Monday, December 31, 2012

Southwest Arrival Boosts DM Air Travel

Southwest Airlines is having a big impact on travel in and out of Des Moines International. AN airport spokesperson tells KCCI travel numbers are up 14% from November of last year to last month, and for the year, boardings are up 9%. Southwest's arrival this year has boosted competition, which has lowered fares. Right now the only flights are to Chicago, but new routes are expected.

MidAmerican Finishes 3-Wind Energy Projects

MidAmerican Energy's finished three Iowa wind projects, generating a combined 407-megawatts of electricity. ABC5 reports that gives MidAmerican about 33% of its electricity generation from wind power. The company supplies electricity to about 732,000 customers in Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska and South Dakota.

State Tax Collections Up Year over Year

The state's net take from all taxes for the year ended November 30th was up just over 8.5%, or $568-million. The Legislative Services Agency says the biggest contributors to the increase: Individual income was up close to 7% at $199.2-million; sales and use taxes up $133-million or 6%, and corporate income tax collections up $190-million or 67.5%.

February Sentencing for Egg Bribery Case Plea

The ex-manager of an Iowa egg farm, faces a maximum 5-years in federal prison when he's sentenced in February. Tony Wasmund pleaded guilty to conspiracy to bribe a USDA inspector to allow sales of eggs that had been withheld for failing federal standards. Wasmund worked for Jack DeCoster, whose northern Iowa operations were blamed for the 2010 salmonella outbreak that led to recalling over half a billion eggs.

Friday, December 28, 2012

Iowa Woman Murdered in Colorado

25-year old Emily Weikert of West Des Moines, the apparent victim of a murder/suicide in Colorado. She was shot this morning in a parking garage at the Denver Tech Center. KCCI reports police consider 51-year old Robert Lewis a person of interest in her murder. He was a former co-worker, fired a couple of weeks ago for harassing her. He was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot.

DM Cop Hurt in Crash Into Utility Pole

A Des Moines Police officer was injured when he steered his cruiser into a snow bank and power pole, rather than hit a car that stopped short in front of him. The officer was running radar near 33rd and Hickman when he started after the car, which took off. That driver was later caught and arrested for speeding, driving without insurance, and driving on a suspended license.

$15,000 in Damage From DM House Fire

A fire did about $15,000 in mostly smoke damage to a home at 932 Leland Avenue in Des Moines this morning. KCCI reports the homeowner told firefighters smoke started coming from an upstairs bedroom after she'd plugged in an electric blanket. No official cause for the fire's been released, but officials say a heating pad and electric blanket were on in a bedroom.

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Immigrants with Deferred Action Won't Get Drivers Licenses

Iowa DOT's decided it will not issue driver’s licenses or state ID cards to undocumented immigrants who's qualified for deferred action for childhood arrival status by the Federal government. Director Paul Trombino tells the Des Moines Register state law only allows those documents to be issued to a foreign national authorized to be present in the United States.

Pharmacy Robbery Suspect Captured After Chase

A man's been arrested after Ankeny Police were involved in a chase that ended in Des Moines this afternoon. KCCI reports the chase ended at Delaware and Guthrie Avenues in Des Moines. The Des Moines Register's reports police say the suspect had just robbed two Medicap pharmacies, one in Altoona and another in Ankeny.

Man Busted After Car Chase From Ankeny to Des Moines

A man's been arrested after Ankeny Police were involved in a chase that ended in Des Moines this afternoon. KCCI reports the chase ended at Delaware and Guthrie Avenues in Des Moines. Investigators say the man in custody may be tied to several recent pharmacy robberies in the Des Moines metro.

F-16 makes Emergency Landing in DM

An F-16 fighter jet made a safe landing at Des Moines International after reporting engine trouble this afternoon. KCCI reports emergency vehicles were waiting for the jet when it landed. Officials say it will be given a once over by mechanics.

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

More Snow on the Way

The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory from tomorrow night through Friday. KCCI reports light snow's expected to start tomorrow across northwestern Iowa, with 1 to 3" possible in Des Moines. Totals of 3 to 5" are possible for areas along and north of I-80 by Friday afternoon.

