Friday, May 31, 2013

Another Dem Considering Governor's Race

Iowa Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal says he's considering making a run for Governor, and will should have his mind made up by the end of the summer. He addressed the issue in a taping of "Iowa Press." KCCI reports even though he hasn't said so, Gov. Branstad's expected to run for re-election. One other democrat, Des Moines' Sen. Jack Hatch, says he's seriously looking at running.

No More Paying by Check at Kum and Go

With fewer people using them and for faster service, convenience store chain Kum and Go, will stop accepting checks at all of its locations as of July 1st. Signs have gone up in all of its stores notifying customers of the change. A company spokesperson says the number of customers paying by check has dropped 75% since 2007, and now represent less than 1% of customers.

Story Blogged at 05-31-13 15:46 by djennings

No More Paying by Check at Kum and Go

With fewer people using them and for faster service, convenience store chain Kum and Go, will stop accepting checks at all of its locations as of July 1st. Signs have gone yup in all of its stores notifying customers of the change. A company spokesperson says the number of customers paying by check has dropped 75% since 2007, and now represent less than 1% of customers.

Sex Assault Reported on AIB Des Moines Campus

Des Moines PD are investigating after a 19-year-old AIB College of Business students reports she was sexually assaulted on campus Monday. KCCI reports the victim says a man followed her into an Activities Center equipment room, fondled her and exposed himself. The victim reportedly has information on the suspect who she says applied for a coaching job at the school.

Fleur Drive May Not Have to Close

The Raccoon River isn't rising as fast as forecast, so closing Fleur Drive may be delayed or not be needed. The Raccoon was at 16.35 feet at Fleur earlier this afternoon, and forecasts call for it to crest at 16.6 feet tomorrow before leveling off and staring to recede. It starts crossing the roadway at 17.2 feet. Right now, one lane is open each way on Fleur.

High Water Means Closings Around Saylorville Lake

Rising water at Saylorville Lake has forced the Army Corps of Engineers to close some boat ramps and beaches. WHO-TV reports that includes boat ramps at Cherry Glen(lower), Lakeview Main, Lincoln Access, and Sandpiper are all closed. The Oak Grove and Sandpiper beaches are also closed and part of Neal Smith Trail will close tomorrow because of high water.

Thursday, May 30, 2013

WDM PD Bust Naked Travel Trailer Man

West Des Moines PD got an odd call Tuesday. They say the woman called to report there was a naked many sleeping inside a travel trailer in her driveway. The West Des Moines Patch reports while the woman was talking with 911, she saw the man leaving wrapped in a towel. The unidentified 53-year old appeared incoherent to a responding officer, and was busted and charged with trespassing.

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Flooding Problems in Des Moines

The Raccoon River's already spilled into Water Works Park and is expected to rise another three feet before cresting tomorrow morning. WHO-TV reports Fleur Drive is still open, but several roads and parks are already seeing orange barricades. Carney Park, Prospect Park, and the west side of the Principal Riverwalk are closed until further notice.

Is Michael Klunder Tied to Last Summers Evansdale Murders?

Evansdale's Police Chief says he hopes to know next week whether sex offender Michael Klunder is linked to the kidnapping and murder of Lyric Cook and Elizabeth Collins last July. Kent Smock says they're trying to retrace Klunder's steps from early July, through his phone records and other data. Klunder killed himself last week after kidnapping two girls in Dayton.

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

13 Counties Get Disaster Declaration

Gov. Branstad has issued a disaster proclamation for 13 Iowa counties due to recent storms and flooding. KCCI reports the counties covered are: Buena Vista, Butler, Cherokee, Floyd, Ida, Iowa, Jasper, Mahaska, Marshall, Plymouth, Sioux, Tama and Wright. Assistance will include help with removing debris and wreckage.

Monday, May 27, 2013

Complaints Close Mile Long Bridge

The Polk Count Sheriff's Office says driver complaints have led them to shut down the Mile Long Bridge near Polk City indefinitely. A department spokesperson says the complaints were about the bridge swaying. The bridge will stay closed until a Department of Transportation crew can inspect it. There's no word on when that will happen.

