Wednesday, November 30, 2011

DR Reports: Iowa City Cops Bust Suspect in Attempted Cop Murder

The Des Moines Register reports that Iowa City Police arrested 20 year old Branden Plummer for trying to kill one of their officers on November 18. Police said Plummer was arrested this morning just before 1:30 and charged him with attempted murder. Police said the unidentified officer was working a patrol early on the 18th at Burlington and Linn Streets when he saw someone in traffic. When the officer tried to question the man, he was choked, and his head slammed against the sidewalk. A passerby helped out, and the officer got medical attention. The suspect fled, and police got a shot of him from a camera

Gas Prices

It hasn't been as long as you might think since you last saw $2.99 on the sign at the gas station. In fact, less than a year. According to GasBuddy.com, last January prices in Des Moines dipped below $3. Go back further to Christmas 2009, gas was less than $2.50. AAA reports the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline is five cents less than last week and 15 cents less than a month ago. Crude oil prices dropped last week but were back up to near $98 a barrel by Monday night.

Woman Dies in Fall from Pickup

Police say the death of a woman who fell from a pickup truck in Marshalltown appears to be a tragic accident. Police tell KCCI Damein Bown, of Marshalltown, brought his girlfriend, Tabitha Watts, to an emergency room Monday night about 9 p.m. with severe injuries. Bown said Watts fell out of the cab of his pickup and onto the roadway where she was hit by the pickup. Police said a man walking down the street helped get Watts back into the pickup truck to get her to the hospital. Investigators say charges are unlikely in the case.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Branstad Accepts Health Reform Law Grant

Gov. Branstad opposes the federal health reform law, but he's still accepted $7-million in federal grants to prepare for the possibility that the changes will implemented. The Des Moines Register reports the funds are to be used to plan for a health-insurance exchange, an electronic system reform backers say would offer you and small businesses a way to compare and buy policies. A Branstad spokesperson says they're taking the money just in case the Supreme Court upholds the law.

WDM Drops Blue Zone

West Des Moines dropping its attempt to become a Blue Zones Community, but they'll still work toward a city-wide wellness effort. The Des Moines Register reports Program coordinators contacted the city recently and suggested the community not continue in the application process. An alternative city-wide wellness initiative will be organized in the coming months

Ft. Dodge Bedbug Scare

About 75 students at Fort Dodge St. Edmond Catholic elementary school were sent home today because of a suspected case of bedbugs. KCCI reports students in three classrooms were sent home after a teacher noticed what appeared to be insect bite marks on a child. A school spokesperson says it was a precaution, and no bedbugs have been found in any of the classrooms.

Cedar Rapids Boy Tries to Protect Mom

Police say a 6-year-old boy came to his mom's defense when their father slapped her and tried to choke her. KCCI reports Cedar Rapids Police say 35-year old Brian Barnard came home after drinking and went after his wife. The boy tried to pull him off his mother when Barnard knocked her to the floor and tried to choke her. He's been charged with assault causing bodily injury and fourth-degree criminal mischief.

Iowa City Police Search for Attacker

Iowa City police plan to charge a man with attempted murder for trying to strangle one of their officers, as soon as they find him. A department spokesperson says this happened November 18th, and the officer was scraped up and bruised, but is back at work. Investigators have three witnesses. There's already a $2,000 reward for information.

CB Firefighter Pleads to Setting Jag on Fire

Henry Hinkel of Council Bluffs pleaded guilty to felony providing false information. He's a Council Bluffs firefighter who was facing an arson charge for setting his own car on fire outside his house. His attorney said the arson charge was dropped for the lesser charge, and that was so he could keep his job with the department. Police said the firefighter set his Jaguar on fire last July, as the car was parked out of the line of sight of his home's security camera. Investigators said Hinkel set the car on fire for the money. He was sentenced to two years unsupervised probation.

Juvenile Calls Cab for Get Away

So the latest "thing" is for kids to steal cars? Iowa State Patrol said a high speed chase ended on and Ankney golf course. KCCI reports that it happened late last night when a trooper, southbound on I-35 south of Ames when he saw what was reported as a stolen Lexus SUV. The trooper gave chase, it ended on the Otter Creek Golf Course, with the suspect fleeing on foot. A couple of hours later, cops found the boy -- we don't know how old he was. He was at the Kum and Go, calling a cab, but was arrested before he could make a get away and taken to the Polk County Juvenile Facility. police.

New Cain Sex Allegation

The latest accusation of sexual impropriety against Herman Cain comes from an Atlanta businesswoman. She says they had an affair that lasted nearly 14 years. Ginger White told Atlanta television station WAGA the affair ended about eight months ago, as Cain prepared to announce his presidential bid. But she pointed to mobile-phone records she said showed Cain was calling her as late as September, including one as early as 4:26 a.m. Cain flatly denies the affair.

Monday, November 28, 2011

Cyber Monday May Be a Big Hit

The day's not over yet, and experts are already saying Cyber Monday sales are up about 20% over last year. KCCI reports online sales are up across the board-39% at department stores, 24% for clothing stores, and shop[ping from smartphones and other mobile devices is up almost 9%. This is a big time for retailers, with many of them generating 25 to 40% of their annual revenue between now and Christmas.

DM Man Recovers Own Stolen Car-Two Teens Busted

Dennis Giehl of Des Moines was a bit surprised to come home and see his car pulling out of his driveway in the 3400 block of Easton Boulevard last night. Particularly because he wasn't in it. The Des Moines Register reports 47-year old followed his car to the 1900 block of E. 29th Street, where took the key out of the ignition and made a citizens arrest of two boys, one 14 the other 15. One's charged with theft and assault, the other assault.

Nursing Home Notification of Sex Offenders Being Considered

Gov. Branstad's got a group reviewing laws that allow a convicted sex offender to live in a nursing home, and whether or not patients and their families in such homes, should be told when a sex offender moves in. It's about 83-year old William Cubbage, who was released from the Civil Commitment Unit for Sexual Predators. Cubbage went to a Pomeroy nursing home, where he's accused of inappropriately touching an elderly female resident.

Story Blogged at 11-28-11 15:14 by djennings

Man Recording Traffic Stop Convicted for Interfering w/Police

28-year old Justin Norman faces up to 30-days in jail and a $250 fine when he's sentenced Friday. A Des Moines jury convicted him of interfering with policy. Norman films protests, and he was busted outside his home in July after police stopped the car he was in for operating with the trunk open. Norman filmed the stop and refused orders to stand back. Prosecutors say he was arrested for not following instructions, not for the filming.

Cubbage Case Leads to Review of Sex Offender Laws

Gov. Branstad's got a group reviewing laws that allow a convicted sex offender to live in a nursing home. It's about 83-year old William Cubbage, who was released from the Civil Commitment Unit for Sexual Predators after experts said he was no longer a sexually violent predator. Cubbage went to a Pomeroy nursing home, where he's accused of inappropriately touching an elderly female resident.

Car Runs Through Playground, Nobody Hurt

KCCI didn't have to go far for this story: The TV station is reporting that police said an inexperienced driver lost control of the car they were driving and ran through the Oakridge neighborhood playground last night. Nobody wa hurt, but utility workers had to fix the broken power pole that the carf also hit.

