Friday, June 28, 2013

Pleasant Hill Man to Face Fed Child Porn Charges

Pleasant Hill Police are turning over their child pornography case against 48-year-old Paul Hildreth to the FBI.
Hildreth allegedly possessed images and video of containing minors engaging in sexual acts. KCCI reports police say in federal court, Hildreth could face up to 10 years in prison for each of the more than 1 million pictures found on his hard drives. Investigators say the porn stash dwarfs anything ever found in Iowa.

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Dental Office Lawsuit

USA Today reports the Iowa Supreme Court's withdrawn the unanimous opinion it issued in the case of Melissa Nelson. She's the woman fired from her job with a Webster County dentist after 10-years because she was too attractive and that she's a big threat to his marriage. Nelson's getting another shot at her sexual discrimination lawsuit.

National HIV Test Day

Today's National HIV Testing Day, when you're encouraged to get tested and verify your status. WHO-TV reports a million people nationwide are living with HIV, but experts say one in five don't know they have it. You can get tested at the Polk County Health Department in Des Moines. WHO-TV reports HIV rapid tests are available to County residents for $5, $20 for people living outside the county.

Streets Closed for DM Arts Fest

Some downtown Des Moines streets have closed for the Des Moines Arts Festival in the Western Gateway Park area. The streets are Locust from 16th to 10th, Grand from 11th to 16th, 15th from Ingersoll to the alley south of Locust, 12th from Walnut to High, 13th from Grand to Walnut, and 14th from Grand to Linden. Those street reopen Monday morning at 5:30.

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Machete Standoff Over Dog Ends in Arrest

Des Moines PD have a man in custody after a short standoff in the 6200 block of S. Union. Animal Control went to the home to collect a dog that bit a child. The officer was chased away by 35-year old Brian Case, who they say had a machete. He locked himself in the house, but WHO-TV reports they were able to get him out when family members arrived. They also removed the dog.

Statewide Seat Belt Enforcement to Start July1st

The Governor's Traffic Safety Bureau and law enforcement statewide plan extra patrols during the July 4th holiday. They want to make sure everyone's buckled up. The stepped up enforcement's scheduled for July 1st through the 7th. Buckling up raises your chance of survival in a crash by 50%. The seat belt violation will cost you $127.50.

Shooting Kills Des Moines Man

Des Moines police are investigating a murder this afternoon at a home in the 900 block of Frazier Avenue. KCCI reports a 20-year old Des Moines man died at Medical Center. Investigators don't have a description of any suspects. They do say a purple or dark blue van with gold accents was seen leaving the area at the time of the shooting.

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Norden Hall Moving to a New Home and Life

An historic century old Des Moines row house is going to be moving. Norden Hall, at 709 E. Locust, will be moved from the statehouse complex to 425 E. Grand Ave., where a parking lot is now. The location is next to the Blazing Saddle. KCCI reports the building's new owner plans to put a restaurant on the first floor, and office space above.

Monday, June 24, 2013

New Detail in Evansdale Girls Kidnapping

Investigators in the murders of Lyric Cook and Elizabeth Collins say they believe a full size white SUV was in the area where the two girls disappeared last July 13th in Evansdale. The girls bodies were found in a Bremer County wildlife area several months later. KCCI reports Investigators hope this information will get them closer to whoever kidnapped and killed the two girls.

Friday, June 21, 2013

Branstad Line Item Veto's

Gov. Branstad's been busy with the line item veto, cutting over $100 million from the 2013-14 state budget. He cut $91 million for the Peace Officers’ Retirement Fund, the primary pension plan for the Iowa State Patrol and other state law enforcement officials. Lawmakers added it to shore up a plan that's about 61% funded. Branstad says funding pension shortfalls “should not be borne only by taxpayers of the state.”

Fort Dodge American Red Cross Break In

There was a lot of cleaning up to do after a break in this morning at the American Red Cross office in Fort Dodge. KCCI reports thieves got in by smashing the front office window with a piece of concrete. A laptop and flat screen TV are gone, and whoever broke in added vandalism by pouring bleach throughout the office space as well as setting off a fire extinguisher.

