State Unemployment

Iowa Workforce Development released a new unemployment report for February yesterday. It shows the rate held steady at 5.0 percent in February. The rate was 5.4 percent in February 2012.The national unemployment rate for February dropped to 7.7 percent from 7.9 percent in January

5 k Walk Run for Apirl 7

The goal is to raise enough money to feed 1, 107 children, the number of kids at Indianola High School and they hope to do that with a 5k walk and run planned for April 7th benefiting Mary's Meals. It costs about $20 to feed one child for a year. You can make a free will donations to do the walk and run, which includes a free t-shirt. Check it out on line at marysmeals5k.weebly. com.

Pig farmer on TV

Iowa Pig farmer Carl Blake getting his 15 minutes of fame after appearing on the Colbert Report this past week. He runs Rustick Rooster Farms where he breeds Iowa Swabian Hall pigs, allegedly the best tasting ping in the world. Hamlet and Smokey, two of his baby pigs were on the comedy show to talk about the fact that top chefs seek out Blake's pigs to use in their recipes.

More corn to be planted this year

Looks like Iowa and the rest of the US will plant the most corn this year since 1936 as growers take advantage of high prices brought on by last year's drought. The Ag department forecast 97.3 million acres of corn this year to help add to our supplies of the grain which is down to nothing. Demand from Asia and other global markets for US corn and soybeans are draining every last kernel from us!

Another Baconfest coming to area

We love our bacon and Baconfest in Des Moines. An Iowa State University figures why reinvent the wheel? He is organizing a Baconfest for Ames for October. Jake Swanson was the IOw Pork Producters ambassador last year so he knows how popular the festival is. His will be on campus, free with food to sale.

Way of the Cross Procession

Christians around the world marked Good Friday - when Jesus was crucified and for those here in Des Moine that meant a Way of the Cross Procession. In Des Moines, about 55 people took part in the annual walk, which included scripture reading and spiritual messages at eight stops through downtown.

Ag Secretary moving to Iowa

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says he and his wife, Christie, are buying a house in Iowa. Vilsack, in Des Moines on Friday to visit DuPont Pioneer, says the house is near Booneville in Dallas County, about 18 miles west of Des Moines .Vilsack was a two-term Iowa governor and is now Agriculture Secretary. Vilsack took the job in January 2009. He was governor from 1999 through 2007. He announced in January that he accepted President Obama's offer to stay on for the second term which ends in January 2017.

Altoona Sues Pleasant Hill Over Land Use

Altoona's filed a suit in Polk County District Court against neighbor Pleasant Hill. It alleges Pleasant Hill's plan to annex land near Southeast Polk High School for an industrial warehouse violates a mutual land use deal between the two communities. Pleasant Hill's applied for a state grant to develop infrastructure for a $53 million business development project, they say could mean 400-jobs.

Work on I-35 in West Des Moines Starts Monday

Construction's due to start Monday on I-35 in West Des Moines. The work's scheduled to run through December. The work includes adding new southbound lanes between the I-35, I-80, and I-235 interchange and the Raccoon River Bridge, and rebuilding the Grand Avenue interchange. During the work, there'll be 2 lanes of traffic in each directions.

Video Rental Kiosk Damaged After SUV Crash

An SUV jumped the curb and slammed into a Redbox video rental machine outside an Urbandale Walgreen's on NW 86th Street this morning. Authorities say the driver told them he hit the gas instead of the brake. He wasn't seriously injured, and the SUV damaged the display sign for the movie rental machine. The crash is still under investigation.

Branstad Signs Mental health Funding Bill

Gov. Branstad's signed a bill giving 26-counties a share of $11.6-million, so they can keep providing mental health patients with while the state moves to a new regional mental health care system. KCCI reports the Human Services Debarment recommended less, but the legislature pushed the higher level citing problems the state's having in providing services now.

Survey Says Adults Biggest Texters Behind the Wheel

A new reports says it's adults, not teens who are the biggest problem when it comes to texting and driving. In a January survey from AT and T, the Des Moines Register reports half of adults questioned say they text while driving, compared to 43% of teens. 98% of the adults say they know its wrong. 39-states, including Iowa, and the District of Columbia have banned texting while driving for everyone.

