Tuesday, July 30, 2013

New MIlls Fleet Farm Open in Ankeny

A new Mills Fleet Farm store opened for business this morning in Ankeny. WHO-TV says most of the people lined up for today's opening were there to get ammunition, but Fleet Farm stores handle more than sporting goods, they also cover lawn and garden, pet and farming supplied. They also bring 175 new jobs to Ankeny.

Investigator Gets Refund on Paying Speeding Troopers Fine

The state trooper ticketed for speeding while driving Gov. Branstad asked the issuing county to refund Larry Hedlund's $181.50. Steve Lawrence says he didn't consent to Hedlund paying his fine. Lawrence also says he hasn't decided how he'll plead on the ticket.

Monday, July 29, 2013

Salmonella cases rising

State health officials are looking for the cause of an outbreak of an uncommon strain of Salmonella.

The Iowa Department of Public Health says 26 reports in 19 counties have come in over the past several weeks.

IDPH Medical Director Dr. Patricia Quinlisk says the strain is often related to improper cooking of eggs or poultry.

Friday, July 26, 2013

Background Checks Starting for DM School Volunteers

If you're one of the 8,000 to 10,000 volunteers in the Des Moines School District who work with students, there's something new headed your way: background checks. WHO-TV reports starting the school district's starting to run them this school year. A spokesperson says the average $15 it'll pay for each check is a small price for an extra level of safety and security.

Man Busted for Arson at Fire Scene

19-year-old Lequan Clark of Des Moines was charged with 2nd degree arson after fire officials noticed him hanging around a house fire early this morning in the 2900 block of E. Ovid, and asking firefighters questions that raised their suspicions. He's in the Polk County Jail on $10,000 bond. Damage to the vacant home's estimated at $40,000.

Fertilizer Plant Decision Due Soon

The company planning to build a $1.2 billion fertilizer plant in Iowa or Illinois says it'll make a final choice in the next one to two months. Illinois' Governor signed a bill yesterday giving incentives, an estimated $30-million, to Cronus Chemical if it picks Illinois. Iowa's offered incentives worth about $35-million. The plant would employ about 150 and create over 1,500 short-term construction jobs.

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Kathlynn's Hope Pushing for One Strike Violent Sex Offender Law

A group of Iowans wants tougher laws against sex offenders. Members of Kathlynn’s Hope will be going door to door August 3rd and 4th statewide, collecting petition signatures for “one strike” legislation. It would require mandatory life for anyone convicted of violence sex crimes against a child. A convicted sex offender kidnapped and killed 15-year-old Kathlyn Shephard of Dayton last month.

New Online Renewal a HIT With Drivers

Iowa Transportation Department says over 2,000 people have renewed their licenses and IDs online over the past two days. About 284,000 Iowa drivers are eligible to renew their licenses online. KCCI reports the new systems available to those who have a valid Iowa driver's license or ID, if you're at least 18 but under 70, your license or ID hasn't been expired for more than a year, and is less than 180 days to the renewal date on your current license or ID.

Pleasamt Hill Has to Re Do Annexation Vote

Pleasant Hill's City Council has to do it all again, approving annexing four properties for the massive warehouse project in South Eastern Polk County. The Des Moines Register reports Iowa's City Development Board's notified City Attorney Ed Skinner that he didn't give the required 10-day notice before the council held a public hearing and voted to approve the annexation Tuesday.

Lawsuit Filed Over Plerasant Hill Warehouse Development

They call themselves Concerned Citizens of Southeast Polk School District, and they've filed suit in Polk County court against the city of Pleasant Hill to stop a planned warehouse project. The 71-acre site's a half mile west of SE Polk High School on Iowa Hwy 63. The suit challenges the legality of the city's annexation of the land for the project, as well as the use of Tax Increment Financing money.

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Armored Car Cash Recovered, 2-Arrested

20-year old Samantha Jackman of Des Moines and 20-year old Tyler Critchlow of Dallas Center have been charged by Des Moines PD with first degree theft after authorities say the pair stopped picked up a money bag that fell out of an armored car outside the Community Choice Credit Union on East Lyon in downtown, and went shopping. Police say they were busted coming out of a store at Merle Hay Mall.