Operation Dry Water Starts Next Friday

A week from today's the start of Operation Dry Water. It's an effort to make people aware of how dangerous boating under the influence can be. The operation runs from June 28th to the 30th. The legal limit for operating a boat is the same as a car, .08. Officers will not only be more visible they'll also be doing check points and breath testing.

Gray's Lake Closed Due to High Bacteria Levels

Gray's Lake has been closed for swimming, boating, and fishing due to above normal bacteria levels. Des Moines officials tell WHO-TV the trails and the rest of the park are open as normal. Officials say the high bacteria levels are due to recent flooding. The lake will reopen when the levels are back down to a safe level.

Trial Date Set for Johnston Man Whose Son Brought Gun to School

August 21st's the date for the start of Louis Friestad's trial. The 31-year old Johnston man's charged with child neglect and making a gun available to a minor, after his 8-year old son was suspended from Lawson Elementary last month when he went to school with a semi automatic handgun. Johnston PD say Friestad left the handgun and other weapons unsecured in the family home.

Microsoft wants another Iowa data center

Microsoft plans on building a massive data center in Iowa.

The state continues attracting some of the biggest technology companies looking to expand their computer processing and storage abilities.

Microsoft wants to spend six-hundred-seventy-million dollars on another West Des Moines data center.

The company wants twenty-million dollars in tax credits to create thirty jobs.

Microsoft, Facebook, and Google have chosen Iowa for data centers. Microsoft's total investment for this new project may exceed one-billion dollars.

Industry consultants say Iowa offers lots of inexpensive electricity and policies that alleviate millions of dollars in property and sales taxes.

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Arrests in DM Metro Car Break Ins

Two people have been arrested by Des Moines police in their investigation of vehicle break ins at fitness centers, daycare centers, and rec areas across the metro. WHO-TV reports the suspects are 33-year-old Kyle Krug of Mason City and 26-year-old Amanda Earp of Ankeny. Police say the break-ins happened Des Moines, Ankeny, Clive, West Des Moines, and Mason City. They face multiple charges.

Tobacco Store Robbers Take Cash and Surveillance System

Des Moines PD say two masked men robbed the Tobacco Outlet store in the 3400 block of SW 9th Street this morning. KCCI reports a clerk was disarming the alarm system when two men demanded he open the door. One of the suspects was armed. The suspects got about $6,000 from the safe, took lottery tickets and cigarettes as well as the video surveillance system.

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

DM on Best Cities List to be Young Broke and Single

Des Moines ranked No. 8 in the country on a list of Best Cities in America to be Young, Broke and Single. www.moneyunder30.com drew up the list based on cities with "cheap food, cheap beer and cheap thrills, for starters." Survey markers included number of bars, jobless rate, cost of living and number of single people 18-44.

Woman Charged with Assaulting Firefighters

A woman believed to have overdosed on mushrooms assaulted two firefighters who were trying to take her to Methodist Medical Center last night. KCCI reports police say 18-year old Erika Parker allegedly punched one in the face and bit the other on the arm. Parker was handcuffed and taken directly to the Polk County Jail and charged with assault.

Monday, June 17, 2013

Judge Asked to Toss Charges Against Des Moines Doctor

Attorneys have asked a Polk County judge to toss involuntary manslaughter charges against Daniel Baldi, a Des Moines Doctor. prosecutors allege he over-prescribed pain medications to patients who died. Baldi's attorneys say four of the patients had no medications prescribed by Baldi in their systems when they died, four others had drugs at or below therapeutic levels, and two didn't use them as prescribed.

Iowa Corn Crop Not Doing Well

The latest USDA crop reports says Iowa's cornfields haven't fared well with wet spring. According to KCCI, 4% is in poor condition, 34% fair, and 50% good to excellent. 11% of the corn crop isn't out of the ground, and 6% of the crop hasn't been planted. The norm for this time of year is 100% planted and 99% above ground.

