High Winds Contribute to Accidents

There've been several accidents statewide being attributed to exceptionally high winds, and at least 2-people are dead. The Des Moines Register reports between winds as high as 70 mph, couple with light snow, some areas have had blizzard like conditions. Three of the seven accidents reported today have involved semi's.

No Confidence Vote by UNI Education Faculty

UNI teacher education faculty members have cast a no confidence vote against the Board of Regents and President Ben Allen and Provost Gloria Gibson. The faculty's not happy with the recommendation and vote to shut down Malcolm Price Laboratory School. The vote came despite Allen's assurances that closing the school would boost teacher education by offering diverse training experiences working with urban and rural school districts.

Woman Meets WDM Officer in Hospital Lobby to Get Tickert Before Surgery

Angela Smith checked into Mercy West Lakes Medical Center for her gallbladder surgery today, but not before meeting a West Des Moines Police officer in the lobby to get a $114 speeding ticket. She was stopped on the way to the hospital Monday for the procedure when she was stopped for speeding. Smith says even after explaining the loss of control over some bodily functions caused by the gallbladder, officer Adam Porath told her they'd have to set a time when he could hand her the ticket.

State House Democrats Walk Out Over Gun Bills

House Democrats walked out of the Statehouse this morning in protest over gun bills brought to the floor by the GOP Majority. Democratic leader Kevin McCarthy says GOP leaders told them they weren't going to act on the gun bills, but did so anyway. One would change Iowa's Constitution, by inserting the right to keep and bear arms. The GOP says Democrats had notice the bills were going to be debated. Speaker Kraig Paulsen says they haven't decided what they'll do next.

Rock Starts Chain of Events

Somebody threw a rock in Waterloo that shattered the windshield of a semi that was traveling on the Sixth Street Bridge around 3 p.m. The driver braked, the cargo in the trailer shifted forward and came crashing through, into the cab of the truck. The truck driver then got out of the truck, chased the person who did the rock throwing, but didn't catch them. The driver was not hurt, but his rig sustained about 15 thousand dollars in damage.

No One Hurt in Horiffic Crash

A high speed chase in Marshalltown on Friday night didn't injure anybody, but sent a suspect vehicle and a Marshall County deputy's car over a 25 food embankment. KCCi reports that Deputy Tim Hungerford spotted the suspicious car, and it took off on ice covered roads and snow covered gravel roads, hitting 90 miles an hour at times. Neither vehicle made a T intersection, and both vehicles went over the embankment. Suspect Robert Fischer and his accomplice, Candice Trowbridge tried to flee on foot but were quickly caught.

State Senate Passes Bill Pulling 'Retarded' from State Laws

The State Senate's passed and sent to the House a bill that would remove the word “retarded” from all state laws, and replace it with the phrase “intellectual disability.” Democratic State Rep. Lisa Heddens of Ames is pushing the proposal. Her son has Democrat Down syndrome, and she says advocates for the disabled consider the word “retarded” offensive.

Two Men to Attaigned in Federal Court for Violating Air Hunting Law

Two men charged with violating a federal ban on hunting from the air are due to be arraigned in federal court tomorrow. Authorities allege Craig Martin and Paul Austin used planes Nov. 16 in Polk County "for the purpose of harassing birds, fish and other animals." A spokesman for prosecutors says the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service investigated the case, and the government wants to seize the mens single engine planes.

Noone's Commenting on CLive PD Officer Sex Charge

Dallas County Attorney Wayne Reisetter and the police chiefs in Clive and Altoona have declined comment on the case against Clive Police Lt. John Broderson, who's charged with assault to commit sexual abuse, no injury. It's tied to Broderson's alleged physical contact with a woman at a private home in Clive while he was off duty last month. KCCI reports three people say they saw Brodersen put a hand on a woman's legs or under her shirt during.

State Senate Passes Bill Protecting Livestock Operators from Prying Eyes

The State Senate's overwhelmingly passed a bill making it a crime to apply for work at a livestock operation with the intention of documenting animal abuse. KCCI reports Democrat Joe Seng, who's a veterinarian, supported the bill, saying there've been cases where animal welfare activists took jobs and committed abuse they documented, then blamed the businesses for the problems. Animal rights groups say there's no proof that's ever happened.

Smokey Kidnapped, Now in Hiding

An Iowa City man stands accused of stealing his own cat from an animal shelter, now vows to fight the charge.
The Iowa City Press-Citizen newspaper reports that Justin Kaufman was charged with fifth-degree theft on Saturday after he allegedly cat-napped Smokey from the Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center. The cat escaped its home, was picked up and brought to the shelter. The police report said Kaufman came to the shelter, asked about a fee and when the shelter employee stepped away to check on it, Kaufman grabbed the cat from the cage and made a run for it, taking Smokey home. Smokey is now in hiding, living with Kaufman's sister in Dubuque, and Kaufman says he'll plead not guilty to the theft charge.

Shot Only Meant to Scare

He only meant to shoot to scare, but now court papers say Brandon Madren faces a first degree murder charge for allegedly killing Nathan Greene on February 18. Both men are from Adel, where the shooting happened. Court documents say that a shot fired from a third floor apartment is what killed Greene. Madren said that Greene at one time, tried to kick in Madren's apartment door, then stood on Madren's car in the apartment building's parking lot. Madren claimed that Greene threatened him just before Greene was shot at, but the shot hit Greene in the chest. Madren's still in jail on half a million dollars bond.

State Unveils No Child Left Behind Waiver Request Tomorrow

Tomorrow morning, Iowa Education Department chief Jason Glass will unveil details of the state’s No Child Left Behind waiver request. 10-states have already gotten exemptions from the accountability requirements in the law, and another 30 are expected to file applications tomorrow asking the government to waive NCLB requirements in favor of a state-created accountability system

Forbes Says DM #2 on Best Cities for Jobs List

Forbes Magazine's ranked Des Moines No. 2 in the country on this year's Best Cities for Jobs list. According to KCCI Forbes cites the city's high household incomes and low unemployment rate. A projection says Des Moines area employment should climb 8.6%, or 36,000 jobs to 461,000 by the end of 2016. The Forbes report also noted that unlike other Midwest cities, Des Moines managed to keep its' biggest employers in downtown .