Drivers Ticketedfor Running RR Crossings

Some drivers got a surprise yesterday afternoon, when their usual skirting around the crossings on the UP tracks in Des Moines ended with pulled over by a Polk County Sheriff’s Deputy, and given a $350 ticket. The Des Moines Register reports a sheriff's deputy was in the cab of a UP locomotive, calling out to other units as they rolled south through Des Moines' industrial tract waiting to pull them over.

Giacoletti New Men's Head Hoops Coach at Drake

Ray Giacoletti's the new head men's basketball coach at Drake University. KCCI reports Giacoletti was an assistant coach at Gonzaga, and before that head coach at the University of Utah. His record in 10-seasons is 171-123.

Norwalk Casino Town Halls Tomorrow

Supporters of a casino in Norwalk, will hold town hall meetings in several Warren County locations from 5 to 8 tomorrow. In Norwalk at Wright Place, in Indianola at Vintage Hills, in Carlisle at the Community Building, and in Milo at City Hall. The $145-million casino would include hotel, events center and bowling alley.

Tornado Warning Test Tomorrow

There's a statewide tornado warning test tomorrow, as part of Severe Weather Awareness Week. You should hear sirens between 10 and 10:30 tomorrow morning. Local radio and TV stations will be testing their alerts as well. Authorities say the goal's to do a better job of communicating threats during severe weather so you can act faster. If there's severe weather, the drill will be delayed.

Public Will Weigh in on Parole for Rasberry Williams

Gov. Branstad's called for a rare public hearing to get comment on whether or not 66-year old Rasberry Williams should have his life sentenced commuted and released on parole. Williams has been behind bars for a Waterloo murder since 1974. The Parole Board, the prosecutor and the judge presiding at Williams trial say he's earned parole. KCCI reports Branstad aides will hear from Waterloo residents Wednesday.

Speed Cams to Rural Polk County by May 1st

Mobile speed cameras could start showing up in rural Polk County as early as May 1st, and be far more advanced than what was discussed almost a year ago. The Polk County’s cameras will be mounted in marked Jeep Pilots. The camera's will also be able to measure speed and take pictures of violators in two lanes of traffic when the Jeep's driven down the road.

DM PD Officer Reciovering After Being Hit by SUV

A Des Moines police officer's recovering after she was hit by an SUV late last night. The Des Moines Register reports Candice Lassiter is in an intensive care unit, but she is conscious and in stable condition. Investigators say Lassiter was outside her car, investigating an accident when she was hit. The driver of the SUV's been cited for failing to maintain control.

Child Kidnap Attempt Was Man's Search for Prostitute

Friday's reported attempted child kidnapping turned out to be something else. Des Moines PD say the driver of the car involved called them to say he wasn't trying to pick up the teen. KCCI reports 57-year old Charles Sargent says he was looking for a prostitute he knew, and he thought the teen was her. When he realized it wasn't, he left. He's behind bars charged with soliciting prostitution and a parole violation.

Man Busted for Alleged Bail Bondsmen Assault

A 28-year old Des Moines man's in the Polk County Jail, without bond, after allegedly assaulted a group of bail bondsmen trying to detain him on forgery charges yesterday. Des Moines PD charged David Fuller with willful injury, assault causing bodily injury, forgery, interference with official acts, failing to pay child support and a probation violation.

Revenue Projections Up

The Revenue estimating Conference met today, and they're projecting overall state revenue for the current budget year will be higher than expected. Their new estimates $6.6-billion, up $326-million from the revenue projections for the last budget year, and slightly higher than the December projections.

DM PD Checking Possible Child Kidnap Try

Des Moines PD are looking for a man and a possible victim of a child abduction attempt. KCCI reports police got a phone tip that a man in his 50's or 60's tried to grab a 13 or 14-year old girl. The caller approached them and says the girl looked scared. The man got in his car and left. Police say they have information tying the car and the man's description to a registered sex offender. Detectives want to talk to the girl, and she should call 515-283-4864.

State Senate Starts Ed Reform Debate Next Week

The Senate's expected to take up its own version of education reform early next week. The house has approved Gov. Branstad's plan, including higher starting teacher salaries and "career pathways" for teachers. The Des Moines Register reports the democratic plan parts with the Governor's by calling for more money for reform and funding ongoing K-12 school aid at a higher level than the Republican version.