Suspect Busted in Weekend Des Moines Shooting

Des Moines Police say a 39-year old man was arrested after a shooting Friday night. The victim, 24-year old Josh Stoll, had surgery after getting hit in the groin with a blast from a shotgun. KCCI reported witnesses say that Stoll and Patrick Shehan were having an argument, when Shehan got a shotgun form his car.

Meeting on Kathlynn Shepard Search Tomorrow

State and local authorities are expected to meet tomorrow to decide what's next in the search for 15-year old Kathlynn Shepard. KCCI reports Iowa DNR officers continued to search the Des Moines river today for any sign of the teen. The man who kidnapped her last Monday near a bus stop in Dayton killed himself shortly after another girl grabbed the same day escaped.

Sunday, May 26, 2013

2013 Desiring of the Arts Festival next Saturday

Get ready for the 2013 Desiring the Arts Festival next Saturday at McSweeny's School of the Performing Arts. The concert will consist of a variety of musical styles and some original works. Concert proceeds go to the McSweeny-Buhr Scholarship for the Arts, which is for graduating high school students pursuing further education/training towards a career in the arts. Advance tickets can be purchased at the Michael G. Buhr Agency - American Family Insurance at 812 N. 15th St., and cost $5 students and $10 adults.

Chriistopher's features Zabel menu items

As you know, Iowa broadcasting legend Jim Zabel passed away this week whle preparing for his current radio show. He was 91. In his spare time he could often be found at the Beaverdale Italian restaurant Christopher's and management wants to recognize not only Zabel's contribution to radio, television, and Iowa pop culture, but also his loyalty to their establishment. So, it was decided that Christopher's would offer a special menu in Zabel's honor, featuring some of his menu favorites. The restaurant plans on running the special menu for about a week

2013 Iowa Farm Enrviromental Leader Awards looking for nominees

Iowa leaders are calling for nominations for the 2013 Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Awards. Nominations are due by June 15. Nominated farmers should have made environmental stewardship a priority on their farm and adopted best management practices throughout their farming operation.The recipients will be recognized at the Iowa State Fair on Aug. 15.The award was created last year, when 67 Iowa farm families were recognized.

Grundy Fair needs King and Queen


Attention teenagers, the 2013 Grundy County Fair is again sponsoring a Grundy County King and Queen Contest. And are looking for candidates. The Queen will go on to represent the county at the Iowa State Fair in August. Candidates must be between 16 and 21, reside in the county they represent, must never have been married or have had children and each candidate must be an active member of at least one service organization in the community. The King and Queen must be available for activities throughout the week of the Grundy County Fair, July 22 -27th.Please contact Linda Bennett before July 6, 2013 by email at flbennett@gcmuni.net or by phone at 319-825-3686 or 319-231-5769.

Saturday, May 25, 2013

Iowa Bridges Deficient



In light of the bridge collapse in Washington State this week, new questions have been raised about the safety of bridges throughout the state. Scott Neubauer, engineer with the Iowa Department of Transportation, says 21 percent of the state's bridges are structurally deficient. Neubauer says that the bridges go through strict inspections, and will be closed immediately if they are found unsafe.

Man shot last night around 8p


A man apparently was shot in the groin after an argument Friday night on Des Moines' east side. The extent of the victim's injuries wasn't immediately known. The shooter drove away from the 4100 block of Mattern Avenue and was not immediately located. Witnesses say they heard a girl scream followed by a gun shot and some saw a man lying on the ground. It remains under investigation.

Harkin's papers to Drake

Drake University to get a gift from Senator Tom Harkin---all his professional papers of his nearly 40 years in congress will be donated to the University. The papers are of value because of Harkin's policy achievements and expertise on agriculture, health care and social issues. Harkin has said he is going to retire and not seek reelection in 2014.

Friday, May 24, 2013

Nurse Assaulted by Prison Inmate

A nurse working at the Iowa State Penitentiary was hurt this morning in an inmate assault. The Des Moines Register reports the inmate's 44-year old Mark Gear, who's serving time for assault and attempted murder. The nurse was treated and released for injuries to her face and arm. The Lee County Attorney's office will get the results of an investigation for possible criminal charges.