Majority of Iowans Oppose Same Sex Marriage Ban in State Constitution

A Des Moines Register Iowa Poll shows a majority of state residents oppose a state constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage. 56%^ oppose the idea, 38% support it and 6% are undecided. The same sex ban doesn't get majority support in any age range, political party is a different story. 64% of republicans favor a same sex marriage ban, 35% of independents and 15% of democrats.

State House Takes Up Bill to Constitutionally Limit Spending

The State House Appropriations Committee's expected to take up a bill this week amending the State Constitution to require a 60% vote of the legislature to raise taxes and a 66% vote of the Legislature to issue bonds. According to KCCI, the bill would also have to be approved by the next Legislature, and the earliest it could get to the ballot is 2014.

Regents Vote to Close Cedar Rapids Laboratory School

Despite weekend protests by parents, students, graduates and employees, Iowa's Board of Regents today voted to close the Malcolm Price Laboratory School in Cedar Rapids. KCCI reports The K-12 lab schools been at the center of UNI's teacher training program.. Today's vote calls for the school to close by June 30th. UNI President Ben Allen told the Regents the schools gotten to expensive to operate.

8th Grader Beaten at School

Charges could come down Wednesday after a Panora Middle School 8th grader was beaten last week. KCCI reports that eighth grade boys sometimes play a game at the school where they hit each other. Alex Kent, however -- his mother said -- was knocked to the ground and beaten to the point of a broken leg and jaw. The school did not call an ambulance, but put ice on his wounds and gave him tylenol, with his mother's permission. His sister later took Alex to the hospital. Alex now has a plate in his jaw and pins and screws in his leg.

Sac Co woman Facing Animal Related Charges

A Sac County woman told the court last week that she's not guilty of 93 counts of animal neglect. Mary Brodersen entered the not guilty plea at a hearing on Friday. She's charged after nearly 90 dogs and a cat were rescued from a farm in Kiron. Five dead animals were also found there. If Bordersen's convicted, she could get 12 yeas in prison. She's surrendered all of her animals.

Redfield Man Injured Trying To Shoot Raccoon

A Redfield man was reportedly shot twice Saturday while trying to kill a raccoon caught in a live trap. According to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, 68-year-old Larry Godwin fired his 22-caliber handgun at the animal but a bullet ricocheted off the cage and struck him in the adboomen. Authorities say Godwin then dropped the gun and it went off, shooting him a second time in the abdomen. Witnesses rushed the man to Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines. Doctors say Godwin's injuries are not life threatening. Officials did not say whether the raccoon was injured in the incedent.

Memorial Day Campsite Reservations Start Saturday

Tomorrow opens the 90-day window for reserving a state park campsite on Memorial Day weekend. KCCI reports Iowa DNR's hoping for better conditions this year after last season's Missouri River flooding. Wilson Island's still closed for renovations. You can check available sites and make reservations online at http://iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com

DM PD Sorting Out Alleged Embezzlement from Roosevelt High Band Boosters

Des Moines Police continue looking into a case of possible embezzlement by a former treasurer of the Roosevelt High School Instrumental Band Boosters. According to The Des Moines Register, $15,000 plus had been removed from a boosters bank account, but police say the suspect has returned almost $14,000 of the missing cash. Just over $1200 is still unaccounted for.

Branstad Becomes MidWest Gov's Assoc Chair Sunday

On Sunday, Gov. Branstad returns to familiar turf when he takes over again as chairman of the Midwestern Governors Association, which works on agriculture, economic development and energy. The Des Moines Register reports Branstad, who chaired the group back in 1987, replaces Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn. The conference includes Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.

Saltwater Pool Among Goodies at New Prairie Meadows Hotel

The new $32 million hotel at the Prairie Meadows casino opens March first. KCCI reports one of the features included in the project is a salt water pool. Facilities director Clint Pursley tells KCCI it doesn't smell like a chlorine pool -- you won't have red eyes when you get out, and no itchy skin. All that's removed. He says they wanted a more user friendly experience.

Clive PD Lieutenant Charged oin Sex Abuse Case

Clive Police Lt. John Broderson's been charged in a sexual abuse case. Altoona Police, at Clive's request, investigated the allegations and determined that Broderson, while off duty at a home in Clive, had inappropriate physical contact with a female victim. KCCI reports Broderson's charged with assault with intent to commit sexual abuse, no injury. He's been placed on administrative leave and has a court hearing March 15th.

Contentious Issue in Iowa City

The Iowa City city attorney is studying what could be a contentious issue: banning the public from meetings of a board that tax payer dollars support. The board is that which oversees municipal improvement district, and says its meetings are closed to the public because its a nonprofit and that it doesn't have to abide by the open meetings law. Property owner have to pay for the board with a tax levy in July and the University of Iowa will give 100 thousand dollars a year to support the board's operations. City Attorney Eleanor Dilkes is looking into the issues.

Autposy: Woman Died of Smoke Inhalation

Police said they wanted to know what killed a woman found dead in her apartment this week, and now they know: smoke. 55 year old Debra Dillard's family had asked Des Moines police to check on her, and they found her dead inside a burned apartment. They said the fire was an accident and that Dillard died of smoke inhalation. Now investigators will try to find out how the fire started.

WDM Considering Preservation Advisory Panel

West Des Moines officials haven't forgotten the mess over the Maplenol Barn, and they are now considering creating a preservation advisory committee. The Des Moines Register reports city officials got a presentation from the State Historical Society this morning on cataloging and protecting important buildings. City staff will look the idea over and report back to a city council committee later this year.

Poll Says Most Iowans Satisfied With Current Gun Laws

57% of Iowans think the state's gun laws are fine. A new Des Moines Register Iowa Poll also finds 26% think there should be more restrictions on gun laws, and 13% want fewer restrictions. Lawmakers are considering a number of gun bills including allowing someone to use deadly force against anyone perceived as a threat to cause injury or death. Another would ban local governments from denying the right to carry weapons in such places as city halls.

Experts say Expect an Active Tornado Season

Climatologists say expect an active tornado season. According to KCCI, 2011 was a near record year for twisters with 1,709 reported. The record was set in 2004 with 1,817 tornadoes. A strong La Nina last year produced a very strong jet stream. Experts say areas that have seen fewer severe storms in the past couple years might see an increase this season.

Anit-Coal Rally at ISU

Some Iowa State University students want the school's coal plant replaced with clean energy. So they rallied today, and collected signatures to deliver to ISU's president. There were speeches from the executive director of the Iowa Wind Energy Association, the executive assistant to ISU's president, and a former national president of Physicians for Social Responsibility. The protest started yesterday with a pile of coal and a wind turbine set up at the site of today's rally.

