Ankeny police arrest six in prostitution sting

Ankeny police have arrested six Central Iowa residents through an undercover prostitution sting, according to a city press release.

The Ankeny Police Department conducted the sting on Wednesday at a local hotel; the establishment is not named in the press release. The department utilized undercover officers in targeting both alleged prostitutes and their customers.

"We had great cooperation from several hotels willing to partner with us despite that none of these hotels had reported prostitution problems," Police Chief Gary Mikulec said in the release.

Arrested and charged with prostitution were: Thomas W. Watson, 39, Ankeny; Antonio Gonzalez Balderamos, 56, Pleasant Hill; Kimberley Ann Walker, 33, West Des Moines; William Lee Woodruff, 49, Ames; Duane Boswell, 62, Urbandale; Kathleen Sherbondy, 58, Indianola. Prostitution is an aggravated misdemeanor.

Woodruff had an earlier arrest for prostitution in a similar sting in October 2012 and recently pleaded guilty to the earlier charge, police said.

Mikulec said the police department intends to continue prostitution sting operations sporadically throughout the year with the intention of protecting local businesses and keeping a vigilant eye on human trafficking possibilities. Ankeny currently has 12 hotels, according to the press release.

"Our message is clear. Do not set up or engage in illegal activity in the City of Ankeny," Mikulec said.

Iowa Senate approves boost to school funding

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The Democrat-controlled Iowa Senate on Wednesday approved a $187 million plan to boost school funding for the coming school year, despite Republican Gov. Terry Branstad’s request that lawmakers pass his education reform plan before dealing with general support.


Under the plan approved by the Senate, state support for schools would increase by 4 percent, or $135 million, and money would be allocated from a budget surplus fund to prevent local property tax hikes for schools.


“Four percent is what they need in order to do their duty to their kids,” said the plan’s sponsor Sen. Herman Quirmbach, D-Ames, who said that without this funding for supplies, facilities and teachers, schools may have to make cuts such as layoffs. “Our children deserve it, our school districts need it.”


But it may be tough for Democrats to get support for the package in the Republican-majority House, especially because Branstad has made clear he wants lawmakers to deal with his reform plan before setting overall funding levels for schools. Branstad’s plan raises minimum teacher salaries and provides incentive bonuses to some educators, as well as making other changes.


Branstad’s spokesman Tim Albrecht said in a statement Wednesday that lawmakers “should act quickly on these broad, bipartisan reforms before devoting another dollar to a system that has trapped our kids in the middle of the pack. “


During Senate debate, Republicans argued in favor of holding off on school funding until after dealing with Branstad’s proposal.


“We need to know what we’re going to put into this reform package, before we proceed with allowable growth,” said Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Red Oak.


An emotional Quirmbach said that without speedy passage of this legislation, schools can’t plan for next school year.


“If you think we can delay any longer to set allowable growth for next school year, you’re not listening to your superintendent,” Quirmbach said.


Iowa schools are funded through a combination of state support and local property tax dollars, with the state providing nearly 90 percent of the money. School funding is distributed on a per-student basis to local districts.


When the Legislature and governor increase funding for schools — also known as setting the allowable growth rate — it triggers a matching hike for local districts that is typically filled by increasing local property taxes. The legislation approved Wednesday by the Senate would require the state to provide extra funding so local districts don’t have to raise taxes.


Branstad wants to change the school funding formula so that an increase by the state would not translate into a local property tax hike.


School funding is supposed to be set more than a year in advance. But lawmakers ended their 2012 session without establishing school funding levels for the 2013-2014 school year.

Police Seek 14 in for Forgeries in the Metro

Des Moines police have issued warrents for more than a dozen people in connection with a series of forgery cases in the metro area.

Sergeant Jason Halifax says 14 people are being sought. They're accussed of passing forged checks at several banks during the week of January 14th. The checks were taken from Crystal Clear Water of Des Moines.

The forgeries were reported in Des Moines, West Des Moines, Johnston, Clive and to the Polk County Sheriff's Department. Several people have already been arrested.

Agency Says State Revenues For Iowa Are Up

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) -- State revenues in Iowa were up last year.

The Iowa Legislative Services Agency reports tax receipts in December totaled about $625 million, an increase of about $37 million when compared to December 2011. That's up by 6.3 percent.

The agency says net revenue from state taxes collected in all of 2012 totaled about $7 billion. That's an increase of about $592 million when compared with 2011.

The agency says several factors contributed to the increase, including individual income taxes being up by more than $200 million. Corporate income taxes also were up about $159 million.

Cigarette and tobacco taxes were down by about $5 million.

2013 Gasoline Price Outlook

Gasoline prices nationally will average $3.25 to $3.50/gallon, and could jump as high as $3.90/gallon around Memorial Day. The Des Moines Register reports Robert Gough of the Oil Price Information Service told the Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit today Midwesterners may get a break thanks to higher production in Canada and North Dakota.

Worker's Comp Commissioner Sues for Discrimination

State's workers' compensation commissioner Christopher Godfrey's filed a federal suit against the Gov., Lt. Gov., and members of the governor's staff alleging discriminating for political reasons and because he's gay. Godfrey alleges his rights were violated by the Governor's decision to cut his salary, and cut his office budget as part of an effort to force him out of his job.

State House Passes Flat Tax on Income Proposal

The State House has approved a bill giving Iowans a choice of either paying a flat 4.5% tax on their earnings or pay under the graduated income tax. The Des Moines Register reports the flat tax has strings attached-including giving up almost all the deductions and credits that currently drive down their effective tax rate under the current system.

Escaped Juvenile Charged With Assaulting DM Cop

A 16-year old who escaped from a juvenile center in Eldora, broke a police officers nose when they tried to take him into custody today. KCCI reports 16-year old Dylan Millard was already facing juvenile burglary, assault, and weapons charges. He now faces interference causing injury and assault on a police officer causing Injury.

Another Storm Headed This Way

The National Weather Service has a winter storm warning in effect from 6 tonight through noon tomorrow. Rain will start changing to snow tonight as a cold front moves into Iowa. 4-to-6-inches are expected in the Des Moines metro. City officials say there's no point to pre-treating streets, since the rain will wash it all away. The road conditions are expected to become hazardous.

Judge Spanks Des Moines

A judge has ordered the city of Des Moines to stop communicating with individuals and businesses about a lawsuit in which the city was found to have collected illegal utility fees. Des Moines been ordered to return $40-million to MidAmerican gas and electric customers. A city council member had reportedly been asking people to sign form letters waiving their share of the $40-million.

Dense Fog Returning Tonight

Dense fog's expected to make a return tonight, and the National Weather Service has a dense fog advisory in effect until 9 tonight. There's also a 70% chance of light rain and isolated thunderstorms with the low in the 40's. Tomorrow's high should hit the 40's, with the temps down into the 20's for tomorrow night. There's a chance of half an inch of snow in the Des Moines Metro tomorrow night into Wednesday.

Email Triggers Boone High Search

An emailed threat of an intruder led to a room by room search of Boone High School earlier this afternoon. KCCI reports just after the threat was received around 2p.m., someone set off one of the school's fire alarms. Police searched the building for more than an hour. Students were removed from the building and taken to wait for their families at the nearby YMCA.

Iowa ethics board director backs gift reporting

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - The head of Iowa's state ethics board wants to increase the oversight of gifts made to some state employees.

Megan Tooker, executive director of the Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board, on Thursday told a Senate panel she supported requiring that employees in the executive branch of government report gifts worth more than $100.

State law sets limits on the gifts that public workers can accept, such as allowing travel reimbursement for a conference or a lunch worth less than $3. But there is no requirement that employees report those gifts to the Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board for review.

Tooker says the information would make the process more transparent to the public. The Senate subcommittee approved the bill.

MEREDITH REPORT: Record Second Quarter Revenue

Last week Meredith Corp. announced job cuts and this week it’s reporting record revenue.

The Des Moines-based publisher says the total company revenues rose ten percent to $361 million for the second quarter.

The company says it also saw increases in advertising revenues due to several new companies it recently acquired including AllRecipes.com.

Just last Friday the company announced it was cutting 60 jobs company-wide. Seven of those positions are at the Des Moines office.

GOP lawmakers, governor at odds on budget surplus

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - Republican lawmakers and Gov. Terry Branstad have very different ideas on how to use state budget surplus dollars.

Branstad has proposed spending much of Iowa's nearly $1 billion surplus on property tax cuts and education reforms over the next five years. But Republican leaders in the Legislature announced Thursday they would back proposals to credit extra money back to taxpayers. The state first would ensure that reserve funds were filled.

The proposal could pass the House, where Republicans hold a majority, but likely would face problems in the Senate, controlled by Democrats.