Culver Said to Be Considering Another Run for Guv

Former Gov. Chet Culver's reportedly considering another run for his former office. He tells the Des Moines Register he hasn't made any decision yet. Culver served from 2007 to 2011. He was defeated by Gov. Branstad in 2010. The next election's in 2014. Culver says he's getting encouragement to run again from democrats and Iowans he's been talking to in Des Moines.

Hazmat Call at DM VA Hospital

A Des Moines hazmat crew was called to the VA Hospital here this afternoon in the 3600 block of 30th Street. KCCI reports they were asked to investigate a package at the facility that contained some sort of white powder.

Sunday, December 23, 2012

Population growth

Our state growing more quickly this decade then the previous one. U.S. Census Bureau figures show Iowa's population grew by 10,089 people between July 1, 2011, and July 1, 2012.In the two years between 2000 and 2002, the population grew by about half that. Iowa's growth was largely driving by births outnumbering deaths and more people moving to the state from other countries. The census figures show a net of 4,200 people from other countries moved to Iowa in the past year.

Plan fro Historcial society

Get ready to see some growth of the West Des Moines Historical Society . They recently finished drafting a strategic plan to enhance awareness of the organization and increase membership numbers. The plan addresses several issues including leadership, how to raise money and short- and long-term goals.

Windsor Height wants to add officer


They would like to add a 13th police officer to the force in Windsor Heights but they need to find the money. Both the police chief and fire chief have submitted their budget and council will hold on making any changes until the new city administrator takes over in two weeks.

Tow company


Finally the tow ban set by Iowa State police last Wednesday was lifted yesterday so tow operators went to work to remove hundreds of vehicles that went off road when the blizzard hit last week. The state policewanted road to improve before clearing the vehicles. Be patient if you are calling a towing company today.

Saturday, December 22, 2012

Mediacom techs putting nodes back online

About 2,000 Mediacom customers remained without service Friday after a storm that dumped more than a foot of snow on parts of Iowa.

Mediacom spokeswoman Phyllis Peters said more than 100 technicians worked through Friday and into today, with a team scheduled for Sunday just in case, to restore service.

The customers all were in the greater Des Moines area, including some in Dallas County.

Peters said company officials chose not to bring in crews from other parts of the state to handle the outages.

“They have their own issues,” she said.

On Wednesday and into Thursday, a snowstorm blasted the area, causing power outages that took down many Mediacom “nodes,” which provide service to about 220 customers each. In addition, Mediacom crews still had to repair 72 cable lines downed by snow and ice buildup.

Peters said the number of customers affected continues to change; at 5 p.m. Friday, 2,000 customers were still without service.

Just how quickly service returns depends on how quickly MidAmerican Energy returns power to the lines that service Mediacom’s nodes.

As they do come back online, Peters said power generators that are being used can be relocated.

For information, call Mediacom customer support at 800-332-0245.

DOT reports worst road conditions in central Iowa

According to the Iowa Department of Transportation, by 7: 15 a.m. several highways and interstates are still completely covered with ice, most in central Iowa and around Des Moines.

Many highways around the state are partially or mostly covered with ice.


The highways and interstates in central Iowa listed as completely covered with ice are:


-I-80 between Jordan Creek Parkway in Clive and County Road S27 near Mitchellville.
-All of I-235 around Des Moines
-I-35 between Cumming and Clive
-I-35 near Ankeny and between Huxley and Story City
-US Highway 30 between County Road P46 near Beaver and County Road T47 in Le Grand


In southeast Iowa, US Highway 218 is still completely covered with mixed snow ice or slush.

DOT unable to confirm I-80 backup

Several drivers and a county sheriff reported massive delays on a stretch of Interstate Highway 80 near Grinnell on Thursday, but the Iowa Department of Transportation had no record of a traffic jam that reportedly stranded drivers for six hours or more.

As motorists sat in their vehicles wondering what was causing the backup that lasted until after midnight, the DOT’s road closure map and alert system, commonly referred to as 511, showed I-80 to be clear from 7 p.m. onward.

A series of semitrailer trucks jackknifing in close succession caused delays that, at their worst, reportedly had drivers creeping along the highway at one mile per hour for up to seven hours. Drivers phoned The Des Moines Register late Thursday with reports of the standstill.

But the DOT could not confirm the delay.

“We were not able to find any support for that that our people saw,” said Bob Youni, state maintenance engineer with the DOT.

Monica Vernon, a Cedar Rapids City Council member who found herself stuck on I-80 Thursday evening, called the Register from the road to report what happened and to seek information.

