. The increase would be between 1 and 10 percent, with Warren County and Pleasant Hill being hit the hardest.

Arrest Made In Fatal Des Moines Shooting

An arrest in the fatal August shooting on the west edge of Des Moines. Police say the nearly 3-month investigation in the shooting of Charles Freeborn has led them to 28-year-old Richard Joseph Polak of Nebraska. Freeborn was visiting a woman on the 600 block of West 62nd street just after midnight on August 4th when shots were fired into the house. At the time, Des Moines police didn't thing it was a random shooting.

More Sex Crimes Convicitons Will Cost Taxpayers

The number of people convicted for sex crimes in Iowa's gone up in each of the last 5-years, and KCCI says a draft state report says it's going to cost you a lot more. Some blame it on 'special sentences' that require supervision after release for 10-years or life. And the lifetime supervision's expected to hike the parole caseload 78% in the next 10-years,costing almost $35-million.

Wal-Mart Holiday Price Guarantee Program

Wal-Mart's come up with a holiday price guarantee program for all stores in the U.S. KCCI reports the Wal-Mart's offering customers a refund on the difference, if they find the same product they bought at a Wal-Mart store advertised for less elsewhere. The price guarantee's good on purchases made Nov. 1 through Dec. 25 that are available at a competitor's store in the same local market.

USPS Hiring for the Holidays

They may be in dire financial shape, but the Us Postal Service says it's hiring temporary workers at its mail sorting centers in Des Moines and Urbandale. The jobs will pay between $11.50-and-$15.85/hour. The jobs will be from mid-November through mid-January, and include some positions requiring a valid CDL. You can apply online at www.usps.com, click on careers.

180 Jobs Coming to Ft. Dodge-New Bioscience Plant

Gov. Branstad says a new bioscience plant's coming to Fort Dodge, and it'll mean 180-new jobs. KCCI reports South Korean based CJ Corp., will be opening a new facility next to the Cargill plant. The total project investment will be in more than $320 million.

Juvenile Crime Up in Polk County

The number of juveniles taken to court for serious crimes in Polk County's gone up 80% from the first 9 months of 2009 to the first 9 months of this year. According to the Des Moines Register, those numbers statewide for the same period are down 19%. Deep cuts local, state, and federal funding have doubled the juvenile probation caseloads, a year waiting list for state-funded mental health services, and fewer programs to deter teens from crime.

Kraft to Layoff Some Workers

Kraft Foods in Mason City says it will lay off as many as 50 full-time workers there in December. Kraft Corporate says external conditions caused the layoffs, as did the plant's being too efficient, and the seasonal work there. Kraft says it will start cutting back on workers, and there are two planned plant shutdowns, one for a week this month and one for a week next month.

Trucker Rescued

The crash is being investigated, but fellow motorists are being credited with saving a trucker who was trapped in his burning rig. It happened in Council Bluffs on Interstate 29 around 9:15 Sunday morning when the trucker hit a bridge support. Fire officials said the crash ruptured the truck's fuel tanks, and the fire that ensued was fueled by crates of fruits and veggies. The driver, from Pennsylvania, was pried out of the vehicle.

Amtrak Ridership Down

Summer rain and the Missouri River flooding have cut Amtrak's ridership by more than 15 percent. The Des Moines Register reports that its another blow to US passenger rail service, in Iowa, as Republican legislators say they don't want to spend state dollars on a Chicago to Iowa City route. That means the state would likely have to return the nearly 901 million dollar federal grant that was in place to fund the new route.

WDM School Named Healthiest K-12

West Des Moines' Phenix Elementary School's been named Iowa’s healthiest K-12 school at the third annual Healthy Iowa Awards. The Des Moines Register reports the awards are presented by Academy for a Healthy Iowa. The school promotes a healthy living through several initiatives, including classroom time on where vitamins and minerals come from, as well as a half hour of physical activity every week.

Bd of Regents Considered Tuition and Fee Hikes

Although the numbers could change, based on what the legislature does, Iowa's Board of Regents next week will consider raising tuition 3.75% next for state residents attending the three public universities. The Des Moines Register reports the U of I would raise fees 3.75%, Iowa State's tuition and fees would go up 3.2%, and University of Northern Iowa would only raise fees-bringing the total hike there to 3.88%.

Ex U of I Doctor Gives Up Medical License Over Child Porn

A former U of I doctor's surrendered his medical license and has been fined $10,000, after KCCI reports Iowa's Board of Medicine's charged him with viewing child porn and having an inappropriate sexual relationship with a female subordinate. Gary Hunninghake resigned in May after spending months on paid leave while the university investigated the kddie porn allegations. They closed his case without bringing charges for reasons still unknown.

Man Claims He Saw Man Carry Baby Lisa Whren She Disappeared

There's now a man who claims he may have seen baby Lisa Irwin just after she was snatched from her crib at her family's Kansas City home the morning that she disappeared.

Mike Thompson told ABC News, "Well, four o'clock in the morning, 45 degrees, the baby don't have no blanket, no coat nor nothing, and this guy's walking down the street. That's what's kinda weird."

Thompson said he saw a man wearing a short sleeved shirt carrying a baby wearing only a diaper on Tuesday October 4, the day the baby disappeared. Thompson said he waited for about a week because it didn't hit him that Lisa Irwin had disappeared and that he saw the man carrying the baby so he could put the two together.

IDCI Agent Shoots Forest City Officer

KCCI is reporting that a Forest City police officer was shot by an Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation agent. A news release from the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation says the officer was off-duty and under investigation when he was shot Thursday night. The shooting happened as two DCI agents were interviewing the officer. The release said that following the interview, a struggle between the officer and at least one of the agents ensued, and one of the agents shot the officer.
The release says the officer was taken to a local hospital and treated for a non-life threatening injury.

