Thursday, October 31, 2013

Ceremony to Open Another Section of SW Connector

They cut the ribbon this afternoon on another section of the Southwest Connector project. The new segment, which opened last week, links the Highway 5 bypass with Highway 28. KCCI reports it's part of a bigger project to build a major arterial road from the southwest suburbs to downtown Des Moines.

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Higher pre-paid cell phone surcharge begins Friday

With a new month comes a higher surcharge for prepaid wireless services.

The legislature last session approved an increase of the surcharge covering Enhanced 911 services.

The increase begins on Friday. Anyone from that time on who buys a prepaid phone, service plan or minutes card pays 51 cents per transaction instead of 33.

LIHEAP enrollment encouraged

Iowans who need help heating their homes this winter should apply for LIHEAP.

Officials say they expect 85,000 households around the state to sign up this year.

They urge anyone who thinks they may need assistance to apply for LIHEAP as soon as possible before heating bills start spiking.

Iowa St. posts 29 new positions for faculty

Iowa State has published 29 new faculty positions as part of the university president's plan to expand hiring.

KCCI-TV reports the hires stem from the Presidential High-Impact Hires Initiative.

Money for the new jobs comes from $1.5 million in new state appropriations and $500,000 from changes in the academic affairs division.

The university president wants to hire 200 new faculty members in three years.

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Community helps Earlham family

A crowd gathered at an Earlham farm yesterday to help harvest.

KCCI-TV reports relatives of 64-year-old Dennis Scar expressing gratitude for the outpour of community support.

Scar died of a heart attack last month.

The family says these people yesterday helped them accomplish days of work within hours.

Merrill Middle gun threat suspect in custody

Des Moines Police say they have the Merrill Middle School gun threat suspect in custody.

A man claiming to have a gun inside the school office today prompted a building lockdown.

The Des Moines Register reports police identifying the suspect as 35-year-old Ryan Collier. They apparently spotted him on Woodland Avenue or Waterbury Avenue late this afternoon.

Police say Collier apparently argued with his girlfriend in the school office, made threats, and said he had a gun. He ran out of the school without showing a gun or firing one.

IA Supreme Court asks for input on tweeting and blogging

Iowa's Supreme Court continues examining the way people report the news in the digital age.

The courtroom already allows reporters and cameras. However, a new proposal would allow tweeting and blogging about cases from inside it, too.

The public can comment on this issue through Jan. 6 at www.iowacourts.gov.

Monday, October 28, 2013

Pediatricians Say Parents Should Limit Children's Time on Social Media

The American Academy of Pediatrics is offering new advice for parents. KCCI reports they recommend keeping your kids smartphones and laptops out of their bedrooms, and pull the plug on their use of social media and internet entertainment after 2-hours. The doctors group says unrestricted media use has been linked with violence, cyberbullying, obesity, lack of sleep and school problems.

DM PD Need Help in Deadly Weekend Crash

Des Moines PD need your help figuring out how an SUV ended up on its roof on I-235 early Saturday morning in the 3800 block, killing its driver. KCCI reports investigators think a 90's model 4-door Dodge Neon was near the SUV just before the crash, and people in that car may have information. Call DM PD's Traffic Unit 515-271-4650 or the Polk County Crime Stoppers at 515-223-1400.

Friday, October 25, 2013

Police After Imparied Drivers for Halloween Weekend

Area police will have extra officers working this Halloween weekend to look out for impaired drivers. KCCI reports law enforcement suggestions for a safe Halloween include having a designated driver if you're going to be making the party rounds, wear your seat belt, and if you're the party host - don't let guests drive home if they've had too much to drink.

DM PD Bust Man on OWI and Other Charges When SUV Hits Tree

38-year old Sean Lewis faces several charges including OWI, after apparently losing control of his SUV and hitting a tree last night near 24th and Clark. Des Moines PD say they tried to pull Lewis over earlier, but he took off and the pursuit was called off twice because of high speeds. WHO-TV reports Lewis is in the Polk County Jail.

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Witnesses and Suspects Wanted in East High Fires

Des Moines Police say they have no suspects in two fires set yesterday and Tuesday at East High School. KCCI reports school administrators are looking for witnesses to two fires, one set in a 3rd floor bathroom Tuesday, and a trash can fire in a 2nd floor boys bathroom yesterday.

Branstad Likes Tuition Freeze Idea--If

Gov. Branstad says he’d “love” to see tuition frozen for in state students at the state’s universities. The Des Moines Register reports Branstad says he'll have to see December's annual budget estimate and consider funding requests from other state agencies, before making that kind of recommendation.

Driver Cited in Motorcycle Accident

Des Moines police say a 19-year old man's been ticketed for his role in a motorcycle accident this morning. Police say 27-year old Justin Anderson was riding his motorcycle south on Hubbell, when a car pulled out of a driveway into his path. Anderson laid down the bike to avoid a crash. Anthony Raitt says he didn't see the bike. Anderson broke his arm and suffered some road rash.

Lawyers in DM Franchise Case Get $7-million in Fees

A judge's awarded $7 million to attorneys who successfully sued the city of Des Moines for charging improper franchise fees. KCCI reports the awards less than half the $15-million three attorney's involved had been after. The city has to return about $40-million, and the legal fees will come from that award.