18 Year Old Arrested in 34 Year Old's Death

An Ottumwa teen is facing a first degree murder charge. Police arrested 18 year old Brandon Seim yesterday in connection with the fatal stabbing of 34-year-old Andy Madren. They said Madren was taken to Ottumwa Regional Health Center with several stab wounds,but pronounced dead just after 5 p.m. Seim is in the Wapello County Jail.

Allegedly Drunk Son Hits Mother

A Des Moines man is in the Polk County Jail this morning, accused of sending his mother to a local hospital with several broken ribs. The Des Moines Register reports that 26 year old Austin Cochran was arrested last night and that Pam Cochran was already in an ambulance when police got to the scene on East Douglas Avenue about 7 p.m. Pam Cochran was apparently watching her son's baby, and when he and his girlfriend came to get the child, Pam Cochran said Austin was drunk. He grabbed the baby, and hit his own mother in the ribs. The baby was not hurt.

Home Burglary Leads to Shooting

Police say a man was shot while chasing down three people he said were burglarizing a neighbor's home. Jim Bradford told police he saw the burglars as they came out of his neighbors' place just after midnight Saturdya. He tried to follow them and one of the burglars turned and shot him. Des Moines police telll KCCI Bradford was hit in the back. He was in serious, but stable condition Saturday morning. Officers said the thieves got away with an XBox and an iPad.

Thursday, November 24, 2011

NFL Has Three Games On Schedule Today

The NFL is serving up a menu of three games this Thanksgiving Day. Among them is the defending Super Bowl champs Green Bay Packers taking on the Detroit Lions. Thanksgiving brings families together and the San Francisco 49ers and Baltimore Ravens will bring the Harbaugh brothers to the same field but on opposite sidelines. Jim Harbaugh brings his 49ers to take on John Harbaugh's Ravens. Also, the Miami Dolphins will take on the Dallas Cowboys.

Hundreds ski free at Crested Butte's opening day

CRESTED BUTTE, Colo. (AP) — Crested Butte Mountain Resort says more than 2,300 people took it up on its offer of free lift tickets on its opening day.

Crested Butte celebrated its 50th birthday Wednesday with free riding on opening day, and 2,313 skiers and snowboarders showed up for it.

The Steamboat and Beaver Creek resorts also opened for the season Wednesday.

Telluride and Aspen Mountain open on Thanksgiving.

Purgatory at Durango Mountain Resort is scheduled to open Friday.

Purgatory will only be open Fridays through Sundays for now and will probably start up daily operations in mid-December.

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Deere Profits Endearing

Deere and Company said it had a 50 percent increase in profits in 2011, to 2.8 billion dollars, and expected sales next year to increase by as much as 15 percent. Deere's four quarter profits were nearly 870 million dollars, a lot more green than the 457 million it reported in Q4 of 2010. Ag and turf equipment lead the way with an 18 percent increase for the fourth quarter and a 21 percent increase for the year. The Des Moines Register reports that while Deere may have HQ in Moline, IL, it has about 12 thousand workers throughout IA.

Gas Leak Forces Evacuations

Residents in Roland are back in their homes after a gas leak forced residents to evacuate Tuesday night. KCCI reports that crews were doing utility work near Martha and Poplar Streets in Roland when they hit a gas line. Story County Sheriffs evacuated a two block radius around the leak while crews shut off gas and electricity. Residents were able to return to their homes just after 11 Tuesday night when power was restored. Gas service should be returned today.

Man Dies in Ankeny Crash Tuesday

Iowa State Patrol troopers said a driver was killed in a crash on Interstate 35 in Ankeny. The northbound on ramp to I-35 at First Street was closed after the pickup truck was reported in the ditch. The crash happened shortly before 3pm yesterday, prompting officials to ask commuters to find other routes. Officers confirmed one fatality at the scene. The identy of male victim has not yet been released.

Romney in Iowa Today

This morning Mitt Romney will make a rare visit to Des Moines. Just before 10 a.m., the Republican candidate who has been the national frontrunner for much of the campaign will foray back into the place where he spent so much time and money four years ago. Nearly 500 people are expected to attend the town hall style meeting in the cafeteria. Nationwide Iowa PAC tells KCCI Romney accepted their invitation last week.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Iowa Gains Jobs in October

Iowa picked up 2,300 jobs in October over September, primarily from construction, manufacturing, and education and health services. The Des Moines Register reports Iowa Workforce Development says the number of people unemployed in the state dropped below 100,000 for the first time since November of 2009. The state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in October was 6%, the same as September.

Suspect Escapes from Johnston Police Officers

Two Johnston Police officers will be disciplined and getting more training, after a burglary suspect escaped from their custody. KCCI reports 19-year old Conor Forest reportedly walked out the back door of the Johnston police station, stole a car and drove to Illinois, where he was arrested the next day. Johnston's Police Chief says the officers appear to have forgotten about constant supervision of a suspect.

McDonald's--Self-Service?

Cedar Falls Police are looking for an odd burglar. Investigators tell KCCI someone broke into a McDonald's restaurant, early Sunday morning through the drive up window, cooked some food and left. Video surveillance shows a man tapping on the drive up window, then breaking it and climbing in.

New Flu Strain in Iowa

Iowa's Department of Public health says it's turned up a new flu strain in its regular monitoring. It's been identified as the A/H3N2. Three children had it and they've all recovered. According to KCCI, the new strains turned up in several other states, but its' spread so far appears limited. Because the virus is unique, health officials have stepped up monitoring. Officials say the seasonal flu vaccine may offer some protection.

Man Charged With Running Over Two Men

A 39-year-old man who's accused of hitting and running over two men with his vehicle in rural Iowa now faces charges. Investigators said Luke Clark of Pomeroy is in jail on a 60 thousand dollar bond, having been arrested on Saturday for the incident. They said Clark got into a fight with his victims about how a dog in a rural home was being treated, and then drove his car into the men, hurting both of them,as they stood in a driveway.

Des Moines Police Working 2 Robberies

Des Moines Police are working two robberies of two pedestrians. They said that the first one happened Saturday in the 12 hundred block of Sixth Avenue. John Large told police that a man walked up to him, displayed a weapon and order him to drop his backpack. Large did, and then ran away. Police found the backpack and said the perp got smokes and cash. The second robbery happened when 48 year old Scott Scaff was walking near Southwest Seventh and Tuttle streets on Monday when a man drove up, asked for directions, and then demanded Scaff's wallet. Scaff lost 300 dollars in cash and other items in the wallet. Des Moines Police said they have no suspects in either case.

M.L. King Parkway to be Extended

The City Council has voted to extend Martin Luther King Parkway by a mile. It’s one of the biggest road building projects in Des Moines since the renovation of Interstate 235. The multi-million dollar project will extend M.L. King Parkway from Southeast Ninth downtown all the way to Highway 65 on the east side of Des Moines near Pleasant Hill. Last night, council members approved spending nearly $3 million to design the final phase.

Monday, November 21, 2011

East High Explosives

The teenager accused of making several and setting off one explosive device at East High School last week, has told Des Moines Police he got the idea from the TV show "MythBusters." A police spokesperson tells the Des Moines Register the 14-year old boy ordered one of the main ingredients from Amazon.com. Police recovered 10-small explosive devices from the teens home. The 14-year old and a 17-year old friend who lit the device and tossed it out a door at school face charges.