Gorcery Store Could Return to Central Des Moines

Central Des Moines’ long wait for a grocery store could be over. According to ther Des Moines Register, The Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, Des Moines Area Community College and CDT Investments LLC submitted a $1.2-million bid for the empty Top Values property on University Avenue. The group's plan for the site includes a new grocery store and a work force training center. City Council's expected to vote on the offer Monday.

DM Police Arrest Man For Allegedly Fondling School Girl

Des Moines Police haven't released the name of a man they arrested this afternoon for allegedly groping and kissing a 14-year-old girl who was walking home from school. Investigators say the girl missed her bus and was walking home when she says she was assaulted near MacRae Park in the city's south side. She called her home, and her father and brother came to the area, spotted the suspect and held him for police.

Des Moines Police Looking for Murder Witness

Des Moines Police are looking for Richard Polak. They're offering a $500 reward and have a material witness warrant for him, because they believe he may have seen the August 3rd murder of 28-year old Charles Freeborn. Freeborn was shot in a home at 605 SW 62nd Street, by someone who fired rounds into the house. Polak's 6' tall, weighs 175, has blue eyes and brown hair and a spider web tattoo on his elbow. If you know where he is, call Des Moines Police at 283-4811

MidAmerican Asks Customers to be Their Eyes

MidAmerican Energy says thieves have tried to steal copper from several of their substations in the last few weeks. According to KCCI, the company's asking customers to report an suspicious activity they see around their power poles, entering substations or carrying coiled wire when there are no MidAmerican vehicles in the area. The utility says anyone caught stealing copper could face felony charges under an Iowa utility trespassing law.

Five Juveniles Charged forTossing Pumpinks Off Highway Overpass

Five juveniles have been arrested on charges they threw pumpkins off an overpass on I-380 north of Cedar rapids, hitting a minivan. The three 17 year olds and two 16 year olds have been charged with assault causing bodily injury and criminal mischief by the Linn County Sheriff. KCCI reports 34-year old Cassandra Chase received injuries tied to broken glass, and her minivan was severely damaged.

Caught on Tape: Man Allegedly Steals From Store

A man who allegedly stole 300 dollars worth of blue jeans from a store was caught on surveillance video. West Des Moines Police said the theft happened more than a week ago, on Wednesday, October 12 at 1:08 p.m. from the Jordan Creek town Center on Jordan Creek Parkway. KCCI reports that police said the video shows the man hiding three pairs of jeans and leaving the store sans payment. If you know anything about the theft, call Crimestoppers. You can be antonymous and you could receive a cash reward.

Search for Lisa Turns Secretive.

The search for baby Lisa Irwin turned secretive yesterday, as airspace over her parents home in Kansas City was blocked to TV news helicopters and other air craft. Reports indicate investigators in white suits carried evidence out of the house in a search that started around 8 a.m. on Wednesday and ended around 1 a.m. today. Investigators would not say whether they found anything or not. The now nearly 11 month old went missing on October 3 as her parents claim someone broke into her room and took her from her crib.

DM Philanthropist Elizabeth Kruidenier Dies at 85

A woman who played a big part in develop Des Moines' Gray's Lake Park and building the arts community in Des Moines has died. Friends say Elizabeth Kruidenier(Cry-dun-ear) passed away at her home this morning. She was 85. Elizabeth, a lawyer and her late husband, David, not only helped fund the Gray's Lake walking trail, but also the new downtown library as well as the Blank Park Zoo, Science Center of Iowa and the Iowa Hall of Pride.

New Report Says Iowa's Bridges Are a Mess

A report from Transportation for America says Iowa has the third worst bridges in the nation. The report says just over 24%, or 358 bridges in the Des Moines Metro are structurally deficient, with an average of six drivers crossing one of those bridges every second. 22% of Iowa's 24,000 plus bridges are considered 'deficient,' but state officials say none of them are in danger of imminent collapse.

Parole Board Tells Anfinson No

The Iowa parole board's turned down a request from Heidi Anfinson to be released today. Anfinson was sent to prison for the 1998 death of her baby, whose body was found in a lake near Des Moines. KCCI reports Anfinson pleaded guilty in 2009 to child endangerment charges and was sentenced to 50 years in prison. She'd already served nine years for a previous 50-year sentence for second-degree murder when the Iowa Supreme Court granted her a new trial.

Carlisle Girl Scouts Raising Money for AED's

Carlisle's Girl Scout Troop 1322 have been busy raising money to buy 4 AED's for each building in the Carlisle Community School District, before the end of the year. They've raised $3100, and need $500 more. The Des Moines Register reports an AED's a portable device that can shock a heart back into normal rhythm. The American Heart Association says, CPR rescue's with an AED ups survival rates by as much as 49%.

Judge Fines Occupy Iowa Demonstrators

Occupy Iowa demonstrators who were arrested after refusing to leave the State Capital grounds, were ordered today to pay fines. A judge set a $100 fine plus court costs, or $300 total. More Occupy Iowa protesters rallied at the Statehouse today to support those arrested. KCCI reports about 50 of them marched from the Capital to the Polk County Courthouse. Occupy Iowa's camped in a Des Moines park after their permit to stay at the Capital expired.

Has there been a baby Lisa sighting?