Asked about the Republicans' proposal, Branstad spokesman Tim Albrecht noted that property tax cuts were the governor's priority. Albrecht says Branstad would review any tax proposal approved by the Legislature.

GOP Senators Will Introduce New Voter I.D. Bill

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Senate Republicans will introduce legislation requiring that Iowans present photo identification in order to vote.

Senate Minority Leader Bill Dix, of Shell Rock, says Thursday that the law would protect the integrity of the voting system.

Existing Iowa law doesn't require voters to show photo identification. Although Democrats say Iowa has little history of voter fraud, Republicans argue the risk remains and identification should be required.

The bill is modeled after similar legislation introduced by Secretary of State Matt Schultz.

A Senate aide says filing the Senate bill demonstrates Republican support for the idea.

Democrats have opposed Schultz's proposal. They argue Republicans are motivated by a desire to discourage voting by groups who typically favor Democrats, such as immigrants, low-income people and the elderly.

Ankeny Wantrs of Overcrowding if Voters Reject 10th Elementary School

Overcrowding could be a problem if Ankeny residents say no to a bond referendum next month to build a 10th elementary school. If 60% of voters say yes, construction on the $16-million project would start this spring with the school open in August 2014. KCCI reports if voters reject the new elementary school, six elementary schools will be over capacity by 2014 and all nine over capacity by 2016.

Urbandale Lawmaker Pushing Traffic Cam Ban

GOP State Sen. Brad Zaun of Urbandale's trying again to ban those automated traffic enforcement cameras. KCCI reports he's filed three bills calling for a ban to start July 1st on red light and speeding cameras. Zaun's also pushing for a cap on the fines local governments can charge for violations and how the money they collect can be used.

Battle Lines Being Drawn Over School Funding and School Reform

An Iowa State Education Association spokesperson told a senate subcommittee today that without more state aid, at least one rural district will have to layoff teachers. Senate democrats want a 4% hike in state education aid. Republicans in the house want to tackle Gov. Branstad's education reform plan before talking about increasing state education spending.

State Deos Deal With Dwolla for Taxes and Fees

Gov. Branstad says the state's struck a deal with Dwolla, the electronic payment firm. It will let those who pay state fees and taxes with a flat rate, instead of being charged variable percentages on each fee. WOI-TV reports the first program using Dwolla will be for businesses to pay their cigarette stamp taxes. Dwolla charges 25-cents/transaction.

Branstad Considering Drivers Licenses for Some Undocumented Immigrants

Gov. Branstad says he'll support issuing driver's licenses to young immigrants who have are being allowed to stay and work in this country under the federal government's deferred action program. A Branstad aide tells the Des Moines Register the governor doesn't support giving driver's licenses to any other undocumented immigrants.

DM Dad Takes Deal, Pleads to Sex Abuse of Some of His Own Children

James Beaudrie pleaded guilty today to multiple counts of sexual abuse and child endangerment involving three of his 9-children. Beaudrie took a deal from prosecutors. He faces a maximum 50-years when he's sentenced in March on guilty pleas to three counts of 2nd degree sexual abuse.

Parents Sue School District After Son Allegedly Bullied on Playground

No comment from the Grinnell-Newburg School District and three employees who've been sued by an 8-year old boy and his parents over bullying. The suit from Ethan Gannaway alleges he was bullied and harassed at the Davis Elementary School playground in September, and was retaliated against and called a liar by the School Superintendent, after reporting the incident.

Beaudrie Pre-Trial Hearing Tomorrow

The final pre-trial hearing's tomorrow for James Beaudrie. He's the Des Moines father facing counts of sexual abuse and child endangerment for allegedly abusing three of his 9-children. His wife Kijua's already been sentenced to 30-years in prison for child neglect. Prosecutors say she knew about the abuse and did nothing to stop it.

Legislature Committee Holding Mental Health and Public Safety Hearing

The State Senate Judiciary Committee's got a hearing tomorrow afternoon at the Capital on the challenges people with mental health issues pose for law enforcement and public safety personnel statewide. Among the people scheduled to testify are Polk County Capt. David Knight from the County's Crisis Intervention Program.

Employee Hurt in Sioux City Car Repair Shop Fire

Investigators are trying to find the cause of a small fire that injured a man this morning at a Sioux City auto repair shop. Firefighters say it started in the engine compartment of a parked car inside the shop, and the damage was confined to that car. A shop spokesperson says the man, an employee suffered non-life threatening injuries.

Woman With Mental Health Issues Missing in Ankeny

Ankeny PD are looking for 23-year old Robbin McClain of S.W. Carriage Drive, who's disappeared around 1a.m. near Ankeny Blvd. and S.W. 33rd Street. KCCI reports she has diminished mental capacity, and has been under 24-hour supervision. McClain's 5'2", 200 lbs, short blonde hair, blue eyes, and wearing jeans, a gray hoodie, and white windbreaker. If you've seen her call 911 or Polk County Dispatch: 286-3333.

New W.D.M. resident seeks City Council seat

When Lucas Casey makes major life decisions, he jumps in with both feet.

He and his wife, Lindsay, welcomed their second daughter on Jan. 3. Four days later Casey, 29, started a new job as director of institutional accountability and compliance at AIB College of Business. The next day he announced his plans to run for West Des Moines City Council.

The family moved to West Des Moines last summer.

“It’s par for the course for me,” Casey said. “I determined I wanted to run for City Council, and it doesn’t matter if it doesn’t necessarily make sense for someone who just recently moved to town; I knew I wanted to have a candidate in the race that was qualified, had a background in city government and cared about the city for the right reasons.”

Casey is one of two candidates vying to fill the Ward 2 seat that was vacated by council member Charles Schneider. Schneider won a December special election to replace the late sate Sen. Pat Ward, who died in October after a long battle with breast cancer.

Schneider started his first term representing District 22 in the Iowa Senate last week. A special city election will take place Feb. 12. Ward 2 includes much of the northwestern portion of West Des Moines.

“I thought this is a really unique opportunity for someone new in town who is relatively unknown but who cares a lot about city government and the community and who knows the potential impact that the mayor and City Council has in West Des Moines,” he said.

Casey acknowledges he is still in his “honeymoon” phase with the city, but what he lacks in specific knowledge about the community, he makes up for in experience working in city government, he said.

Before shifting his focus to higher education administration, Casey worked as the city clerk in Grimes and in the Johnston city manager’s office.

“I have a little different learning curve than a lot of candidates for City Council in that I know the nuts and bolts of city government, but I’m learning about West Des Moines all the time,” he said.

Casey has been getting to know people through his church, Lutheran Church of Hope, community involvement and neighbors, he said.

He moved to the metro after graduating from the University of Northern Iowa and he is a veteran of the U.S. Marines Corps.

His pragmatic, level-headed approach to issues would make him an asset to the City Council, college friend and fellow West Des Moines resident Joe Murphy said.

“He chose to make his home in West Des Moines with his young family when he’s had other opportunities to go elsewhere,” Murphy said. “I think that speaks to the leadership that West Des Moines would get.”

The most important thing for the city is to continue on its path of strong economic growth and attract new jobs and businesses, Casey said. Finding ways to collaborate with other cities around the metro is another priority.

Casey said he wants to help the city provide other potential residents and businesses the exact things that attracted his family.

“It offers lots of opportunity of life, for convenience and for piece of mind,” Casey said. “There’s growth and excitement surrounding almost everything going on in West Des Moines.”

Clive town center plan forward

A design firm has crafted a plan that could make suburban Clive more urban.

At its Thursday meeting, the Clive City Council unanimously approved a contract for $33,900 with Reynolds Urban Design to draft plans for a high-density residential, commercial and civic corridor in the area around Northwest 114th Street, between Hickman Road and University Avenue.

“I do think it’s a terrific and unique opportunity to be able to leverage the land that’s available,” said Dennis Reynolds, a Des Moines-based urban designer, on Friday. The Reynolds firm previously worked to develop the Village of Ponderosa in West Des Moines.

The council’s vote allows Reynolds to move forward with the Clive Town Center Vision Plan. The plan includes six parts.

The first step includes evaluating proposals for market analysis. Reynolds said he would be speaking with development firms about how their business plans might match up with Clive’s proposed town center.

Last September, the Clive City Council approved a 15-year strategic plan that calls for making the area near the aquatic center, library and city administrative offices into the town center.

Tentative plans for a new public safety complex and city hall are already in the works.

Hiring the urban design firm to do a market analysis was a good idea, Mayor Scott Cirksena said during Thursday’s meeting.

The possibility of having higher-density living might be a positive thing for the city as it tries to provide different housing options for people, he said.