Valley High School Might Not Be Ready for School Year Start

Valley High School students could see the opening of their school delayed by 2-weeks. The Des Moines Register reports there could be some problems getting some of the renovations being done at the West Des Moines school completed. The school board's meeting today to talk about that. KCCI reports the school year starts August 20th.

Iowa Joining I-80 Challenge

Law enforcement agencies across Iowa are planning to join the I-80 Challenge. You'll see more troopers on I-80 here and in 10-other states to enforce the speed limit and other traffic regs to eliminate fatalities along all 2900 miles of I-80 for the rest of this month. The other states joining the challenge: California, Illinois, Indiana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Utah, and Wyoming.

SUV Slams Into Urbandale Home

A woman's been hospitalized for head and chest injuries after her SUV slammed into a home near 68th Street and Urbandale Avenue in Urbandale this afternoon. Urbandale PD believe she had some sore of medical emergency and lost control. WHO-TV reports there was no one in the house at the time.

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Dandekar Running for 1st Cong. District Seat

A former Iowa lawmaker Swati Dandekar says she's running for the 1st Congressional District seat. Cong. Bruce Braley is giving up the seat. WHO-TV reports Dandekar's served in the state house and senate, and most recently resigned her seat on the Iowa Utilities Board so she could make the run for Congress.

Hy-Vee Won't Carry Next Rolling Stone Magazine Issue

Hy-Vee, Iowa's largest grocery store chain, won't carry the August 1st Rolling Stone magazine with Boston Marathon bombing suspect Dzhokhar Tsnaraev on the cover. Hy-Vee, in a statement to KCCI, says after getting comments from its customers on its Facebook page, the majority offended or angered by the photo, says it decided to ask its stores not to display or sell that issue of the Rolling Stone.

Monday, July 22, 2013

Broken Sewer Behind Disappearance of Glendale Cemetery Pond

Des Moines City engineers know why the pond at Glendale Cemetery's all but disappeared. A broken sewer line, which they say the entire pond drained into. KCCI reports crews have been fixing old pipes in and around the pond this summer. They expect that work to be finished this week, and the pond should start filling up with the next big rain storm.

No charges in DM Detective Involved Shooting

Des Moines police detective Yanira Scarlett's back to work. The Polk County State's Attorney's office says no charges will be filed against Scarlett after the July 11th shooting that wounded 37-year old Tyjuan Tucker. Tucker was shot once in the stomach for after allegedly taking a swing at Scarlett after she'd ordered him to get down on the ground.

Friday, July 19, 2013

Court Says Couple Can Add Emotional Distress to Malpractice Suit

The Iowa Supreme Court's ruled an Ecuadorian couple can sue an immigration lawyer for emotional distress over bad advice. Klever Miranda and Nancy Campoverde are suing Des Moines attorney Michael Said for malpractice. He told the undocumented couple in 2005 if they went back to Ecuador and filed certain documents, they might become U.S. citizens. When they got home, they found out they couldn't come back for 10-years, and have been separated from family here ever since.

Red Light Camera Tickets on Hold in Clive

Clive has stopped issuing tickets on red light cameras at 8:09 last night. WHO-TV reports the City Council last night rejected a new 5-year contract with Redflex Traffic Systems, the company that operates the cameras. The original deal expired at the end of last year, and the city was continuing the agreement on a quarterly basis. Tickets issued before 8:09 p.m. Thursday still have to be paid.

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Wells Fargo Letting Some DM Metro Staffers Go

58-Wells Fargo employees in the Des Moines metro are being let go as part of a nationwide staff cut. A company spokesperson tells KCCI the personnel cuts are a response to the slowdown in home mortgage refinancing. The company says it is "committed to keep as many of the 58 as they can in other positions in the company.

5 Finalists for Ankeny City Manager

Ankeny residents will get to meet the five finalists for City Manager at an August 5th reception at the Pinnacle Club at Otter Creek. Of the five the only local is Polk County Administrator David Jones. The others are Gary D. Greer, city manager, Farmers Branch, Texas; Craig Malin, city administrator, Davenport; William J. Malinen, city manager, Roseville, Minn.; and Cole O’Donnell, city administrator, East Moline, Ill.