Riley County Police in Kansas are investigating the sighting of a small black car bearing Missouri plates, and carrying two white women in the 20s and a baby who authorities say may resemble the missing 11 month old Lisa Irwin. Kansas Highway Patrol said the women and the baby were spotted at the McAlister's Deli in Manhattan, Kansas, but left without eating when people started looking at them. One of the women is described as having dark hair and a pink hooded sweatshirt. The other had light brown hair. If you know any thing, call 911.

Wheeler Sentenced

Tom Wheeler, former Iowa FIlm Office chief, has been sentenced to 2-years probation and fined $750. The 42-year old was convicted of misconduct in office for falsifying public records. He was charged in a tax break scheme that gave money to individuals and businesses that made films here.

Study: Cain's 9-9-9 Hits Low and Middle Income Hardest

A new study says Herman Cain's 9-9-9 plan would raise taxes on over 80% of the population. The tax Policy Center in Washington, says low and middle income families, earning 10 to 20-grand/year would see their taxes climb 950%. KCCI reports those earning over a million a year would see their taxes on average drop 50%. Cain would end income, payroll, capital gains, and corporate profit taxes, and put a 9% tax on income, businesses, and national sales.

HS Teacher Facing More Sex Charges

A second student's come forward to accuse a Bloomfield public school teacher of sexual abuse. KCCI reports 31-year old Ryan Grinstead was busted yesterday and is charged with 3rd degree sexual abuse and sexual exploitation. He was first slapped with a sexual exploitation charge in September. Grinstead worked at Davis County High School in 2008 and 09.

Teen Pleads Guilty to Robberies

A juvenile court judge will decide the fate of 16-year old Isaiah Forest. He pleaded guilty yesterday to two counts of second degree robbery for holding up two gas stations, the Kum and Go and the Swift Shop, both on Lincoln Highway. KCCI reports prosecutors want Forest held in juvenile detention in Eldora until he turns 18.

USPS Raising Rates in January

Come January 22nd, mailing a first class letter will cost you a penny more-45-cents. The post office lost $8 billion in fiscal 2010 and the bottom line is likely to be even worse when final figures for fiscal 2011 are released next month.

Txt Svs Family

The text didn't say "your house is on fire", but because teens these days sleep with the cell phone close by, it was a text that saved a Cushing family from a house fire. Seems Katrina Slater was awakened when she got a text message, saw the fire out her bedroom window and got everybody out safely. Fire investigators said the fire probably started in electrical wiring on the porch, and then the fire spread.

Wheeler Sentencing Today

The former director of the Iowa Film Office will be sentenced today for misconduct in office. Tom Wheeler is expected to get five years when he's sentenced today in Polk County court. Wheeler was found guilty of the misconduct charge only, and not guilty on eight other counts of fraud and conspiracy. Prosecutors claimed that Wheeler was an insider for the Iowa film industry, but the defense claimed Wheeler just didn't know what he was doing.

DM Budget Meeting Tonight

Tonight's the first of three town hall meetings on Des Moines city budget. Tonight the focus will be on infrastructure and development services provided by the community development, engineering and public works departments. Tonight's hearing starts at 6, and is at the Botanical Center on Robert Ray Drive. There are two more meetings on the budget-October 26th and 27th. The city's trying to close a 2-year$7.7-million budget hole.

Police Say Cell Phone Had Part in Deadly Crash

The Iowa State Patrol says the driver of a car that ended up in a Southern Iowa farm pond earlier this month, was trying to make a call on his cell phone just before the accident. The Patrol tells KCCI 26-year old Hoyt Reynolds went through a stop sign October 11th, his car went airborne and landed in the pond. 24-year-old Thomas Walljasper, a passenger in the car, died in the accident.

Wellmark Wants to Raise Premiums Again

There's a public hearing December 10th on a rate hike request from Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield. They want to raise premiums for 70,000 plus individual customer in Iowa by 9.35%, or about $47/month. Wellmark says the hike's needed because of increased use of health care services, which they blame on Iowans getting less healthy, partly because of obesity. They raised premiums for individual customers earlier this year by 8.5%.

DM Post Offices Closing

There'll soon be two fewer post offices in the Des Moines Metro. The USPS says the Highland Park office on E. Euclid's closing for good Friday, and the Capital Square office on Locust Street will close December 26th. 212 post office box holders will be affected. KCCI reports the Highland park boxes will be moved to the east side annex on E,. Fleming the Capital Square boxes will go the main office on 2nd Avenue downtown.

Two DM Metro Post Offices CLosing

There'll soon be two fewer post offices in the Des Moines Metro. The USPS says the Highland Park office on E. Euclid's closing for good Friday, and the Capital Square office on Locust Street will close December 26th. 212 post office box holders will be affected. KCCI reports the Highland park boxes will be moved to the east side annex on E,. Fleming the Capital Square boxes will go the main office on 2nd Avenue downtown.

Man Attacked, Woman Assaulted in Home Invation

Police say a man was hurt, a woman sexually assaulted during a home invasion in Cedar Rapids last week. Reports indicate that a group of men broke into the home, took items from the home, attacked a man in the house and one of the men allegedly sexually assaulted the woman. A three month old baby in the house was not hurt.

Police Question Man in Baby Lisa Case

Kansas City Police say they have questioned a man about the disappearance of Lisa Irwin, the 11 month old missing now nearly 2 weeks. Police said they talked with Johnny Tanko who was seen in the neighborhood about the time Lisa's parents claim she went missing. Police are also looking into a find of fresh diapers and some men's clothing in a house, but say they don't know yet if that's related to the child's disappearance. Tanko was arrested on unrelated charges.