What's Best Option for Repairs to Mile Long bridge

There are questions about planned repairs to the Mile Long Bridge. The Des Moines Register reports it'll take 4-to-6 weeks for the work at $230-grand if the bridge is completely shut down. If it stays open, it would take three months, and the price would double. If it's closed, there's no easy alternate route for traffic. The work's not scheduled to start until April 2013.

DeCoster Exiting Egg Business

Austin DeCoster's getting out of the egg production business after his farms authorities determined his farms were to blame for the a nationwide salmonella outbreak that sickened close to 2,000 people last year. KCCI reports DeCoster's operations in Iowa Maine, and Ohio are being taken over by other companies, among them Centrum Valley Farms. Investigators found filthy conditions at some DeCoster operations led to the salmonella contamination.

Branstad Says Teacher Pay Plan Changes Could Take Another Year

Gov. Branstad says he's going ahead with his overhaul of the salary structure for teacher's, but admits it'll take a bit longer than he'd planned while he sells his plan to all the parties involved. KCCI reports the Governor wants a tiered system that rewards teachers financially based on their performance in the classroom. He says his plans will be delayed fore about a year while he works to get teacher group[s support.

Girl Hurt in DSM Drive-By Shooting

A 13-year-old girl was hit by a bullet that sailed into her bedroom during a drive-by shooting in Des Moines. A police report said a passenger in a vehicle fired three shots at the girl's house about 12:45 a.m. Saturday. KCCI reports the bullet entered the girl's bedroom and hit her in the back but did not penetrate her skin. The girl suffered bruises. The girl's 18-year-old brother told police he believes the shooting was part of an ongoing feud that started earlier this year when he intervened in a fight. The brother said he has been receiving threats.

Sunday, November 20, 2011

GOP Candidates Gather In Des Moines

Six GOP candidates for president were in Des Moines Saturday night in a gathering that was less debate and more of a night of emotional anecdotes. The Forum was organized by the Family Leader, an Iowa-based evangelical group, was held at the First Federated Church in Des Moines. Herman Cain, Newt Gingrich, Rick Perry, Michelle Bachman, Rick Santorum, and Ron Paul all participated.

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Candidates In Des Moines Today

Six Republican presidential candidates will be in Des Moines tonight for the Thanksgiving Family Forum presented by the Iowan Family Leader. The Forum will be a discussion of social issues. Expect some of those attending to also stop by Governor Branstad's 65th birthday party in Altoona. And former White House chief of staff Rahm Emmanuel's in town too, for the Jefferson-Jackson Day Dinner.

USDA Numbers Predict Higher Beef Costs

Expect to pay more for beef in the coming year. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported Friday that fewer cattle are arriving on feedlots compared to this time last year. The USDA puts the size of the nation's cattle heard at 92.6 million head--the smallest number since 1958, and the number of cattle slaughtered last year was the lowest number since 1950.

Polk County Bank Rescue Bid Fails

Three branches of Polk County Bank reopened today as branches of Grinnell State Bank after Federal Reserve officials denied a bid by West Des Moines bank to save it. Polk County Bank is the first to fail in Iowa since September of 2009. Grinnell President David Jones says there will be no changes going forward at the bank.

Sex Offender In Nursing Home Returned To Prison

Convicted sex offender William Cubbage is back in a state-run, locked unit after being accused of sexually assaulting an elderly woman in an Iowa Nursing Home. He returns to the Iowa Civil Commitment Unit for Sex Offenders in Cherokee where he previously served nine years. Due to his age, the 83-year-old Cubbage had previously been thought to no longer meet the legal definition of a sexual predator.

Decosters Quitting The Egg Business

Calling it a family business decision, the DeCoster family is getting out of the egg business. A lawyer for the family says Jack DeCoster is leasing out the egg farms he owns in Iowa and Maine. His son, Peter, who managed the farms in Iowan is no longer involved with the farms either. Eggs from the Iowa farms were linked to a 2010 salmonella outbreak.

Valley High Claims Class 4-A Football Title

The Valley High School Tigers won their fifth state football title Friday night with a come-from-behind 17 to 14 win over the number-4 Bettendorf Bulldogs. Sophomore Tyus Mason scored on a 9-yard run with 1:23 remaining to put the top-ranked Tigers ahead for good to claim the Class 4-A title. The Tigers finish the year with a perfect 14 and oh record.

Friday, November 18, 2011

Iowa Universities Grab .xxx Domain Names

The University of Iowa, Iowa State, the University of Northern Iowa and Drake - have registered a series of Internet .xxx domain names. The Des Moines Register reports worry that a smart sex site webmasters might try to grab traffic by registering domain names like theirs, they've taken the names themselves to avoid a potential porn site coming up at UIowa.xxx.

Mason City Cops On School Buses to Catch Traffic Violators

Mason City Police officers will occasionally be riding school buses to spot drivers breaking laws requiring them to slow down or stop when the bus lights are on. KCCI reports when an officer spots a driver ignoring the law, they will notify mobile units who will stop and issue a ticket. State law says you can't pass a school bus from behind and must slow to 25 mph when the amber lights are on, and must stop when the red lights flash and the stop sign's on.

Feds Want 30-years for Principal with Boys Bathroom Camera

Federal prosecutors want a elementary school principal to spend 30-years in prison for secretly videotaped young male students using the bathroom. Robert Burke, ex-principal at Sageville Elementary, outside Dubuque, is to be sentenced Monday for a guilty plea to a count of making child pornography. IN asking for 30-years, KCCI reports prosecutors say on top of the bathroom camera, Burke had 32,000 images and 12,000 videos of child pornography.

Man Gets 20 Yrs for Heroin Death

An Ames man will do 20 years in the federal pen for selling heroin to a man who died of an overdose. 25-year-old Marcus Burrage got the sentence on Thursday for heroin distribution that caused death. The U.S. attorney's office said he was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Des Moines. Burrage was convicted in June for selling heroin to and informant in late 2009 and to an informant in November 2009 and to 32-year-old Joshua Banka in April 2010. Banka was the one who died at his home in Nevada..

Gas Down, But Up for the holiday

Are you gonna be able to afford to go to grandma's for Thanksgiving? You're paying 50 cents more a gallon this year than last, even though gas is down to 3.34 a gallon. KCCI reports that Harold Hommes, who monitors fuel costs for the Iowa Department of Agriculture, said gas prices aren't bad statewide. He said the 3.34 a gallon is six cents less a gallon than the national average. So hopefully, grandma lives next door, and you can walk.

Mom, Kids Hit By Driver in Medical Crisis

Witnesses said a mother and her two children where hit by a car Thursday afternoon. The crash happened at Second and Douglas Avenues about 3:40 p.m. The woman was crossing Second Avenue when a car traveling westbound on Douglas turned onto their path, hitting the woman. The woman and children's names and conditions have not been released. The driver of the car was also taken to a hospital. Police tell KCCI it appears the woman suffered some sort of medical issue unrelated to the crash.

Occupy Des Moines Banks

Occupy Des Moines protesters had a series of confrontations with local banks yesterday that included one arrest as they participated in a national day of action by calling on supporters to “occupy the banks.” Officers arrested one man at a Wells Fargo office while two women filed a complaint against Bank of America after they said an employee held them inside a lobby of the bank against their will.