Thursday, May 23, 2013

DM Waterworks Asks for Conservation

Even though drought conditions throughout Iowa are improving, Des Moines Water Works is asking its residential and commercial customers to manage seasonal irrigation after finding historic nitrate concentrations in the Raccoon and Des Moines Rivers. WHO-TV reports if they can't meet current demand they'll have to use both rivers, and may not be able to remove nitrate in a way that keeps up with water demand.

More Info on Shepard Kidnapping

Iowa DCI says the search continues for 15-year old Kathlynn Shepard, after her blood was found at a location where she and a 12-year old were taken after they were kidnapped Monday. Authorities aren't saying anything about how much blood was found. The search has been expanded to 10-miles north and northwest of rural Dayton.

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Police recover backpacks of Iowa girls kidnapped

Investigators searching for Kathlynn Shepard, a 15-year-old Iowa girl who was abducted this week, have recovered her backpack along with one belonging to a 12-year-old who escaped from the kidnapper.

The Iowa Department of Public Safety said a search team of police and dogs found the backpacks Tuesday afternoon.

Kathlynn and the 12-year-old girl were abducted Monday by 42-year-old Michael Klunder while walking home from school in Dayton. The backpacks were found in a rural area, several miles south of a hog confinement where the girls were taken.

Klunder was found dead of self-inflicted injuries hours after the 12-year-old escaped, authorities say.

According to police, Klunder has a long criminal history and was ordered for sex offender treatment when he was a teenager, and residents are now questioning why he was not in prison and locked up for treatment.

Bremer County Sheriff Dan Pickett says it's unfortunate Klunder "was able to walk the streets." Cerro Gordo County Sheriff Kevin Pals called Klunder "a creep" who once kidnapped a 21-year-old woman and two 3-year-old girls.

Police are continuing to search for Kathlynn, specifically around Dayton, about 60 miles north of Des Moines.

Investigators have also released an image of Kathlynn exiting a school bus, shortly before her abduction.

Iowa House passes bill to help new businesses

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - Iowa House lawmakers have approved a $50 million credit to be used to lure new businesses to the state and to help others expand. Today's vote passed 94-1. The measure increases the total tax credit limit that the Iowa Economic Development Authority can offer businesses to $170 million.

Wis. gov. looking to Iowa for help in possible Presidential bid

MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker plans to court Iowa Republicans this week, suggesting he might be seeking a much bigger prize than re-election next year. The Republican governor's courting of out-of-state donors and conservatives has many believing he's considering a possible run for the White House in 2016.

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

WDM Interim Supt. Interviews Tomorrow

West Des Moines' school board will be interview the candidates foe the job of interim school superintendent tomorrow morning. WHO-TV reports the finalists are Hillside Elementary principal Dr. Robert Davis and associate superintendent Dr. Lisa Remy. The board needs an interim superintendent after parting ways with Dr. Peter Ansingh who still had a year to go on his contract.

DM PD Arrest Bank Robbery Suspect

Des Moines police say they've arrested a suspect in two bank robberies. KCCI reports Beau Peterson of Altoona was arrested at an Ankeny hotel yesterday. He was taken in for questioning, and today Des Moines PD charged him with two counts of first-degree robbery. One robbery was at West Bank yesterday, the other April 23rd at Community State Bank

Monday, May 20, 2013

Polk County Courthouse Complex Plans Unveiled

Polk County supervisors are expected to vote in the next few weeks to put a courthouse building project on the ballot for voter approval in November. The Des Moines Register reports the only question if supervisors will ask for $8.1 million in one shot or ask for it three smaller pieces. Plans for the project, in four stages over 8-years, were unveiled this morning. The first phase is moving Polk County prosecutors into the former Wellmark office building.