Clive faces growth challenges because it is bounded by Urbandale, Waukee, Windsor Heights and West Des Moines. “The rest of our growth, primarily, is in single-family residential homes,” Cirksena said.

Reynolds said his firm would focus on creating realistic sketches and finding developers that might have an interest in bringing apartments to the area between University Avenue and Hickman Road. “Certainly, the emphasis is going to be on residential,” Reynolds said.

Assistant City Manager Matt McQuillen said the plan might help city officials better define what they want to build in the area around the town center.

“If the urban concept works, that’s going to help drive the other conversation we want to have related to facilities, because that drives how we are going to design our own facilities in that area,” he said.

The last step of the design firm’s process, labeled Share the Vision, calls for a City Council workshop to be held sometime between April 29 and May 15. At this point, the design firm will provide information about short-term and long-term public-private partnerships.

Councilman Eric Klein supported the proposal and said it was a good idea to look into public-private partnerships.

Councilman Michael McCoy said he, too, was enthusiastic about the plan. But McCoy said he would want to meet with stakeholders around the town center. “It doesn’t mean that we are going that direction or are not going that direction,” he said.

In other action, the council unanimously approved a legal services fee schedule with Nyemaster Goode law firm, which acts as the city’s attorney. It keeps the same retainer rate of $550 per month.

The council also approved a pay raise of $120 per week for interim library director Nicole Morgan. Former library director Vicki Hibbert retired earlier this month, and Morgan has taken on additional duties. In a memo to the council, City Manager Dennis Henderson said this will allow him to assess the library’s staffing needs.

The council also approved the appointment of Edie Bogaczyk to the library board and Jerry Fleagle to the parks and recreation board. Fleagle applied to fill the council seat filled by McCoy.

W.D.M. building permit valuation doubles

West Des Moines had one of its strongest construction years ever in 2012, according to new city building permit information.

The property value of permits issued last year topped $310.59 million, more than double the $142.3 million issued in 2011.

It was the city’s third-highest year on record, development and inspection manager Chris Shires said.

The highest total was in 2008, when permits were issued for about $490 million in valuation.

“This shows there’s a lot of optimism and confidence in what’s going on in West Des Moines,” Shires said.

Strong growth was seen across all sectors, from residential and commercial to tax-exempt entities such as schools and churches.

Residential permits totaled $152.5 million and accounted for nearly half of the overall valuation.

Permits were issued for 181 new single-family homes and 107 townhomes, but much of the new residential construction came in the form of apartments and condominiums.

West Des Moines added 420 apartment units and 96 condominiums in 2012.

Creighton Cox, executive officer with the Home Builders Association of Greater Des Moines, said that mirrored activity across the metro as young adults and seniors alike look for new housing options.

“Multi-family has really driven the increase,” Cox said. “You’re seeing that where the jobs are is where the housing, at least the multi-family housing, is going.

“In West Des Moines, with Aviva, Wells Fargo and continuing commercial areas, those apartment units are necessary for workers,” Cox said.

On the commercial side, West Des Moines had 15 permits for new buildings that had a combined valuation of $59.4 million.

Tenant improvements accounted for another 149 permits and $35.3 million in valuation, a significant increase from years past, Shires said.

“I think what you’re seeing there is a lot of pent-up demand,” Shires said. “Businesses that were waiting are looking for retail space to build out; we’re seeing tenant remodels and companies expanding and filling out existing space.”

Tax-exempt entities, including hospitals, schools and nonprofit organizations, accounted for about approximately $60 million in valuation.

The West Des Moines school district, which completed work on several buildings, including Valley High School, Walnut Creek Campus and Stillwell Junior High School, accounted for a large portion of those permits, Shires said.

Iowa's hazardous materials week begins

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - Iowa emergency management officials want everyone to be more familiar with hazardous materials, how they should be used, stored, and disposed of so they've created a hazardous materials awareness week.

The week, so designated by Gov. Terry Branstad, starts Sunday and runs through Jan. 26.

Brochures and fact sheets about hazardous materials safety are available for download on www.BeReady.iowa.gov.

The Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division also posts updates at his Facebook page and on its Twitter feed throughout the week.

The division leads, coordinates and supports homeland security and emergency management functions in Iowa.

Worker compenstation question in state budget

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - Gov. Terry Branstad has released his budget proposal, but one key part of the plan remains a question mark.

That's compensation for the roughly 20,000 union represented state workers in Iowa. And the acrimonious tone between Branstad and union officials suggests the current contract talks will not be easily resolved.

Like many other Republican governors, Branstad wants to win concessions from public sector workers, such as requiring them to pay a portion of their health control costs. Union president Danny Homan, of Iowa Council 61 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, calls this an attempt to weaken the union.

Given that Iowa has emerged from the recent economic downturn in fiscally robust condition, analysts say Branstad's position seems based on conservative ideology, rather than financial need.

Hundreds come to Capitol to rally against abortion

More than 500 people, including Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds, assembled on the west steps of the Capitol Saturday for the Midwest March for Life. Men, women and children held signs that say “Defend Life” and “Stop Abortion Now.”

Branstad kicked off the rally with a brief speech, in which he told the crowds that he and Reynolds were “proud” to be a part of the day’s event.

“I hope with your help and with your prayers, that we can make significant progress restoring respect for life at all stages of development,” Branstad said, “from the moment of conception until natural death.”

One man carried a large placard with the question: “America!!! How long are you going to accept the killing of your children?”

A woman wore a sandwich board that says “I regret my abortion.”

There was no sign of protestors who believe in abortion rights.

As the rally move clockwise around the Capitol, marchers stopped at each corner to say a prayer led by various clergy and political leaders from Des Moines.

The speakers were: Bishop Richard Pates of the Diocese of Des Moines, Republican National Committeewoman Tamara Scott, Miracle Life Family Church pastors Al Perez and Andre Brooks, and New Hope Assembly of God pastor James Weaver.

Road closures not on council's agenda

A proposal to close three east-side streets is no longer expected to be on the Des Moines City Council agenda for Monday’s meeting.

City Manager Rick Clark said last week he doesn’t expect the council to vote on the matter at that meeting. Instead he has directed city planners to revise the proposal. The council will receive and file the Plan and Zoning Commission’s recommendation against closing the streets. That board considered the issue in early January and voted 8 to 5 against the proposal.

“I think what (city planners) need to do is go back to the drawing board,” Clark said. “Obviously, there’s significant concern among neighbors about the proposal. We need to go back and re-look at the proposal and talk to the railroad.

“As far as the process going forward, that’s up to the City Council.”

Senior city planner Jason Van Essen said in an email Thursday: “We are going to revisit the details of the proposal to see if more can be done to address the concerns that have been raised.” He did not elaborate.

Union Pacific Railroad officials have asked the city to close a portion of Hull Avenue west of Dixon Street and areas of Southeast 34th and 36th streets where they cross train tracks. A fourth closure, at Scott Avenue near Kemin Industries, also was planned. That one is an undeveloped crossing; the land has been vacated, and the city has erected a fence there.

Railroad officials have said they need to improve train movement through the city and reduce vehicle backups at the crossings at Hubbell and East Grand avenues and at East Walnut Street and Dean Avenue.

The proposal has met with fierce opposition from some residents and some businesses that would be affected. They contend the neighborhoods will become isolated if they should be flooded, and they believe that emergency response time to their neighborhoods would be lengthened if the streets were closed.

Cherie Mortice, a resident of East 22nd Street near Hull Avenue, has led a petition drive against the street closure there. She has gathered more than 400 signatures since last summer.

Mortice said many people in her neighborhood feel the city hasn’t kept them adequately informed about details of the proposal.

“From the beginning it seemed like city planners weren’t inviting us to the table,” she said. She added she plans to invite Des Moines Mayor Frank Cownie to meet with her neighborhood about the issue.

“I think city planners have been taken aback by the (residents’) reaction,” she said. “I’m hoping they’re willing to go back to the drawing board and understand there needs to be compromise.

“The railroad can’t take away a road we pay for with taxes and not offer us anything.”

A city traffic engineer has said that about 3,300 area residents would be affected by the closures and about 19,000 fewer drivers would be delayed by trains each day.

Mortice said she has talked with the Garton Elementary School principal and with owners of about 20 small businesses on nearby Delaware Avenue.

“There are a lot of businesses that are very concerned. They are very much linked to our neighborhood.”

Cynde Rayman, president of the Laurel Hill neighborhood, where Southeast 34th and 36th streets are located, calls the proposal to turn the streets into dead ends a “non-solution.”

“If this proposal goes through, I foresee that the freed space (on railroad tracks) will also be filled with more railroad cars, creating even longer trains,” she said “This process would continue until fewer and fewer intersections would be available to the citizens for travel by car.”