Vehicular Homicide Charges for Driver in Sunday Pedestrian Death

Police have now charged the driver who ran over and killed a man Sunday afternoon in Des Moines with vehicular homicide. Officers say 68-year old Richard Halterman was intoxicated when he ran over Engenio Cruz, who was working under the back bumper of his car in the 400 block of East 19th Street. Cruz was declared dead at the scene. Both his vehicle and Halterman’s were damaged. Halterman was injured but was discharged from Mercy Medical Center on Tuesday.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Settlements Reached for Some Salmonella Egg Victims

Dozens who got sick last year after eating eggs contaminated by salmonella, will be getting financial compensation from Wright County Egg. Published reports say about 40-plaintiffs reached a settlement with company owner Jack DeCoster back in September. Details are confidential, but a federal judge in Iowa signed off on deals for over $360,000 for children in Iowa, Texas, and California who were hospitalized after eating the eggs.

Van Orsdel Makes a Deal

Des Moines businessman William Van Orsdel is going to pay his four partners in the West Glen Town Center project almost $10-million, to settle part of a lawsuit in which he was accused of alleged fraudulent activities in the management of the development. The Des Moines Register reports Van Orsdel's also giving his partners a priority lien on the sale of his multi-million dollar residence and other properties in Des Moines South of Grant neighborhood.

Man Charged In Sunday Road Death

Des Moines Police have charged 68-year old Richard Halterman with vehicular homicide by intoxication after they say his car hit and killed a man Sunday afternoon. KCCI reports witnesses told police Halterman's car hit 48-year old Engenio Cruz, while he worked on his own car in the 400 block of E. 19th Street. Rescue crews tried to save Cruz, but he died in the street.

Peanut Butter Recall Includes Iowa

Smuckers is recalling some 16-ounce jars of its Smucker's Natural Peanut Butter Chunky sold in several states, including Iowa, because of possible salmonella contamination. The Ohio-based company said the jars covered in the recall would have been purchased in the last week or so. They have "Best if Used By" dates of Aug. 3, 2012 and Aug. 4, 2012, plus the production codes 1307004 and 1308004. Salmonella is bacteria resulting in fever, cramps and diarrhea that lasts for several days and can require hospitalization.

Fire Rolls Through Ames Home

Fire investigators are looking into the cause of an overnight fire that destroyed a home in Ames. Firefighters said when they arrived at the home at 1612 Reagan Street, flames were already shooting out of the roof. Crews tell KCCI two people were inside the home but escaped without injury. Damage to the home is estimated at $250,000. While they don't know the cause, investigators are not calling the fire suspicious.

Fire Destroys Ames Home

Fire investigators are looking into the cause of a fire Wednesday night that destroyed a home in Ames. KCCI reports that firefighters said when they got to the home at on Reagan Street, flames were already shooting out of the roof. Crews said two people inside the home escaped unhurt. Damage to the home is estimated at $250,000. Investigators are not calling the fire suspicious.

Menlo Woman Crashes into Parked Train

A car crashed into a train near the ethanol plant in Menlo Wednesday night. Troopers said Amanda Powell of Menlo was driving down Talon Avenue, just east of the power plant, when her car collided with the parked train. Troopers say she became distracted when crossing the first set of railroad tracks, and she struck a set of parked Iowa Interstate Railroad cars being prepped to be hooked onto an engine, ISP said. KCCI reports she was brought to a Des Moines hospital in serious condition.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Iowa Farmland Price Rise "Stunning"

A report from the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago has a word for the year-over-year increase in Iowa cropland values in the third quarter: "stunning." Prices were up 31%. A survey by Iowa farm real estate brokers released in September showed a year-to-year increase of 34% to an average price of $6,477 per acre. According to the Des Moines Register, that's a record for the state.

Major Work Done at Birdland Levee

There was a ribbon-cutting ceremony yesterday to mark the completion of upgrades to the Bird-land Park-area levee on Des Moines’ north side. The Des Moines Register reports the Birdland levee was first added to a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers waiting list for major upgrades after widespread flooding in 1993. The $12.2 million levee project will offer homes, businesses and North High School the strongest flood protection the area has ever known.


















New Teacher Pay Plan on Hold to 2013

The head of Iowa's education department's putting off plans for a new and more expensive system of paying the state's public school teachers. Jason Glass is for the 4-tier salary plan, but tells KCCI it won't be presented to lawmakers until 2013. The new system would raise rookie teacher pay from $28,000 to $40,000/year, and teachers would have to prove their effectiveness before moving to a higher pay grade.

Jury Finds Story County Jailer Not Guilty on Sex Charge

A jury's said not guilty in the case of a male Story County jailer accused of a sex act with a female inmate. Michael Warnick was accused in March of allegedly having inappropriate contact with a women inmate. KCCI reported a preliminary investigation found the claim valid, and Warnick was put on paid administrative leave, then charged with sexual misconduct with an offender. No word yet on Warnick's job status now that he's been acquitted.

Pella Cutting 200 Jobs

Pella Corporation says it's cutting 198 people from the payroll at its manufacturing plants in Sioux Center, Carroll, Shenandoah, it's Pella headquarters and another plant in Oregon. The company says the problem is the prolonged housing recession. The company's offering workers incentives to voluntarily leave at its operations in Carroll, Shenandoah, Sioux Center and Pella. KCCI reports Pella's workforce is just over 7,100.

Bachmann All Over Iowa Today

Presidential candidate Michele Bachmann was at the Lakeshore Family Restaurant in Strom Lake this morning. The Des Moines Register reports that the candidate brought her Sousa music and her big blue banner so that people would know she was there. After the restaurant, Bachmann heads to coffee in Webster City, then she'll be here for a couple of private events, ending her whirlwind day in West Des Moines with a house party with state Senator Brad Zaun.

Cell Phone Call Now Focus of Missing Baby Lisa

Police in Kansas City, MO are focusing on a 50 second cell phone call made before midnight from one of the cell phones missing from Jeremy Irwin and Deborah Bradley's home when now one year old Lisa Irwin went missing. Investigators say they want to know who made the call to Megan Wright's cell phone. She told police she didn't take the call, and when she got to her phone the next day,the call had been deleted.

Tuesday Afternoon Shooting

Police say a Des Moines teen was shot yesterday afternoon. Andrew Scruggs was shot as he bent to talk to people in a vehicle on 19th Street near Forest Avenue yesterday afternoon just after 4:30. Scruggs was conscious at the scene and was taken to Mercy Hospital, where he was listed in critical condition last night. Police said they don't believe the incident was random. Detectives are interviewing witnesses to help identify the shooter.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

DART Gets Grant for Hybrid Buses

DART's going to be getting five new hybrid buses thanks to a new $1.13-million grant from the federal transit administration. Officials tell KCCI the hybrid buses will cut carbon emissions by 75% and save approximately $2,800 annually in fuel costs/bus. DART currently has one hybrid bus in its fleet

DM Teen Sentenced for Savage Beating

Shamaur Sims was sentenced to 25-years in prison today for bis role beating 40-year old Juan Urquizu into a coma in August 2010. Sims, who's just over 17.5 years old, will spend at least that long behind bars until he's eligible for parole. Sims is one of three teens charged with beating Urquizu so badly that he suffered a brain injury so severe that he will probably always need help. Two other teens are awaiting trial.

Branstad Bilingual Education

Gov. Branstad talked about the advantages bilingual students have when they hit the global workforce. The governor was at Marshalltown High School today, which has a large Spanish speaking student body. According to the Des Moines Register, the Governor also says he’s not sure dual-language competency should be required, though learning languages other than English should be encouraged

Buated!

