Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Weather Changes

Thunderstorms are expected tonight across Iowa. The National Weather Service says storms are likely through midnight and then a chance for storms into early tomorrow, with hail and high winds. Temperatures are also expected to fall, with the high tomorrow only in the mid 50's, and 30's tomorrow night, and 40's Thursday. Northwestern Iowa could get 1 to 2 inches of snow.

Iowa DOT Meet in Ankeny This Evening on Widening I-35

The Iowa DOT's has an informal meeting tonight from 5:30 to 7p.m.at the Ankeny fire station, to talk about widening I-35 from 4 to 6 lanes between 1st Street to 36th Street. The plan also includes rebuilding the interchange at East First Street. DOT just finished the 36th Street Interchange in November.

I-35 Bridge Mess Having Consequences

The shutdown of the I-35 bridge in Warren County last night's led to thousands of cars, trucks, and semi's rolling through towns south of the Des Moines metro. All northbound traffic's being detoured at I-35 and Hwy 92, to Hwy 28N, to Hwy5, and back to I-35 near West Des Moines. That's hiked traffic through Martensdale Prole, and Norwalk.

Monday, April 29, 2013

Job market Looking better for College Grads

Iowa Workforce Development says the job market for graduating college students statewide is definitely looking up. An IWD spokesperson says things are better than they've been in the last 3 to 4 years with 30,000 openings right now in the IWD job bank.

Friday, April 26, 2013

Two ATM's Found in Yard of Des Moines Home

The owner of a home in the 3900 block of 11th Street in Des Moines says he found two ATM's in the yard yesterday and the Des Moines Register reports he doesn't know where they came from. Police are trying to find out, but say there haven't been any recent reports of ATM thefts in the Des Moines area. A neighbor says the machines have been there almost 6 months.

Judge to Rule Next Week on ACLU Suit Over DM School Boar Closed Door Meeting Over Nancy Sebring

A Polk County judge's expected to decide early next week if she'll review the transcript of a closed Des Moines School Board meeting concerning Nancy Sebring's resignation as Superintendent. The ACLU's sued the board on behalf of former Board member Graham Gillette, and the goal is to determine whether or not the closed door session was in line with its stated purpose.

Warrant Issued for Suspect in DM Box Cutter Slashing

Des Moines PD have an arrest warrant for Zana Johnson, after a woman was slashed in a box cutter attack Wednesday night. Johnson's wanted for assault with a dangerous weapon. KCCI reports Miranda Torres says one of 7-girls who confronted her outside a market at 21st Street and Forest Avenue, cut her. She says she doesn't known any of the girls, and police are continuing the investigation.

Feds Sue DM and MidAmerican Over Utility Fees

The federal government's suing the city of Des Moines and MidAmerican Energy. KCCI reports the suit alleges a fee the city collects on VA hospital's utility bills is a tax and violates a constitutional provision against cities taxing federal agencies. The suit was filed today in federal court. MidAmerican sent the Des Moines VA Med Center a utility shut off notice unless $8,000 in fees are paid.

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Iowa Nat'l Guard Recruits Clean Big Creek State Park This Weekend

About 100 Iowa National Guard recruits will be busy cleaning up at Big Creek State Park this weekend. WHO-TV reports they'll be picking up garbage and debris along the lake and trails to get the park ready for the season. The operation's been named "Guard the Earth."

Ankeny Hires Firm for City Manager Search

Ankeny City Council's hired search firm Colin Baenziger and Associates of Florida, to help find a new city manager. The company was involved in the search for Polk County Manager, and the GM/CEO of Des Moines Water Works. The Des Moines Register reports Mayor Gary Lorenz says City Council should have 5-candidates for the council to interview sometime in July.

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Unveiling of New Walnut St. Streetscape Monday

Developers are expected to reveal the final streetscape concept for downtown Des Moines’ Walnut Street next week. WHO-TV reports the with the DART transit mall no longer being used, the area's getting a makeover. The area involved is between Second Avenue and Tenth Street. There'll be a presentation at the downtown Des Moines Library Monday at noon.