It would “cut more neighborhoods in half, restricting local businesses, and creating hazardous conditions for all but the railroad,” she said.

Des Moines City Councilman Brian Meyer said last week he has been opposed to closing the streets since the idea surfaced.

“I am still opposed to any closings,” he said. “I just don’t see the need in it and I think it’s unfair. A big concern is blocking those people in.”

State approves $7M in incentives for new jobs

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — State economic development officials offered $7 million in incentives to nine companies promising to create hundreds of jobs.

In Friday's round of project approvals, the Iowa Economic Development Board offered incentives and loans to projects from existing companies that are proposing business expansions, the Des Moines Register reported (http://dmreg.co/WgAxiq).

"We are continuing to see existing Iowa companies choose to increase their presence in the state, and that's a good sign we're on the right track with our economic development efforts," Gov. Terry Branstad said.

St. Paul, Minn.,-based 3M Co. will get $1.3 million in tax credits to modernize its Ames factory which makes sandpaper products. The company plans to add 75 jobs there.

Agriculture giant Monsanto Co. will receive $1.5 million in tax credits to expand its Grinnell and Williamsburg seed corn facilities and to expand research facilities in Iowa. The company is proposing to invest $112 million in Iowa — $90 million of that for research.

Among the other approved incentives, HF Chlor Alkali received a $75,000 loan and nearly $2 million in tax credits to build a proposed $135 million plant in Eddyville to make caustic soda and hydrochloric acid to sell to Cargill. The project would create 18 jobs.

Minnesota-based Zinpro Corp. received $320,000 in loans and $85,000 in tax credits for a $21.1 million plant in Shell Rock that would produce mineral supplements for animal feed. The project would create 39 jobs.

Iowa lottery sales rise 15 percent

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A new state audit of the Iowa Lottery shows sales increased 14.6 percent over last year.

KCCI-TV reports (http://bit.ly/VBE5NNhttp://bit.ly/VBE5NN ) revenues for the lottery rose to $311 million in the fiscal year that ended June 30. The previous year revenues were $271.5 million.

Most of the increase was due to more sales of instant-scratch tickets, Powerball and Mega Millions tickets.

Scratch tickets brought in $188.8 million while Powerball brought in $57.9 million. Mega Millions sales were at $22.3 million.

More than $182 million was handed out in prizes.

Money deposited into the state's general fund totaled more than $76 million and $2.7 million was deposited into the veteran's trust fund.

The State Auditor's office released the annual audit report Friday.

Gun control opponents gather

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Gun ownership advocates from around the state say they oppose efforts by the federal government to strengthen gun control measures.

The Des Moines Register reports (http://dmreg.co/Sjt57Vhttp://dmreg.co/Sjt57V ) several hundred gathered in Des Moines for an hour-long "Guns Across America" rally Saturday.

Twenty-seven-year-old Jolynn Heal, of North Liberty, drove more than 100 miles with her husband and 10-year-old son to protest President Barack Obama's gun control measures.

She says limiting the amount of ammunition in gun magazines makes it difficult to defend against multiple intruders.

Twenty-three-year-old Chris Chaney, of Davenport, says he's disgusted by the use of children's deaths in a Connecticut school shooting last month to win political support for gun control legislation.

He says everybody has a right to defend themselves against evil people and tyranny.

Stray bullets hit woman and car

A Des Moines woman didn’t realize at first she was the victim of a shooting.

Police say 9:30 Friday evening a Des Moines woman was waiting for a friend outside a home in the 1700 block of Jefferson.

The woman told police she heard something shatter her back window, when she got out to look at the damage she realized a bullet grazed her leg.

Police found bullet holes on both sides of the car and a bullet in the driver’s seat. Police have not yet identified any suspects.

The woman drove herself to Broadlawns Medical Center to be treated.

Kansas homicide suspects caught in Urbandale

A man and a woman wanted for a homicide in Kansas last week were found in the trunk of a car parked at an Urbandale grocery store on Thursday, police said.

U.S. Marshals told law enforcement in the Des Moines area that Lloyd Wabaunsee, 22, of Mayetta, Kan., and Desiree Kristel Shopteese, 22, of Topeka, Kan., could be in the area. Urbandale Sgt. Gary Lang said Urbandale officers were asked at 9 p.m. to check the Hy-Vee parking lot at 8701 Douglas Ave. for the suspects.

Officers located a vehicle that matched the marshals’ description. Lang said officers ordered everyone out of the vehicle at gunpoint. Wabaunsee and Shopteese were found hiding under blankets in the trunk, claiming to be sleeping. The vehicle’s other occupants, Aaron Lofton, 29, of Topeka and Rachel Hudson, 36, of Holton, Kan., were charged with obstruction of justice.

Wabaunsee and Shopteese are charged with intentional second-degree murder in the Jan. 10 shooting death of Kevin Stanley, 29, in Mayetta, which is north of Topeka.

Shopteese is the former fiancee of David Tiscareno, who shot and killed two Topeka police officers Dec. 16. Tiscareno was shot to death the next day.

Police: Woman pulled from car, assaulted

A Des Moines woman told police that three people pulled her out of her car and assaulted her, authorities said.


According to Des Moines police, the 25-year-old victim was sitting in her car near 29th Street and Cottage Grove Avenue around 9 p.m. Thursday when a woman tapped on her window.


The victim rolled down her window and three women began punching her in the face, got her out of the vehicle and continued hitting her.


The victim told police she thought one of the suspects may be the girlfriend of the man who had gotten her pregnant and told police she had been getting threatening phone calls, police reports show.


No arrests have been reported.

Cold weather will follow jet stream back to Iowa

Temperatures in Des Moines topped out in the 50s on Friday, and today they are expected to reach the high 40s.

But on Sunday, watch out. A frigid blast from the north is entering the state, causing temperatures to dip 20 degrees or more.

“It’s only a quick shot of cold,” National Weather Service meteorologist Kevin Skow said. “Then a rebound into warmer temperatures next week.”

Today’s high will be around 49 degrees in Des Moines, meteorologists said. That will drop to 21 degrees on Sunday.

Monday is expected to be the coldest day, with the high hovering between 10 and 12 degrees. Lows this weekend will be in the single digits.

The ups and downs Des Moines has had are caused by a jet stream oscillating almost directly above Iowa, Skow said.

First, the state gets a push of warm air, then the system slides south and brings cold air over the state. Then it repeats.

It’s an unusual system, Skow said, one usually seen in the spring, rather the winter.

Next week the temperatures will begin rising again, with a high in the low 20s Tuesday and up to 39 degrees by Thursday.

Metro residents could see some snow flurries on Sunday, but no other precipitation is expected until Thursday.

According to the National Weather Service, Des Moines has received 0.12 inches of precipitation so far this year.

That amount is down from an average of 0.54 inches.

14,400 jobs added in 2012, but recovery still 'glacial'

Iowa ended last year with an unemployment rate below 5 percent and the best annual growth since the national recession hit the state in 2008, a labor report released Friday showed.

The state still has a long way to go, however, having recaptured only about half the jobs it lost during the recession, economists say. The year-end close was “a meek note following a robust start,” said Colin Gordon, a senior research consultant at the Iowa Policy Project, a nonprofit group in Iowa City.

“The jobs recovery is glacial in getting back to where we should be,” Gordon said.

Iowa’s unemployment rate was 4.9 percent in December, unchanged from November. A year earlier, it was 5.6 percent.

“We’ve mostly stalled out,” said Dave Swenson, an economist at Iowa State University, calling job growth for the second half of 2012 “mostly flat.”

Iowa posted a 300-job gain in December, pushing the year-end tally to 14,400, Iowa Workforce Development reported. The strongest gains were in manufacturing, with 7,100 more jobs in December than a year earlier, even after shedding 600 jobs in December.

“We can’t find skilled tradesmen, mechanics. We’ve got 10 openings we can’t fill. We’ve been looking everywhere, even outside of Iowa, far and wide,” said Steve Vonk, president of Steelworkers Local 310, which represents workers at the Firestone Agricultural Tire plant in Des Moines.

Hiring has been steady over the past four years, he said, riding the strength of the farm economy. Hours tapered off only in the last quarter as drought worries increased. Hours and hiring have since rebounded.

“We’re selling tires like crazy,” he said, adding that eight workers were hired in the past week.

The first four months of the year, Iowa averaged 4,100 jobs each month, said Gordon of the Iowa Policy Project. But the last four months were about even, averaging gains of about 100 jobs a month, he said.

That casts a shadow on Iowa’s continued recovery, especially given population growth, he said.

“The idea of getting back to where we were before the recession is virtually meaningless,” said Gordon, who estimates that Iowa probably has added about 62,000 young workers to its labor force since the recession hit four years ago.