Let's Go to Altoona for a Concert!

Could Altoona be the next place for major concerts? The city is hoping so! WOI TV is reporting today that A local company called StereoType Des Moines has been working on a project to bring more artists to central Iowa for about five years, and now it's really taking shape. Right now, its a field in Altoona, between Adventureland, Prairie Meadows and Bass Pro Shops, that will become an amphitheatre that will hold about ten thousand people. They're working on the funding.

Two Education Reform Plans Now Pending in the Legislature

The State Senate Education Committee's approved a democratic backed school reform package. The House Education Committee approved a republican backed reform plan last night. The Des Moines Register reports both plans differ greatly from the reform package introduced last month by Governor Branstad. There are worries that student testing requirements not in the Senate bill, could jeopardize the state effort to get a waiver from No Child Left Behind.

DM Officials Have Fire Mystery

Des Moines officials are trying to figure out what killed 55-year old Debra Dillard. Her body was found in her Hartford Avenue apartment this morning after family asked for a welfare check. According to the Des Moines Register officials say there'd been a fire in her apartment, but it had gone out on its own from lack of oxygen. Investigators want to know when the fire happened, how it started and spread, as well as the last things Dillard did.

S.E. Polk County Community School District Trims Budget

The Southeast Polk Community School District's cut $1.9-million from their operating budget, and KCCI reports district officials say they'll trim another $1.3-million more by mid March. The board's put in place a new busing transportation fee of $180 on students in k-through-8th grade who live within two miles of their school and 9th-to-12th graders living within three miles of their school. The district expects it to raise $426,000.

Pay Wall On The Way for DM Register

According to Forbes, Gannett, the owner of the Des Moines Register, plans to switch all of its 80 community newspapers to a paid model by the end of the year. KCCI reports their are no specifics yet on how the company the pay wall will work. Gannett estimates the move will mean a 25% increase in annual subscription revenues for the company and raise earnings by $100 million per year.

Snow Coming to Northern Iowa

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for part of northern Iowa for late tonight into tomorrow afternoon. Most of the snow is expected to start overnight mainly north of Highway 20 to the Minnesota border. 1 to 2" are forecast around Ames, with up to 8" farther north. The Des Moines metro area could miss this storm.

Free Pancakes at IHOP Next Tuesday!

National Pancake Day is next Tuesday, and IHOP's the country over, will give away free pancakes between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. and there are three IHOPs in Des Moines. You can get a free short stack, and you'll be asked to make a donation to the Children's Miracle Network. IHOP's goal this year is 2.7 million dollars for the charity.

A Fate Worse Than Jail

For 49 year old Jay Rodney Lewis, the worse thing that happened was going to jail. The jury acquitted him of shooting a man after a road rage incident, but he told the Des Moines Register dot come that it got worse:






Lewis said his landlord gave no notice of an eviction, but put all his belongings to the curb. He said his mother was handling his affairs while he was in jail for 112 days since he had no job and couldn't make bail.

Hearing at Capital on Online learning

The State Senate government oversight committee's got a hearing Thursday to talk about online academies and Internet schools. Two Iowa districts have signed contracts with for-profit virtual education companies to offer online-only programs to students next fall, and there's some question as to whether or not it's even legal under current state law. The hearing's at 1 Thursday afternoon in room 116 at the Statehouse.

Lawmakers Have Deal to Boost Prison Spending

State lawmakers say they're got a deal on raising spending for the state's prison system this year. to avoid laying off corrections officers. The deal calls for spending $7.5-million more. KCCI reports the Corrections Department says it needed the extra money due to a contract with state labor unions approved by former Gov. Chet Culver that raises costs.

Reserve Your Memorial Day Campsite

If you'd like a camp site fir the Memorial Day weekend, you better get moving. The three month window to reserve a state park campsite starts Saturday. Iowa DNR's hoping for better conditions after Missouri River flooding closed Wilson Island and Lake Manawa State Park last year. Wilson's still closed for renovations. You can check the website for reservations at www.iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com

Jury Convicts Terry For Running Down DM Cop

A Polk County jury's convicted Keith terry of serious injury by vehicle and DWI for hitting and seriously injuring a Des Moines Police officer outside the Iowa State Fair last summer. At the time of the crash Terry's blood alcohol level was three times the legal limit. Officer Phoukham Tran was helping people cross the street when he was hit by Terry's pickup truck and thrown 50-feet.

Morovirus Hits NE IA School

It's probably norovirus. That's what health officials in the Independence school district are saying. Some 30 students in the northeastern Iowa district went home in the middle of the school day last Thursday, and Superintendent Jean Peterson another 20 went home early on Friday. School was out yesterday because of President's Day, so students had an extra day to get well.

KKK Found in CR Vandalisms

The vandals in Cedar Rapids are leaving KKK letters as their signature. Police say they've responded to four calls in three days of the letters representing the Ku Klux Klan on mail boxes, vehicles, and garage doors. One victim says she's not sure that those doing the vandalisms might not understand the meaning of KKK. Police say those doing the vandalisms are likely teens and so are not investigating the incidents as hate crimes.

New Poll Shows Support for Cutting Commercial Property Taxes

A new poll says a majority of Iowans favor cutting commercial property taxes, even if it means less money for cities, counties and schools. The Des Moines Register poll says 28% oppose cutting commercial property tax rates. Those revenues pay for keeps libraries open, filling potholes, and keeping police cars and fire engines on the road.

Southwest Announcing More DM Service Changes

Southwest Airlines hasn't started service out of Des Moines yet, but they are making plans for the fell when they start. KCCI reports Southwest's dropping AirTran's service from here to Milwaukee, but adding service from Des Moines to Chicago's Midway Airport. A price check shows the one way from Des Moines to Chicago will be $92. Southwest is taking over AirTran operations at 22-airports around the world.

Lawmakers Start Work on Educartion Reform

The Iowa House Education Committee's started work on education reform. Committee republicans plan to remove Gov,. Branstad's proposal to require all 11th graders to take college entrance tests. Democrats are taking issue with the Governor's proposal to hold back third graders who don't show reading competency, and with how much the GOP want to set aside for education.

Tyler Trial Postponed

The trial of the Oklahoma woman charged with first degree murder for killing her newborn baby at a Fort Dodge motel last September's been postponed. 31-year-old Hillary Tyler's trial has been pushed back from April to July 31, after her attorney asked for more time to prepare. KCCI reports Tyler remains in jail on $1 million bail.