“I started wondering: ‘Since it’s not being reported that we’re out here, maybe they just don’t know,’ ” she said from her car.

Vernon was on her way to Des Moines to pick up her two daughters who were flying home for Christmas. She said she knew she shouldn’t have been driving — transportation officials had advised against travel on all major highways Wednesday and Thursday — but she wanted to get her kids home.

At 6:19 p.m., she came to a stop near Grinnell. Traffic would move soon enough, she figured.

Hours passed and the line of vehicles stopped behind Vernon grew out of sight. She called the Poweshiek County sheriff and tried to find information about the roadblock online. Her daughters took to Twitter, asking anyone for information on the traffic jam.

Vernon began to worry: What if drivers run out of gas and further clog the road? What if they have to spend the night on the interstate?

Without explanation, traffic began moving again at about 12:15 a.m., Vernon said.

Youni said electronic tracking of DOT vehicles showed them moving 15 to 20 miles per hour down that stretch of interstate while vehicles were reportedly at a standstill. The DOT also put together Highway Assistance Teams, made up of a National Guard vehicle, Iowa State Patrol car, DOT snowplow and DOT traffic enforcement officer. They sent one team west down I-80 from Coralville and one east from Newton, and they didn’t see anything, he said.

“I’m not saying it didn’t happen,” said Youni, “just that I can’t explain it.”

Chief Deputy Lawrence McNaul of the Poweshiek County sheriff’s office, was in the area starting at 6 a.m. Thursday, when the first truck turned sideways. “Dozens” more followed suit, he said, and another truck caught fire from overheating around 10:30 p.m. McNaul didn’t leave the scene until 11:30 p.m.

The first incident, McNaul said, was at mile marker 185 eastbound, where a jackknifed truck shut down traffic for more than an hour. Just as a wrecker was straightening out the truck, two more jackknifed across the highway on I-80 westbound.

“And it was just a chain reaction there,” said McNaul. “We would get one group cleared up and somebody else in the pack would get sideways and get traffic blocked up.”

McNaul said trucks were turning between mile markers 185 and 198, “a historically bad stretch” between Brooklyn and Grinnell made worse by a cable barrier intended to prevent accidents from crossing the roadway.

“We used to tell people ‘we can’t tow you off the road, we’ll park you in the middle until tomorrow when it clears up,’ ” he said. “We don’t have that option anymore. Everyone has to get towed.”

Road congestion also had something to do with the delays, McNaul said. “If people just acknowledged the advisories and not travel, it would have saved us a lot of time.” He said DOT workers were on site, salting, sanding and plowing. “They were right there every time we needed them.”

The sheriff’s office fielded several calls throughout the day from stranded motorists asking for food, water and other supplies, McNaul said, “but I wasn’t willing to jeopardize the safety and the security of more public safety out there with the road conditions as they were, just putting more people out there at risk.”

Jacob Fraser, an ice hockey referee from Chicago headed to Nebraska to work a few games, was stranded somewhere in the line of cars on I-80. When he called the Register on Thursday evening, traffic had yet to budge.

“It’s just semitrucks and cars as far as the eye can see,” he said around 11 p.m. “Hopefully we’ll get moving soon.”

Travis Solem, Poweshiek County dispatch supervisor, said the last of the blockages were fully cleared by 1 a.m. Friday.

The DOT met Friday morning to discuss the discrepancy in drivers’ experiences versus the department’s information, Youni said.

“A lot of people work really hard to make 511 as accurate as can be,” he said. “We already agreed amongst ourselves we need to look at this.”

The agency is looking into finding a way to get public input into the 511 system so people can report traffic jams. There currently is no such system or hotline.

Youni said DOT information concurs with reports of trucks “having a hard time moving around,” and slowing down traffic, but “I am a little dubious over someone sitting out there for six hours not moving.

“I’m not sure we’re ever going to know exactly what the situation was.”

Fighter jets cuts bill passes

The senate has approved a new defense spending bill that calls for eliminating all F-16 fighter jets including the 21 based in Des Moines.

It now goes to the president and he is expected to sign it.

The jets have been used by the Des Moines based 132nd fighter wing since 1992.

Senators Charles Grassley and Tom Harkin voted against the bill in a 81-14 split.