Iowa has yet to recover about 34,000 jobs lost in the recession. Gordon believes that the state needs to add about 96,000 more jobs to fully recover.

That could take several years. “We’re a long way off the mark,” he said.

ISU’s Swenson is worried about the shrinking number of employed Iowans. There are 14,700 fewer employed Iowans than a year ago, indicating that workers are either discouraged and dropping out or baby boomers are retiring. “No one seems to be talking about it,” he said.

State leaders pointed to large gains in industries such as construction, which gained 1,400 jobs in December, pushing its year-end gains to 3,400. Factors boosting construction jobs include flood-recovery efforts in Cedar Rapids and Iowa City, plus new projects such as the CJ America corn feed plant in Fort Dodge.

Trade, transportation and utilities lost 1,400 jobs, with most of the losses coming from retail and wholesale trade. For the year, the sector shed 4,100 jobs, the only industry to post losses.

Swenson said he has yet to see big job gains in manufacturing linked to new-home construction such as windows and doors. “We’re not seeing major improvements in construction, compared to where were before the recession hit,” he said.

Iowa hasn’t yet regained half of the 14,000 construction jobs lost in the recession, data show.

Communities in southeast Iowa are preparing for the onslaught of construction workers to build the $1.4 billion Iowa Fertilizer Co. plant, owned by Orascom Construction Industries of Egypt. At its peak, construction employment could reach 2,000, said Steve Bisenius, Lee County’s economic development director.

Swenson said he’s glad construction and manufacturing “have clawed back” some lost jobs.

But he sees few industries really gathering steam. “We’ve seen a lot more rhetoric and optimism from state economic development leaders than the numbers seem to support,” he said.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day closings

Holiday closings in the Des Moines metro area:
BANKS: According to a survey by the Iowa Bankers Association, 55 percent of Iowa banks will be closed Monday.
BUSES: Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority buses will run a regular schedule Monday. CyRide in Ames will not run its Silver Route on Sunday, and Monday’s schedule is a modified weekday break schedule. Details are at cyride.com.
DRIVER’S LICENSES: All Iowa DOT driver’s license stations are closed today. The stations are usually closed on Mondays. Other DOT facilities are closed Monday.
GARBAGE COLLECTION: Garbage and recycling collections are not delayed next week.
JAIL: There will be no inmate visitation at the Polk County Jail on Monday. The county sheriff’s office will not process weapons permits or provide records.
LANDFILLS: All Metro Waste Authority facilities will be open on their normal schedules.
GOVERNMENT OFFICES: State and federal offices are closed Monday.
• Also closed are offices for these governments: Des Moines, Grimes, Johnston and Polk County.
• Offices will be open Monday for Altoona, Ankeny, Bondurant, Carlisle, Clive, Norwalk, Pleasant Hill, Polk City, Urbandale, Waukee, West Des Moines, Windsor Heights and Dallas County.
LIBRARIES: All Des Moines library branches and the Ankeny, Grimes, Johnston and Waukee libraries will be closed Monday. These libraries are open for normal hours: Altoona, Bondurant, Carlisle, Clive, Norwalk, Pleasant Hill, Polk City, Urbandale and West Des Moines.
MAIL: Monday is a postal holiday.
SCHOOLS: These school districts have no classes Monday, although many teachers and staff members are working: Ankeny, Dallas Center-Grimes, Des Moines, Johnston, Urbandale, Waukee and West Des Moines.
• Normal classes are scheduled Monday in Bondurant-Farrar, Carlisle, North Polk, Norwalk and Southeast Polk.

Selected Monday events

DES MOINES: 10:45 a.m. Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds will provide welcoming comments and present a proclamation at a ceremony. Dr. Eddie Moore Jr., director of diversity at Brooklyn Friends School in Brooklyn, N.Y., will provide the keynote address. Fort Des Moines Museum and Education Center, 75 E. Army Post Road. 282-8060. Free.
DES MOINES: 12:30 p.m. Ed Barnes, executive director of the Willkie House, will be the keynote speaker. Viking Theatre, Grand View University, 2811 E. 14th St. 263-6017. Free.
DES MOINES: 4 p.m. A speaker and student essayists will share their interpretations of Martin Luther King Jr.’s impact on our communities today. A reception will follow. Forest Avenue Library, 1326 Forest Ave. 283-4152. Free.
URBANDALE: All day. The Urbandale Public Library, 3520 86th St., is partnering with the Urbandale Food Pantry for Food for Fines. Patrons who bring in a personal care item or nonperishable food item for donation on Jan. 21 will receive credit for unpaid library fines. $1 per item will be removed. No limit.

Increase in parks usage a challenge for city

Numbers summing up Des Moines Parks and Recreation in 2012 indicate an increasing demand for parks services, the department’s director said. That has forced staff to stretch resources, lean on volunteers and look at new revenue options.

An annual report, released last week, includes the data. The report was initiated by director Ben Page and meant to provide city leaders with a snapshot of park programs, facilities and projects.

“We’ve done a bad job, in my opinion, of making people understand how much people are really using the park system,” he said. “In a time where cities across the nation have had to cut budgets ... we’ve seen a huge growth in the number of people using our services.”

Branstad says gun changes unlikely in Iowa

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Gov. Terry Branstad says he doesn't expect to see any significant changes to Iowa's gun laws.

Speaking Friday during a taping of the public television program, "Iowa Press," Branstad stressed his support of the second amendment. He said violence in schools would be addressed through anti-bullying programs and his effort to reform the state's mental health system.

"I believe in protecting individual rights," Branstad said. "I also think the issues of violence in the schools can best be addressed by things like the bulling prevention summit that we had and the reform that we're doing of the mental health system to try and identify and help people with mental problems."

Branstad doubts Iowa's gun laws will change significantly, even though "there are people who feel strongly both sides of this."

President Barack Obama this week proposed a major overhaul of the nation's gun laws, including renewing a ban on assault weapons, limiting high-capacity ammunition magazines and requiring background checks for all gun buyers. His proposal came after a gunman killed 20 children and six adults last month at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn.

In Iowa, Republican lawmakers in the House approved gun legislation last year that would allow people in Iowa to use deadly force to protect themselves and the other called for writing gun rights protections into the Iowa Constitution. But the legislation never made it through the Democratic-controlled Senate. Republicans have pledged to try to win passage of those proposals again this year.

Iowa's jobless rate remains unchanged

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa's preliminary unemployment rate was unchanged in December, matching the 4.9 percent recorded in November.

Iowa Workforce Development reported Friday that the figure was seven-tenths of a point under the year-ago figure of 5.6 percent.

Iowa's rate is significantly lower than the national figure of 7.8 percent in December.

Workforce Development says there were 80,000 unemployed Iowans in December, compared with a revised figure of 80,200 for November. The figure was 93,400 in December 2011.

Meredith Corp. cuts 60 jobs, including NY and Iowa

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - Women's magazine publisher Meredith Corp. has cut 60 jobs, half in New York City and seven in Des Moines. Company spokesman Art Slusark says the remaining layoffs occurred at other company locations.

The Des Moines-based publisher of Better Homes and Gardens, Parents and Fitness magazines says the cuts come as it integrates several companies acquired in recent months. They include Allrecipes.com, EveryDay with Rachael Ray and FamilyFun brands.

Slusark says the layoffs represent less than 2% of the company's 3,400 workers.

Meredith added about 300 jobs with the acquisitions and to help it focus on mobile applications, social media, video and other online products.

Meredith recorded a special charge of $7 million in its second quarter to realign the businesses.

The company releases second quarter results on Jan. 24.

Police, firefighters face off at Bucs Arena

Bucs Arena is being taken over by police officers and firefighters from all over the Midwest, who will be competing with local law enforcement teams and to help out with a good cause.

Every year, teams of Des Moines area law enforcement compete in an annual benefit game later in the year, but Saturday's tournament started out as a fun way to get some extra time on the ice before then. The idea caught on and ended up bringing in teams from five different states.

"We have eight teams from all over the Midwest here playing hockey. They're all police and fire hockey teams, and we're all here for a good time and to raise money for our charity, which is Make-a-Wish Iowa," said Detective Travis Hamilton, of the Johnston Police Department.

Hamilton is very familiar with the Make-a-Wish Foundation. Hamilton said when his son, Trae, was 17 months old, he needed a kidney transplant.

"I donated my kidney to him and he was granted a wish back in April 2011, so we were able to take a trip to Walt Disney World," Hamilton said.

Now that his son is doing well, Hamilton took over as organizer of the annual Guns and Hoses hockey game. Hamilton said the weekend's tournament is a preview of the big game in March.

"We had our biggest event ever last year. We raised over $20,000 for the Children's Cancer Connection," said Hamilton.

