Gingrich goes after judges, press

GOP presidential candidate Newt Gingrich stopped in at Tish’s Restaurant in Council Bluffs yesterday, eventually telling Iowans he thinks judges have become arrogant and too powerful.

But first, he tried to rein in the press. It didn’t work.

Gingrich found that the 84-seat room reserved for his visit was standing room only, with a crowd of perhaps 220 spilling into the next room. As he began his comments before a media throng that took the entire back row and spanned much of the two side walls, he sternly told the camera operators to get out of the way.

“Press, down! Down!” Gingrich ordered. “You have to let the people see.”

As the still cameras continued firing in long bursts, the former House speaker, already used to dealing with all kinds in a long political career, turned to audience members with a smile and said, “”They aren’t very controllable.”

Occupy arrests

Three buses carrying protesters showed up to GOP presidential candidate Michele Bachmann’s office in Urbandale around 1:15 p.m.

The demonstration first moved to the doors of the headquarters, blocking the entrance. Police told the protesters they had to move, citing private property.

Police told protesters to move to the sidewalk across the parking lot.

At least five were arrested for trespassing, including two minors.

Lotto weirdness

The strangest Iowa Lottery prize giveaway in state history just go weirder.

So far, at least a half-dozen people have told lottery officials that the multimillion-dollar Hot Lotto ticket — which had been held for nearly a year — was stolen.

The ticket, purchased at a northeast Des Moines convenience store, was originally worth $16.5 million and was turned in Thursday afternoon by lawyers on behalf of a New York trust, just an hour and 50 minutes before it was to expire.

Reports that a winning ticket was stolen are common, said Mary Neubauer, lottery spokeswoman.

“I think every time we've had a jackpot that had gone unclaimed for a longer than usual amount of time, we’ve had reports of the ticket being stolen,” she said. “I think with all the intrigue of this winner, it has taken (the claims) up a notch.”

There has never been a proven case of lottery ticket theft in Iowa, lottery officials said Friday.

Hawkeyes hang tight against OU

What began as a possible rout against the Hawkeyes, ended in a respectable showing vs. the Oklahoma Sooners. Last night's Insight Bowl pitted Iowa against a team that spent the first 6 weeks of the football season ranked #1 in the nation. The Sooners led the Hawkeyes 21-0 before Iowa's 2-touchdown rally, making it 21-14. Oklahoma went on to win 31-14. The Hawkeyes' season ends with a 7-6 record.

Newt still leads S. Carolina, Florida; Can it hold?

With minimal funds and falling Iowa poll numbers, can former Speaker Of The House Newt Gingrich hold his South Carolina and Florida support until primary days arrive there? That's a big "if", as a 4th place showing or lower could dramatically drop his level support. The latest Gallup poll shows Gingrich falling behind Romney 26% to 24% nationally, but maintaining leads in the 2 southern states of South Carolina and Florida, according to Real Clear Politics. A competitive showing in Iowa could go a long way in keeping Gingrich competitive in the early states ahead.

Who's dropping out Tuesday night?

Can republicans expect fewer candidates after Tuesday's caucuses conclude? CNN recently asked that question, based on heavy advertising and organizational spending across the state by Rick Perry, Rick Santorum and Michele Bachmann. Governor Perry's funds seem to be holding up enough for him to continue on to South Carolina, where conservative voters may be more sympathetic. Sen. Santorum, with recent momentum in the latest Iowa polls, may be able to advance to future primaries with a strong showing on Tuesday. CNN's Wolf Blitzer says that Rep. Bachmann "needs to show something positive next Tuesday" and that voters should "be ready for a dropout speech or two...next week."

Obama to address Iowa Dems

Republicans aren't the only ones organizing Iowa these days. President Obama, who won the Iowa caucuses 4 years ago, will address Democrats across the state, via a live video feed on Tuesday night. The president has opened 8 offices in Iowa so far, from Dubuque to Council Bluffs. Wasting no time, the re-election campaign has already placed over 350,000 calls to supporters here.

Poll has good news for Romney, Santorum

3 days and counting til caucus day across Iowa and it's crunch time for GOP candidates. A brand new NBC News/Marist poll shows good news for Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum. Speaker Gingrich, not so much. Romney leads the field in the survey with 23%, followed by Ron Paul at 21% and a surging Rick Santorum now at 15%. Newt Gingrich's numbers have seen a precipitous fall from 38% earlier this month to 13% now, as the conservative vote continues to split among many candidates. Romney, who had made few appearances in the state until recently, now seems to be gaining confidence, telling Fox News "I think we'll do well here."

Gingrich shows emotion

Newt Gingrich, whose quick leap in the polls ended as fast as it came, brushed aside tears yesterday during an event hosted by cafemom.com at Java Joe's coffee shop. Nearly 100 people were on hand when Gingrich was asked about his mother. The former House speaker became emotional, explaining his late mother's battle with illness in her later years. Kathleen Gingrich died in 2003 at the age of 77.

Getting Out the Caucus Vote

The campaigns of all six GOP presidential contenders are busy with four days to the caucus doing everything they can to make sure they get their supporters out. The Des Moines Register's reporting many of the campaigns didn't expect caucus goers to make up their minds until the last week or so before the caucus. A CNN/Time/Opinion Research poll this week says over 40% of those who say they're going Tuesday haven't made up their minds.

Bye Bye Verizon Convenience Fee

That didn't last long. Verizon Wireless has scrapped a plan to charge customers a $2 fee for paying their bills on line or on the phone with a credit card. KCCI reports in a statement on its' website, Verizon says "customer feedback" led to their devision to drop the "convenience fee" it planned to start January 15th.

Police Bust Woman For Car Chase

Alon Meisters is in the Polk County Jail after Johnston Police tried to make a traffic stop last night. There was a chase that ended with the SUV Meisters was driving going airborne and hitting two other cars in a parking lot in the 4600 block of NW 86th Street. KCCI reports Meisters faces charges from the pursuit as well as outstanding Polk COunty warrants. More charges could be filed.

Branstad Sets Date to Unveil Ed Reforms

Gov. Branstad takes the wraps off his education reform package January 6th. He's expected to lay out specifics as well as how to pay for them. Among the most talked about items in the plan is requiring children to repeat third grade. According to the Des Moines Register, opposition's come from teachers, school administrators and some parents. A task force will spend a year going over the details.