Moscow Woman Killed in Crash

Muscatine County Sheriff's deputies are investigating a crash that killed a 39 year old woman from moscow, which is in the eastern part of the state. They said that Mindy Lee Ann Hume, of West Liberty died at the scene. She was apparently heading east on US Highway 6 on Saturday night, about 8:30 when another driver ran a stop sign. He was IDed as 19 year old Eric Boots of Muscatine. Neither he, nor his passenger were hurt.

$1M Winner in IA

There's a million dollars out there for somebody, and that somebody may be in the west-central part of the Hawkeye state. That's because one powerball ticket that was sold for this past Saturday night's drawing is worth a million dollars. It was sold at in Guthrie Center, at the Casey's on North Fourth Street. The first five numbers matched those drawn, but missed the Powerball, and so the winner get a million. There was no winner in Saturday's Powerball so it rolls to 60 million dollars.

Bacon Fest

Sold out crowd For The Bacon Fest
Close to five thousand bacon lovers packed the fairgrounds yesterday for the 5th annual Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival.

Every year the event almost doubles in size. The crowd of 4700 people is the biggest crowd to date and it took less than thirty minutes for tickets to sell out.

The event showcased more than 20 restaurants and ten different suppliers from the Midwest.

There was everything from bacon cupcakes to bacon brownies and bacon ice cream.

According to Organizers This year's Bacon Fest will donate about $10,000 back to the community.

Presidential Popularity Poll

New Des Moines Register Poll Shows Three of the Four GOP Candidates Rank above the President.
According to the Register's latest poll, Republican candidate Ron Paul has the biggest lead on the President, beating him by seven percentage points.
Iowa caucus winner Rick Santorum leads President Obama 48 to 44 percent.
And Mitt Romney also has a slight lead on the President, beating him by two percent.
The only candidate that the president wins against is Newt Gingrich by 14 points.

20 Months For Iowa Woman Who Embezzled

An Iowa woman who embezzled more than $518,000 has been sentenced to 20 months in prison on federal mail and tax fraud charges.
38 year old Stacey Lynne Gross of Adel was also ordered to pay back the amount she stole from Data Business Equipment, Inc., when she was employed as its Des Moines office manager.
Yesterday, Federal prosecutors said Gross wrote more than 190 checks for her personal benefit, including to pay for her credit card, mortgage and furniture, jewelry and other items.
According to Prosecutors, Gross falsified the company's books to cover up her theft, making it appear that a vendor received checks that used to pay her personal debts.
Gross pleaded guilty in November.
Company president Waldo Geiger issued a statement thanking investigators and noting insurance covered much of the theft.

Possible Student K-2 Overdoses

Possible Student K-2 Overdoses...
Yesterday, Three East High School students were taken to the hospital, suspected of overdosing on synthetic marijuana, commonly known as "K-2".

According to Police, they aren't sure whether the teens were smoking the synthetic marijuana. A "Blunt"--which is a hollowed out cigar used for smoking drugs--was found by police--and that has to be tested.

According to East High students that were interviewed, "K-2" is cheap--and it's easy to get. Most of them said they get it across the street, at the Oasis Market and Liquor Store. Employees at The Oasis denied selling K-2 to minors, or to anyone for that matter.

According to City Councilman Bob Mahaffy, he's working on getting the Oasis shut down and says--anyone who sells stuff like this to kids should not be doing business in Des Moines.

New Poll: 68% Don't Want Higher Fuel Tax

A new poll says a majority of Iowans don't want to pay a higher fuel tax. The Des Moines Register poll has 68% of those surveyed opposed to raising the tax by 8-to-10-cents/gallon, even though the money would go to pay for road and bridge repairs. Although there's been a bipartisan efforts to move the bill forward, some in the GOP are saying this is against their 2010 campaign theme: no new taxes.

Have Blacks Been Passed Over by Iowa Civil Service

A judge will soon decide whether to grant black employees and job applicants monetary damages for the hiring practices of every state agency which they say has meant discrimination against them. The class action, largest of its kind against a state civil service system, involves 6,000 blacks passed over for promotions going back to 2003. KCCI reports they're claiming managers subconsciously favor whites when it comes to who gets hired and promoted.

Regents Say Budget Cuts Would Mean Another Tuition Hike

Iowa Board of Regents Pres. Craig Lang and fellow Regent Bruce Rastetter say if house republicans go ahead with plans to cut their proposed budget, they'd have to raise tuition again. They already approved a 3.75% tuition hike for this fall based on their budget passing as proposed. Appearing on Iowa Public TV's Iowa Press both men say Gov. Branstad's spending plan would avoid another tuition increase.

State Approves Incentives for New Fertilizer Plant

Iowa's Economic Development Authority Board's given a green light for incentives that'll bring a $1.3-billion fertilizer plant to Wever. The package, which includes two $805,000 loans-one forgivable from the state, plus $1.4-million i tax credits for job training will bring with them 165 new jobs. Orascom Construction Industries, based in Egypt, will be putting up over $100-million of its own money for the project.

Investigation into Pleasant Hill Chief

Independent investigators will look into complaints against the Pleasant Hill police chief. KCCI reports that Mayor Mike Richardson said complaints were filed by officers concerned about the way Chief Tim Sittig handles disciplinary action within the department. 'Des Moines-based Moulder and Associates will handle the investigation and will present a final report to city officials. No timetable has been set as of yet.

Register Poll Shows Most Don't Want Increase in Gas Tax

What if somebody took a poll and nobody answered? Not the case here. The majority of people in the Des Moines Register's latest Iowa Poll said they don't want the tax on a gallon of gasoline boosted by two cents. State officials say that tax increase would go toward road and bridge repair. When the newspaper asked readers to answer the poll, 68 percent said no to the tax, 31 percent said yes.

Chinese VP Day in Iowa

Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping’s spent part of his day touring a farm in Maxwell. Gov. Branstad says he's already talked with the heir apparent to the Chinese Presidency about being the first U.S. Governor to call in Beijing when he becomes president in 2013. Xi reportedly like the idea and even suggested a possible reunion with those he knows from Muscatine where we spent time in the 1980's.