Polk County Drivers Need to Pay Their DM Parking Tickets

If you have outstanding parking tickets in Des Moines, you'll have a problem renewing your license plate. WHO-TV reports the city's working with the Polk County Treasurer and IDOT to put 'stops' on license plate renewals for Polk County tags with unpaid Des Moines tickets. The 'stops' start May 1st. Once you've paid up the stop will be lifted. The city's owed almost $835,000 in unpaid fines on vehicles licensed to Polk County.

Iowa Appeals Court Upholds $33-Million Jury Award Against Cooper Tire

Iowa's Court of Appeals has upheld a $32.8 million jury award against Cooper Tire and Rubber, finding the jury decision was in line with the evidence. A jury decided manufacturing design led to the tread separating from a van's tire. The case involved a 2007 crash near Bondurant that killed a Des Moines and paralyzed a man. Cooper appealed, claiming the jury shouldn't have heard evidence about tires different from the one involved in the crash.

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

DM PD Seek Bank Robbery

Des Moines PD are looking for the man who held up Community State Bank at 3540 East 33rd Street this morning. KCCI reports the man told the teller he was armed and demanded cash. He escaped with an undisclosed amount of money on foot. he's described as a white man in his 20's, 5'10", 200 to 220 pounds, wearing a gray hoodie, jeans and a blue mask covering his face.

Oskaloosa Man Charged with 7-week old's Death

Des Moines officials have decided what to do about an area on the city's east side that 4-wheeler owners have made a mess of going 'Mudding.' The area was ripped up for a sewer line, but with the work done it's been open season for 'mudding. KCCI reports barricades and signs will be going up in the next 4 to 6 weeks to put a stop to it.

Story Blogged at 04-23-13 16:34 by djennings

DM Officials Have Plan to Stop East Side Mudding

Des Moines officials have decided what to do about an area on the city's east side that 4-wheeler owners have made a mess of going 'Mudding.' The area was ripped up for a sewer line, but with the work done it's been open season for 'mudding. KCCI reports barricades and signs will be going up in the next 4 to 6 weeks to put a stop to it.

Monday, April 22, 2013

Clive PD After Caribou Coffee Shop Robber

Clive PD are looking for the man who robbed a Caribou Coffee last night at 12655 University Avenue. WHO-TV reports no weapon was shown, but the suspect, who walked in the just after closing time, indicated he had a weapon. He got away with three money bags. The suspects a white male in his 40's with a bandanna covering his face. If you have information, call Clive Police: 278-1312.

Early Voting's Underway on Warren County Casino

Early voting's started in Warren County, on the proposal for a new casino. The absentee ballots started heading to voters last Monday. According to KCCI 2,000 have been requested so far, and over 700 have already been returned. The last day to request a ballot is May 2nd. Election day for the casino proposal is May 7th.

Facebook Reportedly Behind Plan for $1-billion Altoona Data Center

Two legislators speaking on the condition of anonymity have told the Des Moines Register that Facebook's the company behind plans for a $1-billion data center in Altoona. Altoona officials have already approved the a 200 acre site for the project. The state Economic Development Authority and Altoona's City Council are expected to incentives for the project tomorrow.

Friday, April 19, 2013

Ground Broken on new Wellfs Fargo Building in West Des Moines

Wells Fargo today started work on the expansion at its West Des Moines campus. WHO-TV reports ground was broken this afternoon on a new 265,000 square foot building that will add not only office space, but an event center, and a new parking structure. The project will mean room for 1800 employees who will be moved out of leased space in the metro area.

Two Busted in Urbandale Home Invasion

Charges are pending against two people arrested by Urbandale Police after a homer invasion this morning in the 12000 block of Cardinal Lane. What the suspects didn't know: the home wasn't empty. The homeowner confronted the pair, they ran, and so did she, to a neighbor, and called 911. They were caught based on a description of their car.