One Dead in WDM Shooting

West Des Moines police are investigating an overnight shooting death. KCCI is reporting that police were called to a Third Street address just after 1:30 this morning. They found a person had been shot and was pronounced dead. Detectives were interviewing witnesses to find out exactly what happened.

Hy-Vee Salad Recall

Hy-Vee's recalling some bagged salads because of possible listeria contamination. The voluntary recall involves 2,154 cases of bagged salads produced by River Ranch Fresh Foods, LLC of Salinas, Calif. KCCI reports they all have a "Best By" date of Oct. 14. The products are off store shelves, but they want customers to check their refrigerators and if they have affected product return to the store. The detailed listing is in the story on our website.

Recalled Product:

Hy-Vee 8 oz Shredded Iceberg UPC number: 75450-12053 BEST BY 14OCT2011 A106A and A106B
Hy-Vee 12 oz. American Blend UPC number: 75450-12047 BEST BY 140CT2011 A106A and A106B
Hy-Vee 12 oz. Garden Supreme UPC number: 75450-12046 BEST BY 140CT2011 A106A and A106B
Hy-Vee 12 oz. Romaine Garden UPC number: 75450-12508 BEST BY 140CT2011 A106A and A106B


Story Blogged at 10-14-11 15:34 by djennings

Story Blogged at 10-14-11 15:39 by djennings

Secretary of State: A New Ways Needed to Redraw County Supervisor Districts

Iowa Secretary of State Matt Schultz can be counted among the those who think the time's come for a new way to redraw county supervisor districts every 10-years after the census. Polk County republicans and democrats are arguing over new proposed maps that put 2 GOP supervisors in the same district. The Des Moines Register reports a possibility is a system with local control, but the nonpartisan Legislative Services Agency helps draws the districts.

Hy-Vee Salads Recalled

Hy-Vee's recalling some bagged salads because of possible listeria contamination. The voluntary recall involves 2,154 cases of bagged salads produced by River Ranch Fresh Foods, LLC of Salinas, Calif. KCCI reports they all have a "Best By" date of Oct. 14. The products are off store shelves, but they want customers to check their refrigerators and if they have affected product return to the store. The detailed listing is in the story on our website.

Recalled Product:

Hy-Vee 8 oz Shredded Iceberg UPC number: 75450-12053 BEST BY 14OCT2011 A106A and A106B
Hy-Vee 12 oz. American Blend UPC number: 75450-12047 BEST BY 140CT2011 A106A and A106B
Hy-Vee 12 oz. Garden Supreme UPC number: 75450-12046 BEST BY 140CT2011 A106A and A106B
Hy-Vee 12 oz. Romaine Garden UPC number: 75450-12508 BEST BY 140CT2011 A106A and A106B


Story Blogged at 10-14-11 15:34 by djennings

Hy-Vee Salad Recall

Hy-Vee's recalling some bagged salads because of possible lisgeria contamination. The voluntary recall involves 2,154 cases of bagged salads produced by River Ranch Fresh Foods, LLC of Salinas, Calif. KCCI reports they all have a "Best By" date of Oct. 14. The products are off store shelves, but they want customers to check their refrigerators and if they have affected product return to the store. The detailed listing is in the story on our website.

Recalled Product:

Hy-Vee 8 oz Shredded Iceberg UPC number: 75450-12053 BEST BY 14OCT2011 A106A and A106B
Hy-Vee 12 oz. American Blend UPC number: 75450-12047 BEST BY 140CT2011 A106A and A106B
Hy-Vee 12 oz. Garden Supreme UPC number: 75450-12046 BEST BY 140CT2011 A106A and A106B
Hy-Vee 12 oz. Romaine Garden UPC number: 75450-12508 BEST BY 140CT2011 A106A and A106B

PI in on Baby Lisa Case

10 month old Lisa Irwin's parents have been seen talking with a private investigator. Bill Stanton said he went to Kansas City to help find the missing child, who was apparently snatched from hear crib early this month, Stanton told media outlets that Lisa Irwin's parents did not bring him to Kansas City, but would not say who did. Stanton was seen talking with Deborah Bradley and Jeremy Irwin at the couple's home yesterday.

Woman Accused in 40 ID Theft Cases

An Indianola woman was still in jail last night, charged with several identity theft cases. KCCI reports that West Des Moines Police arrested 37 year old Shelley Bridges, charging her with 40 counts of ID theft. Police said several people called them saying they'd received credit cards they didn't sign up for, and charges on the cards. Police said some of the victims are volunteers at the women's prison in Mitchellville where Bridges has been a frequent guest, and while they have to show ID, Bridges would not have had any access to that info. She's was lodged in the Polk County Jail.

Camp Ground Stabbing

The Polk County Sheriff's investigating the stabbing of a 23-year-old man early today at Cutty’s camping club on Southeast 37th Street in Grimes. A Sheriff's department spokesperson says the victim was taken to a local hospital, treated and released, Investigators have been interviewing people, but so far no arrests have been reported.

Occupy Des Moines Plans First March

Occupy Des Moines having its' first march into the city's financial district Saturday morning at 10. It's going to be the same time as a similar march in Iowa City. Demonstrators are expected to meet at 9:30 on the west lawn of the state capital. The Des Moines Register reports Saturday's considered a national day of action for the movement.

Vandals Damage Keokuk Courthouse

The South Lee County Courthouse in Keokuk opened for business again today, after workers had a chance to clean up after vandals tore through the building early Wednesday. KCCI reports there's been no estimate on the damage, but officials say windows and doors were broken and several computers, printers and copiers were damaged. Police say whoever's responsible, used a fire escape and got in through an upstairs window.