Ice teams from Chicago, St. Louis, Omaha and Nashville are hitting the ice on weekend, giving local police and firefighters some tough competition.

"I don't know how well we prepared for this, but I'm sure we're going to feel it in the morning," said Brian Sher, of the Indianola Police Department.

"(There's a nice trophy for the champion team to take back. It won't be staying here in Des Moines, I can tell you that pretty safely," said Hamilton.

"Just like anything else we're involved in, we're going to give 100 percent. We're going to give it the best effort that we have. That's what makes it all so much fun," said Jeff Cronin, of the Des Moines Police Department. "Truly, we want to make a difference, and if it means a difference for one child that gets to go to Disney World or something like that, that's great. We love it."

A coach's legacy lives on

Woodward-Granger's team colors are not pink. Their girls basketball team wore different uniforms Friday because of jersey #34 - Julia Evans.

For her senior project, Julia wanted to raise money for the American Cancer Society. She was inspired by many people she knew, but mostly, her softball coach Phil Creese. He was diagnosed with leukemia in 2011.

"Lots of planning, lots of setting up, lots of little details you don't think of," Evans describes of planning the "Pink Out" event.


She set up a free at-will donation dinner, auction and organized for everyone to wear pink at the girl's basketball game.

Then, one week before Julia's fundraiser, Coach Creese was at home and asked for help from his daughters.

"And they helped him to his feet. He kinda took a walk around the living room and he said, 'I'll be all right,'" said Phil Creese Jr., the coach's son. "And he laid back down and that's when he passed. So he fought to the bitter end."

Phil Creese coached those around him to fight for they wanted in life. He was also known to have a few run-ins of his own with an umpire on occasion.

But he wanted everyone to have a chance to be their best - even if they didn't know it was him.

"You know maybe they didn't have a ball glove, or they didn't have shoes. And all of the sudden there'd be a ball glove sitting on a bench with a girl's name on it. Or a pair of shoes would be sitting around inconspicuously." said Michael Wessels, from Granger.

Creese hugged people almost as much as he shouted at them.

"But his heart was bigger than his bark," said Wessels.

Which is why his death changed this community, and Julia's senior project. It changed from about helping Coach Creese to continuing his legacy to fight, and fight for others to make themselves better.

"I feel like I can help other people fight his disease," said Evans.

Warm weather inspires flash workout

We've all heard of a flash mob, but what about a flash workout?

Thirty people showed up for just that at the sculpture park downtown Des Moines this afternoon.

Squats, lunges, burpees, and running. The nice weather prompted a typically indoor workout to head outdoors.


"The indoor routine is always a little monotonous so I think getting them outside is a fabulous way to kind of enjoy the weather and our surroundings," says CrossFit trainer Abi Fangman.

She started organizing the workout earlier this week when she found out just how nice the weather was going to be Friday.

People were also breaking a sweat at Gray's Lake, while others were just soaking in the sun.

Julia Swallow and Mary Havey work out together three days a week. This is the first time they've been able to get outside.


"The most important thing is get outside," says Havey. "Don't be inside on the treadmill."

"In the middle of winter, this is as good as it gets," Swallow says.


Cabin fever has been hitting some metro families who don't like to venture out in the cold, like Kurt and Jill Fisher.

"We have a treadmill at home that's been seeing too much time on there so it's nice to be out walking around," says Kurt.


People avoided the puddles of melting snow, which is a quick jolt back to reality. It's still two months until spring.

Unfortunately, spring is not knocking on the door yet. Temps are going to start dropping Saturday evening very quickly.

Former Iowa Boy Scout leader accused of sexual abuse

A lawsuit was filed Friday against a former Iowa Boy Scout leader.

Attorneys representing a man now in his 40s said the suit names Kenneth L. Newell, Boy Scouts of America and the Mid-Iowa Council of Boy Scouts.

The attorneys held a news conference on Friday to discuss the case. They said the victim still lives in Iowa.

They said the sexual abuse happened in the late 1970s when Newell was a scout leader of Troop No. 202 in West Des Moines.

The lawsuit claims that Iowa Boy Scout officials failed to supervise Newell to prevent him from abusing boys. It also claims the Boy Scouts knew they had a "serious problem with pedophiles in Scouting, and failed to warn Scouts, their parents and local troops about the dangers of abuse in Scouting."

"The Scouts were aware of a significant problem long before this action took place," said Patrick Hopkins, one of the attorneys who filed the lawsuit.

Hopkins told KCCI that he has talked with a few others in Iowa who said they were also sexually abused, but none of them have filed lawsuits.

"We're devastated that something happened to a young man or could have happened to a young man," said Bob Hopper, scout executive and CEO of Boy Scouts of America Mid-Iowa Council.

Hopper also talked about the broader allegations that the Boy Scout organization committed fraud and negligence by covering up instances of sexual abuse.

"I have a hard time with that just because I know what our organization has been doing in my own experience as a scout and as a staff member for all that time. Tough time hearing that and we are going to address it in the most forth right way we can," said Hopper.

A telephone number for Newell could not immediately be located. Newell has not been criminally charged.

Iowa Gets Another Fed Grant for Health Insurance Exchange

Iowa's gotten a 1-year $6.8-million grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to help build the new health insurance exchange. ABC5 reports this grants for insurance market research and analysis-determining what the insurance needs are of individuals and small business. The exchange system is a requirement of the federal health care law.

Dem Legislators Want School Funding Before Education Reform

Democrats in the Legislature say want something before dealing with Gov. Branstad's education reform plan. They want a general level of state support for schools first, and have proposed a 4%, or $134-million increase in state aid to school districts for the school year that starts in September. KCCI reports Branstad's said he won't talk school funding until the reform plan's dealt with.

Temperature Roller Coaster on the Way

Mother Nature's about to play with your wardrobe. It'll feel like spring tomorrow, with the high in the 50's. The roller coaster ride starts Saturday with the daytime high in the 40's, then to the 20's Sunday, and teens for early next week. You'll also have winds up to 40 mph in Northern Iowa Sunday and Monday night, with temps in Northern Iowa below zero, with bitter wind chills Sunday night.

Proposal Would Allow Non-Educators to Run School Districts

Industry and military leaders would be eligible to become school superintendents in Iowa under a plan to be discussed tomorrow by the state Board of Educational Examiners. The Des Moines Register reports the proposed change would allow people with executive experience to get a three-year “preliminary administrator license” to work as school superintendents.

Statewide 911 System Upgrade Underway

Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management officials say they've finished the first phase of a project to upgrade the state's wireless 911 network to an Internet Protocol system. KCCI reports the goal is to get the system to a place where it will allow text messages, pictures, and videos to be sent along with emergency messages.

State Approves Wellmark Premium Hike

State Insurance Commissioner Susan Voss has approved a 12 to 13% premium increase requested by Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield. It'll affect 150,000 individual policyholders who buy their own coverage. Commissioner Susan Voss says the company's spending more money on health care services, and she adds overall health care costs will keep pushing rates up to levels that may be unsustainable

Saylorville Lake Water Release Scheduled Tomorrow

The Army Corps of Engineers will be releasing water from Saylorville Lake tomorrow at a rate of 30 cubic feet/second from 9a.m. to 3p.m. tomorrow. A Waterworks spokesperson says the goal is to make sure they can access the Saylorville Reservoir as a source of water for its customers. Plans were drawn up to access the lake 30-years ago, and they've never been put to use, but Waterworks says with the ongoing drought it's time to test the system.

Severed Pinkie Tip Leads to Vandalism Bust

Waterloo Police have arrested 24-year old Joseph Horak for criminal mischief after they say he and two other people vandalized an SUV last month. KCCI reports authorities got onto Horak after finding the tip of his severed pinkie at the crime scene, and a hospital emergency room report of Horak seeking treatment for a pinkie injury.

Decatur County Teen Charged with Atttempted Murder

Authorities say started with a boy taking his sister's car without permission, and it ended with 16-year old Chance Newton of Kellerton charged by the Iowa State Patrol with two counts of attempted murder. KCCI reports the teen allegedly fired a shotgun at officers after a chase involving the Decatur County Sheriff's Department and the State Patrol ended in a crash early this morning.

DM police charge man, teen in escalated spat

A 20-year-old man and his 14-year-old ex-girlfriend are both facing charges after she reportedly vandalized his car and he shot at hers with a BB gun last week, police said.


According to Des Moines police, the East High School student called police to say her ex-boyfriend had fired a gun at her car around 11:25 p.m. Jan. 9.


The Pleasant Hill teen told police she drove four others to an area near the home of Matthew Allen Rench, 20. Two of the people spray-painted Rench’s truck, police said. Rench allegedly came out of his house, jumped into his truck and proceeded to follow the teen’s car as she fled.