Megasbus Driver Sentenced for Drunk Driving

The Megabus driver who pleaded guilty to drunk driving with 77 passengers on his bus last October, was sentenced today 77-days in the Johnson County Jail. 53-year old Carl Smiley of Chicago had a run from there to Iowa City and Des Moines when he stopped on I-80. KCCI reports the judge told Smiley everyone of his passengers should know "they factored into the penalty."

State Senate Panel Passes $10/hour Minimum Wage Law

While supporters say it hasn't got a chance of passing, a state senate committee's passed a bill raising the state's minimum wage to $10/hour. KCCI reports right now, it's $7.25/hour. House Speaker Kraig Paulsen says he won't even allow the bill to come up debate in the house. He and others say a higher minimum wage hurts employers and he wants to help them create jobs. A $10/hour wage translates to $20,000/year.

NWS Issues First Spring Flood Forecast

The National Weather Service's first spring flood outlook has the risk of flooding near or below normal at all locations. KCCI reports that while a dry winter is helping keep the risk low, significant spring flooding in Iowa typically needs heavy rainfall. The snow pack alone's usually not enough to lead to major flooding. The next updates due March 1st.

Arrest in Marshalltown Fires

A Marshalltown man's been charged in a series of fires earlier this month. Authorities say 26-year old Andrew Burke's been charged with 2 counts of arson tied to a 135 Main Street fire February 7th, and another fire reported this morning in a garage at 105 1/2 North 3rd Avenue. There have been three fires in Marshalltown since the weekend.

Nine To be Sentenced on Drug Charges

Eight men pleaded guilty in Cedar Rapids to selling cocaine. They're from Cedar Rapids, North Liberty and Chicago, and police say they were convicted of conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin within 1,000 feet of a school, and had previous felony drug offenses. A ninth man from Chicago pleaded to distribution of 100 grams of cocaine within a thousand feet of a playground, and also has a previous felony drug offense. No sentencing dates have been set.

AMBER Alert Canceled, Child Found Safe

That abducted three year old that we told you about this morning who was the subject of an AMBER Alert, was found safe around 5 a.m. KCCI reports that Nicolas Jimmerson went missing from his home in Des Moines around 7 last night and that they were looking for his biological mother -- who does not have custody. She's identified as 22 year old
old Melanie Elaine Stout, and was accompanied by 25 year old Amber Johnson. Police said Stout escaped from a work release program on Sunday. Again, three year old Nicholas Jimmerson, for whom an AMBER Alert was issued is safe now.

35-year Sentence for Deadly Altoona Car Crash

20-year old Dajour Sawyers has been sentenced to 35-years in prison for vehicular homicide and theft. Police say Sawyers was speeding in a stolen SUV when he ran a red light and slammed into Wells car. He ran from the scene and allegedly tried to steal another car before he was being arrested in a nearby garage. Wells died at the scene.

Toddler Ejected but Survives Highway 5 Rollover

A 2-year old thrown over 100 feet from a car that rolled over this morning, was walking around the scene when emergency crews got to the scene. KCCI reports the car was going west on Highway 5, reportedly at a high rate of speed, when it approached Fleur Drive and rolled several times. A woman and another child were pulled from the car. Both children's injuries are being called non-life threatening. The woman had cuts and a concussion.

New Navy Ship Named for Sioux City

Navy Secretary Ray Mabus says five new ships will be joining the fleet, including the USS Sioux City. The Sioux City will be in the littoral combat design, fast-over 40 knot top seed, and able to operate in shallow and deep waters. The Des Moines Register reports littoral class ships will have smaller crews and have multi-mission capability: anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, special ops, and homeland defense. The Sioux City will be built in Wisconsin.

China's V.P. Iowa's Guest

Chinese Vice President Xi JinPing will attend a state dinner at the Statehouse tonight. KCCI reports Xi worked in Iowa almost 30-years ago, and is expected to be China's President next year. The governor's office says the visit could be a windfall for Iowa's economic future. China has more than a billion people in line to buy Iowa products and food, all of which Xi will get to sample during the state dinner.

Tougher Penalty for Choking a Domestic Partner

Gov. Branstad's signed a law stiffening penalties in domestic violence cases where someone is choked. Judges will now be able to send those convicted of choking a domestic partner to a year in prison, up from the current 30-days in jail. KCCI reports the law specifically defines choking as "knowingly impeding the normal breathing or circulation of blood of another by applying pressure to the throat or neck."

4 Hurt in Tuesday School Bus Crash

Four kids were hurt in a school bus crash in Clinton yesterday. Investigators said the street was snow covered. The students all go to school at Jefferson Elementary, and are expected to be okay. There was a total of 14 students on the bus when it slid off the road and hit a utility pole. Three windows on the bus were broken. Police said because of the road conditions, the driver was not cited.

Deere Dollars Up

Deere and Company, which employs about 14,000 Iowans at manufacturing plants and at its credit center, reported a seventh consecutive record quarterly profit this week and said it expects sales growth of about 15 percent this year. The Des Moines Register reports that fourth quarter earnings for the farm equipment manufacturer were up three and a half percent over last year. Revenues rose more than half a billion dollars from a year earlier. Deere says its seeing a comeback in the forestry and construction divisions, which took a hit during the recession.

Ex-Prison Doc Surrenders Med License

A former doctor in the state prison system's surrendered his medical license to settle allegations that he sexually harassed a staff member. Dr. Pradeep Sarswat, who worked at the state prison at Oakdale, had his license suspended three times since 1989 for drug abuse, and was on probation several times for inappropriate touching of patients during exams. The 62 year old retired last year, and the Des Moines Register reports he earned $217,00 in 2010, his last full year on the job.

Two New Discounters to Merle Hay Mall

We don't have the op[ dates, but Famous Labels and FL Home will soon open their doors at the Merle Hay Mall in Des Moines. KCCI reports Famous Labels is a national retailer that carries women's apparel, featuring brand name clothing and accessories, usually priced 50% off or more. FL Home is a new concept store features home accessories at discount. Both stores will be new to the Des Moines area.

State Senate Votes to Raise EITC for the Poor

A tax cut for Iowa's poor passed the state senate today. The Des Moines Register reports it would double the amount of the state's Earned Income Tax Credit Program. The credit would go from $379 a year for a married couple with three children making about $43,000 a year, to $735 for the same couple for the current calendar year. Gov. Branstad vetoed the bill twice last year, unhappy with lack of progress on his plans to lower industrial and commercial property tax rates.