Arson-Angry Customer or Cover for Tool Theft

After an arson early this morning at Accurate Hydraulics Machine Services in Des Moines, police are wondering if it was the work of an unhappy customer. KCCI reports a message was found saying: "Next time fix my (expletive) right (expletive)." Also, a truck believed to be from the same company was found this morning submerged in Gray's Lake. The businesses owner says he thinks someone left the message to cover a tool theft.

Thursday, April 18, 2013

AHL Hockey Coming to Des Moines

The NHL's Minnesota Wild announced today it's moving its American Hockey League affiliate to Des Moines. The team will move from Houston to Des Moines beginning with the 2013-14 season.
A statement from the team says they weren't able to come to terms on a new lease for the Houston Aeros to remain there. KCCI reports the team's expected to play at the Wells Fargo Arena in downtown .

Ankeny School Board Special Meeting Tomorrow, Personnel Issues

Ankeny's School Board has a special meeting tomorrow at noon to handle the resignation of Ankeny Centennial High's Director Kevin Biggs. The board hired Tom Kinseth last month as Ankeny Centennial's Activities Director for the 2013-14. Contracts are also expected to be approved for Emily Phommachack to teach phys ed and health at Northview Middle School and head girls’ tennis coach at Ankeny Centennial, and Eric Klingensmith to teach language arts and head debate coach at Ankeny Centennial.

AHL Franchise Coming to Des Moines

The American Hockey League's board of governors has approved moving the franchise owned by the NHL’s Minnesota Wild from Houston to Des Moines. The change is effective with the start of the 2013-14 hockey season.

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Carjacking Reported at Southridge Mall

Des Moines Police are investigating a carjacking reported at Southridge Mall around 4 this afternoon. According to KCCI, several witnesses say they saw a woman pulled out of her car, and the thief drove away. This happened on the mall's southwest side. Anyone with information on the case should call 911 or Polk County Crime Stoppers at 515-223-1400.

WDM PD Looking for Prescription Fraud Suspect

West Des Moines PD are after a woman they think could be involved in several prescription frauds in the Des Moines area. The Des Moines Register reports they're looking for a white female in her 20's, 5'5", 180 pounds with dark hair. There's a $1,000 reward for information leading to her arrest from Polk County Crime Stoppers. If you have information, call 223-1400, or send a text to 274637.

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Explosive Device Found in Cedar Rapids

Cedar Falls Police say a suspicious package city workers found this morning was an explosive device. KCCI reports the device was found at the bottom of a manhole at the intersection of East Seerley Boulevard and Royal Drive. Police evacuated several nearby homes and detonated the device.

Disaster Plans Reviewed After Boston Marathon Blasts

Emergency managers across Iowa are going over their disaster plans after yesterday's events at the Boston Marathon. Hospitals in Des Moines hold regular disaster drills for handling mass casualty events like tornadoes, bomb threats, and active shooter incidents. KCCI reports 6-hospitals in Des Moines and West Des Moines also coordinate disaster their disaster planning with police, fire, EMS, Polk and Dallas county emergency management teams.

Mixed Weather Bag Heading Our Way

A mixed weather bag's headed this way, with a few thunderstorms spreading from the south to north tonight across Iowa. The National Weather Service says storms tomorrow and tomorrow night may be strong with large hail and locally heavy rain. Snow could enter the picture with temperatures dropping in the 30's Thursday night into Friday.

Anonymous Tip Line for Polk County Schools Open

Students at Metro-area schools now have access to a tip line to report potential crimes. It's being run through Polk County Crime Stoppers, and lets students from Des Moines and other Polk County districts call, text, or fill out an online form to anonymously report a crime. The Des Moines Register reports it was proposed to deal with guns in Des Moines schools, but tips are expected on drugs, bullying and outside school issues.

Monday, April 15, 2013

Shore Work Started at Grays Lake Park

If you’re planning to visit Gray’s Lake Park, expect to see some changes. Crews started work today fixing and stabilizing the shoreline. WHO-TV reports the work includes a steel wall to repair the bank that’s been damaged by erosion and floods. More work starts next month when the city of Des Moines closes the trail around the park for 2 weeks to finish the work.