Ft Madison Lockdown Alleged Cause Staff Contraband Smuggling

Iowa's Corrections Department says a lockdown at the State Penitentiary in Fort Madison was triggered by a staffer smuggling in contraband. The stafdfers on administrative leave. The maximum security unit's been on lockdown since March 12th. A spokesperson for the union representing correctional officers, tells KCCI the prison is understaffed and dangerous

Spring Road Projects Coming for Des Moines Area

Three major spring construction projects that'll probably impact your commute this spring. The Grand Avenue Bridge closes the 25 for reconstruction. West Des Moines' rebuilding the intersection of Highway 28/63rd Street at Southwest McKinley and Browns Woods Drive starting April 1st. IDOT's got bridge work and Widening of the I-235 westbound bridges over Walnut Creek, the Iowa Interstate Railroad tracks and 73rd Street starting April 22nd.

More Arrests in Knoxville Teen Sex Video

Knoxville PD have arrested more people in the case of an under aged girl performing a sex act on video. 19-year old Donovan Cowman of Des Moines' charged with sexual exploitation of a minor, a class C felony. Police tell KCCI Cowman's the person who recorded the video and gave it to at least one other person. A 17-year old Knoxville girl's charged with aggravated misdemeanor for receiving the video and showing it to at least one other person.

Statea Working Up Traffic Cam Policies

Iowa's Transportation Department's going to start working on formal rules to cover where and how traffic cameras are used on state highways. The Des Moines Register reports the rules would give local governments a clear process for documenting traffic safety issues and implementing solutions including cameras. The state wants to have the policies in place before the end of the year.

Senate Committee Passes on Nominations for Two Regents

The State Senate Education Committee chose not to recommend the nominations of two current members of the State Board of Regents, Board President Craig Lang and Robert Cramer. Democrats had concerns about Lang's leadership, and the committee wondered if conservative views held by Craig, on certain issues could compromise the academic values of the universities the board oversees.

DM PD After Credit Union Robber

Des Moines PD are trying to find the man who robbed the Greater Iowa Credit Union at 600 E 30th Street this afternoon. KCCI reports the suspect's a white male, 20 to 30, wearing a Carhartt jacket and a covering over his face. He gave a teller a note saying he had a gun. He got away with money and the tellers car keys. The car was found a few minutes after the hold up.

Sioux ANd Johnson County Do Well In Natiowide County Health Report

A nationwide report on county-by-county health was released today by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute. In Iowa, Sioux County was highest in overall health outcomes; Johnson County ranked highest for all factors that influence health.
The rankings considered a wide range of health factors, including healthy behaviors, clinical care, social and economic factors, and physical environment.

Pawn Shops Return Stolen Goods Bill

Pawn shops would have to return stolen goods to their original owners at no cost under a bill that passed the house today. The legislation requires cities that regulate pawn shops to include a provision on the return of stolen property. The merchandise would have to be identified as stolen by a law enforcement official, and persons claiming stolen goods would have to verify they were the owner.

Altoona Man Gets Year for Lying to Get Veterans Benefits

53-year Jeffrey Kepler of Altoona's going to spend a year and a day in federal prison for lying to get veterans benefits. Authorities say Kepler claimed he'd served two years in the Army, and based on that got $100,000 in medical benefits from the Des Moines VA Hospital. KCCI reports Kepler was discharged after 27 days for in not meeting fitness standards.

Knoxville PD Investiogate Underage Sex Video

19-year-old Jake Smith of Knoxville's been charged with 3rd degree sex abuse and exploitation of a minor. Knoxville PD say Smith engaged in a sex act with a 15-year old girl while someone else videotaped it. KCCI reports what's worse, is that the video was distributed to others, without the knowledge of the victim. Investigators say because of that, Smith and others face additional charges.

Johnsotn Airing Ideas for Gateway Redevelopment

Johnston's having an open house March 26th, to find out what you think of their current ideas for revitalizing the Merle Hay Road corridor on the city's south side. The meeting's 6 to 7:30pm in the east meeting room of the Johnston Public Library on Merle Hay Road. The corridor has a few car dealerships, a hotel, gas station, storage facility and a handful of restaurants, plus empty lots and an abandoned hotel.