Branstad Names New Head of Veterans Affairs Department

Retired Col. Robert King is the new head of Iowa's Department of Veterans Affairs. King, named by Gov. Branstad today, fills the post vacated when Gen. Jodi Tymeson was named the new Chief Operating Officer of the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown. WHO-TV reports King retired in 2004 after 36 years in the Iowa National Guard

Nollen Plaza Could Get New Name Tonight

The Des Moines City Council is expected to review a plan to rename Nollen Plaza tonight. Des Moines Performing Arts Board is redeveloping the park, and they're asking the city to change the name to Cowles Commons. KCCI reports the $9 million renovation plan was approved two weeks ago. The park's across the street from the Civic Center.

Friday, May 17, 2013

Scouting Officials Here Oppose Openly Gay Scouts

Some Boy Scout leaders in our area are opposed to a proposal to change membership to allow openly gay scouts. Opponents say it would put 17-year-old scouts in an awkward situation as they approach their 18th birthdays. The Boy Scouts' National Council will vote on the proposal next Thursday in Texas.

Infrastructure Bill Goes to Branstad

State lawmakers have approved about $77 million in infrastructure spending to help maintain state buildings and public land. The bill goes to Gov. Branstad. Among the projects the money will cover is restoring lakes and enhancing trail networks. ABC5 reports most of the funds will come from the Rebuild Iowa Infrastructure Fund, which gets money from gambling revenue.

CarlilseHigh ands Elemantary School Evacuated Over Threatening Note

Administrators ordered an evacuation of the high school in Carlisle this afternoon after students found a threatening note in the boys bathroom. The threat was specific to the high school, students, and staff. Officials also evacuated the elementary school, and the middle school and the district's elementary school in Hartford were put on lockdown as a precaution.

2-Teen Carjack Suspects to be Tried as Adults

A judge's decided the two 15-year old boys facing juvenile charges in a February Des Moines carjacking will be tried as adults. Mike Wasike was dragged out of his car and beaten so severely that he is still hospitalized. According to KCCI, Terrance Cheeks and Leshaun Murray will have their first appearance in adult court May 28th.

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Teen Busted for Smoke Bomb Prank at High School

A senior at Southeast Polk High School's in hot water over a senior prank that authorities didn't fin very funny. KCCI reports a smoke bomb was set off in one of the schools men's rest rooms. Pleasant Hill Police say 18-year old Jason Boothroyd admitted setting off the device. He's been arrested and charged with reckless use of fire or an incendiary device.

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

DM PD Investigate Backwards Car Crash

A car's trunk was almost completely wrapped around a utility pole after a crash this afternoon at Douglas Avenue and 57th Street. KCCI reports witnesses have told Des Moines PD the woman driving the car had been speeding backwards for almost three blocks before the crash. 45-year old Miriam Setaro may have had a medical problem that caused the crash. The crash remains under investigation.

Witnesses Say Speed Factor in Cycle Crash

Witnesses say a motorcycle rider was speeding before rear ending a car yesterday afternoon at the intersection of Hickman and Prospect Road. WHO-TV reports 53-year old William Sears of Des Moines was taken to Methodist Medical Center. Paramedics say Sears had big cuts to his stomach and chest. Hospital officials haven't released his condition, but Des Moines PD say Sears is still in the hospital.

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Dog Fight Sends Woman to the Hospital

DES MOINES -- Chris Dawson, of Des Moines, fights back tears when he talks about his Terrier Oden.

"They said he would lose his right leg if they kept him alive, so we said just put him to sleep," Dawson said Monday.


Dawson was at work when the incident happened. His 70-year-old mother Marge Ramsey was out in their backyard around 9 a.m. on Monday with their Terrier. That's when neighbors and police say Marcus Harris and Julius Manson's six-month-old Pit Bull mix came running out of their yard and attacked them.

"She said she was kicking him and everything trying to get him to let go of her dog," said Neighbor Melvin Anspach. "He wouldn't let go so she tried to grab his mouth and he bit her. I know there were two fingers … that were all torn up."

Marge was taken to Lutheran Hospital and received stitches and her dog Oden was rushed to the emergency vet where it had to be put to sleep.