Eventually the two ended up driving toward each other near the 2900 block of Maple Street and Rench allegedly fired two shots from a BB gun out the window.


Officers found one impact from the projectile on the car, authorities said.



Rench was charged with intimidation with a dangerous weapons and first-degree harassment.


One of the men with the teenager, Devon Michael Chase, 20, was charged with third-degree criminal mischief.


The 14-year-old was charged with third-degree criminal mischief and released to her parents on a delayed referral.

Branstad explains education plan in Condition of State

During Governor Terry Branstad's annual "condition of the state" speech, Iowa lawmakers heard two priorities that they've heard from the governor before.

Much like last year, Governor Branstad pitched plans to reform education and property taxes during his annual "condition of the state" speech. Last year's 40% property tax reduction has been replaced by one that reduces those taxes by 20% over 5-years. One major difference? The reduction will come in all 4 classifications, including residential and commercial. The move will also cut tax revenue to cities and counties across the state. But, the governor's chief of staff says the state will fill that in 100%. Education is also a "big ticket" item" for the governor, spending $187-million over 5-years on raising starting teacher salaries by $7,000 a year. It also encourages Iowa students to stay in Iowa to teach.

Iowa cuts ties with Young

The University of Iowa has backed away from a Des Moines recruit who’s had two legal scrapes since last summer, HawkeyeReport.com is reporting.

Trevon Young, a 6-4, 220-pound defensive end prospect from Des Moines Lincoln High School, texted HawkeyeReport on Tuesday the following: “I got into some trouble, so they took my scholarship away.”

Last July, Young was among a group of six people arrested for third-degree burglary and interference with official acts, according to Des Moines Police records.

In December, the Des Moines Register reported that Young, 17, was charged with criminal trespass with 11 other individuals. Young was among seven minors that were detained after 2 a.m. Sunday at a previously vacated home. Des Moines Police responded to a loud music complaint at 805 Virginia Avenue, and according to the case report “could smell the odor of marijuana coming from the house.”

Young was then suspended from the Lincoln basketball team. He led the Railsplitters with 15.3 points and 12.2 rebounds a game.

Iowa can’t comment on recruits until they have signed their letter of intent, per NCAA rules. In August, Iowa athletics director Gary Barta and coach Kirk Ferentz declined comment regarding Young.

Last June, Young chose Iowa over scholarship offers from Iowa State and South Dakota State. He told HawkeyeReport on Tuesday that he now is looking at junior colleges in Iowa.

Young was rated a three-star recruit by Rivals.com. Iowa now has 15 commitments for the 2013 class. The national signing period begins February 6.

Carmel (Ind.) linebacker John Kenny has enrolled at Iowa and is on campus for the 2013 spring semester. He will be eligible to participate in spring practice. His scholarship could count toward the 2012 signing class.

DM PD Investigate Another iPad Robbery

A Bondurant man who thought he was meeting someone from Craigslist who wanted to buy his iPad, instead became the 3rd person in Des Moines to be robbed under similar circumstances in the last 9-days. The 33-year old victim met the supposed buyer Saturday in the 1400 block of Sampson Street. In the two previous incidents the victims were separated from their iPad's at gunpoint.

Legislature Opens with Branstad Ed Reform Plan

Iowa's Legislature opened it's 85th session today with education reform at the top of the agenda. Gov. Branstad's plan includes upping entry level teacher salary to $35,000/year, and tuition help for those who want to become teachers and higher salaries for teachers who take on more responsibilities. The total cost is $187-million over 5 years and be paid for with the budget surplus, now at $1-billion.

DM PD Treating Woman's Death as Suspicious

Des Moines PD are investigating the death of a woman found this morning in an apartment at 1050 21st Street. The cause of her death has not yet been determined, but investigators are treating it as suspicious. Friends and neighbors of the victim are already being interviewed. The victim's name won't be released until next of kin can be notified.

Supreme Court continues Palmer's suspension

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - The Iowa Supreme Court has upheld a 30-day suspension of a former state legislator's law license. The Des Moines Register reports Eric Palmer of Oskaloosa admitted directing his secretary to sign three documents on behalf of a client. The Supreme Court says even if Palmer had permission, he still falsified the signatures.

Iowan brings home a 300-pound Romney sign from Craigslist

An Iowan has brought home a 300-pound Romney sign made of metal in the wake of the Romney campaign’s defeat to President Obama this past November.

The 300-pound sign was originally seen behind then-candidate Mitt Romney at a 2011 event. It eventually would come to rest at the Des Moines, Iowa campaign office.

But with the election now old news, and the campaign office soon becoming home to a brand new tenant, everything inside must be sold. Including the massive Romney sign.

And that’s where Iowan Don McDowell comes in. A Republican who loves collecting campaign memorabilia, McDowell says he say the 300 lb sign on Craigslist.

"I saw it on Craigslist and originally there was the story earlier this week" in local media, McDowell told CNN.

Made of metal, McDowell had to find a handful of friends to haul the large sign out of the office and into a rented truck.

A long-time collector despite only being 27-years-old, McDowell says that the Romney sign he is bringing home will fit right in with the rest of his collection.

I've been going to political events since about the time I could walk so I've got signs, buttons and things from the caucuses and the straw poll," he said, according to CNN.

Watch for traffic cameras in Des Moines

Des Moines police have announced the locations where the city’s mobile speed unit, an SUV with a mounted camera that looks for speeding violations, will be parked this week.


TODAY: 800 block of Euclid Avenue (eastbound)


TUESDAY: 4000 block of East Sheridan Avenue (eastbound)


WEDNESDAY: 3000 block of McKinley Avenue (westbound)


THURSDAY: 500 block of Southwest Ninth Street (northbound)


FRIDAY: 4200 block of Indianola Avenue (northbound)

Iowa Legislature begins 2013 session

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - The Iowa Legislature has convened for a session focused on education reform and commercial property tax cuts.

On Monday morning, lawmakers in Des Moines opened the 85th session.

Earlier in the day, Gov. Terry Branstad unveiled a $187 million plan to change Iowa's K-12 education system.

The proposal calls for increasing minimum pay for entry level teachers from $28,000 to $35,000 annually. Aspiring teachers also could be offered tuition assistance.

Lawmakers this session also will take up Branstad's plans to reduce commercial property taxes.

Unlike recent sessions, the state now has a nearly $1 billion budget surplus, making it easier for lawmakers to fund programs.

Good Samaritan Helps Catch Robbery Suspect

An unidentified good Samaritan's being praised for helping catch a suspect in this mornings robbery of a Get N Go in Urbandale. Police say 22-year old Mitchell Stites was spotted by someone pulling into the station during the robbery. They followed Stites car to a bar, and called police with a description of the car and where it could be found. Stites was arrested and identified by the station clerk.

Windsor Heights Traffic Cams Start Issuing Tickets Monday

You're grace period's over. Starting Monday, Windsor Heights new automated traffic enforcement cameras will be sending out tickets instead of warnings. The fine starts at $65 if you're caught at 11 mph over the posted speed limit. The higher the speed, the bigger the fine. Authorities post the locations of the automated cameras, which were added a month ago, on Facebook and Twitter.

Suspect Flunks Robbery Try

Des Moines PD are looking over surveillance video trying to ID a man who couldn't get anything right in trying to rob a Phillips 66 station last night in the 3700 block of SW 9th Street. KCCI reports he handed the clerk an illegible robbery note, then said 'give him the money.' The clerk refused, then the suspect tried to take the cash-register. The clerk held on to it, and the suspect ran away empty-handed.

Flu Giving DM Metro Hospitals Headaches

Des Moines Metro hospitals say their emergency rooms are backed up thanks to the flu. It's gotten so bad, they're asking people not to come to their ER's for non-emergency care. You can fins a list of free clinics at www.idph.state.ia.us. KCCI reports Mercy Medical - Des Moines and Iowa Health - are limiting visitors to cut down on the chance of the spreading.

Dense Fog Advisory in Effect Starting Late Tonight

You might want to add some extra time to your travel plans for tonight and through the morning rush. The National Weather Service has issued a dense fog advisory for parts of the state starting at 9 tonight and in some areas a late as noon tomorrow. The visibility's expected to drop to less than a quarter mile.

Dan Morrissey Trials Moved to Davenport

A judge's ordered upcoming trials for Dan Morrissey moved from Black Hawk County to Davenport. The 36-year old's the father of Lyric-Cook Morrissey and uncle of Elizabeth Collins, the two girls found dead in a county park last month after going missing last July. Morrissey faces domestic abuse and narcotics charges.