Grassley Joins Push to Block Departure of F-16's from Des Moines

Sen. Chuck Grassley says he's pushing a plan to put a hold on moving the F-16 Sir National Guard Wing out of Des Moines. Grassley's signed on to a bi-partisan amendment the Senate takes up this week. The proposal would block moving the F-16's until two studies are done on the costs of recruiting and training, the effect on jobs and the environmental impact .

DART-Extra Service for Wrestling Championships

The Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority's expanding service for this week's NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships in Des Moines, expected to draw 20,000 downtown. They're adding a crosstown route from some of the West Des Moines hotels and downtown from 6a.m. to midnight, as well as extending the operating hours for DART's free downtown shuttle until midnight.

Want to go to Dayton for Cyclones-Fighting Irish?

Iowa State's made it to big dance, and if you want to go see the 10th seed Cyclones take on 7th seed Notre Dame Friday, it'll cost you. KCCI reports a round trip flight from Des Moines to Dayton, with a Thursday Sunday stay's around $1100, and Orbitz has hotels from $40 to $150/night. Drive? It's 600-miles and gas is averaging $3.60/gallon.

SW 5th St Pedestrian Bridge Closing

Des Moines officials have shut down the Southwest 5th Street Pedestrian Bridge over the Raccoon River because of structural damage. The bridge closes at the end of business today and will stay that way indefinitely. WHO-TV reports the bridge has advanced deterioration and corrosion of structural elements, and there are questions about the integrity of prior repair work.

WDM Man Charged in Sex Case Involving Minor

46-year old Mark McMahon of West Des Moines, is in the Polk County Jail, on charges including sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of a minor. Investigators tell KCCI McMahon also had child porn on his computer, and had displayed pornographic material to a minor and performed a sexual act on a minor. The charges involve a case that dates back to last September.

Beefed Up Police Presence for St. Pat's Weekend

Celebrate the St. Patrick's Day weekend carefully, because extra officers will be everywhere as part of an effort to stop drinking and driving over the holiday. Central Iowa Traffic Safety Task Force agencies say the beefed up patrols will be in place until Monday. Each police department and sheriff's office is developing their own plan of when and how many officers will be on the streets at any given time.

Population Changes in Iowa

Nearly 66% of Iowa Counties lost population from 2011 and 21012. The U.S. Census estimates show that Iowa had 3,074,186 residents last year, up about 11,000; but the population of 65 of the state's 99 counties fell. The biggest population gains were in Polk, Johnson, Dallas, Scott and Linn counties, which are home to Des Moines, Iowa City, Davenport and Cedar Rapids.

Drake Fires Phelps

Drake University's fired its men's head basketball coach Mark Phelps. KCCI reports Phelps, was in his 5th season as head coach, and had a record of 77-86 record. The 47-year old was named head coach after the departure of Keno Davis in 2008. Before coming to Drake, Phelps was an assistant at North Carolina State and Arizona State.

Drug Conspiracy Arrest

An investigation that started in 2012 of a Des Moines man for illegal firearms and drug trafficking, ended in the arrests of 5-men who thought they were going to rip off a drug house for several pounds of cocaine. They didn't know they were planning it with federal agents and an informant. The informant bought over a hundred grams of pot, several guns, and ammo from 26-year old Harry Garrison and the 4 other men charged with conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.

Iowa college students seek support from lawmakers

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Students from Iowa's state universities are visiting the Capitol to lobby for financial support from lawmakers.

A group of students from all three universities will meet with legislators Wednesday as part of "Regents Day."

Spokeswoman for the Board of Regents Sheila Doyle Koppin says the group will be advocating that the universities receive the resources needed to freeze tuition. Koppin says the students will also push lawmakers to increase state support for student financial aid.

Gov. Terry Branstad's budget proposal includes the funding increase requested by the Regents to provide the first tuition freeze in 30 years at state schools. But his budget plan does not include the full amount sought by the Regents for student aid. The Legislature must now approve a budget plan.