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Web site ranks Ames, Iowa City high for work-life balance

A consumer advocacy Web site ranks two Iowa cities great places for work-life balance.

NerdWallet ranks Ames second in the country and Iowa City 13th.

The site says residents in Corvallis, Oregon work 33.4 hours per week to put themselves at the top of the list.

Back to school -- for some -- tomorrow

Classes start tomorrow for students at three schools in Des Moines.

Capitol View Elementary, Moulton Extended Learning Center, and River Woods Elementary begin the academic year.

These three schools continue through early June, but they take several breaks throughout the year.

All other Des Moines public schools resume instruction August 22.

Man charged in traffic death of Newton teenager

Jasper County Jail records show a man remains in custody following his arrest yesterday.

Newton Police have accused 41-year-old Daniel Edwards of fatally injuring a teenager in a traffic accident.

The charges include homicide, D-W-I, and possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia.

Police tell The Des Moines Register that a vehicle hit 14-year-old Brendan O’Brien on April 21. O'Brien died in a Des Moines hospital two days later.

It remains unclear whether or not Edwards has an attorney.

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Iowa Rainy Day Fund Among the Nation's Best

The Iowa Legislature’s rainy day fund of over $600 million is the eighth best in the country, representing about 10% percent of general state spending. That's the conclusion of a new reports from the D.C. based Tax Foundation. The Des Moines Register reports Iowa's rainy day fund has $466.8 million in a cash reserve fund and $155.6 million in an economic emergency fund.

Two Busted for Drug Possession in Newton

Two Newton men have been arrested in a drug investigation involving the Mid-Iowa Narcotics Task Force and Newton police. Investigators recovered pot, has, and drug paraphernalia during the search of a home in the 800 block of First street North last night. Police say 56-year-old Michael Burgess and 19-year-old Peter Burgess face charges of possession of drugs and possession of drug paraphernalia.

DMACC Students Learn About Giving Back

An hour can make a difference. That's what some Des Moines Area Community College students learned today. WHO-TV reports they decided to landscape DM fire Station #4 on University Avenue. In just over an hour, they planted planted bushes, flowers and laid mulch. They also added a painted rock trail. The project was part of an orientation class called “The College Experience”.

Monday, July 15, 2013

State Hwy 415 Getting Patchwork

If you drive State Hwy 415 north of Des Moines early in the morning or late at night, add some more time to your trip through the end of the summer. The Des Moines Register reports Iowa DOT will be patching 415 from the intersection with Iowa Highway 141, west of the Mile Long Bridge, east and south to Northwest 26th Street on the far southwest side of Ankeny.

Warnings From Polk Cty Mobile Speed Cams End Tomorrow

Tomorrow is the last day you'll only get a warning if you're caught by one of the new Polk County Sheriff's Department mobile speed units. After tomorrow, if you're caught by one of those cameras speeding, you will get a ticket in the mail. You have to be going 10 mph or more over the posted speed limit to get a ticket, and the minimum fine is $65.

Not Guilty Plea in OWI

Troy Sowers pleaded not guilty to OWI during a Polk County Court appearance this morning. According to WHO-TV, police say the 42-year old was operating under the influence when he hit and killed 69-year old Robert Conn in the parking lot of the Eagles Club June 1st. Authorities say this is his 4th OWI.

Subway to do Food Service at DMACC Urban Campus

DMACC's Urban Campus is getting a Subway, which will provide food service starting this fall. KCCI reports DMACC's decision came after students, faculty, and staff made their comments after presentations from several different vendors who wanted to provide food service at the school. This will be the first Subway at an Iowa community college when it opens in late August.

Friday, July 12, 2013

Two Charged in Des Moines Homicide

Des Moines police say 46-year old Spencer Pierce and 26-year old Deanna Hood were charged today with first degree murder and first degree robbery. Investigators say the charges are tied to the June death of Steven Harmon who they believe was killed during a robbery on E. 17th Street. Pierce and Hood were already in the Polk County Jail on drug charges from a warrant served in the investigation.