Winter Weather's Been Good for Body Shops

This winter's been good, so far, for body shops in the Des Moines metro. They're seeing the damage from people sliding off the roads, into snow drifts, hitting other cars, or trees loaded with ice and snow falling on cars. One body shop owner tells KCCI much of the damage he sees is from people who are doing too fast.

Big Upgrades for Hoyt Middle School

A new entry way and upgraded classrooms are the big parts of a $7.5-million renovation Des Moines school board approved last night for Hoyt Middle School. According to the Des Moines Register, construction will start in April, and should be done for the start of the 2013-14 school year. Local-option sales tax money's paying for the work.

Appeals Court Rules Child's Tree Nut Allergy's A Disability

An Iowa Court of Appeals ruling released today says a child's allergy to tree nuts is a protected disability under Iowa's Civil Rights Act, reversing a Polk County judge's ruling. A day care declined to accept Shannon Knudson's daughter because of the allergy, citing liability and staffing concerns. There'll be court hearings now on whether the allergy would substantially limit the girls major life activity when active.

Leaky Valve Cause of Shrinking Big Creek Lake

The Army Corps of Engineers says a leaking pipe is the reason the water level keeps falling at Big Creek Lake. The Des Moines Register reports workers tried yesterday to deal with a valve that's causing the lake level to fall about a foot a month. Big Creek Lake's used primarily for recreation.

Barrett Plating Employee Hurt Falling into Chemical Tank

A Barrett Plating employee owes a coworker, for grabbing him before he went under in a tank of chemicals at 300 degrees. The two climbed onto the tank to recover parts that had fallen into it. The Des Moines Hazmat team helped with decontamination. The victim was taken at University of Iowa Hospitals. His condition hasn't been released.

Three Charged in September Ankeny Shooting

Three people are behind bars for last September's shooting of 12-year old Michael Wells in Ankeny. KCCI reports 12-year old, Hunter Beckman's charged with assault with a dangerous weapon causing serious injury. His mother, 45-year old Vickie Beckman, and her 45-year old boyfriend Charles Toomer, are charged with making a loaded firearm available to a child under fourteen and possession of drug paraphernalia.

More Iowa State Patrol Cars Hitting the Roads

You'll be seeing more Iowa State Patrol cars on the road. KCCI reports no new cars are coming, but they're putting logos and light bars on 70-of the patrol's unmarked cars. Public Safety Commissioner K. Brian London ordered the changes, scheduled for this spring, to raise police visibility on the most heavily traveled roads.

Branstad May Talk to Unions About Misconduct Revolving Door

Gov. Branstad says he's considering bringing an issue to the table in contract talks with state employee unions. The issue, highlighted by the Des Moines Register is state workers fired for misconduct, getting rehired by the state. The Register reports at least 33-state workers fired in the past 5 years, ended up with new state jobs, after a settlement or arbitration, required the state to rehire them.

Iowa DOT Public Info Session Thursday on I-35 Rebuild

Iowa DOT's got a public info meeting Thursday evening from 5 to 7p.m. in Martensdale on a proposal to shut down and rebuild a two mile stretch of I-35, including a new I-35/Highway 92 interchange and bridge over the Middle River. The Des Moines Register reports the meetings at the Martensdale-St. Marys Community School District Library, 390 Burlington Ave.



















Story Blogged at 01-07-13 15:28 by djennings

Iowa DOT Info Session Thursday on I-35 Rebuild Proposal

Iowa DOT's got a public info meeting Thursday evening from 5 to 7p.m. in Martensdale on a proposal to shut down and rebuild a two mile stretch of I-35, including a new I-35/Highway 92 interchange and bridge over the Middle River. The Des Moines Register reports the meetings at the Martensdale-St. Marys Community School District Library, 390 Burlington Ave.

WDM City Council Talks Wells Fargo Building Round 2

Wells Fargo's on the agenda again for this evenings West Des Moines City Council meeting. Today will be the 2nd of three readings on a bank request to build a a 238-thousand square foot building, parking ramp and expanded parking lot. WHO-TV reports the bank says its existing metro offices are too crowded and they need the room. No word on if this will mean new hiring.

Iowa Sets Weather Records in 2012

Iowa set some weather records last year. The National Weather Service says one is 693 straight days, and counting, without the temp dropping below zero. The last reading of -1 or lower was February 11, 2011. Iowa also recorded the warmest year on record, with the average temp in Des Moines at 56.0 degrees, 5.1 warmer than normal. The old record was 54.5 degrees set in 1931.

Weapons Seized from DM High School Students

Des Moines school officials found a lot more than books in the possession of high school students last month. A report says a loaded handgun was in the backpack of a Hoover High student, an officer found a 9mm pistol in the backpack of a student at a Roosevelt High hoops game. That student was arrested/ Another Hoover High student was caught with a knife attached to a set of brass knuckles.

Foreclosure Claim Deadline Coming Soon

Iowa Attorney general Tom Miller says homeowners impacted by foreclosure have until January 18th to file a claim for compensation under the $25-billion national mortgage settlement. About 11,000 Iowans who lost their homes between 2008 and 2011 may be eligible. The AG's office says over half the qualified borrowers notified in September have already filed claims.

State Fire Marshal Says Smoke Detectors Saving More Lives

State officials say smoke detectors helped save a record number of lives in fires last year, 215 to be exact. The State Fire Marshal says that's up from 185 in 2011, and 145 in 2010. According to a release from the office, most of those saved were people asleep. The state estimates $20 million in property damage for fires with working smoking alarms. Property damage climbs to $46 million for fires with no smoke alarm.

Former Gop Lawmaker Tapped for Prop Tax Assessment Board

Gov. Branstad's nominated ex GOP State Senate Leader Stewart Iverson to the Iowa Property Tax Assessment Appeal Board. Iverson would, if the State Senate approves, finish the term of Richard Stradley who resigned in November. The Des Moines Register reports the Board's job is to set a fair and equitable property assessment appeal process. The job pays $137,000/year.

Ex-Employee Charged in Nursing Home Theft

Authorities say they've identified $55,000 missing from the Aase Haugen Nursing Home in Decorah. 64-year old Nancy Elsbernd's been charged with theft and ongoing criminal conduct for writing checks to herself from nursing home funds over the last 5 to 6 years. According to KCCI, Elsbernd worked for the home for 38-years. She faces up to 35-years in prison.

Iowa Universities Make Best Value List

The University of Iowa, Iowa State University, and the University of Northern Iowa have made Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine's top 100 best values in higher education for 2013. The University of Iowa was 49th, down 2-from the 2012 list. Iowa State ranked 85th, and the University of Iowa came in at 95th based on in-state costs.

Branstad Education Reform Proposals Coming Soon

Gov. Branstad's expected to hand his plans for education reform to the legislature later this month. The plan's expected to cost $177-million, and will recommend higher teacher pay, tuition reimbursement for prospective educators and expanded career options for classroom teachers. The state has an $800 million budget surplus, and many groups, including education reformers, are looking at it as a possible funding source.

Trial Date Set in Deadly Mississippi Boat Crash

May 7th is the date for the trial of 22-year old Douglas Metcalf and 21-year old Joseph Schier, Jr. on charges of boating while intoxicated causing death, and multiple counts of involuntary manslaughter. Authorities say the two were operating boats that collided last May on the Mississippi river. WHO-TV reports four people were killed.

Harkin and Grassley Reject Senate Tax Compromise

Senators Tom Harkin and Chuck Grassley both voted no on the bill passed early this morning to keep tax cuts for most Americans in place. Harkin's office issued a statement saying the bill doesn't help create more middle class jobs in Iowa and doesn't generate the revenue needed for the national to meet its needs. The bill allows higher taxes on individuals earning over $400K/year and couples earning over $450K/year.

Iowa Lottery Chief Wants States to Decide Internet Gambling

The head of the Iowa Lottery's been to Washington, lobbying Congress to reject federal regulation of internet gambling. Terry Rich says the state has no plans to run with internet gaming, but the Des Moines Register reports Rich and other state lottery officials think the state's can best respond to what their citizen's do and don't want when it comes to online gaming.

Iowa Lottery Shief Wants States to Decide Internet Gambling

The head of the Iowa Lottery's been to Washington, lobbying Congress to reject federal regulation of internet gambling. Terry Rich says the state has no plans to run with internet gaming, but the Des Moines Register reports Rich and other state lottery officials think the state's can best respond to what their citizen's do and don't want when it comes to online gaming.

Congress Acts to Stop Doubling of Milk Prices

Congress has extended the 2008 farm bill for another year. That means your milk prices won't be doubling this year. KCCI reports the previous farm bill expired in October, and without taking action today, federal milk subsidies would've reverted to 1949 levels, leading to the retail price doubling.