Irish official visits Iowa legislature

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - Lawmakers in the Iowa House and Senate are welcoming a member of the Irish Parliament to chambers.

Marcella Corcoran-Kennedy appeared before the legislature on Wednesday. She is visiting for the upcoming St. Patrick's Day holiday. Corcoran-Kennedy was elected to parliament in 2011 and previously served as a county official.

Corcoran-Kennedy will attend St. Patrick's Day celebrations in Emmetsburg. The town holds a parade and other festivities each year. Emmetsburg is named for Irish nationalist Robert Emmet.

Sen. Daryl Beall presented Corcoran-Kennedy with a certificate of recognition in honor of her visit.

Internet map shows Iowa's hunting land

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - Iowa officials are urging hunters to use a new online atlas that details 600,000 acres of the state's public hunting land. The interactive map lets people click on a region for basic information about zones and open seasons.

State Senate Pushing bill for Bigger Tax Break for Middle Income Households

Under a bill moving through the state senate, some of you could get a bigger break on your taxes. KCCI reports under the bill households earning under $45,000/year would get an extra $250 tax break. It would raise the state credit from 7-to-20% of a taxpayer's federal earned income tax credit. A committee approved it yesterday, and it goes to the full Senate.

Branstad Lists Local Govt. Leaders Bascking Property Tax Plan

Gov. Branstad's released a list of 26 local government officials statewide who are becking his property tax reform plan. None are from Des Moines or Polk County government. According to the Des Moines Register, Branstad wants to roll back property tax rates for commercial and industrial property owners by 20%, and slow tax hikes for everyone by lowering the growth of taxable value.

Gov. Defends Egyptian Fertilizer Plant Project

Gov. Branstad's defending working with an Egyptian firm for a $1.4-billion fertilizer plant. He says state senate democrats are playing politics by attacking the hundreds of millions in tax breaks offered for the plant, which he says will create jobs and help farmers. He also defended financing the project with $1.2-billion in bonds intended to help with recovery from the 2008 floods.

Branstad Wants Lawmakers to Pay 20% of Health Premiums

Gov. Branstad says state lawmakers should lead by example, and start paying 20% of their health insurance premiums. The Des Moines Register reports most state employees don’t pay any of their health insurance premiums, which is not how it works in the private sector. House Speaker Kraig Paulsen says it's something that will be talked about after the current session wraps up.

Teen Rescued From Burning Car

Ian Wasekuk's lucky to be alive after losing control of his car doing donuts in the parking lot of Urbandale Baptist Church. The 18-year old totaled his car, and did $10,000 in damage to the church air conditioning unit. His car caught fire, and officer Zac McDowell got him out of the car. Wasekuk will be charged with reckless driving.

Road Gives Way Under School Bus

Students on a school bus in Shellsburg have a story to tell. Their bus got stuck when the road gave way under it this morning. KCRG-TV reports no one was hurt. A spokesperson for the Vinton-Shellsburg Community School District says a water main break under the pavement may have caused the road to collapse.

Sex Offender Busted on New Allegations

Des Moines PD say an 81-year old man's been arrested and charged with indecent contact with minors,. WHO-TV reports John Chapman alleegfdly callegedlyhe crimes Marcj 2nd atMarchhome. The victims were 12 and 13 years old. Chaopman wasChapmaned in 1996 and served 5-years for sexual exploitation of children. He's in theHe's County Jail on $10,000 bond.

Mother Nature Plans Big Weather Weekend

The National Weather Service says we're in for a wide mix of weather over the next could of days. There's a chance of rain through tomorrow, and dense fog rolling in tomorrow night. On top of the rain and fog, with temperatures warming up, there'll be a lot of melting snow which could lead to substantial water runoff. To top it all off, a cold front comes in tomorrow night in Sunday changing the rain to snow.

Car Hits DM Post Office Building

Police and firefighters were called to Des Moines main post office today after a call hit the building. KCCI reports witnesses say the driver backed into the building at 1165 2nd Avenue. Several windows were broken in the incident. The driver, who wasn't seriously hurt, says she was having trouble getting the car in gear, and hit the gas when it finally shifted into reverse.