The 132nd Fighter Wing is expected to be replaced by a Des Moines unit remotely flying unmanned aircraft with a loss of around 32 positions.

Flight delays: Alternative arrangements made

More than 1,400 flights had to be canceled nationwide due to Thursday’s storm leaving travelers at all airports across the state to make alternative arrangements.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year… unless you’re traveling.

Thursday’s blizzard forced airlines to ground more than 37 flights in and out of the eastern Iowa airport. Many have been camped out at the airport and area hotels, hoping to grab a spot on a Friday flight.

“I was supposed to go home at 7 this morning,” says Ashley Clark. “And then I got booked on an 11 a.m. and now I’m going home at 4 p.m.”

By Friday morning, flights had filled up fast and those whom were delayed by Thursday’s inclement weather may still not be leaving before Christmas.

Dennis and Barbara Kammerman of Waterloo were supposed to be on a plane Thursday to see their son.

Instead, they’ll fly out Christmas Eve.

Barbara Kammerman explains, “We were in line, got here at a quarter to 9 this morning. We just now got our tickets. We’ve got it rescheduled, so about 2 and a half hours.”

Mary Delacy had two flights canceled and isn’t taking any chances. She’s taking a four and a half hour ride on a United charter bus to make her connecting flight in Chicago.

“I have a flight, I have a check-in, and I’m ready to go.”

Air travelers aren’t the only ones experiencing headaches.

The Wolds of Dubuque had planned on hitting the roads Thursday, they’re leaving a day later and things are off to a slower start than expected.

“The left lane was the only clear lane; the right lane was full of ice.”

Among the holiday angst, there’s also plenty of evidence of what makes the season special.

Take Manish Patel, whom gave up his plane ticket for somebody else.

“I decided to give up my seat and hand it over to somebody else so that they could get home for Christmas.”

Despite travelers experiencing delays in the last couple of days, a lot of flights are on schedule at the Des Moines airport.

Officials say you should still check with your airline before leaving for the airport or check your flight status on our 13-now app.

Friday, December 21, 2012

New Reward Fund in Murders of Evandales Girls

There's a new $20,500 reward fund for information leading to the arrest of whoever killed Elizabeth Collins and Lyric Cook. The Evansdale girls vanished back in July. Their remains were found by hunters in a wildlife area December 5th. There's also a $150,000 reward offered by police and a private donor for information leading to an arrest and conviction.

Statea Supreme Court Says Boss Can Fire for "Irresistible Attraction"

Iowa's Supreme Court's ruled that a boss can fire someone they see as an "irresistible attraction," even if the employee's done nothing wrong. Melissa Nelson sued Ft. Dodge Dentist James Knight in 2010. She'd worked as his assistant for 10-years when they started texting about personal matters outside work. Knight's wife, who also worked at the office, found out, and demanded her firing.

Buyer for Aviva USA

A big announcement was made Friday for West Des Moines-based AVIVA USA and the 1,400 people who work there.

Athene Holding Ltd., a Bermuda-based insurance holding company announced Friday that it will purchase Aviva USA for $1.55 billion. Aviva USA handles annuity and life insurance operations.

Athene says it is committed to keeping Aviva’s headquarters in West Des Moines and a significant employee base there. Aviva USA will be re-named Athene USA.

The deal expected to close in 2013. The company has been for sale since last spring.

Iowa's snow snarl . . . by the numbers

Officials say some drivers were stuck along parts of Interstate 80 for hours as progress to clear the roadway slowed yesterday because of tough weather.

The Iowa State Patrol said drivers in a 10-mile stretch between mile marker 187 and 197 were in grid lock traffic in both directions.

The state Department of Public Safety said emergency responders brought food and water to the area, but poor weather conditions kept drivers out there for several more hours. Officials recommended that drivers stay calm and patient.

Authorities said there were at least 80 reported crashes in Iowa. There were more than 160 emergency calls, more than 160 motorist assists and nearly 40 requests for wrecker services.

Power restored to many Iowans

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - Tens of thousands of Iowans have had their electric power restored following a winter storm that dropped more than a foot of snow in the Des Moines area.

But MidAmerican Energy reports that nearly 9,200 customers - most of them in Des Moines - were still without power Friday morning.

At the height of the storm that swept into Iowa early Thursday, more than 34, 000 customers were without electricity, including more than 32,000 in the Des Moines area.