Thursday, July 11, 2013

Possible Domestic Incident Spotted by DM Officer Ends in Shooting

Des Moines PD say a detective in an unmarked car saw what looked like a domestic assault in another car on 19th street off MLK Parkway this morning, pulled her car over and ordered a man out of the other car. KCCI reports 37-year old Tyjuan Tucker smashed the rear window of his car and crawled out. There was a confrontation and Officer Yanira Scarlett fired her weapon. Tucker's injuries aren't life threatening and charges are pending.

Police Say Evansdale Kdinap Murder Case Still Active

The $150,000 reward's still in place for information leading to an arrest in the kidnappings and murders of Elizabeth Collins and Lyric Cook of Evansdale. They disappeared a year ago Saturday, their remains found last December. KCCI reports authorities say the case is still, in their words, "very active." If you have information call 319-232-6682 or 1-855-300-TIPS.

flores Sentenced and Now a Free Man

David Flores was sentenced to 35-years in prison this morning on the plea deal both sides agreed to earlier this week. With the 16.5-years in prison he's already served, which was applied to his new sentence, the state released Flores from custody this afternoon. He tells the Des Moines Register now that he's free, he plans to leave Iowa with his family.

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

DNA LEads To Charges in Fatal Crash

44-year old Donald Gridley's pleaded not guilty to vehicular homicide, involuntary manslaughter and other charges after a car crash that killed his father last December. The Iowa State Patrol days DNA testing determined Gridley was driving a pickup that blew a stop sign and crashed into a ditch in Wapello County. At the time his BAC was .198. The legal limit's .08.

Wellmark Moving About 100 Jobs to DM Metro

Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield is planning to move about 100 jobs to the Des Moines metro. The employees are currently at a subsidiary, First Administrators, in Sioux City. That office will close by the end of the year. About 117 jobs are involved. Wellmark says it'll work with Iowa Workforce Development to provide career counseling and job placement workshops to help workers.

Abandoned ATM's Getting 2nd Look

Two ATMs found in the backyard of an abandoned Des Moines home a few months ago are getting attention. They're in the backyard of a home at 3933 11th Street. KCCI reports Des Moines PD say the machines, from Illinois, were empty. They were stuck in mud and couldn't be moved the first time they were reported. Police are now waiting to hear from their owners on what they want done with them.

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Lawsuit Over USDA Meat Rules

There's been no comment from the USDA on a lawsuit filed in federal court yesterday to stop new meet labeling rules, which, among other things, bar mixing meat from animals that come from different countries. The American Meat Institute and seven other groups say segregating meat would be expensive, doesn't make food safer or provide a public health benefit.

Plea Deal Reported in Flores Muirder Trial

A plea deals been reached in the David Flores murder case. KCCI reports Flores, who's being retried for the 1996 death of Phyllis Davis, is entering an Alford plea, acknowledging there's enough evidence to convict him, but maintaining his innocence, on a count each of attempted murder, terrorism and voluntary manslaughter. He faces a max 35-years, minus time served. Flores will be sentenced Thursday.

Monday, July 8, 2013

Jury Selection Starts for Flroes Retrial

Jury selection started today for the retrial of David Flores. He's being tried for a second time in the 1996 death of Phyllis Davis, who was shot and killed after getting caught in the middle of a gang gun battle. Flores was serving life for first degree murder but in 2009, the state Court of Appeals granted him a new trial after new evidence surfaced.

Story Blogged at 07-08-13 15:58 by djennings

Jury Selecteion Starts in Flroes Retrial

Jury selection started today for the retrial of David Flores. He's being tried for a second time in the 1996 death of Phyllis Davis, who was shot and killed after getting caught in the middle of a gang gun battle. Flores was serving life for first degree murder but in 2009, the state Court of Appeals granted him a new trial after new evidence surfaced.

Polk Cty Sheriff Waiting for More Info in Grimes Teens Death

The Polk County Sheriff's office is waiting for toxicology results before wrapping up their investigation into 17-year old Aaliyah Wests death. The Grimes teen was found dead after friends told investigators she was hanging out with the wrong people. KCCI reports little information has been released about the 3-week old case.