Vigil Tonight for Ankeny Teen Killed Friday

Friends and family are holding a candle light vigil tonight for 18-year-old Emily Hazelbaker. Ankeny Police say she was shot and killed Friday night. WHO-TV reports her 51-year old father has been charged with involuntary manslaughter and assault for intentionally pointing a weapon at her. He says he didn't know the weapon was loaded. The vigil starts at 9 at Haines Park in Altoona.

Friday, June 14, 2013

Alleged Gang Member Bond Hiked in Attempted Carjacking Case

A teen gang member charged in a brutal February carjacking will have to come up with $500,000 in cash or surety and submit to electronic monitoring to be released on bond. Terrance Cheecks, Jr.'s bond was raised today. He's one of three teens facing felony robbery charges in two attempted carjackings in February. One of the two drivers is still hospitalized with permanent brain damage.

Polk County Mobile Speed Cameras Start Operating Monday

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office mobile speed cameras will start operating Monday. The cameras are in sheriff SUV’s similar to the one used by the city of Des Moines. WHO-TV reports warnings will be issued for the first 30-days, after that you'll get tickets starting at $65 for 11 mph or more over the speed limit. Unit locations will be posted on the sheriff's website and social media.

ATV Rider Killed in Car Crash

Des Moines PD investigating of a crash between 2 cars and an ATV last night at E. 26th and Lyon. The ATV rider, 29-year old Daniel Halterman, was thrown about 20-feet and died at a hospital. Police say the ATV blew a stop sign and was broadsided by a car. The ATV kept going and was hit by the second car. The drivers of the cars aren't considered at fault, but one driver was cited for no insurance and a suspended license.

More Phony Bills Found in Des Moines

More counterfeit cash is showing up in Des Moines. Police say an employee at New 2 U Consignments and Stuff found two bogus $10 bills after marking them with a detector pen. Police tell KCCI the two bulls had the same serial number and had no other security features. Another fake $10 was spotted at a McDonald's Wednesday.

Thursday, June 13, 2013

DM PD Pin Truck to Tree in Water Works Arboretum Chase

DM Police were forced to push a truck into a tree this afternoon in the Water Works Arboretum. KCCI reports an officer tried to do a traffic stop on the unidentified suspect who they say was driving recklessly. Instead of stopping, the driver took off into the park. Police pinned the car against a tree. The suspect faces several charges including DUI.

Suspect Busted After Early Morning DM Gunfire

Des Moines PD have mad an arrest after a homeowner reports shots fired outside their property in the 1400 block of Idaho Street just before 1A.M. Police stopped a car matching a description from the property owner minutes later, and arrested 25-year old Michael Walker. WHO-TV reports he's charged with intimidation with a dangerous weapon and possession of a weapon as a felon.

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Cable Fault Leads to Manhole Problems Downtown

Power went back on late this morning for several MidAmerican Energy customers along 4th Street between Court and Walnut after the utility says an underground cable failed early this morning. That explosion led to several explosions and flames shooting out of a manhole cover early this morning. Residents of a couple of buildings were evacuated by the activity around 2:30a.m.

5-year Plan Approved for Roadwork Statewide

Iowa's Transportation Commission has approved a $2.6 billion plan for highway construction over the next five years, with most of the money aimed at safety, modernization and maintenance. In Polk County, money will go to finish widening I-35 from 4-to-6 lanes in West Des Moines, improvements to I-35 in Ankeny and the I-80/U.S. Highway 65 interchange in Altoona.

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

John Deere Des Moines Works Expansion Officially Opens

Gov. Branstad and John Deere Chairman and CEO Sam Allen headed the list dignitaries at this mornings ribbon cutting for the expansion of the John Deere Des Moines Works in Ankeny. A company spokesperson says the expansion helped them keep 400 jobs at the plant. The Des Moines Works makes self-propelled sprayers, cotton harvesters, grain drills and tillage equipment.