Iowa continues dealing with snow

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - Iowa officials say snow plow operators will be out today continuing to clear roads affected by a major storm this week.

The state Department of Transportation says nearly 450 snow plows and other removal equipment is helping clear crash scenes and vehicles blocking roadways on the interstate system.

The agency says travel is not expected to significantly improve until later today.

At least 80 crashes were reported yesterday throughout the state. Officials also say drivers on a 10-mile stretch of Interstate 80 were stuck last night. A 25-car pileup on Interstate 35 in northern Iowa killed two people and injured seven.

A major snow storm hit most of Iowa Wednesday night into yesterday. The National Weather Service says more than a foot of snow hit the Des Moines area.

Latham seeks to keep F-16s at Des Moines base

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - U.S. Rep. Tom Latham of Iowa has introduced a bill to try to keep the F-16 aircraft at the Iowa Air National Guard's 132nd Fighter Wing in Des Moines.

The Des Moines Register reports that the bill has the backing of each member of Iowa's federal delegation. That includes Democratic U.S. Rep. Leonard Boswell, whom Latham defeated in November for Iowa's 3rd Congressional District seat.

But Republican U.S. Sen. Charles Grassley says there appears to be little chance of reversing action by a House-Senate panel this week to eliminate all 21 F-16 jets at the Des Moines Air National Guard Base.

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Iowa Nat'l Guard HAT Teams Activated

80-Iowa National Guard troops have already been activated statewide as 'HAT,' or Highway Assistance Teams. The Des Moines Register reports they'll be out in Humvee's to help disabled drivers across the state. There are 10-HAT teams in all, assigned to Interstates 80, 35, and 380. The guard personnel will be working with Iowa DOT and the State Patrol.

IDOT Message: Stay Off the Roads

Iowa DOT's got a message: stay off the roads. KCCI reports authorities don't expect your ability to travel to improve much until tomorrow, with wind gusts of 40 to 60 mph leading to wind chills of 10 to 20 below zero. I-35's been closed from Ames to Mason City. Numerous accidents have led to the closing and plows will hit the interstates tomorrow morning.

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Thursday Trash Pick Up Pushed To Friday Due to Storm

The coming snow's led the Metro Waste Authority to cancel garbage and recycling pick up tomorrow, and pushing it back to Friday. This covers Clive, Des Moines, Urbandale, Windsor Heights and West Des Moines. KCCI reports residents of other communities should contact their trash hauler or city hall for collection schedule changes due to the storm.

County Officials Expect Cuts in Mental Health Services

Some mental health officials across the state say some counties will have to cut services soon since the state's planning on less money than expected to help counties move to the new regional mental health system. According to a Press-Citizen report, state officials are recommending Polk and other counties get nothing from the transition fund, and they say most counties have the money they need now.

Dm City Council Pulls Ingersoll Liquor License

Des Moines City Council's decided to pull the liquor license of the Ingersoll Dinner Theater. Neighbors say the one-time icon's been the source of too many complaints of violence and zoning violations. Council members say they've given the new management enough time to turn things around.

Iowa DOT Issues Warning Against Travel

Iowa DOT's advising everyone to avoid travel across most of the state from 8p.m. tonight through noon tomorrow. The National Weather Service has a blizzard warning in effect from 6 p.m. tonight to 6p.m. tomorrow. On top of a forecast 6 to 10 inches of snow, KCCI reports near blizzard conditions are expected with sustained winds of 25 to 35 mph, and gusts as high as 45 mph.

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

NRA Plans Major ANnouncement Friday

The NRA's broken its silence since Friday's massacre in Newtown, Connecticut saying it will make a major announcement in the Washington, D.C. area Friday, and says it's "prepared to offer meaningful contributions to help make sure this never happens again." Two national polls done since the shooting say more Americans want tougher gun laws, but also show 40% don't think that would've prevented the tragedy.

Woman's Missing Shih Tzu Puppy Found

Shannon Graves is getting her dog Aylah back. Aylah ran away after Graves was in a crash on the east mixmaster in Des Moines on the 12th. The Shih Tzu puppy was found Tuesday by a Polk County Sheriff's deputy in Berwick. KCCI reports the dog was a birthday gift for Graves 10-year old twins in June.