"They are both tame, mellow dogs and then you got the next door neighbor's vicious dogs that run loose and they never take care of them," said Dawson.

Neighbors say they have had problems with Harris's dogs before. They are often caught running around the streets without a leash and coming into their backyards.

We have had to call on them several times running…I mean everybody has called about those dogs running and all kinds of troubles over there. He is always in trouble," said Anspach.

Police are charging Harris and Manson with the misdemeanor crime and their dog was taken by animal control and will likely be put to sleep as well.

According to Des Moines City Ordinance Code, if you have a pit bull you must always keep it on a leash as well as have insurance on the dog. The owners of this pit didn't have either.

Cougar reported on northeast side of Oskaloosa

OSKALOOSA, Iowa (AP) - Authorities say officers couldn't find a mountain lion that was reported on the northeast side of Oskaloosa in south-central Iowa.

The Oskaloosa Police Department says it was notified about the sighting about 3 p.m. on Saturday. Two residents reported seeing the animal head north.

Officers who responded were unable to find the animal.

Experts say mountain lion reports have become more and more common as their numbers climb in the Plains and the animals seek new territory. One was shot and killed in October on the north side of Des Moines.

They also are called cougars, pumas, panthers or catamounts.

Monday, May 13, 2013

Metro Police Have Gun And Ammo Take Backs This Week

Urbandale, Clive, Windsor Heights and West Des Moines police are holding a gun and ammunition take back Wednesday, at Urbandale PD from 3 to 7p.m. Anyone bringing in a gun or ammo will have to show id. You should have the weapon unloaded and in your trunk. Ankeny, Des Moines, Johnston, Mitchellville and Pleasant Hill Police host the same event at their respective headquarters Friday from noon to 6p.m.

Hatch Considering Run for Governor

Democratic State Sen. Jack Hatch is seriously considering a run for governor next year. KCCI reports Hatch filed paperwork with the Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board to change his campaign committee to reflect that he is considering running for governor a few weeks ago. He says he'll make a formal announcement of what he's going to after the legislative session ends.

WDM School Baord Talks Superintendent Transition Tonight

West Des Moines School Board tonight will take up how they plan to bring in a new school superintendent after they fired Peter Ansingh last week. The Des Moines Register reports there's been no word on whether or not they will name an interim superintendent. It could cost the district $270,000 between severance for Ansingh and the search for his replacement.

Friday, May 10, 2013

Independent Counsel Named for Sorensen Investigation

Iowa's Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark Cady's appointed an Mark Weinhardt as independent special counsel to determine if Iowa senator Kent Sorenson broke ethics rules. WHO-TV reports Sorenson's accused of taking money for working on Michele Bachmann’s presidential campaign. Ethics rules bar state senators from taking payments so it doesn’t appear the candidate can gain their support through a job.

Charges Dropped in Dalasta Case

Kevin Dalasta won't stand trial for the deaths of 2-children in an Ankeny car crash in 2010. A judge ruled today that Delasta is permanently disabled, and because of that all charges against him have been dropped. Dalasta, who allegedly ran a stop sign and hit a minivan killing the two children faced 2-counts of vehicular homicide and 2-counts of serious injury by vehicle.

WDM Man Charged in String of Metro Robberies

39-year old Joshua Eden of West Des Moines is charged with 3-counts of first degree robbery for a several holdups in the Des Moines Metro. Clive and Wes Des Moines detectives tell KCCI that could change as they keep looking into additional robberies in West Des Moines and Clive between March and this month. Eden's in the Polk County Jail on $75,000 bail.

Judge Upholds DOT Worker Suspension for Inappropriate Emails

In a decision released today, a judge has upheld the paid suspension of a long-time DOT employee who sent inappropriate emails to colleagues, including one that depicted a woman's genitalia. KCCI reports 52-year-old Ilo Allen, was first suspended for sending more than 50 inappropriate emails from his personal email account to work emails of some subordinates. Allen says he didn't know the emails violated state policy.