DM Ranked Best in U.S. for Finding a Job This Summer

Forbes.com has named Des Moines the top city in the country for finding a job this summer. KCCI reports Greater Des Moines Partnership CEO Jay Byers says job growth's been driven by several factors including the Principal Financial renovation, Wells Fargo's expansion in West Des Moines, and the Facebook data center in Altoona.

Monday, June 10, 2013

Branstad Rejects Prison Term Reduction Requests

No. That's what Gov. Branstad said today to the applications of seven inmates in state prisons who'd requested reductions of their sentences. KCCI reports the inmates range in age from 30 to 67, and are serving time for crimes including murder and robbery. Of the 18-years Branstad's been in office, he has commuted prison terms only three times.

East Side Des Moines Residents Not Fans of UP Crossings Closure Plan

Des Moines City Council's got a hearing tonight on a Union Pacific plan to close three east side intersections their tracks cross, so trains can move faster through the city and to cut driver delays at other crossings. WHO-TV reports affected residents are crying foul, saying the closures would cut them off from the rest of the city.

Two Busted for Shooting Last Week in Des Moines

DM PD have arrested 2-people in shootings on the southeast side last week. 24-year old Floyd Ezell, Jr.'s charged in last Wednesdays shooting of Trevon Young at Jordan park. A 17-year old has also been charged in the same incident. No arrests yet in a drive by around the same time on South East 7th Street, but detectives think both shootings are connected.

DM Community Playhouse Gets Big Donation

Des Moines car dealer Gene Gabus and the Gabus Family Foundation have donated $1 million to the Des Moines Community Playhouse. The Des Moines Register reports the Playhouse broke ground this morning on the first phase of its capital campaign, which includes work on their building facade. The Gabus donation brings the Playhouse fundraising to $4.4-million. They're goal is $10-million.

Grays Lake Park is Open Again

Des Moines Parks and Recreation says Gray's Lake Park and its concession stand have reopened. Before the beaches are reopened and watercraft rentals allowed, more water testing needs to be done. Principal Riverwalk is also open and available for public use. You can get updates online at www.dmgov.org.



Friday, June 7, 2013

Branstad's old friendship with Xi may guide Obama

Chances are President Barack Obama won’t chat with Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad before he opens a lengthy and high-profile series of meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping in California today, but it might not be a bad idea.

Branstad has perhaps as close and unique a relationship with the new Chinese leader as any politician in the United States — dating back decades and strengthened by several meetings in just the last two years.

Lucky for Obama, though, experts suggest the U.S. Department of State may have already downloaded Branstad’s interactions with Xi and his impressions of the leader of the world’s most populous nation.

Experts say those are standard protocols when U.S. dignitaries meet with foreign leaders.

“Absolutely, in circumstances like that, either the ambassador or a very senior embassy officer would want to hear the reactions from a governor or state official who is visiting,” said Kenneth M. Quinn, a former U.S. ambassador to Cambodia who now leads the World Food Prize in Des Moines. “And certainly if they’re meeting with the head of state of the country, they’d want to hear a lot.”

Xi assumed the presidency in November, but he and Branstad go back to 1985, when Branstad was serving his first term as governor and Xi visited as part of a sister-state exchange program.

The two have taken to calling one another “old friends” and renewed their relationship in September 2011 when Branstad visited China; again in February 2012 when Xi returned to Iowa; and yet again just two months ago when Branstad led another trade mission to China with Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell and Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker.

Branstad wasn’t available for comment Thursday, but a spokesman re­iterated the connection the two leaders share.

“The Chinese recognize what a special relationship Gov. Branstad has with their leader, and in that area of the world, relationship-building is the most important currency when building trade opportunities,” Branstad spokesman Tim Albrecht said.

Typically, a delegation like the one led by Branstad, McDonnell and Walker might receive an initial briefing at the U.S. embassy, get logistical help in navigating their interactions with the Chinese government and be accompanied to high-level meetings by a State Department note-taker.

The carefully scripted official interactions between leaders are transcribed and scrutinized, but diplomats equally emphasize off-the-cuff remarks that come in more informal settings — during tea or as leaders are walking out the door, Quinn said. The data compiled along the way very well might find its way into a report cabled back to State Department headquarters.