A Cedar Rapids attorney faces drug related charges after he allegedly bought crack from an undercover informant. Reports indicate that Stanley Roush was released following a court appearance on Monday. A criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court indicates that Roush was charged after he paid a police informant 200 dollars for the cocaine. The complaint shows that drug task force officers conducted surveillance during the transaction and arrested Roush after receiving a call from the informant. Officers found the crack cocaine on the floor of Roush's car.

Dude Busted In Ottumwa with 80 pounds of Pot

This guy apparently thought cops in Ottumwa Iowa police wouldn't nab him, but they did. The man from California's being held sans bond since OPD found him with 80 pounds of pot at the train station. The Ottumwa Courier reported that 31-year-old Bradley Richardson of Eureka, California got busted last Friday as he stepped off the train with 200 thousand dollars worth of pot. Bradley's in jail on five thousand dollars bond, charged with possession with intent to deliver marijuana and failure to affix a drug tax stamp.

Monday, November 14, 2011

Another Gas Station Chain Hits Des Moines

A new name may soon see a new name as you search gas stations in Des Moines. KCCI reports Valero's got two new stations in the city, one at 821 E. Euclid Avenue and 3733 Easton Blvd. Valero's based in San Antonio, and also runs ethanol plants in Albert City, Charles City and Fort Dodge. Valero has gas stations in 40-states.

Ankeny Police Bust Car Burglary Suspect

Ankeny Police have a suspect in custody for a series of vehicle burglaries. 41-year old Darrell Sholley was charged Friday with among other things burglary to a vehicle, and possession of burglary tools. Police caught Sholley when they were called early Friday 900 block of N.W. Campus Ridge Court for a vehicle burglary in progress. Based on items in his possession when arrested, they're trying to figure out of Sholley was involved in other burglaries.

Hickman Reopened

Hickman Road's been reopened to traffic between 6th and 9th streets. It had been closed aftrer a construction crew hit a gas line.



Story Blogged at 11-14-11 15:35 by djennings

WDM Last Yard Waste Pickup

The last yard waste pick up for the season in West Des Moines' expected to be Nov. 28 through Dec. 2. The Des Moines Register reports those dates are not written in stone, and could change if there's another snow fall. Put your bags of leaves as well as sticks and other yard waste on the curb on your regular solid waste collection day. After this, the next yard waste will be with Christmas tree collections, Jan. 2 through 13.

Flu Season's Officially Started

The state Health Department says flu season's officially here. A Polk County youngster's the first case of the 2011-2012 flu season. IDPH Medical Director Dr. Patricia Quinlisk tells KCCI now is a very good time to get your vaccine, especially if you have risk factors including heart and lung diseases, diabetes, women who are pregnant, the very young and very old. It's strongly recommended to wash your hands frequently, and if you're sick, stay home!

Gas Leak Shuts Hickman Betewen 6th and 9th

You may want to check before starting your afternoon commute if you use Hickman Road. It's been shutdown between 6th and 9th street by a gas leak. The Des Moines Fire Department says a construction crew hit a gas line. The winds have been helping to dissipate the gas, but KCCI reports the area's still off limits to traffic. Fortunately, no one was hurt.

Student Found Dead at Clinton HS

The Clinton Community School District administration is investigating a student's death. The student was found unresponsive at the high school, and they said that the student was in special ed classes for students with "severe and profound" disabilities. aThe male student was found last week at the school and died at an Iowa City hospital. School officials and police are investigating the student's death.

FL Co Buys River City Mall

River City Mall in Keokuk sold for 400 thousand dollars at a foreclosure auction last week. Bayview Loan Servicing LLC out of Coral Gables, Florida was the only bidder for the property on Thursday. Bayview was the loan holder's original representative. River City's owner could keep up the payments on the 1.4 million dollar loan, sending the property into auction.

Man Charged in Girlfriend's Death

A Des Moines man is now facing charges he killed his girlfirend. Des Moines Police charged Kevin Sellers Friday afternoon with second degree murder for the death of his girlfriend Laura Welch. Police say Sellers and Laura Welch were living together in an apartment on the south side of Des Moines when medics found her not breathing on August 30th. She died later that day at Mercy Medical Center. An autopsy determined she died of blunt trauma. Sellers is being held at the Polk County Jail on $100,000 bond.

Man Run Over by Car, Dies

Officials are investigating a fatal accident on the east side of Des Moines. Police and Fire Rescue responded to the 400 block of East 19th St. just before 1:30 p.m yesterday. Arriving officers found a man underneath one of the cars. He died at the scene. He's been identified as 48 year old Engenio Cruz from Guatemala. The driver of the other vehicle, 68 year old Richard Halterman, was taken to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Investigators are still working to determine what happened before the accident and how Cruz was run over.

Friday, November 11, 2011

DM Instrument Encore Saturday

Des Moines Public Schools have a about 100-students without musical instruments to play, and they want your help. KCCI reports the district's holding an "Instrument Encore" tomorrow to collect band and orchestra instruments for students who can't afford to buy their own. It's at the Barnes and Noble 4550 University Ave. from noon to 4. They're especially in need of brass, percussion, woodwinds, and strings.

Casino's Smoke "Great American Smokeout"

Iowa's casino's will not be taking part in next Thursday's “Great American Smokeout.” The Des Moines Register reports the Iowa Gaming Association's declined a request from several anti smoking groups to ban smoking in their facilities the day of the event. Casinos are the only public place in Iowa where indoor smoking is still allowed, and anti-smoking advocates have been lobbying the Legislature to stop it.

Bedbug Suit Certified as Class Action

A Polk County Judge's granted class action status to a lawsuit about bedbugs. The Des Moines Register reports the suit claims the owners of two apartment buildings serving the elderly and disabled ignored resident complaints about bedbugs going back to 2007. About 300 current and former residents sued in March of last year, seeking back rent, damages for lost property and other problems. Many residents were repeatedly bitten and more had to throw away infested furniture.

New Polk County Redistricting Complaint

There's a new complaint about the redistricting map for Polk County. This complaint, like the one before it, challenges the maps legality because it favors democratic incumbents. The new map, like the one rejected recently by the Secretary of State's Office, puts two GOP supervisors in the same district, but leaves each of three democratic supervisors in separate ones.

It Costs More to Gobble Up Thanksgiving Dinner

We probably say this every year: Its going to cost you more to prepare Thanksgiving dinner this year. This year, it will be 13 percent more. The American Farm Bureau Federation says the average price for the 16 pound turkey is more than 21 dollars this year, up nearly four dollars over last year. Even the pumpkin pie price is up: the filling is up 41 cents to more than three dollars a can. Me? I'll have turkey and swiss on rye!

ISU Honors Veterans Who Died for Our Country

Four former Iowa State University students who made the ultimate sacrifice were honored in an emotional ceremony last night on the eve of Veterans Day. Air Force Staff Sgt. Joseph Hamski one of the honrees, died in in May. He was killed by an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan. Sixty years ago, Mary Jane Clithero's husband died in the Korean War. He was also recognized last night. The soldiers' names were engraved on the walls of Gold Star Hall inside the Memorial Union.