WDM 2nd Ward Special Election in February

Residents of West Des Moines’ 2nd ward will elect a new City COuncil members in a February special election. Charles Schneider resigned from the seat after he was elected to the state legislature. The Des Moines Register reports the winner will fill the remainder of Schneider’s term, which ends Dec. 31, 2015. The 2nd Ward covers the northwestern end of the city, and includes Polk and Dallas Counties.

Polk County Getting New Automated Traffic Cameras

Polk County's Board of Supervisors has given the final green light to placing automated traffic enforcement cameras mainly in rural areas of the county. The Sheriff's Office still has to work out details on how those new cameras will be used. KCCI reports they're expected to start showing up next spring. Weekly notices will be made so drivers will know where those cameras are.

Monday, December 17, 2012

Branstad Suggestions After Newtown Shootings

Gov. Branstad's asked Iowa school administrators to review school safety plans after the events in Newtown, Ct. At his weekly news conference, the Governor also says he's not ready to support proposals giving guns to teachers and school administrators, or to propose new gun control laws.

Prosecutors Ordered to Provide More Detail for Baldi Prosecution

A judge's ordered prosecutors to provide more specific acts for each of the 10-counts of involuntary manslaughter brought against Dr. Daniel Baldi. He's accused of prescribing powerful pain medications to patients for overdosed on them. Prosecutors have a month to give the court a foundation for the charges. Baldi also faces a malpractice suit and administrative charges from the State Board of Medicine.

State Overruled in Same Sex Death Certificate Challenge

A judge's ordered Iowa's Public Health Department to change its' death certificate form to include both names of a same-sex couple. Jessica and Jennifer Buntemeyer sued, because the department removed one of their names from the death certificate of their stillborn baby boy. DPH only allows the registration of up to two parents on a certificate: a mother and a father. The judge found that violates equal protection law.

Friday, December 14, 2012

Another Mass Shooting-Children Among the Dead

20-children and 7-adults, are dead after a shooting at an elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut this morning. Police say the gunman is among them, and law enforcement sources say another of the adults killed at the school is the gunman's mother. Investigators also believe 2- other adults one, dead at a home in Newtown, the other in Hoboken, New Jersey, may be connected to the shooter.

DM Man Busted After Car Chase With DM Police

Des Moines PD say charges are pending against 44-year old Rodney Saltzman of Des Moines. He was in an SUV officers tried to pull over this morning, but they say Saltzman decided not to cooperate. His SUV was finally stopped, but he tried to get away on foot. An officer chased him down, and had his finger broken while taking him into custody near SW 16th Street and Army Post Road.

Thursday, December 13, 2012

2nd Deer Positive for Wasting Disease

Iowa DNR says a 2nd deer in the Pine Ridge Hunting Preserves tested positive for wasting disease. The disease damages the deer's brain tissue, causing illness and ending in death. The preserve in Bloomfield, has been testing every deer shot on its grounds. DNR's collecting more samples from wild deer shot around the preserve.

Branstad Has Death Penalty Meerting

Gov. Branstad met with the parents of three missing or murdered Iowa children today to discuss the death penalty. The Governor has said he's not planning to make reinstating the death penalty a priority in the 2013 legislative session, but GOP State Sen. Kent Sorenson's said he'll be introducing a bill to reinstate Iowa's death penalty.

Puppy Missing After I-80 Rollover

Shannon Graves and her 10-year old twin boys hope someone calls them, Animal Rescue League or animal Control, after the family's Shih Tzu puppy ran away yesterday. Graves SUV rolled over on I-80, and a witnesses saw the puppy run into a field. Graves tells KCCI the puppy's name is Aylah, and she's micro chipped and has tags including her phone number.

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

UI Now Lets Students Self-Identify Gender on Admission Application

UI's changed part of its undergrad admissions application, becoming the second institution of higher learning to let students identify themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, instead of including it in the interests part of the application. A spokesperson tells the Des Moines Register the idea's to let all students know the university's open to students of all orientations.

Baconfest Tickets Sell Out in 3 Minutes

The 8,000 general admission tickets for February's 6th annual Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival sold out three minutes after they went on sale this afternoon at 12:12:12p.m. Festival organizers tell KCCI ticket purchases were from coast to coast and overseas. Baconfest is Feb. 9 at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Evansdale Mom Worried About Details of Daughters Murder

Heather Collins, mother of one of the girls found dead outside Evansdale last week, says she doesn't need to know what was done to her daughter, Elizabeth Collins. KCCI reports she's worried about getting the details about what was done to her daughter and Lyric Cook. Remains of the two girls, who'd been missing since July, were found by hunters in the Seven Bridges Wildlife Area.