Semi Driver Killed in Webster County Crash

A semi crashed on US Highway 20 in Webster County yesterday, and the driver was killed. Iowa State Patrol said the crash happened yesterday afternoon when the semi went into the median, a drainage ditch and then hit an embankment. Sargent Randy Steinkamp said the driver, 44-year-old Gary Sulsberger, of Rodney died at the scene of the crash. He also said a hazmat crew cleaned up the spilled diesel. Steinkamp said investigators didn't know what caused the crash.

House Burgled

Lots of stuff -- expensive stuff -- was stolen from a home in Des Moines yesterday. The Des Moines Register reports that police went to the 4100 block of Timber Lane on a burglary call. Russell and Heather Milligan said they left their house at 4 p.m. and got home around 8 last night and found the back door forced open. Now, the Milligans are out a camera, a camcorder, about 18 hundred dollars in jewelry.

Fire Starts at Confinement Farm

Several homes near a hog confinement farm in Hamilton County were evacuated when a fire started at the farm on Wednesday. KCCI reports that the fire started around 4 p.m. Sheriff's deputies said a crew was fumigating the confinement building and sparked the fire. Deputies evacuated two or three homes within a mile of the building because of the toxic chemicals being used during the fumigation. The homeowners were later allowed to return to their homes. The building was empty at the time, so no animals were injured. The crew working in the building were also unharmed.

Police Arrest Hit and Run Driver

The driver of a pick up truck involved in a hit and run fatal in northeast Iowa has been arrested. The crash happened near Sangeville, and Dubuque County Sheriff's deputies arrested 41 year old Earl Hiland the Third. He's now in jail on an eleven thousand dollar bond. Hiland faces charges of leaving the scene of a fatality accident, failure to provide information and aid-leaving the scene of a personal injury accident and driving while license denied or revoked. Police reports indicate that Hiland's truck crossed the center line of US 52, an slammed into the car that 28 year old Casey Craugh of Hazel Green was driving. Forty-two-year old Jennifer Pap's van then hit Craugh's vehicle. Craugh was killed and Pape was hospitalized.

Top 3 in GOP Stumping in Last Days

Its less than a week now 'til the Iowa Caucuses, and Paul, Romney and Gingrich are separated by just a few points. Ron Paul said he's spending today rallying the troops in Des Moines, and the other hopefuls are spread throughout the Hawkeye State. None of the top three on the list of GOP wanna bees has an outstanding lead, but all are putting time and effort into getting their messages out in order to get votes in.

Man Charged in Woman's Drug Death

A Newton man faces involuntary manslaughter charges in the death of 19 year old woman. Jasper County authorities said 19 year old Wyatt Franklin also delivered a controlled substance that contributed to 19 year old Shasta Sapp's death. Sapp died at a hospital in Newton on November 12 after police said Franklin gave her oxymorphone, a narcotic painkiller.

CSU Researcher Helps Find New Frog Species

(Quito, Ecuador) -- A CSU researcher and his colleagues are being credited with finding 12 new species of toads and frogs. Chris Funk, an assistant professor of biology, and his South American counterparts spent years cataloging species in Ecuador's Amazon Basin. Their findings were published last month in "Proceedings of the Royal Society B."

Candidates Beat Santa for Face Time This Month

The Iowa Caucuses are just days away now, and the cast of characters is somewhere in the Hawkeye state, stumping for voters to get into their corners. The GOP, the PACs and any other alphabet soup that represents those campaigning for votes are in it: Mitt Romney, Ron Paul, Rick Perry, and the rest have, as the Des Moines Register reports have had more face time this month than Santa Claus. Rick Perry spent nearly 3 million dollars in TV ads, Santa...not so much. The PAC that supports Mitt Romney has spent slightly less than Perry...Santa, still not. And Ron Paul spent about 1.3 million to put his face on the tube. Again, Santa...no coin spent. But Santa also won't be in the state's caucuses next week.

Teen Killed in Christmas Crash

A 17 year old male was killed in a crash on Christmas Day. Iowa State patrol said Michael Schmidt of Jefferson was south n a Webster County road around 11:30 Sunday morning and did not stop at the intersection of State highway 175. Police said Schmidt's vehicle hit 20 year old Khristian Powell's vehicle. Powell is from Panora. Police said Schmidt was not wearing a seatbelt, was thrown from his vehicle and died at the scene. They said Powell's vehicle rolled onto its top and caught fire. Powell and his passenger got out and were not hurt.

State Reports Norovirus

The Iowa Department of Public Health has received reports of probable norovirus in at least five counties.
Symptoms of norovirus include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramps. The illness usually begins 24 to 48 hours after exposure and lasts one to two days.
The IDPH says three groups of people became ill after eating at a restaurant where several food handlers had also been sick. Outbreaks were also associated with events like holiday parties and holiday potlucks.
Medical director Dr. Patricia Quinlisk says if a person has had any stomach illness, he or she should not prepare food of any kind for others until 48 hours have passed since his or her recovery.

No Charges To Be Filed

Polk County Sheriff's officials say no charges will be filed in that case of a man found injured on Highway 141 near Grimes, Iowa. They said that on December 7, 36 year old Edward Yokiel was found on the side of the road, injured. They now say that he was hurt in an accident. He died later, but deputies said that their evidence showed that Yokiel grabbed onto the spoiler of a car, and without knowing he was there, the driver took off. The driver is not being charged.

Wanna Be Pets Get Holiday Gift

An Iowa man thought of everyting for Christmas, including the wanna be pets at the Humane Society of Northern Iowa in Mason City. He gave the organization one ton of dog food. The Globe Gazette reports that Garth Jordan, of Osage arranged it all with the help of the Osage Cooperative Elevator and bought two thousand pounds of pet food, and it was delivered to the animal shelter. The holiday gift was in memory of his dog, Muffin.

Salvation Army Short of Christmas Goal

Sadly, the experience of the Salvation Army in the Des Moines metro is something we're hearing from the organization in many communities this year: the coins just aren't dropping in the red kettles at the rate they need to make this year's goal. Here the Salvation Army is $300,000 short of its goal. The Salvation Army aims to get $1.1 million in donations, compared to 900,000 last year. They said it's needed because the number of families asking for help went up 11 percent from 2010 and the amount of traffic in their food pantries is up 14 percent.

Woman Busted on Forgery, Other Charges

A woman who's accused of defrauding an elderly woman out of 20 thousand dollars is out of jail on a 20 thousand dollar bond. Police in Elkander said 47 year old Marie Germann was caring for the 83 year old woman when she started writing checks on the woman's account and using her credit card. Germann now faces nearly a dozen counts including forgery, theft and elder abuse. Germann worked for a home health company.