School Teacher Charged with Enticement

A Johnston middle school teacher has been charged with enticing minors. KCCI reports Steven Williams was arrested and charged after online conversations with an undercover officer. Authorities said Williams sent pictures online of his private parts to who he believed were girls age 14 and 15. He also chatted online with the girls, saying he was 19 years old. Williams is a sixth grade teacher at Summit Middle School in Johnston and the school's seventh grade track coach.

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Des Moines Home Sales Up

Des Moines area home sales were up 31% last month from October 2010, but they were about 12% down from September's numbers. The Des Moines Register says the Des Moines Area Association of Realtors latest numbers have the average sale price of a home last month at $167,500, up 6% from 2010, but down 2% from the average in September of this year. The median sale price last month was$148,000 in October.

Security Scare At Eastern Iowa Airport

Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids was briefly evacuated this morning, after a passenger reported a suspicious item in a trash can. Authorities tell KCCI the item was a plastic bottle wrapped in duct tape.A Cedar Rapid PD robot was called in to remove the item. Police then determined it wasn't a threat and normal operations resumed around noon.

Rastetter Ethics Complaint Tossed

The State Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board voted 6-0 today to toss a complaint against Brent Rastetter. The complaint was brought by the Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement and other groups after Rastetter voted in June to scrap a proposed toughening of clean water regulations. The complaint: Rastetter had a conflict because he owns a business that builds large livestock operations that are regulated under the clean water laws.

Rastetter Ethics ComplaintTossed

The State Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board voted 6-0 today to toss a complaint against Brent Rastetter. The complaint was brought by the Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement and other groups after Rastetter voted in June to scrap a proposed toughening of clean water regulations. The complaint: Rastetter had a conflict because he owns a business that builds large livestock operations that are regulated under the clean water laws.

DM Apartment Fire

Over two dozen people were standing out in the cold around 4:30 this morning, while firefighters put out a fire in a kitchen trash can at Somerset Apartments. The fire, at 6620 Southeast 5th Street, did about $25,000 damage to one apartment. There was no serious damage to any of the other units. The cause of the fire's still under investigation.

PSU Alum in Iowa Concerned

KCCI reports that members of the Central Iowa Penn State Alumni group said they now fear retribution after one found a note on her car in Des Moines with the words "child abuser." Her car had a Penn State sticker on it. Alumni released a statement saying that they are "deeply saddened to hear of the allegations," and they "share shock and outrage with the rest of the Penn State family." Former Penn State defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky is charged with sexually abusing eight boys on campus from 1994 to 2009. Longtime coach Joe Paterno passed on a complaint about the abuse but never called police and was fired last night.

Passerbys Rescue Woman From Burning Car

Some good news out of Black Hawk County: The sheriff's department there said people passing a cornfield saw a car of fire and rescued the woman inside. Sheriff's officials said Cynthia Bird told them she was heading east on East Orange Road near Waterloo yesterday when she tried to make a U-turn and got stuck in the cornfield. Combustion from the car set some cornstalks on fire and Bird was trapped. People in a car saw what was happening and helped Bird out of the car.
24-year-old Jennifer Glidewell, of Waterloo, and 21-year-old Tony Reinking, of Oelwein get the credit for the rescue.

People Passing Stopped School Busses -- A Near-Epidemic in Ames

Durham School Services, which handles busing services for the Ames Community School District, says that drivers are putting kids in danger. This school year alone, Durham's bus drivers have reported dozens of incidents. Bus drivers are worried that eventually, something bad will happen. The total number of violations reported so far this year is almost the same as the number reported all of last year. The Ames Police Department is working closely with Durham School Services and its drivers to try and prosecute as many violations as possible.

Hot Lotto Winner Introduced

We now know who won that $7.5-million Hot Lotto jackpot last weekend. Wally Markham of Waterloo is a John Deere retiree. He said he learned he might be a winner on Sunday morning after his neighbor borrowed his newspaper and then called and asked if he had a Hot Lotto ticket. Markham chose a cash-option for his Hot Lotto jackpot, which netted him just under $4 million after state and federal withholding taxes were paid. Hot Lotto is played in Iowa, 13 other states, and the District of Columbia.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

You May Qualify for $9.95/month Internet

There could be a cheaper way to get broadband internet access in Iowa. According to KCCI the Connect to Compete initiative was unveiled by the FCC today. It's a deal between the government, broadband, and cable companies to offer $9.95/month high speed web access for two years to homes with children that are eligible for the national school lunch program. It's expected to kick in next summer. Most broadband access is now priced at $37/month

Mobile Speed Cams for Polk County?

Mobile camera units used to catch speeders could be coming to Polk County. The Des Moines Register reports Sheriff Bill McCarthy's asked the Board of Supervisors to consider a program that would allow his office to use mobile speed units in unincorporated areas where deputies cannot run radar as often as they would like. McCarthy says there've been a number of deadly accidents over the last 5 years in those areas that involved teen drivers speeding.

New Jobs With Ankeny Plant Expansion

There are 43-new jobs in Ankeny. It's tied to the $5-million expansion of the Acumold factory on SE Oralabor Road. The company makes custom plastic parts. KCCI reports the expansion, marked by a ribbon cutting today, adds 40,000 square feet to the plant and ups the company's workforce to 160.

State Court Upholds ex-Troopers Firing

Iowa's Court of Appeals says the decision to fire former State Trooper Rodney Hicok in 2009 was justified. KCCI reports Hicok was first suspended for using a state computer to email mug shots of suspects wearing t-shirts supporting Obama for President, along with a derogatory comment. He was fired after using a state computer to print a racial joke, and show fellow troopers a racially offensive video.

Man Busted for Impersonating "Sheriff"

A 26 year old man is facing charges that he impersonated a sheriff. Coralville Police Chief Barry Bedford said Aaron Fisher and some people in another car were arguing as they headed south on Iowa Highway 965 a few days ago. Then Fisher followed the car to a gas station, got out and said he was a sheriff. He also displayed a BB gun pistol and the people in the car told police about the incident, which got Fisher busted.

Find the Money

Show me the money and I won't raise the gas tax. Not his words, but the idea is the same: Governor Terry Branstad says if the money can be found someplace else, he won't raise the stat sales tax on gasoline. Branstad said yesterday that he'd like to see the money derived through governmental efficiency, rather than just raising taxes.

Altoona Mayor's Race Runoff Dec 6

In all likelihood, there'll be a runoff in the Altoona mayor's race, which will happen on December 6. That's because, as of last night,
J.M. “Skip” Conkling and Scott Leighter were only about eight votes apart. Conkling had 864 votes, and Leighter had 856. As Tim Burget said he wouldn't run again for a seventh term, the two are going for the open office. Burget had been mayor since 1987.

Mayor, 3 Council Members Still at City Hall

While the results are not official yet, Des Moines Mayor Frank Cownie and three incumbent city council members will be back at city hall. The Des Moines Register reports that Cownie got 92 percent of the vote. At-large Councilman Chris Coleman
got 71 percent of the vote over Loren Esse. Brian Meyer took 76 percent of the vote over David Niffenegger. And Bob Mahaffey got 94 percent of the vote running unopposed,

Retired Officer Dies One Day After Daughter's Sentence

A retired Chicago police detective was found dead outside his rural Iowa home yesterday, a day after his daughter was convicted of murder in a 2001 shooting death she had claimed was self-defense. Death investigators say 69-year old Bernard Richter was found dead about 11:50 a.m. yesterday on his property in Rembrandt, apparently of natrual causes. Sheriff's deputies were sent to check on him after relatives said they had not heard from him since Sunday morning.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Low Turnout Expected This Election Day

This is election day across Iowa, and in Polk County, turnout's expected to be only 6 to 7%. Des Moines Mayor Frank Cownie's unopposed for re-election. Races in some of the surrounding communities could be more interesting, including the mayor and city council votes in Johnston, Altoona, Pleasant Hill and Windsor Heights. Polls in most locations close at 8 o'clock.