Vehiucle Used in DM Pharmacy Robbery

Des Moines PD are looking for the suspect who decided to break into Richards Pharmacy on Hickman road this morning a little before 6 this morning by ramming a vehicle into the buildings back door. KCCI reports there's surveillance video showing the suspect filling two trash cans with bill bottles. Oxycontin and hydrocodone were among the drugs stolen.

Friday, April 12, 2013

DM Develoiper Gets Federal PrisonTime for Bank Fraud

A Des Moines developer's paying the price for bank fraud. John Kline's been sentenced to 30-months in federal prison and pay over a million dollars in fines. He pleaded guilty to bank fraud in January, for diverting cash from two of his development projects. WHO-TV reports a former business partner, Randy Walters, took a plea deal, and should start serving a one year prison term this month,.

DM Fire Department: No Sky Lanterns or Fire Pits

Des Moines Fire Department has a reminder: Sky lanterns are illegal in the city. The reason for the reminder is stores are selling them. Sky lanterns are like small hot air balloons made from paper and a small candle. You can buy them, you just can't use them since they can easily start a fire wherever they land. Another item you can buy but can't use in Des Moines are fire pits.

Guilty Pleas in Mortgage Fraud Case

Federal prosecutors say four people have pleaded guilty to charges tied to a mortgage fraud case. The Des Moines Register reports the four, 35-year old Jamie Bowers-Danielson and Matthew Danielson, 43-year old Bobbi Wojewoda and 45-year old Wade Wojewoda were allegedly part of a fraud scheme to get a 'free house' in Ankeny. Wade Wojewoda's a Des Moines PD Lieutenant, and is on administrative leave.

Thursday, April 11, 2013

DM Wants U.S. 2020 Olympic Track and Field Trials

Des Moines officials say they're after the 2020 U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials, now that the 2016 trials are going to Eugene, Ore. KCCI reports city officials were hoping to get the 2016 trials at a renovated Drake Stadium. Drake's hosted the 2010 USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships and will do so again in June.

Free Skin Cancer Screenings in Des Moines

The John Stoddard Cancer Center in Des Moines' holding free skin cancer screenings on April 25th. The screenings will be every 15 minutes in Suite 450 at 1221 Pleasant Street. WhO-TV reports the screenings will be filled on a first come first serve basis, Skin cancer's the most common of cancers, and early detection's vital in beating the disease.

Someone's Impersonating First Responders in Norwalk

Norwalk's Fire and Police departments have issued a warning to residents after someone's starting knocking on doors claiming to be a first responder, there to handle a distress call. KCCI reports authorities say this individual has no connection to either department. If anyone claiming to represent police, fire or a utility, refuses to show ID, residents are advised to lock their doors and call police.

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

GOP Lawmakers Offer Education Reform Compromise

Iowa GOP lawmakers have put an education compromise plan on the table that includes more general funding for schools if Democrats agree to GOP policy proposals, including making higher minimum teacher starting salary optional. The funding hike for education Republicans say they're willing to support is 2%, plus another one time payment worth another 2%.

Branstad Pulls Two Nominees

Gov. Branstad's withdrawing two of his board nominees after questions were raised over whether they would be confirmed in the state Senate. Branstad's pulling the nominations of Nick Wagner to the Iowa Utilities Board and Tom Rielly to the Iowa Transportation Commission. Senate Democrats say Wagner didn't have the votes for confirmation, and the Senate GOP delayed a vote on Rielly's nomination.

Man Sentenced for Attack on Ankeny Woman

A Polk County judge sentenced Michael Stewart today to 50-years in prison for a 2011 attack on his ex-girlfriend Nicole Ague. Stewart was convicted of attempted murder, third-degree sexual abuse, willful injury and going armed with intent. Ague's three children, who were home at the time, found her, and went to a neighbor who called police.