Man Makes Alleged Explosives

The cops call them CIs. They're confidential informants, and one of them went to Charles Crider's Humeston home -- that's in southern Iowa -- where Crider made an explosive device and gave it to the informant. The CI then gave it to police and KCCI reports that they arrested Crider on receiving and possessing an unregistered firearm and illegally making a destructive device charges. Crider pleaded not guilty to the federal charges and will be in court today, and could be in jail until his trial.

Filmmaker Ordered to Pay Restitution in Film Scandal

A Polk County judge's ordered filmmaker Bruce Elgin to pay almost $4.5-million in restitution to the state for inflating movie-making costs before the collapse of Iowa’s film program. However, the Des Moines Register reports he probably won't pay the full amount. Elgin's plead guilty to a misdemeanor count of tampering with records. Elgin claimed close to $8-million in illegal expenses to get state tax credits.

Ex-Denison Fire Chief Charged

Denison's former fire chief's been charged with theft and misconduct in office. KCCI reports 41-year old Michael McKinnon was charged after an investigation by the Iowa's DCI and State Auditor. McKinnon left the job after questions about purchases he made and payments he received for training and equipment.

Feds Indict Two Ex-DM Cops

Two former Des Moines cops nave been indicted on federal charges over the 2008 beating two people after a traffic stop. Mersed Dautovic and John Mailander are accused of violating the civil rights of Octavius Bonds by beating him with a baton following a traffic stop in September 2008. They're also charged with obstruction. If convicted, they could get 30-years each. Both men were fired after superiors determined they'd used excessive force.

Iowans Face Federal Porn Charges

Three Iowans have been charged in a child sexual exploitation and interstate prostitution case. KCCI reports they've been identified as 55-year old Michael Malcolm of Humboldt, 21-year old Ashley Prince, and 23-year old Nikki Fawcett, of Fort Dodge. They've been indicted on child sexual exploitation by a federal grand jury. The three are accused of enticing minors into making porn videos as well as transporting people, including a minor, across state lines to engage in prostitution.

Fire Destroys Hippy Chicks Bar

In Northern Iowa, the town of Scarville, a business was destroyed by fire yesterday. and now the Iowa State Fire Marshal's Office is investigating. The Globe Gazette reports that Hippy Chicks Bar and Grill was engulfed when firefighters got there, but that they saved the building next door. Fire investigators call the fire suspicious and that it took lots of manpower from several fire companies in both Iowa and Minnesota to fight the blaze.

Woman Suing Ames PD

She told 911 dispatchers that her ex boyfriend shot her, and then himself and that she needed help. Tamela Montgomery was on the phone for 30 minutes with dispatchers before police came inside to help her. Montgomery is now suing the Ames Police Department for what she says was their lack of urgency of the situation. KCCI reports that while police and their attorneys cannot comment, they said in court documents that Montgomery was the one who called Angenaldo Bailey, thus she violated a no contact order, not Bailey, and that they could do nothing about what Bailey did, which led to her being shot. Bailey also shot and killed himself in the 2009 incident.

Jobless Rate Continues Slide

For the first time in two years, Iowa's jobless rate is below six percent. November figures releasted yesterday show 5.7 percent unemployment, down .3 percent from October. Manufacturing, financial jobs, and trade and transportation all saw new jobs created last month. The Hawkeye state has the sixth lowest unemployment in the country. Today's job outlook for Des Moines, specifically, is looking even better, according to a quarterly survey Manpower takes of 18,000 employers nationwide. The metro is ranked #2 nationwide for employment outlook.

Iowa Homeless Grants

Iowa communities will be getting almost $8-million from the Department of Housing and Urban Development to fight homelessness. According to the Des Moines Register, almost $3-million will be split among homeless programs in Des Moines and West Des Moines. Counts done in January of this year put total homelessness in Des Moines and Polk County was 986, compared to 1,020 last year; with chronic homeless at 110 last year, up to 123 this year.

Iowa Jobless Rate Down in November

New number from Iowa Workforce Development show a drop in the state's jobless rate in November. IWD says the rate fell to 5.7% in November. IWD director Teresa Wahlert says the drop in the November unemployment, along with an increase in total employment and further expansion in manufacturing, seems to confirm that the recovery has stepped up a notch.

Explosives Found as Man is Booked Into Jail

As a Harlan man was booked into the Shelby County Jail on a theft charges, police found explosives on him. Deputies took the devices they found on Alan Health on Sunday, to the jail's driveway, and they were later taken out of the area and exploded. KCCI reports that Health
faces several charges including possession of an incendiary device.

Another Big Job Opens Up at UI

Paul Rothman, dean of the UI's Carver College of Medicine, has a new job. He's heading east to take over as dean of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and chief executive officer of Johns Hopkins Medicine next June. UI's already looking for new deans at the Tippie College of Business, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the College of Engineering; aw well as a new vp for research and economic development.

New Economic List Nothing for DM to Cheer About

The Des Moines/West Des Moines metro area fell from 33rd last year to 83rd this year in Milken Institute’s Best-Performing Cities ranking. The metro’s 50-point drop was one of the biggest decliners on the list. The Des Moines Register reports the Institute rates the nations' metro areas on “...how well they are creating and sustaining jobs and economic growth,” including job, wage and salary, and technology growth.

Story County Teens Charged for Novemebr House Fire

Two teens from Story County face charges in a November fire in an abandoned home. According to KCCI, Sheriff's deputies say 17-year old Travis Herink and 16-year old Austin Moon from Zearing are charged with reckless use of a firearm of explosive, after setting off fireworks inside a home north of Roland.

DM School District Working on Racial Disparities in Student Suspensions

The Des Moines School District still has big differences in suspension rates for students based on race, with African-American students getting suspended at rates far higher than any other group. 16% of the districts 30,000 students are black, yet the Des Moines Register reports during the last two school years, Black students made up about 30%of all students suspended. Many Des Moines schools now have teams to try and catch problems before they become issues requiring suspension.

Polk Cty Supervisors Meet to Talk Veterans Memorial Auditorium

Polk County's Board of Supervisors will review a new deal adding to the name of Veterans Memorial Auditorium when they meet tomorrow morning. A team from OPN Architects will make a presentation to the board on the plan to add Community Choice Credit Union to the exterior signage at three locations around the Auditorium. Representatives of Community Credit will be at tomorrow's meeting as well.