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Dalasta Due in Polk County Court Tomorrow

Kevin Dalasta's supposed to appear at the Polk County Courthouse tomorrow morning. He's the Ankeny man facing two counts of vehicular homicide. Police say Dalasta ran a stop sign and slammed into a van. 2-children in the van, a 5-year old boy and a 5-month old girl, were killed. Dalasta's pleaded not guilty.

Bauder Pharmacy Drug License Stays Revoked

Iowa's Pharmacy Board voted unanimously today not to reverse the revocation of the controlled substances license of Bauder Pharmacy. Charges were brought last May against Bauder and Pharmacist Mark Graziano after an audit turned up over 740,000 missing hydrocodone painkillers. The Board determined Bauder's not a secure environment for controlled substances.

Body Found Near Polk/Story County Line

The Polk County Sheriff's Office is investigating after a man was found dead today. KCCI reports the County Medical Examiner and deputies are at the scene in the area off Northeast 166th Avenue about 7 miles southeast of Cambridge near the Polk/Story county line. A sheriff's spokesperson says the body was found by a friend of the deceased. An autopsy's planned to determine how he died.

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Father charged in elementary school gun incident

Charges have been filed Wednesday against an Iowa father after his 8-year-old son took a handgun to school.

The gun was found at Lawson Elementary in Johnston at 5450 Northwest 62nd Avenue about 11:50 a.m. No staff or student were hurt.

Police said the student's father was called to the school to meet with officials. Investigators said they determined that the student brought the gun to school from home.


Louis Friestad, 31, was charged with child endangerment and a gun law violation for making a gun available to someone under the age of 21 (Iowa Code 724.22).


Investigators said they took possession of other weapons found in the home that were not properly secured. The case has also been referred to the Department of Human Services.

Miscellaneous spending bill heads back to House

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - A multifaceted spending bill will likely move to a negotiating committee after the Iowa Senate declined to agree to a number of contentious policy proposals.

Lawmakers in the Democratic-controlled Senate rejected the version of the so-called standings bill on Tuesday that previously passed the Republican-majority House.

The House version had added new policies, including a proposal that would change collective bargaining rules.

The so-called standings legislation is traditionally viewed as the last opportunity to move legislation before the session ends. Senate Republicans failed to add a controversial policy requiring photo ID be presented at the polls.

The bill now moves back to the House, but given the differences between the sides, it is expected to soon move to a negotiating committee where lawmakers from both chambers will seek a compromise.

Some Iowa July 4th picnics may lack sweet corn

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Some traditional July Fourth picnics may be missing a favorite menu item this year: sweet corn.

Iowa’s relatively cold, wet spring has delayed the plants’ development.

Farmer Ray Christenson, of Grimes, told The Des Moines Register that he might have a few ears ready a day or two before Independence Day, but he says he’s betting that most of his corn won’t be ready until days later.

Ron Deardorff, of Adel, says he planted on his normal schedule, but the low temperatures soon stopped the corn from sprouting as quickly as it would in warmer weather.

He estimated his corn is “quite a ways behind, maybe a week or two.”

Some Iowa July 4th picnics may lack sweet corn

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Some traditional July Fourth picnics may be missing a favorite menu item this year: sweet corn.

Iowa’s relatively cold, wet spring has delayed the plants’ development.

Farmer Ray Christenson, of Grimes, told The Des Moines Register that he might have a few ears ready a day or two before Independence Day, but he says he’s betting that most of his corn won’t be ready until days later.

Ron Deardorff, of Adel, says he planted on his normal schedule, but the low temperatures soon stopped the corn from sprouting as quickly as it would in warmer weather.

He estimated his corn is “quite a ways behind, maybe a week or two.”

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Trial Delayed for Couple Accused of Locking Kids in Basement

With talks on a plea deal still underway, a Polk County judge granted a prosecution request to delay the until September the trial of Paul and JoAnn Drake. They face charges of felony false imprisonment and neglect or abandonment of a dependent person. The couple were busted last November for allegedly locking their 13-year old daughter and 14-year old son in the basement of their home for up to three days at a time.