WDM H2O G-O-O-D

Maybe they should bottle this stuff, and call it something really silly when spelled backward, but West Des Moines has the best water over nine other Iowa municipalities in the state. The honor flowed to the city yesterday at the American Water Works Association Meeting in Des Moines. The judges said the water had no odor, no aftertastes, and has the best apparance. Not giving away any secrets, KCCI reports that Des Moines Water Works general manager Randy Beavers said water flavor depends on where it comes from and the treatments it undergoes on its way to fountains and faucets. ..

Latest on Lisa

The latest on missing Baby Lisa from Kansas City is that Police have surveillance video of her mother, Deborah Bradley, in store there, shopping with an unidentified man. The clerk said police pushed her to tell them Deborah Bradley's frame of mind: depressed, stressed? She said she told them no, that Bradley was a frequent customer and was happy with her children around.

Branstad Ed Plan Town Hall in Ankeny

Gov. Branstad's got a town hall in the auditorium of Ankeny High School this evening. It's on Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds’ education blueprint, “One Unshakable Vision: World Class Schools for Iowa.” The Ankeny meeting is part of a series of town halls on education. According to the Des Moines Register the plan calls for among other things, setting clear expectations and fair measures for student learning, and nurture innovation in schools.

Doctor's Expect State Rep. To Make Full Recovery From Brain Tumor Surgery

Staffers for State Rep. Ako Abdul-Samad says surgery this morning to remove a brain tumor was successful. LaVon Williams, COO of Creative Visions, tells the Des Moines Register Abdul-Samad's surgeon's very happy with how the surgery went, and expect the long time civil rights activist to make a full recovery. Doctors found the tumor when the long-time civil rights activist went to a hospital complaining of headaches and dizziness.

Grimes Says Yes to ICE Center

Grimes City Council's approved a plan to bring an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility to the city. The ICE facility's expected to mean around 36 new jobs. ICE had been looking for a new location for months and was turned down by Des Moines, Urbandale and West Des Moines along the way.

Thieves Cleaning Out Idle Walmart Cash Registers

Thieves with a master key have been working their way through area Walmart's emptying cash registers not in use. Des Moines police are working on putting names to two men who apparently got their hands on a master key for the registers. According to the Des Moines Register, detectives say they hit a store on S.E. 14th Street Monday, getting away with about $2,400. Authorities are going through store surveillance video to try to identify the 2 men.

Bicycle Helmet Saves Four Year Old

A four year old's alive today, thanks to his bicycle helmet. KCCI reports that Chad Dobbs, 4 year old Eli Dobbs' dad said Eli was riding his bike when the neighbor's truck rolled down the driveway, running over Eli and shattering his bicycle helmet. Chad said the only thing intact was the strap that holds the helmet on his son's head. Urbandale Police said the neighbor's truck had been knocked into neutral, causing it to roll, and hit the child around 5 p.m. Saturday. Eli had a few scratches when it was over, but was not seriously hurt.

Baby Lisa Latest

The latest on that missing Kansas City baby is that firefighters were searching a well just blocks from the family's home. Ten month old Lisa Irwin went missing more than a week ago. Ashley Irwin, the baby's aunt, told a Kansas City TV station that Lisa's mother, Deborah Bradley was ready to be arrested as a suspect in the case because police have no leads and want to pin the crime on someone. Police say that's just not true. They're trying to find the missing child, not arrest just anybody who comes along.

ICE Facility Could be Approved by Grimes

Grimes may say yes to a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility. The Des Moines Register reports officials are looking at leasing a 16,000 square foot space at 3100 S.E. Enterprise Drive as a replacement for an overcrowded facility in downtown Des Moines. Des Moines, West Des Moines, Clive, and Urbandale have all turned down a facility. Grimes Planning and Zoning Commission has already approved the plan and City Council approval's expected this evening.

Big Grant for Alice's Road Extension Project

Iowa's Transportation Department says the Alice's Road extension in Waukee-West Des Moines, is getting a $5-million grant. KCCI reports it's part of a bigger 1700 acre plan to develop the Alice's Road Corridor. The money's coming from The Revitalize Iowa’s Sound Economy. The Alice's Road extension will start as a three-lane road and eventually be expanded to six lanes. The total project cost is a little over $10-million.

Arrest For Attempted Super Glue Assault

Police have arrested a man they say held a knife to a woman, and tried to pour super glue down her throat. It happened in Marion. KCCI reports the Linn County Sheriff's charged 48-year old Prentiss Thurmond, Jr., with two counts of assault while displaying a dangerous weapon. He's being held in the County Jail on $20,000 bond. A department spokesperson says none of the glue got in the woman's mouth.

Iowans Out Walking

Hundreds of East Polk county residents joined Iowa’s “Start Somewhere Walk” today. Organizers say over 290,000 people or about 10% of the [population took part. Gov. Branstad, who took part in the walk in Des Moines says it's a first step in getting people to exercise. Branstad's leading a five year drive to make Iowa residents the healthiest in the nation.

Woman In Ravine Dies

A Bellevue woman who was found in a ravine behind her home in northeast Iowa and was injured, has died of those injuries. Investigators said 51-year-old Mary Ellen O'Neal-Feltes died on Saturday. She was reported missing on October 4 and was found unresponsive in the ravine a short time later.
Investigators say no foul play is suspected.

Airport No Longer Owned by City

The city of Des Moines no longer controls its airport. KCCI reports that city council voted on Monday to give up control of the airport, making it an independent aviation authority. Council figures that by doing that, airline tickets in the future will be priced lower. The city's been charged with the airport for some 80 years, and by a six to one vote on Monday, that 80 years hit a turning point. On November first, the city will lease the airport for 99 years and the 67 employees who work for the city at the airport will be laid off and rehired by the new independent airport board.