Hanson Holds Unofficial Juggling Record

An Iowa man SAYS he broke the Guinness record for juggling. Mark Hanson of Mason City told the Mason City Globe Gazette that he threw 420 times over the weekend during the Winter Fun Festival Fundraiser, and beat the current record of 339 throws. That was by a Czech man. Hanson says he'll send Guinness video and sworn affidavits to prove the 420 throws to make it official, so for now, its the unofficial Guinness record.

Three Busted with Bottle Bombs

Three Mason City teens are under arrest, charged with reckless use of explosives. Police said the three boys were referred to Juvenile Court Services and later released to their parents on Sunday. Officers found the "bottle bombs" sitting on a sidewalk. The bombs typically are created in a plastic bottle when an acid and base are mixed. The eventual explosion can cause burns. The Mason City bombs were destroyed. No damage or injuries were reported.

UNI Bias Review

The University of Northern Iowa has announced plans for a wide-ranging review of the way its athletics department and other offices handle sexual harassment and assault complaints. KCCI reports all three of Iowa's public universities are reviewing policies for preventing and reporting child abuse after coaches at Penn State and Syracuse have been accused of using their positions to meet victims. But UNI is going further than the others, performing a review and audit to determine whether its practices comply with the federal law known as Title IX that bans gender discrimination in public education.

Saturday Fire Displaces 11

A major fire Saturday at a Des Moines mobile home park has left 11 people without a place to call home. The fire broke was reported Saturday afternoon at the Broadway Mobile Home Park inthe 41-hundred block of East Broadway. Firefighters reported twenty foot flames that spread to two trailers. No injuries were reported, but one cat died. The cause of the blaze isn't known right now. The American Red Cross has stepped in to provide shelter for the five adults and six children who were displaced.

ATM Stolen

The Linn County Sheriff's department is on the hunt for whoever took an ATM from a local convenience store. The Gazette in Cedar Rapids reported that it happened at the Whittier Market between midnight and 5 a.m. Tuesday. Investigators said the suspects broke into the place, and took the machine. Now sheriff's officials are looking at the surveillance video to see what clues then can derive about the theft.

Man Bites Cop

They say in journalism that when a dog bites a man, that's not news, but when a man bites a dog, now that's news. So what is it when a man bites a cop? Its a man in trouble! Mason City police said that 29 year old Jon Ramon now faces a charge of aggravated assault on a peace officer, and more after he allegedly bit Lieutenant Logan Wernet. Police were sent to talk with Ramon on Wednesday, and that's when he threw rocks at them at a local restaurant -- he broke a window there. When they took him into custody, police said Ramon bit Wernet.

Deere Wants Incentives for Ankeny Expansion

John Deere's considering a 300,000 square foot expansion of its' facility in Ankeny, but for that to happen, the company wants over $110-million in state and local incentives. The Des Moines Register reports state paperwork says the project would keep 400 'at-risk-job.' The Iowa Economic Development Authority's considering almost $10-million in tax credits. Ankeny officials are expected to hold a public hearing Monday on what it may offer to Deere to move the plan forward.

Arrest in Valley West Mall Shooting

Wes Des Moines Police have charged Nathaniel Yancey with a Black Friday shooting at Valley West Mall. According to KCCI, Yancey's been charged with intimidation with a dangerous weapon. Investigators say no one was hurt, and add that something like this is well out of the ordinary at West Valley. If you have information on incidents at Valley West Mall, call Polk County Crime Stoppers at 515-223-1400.

New Name for Vet Memorial Auditorium

Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center -- honoring veterans since 1955. That's the new name of Des Moines Veterans Memorial Auditorium. Polk County Supervisors and Iowa Events Center leaders have made a deal with Community Choice on naming rights for the hall. The price is $2.5-million/year for 10-years. KCCI reports Vets Auditorium is almost at the end of an 18-month renovation. There's a grand reopening open house January 9th.

State Revenue Projections Up

It's not a huge windfall, but Iowa lawmakers are expected to have $205-million more to work with in the next budget year. The Des Moines Register reports the new numbers from the State's Revenue Estimating Conference are a drop in the budget when the state's budget is around $6-billion, but it's good news for lawmakers who will be faced with several high cost items in the next legislative session, including mental health and school reform.

Fire Damages Adventureland -- Again

Fire crews were at Adventureland Amusement Park in Altoona, but not for fun. KCCI reports that a fire broke out at a restaurant there. Firefighters said a restaurant near the bumper cars caught fire before 4 this morning, and that the fire engulfed the structure by the time they arrived/ They were able to put it out quickly and were still at the scene assessing the damage at 7:00 a.m. KCCI reports that nearly two years ago, another fire destroyed part of Adventureland's downtown village area.

Body Found in Car in Waterloo

Police in Waterloo are investigating a body found in a parked car in a neighborhood there. They said the victim is a man. Police were called to the scene around 4 p.m. Wednesday when residents told dispatchers that the car was parked with its engine running and had not moved for hours. Police are notifying family before they release the victim's name and are investigating how he died.

DSM School Look Into Expanding Program Formerly Known as ESL

Des Moines district officials are studying whether to place special courses at all schools so students can learn to speak English. School officials tell our partners at KCCI the percentage of "English Language Learners" -- students whose native language is not English -- has doubled int he past decade. Students in Des Moines schools speak more than 80 languages at home. More than one of every eight students locally is a non-native English speaker. Programs for English Language Learners are in a majority of local schools, but about one-third of elementaries are missing them.

Jury Makes Award in 2008 Home Explosion

You may remember the story a few years ago about a propane explosion that leveled a home in the Waterloo area. This week, a jury awarded more than $1.7-million to the homeowners, one of whom was badly burned. Sixty-eight-year-old Donna Figard and her husband, Richard, claimed propane provider New Century FS didn't do enough to warn them about the limits of odor-causing chemicals injected into the gas as a warning and didn't adequately warn them about the importance of leak detectors. Jurors found the propane company 40-percent at fault for the explosion.

Selling Windsor Heights Speed Cams to the Community

At a forum last night, Windsor Height Police laid out the case for speed cameras on their one-mile stretch of I-235. the call the stretch the most dangerous road in the western suburb. Police Chief Dennis McDaniel said the cameras would not only help slow down speeders, they would free police offers to do other work. Bottom line, says the Cedar Rapids Police Chief, who McDaniel brought in to help sway citizens: the cameras save lives. He tells our news partners at KCCI a pair of curves there were averaging two fatal wrecks a year before cameras. There have been none since the system was installed.