Drake Theft Leads to 10-year Prison Term

10-years in prison and a $1,000 fine. That's the price Robert Harlan's paying for his guilty plea to stealing money from Drake University over a 5-years. Harlan was in charge of student accounts at Drake. The University, which has filed a civil suit against him for the theft, has been reimbursed by its' insurance carrier for Harlan's actions, for $616,000.

Winter Weather Advisory Until 9a.m.

A Winter Weather Advisory's in effect, which includes the Des Moines metro area, until 9a.m. tomorrow. Rain's expected to change over to snow tonight, with the strongest snowfall between midnight and 5a.m. According to KCCI, 1-to-4" is expected, but some areas could get higher totals. Winds are expected to pick up, with some gusts over 30 mph. There could be some slick spots for the morning commute.

DM City Council Approves Hotels Plan

Des Moines City Council today approved a plan for a $32-million project that would bring two new hotels and a parking garage to downtown. KCCI reports it would be built just south of Court Avenue along the Des Moines River. The project, from an Iowa developer, would start with a Hampton Inn, then the garage. A second hotel would go up in downtown in five years.

Polls Open

Most polls are open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. for today’s municipal elections across Iowa, and here in Polk County. To find your voting place in Polk County, go online to http://auditor.co.polk.ia.us Polling places in other Iowa counties can be found at county auditors’ websites.

Vets, Active Troops Eat for Free

Operation Feed Freedom is again launching this year. Its Outback steakhouse's way of thanking veterans on Veterans Day with a free meal. From outback.com, "We launched Operation Feeding Freedom in 2002, sending a team of volunteer employees to Afghanistan to feed American troops. Since then, Outback has made a total of 9 trips to the Middle East and served over 215,000 troops, bringing them a much needed taste of home." So if you're a veteran or active troop, you get to eat free at Outback Steakhouseon Friday,11.11.11.

Controversial Bar Gets Second Chance

The Des Moines City Council is giving the controversial Courtside Bar and Grill a rare second chance. It's been a month since someone shot and killed Marion Harris outside the bar on 14th Street. That was the last straw for police and the city who suspended Courtside's liquor license. Now the owners have agreed to install more security cameras, hire more security guards, improve outside lighting and sell more food than liquor.

Monday, November 7, 2011

DM Register: $32M Hotel Development on the Table

There could be a 32 million dollar hotel development in Des Moines. The Des Moines Register reports that Waterfront Lodging LC wants to build a 129 room hotel and a parking garage at Second and Water Streets and city council will hear it on first reading today. In five years, the company says it might build another hotel close to Principal Park and the Science Center of Iowa and the city said that could bring more visitors to the area.

OK Quake Felt in IA

There was a 5.6 magnitude earthquake in Oklahoma, that was felt clear over here in Iowa. Jessie Vandercrawl told KCCI TV that they felt some shaking, and didn't think much of it, until it didn't stop.

He said, "Felt some shaking, like 'what was that?' And you could see the lights moving a little bit, and the table was just kinda vibrating back and forth. It was just enough to make you question something's not normal. I looked over at my roommates and neither one of them were bouncing their feet on the ground. At the time I questioned 'yeah, that might be an earthquake.'"

Vandercrawl says he won't soon forget living through the Oklahoma earthquake, as he lived in Iowa.


Year-Round School to be Proposed

Provisions for year-round school or an extended academic day will likely be part of the final education reform plan presented to the Legislature in January but won’t include mandates that all students spend more time in the classroom. Iowa Department of Education director tells the Des Moines Register the plan will probably offer strategies to increase instruction for struggling students. Parents and teachers have shown support for extending Iowa’s 180-day school year or lengthening the school day during town hall meetings focused on the education improvement proposals.

Hot Lotto Winner Sold in Iowa

Iowa Lottery officials said a Hot Lotto ticket sold in Iowa is a $7.5 million winner. The ticket was sold at the Kwik Stop at 4335 Texas St. in Waterloo. In May, an Iowan won a $9 million Hot Lotto jackpot on a ticket sold in Webster City. Iowa Lottery players now have won a total of nine Hot Lotto jackpots. The winning numbers in Saturday’s $7.54 million Hot Lotto jackpot drawing were: 5-12-16-23-24 and Hot Ball 8. The Waterloo ticket matched all six numbers drawn to win the grand prize

Ames Schools Could See Layoffs

A decline in the number of students enrolled in the Ames Community School District could lead to layoffs. A district enrollment report cited by the Ames Tribune shows enrollment for the 2011-12 school year is about 4,220 students, down 56 from the previous year. The district estimates the lower enrollment will cost it about $335,000 in state aid. Superintendent Tim Taylor says that means layoffs are a possibility for next year.

Friday, November 4, 2011

Sone Testified

Is there proof now that Tracey killed in self defense? Her son Bert Pittman, who was eleven years old in 2001 when Richter shot Dustin Wehde to death, testified at her trial yesterday that it was in fact self defense. That he held a baseball bat as he stood in his room with his siblings, hearing his mother being choked. Richter shot Wehde more than once, claiming a home invasion. The proof will be up to the jury.

Jailer Jailed

The jailer is in jail. Former Story County jailer was ordered to jail by a judge after the jailer used a shock device on an inmate. Kip Strickland of Baxter pleaded guilty to two counts of simple misdemeanor assault after the incident in March of this year. Court document indicate that the judge gave Strickland 60 days because he failed to do his job to protect those with whom he was charged. Strickland couldn't get the Iowa State Supreme Court to look at the case.


High Trestle Trail Popularity May Displace Homes

Thousands of bicyclists in Central Iowa have been riding the new High Trestle Trail from Ankeny to Woodward and business is booming in towns along the trail. The trail has been so successful that some people along the trail in Woodward are being asked to move. Close to 10 families who live near the trailhead are affected. Residents have been told they have to move because new owners plan to clear the trailer park to build a sports bar and grill along with a campground, right next to the High Tressle Trail.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Occupy DM Gets Another Week at Stewart Square

Des Moines Park and Recreation Department's renewed Occupy Des Moines permit for the use of Stewart Square for another week. They've been there since October 14th after they were denied a new permit for the Iowa State Capital grounds. A city spokesperson says they're reviewing the situation on a week to week basis. Outrage over what protesters describe as corporate greed and growing income inequality have helped fuel the Occupy movement.

Metro Art Expo StartsTomorrow

Capital Square might be a good place to take your coffee or lunch break tomorrow. The Des Moines Register says it's the start of the weekend Metro Arts Expo. The hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. tomorrow, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, with all sorts of juried artists’ booths and live entertainment. The event took a year off last year, and the organizers decided to move to Capital Square because it's more accessible.