“Everything is thought to be important,” he said.

Ronald K. McMullen, a former U.S. ambassador to Eritrea who’s now a visiting professor at the University of Iowa, added that federal officials may have looked to Branstad for insights on the dynamics of the new Chinese administration — what aides the president relied on for answers to questions, for example.

“Trying to figure out the dynamics of the new Chinese presidential team are perhaps as important or more important than the substantive content of the discussion with the governor from Iowa,” he said.

Branstad’s history with Xi may have made his visit even more interesting to the embassy officials watching from the sidelines.

“It’s a little bit uncommon to have a governor or a member of Congress with a close, personal relationship with the president of the host country,” McMullen said. “What happens typically may not have happened in Gov. Branstad’s visit given the personal connection between the two.”

That connection is authentic, Albrecht said.

“They like each other — it’s not just smile for the cameras, pomp and circumstance,” he said. “They get along really well, and the governor believes that President Xi is very personable.”

Albrecht referred questions on Branstad’s interactions with the State Department to the Iowa Economic Development Authority, which organized the April trade mission to China. Authority spokeswoman Tina Hoffman confirmed that U.S. Embassy staff accompanied the governors to their meeting with Xi.

“It’s very typical for us to work with the local embassies and the State Department ahead of our visits to any country with any official,” she said. “Getting the federal counterparts involved is something that makes sense for us.”

Xi and Obama face many issues that divide the nations. But the scheduled six hours of meetings at the Sunnylands desert retreat in Rancho Mirage, Calif., will probably end up being more about building personal ties during meals and walks.

Though the United States has many items on its agenda, China has signaled no interest in satisfying them.

High on the U.S. agenda will be cybersecurity after several reports of state-sponsored Chinese cyberattacks against U.S. government, commercial and civil organizations. But Beijing denies responsibility and also claims it is the victim of such attacks.

Many analysts expect Xi to talk in broad terms about two of his major political concepts — the “China dream” and the need for a “new type of great power relationship” between the United States and China.

Des Moines’ Alliance Technologies buys company

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Alliance Technologies in Des Moines has bought a communications company, Internet Solver Inc., of Urbandale.

The Des Moines Register says terms haven’t been disclosed.

Alliance officials say the acquisition will let Alliance, an information technology company, offer more products. They include expanded voice service options and Internet phone equipment.

Internet Solver has about 1,400 small and medium-size customers in central Iowa and Omaha, Neb. Its 20 employees in Des Moines will be retained by Alliance, as will five in Omaha.

Alliance also has offices in Cedar Rapids and in Minneapolis and Omaha.

Lawsuits filed over Iowa-assembled electric cars

DES MOINES, Iowa — A Des Moines car dealer has been sued over money paid for distribution rights to electric vehicles that never turned up.

The Des Moines Register reports that Gene Gabus (GAY'-buhs) is accused in court papers of fraudulent misrepresentations.

Court documents say Don Kahan Motors and O'Rourke Motors paid Gabus for distribution rights for Electric Motor Cars. The cars were to be assembled at a plant in Webster City by putting U.S.-made electrical parts into chassis assembled in Romania.

But the finished cars were never delivered, and the two dealers say Gabus hasn't returned their money.

Gabus has declined to comment.

Iowa flooding could lead to bumper crop of mosquitoes

DES MOINES (AP) — A bug expert at Iowa State University says flooding in Iowa could contribute to a bumper crop of mosquitoes in a few weeks.

Entomologist Lyric Bartholomay said mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water and if the temperature is just right the hatchlings are flying around in a matter of days.

Sometimes floods with rapidly moving water can wash away developing mosquitoes, so Bartholomay is uncertain whether huge populations will develop. She said she would know for sure in about two weeks.

She said it was wise to get rid of standing water in flower pots, gutters and bird baths if possible and be sure to cover up with long pants and shirt sleeves when outdoors at dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

Thursday, June 6, 2013

2 Des Moines shootings apparently related

A pair of shootings happened just minutes and blocks apart Wednesday, and Des Moines police said the second round of gunfire was likely in retaliation for the first.