Driver Wanted in Hit and Run School Bus Accident

Police are looking for the driver and the red car that hit a school bus this morning in Des Moines, spun around, and kept right on going. KCCI reports it happened at Hubbell and Northeast Broadway about 7 a.m., and involved a Southeast Polk School District bus. After the first accident, a pickup truck rear-ended the bus. Four students and an adult aide were hurt, but none of the injuries were life-threatening. Weather may have been a factor.

Iowa Among States Considering Honda Mileage Class Action Case

Iowa and four other states are considering whether or not they'll object to a proposed class-action settlement between Honda and car owners over inflated fuel-efficiency claims on the carmaker's hybrid vehicles. KCCI reports the AG's in Iowa, California, Massachusetts, Texas and Washington have until February 29th. A Honda owner won an almost $10-grand judgment against Honda in L.A. Small Claims Court. The class settlement would give owners $100-to-$200.

2 Killed, 4 Hurt in Crash Near Moorland

Two people were killed and four others hurt in a crash in northern Iowa. Webster County Sheriff's officials say the crash happened last night around 6 p.m. near Moorland when a pickup and a car collided on a bridge that crosses a ditch. Those killed were in the pickup and passengers in both vehicles were hurt.

School Bus Hit Twice; Driver, 5 Students Not Seriously Hurt

Five students and their school bus driver were hurt when their Southeast Polk school bus was hit by two other vehicles this morning. Investigators said the crashes happened at Hubbell Avenue and Northeast Broadway Avenue. One vehicle slammed into the rear of the bus, and that vehicle fled the scene. Then a pick up hit the bus. Police said the bus driver and students probably did not have life threatening injuries.

Fire Kills 28 Calves, Destroys Bard

Investigators are trying to find out what caused a fire in a barn in Washburn. They said 28 calves were killed in the fire that broke out overnight last night. By about 3:15 this morning, the bard was being demolished by a bulldozer.

Woman Rescued from Councl Bluffs Sewer

A woman was rescued yesterday from a sewer opening in Council Bluffs. She told rescuers that she fell in and had been trapped there for about 24 hours. KETV reports that two passersby heard the woman yelling for help around 4:45 p.m. and called 911. They also said the woman was naked from the waste down. She was taken to the hospital.

Is Gay Okay or Not?

The sign reads "Gay is Not Okay", and its out in front of a Des Moines church, so now, there's also a protest planned for Sunday outside the Fort Des Moines Church of Christ at 244 E. Army Post Rd. KCCI reports that as of yesterday, there was a Facebook group formed, planning the protest. There wee also stickers on the church's sign to cover the word "not", making it read "Gay is Okay".

Man Injured

Rescue crews were called to a downtown Des Moines street when a man was reportedly found injured on a sidewalk Friday morning. Police were called to 316 Court Avenue just before 7 a.m. where they found a man badly injured. The man was taken to a hospital for treatment. There is no official word on his condition or what caused his injuries.

Iowa Delegation Takes on Air Force

Members of Iowa's Congressional delegation turned the heat up on Air Force officials as they demanded answers to why the agency wants to eliminate the F-16 fighter wing in Des Moines, which could cost 500-jobs. The Air Force's recommended replacing the fighter's with unmanned Predator or Reaper drones. Grassley tells the Des Moines Register says Air Force Secretary Michael Donley got under their skins when he asked today: “Well, do you want the Reapers?”

Principal Financial Makes Top 50 Companies for Exec. Women List

Des Moines based Principal Financial Group's again made Working Mother Magazine's list of Top 50 Companies For Executive Women. KCCI reports the magazine says "senior management is truly invested in whether women do well." Of the company's 10,781 employees, 65% are women; and the magazine also reports over 60% of the recent promotions to management and executive jobs went to women. You can see the full list of companies at www.workingmother.com.

Gronstal Says NO to GOP property Tax Plan

Senate Majority Leader Michael Gronstal says the GOP sponsored property tax plan would add $310-million to residential property tax bills, and the won't get any support in the senate. The House GOP plan's in line with what Gov. Branstad wants, cutting commercial property taxes by 40% over 8-years and finding $240-million to offset what local government's will lose in revenue. Republicans say other parts of their package would property homeowners from higher prop taxes.

Iowa In the Running for New Data Center

A state economic development official says Iowa's battling Nebraska to attract a $1.2 billion data center. Debi Durham, of the state Partnership for Economic Progress, says she can't identify the company, but says it isn't one of the big names already doing business here. Two locations are being considered here and one in Nebraska. The state economic development authority's expected to hear the plan and consider incentives to attract the business at their March meeting.

Monticello To Lose GP Jobs

Monticello, Iowa is losing some 45 jobs when Georgia-Pacific closes its box plant there. Employees found out yesterday, and told the plant will fill orders for the next few weeks, and then it will close. The company says the plant has not made a profit, so production moves to Dubuque and to Oshkosh, Wisconsin.Atlanta-based Georgia-Pacific produces tissue, packaging and building products. The city of Monticello will ask the state to help it find jobs for the displaced workers.

Mayor, Nephew Go On Trial Together

The mayor of Dunkerton and his nephew go on trial on March 20, facing misdemeanors for the way they acted at a disputed traffic stop. Mayor Michael Schares and nephew Thomas Adamson were cited for interference with official acts and harassment of a public official. This all started with a traffic stop on December 2, when Teresa Adamson was ticketed for speeding. The Adamsons are married. Mayor Schares allegedly intervened at the scene, and supposedly fired the ticketing officer, but said he didn't, and the officer is back at work. The trials for the mayor and his nephew have been combined.



Prosecutors have asked the court to combine the trials, which have been set for March 20.

Hosue Subcommittee Approves End of Dog Racing

A state house subcommittee's passed a bill allowing the casino's in Dubuque and Council Bluffs to pull the plug o dog racing. House Study Bill 208 now goes to the House State Government Committee. A similar bill's in the senate that would require the casino's to pay the state $70-million over seven-years in exchange for the right to end dog racing. Dog racing's popularity's nosedived since riverboat casino's opened in 1991

Iowa's Big Cities Have Big Economic Impact on State

A new study from an Iowa State University Economist says the state's 10--largest cities may represent only 29% of the population, but they generate 36% of the jobs statewide, and 39% of the state's gross domestic product. They also provide 42% of the service sector jobs and 47$ of sales. The study, released by the Metro Coalition says Iowa's cities overall economic impact is far greater than its demographics. The coalition includes Des Moines, West Des Moines, and Cedar Rapids.