WDM Man Charged for Inappropriate Contact With Minor

Urbandale Police have arrested a West Des Moines man for allegedly having inappropriate contact with a 12-year old female acquaintance. The suspect's been identified as 52-year old Michael Shumway, who's charged with assault with intent to commit sex abuse. KCCI reports Shumway's being held in the Polk COunty Jail on $2,000 bond.

I-80 Interchange Being Delayed by Bat

The $31-million I-80/Alice's Road interchange project's in West Des Moines could be delayed, thanks to the discovery a female Indiana bat, less than half a mile from the construction site. The bats on the state and federal endangered species lists. Federal officials have requested a study to determine if the construction will harm the bat. The study could delay the project bu several months.

Anti-Bullying Bill Clears House Subcommittee

A state house subcommittee's approved a bill giving school administrators the power to respond to harassment or bullying of students on line or off school grounds, including expanded power to mediate disputes or discipline students. The bill could be modified to limit school officials actions to incidents where bullying directly impacts interactions in school.

13-year old Faces Misdemeanor in Friend's Shooting

Des Moines PD have filed a misdemeanor charge against a 13-year old boy involved in a shooting that injured a friend. The child's charged with discharging a firearm within city limits. The Des Moines Register reports the teen didn't know a pistol was loaded when he pointed it at a friend and pulled the trigger. The the other child was wounded in the shoulder.

Branstad Low Income Health Plan

Gov. Branstad says his health care proposal for some low-income Iowans won't provide the same benefits as an expanded Medicaid, but called his approach more fiscally responsible. Branstad wants Healthy Iowa, a revised version of IowaCare, a state and federally funded program providing limited benefits to about 70,000 low-income adults. It'll cost $23-million more than expanding Medicaid, but Branstad says it's relies less on Uncle SAM.

Want to Own Part of an Indoor Football League Team?

A co-owner of the Cedar Rapids Titans has decided to sell his 20% stake in the team. KCCI reports he's doing it on Craigslist. The Titans are in the Indoor Football League, and Mike Polaski's asking price in $80,000. The Titans (3-0) and in first place in IFL's United Conference and they take on the Wyoming Cavalry on Friday.












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Southwest Starting Service to Las Vegas

Southwest Airlines is starting service from Des Moines to Las Vegas. Southwest says there will be daily non-stop flights starting September 29th. This is the second route Southwest will be flying out of Des Moines. Service from here to Chicago started last September.

Man Charged for Multiple No Contact Order Violations

26-year old Jason Goodes of Des Moines in the Polk County Jail, charged with violating a non contact order 23-times yesterday. DM PD say Goodes called the victim 6 times, and sent her 18-=text messages in about 5 hours. When police went to the home Goodes shares with his mother, she told them he wasn't there. He was. Mom's been arrested for allegedly lying to police.

Snow on the Way Again

There's a winter weather advisory in effect through noon tomorrow. The National Weather Service says we'll see rain to start this evening, switching to snow tonight. Snow's expected to be moderate through early tomorrow with 2 to 5" by midday. Gusty north winds of 15 to 25 mph are on the way as well, creating blowing and drifting snow.

Iowa jumps to 9th in state health ranking

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - Iowa has jumped to ninth in a national health ranking of states.

Officials say the state jumped seven spots last year in the yearly Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index.

The state ranked 16th last year, 19th in 2010 and fifth in 2009.

Gov. Terry Branstad launched the Healthiest State Initiative in 2011 in an effort to make Iowa the nation's healthiest state by 2016.

On Thursday Branstad hailed Iowa's progress and says the ranking "proves our efforts are working."

KU coach accepts apology from ISU student government

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) - Kansas basketball coach Bill Self is accepting an apology from Iowa State's student government after this week's overtime victory. The sixth-ranked Jayhawks rallied in the closing minutes of a game, forcing overtime before rolling to a 108 to 96 victory. That prompted an Iowa State fan to try to charge Self after a postgame interview and sparked racist and threatening comments on Twitter about Elijah Johnson, who scored 39 points.

McKinley pleads not guilty to murder

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - A 42-year-old Des Moines man is set to stand trial this spring after authorities say he killed his former roommate. Lavelle McKinley entered a not-guilty plea yesterday for first-degree murder charges in the January death of 47-year-old Cynthia Rouse.