Carry Permit Yanked Over Alleged Fireworks Threat

A 53-year-old Des Moines woman's been arrested and had her concealed carry permit confiscated after she allegedly pointed a gun at a man who was throwing a Fourth of July party at his Beaverdale home. The Des Moines Register reports it happened in the 2300 block of 38th Street late Thursday night. Shelley Kitsis was charged with assault with a weapon and taken to Polk County Jail.

Friday, July 5, 2013

Teen Arrested After Firemen Say They Were Fired On

A teenagers been arrested after Four Des Moines firefighters, responding to an early morning alarm on the southeast side of the city, say he fired several shots at them. It happened outside 2204 Southeast Rose Avenue. 19-year old Alonzo Kearney was identified by the firefighters. Police say he had bullets and a clip on him when he was arrested. The gun's still missing.

DM Woman Sentenced for Killing Boyfriends Dog

A 2-year suspended sentence and 2-years probation. That's the sentence a judge handed Sheena Cornwell today on a guilty plea of animal torture. The Des Moines woman was charged with killing her then boyfriends dog, by hanging it from a leash in a garage. KCCI reports Cornwell will also have to get a psychological evaluation and treatment. Her attorney says she has serious mental health issues, but is not dangerous.

Thursday, July 4, 2013

Newton Charged With Looking Too Closely at House Guests

Newton Police have arrested 71-year old James Brock after finding more than 1,000 videos of nude girls under the age of 18 in his home on VHS and DVD. Parents got police involved when their children reported seeing video cameras around Brock's home. Investigators say they found numerous video monitors and cameras pointing into a tanning bed, showers and other rooms. Brock's charged with felony sexual exploitation of a minor and invasion of privacy.

Racial Slur May Have Led to Assault

Authorities say a racial slur may have lead to an assault that left 57-year old Juan Delagarza in Mercy Medicals ICU in serious condition. KCCI reports a witness tells Des Moines PD Delagarza had harassed some women earlier in the evening, and her friend confronted him. She says Delagarza called her friend, a black man, a racial slur, and got punched in the face. Police say Delagarza hit the pavement head first.

Judge Refuses to Drop Flores Charges

A Polk County judge has rejected a motion from David Flores' attorney to dismiss the murder charge against him. Flores goes on trial Monday for the 1996 murder of Phyllis Davis, who was caught in gang crossfire in shootout near 9th and University in Des Moines. The judge rejected a claim that prosecutors intentionally withheld information from the defense at Flores first trial.

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

DM Social Security Protest

About three dozen people formed a human chain in front of the Federal Building in downtown Des Moines. KCCI reports some of them held signs reading "Don’t cut my Social Security" and "No chained CPI." The demonstrators say a chained CPI would lead to a cut in Social Security benefits. The chained CPI's part of a White House plan to tie cost-of-living increases to the Consumer Price Index.

Phase 4 Prarie Meadows Remodel Approved

State regulators have approved an $18.5 million remodeling project at the Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino in Altoona. The Des Moines Register reports the work's expected to start early next year and be completed in May 2015. This is the 4th phase in an overhaul of the casino that started 3-years ago, and includes upgrades to the casino floor, concessions and bar areas.

Monday, July 1, 2013

Child Porn Suspect Found Dead

An Ankeny man being investigated in a child porn case was found dead over the weekend. 48-year old Paul Hildreth's body was found at a home yesterday. He was charged after authorities say they found 1.5-million images of child pornography on his personal computers and two hard drives. Authorities investigating the death say it doesn't appear to be suspicious.

DM PD Want to Question Teen in Weekend Shooting

Des Moines Police have issued a material witness warrant for 15 year old Antwan Campbell of Des Moines. They want to find out what he knows about a shooting early Saturday morning at a house party in the 1700 block Mondamin Avenue. A 16-year old ended up shot twice, and is in critical condition at an area hospital. Anyone who knows where he is should call Des Moines PD or Polk County Crimestoppers at (515) 223-1400.