Biker Killed in Crash On Stolen Wheels

Des Moines police don't have a lot of information about a man killed when the motorcycle he was on collided with a car this morning at E. 40th and Sheridan. KCCI reports witnesses say the bike was traveling at a high rate of speed and ended up partially under the car. The biker carried no identification, and the motorcycle had been reported stolen. The biker died at Mercy Medical Center.

Iowa Caucus Date

A tentative deal makes January 3rd the date for the Iowa Caucus. A member of the GOP Central Committee tells the Des Moines Register the deal was reached during a conference call last night. Last month, Florida last month broke Republican Party rules and set its primary on Jan. 31, ahead of Iowa’s then Feb. 6 caucuses. South Carolina’s moved its' primary from Feb 28th to Jan. 21, and Nevada moved from Feb. 18th to Jan. 14. New Hampshire's still to be heard from.

Polk County Redistricting Part II

Polk County's temporary redistricting commission's approved a new map. It passed along party lines by a 3-2 vote this morning. The new map became necessary when the Secretary of State's Office rejected the last one. The Des Moines Register reports new map still has two GOP commissioners in the same district. Republicans objected to that, saying the map was drawn to favor incumbent democrats. The Commission's expected to vote on the map Thursday.

Polk County Map Redistricting Part II

Polk County's temporary redistricting commission's approved a new map. It passed along party lines by a 3-2 vote this morning. The new map became necessary when the Secretary of State's Office rejected the last one. The Des Moines Register reports new map still has two GOP commissioners in the same district. Republicans objected to that, saying the map was drawn to favor incumbent democrats. The Commission's expected to vote on the map Thursday.

Woods Reward Fund Started

The families of a central Iowa couple who disappeared in July are asking for your help in created a reward fund to get information about what happened to them and who's responsible. 79-year old James "Bill" woods, was found after a fire at the couples home near Norwalk. KCCI reports his 72-year old wife Kay, is still missing. The Woods pick-up was found in Kansas City July 31st. Their families would like to raise a reward of $100,000. There's more information at www.woodrewardfund.com

20 Arrested at Occupy Iowa

The youngest protester to be arrested last night during the Occupy Iowa event was in the eighth grade. Police hauled away some 30 protesters, charging them with trespassing. That's because the Iowa Statehouse closed at 11 p.m. and they refused to leave. Like the Occupy protests across the country, they were speaking out against the corporate greed that they say has done in the economy. The protesters were warned that they needed to leave since they didn't have a permit to camp on the state's property, and then, the arrests started. Each arrestee was fined 300 dollars.

News Conference Today Re: Woods

The Wood Family wants its case solved. Today, the family is holding a news conference to announce a reward for information that leads to an arrest of whoever did the crime. First there was a the kidnapping of 72 year old Kay Wood, then the fire at their home near Norwalk, where the body of 79 year old James Bill wood was found. Investigators said he had been shot. That was all in late July. The next day, the Woods' pick up truck was found at an apartment complex in Kansas City, Missouri, and still the family has no idea what happened to Kay. She was abducted and family says she may have been killed.

Lincoln High Running Back Booted From Team

Des Moines Lincoln football coach Tom Mihalovich's kicked star running back Kee’Von Bernstine off the team this morning. Bernstine's been charged with allegedly punching a female acquaintance during an argument at a party in July, and when she fell to the ground kicked her in the head. The 17-year old's charge with felony willful injury causing bodily injury, a max 5 years in prison, and misdemeanor assault causing bodily injury, a max year in prison and an $1800 fine.

Bishop Trial Set for Next January

It'll be the end of January before Loren Bishop goes on trial for last January's death of 73-year old Mary Miller. Police say Bishop, who's from Des Moines, is charged with vehicular homicide. Police say Miller was driving his SUV under the influence of a controlled substance, when he lost control and drove into Miller's home, dragging her out of the house. Bishop's plead not guilty.

Mink Let Loose North of Des Moines

They're calling it an act of domestic terrorism. The Hamilton County Sheriff's says someone paid a visit to a rural home and went through several buildings opening cages and letting out 1,200 to 1,500 mink. The incident's being looking into by the sheriff, Iowa DCI, and the FBI. If you have information, call the Hamilton County Sheriff's Department at 515-832-9500.

Polk Cty Supervisors Act on Redistricting

Polk County Supervisors have voted to draw up a new precinct map today. They've also voted to ask the Secretary of State to take a second look at the redistricting plan that was rejected yesterday. KCCI reports Iowa's Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board's looking into a complaint that the Polk County map was drawn for improper political reasons, putting two GOP incumbents in the same district. The board has until Oct. 15 to submit the new plan.

Part of I-29 Reopens Tomorrow

I-29's due to reopen tomorrow. Iowa's Department of Transportation says the stretch from Pacific Junction to the Missouri border will reopen at 10 a.m. KCCI reports it's been four months since parts of I-29 were closed because of Missouri River flooding. Some roads and exits from 29 are still closed, including the Hamburg exit and as well as the Exit at Iowa Highway 2. Work's still being done on I-680 from I-29 to the river.

Woman Walking in Interstate Killed

Police say a woman was killed early today as she walked along Interstate 80 near Altoona. Police said they went to I-80 and Highway 65 around 3 a.m. where a car hit the woman, who was apparently killed instantly. KCCI reports that police said the woman was in her 30s. The interstate was closed for sometime while police investigated the incident, and the woman was not immediately identified.