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Legislature Pushing Higher Tax Break for Scholarship Contributions

The Iowa House has passed and sent to the Senate bill allowing more tax breaks for individuals and companies that donate to scholarships for low-income, private school students. It also raises the tax break cap from the current $8.5 million to $12 million. A state report says over 9,000 students got a scholarship under the program in the 2011-2012 school year.

Could an AHL Team Call Des Moines Home

There's a chance an American Hockey League team could be heading to the Wells Fargo Arena, but it's not a done deal yet. KCCI reports everything depends on whether the Minnesota Wild keeps its AHL team in Houston. The Houston Aeros’ lease expires at the end of the current season. An Arena spokesperson says even If Minnesota can't reach a deal in Houston, Des Moines isn't the only market in play.

Severe Storms Headed for Iowa

Some severe storms are possible this evening from I-80 south. The National Weather Service says you'll also have wind gusts of up to 30 mph this afternoon. Moderate to heavy rainfall could lead to localized ponding, with hail possible. Colder is also moving in tonight, meaning snow and possible freezing rain in northwestern counties. There's a chance of snow through Thursday.

Monday, April 8, 2013

SNL Alums Performing at Iowa State Fair

There will be laughter at this years Iowa State Fair. KCCI reports Saturday Night Live alums Dana Carvey, Dennis Miller and Kevin Nealon will be performing. They're scheduled for the grandstand on August 10th at 8p.m. Tickets for the comedy trio are $38. The Iowa State Fair opens for business in just 121 days

DM Man Busted for Meth in Urbandale

59-year old Steven Staley of Des Moines was arrested by Urbandale PD Saturday after they say they caught him allegedly selling meth out of his van in the 4100 block of 100th Street. The Des Moines Register reports Staley's charged with possession with intent to deliver meth, possession of narcotics and violation of parole. Neighbors complaints about people getting in and out of Staley's van brought police to the scene.

Boone Man Arrested in Wife's 2012 Death

The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and Boone Police Department, have charged 39 year old Alexander Fazzino with first degree murder for last January's death of his 32-year old wife Emily. Her body was found in their home last year after Fazzino called 911 to report his wife was trying to kill herself. An autopsy determined Emily Fazzino died of asphyxia due to neck compressions and/or drowning. Fazzino was arrested yesterday in Independence, Missouri.

Randolph Rehab Support Tied to Low Income Housing

During a workshop today, Des Moines' City Council's made housing for current low income residents a priority in plans to renovate the Randolph Hotel in downtown. The Des Moines Register reports the 108-room hotel's home to low income residents and transients. The city's considering a $3.3-million economic development for Sherman Associates plans for a $15-million rehab of the hotel and two adjacent buildings.

Friday, April 5, 2013

Govt. Orders Truck Firm to Pay Back Wages and Benefits

The U.S. Labor Department's ordered Contract Transport Inc., of Des Moines, to pay 201 of its driver over $160,000 in back wages and fringe benefits. fleetowner.com reports the department found the company didn't pay some drivers for delay time on trips, but paid them based on predetermined hours. Weather and construction were among the causes for the delays. The company's agreed to train office staff and drivers to properly document their hours.

WDM PD Get 3 Shoplifting Suspects

West Des Moines PD arrested three people after they allegedly stole merchandise from Von Maur at Valley West Mall last night. There was a brief car chase that ended in a crash at Western Hills and Valley West Drive. No one was hurt. The suspects are 2-women and a female juvenile.

Help Identify Polk County Burglary Suspect

The Polk County Sheriff needs help identifying a man seen on surveillance video during a March 28th burglary at the Casey's General Store in Runnells. The man deputies are looking for may have been picked up by a red or maroon pickup. You can see the pictures of the suspect at our partner station's website KCCI.com. If you have info, call Polk County Crime Stoppers at 515-223-1400.

Okland Murder-Two Years Later

It's been almost two years since realtor Ashley Okland was killed during an open house in West Des Moines. West Des Moines Police say the investigation's ongoing, and they believe someone out there knows what happened to Okland and who was involved. The reward for information's at $150,000. If you know something, call Polk County Crimestoppers - 515-223-1400.