WDM Bank Sells Four Branches in Iowa

Liberty Bank's selling four branches in Northwest Iowa as part of an deal with regulators who ordered it to raise its' core capital ration after suffering loan losses in Florida during the recession. The three Liberty branches and a drive-up location will be sold to Spencer-based Northwest Bank, pending regulatory approval. Northwest already has a total of 16 locations in Iowa and Nebraska. Liberty's based in West Des Moines.

Same Sex Couple Sues Over Death Certificate

The State Health Department's not commenting, but a same sex couple, Jessica and Jenny Buntemeyer of Davenport, are suing the agency for removing on of their names from the death certificate of their stillborn baby boy. They want a new certificate listing both of them. Jessica Buntemeyer gave birth in October, they got the death certificate in January and Jenny's name wasn't on it..

Santorum Wins CO, MO, MN

Rick Santorum won in Minnesota, Missouri and Colorado yesterday, and while that didn't garner him anymore votes, Santorum said it send a message.






The audio is from the Des Moines Register's website. Mitt Romney is still the top GOP vote getter, with Newt Gingrich and Ron Paul in third and fourth place respectively.

Fire Destroys 112 Year Old Marshalltown Building

Nobody was hurt in an overnight fire in Marshalltown, but it did destroy a 112 year old budding. The Des Moines Register reports that fire officials said La Nortenita grocery store was on the main floor of the building on Main Street. People lived in the upper floors, but got out safely. Fire officials said they don't know how the fire started. From the time firefighters were called it took about five hours to control and extinguish the fire. They did say the more than century old building was made of wood and it went up quickly. Again, nobody hurt in the overnight fire in Marshalltown.

Loren Bishop Convicted

A jury this afternoon convicted Loren Bishop of homicide by vehicle while under the influence. The Des Moines Register reports Bishop was charged with the death of Mary Miller after his SUV crashed into her home in January of last year, hit her, and dragged her into the front yard of her home. Polk County prosecutors say Bishop misused prescription medications the night of the crash.

Polk Cty Commisary Theft Arrest

A 21-year-old Des Moines man's been charged with stealing from the Polk County Jail commissary. Polk County Sheriff Bill McCarthy says Frank Monaco is charged with theft. Investigators say fraudulent transactions over 2-years totaled more than $16,000. The sheriff's office says Monaco works for a vendor contracted to provide commissary services to jail inmates.

13-year old Charged After Ankeny Car Chase

Ankeny Police say driver they caught after a half hour car chase early Monday was only 13-years old. Nicholas Niffenegger wasn't alone. KCCI reports a 12-year old boy was a passenger in the car, which officers say went through a yard and hit a garage at Southwest 47th and Somersby, then jumped curbs, crossed medians, and finally crashed into a ditch near Second Street. The car belongs to Niffenegger's grandmother. He faces a theft, reckless driving, and other charges.

DMACC Sets Spring Enrollment Record

Des Moines Area Community College has set a new spring enrollment record. The Des Moines Business Record reports just under 25,000 students are taking almost 207,000 credits. KCCI reports it's DMACC's 12th straight year of record enrollment. This years' spring enrollment is up close to 40% from the numbers of 5-years ago.

No Below 0

Cold enough for you? Apparently not, since we haven't seen any zero temps yet this year. That was yesterday, February 6, and the National Weather Service says the coldest its been at the Des Moines Airport, where they keep the thermometer, has only been down to one. That's one degree above zero. The record was set back on February 6, 1914 when the temp was minus two. We've always had temperatures below zero here, but this year, not so far. Is it truly winter in Des Moines if it doesn't get below zero?

Girl Charged in Attack at School

Allie Essink said out of nowhere, fellow Valley High School student Madison Williams started beating her, and now Williams faces charges for what apparently started as cyberbullying. KCCI reports that Essink and Williams made comments on Twitter and Facebook, but that Williams took offense to them and took it out on Essink. Now, Williams is charged with assault and disorderly conduct after last week's attack in the school cafeteria.

Downtown Hotel Project

March is when a developer's set to break ground on a Hampton Inn along the Des Moines' downtown riverfront. City Council gave its' final approval to the project this morning. The project includes a parking garage and extended stay hotel. COuncil approval opens the door on a financial incentives package that includes a $1.1-million loan and 23 years of property tax breaks.

New Immigrant Worker Bill

Under a bill being discussed in the state house, any resident would be able to file a complaint with the Attorney General's Office alleging a business is employing an illegal immigrant. The bill would require the AG, county attorneys and local police to investigate complaints. Verified complaints would be reported to federal immigration officials, and employers could lose their business licenses.

Open House on Chicago-Des Moines-Omaha Rail

State officials want your thoughts on a plan for rail service between Chicago, Des Moines, and Omaha. There's an on line open house next Monday: www.iowadot.gov/chicagotoomaha. There'll be information available on potential routes, evaluating service levels and ridership, environmental impacts and a preferred Chicago to Omaha passenger rail route alternative. You can also get information by calling 1-800-488-7119.

State Appeals Same-Sex Birth Certificate Ruling

The State Health Department's appealing a Polk County Judge's order that they list both members of a same-sex marriage as parents of a now 2-year old child. A spokesperson says the ruling addressed kids born to a lesbian mom who conceived using an anonymous sperm donor, but it doesn't resolve cases of same-sex couples who conceive in other ways. KCCI reports they need the State Supreme Court's guidance on those other cases.

Ankeny Police Give Chase

KCCI is reporting that a driver led Ankeny police on a chase through some neighborhoods, but then he crashed into a ravine. Police said the driver drove through a yard, hit the garage, and then kept going into the backyard at Southwest 47th and Somersby, on the south side of Ankeny. Police said the driver finally crashed into a ditch near 2nd Street. They said there was a short foot chase, but officers were able to arrest the driver.

Man Shot During Burglary

Police in Onawa, in western Iowa, said a man who interrupted a burglary. They went to a storage building around 6 last night to find a man suffering a gunshot wound. The victim is expected to be okay, but police want to find the person who shot the 36 year old man.

Iowa Air Guard Being Downsized?

Air Force leaders are recommending pulling the F-16 fighter jets from a Des Moines Air National Guard base next year. An Air Force memo obtained by the Des Moines Register says 21 jets would be taken away in fiscal year 2013. The planes are part of the 132nd Air Guard fighter wing. The recommended cuts would be part of a plan to trim $8.7 billion from the Air Force budget.