Windsor Heights I-235 Speed Cam Town Hall Tonight

Windsor Heights police host a town hall meeting tonight on their proposal to set up mobile speed cams to slow traffic down on I-235 west. They want to put one camera near 63rd Street, and the other near 73rd street. According to KCCI, a police study shows that stretch of I-235 is the most dangerous road in Windsor Heights. The meetings at the Colby Park Community Center. City Council could vote on the speed cams next month.

Two Big DM Devlelopers Indicted for Bank and Wire Fraud

John Kline and Randal Walters, prominent Des Moines developers, have been indicted for bank and wire fraud by a federal grand jury. The two men were partners in Oaks Development Co. The Des Moines Register reports developers including Walters, filed for chapter 7 in 2009 when the real estate market went under. Kline tried to as well, but a judge said no after he invoked his 5th amendment rights 70-plus times in a court hearing without explanation.

No Charges for Polk County Deputy in Alleged Assault

A Polk County grand jury's decided against criminal charges for a sheriff's deputy accused of assaulting several men after an incident on I-235 in Des Moines. Deputy Shawn VanHoozer claimed the three other men involved tried to run him into a guardrail on the highway, and that a physical altercation that followed in a parking lot was self defense. VanHoozer was off duty and with his family at the tine.

NTSV: No Cell Phones

The National Transportation Safety Board is getting in on the no texting act, saying that all drivers should be banned from using cell phones, whether to talk or to text, whether they're hand held or hands free. The recommendation comes after a deadly crash on a Missouri highway last year that involved two school buses, two semi trucks and a pick up truck. NTSB said two were killed, 38 were hurt and the 19 year old who caused the crash sent eleven texts in eleven minutes.

Deputy won't be indicted

A Polk County Grand Jury decides not criminal charges should be filed against Polk County deputy Shawn VanHoozer. He'd been accused of assaulting 3 men last August in what had been called a racially-charged attack. VanHoozer's sheriff stood behind him. He had said he acted in self-defense when Luis Loza, Ernesto Rojas and Josymar Garcia approached him. A civil suit is also pending.

Sewage is dumped into the Des Moines River

An equipment failure at a pumping station in north Des Moines is being blamed for a big spill of untreated sewage. Almost 400 thousand gallons poured into the Des Moines River this week. City officials quickly made equipment repairs at the Birdland pumping station in the 18 hundred block of Pennsylvania Avenue. Alarms failed Monday, meaning public works officials didn't know about the problem for about 8 hours. DNR officials are taking water samples, but cold weather diminishes the threat from bacteria.

Sickness keeps kids out of class

School officials are blaming a gastrointestinal virus for 12 percent of the students at Olmstead Elementary School staying home. 10 percent of the staff was sick. The principal says during a typical school year a 10 percent absence rate only comes once or twice. Students are being encouraged to wash their hands more and parents are being asked to keep children home, if their sick. Custodians are doing even more disinfecting.

Grain elevator accident injures two

A Monday afternoon accident leaves two workers injured at a grain elevator construction site in Titonka. The man and woman were hurt when they fell 35 feet from a ladder or scaffolding where they were standing. The woman was taken by helicopter to the hospital, while the man rode in an ambulance. Their names and conditions haven't been released. Titonka is about 50 miles west of Mason City.

Property tax hikes lowered

City manager Rick Clark dug around in the cookie jar and found a few extra dollars, fees from things like traffic cameras and EMS service. That money is being counted on to lower the proposed property tax hike for Des Moines homeowners. Now it's 19 dollars a year for the owner of the average residential property, down from 26 dollars a year. The city manager will have to present his plan to the Des Moines city council. More than 40 city workers still face being laid off. The council has to take action before March.

Two GOP candidates take bus tours

Big buses are bringing the political campaign to dozens of Iowa cities. Both Michele Bachmann and Rick Perry are starting statewide bus tours this week. Perry took off yesterday, making visits to Council Bluff, Harlan and Denison. He plans to hit at least 50 cities before the Iowa caucuses next month. Bachmann's bus hits the road Friday. She plans to try to stop in all 99 Iowa counties before the caucuses start.

USPS Puts Shutdown Plans on Hold

The U.S. Postal Service has agreed postpone closing any more offices or processing facilities until next May. KCCI reports that'll give Congress time to work on a plan to save the service. This comes a week after USPS announced a plan to slow down first-class mail, which would have closed some 250 mail processing plants nationwide and eliminated 28,000 jobs.

Cedar Rapids Atty Pleads to Cracxk Possession

Cedar Rapids attorney Stanley Roush could get up to two years in prison when he's sentenced. The 52-year old plead guilty in federal court today to possession of crack cocaine. A spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney's office tells KCCI Roush was busted after a paid a police informant $200 for the cocaine in November.

Urbandale School-Sick Kids and Staff

School officials think a gastrointestinal virus has come calling at Olmsted Elementary School ion Urbandale. Principal Mark Lane says 12% of the students and 10% of the staff were out sick yesterday. Lane says they see a 10% absentee rate only once or twice a school year. According to KCCI, students have been asked to do more hand washing, parents to keep sick kids home, and school maintenance doing more disinfecting around the building.

Equipment Failure Puts Wastewater in DM River

The city's testing the Des Moines River after an equipment failure yesterday led to over 375,000 gallon of wastewater ending up in the water yesterday. State DNR tells KCCI an equipment failure's the culprit. The problem was at the Birdland pumping station at 1800 Pennsylvania Avenue. The problem started at 12:30a.m. and was fixed before noon.

Urbandale House Catches Fire

Fire crews in Urbandale and several surrounding communities spent several hours fighting a house fire in Urbandale overnight. KCCI reports that the home on Wilden Drive caught fire about 1:30 this morning. Urbandale Fire Chief Terry Holt said six people were home. They smelled smoke and got out. One person did suffer smoke inhalation. There is heavy damage to the one-story home. Officials said there is no word yet on the cause.

Former Pizza Joint Catches Fire in Marshalltown

Marshalltown fire investigators are trying to find out what caused a former pizza joint there to catch fire, thus setting an antique mall on fire. KCCI reports crews were on the scene around 11:15 last night when the former Mama DiGrado's Pizza and Pasta Restaurant caught fire. Nobody was hurt.