Boone Cty Man Convicted of Murdering Wife

A Boone County Joshua Powell of first degree murder for the death of his wife last October. WHO-TV reports Powell will be sentenced in June. The mandatory sentence for first degree murder is life in prison. Prosecutors say Powell strangled his wife to death during an argument and didn't call authorities until the following day.

Johnston Community School District 2nd Grader Brings Gun to School

A spokesperson for the Johnston Community School District says a 2nd grader brought a gun to Lawson Elementary School today. KCCI reports school officials seized the weapon as soon as they were made aware of it. The youngster parent was notified and the issue was turned over to local police. Johnston's Police Chief says charges against the 8-year old boys parents are a possibility.

Monday, May 6, 2013

Reward Offered in Shooting Outside Big Earl's Gold Mine

Polk County Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information that leads to an arrest in the murder early April 28th of 23-year old Reginald Bryan, Jr. outside Big Earl's Gold MIne, a Des Moines strip club. If you have information, call 223-1400, send a text message to 274637 that begins with ‘PCCS,’ or go to www.polkcountycrimestoppers.org.

Friday, May 3, 2013

State Must Issue Birth Certificate Listing Both Parents in Same-Sex Marriage

The Iowa Supreme Court's ruled the state Health Department to issue a new birth certificate, listing the names of both spouses in a same-sex relationship on a child’s birth certificate. Heather and Melissa Gartner of Des Moines, sued after the department listed only Heather as a parent of their daughter on the girl’s birth certificate in 2009.

Blank Park Zoo Opening New Exhibits

Blank Park Zoo will open its new Jaame Kwa Africa exhibit tomorrow. The 3-acre exhibit will be home to two rhinos, ostrich and kori bustards. Another part of the $4.5-million exhibit which will include giraffes, will open later this summer. The zoo says work continues on a new building for the penguins and Aldabra tortoises. Construction will start soon on a new camel exhibit.

Judge Will Decide if DM School Board Violated Open Meetings Law

A Polk County District Court judge will listen to the audio recording of a closed meeting of Des Moines School Board last year in which the early resignation of Superintendent Nancy Sebring was accepted. KCCI reports the judge found there's enough reason to believe the meeting shouldn't have been held behind closed doors. No word on when the judge will rule on whether the board violated the state open meetings law.

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Dolwing High Students in Trouble Over Pop Bottle Bombs

West Des Moines Police say 10-students from Dowling High School are in trouble after they set off several pop bottle bombs at a West Des Moines home Friday. The 14- and 15-year-olds face several criminal charges after the bottle bombs damaged the garage door at a home near 56th and Cody Drive. The case is in the hands of the resource officer at Dowling High School.

Warren County Casino Plan Attracts Voter Attention

Authorities say the proposed casino vote has Warren County voters turning out in record numbers. County Auditor Traci VanderLinden tells the Des Moines Register over 2,000 ballots have been cast, on the proposal for a $145-million casino, hotel, events center. As of today, over 3,188 of the county’s 33,058 registered voters had requested absentee ballots. The special election on the casino proposal is Tuesday.

Judge to Decide If AllegedTeen Carjackers Will Be Tried as Adults

A judge says the two 15-year-olds accused of carjacking a 36-year old Des Moines man and beating him so badly that he's been unresponsive since February, will stay in juvenile detention while the court decides if they'll be tried as adults. Both have been charged with first degree robbery. A 16-year old, has already been charged as an adult in the same incident.

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Two Students Face Charges for Prairie City School Bomb Threats

Two students face charges after bomb threats at Prairie City schools. A 10-year old boy told Prairie City Police he wrote a bomb threat note found at Prairie City Elementary this morning. The Des Moines Register reports another threat note was found at a Prairie City middle school, and police say a 13-year old girl's admitted writing it. Both will be charged with false reports of an incendiary or explosive device and will be referred to juvenile services.

New Firehouse Opens in Downtown Des Moines

Des Moines officials dedicated a new firehouse in downtown today. The new station's at 1330 Mulberry Street on the southwest side. The new station replaces the one at 900 Mulberry Street, which is being turned into a new home for the Des Moines Social Club. KCCI reports it's the second new fire station to open in the past 6 months.