One person was injured in the shootings and a house was pierced by three bullets, police said.

A report of gunfire sent officers to Jordan Park on the city’s southeast side at 2:38 a.m. Wednesday. They found a cartridge casing by a wading pool, a bloody paper towel near the bathrooms and a trail of blood starting south of the park and ending in the 5800 block of Southeast Seventh Court, police said.

Five minutes later, the officers heard gunfire and dispatchers received a call saying someone had shot at a house in the 4700 block of Southeast Seventh Street.

Three bullets had struck the home and two had entered the house, landing in the entryway and an upstairs bathroom. Officers found seven cartridge casings in the street.

Shortly after that, an 18-year-old arrived at Mercy Medical Center with gunshot wounds to his ankle and wrist, police said.

Several people told police conflicting stories. But based on evidence at the scene and statements from witnesses, the shooting victim and a teenage boy inside the house that was shot at, police think this is what happened:

A fight began at a party the shooting victim said was on the city’s north side. The teens fighting decided to continue fighting elsewhere and they, along with several others, went to Jordan Park.

“Why they chose Jordan Park, we don’t know,” said Des Moines Police Sgt. Jason Halifax.

When it became clear to one teen that he would lose the fight, he shouted to a friend who produced a gun and pointed it at a bystander.

That person fled but was hit by two bullets. Someone drove him to the hospital. At Mercy, he told police he was not involved in the fight, and investigators haven’t determined why he was targeted.

The teen who was on the losing end of the fight went to his house in the 4700 block of Southeast Seventh Street with a friend, but quickly left through the back door.

Minutes later, a group of people took shots at the house. Police presume they are friends of the shooting victim.

At least nine shots were fired, police said.

Halifax said police didn’t have an indication that the fight was related to a longer-term conflict.

Although the incident might not be linked with a string of shots-fired incidents this spring, several characteristics — teenagers bringing out guns to retaliate after a real or perceived slight — are similar.

Officers will increase patrols in the Jordan Park area.

“Obviously that park’s on our radar now. We’ll spend more time patrolling the area,” Halifax said.

Before Wednesday, officers had answered calls to Jordan Park 11 times this year, beginning in April. Almost every call was for disturbing the peace.

Investigators were able to recover useful surveillance footage from a camera on a neighbor’s house and said they were looking for witnesses or participants in the fight to come forward.

“Indications are that many people were at the park. Someone knows who did the shooting,” Halifax said. “We want to talk to them.”

Substance in package at Iowa State was harmless

AMES, Iowa (AP) - A suspicious substance found in a package sent to the Iowa State University student newspaper in Ames turned out to be harmless.

The Des Moines Register reports that Jay Knox of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service said Wednesday that the substance was just paper residue.

The Iowa State Daily's office was evacuated Wednesday during the investigation.

The newspaper editor, Stephen Koenigsfeld, says the package return address said it was from Robert Alberg. A Washington state man with that name was sent to prison in 2005 for violating parole by trying to manufacture the poison ricin.

Mo. university offers tuition break for Iowans

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) - Missouri Western State University is offering the equivalent of in-state tuition to students from 51 selected counties in Illinois, Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska, potentially saving them $6,000 per year.

The university says its "Griffon Rate" will be in effect this fall. It applies to both undergraduate and graduate tuition, for new and current students.

Undergraduates taking classes on the main campus in St. Joseph will save about $200 per credit hour. Regular tuition for out-of-state students is $392 per credit hour. The "Griffon Rate" will be roughly $192 per credit hour.

Missouri Western says it also will continue to offer scholarships for out-of-state students who meet academic requirements, but the "Griffon Rate" can't be used in conjunction with them.

Iowa kidnap suspect had said he didn't pose danger

DAYTON, Iowa (AP) — A man suspected of kidnapping two central Iowa girls last month before committing suicide told the state Parole Board in his three unsuccessful bids for early release that his treatment in prison had made him worthy of parole.