Bipartisan Iowa Group Joins Immigration Debate Today

Immigration issues should be resolved by the federal government using smart enforcement techniques that keep families together. The Des Moines Register reports a new bi-partisan group of state leaders is expected to announce an Iowa Compact today. Among the people who've signed on are Martha Willits, of the Greater Des Moines Partnership; and Suku Radia of Bankers Trust. More on their views at www.iowacompact.com.

Police Have Suspect in Burglary of Blind Man

Des Moines Police have charged Jason Schmidt with third degree burglary for allegedly robbing a blind resident of Elsie Mason Manor in downtown Des Moines. KCCI reports Investigators believe Schmidt gained entry to 60-year old Norman Winter's apartment by claiming he was there to install new linoleum flooring. Officers say some coins, a blank check and a class ring from the Iowa Braille and Sight Saving School were taken.

Public Forums on DM Budget Plan Thursday

Plans to cut municipal spending and increase property taxes in Des Moines didn't get a no at today's Des Moines City Council budget forum. City Manager Rick Clark's proposed closing a $7-million budget hole with $4-million in spending cuts and a $3-million property tax hike. The Des Moines Register reports there'll be two town hall forums on the budget, 11:30 Thursday morning and 6p.m. that evening at the Central Library on Grand Avenue.

Iowans Asked to Help With Homes in Haiti

Gov. Branstad says groups are trying to raise $300,000 to provide housing for people still homeless after the Haiti earthquake. KCCI reports officials from Sukup Manufacturing in Sheffield, has metal housing units than can handle up 10-people. They cost $5700 to build and $1000 to ship. They want to build 48 : as part of the Iowa Food and Family's Special Delivery: Homes, Help, Hope for Haiti. To donate visit the Global Compassion Network www.iowafoodandfamily.com .

Branstad Expects to Win Workforce Cut Fight in Court

Gov. Branstad says he expects the state Supreme Court to uphold his veto of funding for Iowa Workforce Development offices. According to KCCI, he says it's a test of the authority of his office. Branstad used a line item veto to cut $3-million for running Workforce Development offices, and replaced them with computer terminals at libraries and other places. A Polk County judge's upheld a lawsuit claiming the Governor's action exceeded the power of his office.

State Suspends MD's License For Alleged Patient Molestation

Iowa's Board of Medicine's suspended the license of Council Bluffs anesthesiologist Michael Prescher, over charges he molested two women while they were sedated. The 47-year old has a hearing next month. KCCI reports Prescher treated the women in his office in 2009 and 2010 for pain,. The board says that's where they were allegedly molested. There were no records of the medical procedures performed, and neither women was charged for the office visit.

Wanted Man Turns Himself In

Emmetsburg Police have their man, wanted for attempted murder and other crimes, but because he turned himself in. They say 32-year-old James Pietrarosso had been on the lam for about a month when he showed up at their station yesterday. He's now in the Clay County Jail on a 100 thousand dollar bond. Along with the attempted murder charge, Pietrasso also faces burglary, violation of a protective order and sexual assault charges for trying to strangle a woman, threatening to kill her and sexually assaulting her.

Man Killed in Linn Co Crash IDed

The Linn County Sheriff's Office said 65 year old Raymond Shaffer, of Springfield was killed in a one car crash there. Officials said Shaffer apparently lost control of his SUV early Sunday on a bridge that was covered with frost. Investigators said the vehicle hit a guardrail, then rolled into a ditch in rural Marion.

Judge Says Guv's Shutdown of Jobless Offices Unconstitutional

A Polk County judge's ruled Gov. Branstad's shutdown of 36-state unemployment offices this summer with a line item veto was unconstitutional. AFSCME, five House and Senate Democrats, filed a lawsuit in August. The Des Moines Register says the offices were replaced by hundreds of computer stations in places such as libraries and homeless shelters where Iowans can access online training, assistance in preparing for interviews and other job application services.

Can Downtown DM Support 2000 Hotel Rooms?

There are questions now about whether downtown Des Moines can support a high-end hotel now that the renovations at Veterans Memorial Auditorium are almost done. The Des Moines Register reports a 2007 study for the Convention and Visitors Bureau's getting updated. City Council approved incentives for a new Hampton Inn downtown this fall, giving the city over 1700 hotel rooms. A new upscale hotel could push that number to 2,000.

The .xxx Domain Game

Universities and businesses in Iowa and the rest of the country are rushing to snap up ".xxx" website names, to avoid having their names tied to the porn business. The new .xxx suffix were created for use by the porn industry. Buying the rights costs $100/year on average. KCCI reports universityofiowa.xxx was reserved by University of Iowa Athletics and drakeuniversity.xxx is owned by Drake University.

ACLU Agaianst Cedar Rapids Parent Responsibility Plan

The ACLU's trying to talk Cedar Rapids Police Chief Greg Graham out of pushing his an ordinance to hold parents accountable for their kids crimes. Graham's plan would require parenting classes and a fine if their kids are arrested or cited by police. KCCI says ACLU sent Graham and the city council a letter saying similar laws haven't worked and parenting's just one issue in juvenile delinquency.

Whirlpool Adds 250 Production Jobs

Whirlpool plans to add 250 production jobs and recall all laid off workers at its refrigeration plant in Middle Amana.
The Gazette in Cedar Rapids reported that laid off workers could be called back by January 3. Whirlpool said there is increased demand for refrigerators made at the plant. In July, the appliance maker laid off 350 workers, 50 of them seasonal, when demand dropped, lowering needed production.

Still Searching

Polk County Sheriff's detectives are still trying to figure out how a man ended up with severe injuries on the side of Highway 141 near Grimes. KCCI reports that detectives said a driver found 36-year-old Edward Yokiel of Madrid, lying on the shoulder of the highway just before 10 Wednesday night. He was taken to a Des Moines hospital and listed in critical condition last night. Investigators went back to the scene Thursday morning looking for additional evidence. If you know anything, call police.

DM Food Pantires Forced to Provide Less

Donations haven't been keeping pace with rising demand, so the Des Moines Area Religious Council's food pantry's cutting the size of the food boxes given to families in need by 40%. KCCI reports a family of four usually gets 55 items in a box each month; that drops to 33 come Monday. Last year, Des Moines-area pantries gave over 9200 families food boxes. Right now that number's close to 13,000.

Public Universities Reviewing Sex Abuse Policies

The presidents of Iowa’s three public universities have a February date to report back to the Board of Regents on what they find in a review of their institution's policies for reporting child abuse. Gov. Branstad wants to be sure Iowa's public universities are doing the right thing, after the furor that's erupted at Penn State over the alleged actions of ex assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky with young boys..