Drake Students Robbed at Gunpoint

Des Moines PD are looking for two men who robbed a couple of Drake University students at gunpoint last night. The suspects, got out of a car, and demanded the students part with their coats, laptop, cell phones, credit cards and cash. The items were worth about $3100. No arrests so far.

Wells Fargo May Be Considering Expansion in West Des Moines

Wells Fargo, the largest Des Moines area employer, has asked West Des Moines to rezone some land at its Jordan Creek Campus. Nothing is definite, but the Des Moines Register reports the banks considering putting up a 239,000 square foot office building. The rezoning request came from Wells Fargo's Home Mortgage unit.

Monday, December 10, 2012

Raygun Ordered to Stop Using ISU Trademark

Raygun's been ordered to stop using Iowa State University's trademark. The order came from Licensing Resource Group, which holds the management to rights to that trademark. That cease and desist order includes pulling all products from Raygun's website and shipping all such products over to LRG.

Friday, December 7, 2012

U.S. Supreme Court Takes on Gay Marriage

The U.S. Supreme Court today decided to here two cases challenging the constitutionality of state and federal laws dealing with the recognition of gay marriage. Once case involves DOMA, or the Defense of Marriage Act, which denies federal benefits to same-sex couples legally married in their own state. The other's California's Proposition 8, a referendum that took away the right of same sex-marriage that had been granted by state courts.

Snow Could Be Here By Sunday

Light snow's the story already in the northwestern part of the state, and more is expected for the rest of the state this weekend. KCCI reports DM Public Works crews are putting anti-icing materials on snow routes and residential hills. Rain is expected here first, but colder air's coming with a storm system that moves in Saturday night into Sunday, changing that to snow.

U of I President Now At-Will Employee

U of I President Sally Mason says her top goal is to boost the university's outreach and relationships with legislators. She'll be throwing her herself into this without a new contract. The Iowa Board of Regents declined to renew her contract, which expired in August. The Regents have approved a 5-year deferred compensation package that runs through June 2016. Mason earns over $490,000/year.

DM PD After Gunman in Overnight Shooting

31-year old Rashad Adair's in critical condition at Methodist Medical Center after being shot 6-times in the face and chest last night. Police say the suspect, a black male, in a black hoodie and ski mask, walked up to the car Adair was sitting in, at the rear of 1410 Washington Avenue, and opened fire. If you know something, Call Des Moines PD or Polk County Crime Stoppers.

Texting 911 Going Nat'l By May 2014

The FCC says th AT and T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon have agreed to add emergency 911 texting to your cell phone by May 2014. Parts of it should start appearing next year. KCCI reports the deal will mean over 90% U.S. cellphone users would be able to access emergency services by sending a text message to 911. This could be a big help in situations where a voice call could put someone in danger.

Thursday, December 6, 2012

No Positive ID On Bodies Near Evansdale

The Black Hawk County Sheriff says they haven't got positive identification on the two bodies found yesterday, but based on evidence found at the scene and preliminary investigation, they believe the remains are those of Lyric Cook and Elizabeth Collins. KCCI reports investigators are doing a complete search of the area where the bodies were found. It's still considered a kidnapping, but the medical examiners findings may turn this into a murder case.

EPA and DM TEam Up on Sustainable Streetscape

The EPA's working with the city of Des Moines to find ways to convert a 1-mile stretch 6th Avenue into a testbed for environmentally sustainable streetscapes, infrastructure and policies. Mayor Frank Cownie and EPA Region 7 Administrator Karl Brooks will discuss the project at a conference Monday morning at City Hall.

Saylorville Lake Close to All-Time Record Low

Saylorville Lake's now about an inch away from its all-time record low. According to the National Weather Service, the lake's now 832.31 feet. The all-time record low-832.23 feet in March 1989. KCCI reports the lake's been falling due to the drought. The Army Corps of Engineers says they're hoping for fall rain and a healthy winter snowfall getting the lake back to its' normal level of 836 feet.