Michael Klunder argued in his failed appeals to the board in 2005, 2007 and 2008 that he no longer was dangerous and that parole would help him readjust to post-prison life better than if he were to be released without supervision after serving out his sentence, The Des Moines Register reported.

Klunder said in handwritten and typed appeals that his Christian faith and his treatment in prison made him "face the truth" about his past. Klunder was sentenced in 1992 to 41 years in prison for kidnapping a woman and two toddlers over a two-day period.

Klunder expressed confidence in his rehabilitation and in at least one appeal, he cited his work at a Newton golf course and his voluntary participation in a sex offender treatment program.

"There is no doubt my crimes were very serious and I deserved to come to prison. But to say there is no evidence that I have shown or proven myself to be released and become an active responsible citizen is completely untrue," he wrote.

Klunder also said he was confused by the board's decision to not personally interview him.

"I'd like them to see me as a man instead of as a file. To focus on who I am today instead of just what I did back then," he wrote.

In his 2008 appeal, he again noted his work at the golf course, and the fact that he was in minimum custody working among the public.

"What more proof does the board need?" he asked.

Klunder was never granted full parole, but he was eventually released in 2011 under provisions of the state's time-served law.

Police suspect Klunder abducted 15-year-old Kathlynn Shepard and a 12-year-old friend on May 20 in Dayton. The younger girl was able to escape, and Klunder later hanged himself.

Kathlynn remains missing. Some of her blood has been found, dampening hopes of finding the girl alive.

Authorities suspended their search of Kathylnn last week. But Gerard Meyers, assistant director of the Division of Criminal Investigation, said searches along the Des Moines River would likely resume Thursday or Friday. He said the boat searches by the Department of Natural Resources had been suspended because of the high water on the river, but the conditions have now improved.

Meyers stressed that the renewed search activity was not due to any significant new development in the case.

"At this point, it's still just a canvassing enterprise," he said.

Meyers said investigators also continue to look into whether Klunder was responsible for the kidnapping and slaying of two cousins last year in Evansdale, but he cautioned that it could take time to complete the lab testing, interviews and other work needed to make a determination. He and Black Hawk County Sheriff Tony Thompson both said the Evansdale police chief misspoke when he said investigators hoped to have an announcement this week.

"We're going all the way through it line by line and making sure that any element that we can evaluate for any correlation is being executed," he said. "It will continue until we have a firm determination as to whether or not there is any correlation."

Meyers also said that investigators had almost made general checks of databases of missing children in Iowa and nationally to see if Klunder could be involved in other cases, but "at this point, we don't have any information that would substantiate any other correlation."

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Iowa Nat'l Guard Jets Leaving

The Air National Guard says its F-16 jets will start leaving Iowa this summer, a few at a time. They will all be gone by fall. The military's replacing them with unmanned aircraft that will be controlled remotely from Des Moines. KCCI reports only 30 of 900 jobs will be lost and the rest will shift toward the new unmanned aircraft. The UAV's won't be in Iowa, but will be controlled from here.

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Des Moines Police make arrest in weekend stabbing





Des Moines police are waiting to interview a man who remains hospitalized after a weekend stabbing that left one man dead.

22-year old William Rochon underwent surgery after he, and 22-year old Frank Renfro, Jr. were stabbed during a party in the 1200 block of Sampson.

Renfro died at the hospital.

Sgt. Jason Halifax says Rochon could provide more information in the case.

27-year old Ashley Rogers is charged with First Degree Murder in the death of Renfro, and could face additional charges, including Attempted Murder of William Rochon.

Social media lists Rochon as a 2004 graduate of East High School.

Police records show Rogers had five arrests since 2006 for drug possession.

Fall trial set for Iowan accused of killing wife

BOONE, Iowa (AP) — A September trial is scheduled for a 39-year-old man accused of killing his wife at their central Iowa home.

Online court records say Alex Fazzino has pleaded not guilty to a charge of first-degree murder. His trial is scheduled to begin on Sept. 17 in Boone County District Court. He’s accused of killing his 32-year-old wife, Emily Fazzino. She was found unresponsive on Jan. 29, 2012, in their home in Boone.