Iowa Home Ownership

Iowa was #4 in the nation in home ownership last. year. Data from the 2010 Census also showed foreclosure brought the percentage of homes currently vacant up 38% over what the numbers were in 2000. 1.3-million homes were owned i in 2010, with over 72% of those homes occupied by the homeowner. There were 114,900 homes in Iowa, or 8.6%, were vacant. Up sharply from 83,235 empty homes in 2000.

Iowa Occupy Protest

The protests against corporations that started on Wall Street, are coming to Iowa. Demonstrators are setting up at College Green Park in Iowa City. KCCI reports they plan to stay there indefinitely. Iowa City has an ordinance requiring a city permit to be in the park after 11p.m. Police haven't decided yet what they'll do when 11p.m. rolls around. There's also been some suggesting that there may soon be a similar occupy protest starting up in Des Moines.

More iPads in Everyday Life

More Iowa restaurants are using iPad's to speed up service. KCCI reports Flying Mango in Des Moines moving to add iPads to link servers with the kitchen and the cash register. New iPad software will let servers instantly send orders to the kitchen as soon as they're entered. Django and Centro are also using iPads to let customers see their list on the tablets.

State Rejects Polk County Redistricting

The Iowa secretary of state's office has rejected Polk County's new redistricting plan. The office has notified the board of supervisors there are issues with "technical legal compliance." The supervisors are expected to hold a special meeting tomorrow to decide what to do next. There's also an investigation on the way over charges the Polk County map was redrawn to favor incumbent democrats.

Khayden Saves the Day!

"I thought I need to call 991. I think I need to be a superhero."

We told you about him last week, but KCCI talked with four year old Super hero Khayden Arnold. He's the boy who knew to call 911 when his mother passed out, as he said. Turns out that Raine Arnold went unconscious from low blood sugar. She said she remembered drinking some juice, and the next thing she knew was that first responders were surrounding her. Raine says she's very proud of Khayden, that her teaching her children to call 911 in an emergency paid off.

Ladco Financial Hole Gets Deeper

The legal hole's getting deeper for Ladco Development Inc. and owner, Jon Garnaas. Two more lawsuits have been filed for nonpayment of debts. Community State Bank and Baker Mechanical filed suits last month claiming Ladco and its' affiliates defaulted on over $2-million in loans this summer. The Des Moines Register reports Ladco and its partnerships face three foreclosure suits and several other claims for non-payment on outstanding debt.

Iowa Gets 1st Cantaloupe Sickness Report

Add Iowa to the list of states where someone's gotten sick from eating cantaloupes contaminated by listeriosis. The State Public Health Department says a woman from the northwestern part of the state got sick after eating cantaloupe purchased at a store here. KCCI reports she was pregnant when she got sick and had a miscarriage. Jensen Farms in Colorado's voluntarily recalled the cantaloupe. It can take up to 2-months to develop symptoms, so there could be more cases.

Audit Finds Money Missing from Bremer County Sheriff's Office

A state audit's turned up $12-grand missing from the Bremer County Sheriff's Office. KCCI reports the audit was requested by state investigators representing the sheriff's office, after allegations of misappropriation of funds were made against then jail administrator Jeremy Eberhart. He was fired in April. The attorney general's office says this is an ongoing investigation.

Air Quality Concerns Shut Down DM Middle School

Some Des Moines students got an unplanned day off today. McCombs Middle School, SW County Line Rd. closed it today. over air quality concerns from construction. Testing's going on today to make sure the school is safer. Parents started getting calls after the problem was noticed early this morning. KCCI reports McCombs is for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders.

Sioux City Idle Postal Workers Get Paid

About 40 postal workers up in Sioux City will be standby workers and could sit idle for the next three plus years, but will still collect their salaries. The Des Moines Register reports that while that post office has been studied for closure for years, USPS officials and the postal workers union agreed to a four year contract. It will cost the postal service more than 1.7 million dollars a year to pay those not working. When you add in the benefits, its costing USPS nearly 3 million dollars a year. The postal service says the 40 stanbys will probably be moved to other post offices, so the money they're paid won't be wasted.

Man Killed in Story Co Farm Accident

Story county investigators said a man was killed in a farm related accident there yesterday. The man was a hired hand on a farm near Cambridge and was cutting up an old grain auger for scrap when the auger fell on him and crushed him. KCCI reports that 50 year old Danny Christie of Nevada was working alone when the incident happened. Investigators said another man, who came to the farm to do some electrical work found Christie's body. No one knows how long he might have been under the collapsed auger.

Urbandale Gets Police Grant

The Urbandale Police Department's gotten a $509,508 federal grant through Community Oriented Policing Services. The grant will allow the city to hire two police officers with full salary and benefits for the next three years. Urbandale Police was one of four Iowa departments to get a COPS Grant.

WDM Police Chief Retiring

West Des Moines Police Chief Jack O’Donnell's retiring next February. The city’s civil service commission will meet in the coming weeks to discuss how to replace O’Donnell. The Des Moines Register reports O’Donnell was hired as the West Des Moines police chief in 1998. He been a deputy chief with the Omaha police department.

Cost to Counties of Missouri Flooding

Missouri River flooding cost six western Iowa counties near the river over $200-million in lost crop sales and other economic activity. According to the Des Moines Register, the report done for the Iowa Farm, Bureau, says there's not only the lost crop sales, but also income lost because there were no crops to harvest, and that the report says translates into a loss of economic activity for households in the region.