DM Firefighter Hurt Dodging Car

Des Moines firefighter Robbie Hilzer had to be treated for non life threatening injuries today when he had to dive into a ditch to get out of the way of a vehicle. KCCI reports Hilzer was walking behind a fire truck, watching for traffic as it backed out of a cul-de-sac onto E. Army Post Road when he was almost run over.

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Evansdale Missing Girl Case-Investigstors Report Two Bodies Found

Authorities say two bodies found by hunters today lead them to believe the search for Lyric Cook-Morrissey and Elizabeth Collins, missing from Evansdale, won't end well. Black Hawk County Sheriff's investigators didn't say during a news conference if the remains are those of the two girls, but the families of both girls were informed. The remains have been sent to the state examiner's office for identification.

Fireman Hurt in Fall Through Home Floor

A Norwalk firefighter fell 10 feet into a basement during a fire yesterday. It happened at a house fire in the 6200 block of 73rd Avenue. Authorities say Assistant Chief Ryan Coburn was treated and released at a Des Moines hospital. Investigators blame the collapse on poor maintenance and wood eating insects in the home.

Fighter Pilot Grounded After Incident Over Waukee

A Florida Air National Guard F-15 fighter pilot's been placed on 'no fly' status, after putting on what some witnesses saw was his own personal air show over Des Moines western burbs yesterday. Witnesses say the jet came down low and fast over a Waukee neighborhood, pulled a hard turn then went vertical at full throttle, rattling windows. The incident's under investigation.

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Windsor Heights Moving On Mobile Traffic Cameras

Windsor Heights has a new mobile traffic enforcement cameras plan. They plan to use two units they'll deploy wherever their officer patrol. KCCI reports that covers University Avenue, to residential areas, and even I-235. 4-months ago, IDOT rejected the city's request to install two fixed speed cameras on a less than 1-mile long stretch of the interstate.

Polk Cty Closer to More Mobile Speed Cameras

Polk County Supervisors on a 3-2 vote today approved a plan to allow mobile speed cameras on the county's rural roads as early as March. Fines will start at $65 for drivers photographed at more than 1-to-15 mph over the posted speed limit. The Des Moines Register reports a deal still needs to be done with a company to provide several cameras, free of charge, in exchange for a share of the fines.

Lack of Snow and Warmth in Des Moines

Des Moines streak of no measurable snow is now at 274-days. The National Weather Service says the current record is 277-days set in 1889. The last measurable snow in the metro was in March, and it was 0.2". Yesterday, Des Moines hit a record 69-degrees. One other detail-the temperature in Des Moines hit at least 60-degrees in each of the last 23-consecutive months.

Bigger Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival in 2013

Tickets go on sale at 12:12p.m. December 12th for February's Blue Ribbon Bacon Fest. Organizers have doubled the events size to accommodate 8,000 plus bacon lovers at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. There'll be over 5-tons of bacon from around the country, plus more food vendors, lectures about bacon and entertainment. Tickers are $35, and will be sold through Des Moines based Tikly.

Monday, December 3, 2012

Branstad Wants Commercial Property Tax Cut Next Year

Gov. Branstad says cutting commercial property taxes is a priority for 2013. The Governor says the state treasury's is strong enough to handle whatever revenue local governments' lose when commercial property taxes are cut. The latest revenue projection's for the state to take in 3% more revenue in the 20913 budget year than in 2012. The legislature returns to work January 14th.

Iowa Senate Starts Video Streaming

When the State Senate returns to work, you'll be able to watch. The Des Moines Register reports there'll be live video streaming of floor debates. The House started live streaming last year. The audience for the house stream hasn't been big, but officials say that should change as more people are made aware of the stream.

State Sued Over Film Tax Credit Program

The Iowa Attorney General's office hasn't commented on a suit filed against the state Department of Economic Development Department by a Rhode Island man who finances film projects. Anthony Gudas says he borrowed the money before the state killed its film tax credit program. Gudas says his business was ruined because the state didn't pay and he's after monetary damage, interest and costs.

Windsor Heights Going Ahead with New Traffic Cams Plan

Windsor Heights going ahead with adding more automated traffic enforcement cameras, despite Iowa DOT saying no to, and the city appealing the rejection of its plan for cameras on I-235. KCCI reports Police Chief Dennis McDaniel's expected to talk about how his department will be using two automated mobile enforcement units tomorrow afternoon.