A court affidavit says her husband told authorities he had been downstairs at the time with the couple’s three children. He said he believed she had overdosed on prescription pills. An autopsy showed several areas of trauma and no signs of drug abuse.

Branstad names 2 new members to Board of Regents

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad has filled two vacancies on the Iowa Board of Regents, naming a former state senator and a construction business owner to the panel that oversees the state's three public universities.

Branstad announced the appointments Tuesday morning of former state Sen. Larry McKibben and construction business owner Milt Dakovich.

They will be subject to state Senate approval during the 2014 Legislature.

Their appointments came after the Senate in April didn't give the appointments of Craig Lang and Robert Cramer the two-thirds majority required for their approval to the nine-member board. Branstad had asked senators to confirm Lang, who was serving on the board and had been its president, and Cramer, a new appointee.

Branstad made the appointments in advance of the next regents meeting scheduled for Wednesday.

Monday, June 3, 2013

Des Moines Collecting on Outstanding Parking Fines

The City of Des Moines has so far collected almost $30,000 in overdue parking fines since starting a program with Polk County last month that blocks vehicle owners from renewing their registrations until they pay what the owe. Residents with outstanding fines are notified in the same mailing as their registration renewal. Des Moines is owed of $2-million in late fines.

Suspect Charged in April Oakridge Drive Shooting Death

Des Moines Police say they've arrested and charged a suspect for an April shooting on Oakridge Drive. 21-year old Demarco Robinson of Des Moines is in the Polk County Jail charged with 1st degree murder for the death of 20-year Kenyatta Taylor. He was shot in the 900 block of Oakridge Drive and died later that day at a hospital. KCCI reports the incident's still under investigation.

Sunday, June 2, 2013

Winner of race


Thousands ran the Dan to Dam 20k race yesterday. Daniel Kipkoech, 26, of Kennesaw Georgia was the overall winner with a time of 1 hour, and 56 seconds.

Governor to tour state

Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds will be touring parts of the state tomorrow to survey flood damage. Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division administrator Mark Schouten will join the Governor and Lt. Governor on the tour that will start in New Hartford, and then fly over areas of eastern Iowa. Later, the trio will tour areas around Coralville and Iowa city.

Koreancopia event

The next Des Moines KoreanCopia event takes place today at Appare Japanese Steakhouse. Have you been before? KoreanCopia is a celebration of Korean food and culture that is usually held about once a month. The menu usually consists of approximately 12 authentic Korean dishes prepared by Chef Jay Lee. Today's event starts at 6.

One man dead another injured

22-year-old Frank Terrence Renfro Jr., of Des Moines, was killed early yesterday morning at an intersection on the city's eastside. Officers and medics found Renfro and another victim, and both were rushed to a hospital, where Renfro was pronounced dead. The other person, who has not been identified, underwent surgery and is expected to recover. Police closed a section of University Avenue during the investigation. Police continue to investigate.

Saturday, June 1, 2013

State prison

The state prison in Newton should get back to regular business today after a lock down yesterday following a fight in the recreation yard. The inmates involved have been segregated away from the other prisoners. No serious injuries by prison guards or inmates reported. Visits to the prison should resume today and the fight remains under investigation.

Iowa Public radio lawsuit

A lawsuit filed against the Iowa Public Radio Board for holding a private meeting. Iowa Cubs owner and former Board of Regents member Michael Gartner filed suit in Polk County alleging a private meeting in December. The meeting happened before the board fired the former chief executive in February. Gartner claims that Iowa Public Radio is subject to the state open-meeting laws. He wants the minutes of the meeting released to the public.

Events for June

Get ready for a busy June. 16 events scheduled in our area and besides lots of fun stuff to go to it should bring about 600,000 visitors to our area. Events range from the USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships to the World Pork Expo. That number of visitors staying here, eating here, shopping here could bring in about $54 mil. See the events at the Catch Des Moines website.