UNI Study Says Law or No Law, People Will Gamble On Line

A new study from the University of Northern Iowa says whether the legislature does anything about it or not next year, people gambling, with real money, on line are going to keep right on doing it. The Des Moines Register reports the study found about 5% of adults statewide say they've gambled on the web, 2% have done so in the past year. And among kids, 4% of 6th, 8th, and 11th graders say they've bet or gambled money or their own possessions in the past year on line.

Legidslature Leaders Open to Talking About Raising School Spending

The top republican and Democrat in the state legislature say Gov. Branstad's plan to increase school spending puts pressure on them after they cut spending to get the budget deficit under control. Senate Majority Leader Michael Gronstal and House Speak Kraig Paulsen tell KCCI they're willing to consider raising education spending, seeing the increase in state tax revenue.

Top Lawmakers Willing to Look at Higher School Spending

The top republican and Democrat in the state legislature say Gov. Branstad's plan to increase school spending puts pressure on them after they cut spending to get the budget deficit under control. Senate Majority Leader Michael Gronstal and House Speak Kraig Paulsen tell KCCI they're willing to consider raising education spending, seeing the increase in state tax revenue.

Mother, Son to be Sentenced

The former Adair, Iowa city clerk and a former Adair street department employee could get ten years each when they're sentenced next month. Did we mention they're mother and son? Sixty three year old Linda Nichols was the clerk and her 41 year old son Terry Nichols was the city employee and both pleaded guilty to first degree theft after an attorney general's investigation found funds had been misappropriated, not deposited correctly and disbursed without support. The restitution calls for the pair to pay back more than 89 thousand dollars plus a 75 hundred dollar fine.

Ankney Coucil to Bullet Proof City Hall

The Ankeny City Council is considering the public's safety when folks come to council chambers for meetings. City manager Carl Metzger said they'd likely spend the majority of 200 thousand dollars on renovations in their own chambers. That big picture would shrink, and be reinforced with bullet proof glass. The big desk where council sits for meetings would also get a round of bullet proof glass and, Metzger said, the doors to the chamber would be changed out.

Italian Jury Clears Amanda Knox of Murder

An Italian jury's cleared Amanda Knox of murder and other charges, almost four years after she was arrested and later convicted on charges she killed her roommate, Meredith Kercher. According to KCCI, Knox was 20 and Kercher was 21 years old, studying at Perugia's university for foreign students, when Kercher's body was found in the house they shared. She'd been raped and had her throat slashed.

Ethics Panel Investigating Polk County Redistricting Map

The Iowa Ethics Campaign and Disclosure Board's looking into a complaint that newly drawn redistricting maps for the Polk County Board of Supervisors give a definite advantage to democrats already in office. The new maps put two GOP supervisors in the same district. KCCI reports the maps were approved by the Board of Supervisors and the redistricting commission which both happen to have democratic majorities.

KFC Loses Iowa Tax Fight

KFC has a check top write to the State of Iowa for $250,000 in corporate income taxes. The U.S. Supreme Court's refused to hear an appeal KFC's challenge of a state Revenue Department decision that they owe the money, on taxes from 1997 to 1999. KCCI reports none of the KFC's in Iowa are owned by the company, they're all franchises, that pay KFC for the use their logo and systems. KFC claims with no property in Iowa it didn't owe the state a dime. Iowa's courts didn't agree.

Guv Unveils New Education Plan

Gov. Branstad wants to tie teacher salary to performance in the classroom. Branstad and State Education Chief Jason Glass say they want a system where teachers are also ranked from apprentice to master, with those at the master level given the chance to be mentors to their colleagues. KCCI reports they also want to raise teacher start pay to attract better candidates into education.

Iowa Backup QB Suspended Two Games

Iowa backup quarterback A.J. Derby's going to be sitting out Iowa's games against Penn State and Northwestern on suspension. KCCI reports he's charged with criminal mischief and public intoxication after admitting to damaging a window on a bus as he was getting off outside an Iowa City bar, and having a blood alcohol level of.12 late Saturday night. Derby's been in two games for the Hawkeyes this season.

Four year old Calls 911, Saves Mom's Life

WOW! The patience of a 911 operator, same as that of a saint. Dispatcher Maggie Brodeur answered the call from a four year old on Thursday who said his mom needed help. KCCI reports that the call came in just after 1 p.m., and Brodeur spent 14 minutes with the very calm child on the phone trying to determine exactly where he was. Those in dispatch used E911 technology to determine that the child and his mother were in Urbandale, so first responders were sent to where the child called from. His mom is okay now and is credited for teacher her son how to call 911. He's credited with saving her life.

Keokuk Man Faces Murder Charge

A Keokuk man faces a murder charge for allegedly killing his mother. Police say that 23 year old Adam Pitman killed his mother, 46 year old Rosa Pitman back in August. Pittman was arrested on August 30 as police made a traffic stop in Fort Madison. That's when Pittman told police that he killed his mother almost a month earlier, and that they should go to their house in Keokuk. They did, and found her body, with an electrical cord around her neck. Pittman's arraignment is October 10. Pittman's in the Lee County Jail on a two million dollar bond.

Another of 11 Sentenced Suspended

Another of the eleven fake ID cases, in which illegal workers at the Wildcat Dairy used other people's identification materials to get their jobs, has been sentenced. Last week, District Court Judge Douglas Vannoy sentenced 32 year old Raymon Gutierrez of Fort Morgan to on year, suspended, so long as he cooperates with ICE and the Morgan County Sheriff's Department. Gutierrez, and ten others were arrested in a federal ID sting in June, and now he wants to go home to Honduras. But prosecutors also asked for, and got 90 days to determine restitution for the victim who's ID Gutierrez used to get work. A total of 20 were indicted.