$25,000 Reward in 2003 Poffenberger Murder

A $25,000 rewards being offered for information in the murder of Corey Poffenberger. KCCI reports the 38-year old was found shot to death at 2211 E. 37th Street in October of 2003. Poffenberger's family raised the money for the reward information that leads to an arrest. You can call Polk County Crime Stoppers at 515-223-1400.

DM Apartment Building Murder Victim Identified

Des Moines police are investigating the murder of 26-year old Joseph Watley. Detectives say he was found shot to death in the doorway of an apartment building at 4200 Hickman Road around 3:30 this morning. KCCI reports the owners of the apartment complex have issued a statement saying Watley and the person who killed him weren't residents, and that it appeared Watley was running through the property to get away from the gunman.

Feud Between Friends on Facebook

A fire may have been fueled by a feud between friends on facebook. Thirty year old Jennifer Harris is still in the Polk County Jail on arson charges, and her bond is 100 thousand dollars. Last week's fire, police said, destroyed a garage and damaged Jim and Nikki Rasmussen's home but nobody was hurt. Investigators said Harris is accused of saying quote "horrible things" about Nikki Rasmussen on Facebook.

Man Found Shot To Death Early Today

KCCI is reporting this morning that Des Moines Police are investigating a man was found shot to death at an apartment building on the northwest side. It was at 2400 Hickman road where police were called around 3:30 this morning, and said the man had been shot several times. There were several bullet holes and shattered glass at the building. The man's name has not been released yet and police are looking for suspects to the shooting.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Asian Restaurant Expected for old Mondo's Site

The Des Moines Business Record's reporting a new restaurant's expected to open soon in West Des Moines at what used to be Mondo's. A family owned Asian restaurant's expected to open at 4001 Westown parkway before the end of the year. The operators have restaurants in northern Iowa, Minnesota, California and Chicago. The location's about a block away from the new Whole Foods expected to open next year.

Suspect Identified in Tuesday Night Police Standoff

38-year old Shane Roberts of Beaver Township's in the Polk County Jail on weapons charges after he was involved with a standoff with Polk County Sheriff's Deputies last night. Police tell the Des Moines Register this all happened last night in a home in the 8800 block of Northeast 27th Avenue. Deputies say they heard multiple gunshots when they arrived. Roberts surrendered after 2 and a half hours.

No Cause Yet for Metro Ice Illnesses

It's now in the hands of the Polk County Heath Department to figure out what caused a number of people get sick last night at the Metro Ice Sports Facility at 5100 N.W. 72nd St. Urbandale Fire Chief Jerry Holt says carbon monoxide was the main suspect but no elevated levels could be found. Several people started vomiting and exhibiting flu-like symptoms. Two children were hospitalized.

Municipal Borrowing Up

According to a new report from the State Treasurer's Office, state and local government's have upped borrowing by 6%, but Iowa, with almost $14-billion in debt has one of the nations lowest piles of red ink. KCCI reports Iowa cities are carrying almost $5-billion of that total. The state's debt went up 33% over the last fiscal year to about $1-billion.

Nobody Hurt in Standoff

A man's in the Polk County Jail after a standoff with police in Altoona. Polk County deputies got the call around 8 last night and heard shots at the home when they got there, so they called for back up. After about 2 hours, Shane Roberts gave up, even before negotiators arrived. No shots were fired, nobody was hurt. Police said they don't believe Roberts was shooting at anybody, just shooting..

17 Year Old Killed in Crash

A 17-year-old high school junior was killed when her car slammed into the back of a school bus in north-central Iowa. Police said it happened yesterday afternoon around 3:30 just east of St Ansgar. They said the bus stopped on Iowa 218, and that's when the car hit it. The teen killed in the crash is Allison Smith of Stacyville, who was a student at St. Ansgar High School. Nobody on the bus was hurt.

Marshalltown World-Record Attempt

Marshalltown wants to set a new marshmallow world record. The plan is to use 500 pounds of marshmallows to create a giant Christmas tree on Nov. 19 for the downtown business district's Holiday Stroll. Organizers told the Times-Republican newspaper they submitted an application to the Guinness Book of World Records in May and received approval yesterday to attempt the record. Plans are still being worked out on how to build the massive marshmallow Christmas tree.

Police to Reach Out, Respond to Latino Resident Concenrs

Some Latinos in Des Moines say that a series of incidents, large and small, have shaken their confidence in law enforcement. The advocacy group Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement and officials with the Des Moines police and the Polk County sheriff’s office will host a public meeting tonight to address the concerns. Some latinos tell the Des Moines Register they are now afraid to call the police, even as a witness or victim, even though they want to be able to trust authorities.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Work's Almost Done on Birdland Park Levee

Crews were busy this morning installing a new flood gate on Guthrie Avenue and Saylor Road. It's part of an $8-million reconstruction of Des Moines Birdland Park levee. The projects to protect Birdland Park area homes, businesses and North High School, which have been hit hard by flooding on the Des Moines River during recent major flooding events. An official ribbon cutting event with the city and the Army Corps of Engineers is November 15th.

Nothing to Cheer in Iowa AcademicTest Scores

A new report from the National Assessment of Education Progress highlighted Iowa as one of a small number of states where students haven't made significant gains in reading or math scores over the last 20-years. The Des Moines Register says the same report showed students nationwide with big gains in math and lesser positive movement in reading over the same period. The Lack of progress in Iowa's spread over minority and white students.

DM Officials in D.C. Looking for SE Connector Cash

Des Moines officials were in Washington yesterday, trying to get $30-million in federal money to finish a connector that'll run from the Des Moines River to the Highway 65 bypass. KCCI reports part of the project's already finished, and they're trying to fund the stretch from SE 14th St. to SE 30th. The Mayor and City Manager say the Southeast Connector would come with a trail, bike lanes and sidewalk.

Cain Latest: He Knew About the Settlement

Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain now says there was a settlement in an apparent sexual harassment case. A CNN report indicates that he told the PBS Newshour that when he commented on how tall a woman was, it was taken wrong. That, after earlier denying the charges. POLITICO claims that a settlement in the case was five figures. At first Cain denied the settlement, then he admitted he knew about it. He told PBS that because the settlement or the agreement was so small, his staff at the National Restaurant association didn't have to bring it to him.

Pella Hosts Lates Prez Event

Five Republican presi­dential candidates were in Pella today at the National Association of Manu­facturers forum. The Des Moines Register reports that U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann of Minnesota, former U.S. House Speak­er Newt Gingrich of Geor­gia, U.S. Rep. Ron Paul of Texas, Texas Gov. Rick Perry and former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum. were all set to speak during the event that was on public TV late this morning. Iowa Gov. Terry Bran­stad moderated the event.

Branstead Appoints EcoDevo Panels

Eighteen business leaders have been appointed to Gov. Terry Branstad's panel that will help steer the state's economic development strategy. The governor announced the names Monday, saying the new board will be central to his approach to economic development, which gives businesses a strengthened hand. Branstad also named the members of the Iowa Innovation Corporation board, which will head a nonprofit corporation funded by the private sector and federal grants that will seek to develop new technologies. Both panels have been told to shape new approaches to economic development.

Hoversten Sentenced to 15 Years

The driver in a fatal high speed-chase and crash in Ames will serve a 15-year prison sentence. Kaleb Hoversten admitted in September that he stole about $50 in gas before leading officers on a high-speed chase on May 7. The chase ended when his car hit an SUV. The impact killed one of Hoversten's passengers, Brice Nelson.