Changes Coming to Southridge Mall

Major changes are coming to South Ridge Mall. Plans were announced today to add an athletic complex at the west end of the mall. The $6-million addition will be used by the Iowa Barnstormers football team and as an indoor soccer facility. A fund raising drive starts next month. KCCI reports the food court and some stores are also going as part of a plan for new entrances and store fronts. No one's saying what, if any, new stores will be coming to Southridge

Charges Could Be Dismissed

Iowa wants to dismiss charges against a California filmmaker who got state tax credits in a program aimed at building Iowa's film industry. KCCI reports that Attorney General Tom Miller filed a motion Wednesday to drop charges against Donald Borchers. Borchers was charged in Polk County with theft and fraudulent practices. He was accused of submitting inflated cost claims for the remake of the 1984 horror film "Children of the Corn" and accepting state tax credits based on inflated expense claims.
Borchers told a judge during a November hearing that it was an accounting error. Miller says Borchers provided prosecutors with information that addressed the state's concerns.
The film program was shut down in 2009 after a state audit showed millions of dollars were awarded improperly.

Man Found Injured, But How?

How did he get there, and what happened to him? Two questions that Polk County Sheriff's detectives are trying to answer. They said a man was found just before 10 last night, along Highway 141 in Grimes. Sheriff's officials said he was suffering from what they called "severe" injuries. The man was identified as 36 year old Edward Yokiel, and was taken to the hospital. If you know anything, call police.

New Record Sale Price for Iowa Farmland

There's a new record for the sale price of Iowa farmland. A 74-acre parcel in Sioux COunty was sold for $20,000/acre. The seller was a man from Washington State, and the buyer was a neighboring farmer. The Des Moines Register reports the previous record was set in October when a 120-acre parcel near Sioux Center was sold for close to $17,000/acre. The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago last month said Iowa farmland has gone up in price as 'stunning' 34%.

Snow Tomorrow, Little expected in DM

Snow is expected to start falling in Iowa tomorrow night. KCCI says the Des Moines area should get less than an inch, with most of the snow expected to hit the southwestern part of the state. The snow's expected to start tomorrow afternoon and continue through early Friday morning.

DM Seeing More Red Light and Speed Citation Appeals

More people are taking their speed and red light tickets to court in Des Moines. December's so far the busiest month, with a 44% jump in appeals compared to the previous four months combined. City records show 49-appeals are scheduled this month. KCCI reports while appeals are up, these cases make up only a fraction of the 7700 citations issued so far this year.

Top Legislative Dem Says Consider Hiking Fuel Taxes for Road Repairs

State Senate President Jack Kibbie says it's a mistake for Gov. Branstad to pass on raising the fuel taxes in the next legislative session. Kibbie, a democrat, says with almost 30% of Iowa's bridges deemed unsafe for a legal truck, something needs to be done before there's a tragedy. A citizens’ panel appointed by the governor's recommended an 8-to-10-cent/gallon hike in the gas and diesel taxes as well as higher fees to cover a $215-million annual shortfall in revenue to maintain roads.

New Trial Ordered for Vern Huser

Iowa's Court of Appeals has ordered a new trial for Vern Huser of Ankeny, convicted of aiding and abetting in the 2005 murder of Lance Morningstar. Investigators say Morningstar was having an affair with Huser's wife when he was killed. The court ruled that statements Huser allegedly encouraged Louis Woolheater to kill Morningstar were inadmissible hearsay. There's been no comment from the Attorney General's Office.

5th Man in 4 Days Shot in Hunting Accident

A Montezuma man was injured while deer hunting on Tuesday, and the Des Moines Register reports he's the fifth hunting-related accident in Iowa in the past four days. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources reported Tuesday night that 20 year old Dalton Hicks was shot in the throat with a deer slug south of Montezuma in Poweshiek County. He was airlifted to University of Iowa Hospitals in Iowa City, but his condition was unknown.

More Speed Cams Possible for I-235

Windsor Heights Police want to slow traffic in the westbound lanes of Interstate 235, and two more cameras could catch fast drivers. One camera is planned for I-235 near 63rd Street, the other near 73rd Street and I-235. Police have been studying traffic along the one-mile stretch of interstate for the past two years. They found it's the most dangerous road in Windsor Heights. The cameras would be similar to those the city of Des Moines installed last summer along the freeway near Polk Blvd. Those cameras have already caught 4,000 speeders.

Authorities Capture Suspect Near Elementary School

A man who escaped from the Ft. Des Moines residential facility in July is back in custody. 20-year old Benjamin Atkinson was arrested near Willard Elementary School in the 2900 block of Dean Avenue. According to The Des Moines Register, members of the Fifth Judicial Warrant Team spotted him and chased him across the school;'s property. Atkinson's in the Polk County Jail.

Brandtad Stcking W/Ending 3rd Grade Social Promotion

Gov. Branstad's sticking to his plan to end social promotion for third graders with less than great reading skills. Parents haven't been cheering the plan. Social promotion moves students to the next grade whether or not they've mastered the skills of the previous grade. Ending social promotion's part of the Governor's education reform plan that goes to the legislature next month.

Tougher Rules Could Keep More Teen Drivers Alive

A new study from the Allstate Foundation says tougher rules on Iowa's teen drivers could have saved the lives of 32 young people in 2009. KCCI reports the study recommends 16 be the minimum age to get a learners' permit, and set a limit of one non-family passenger under 21 in a car driven by a teen unless a licensed driver over 21 is also in the car.

MidAmerican Planning to Ask for Rate Hike

MidAmerican Energy wants more, and it planning on asking for a 3 to 4% rate hike next year. According to KCCI, the company needs the increase to recover higher costs for environmental requirements and producing energy. You can expect a letter from MidAmerican in February on the rate hike proposal which has to get the approval of the Iowa Utilities Board. The last hike in base electric rates was 16-years ago.

P and Z May Draft New Sign Ordinance

The sign fits the zoning rules, but not the rest of the decor. The sign is at the Subway that just opened at Papajohn Sculpture Park. KCCI reports that the Des Moines City Council voted last night to ask the Planning and Zoning Commission to come up with new sign rules for the Gateway area and several other areas downtown. Council says it's had lots of complaints about the sign and the look of the sandwich shop, but for the shop itself, downtown workers like it since its another place to eat.