Branstad Says Lawmakers Need to be the Example On Health Care Costs

Gov. Branstad's wants the legislature to set an example and require themselves and all elected officials to pay more for their health insurance. Appearing on "Iowa Press," Branstad says elected officials should cough up at least 20% of their health care costs, setting an example for other state workers. Republicans proposed all state workers [pay $200/month for their health insurance earlier this week.

34 State Recall of Hard-Cooked Eggs

Iowa's on the list of states where hard cooked eggs are being recalled because of possible listeria contamination. KCCI reports Michael Foods, of Minnetonka, is recalling eggs in brine sold in 10- and 25-pound pails for institutional use. The eggs were sold under 6 brand names: Columbia Valley Farms, GFS, Glenview Farms, Papetti's, Silverbrook and Wholesome Farms. The product came from a plant in Nebraska. So far, there've been no reports of illness.

NWS Winter Storm Warning

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for heavy snow from midnight to 6 a.m. on Sunday. Rain will change to snow late tonight and continue through tomorrow night, with snowfall totals from 4 to 8" with higher accumulations possible locally. Northeast winds of 20 to 30 mph with a higher gusts will limit visibility with blowing and drifting snow tomorrow and tomorrow night.

Big Venue Planned

This would be better than Woodstock at Yasgur's farm! They want to put a multimedia concert venue in the middle of a field in Polk County. They want to draw big names and big shows. They want to entertain thousands who will spend millions. They also what to charge cheap. Ryan Lebo, with StereoType Des Moines says it could mean paying 20 dollars a ticket to see some of the biggest names in the music and entertainment industries.

Iowa Supremes Take Up Steel Wheels

There's a challenge to Mitchell County's steel wheel ordinance, and the Iowa Supreme Court will take it up. Its a ban on steel wheels on hard surfaced roads. Case in point, Matthew Zimmerman, a Mennonite teenager who was cited for driving a steel-wheel tractor on a county road in 2010 and found guilty of violating the ordinance. An Iowa judge agreed with a magistrate's ruling upholding it.
Zimmerman's family says the ordinance interferes with their religious practice. The county says it wants to alleviate damage caused by the wheels, and the ordinance is neutral and doesn't interfere with anyone's religion. The Supreme Court says the main issue is whether the ordinance violates Zimmerman's state and federal rights to free exercise of religion.

Iowa GOP Wants State Workers Paying More for Health Insurance

The GOP budget plan would have state employees pay $2400/year in health care premiums, but the Des Moines Register reports the plan probably won't become law because of labor agreements. Most state employees - including lawmakers and their families - pay no health care premium. Republicans say the $200 a month proposal would be reasonable because it’s still less than the average premium costs across eh state and nation.

State House Committee Goes For Banning Automated Traffic Cams

A House Transportation Committee's passed and sent to the full house a bill banning the use of automated cameras to enforce traffic laws. Supporters say police officers enforce the laws using their discretion, something the cameras take away. KCCI reports those who want the cameras say they make the roads safer and there's nothing inappropriate in using them top enforce traffic laws.

DM Man Convicted for Tradesmen Credit Union Robbery

A jury's convicted 27-year old Robin Brooks, Jr. of Des Moines for bank robbery weapons, and other offenses in last May's robbery at Tradesmen Community Credit Union. Brook's was undone by a GPS tracking device that was in the bag of money he left the Credit Union with. KCCI reports that allowed police to track and finally stop him. He faces a maximum 35-years in prison.

Teacher Accused of Sending Female Student the Wrong Messages

A teacher at Council Bluffs Lewis Central High School's accused of sending inappropriate messages. KCCI reports the Pottawattamie County officials say the student told them 30-year old Daniel Pantoja started texting her in December, asked her to send him a picture of her in shorts and a sports bra, and sent her a picture of a naked man covering his genitals his hand. Pontoja's charged with sexual exploitation by a school employee and lascivious conduct with a minor.

Olivas (Finally) in Jail

Twenty-four year old Carlos Olivas is exactly where he wanted to be: in jail. Cedar Rapids Police got a call from Olivas on Sunday. He said he'd scratched two cars and should be taken to jail. Police investigated, the cars were gone, so no jail for Carlos. Then, Olivas called again, claiming same, but couldn't prove it, so still, no jail. Then, Olivas called and said he'd put a brick through a car. That got him three hots and a cot, because Olivas said he had no place to stay.

Man Dies After Falling Through Ice

A 50-year-old man died after he fell through the ice while fishing at George Wyth Lake in Waterloo. Investigators said they're not releasing his name yet, but that he was pronounced dead last night. They think he was under the water for several minutes and unresponsive when crews got to him. Park rangers told police they heard the man yelling for help around 7:30 p.m., but because of fog and darkness, they couldn't see him. Rangers called 911 and rescuers brought a hooked poll to troll the deep water to find the man.

Will Greyhound Racing End in Iowa?

A State Senate committee's passed a bill to let Iowa's two greyhound tracks close. Horseshoe Casino in Council Bluffs and Mystique Casino in Dubuque would have to pay the state $70-million over 7-years for the right to pull the plug on dog racing. Supporters of the bill say greyhound racing's fading away nationwide, and it's costing the two casino's millions a year to keep the tracks here open. A similar bill didn't get to the senate floor last year.

State Senate Agrees to More Corrections Money

The Iowa Senate's passed and sent to the house a bill giving the Corrections Department an extra $8.5-million in the current budget year, most of it will pay for staff. KCCI reports department officials told lawmakers the extra money's needed to make sue the appropriate staffing levels can be maintained. Iowa has nine prisons and eight community-based corrections district departments. The extra cash brings the department budget to $352-million.

New Record High in Des Moines

The National Weather Service says we've set another record high today in Des Moines. It hit 58 degrees. Forecasters say many areas of Iowa are experiencing one of their warmest winters to date on record. KCCI reports so far this month, the temperature's reached the 60s on three days. The only other time this has happened was in 2002. In 134 years of records, the temperature's hit 65 or higher only six times in January, twice last month.

Feds CHange Proposals for Children and Farm Jobs

The Labor Department's changing a plan to keep kids away from some of the most dangerous farm jobs. KCCI reports the Department's new proposal will have more exemptions for children who's parents own or run farms. Farm groups complained the rules would upset traditions where children often work alongside their parents and relatives to learn how a farm operates