Thursday, April 4, 2013

DM Public Schools Job Fair

Des Moines Public Schools has a job fair set for April 20th to fill 300 open positions. The fair will be at East High School from 8a.m. to noon. Among the open jobs: 200 plus teachers for the next school year. WHO-TV reports inteviews will be done on sight, and applicants for the teaching jobs are asked to bring their resume, state teaching certificartion and college transcript.

Branstad Non-Union Salary Benefit Plan

Gov. Branstad's office has released a salary and benefit plan for non union state employees that requires them to pay 20% of their health insurance costs. This covers 3400 people. It includes a 1% salary hike for 2014 and 2015. Than plan, starting in January 2014, does allow those employees to participate in wellness programs that reduce insurance premium costs.

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Meredith Drive Reconstruction

Urbandale's going to start reconstruction work April 8th on Meredith Drive from 142nd Street to 154th Street. The plans to turn the two lane road into a 5-lane roadway. The first phase will close Meredith Drive between 142nd Street and 156th Street to through traffic. The project's scheduled to be finished in November. Updates are available at www.urbandale.org.

Carjack Victim's Wife Wants Higher Charges for Suspects

Des Moines PD have charged three teens with the February carjacking of Mike Wasike. The teens have been charged with robbery, and Waskike's wife isn't happy. Joan Waskike tells KCCI the charge should be attempted murder. Her husband was pulled from his car and beaten unconscious; and is still in a medically induced coma with serious head injuries and doctors worry he may have permanent brain damage.

Ex-Stripper Gets Plea Deal

Former stripper Andrea Morris, convicted of killing her client at his home in 1999 has reached a plea deal in the case at her second trial. KCCI reports she's pleaded guilty to 2nd degree murder, willful injury and theft 43-year old Patrick McRae's death. She'll be sentenced to no more than 70-years, and have to serve 70%. She got a new trial after court officers reported smelling booze on the breath of her the attorney at her first trial.

Inmate Missing From Ft. Des Moines Work Release Facility

Iowa's Corrections Department's listed 24-year old Osvaldo Guerra, Jr. as an escapee from the Fort Des Moines Work Release Facility. Guerra didn't return after an assigned meeting yesterday. WHO-TV reports Guerra was serving 15-years for intimidation with a dangerous weapon. Guerra's 5'9", 180-pounds, with black hair, brown eyes, and several tattoos. If you see him, contact the Polk County Sheriff or Des Moines PD.

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Polk County Commissioners Approve Downtown Land Swap

Polk County's Board of Supervisors has signed off on a big land swap in downtown Des Moines. The county's trading the Plex to Wellmark for $500,000 in exchange for Wellmark's building at 222 Fifth Ave., which will house county court offices and administration. Wellmark's selling the Plex to the YMCA and donating another property for a new Y at the Plex, and frees land on the Des Moines River for redevelopment.

Clear Lake Man Pleads Guilty to Kiddie Porn Possession

A Clear Lake man's pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography, for having over 1,000 images of kiddie porn. 27-year old Brandon Phinney admitted having and trading the images on line between September 2010 and April 2011, as part of a plea deal. KCCI reports Phinney faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000 and 5 years to life probation following his prison term.

Monday, April 1, 2013

Johnston Car Crash Victim Declared Brain Dead

A Johnston woman, who's been in a come since February, has been declared brain dead. 30-year-old Tara Leitzinger was critically injured her car slammed into a semi on I-80-35 near the Douglas Avenue exit. WHO-TV reports the front end of Leitzinger's car was pinned under the trailer. Investigators haven't determined the cause of the accident.

DM PD After Suspect in Stabbing

Des Moines PD are looking got 52-year old Lavern Campbell. Investigators want to talk to him about an attack on a woman this morning. Detectives say a woman was stabbed in the face at an apartment complex at 3606 E. Douglas Avenue. KCCI reports Campbell's a black male, 5'3", 160 pounds.