18 Year Old Killed in Overnight Fire in Jefferson

The State Fire Marshal is investigating a house fire in Jefferson that killed an 18 year old early today. KCCI reports that authorities are looking into whether the fire was started by a space heater. Fire crews were called to the scene just after midnight. A child was reported seriously hurt in the fire as well, and two adults got out of the house, and one of them had some burns and suffered smoke inhalation.

DM Officials Propose Property Tax Hike and Job Cuts to Balance Budget

Des Moines officials have a budget plan that would mean the biggest property tax hike in almost 10-years. The Des Moines Register reports the plan's part two year effort to wipe out over $7-million in debt. The tax rate would rise to .46/$1,000 of assessed value and add about $27/year to the average homeowners bill. The city will also be cutting jobs to finish the rest of the budget balancing plan.

Get Ready for That Winter Feeling

Winter doesn't start for 16-days, but Mother Nature's pulling the rug out from under the thermometer. KCCI reports temps are falling this afternoon and by tonight will be in the single digits. The overnight low in the Des Moines metro's expected to hit 10. Tomorrow's daytime high's expected to only reach the 20's, and there's a slight chance of snow Thursday.

Link Leaving DM School Board

Patty Link's resigning her position on the Des Moines School Board as of January 3rd. She's been on the board since 2007. Link says her job situation's changed, and between that and family, she won't have the time to devote to being a board member. The Board will have 30 days from January 3rd to select someone to fill her term, which expires in 2013.

State Laws Hikes Gun Ownership in Polk County

Polk County's still processing weapons permits at about double the pace of this time a year ago. Things changed in January when a new state law took effect, allowing Iowans not barred by state or federal law from having one after firearm safety training. KCCI reports the new law also ended proficiency training. Numbers out today show 3700 permits were issued for all of 2010. Through November of this year over 11,000 have been issued.

Historic House at Iowa State Fairgrounds to be Torn Down

The Iowa State Fairgrounds will lose one of its oldest buildings - because it's gotten too new. Reports indicate that the house has been renovated so much, that it doesn't fit the fairgrounds historic perspective. Fairgrounds officials say the house really doesn have much of its original structure left. Its been a private home on the 125 plus year old grounds, and has been the place where the caretaker of the grounds lived. Since the current Director of Plant Operations doesn't live there, no one was for about six years, and so, the house will be torn down. Then, the fair board has to decide what to do with the land that's left.

St Paul's Raises $3K Toward New Church

St Paul's Lutheran Church of Martensdale held services in Churchville over the weekend, after the congregation lost its church to a fire about a month ago. Now St Paul's has raised about three thousand dollars toward building a new church. The church's council hasn't started on plans for a new place of worship, but say it'll happen.

DHS Fire Won't Hurt Services

The Department of Human Services officials said they try to operate regularly even after a fire destroyed the department's Warren County office in Indianola yesterday. The fire started about 6:30 a.m. at a building that houses state DHS employees and county employees. The blaze destroyed the building. The cause of the fire is still unknown. DHS workers based there will work from Des Moines today and be provided temporary space soon. DHS social workers said they will try to keep all previously-made appointments, most of which are normally held in private homes or neutral locations.

Poll: Gingrich Leads

New polling results in Iowa show Newt Gingrich now on the top of the pack with a solid lead over second place Ron Paul. Poll numbers show Gingrich's rise stems from a migration of support away from Herman Cain. And those numbers could go even higher for the former speaker after Cain suspended his campaign this weekend. According to the poll, likely caucus goers feel Gingrich is the best debater, most experienced and knowledgeable candidate. KCCI reports Paul is also picking up from Cain, rising 11-percent over the past six months.

Copper Stolen From Holiday Display

In Clinton, the holiday season isn't so bright. Seems vandals stole about two thousand dollars worth of copper from the
Clinton Symphony of Lights holiday display. The Clinton Herald newspaper said the display shut down for the night on Tuesday, and that's when the copper theft likely happened, since there was wiring missing on Wednesday.

E. HS Wins Regional Attendance Challenge

East High School's upped its attendance by 3% over 7 weeks to win the central region of the Get Schooled Foundation’s Fall Attendance Challenge. The Des Moines Register says the event covered 80,000 kids at 73 schools in 17 states between October 3rd and November 18th. Iowa leads the nation with an average graduation rate of 88% percent, East High’s graduation rate's 75%. Research says missing just 10-school days/year can ten days a year can lead to academic problems.

Iowa's Big on Those 65 and Up

People 65 and up are now the fastest growing segment of the U.S. population, and Iowa's among the top three states in the country with the percentage of residents 85 and up. The Des Moines Register cites census data showing almost 15% of Iowa’s 3 million residents are 65 or older - putting it fifth in the nation behind Florida (17.3 percent), West Virginia (16 percent), Maine (15.9 percent) and Pennsylvania (15.4 percent).

New Report on How to Make Online Poker Work in Iowa

Iowa's Racing and Gaming Commission's released a report on how the state could create regulations to allow internet poker. KCCI says the report, which start a serious debate in the legislature next month, says poker operators could in $13-to-$60 million/year from Iowa's online poker players; and the same 22% tax paid by casino's could raise up to $13-million annually for the state.

Arson Bust for 2008 Burlington Fire

45-year-old John Marland of Burlington was charged yesterday with setting a fire three years ago that destroyed the home of Christine Maxwell. The home was torched in December 2008 while she was married to a previous husband, Steve. She and Marland married after the fire, and are still in the rebuilt home. He's charged with 2nd degree arson. According to KCCI, Marland will plead not guilty, and his attorney says the three year statute of limitations expired today.

Urbandale Car Reak-Ins

Urbandale police have received ten reports of break-ins this week and think many more are going unreported. Police already arrested two teenagers Monday morning. They were caught breaking into a car while carrying two backpacks full of stolen goods. But the crimes have continued since their arrests. Police say the cars that are targeted are left unlocked in public areas like mall parking lots and along neighborhood streets. Urbandale police blame the holiday season for the increase in thefts. They say we should keep car doors locked and hide anything of value.

Plummer Bond $100,000 in Officer Assault Case

A 20-year-old University of Iowa student has been charged with attempted murder for allegedly brutally assaulting an Iowa City police officer. Branden Plummer made his first court appearance by video yesterday, and was ordered held on a $100,000 bond. Police say Plummer slammed the veteran officer's head into the sidewalk and attempted to strangle him early Nov. 18 following a routine stop. They say Plummer then fled the scene after a woman intervened to stop the attack. He's due back in court a week from Monday.