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

WDM Man Facing Vehicular Homicde for Deadly Crash

30-year old Jerry Harbour, Jr.'s behind bars for vehicular homicide, DUI and leaving the scene of an accident after West Des Moines Police say his speeding pickup truck slammed into a car at University and 22nd. They also tell WHO-TV Harbour tried to leave the scene. He's in the Polk County Jail on $56,000 bond. The driver of the car, 29-year old Jeffrey Crispin, died at the scene.

Pleasant Hill Considered Pet Ownership Limit

Pleasant Hill's City Council's approved the first reading of a proposal to limit residents to a maximum four cats or dogs. Tom Colvin of the Animal Rescue league tells KCCI pet limits usually don't really address problem pet owners. Properties zoned agricultural wouldn't be subject to the limit.

University of Iowa Teaching Assistant Gets Too Much Exposure

A University of Iowa teaching assistant's getting a lot of attention after authorities say she tweeted nude pictures of herself to her class. A U of I spokesperson says the TA says it was an accident and she regrets her actions. KCCI reports the nude photos featured the teaching assistant and a man. The university says it'll take appropriate action.

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

suspects Enter Pleas in Marshalltown Murder Case

Two suspects charged in a Marshalltown murder have entered pleas. 30-year Jeremy Gartin's pleaded not guilty to 1st degree murder. 55-year old Max Nelson, Jr.'s pleaded not guilty to accessory after the fact and abusing a corpse. Police say 59-year old David Warnell was found shot to death in the basement of a home earlier this month.

Work Starts Next Month on Marshalltown's Roundhouse

Marshalltown's School Board's approved an $8-million bid for renovations on the Roundhouse. WHO-TV reports the project includes renovating the gym, new locker rooms, and a new weight room. The board approved $10-million in bonds to pay for it. Work should start next month and be done by December 2014.

Story Blogged at 10-22-13 16:14 by djennings

Story Blogged at 10-22-13 15:18 by djennings

Suspects Enter Pleas in Marshalltown Murder Case

Marshalltown's School Board's approved an $8-million bid for renovations on the Roundhouse. WHO-TV reports the project includes renovating the gym, new locker rooms, and a new weight room. The board approved $10-million in bonds to pay for it. Work should start next month and be done by December 2014.

Story Blogged at 10-22-13 16:14 by djennings

Marshalltown Roundhouse Renovations Start Next Month

Marshalltown's School Board's approved an $8-million bid for renovations on the Roundhouse. WHO-TV reports the project includes renovating the gym, new locker rooms, and a new weight room. The board approved $10-million in bonds to pay for it. Work should start next month and be done by December 2014.

Fort Des Moines may have housing project

A housing project may take root at Fort Des Moines.

The Des Moines Register reports a developer wants to build a $26 million complex at the fort.

The site served as a training school during both World Wars.

Developers want incentives from the city like tax credits and property tax rebates to finance the project.

Mountain lion surfaces in Madison Co.

A mountain lion has turned up in Madison County, prompting confirmation of the first mountain lion in Iowa in a year.

The Department of Natural Resources confirms the capture of the big cat on a game camera on October 13 near Winterset.

Wildlife officials say it looks like a male two or three years old.

Davitt to face Garrett in District 13 race

Democrats have selected former state representative Mark Davitt as their nominee for Senate District 13.

Davitt faces incument Republican Julian Garrett in a special election in weeks.

Davitt served for six years in the Iowa House, but he lost his seat in 2008.

The District 13 seat opened when Republican Kent Sorenson resigned. An independent investigator has concluded Sorenson has likely broken ethics rules by receiving money from presidential candidate Michele Bachmann's political action committee and presidential campaign.

Iowa farmers behind on soybean and corn harvests

Iowa's agriculture secretary says people have harvested 70 percent of soybeans and 35 percent of corn statewide.

Bill Northey's numbers come under the premise that favorable weather has allowed farmers to get into their fields.

The state agricluture department reports the corn harvest 15 percentage points behind normal, and the soybean harvest 11 percentage points behind.

Pasture conditions have also improved with 52 percent rated as fair or better.

The weather statewide allowed fieldwork on 5.4 days last week.

Monday, October 21, 2013

Front End Loader Stolen from DM Public Works Facility

For the 2nd time this year, DM PD are investigating a burglary at a city public works building. A city employee reported a front end loader missing from the facility in the 900 block of southeast 22nd Street early Saturday. WHO-TV reports Someone got the machine started in a parking lot and drove it through a chain link fence. Surveillance cameras at the building aren't working.

Construction Boom in Downtown Des Moines

There's a building boom underway in downtown Des Moines. KCCI reports there are 12 projects underway, including redevelopment of Principal Financial's campus. Nearly 1,000 new condos and apartments, many in the Des Moines Building and the old Younkers building on Walnut, plus a Hampton Inn and an extended stay hotel on Water Street

Three Busted 2-Sought for Pleasant Hill Home Invasion

Three juveniles have been arrested, and police are after 2-more in an armed home invasion in Pleasant Hill Saturday night. KCCI reports 2 suspects had handguns, and got away with $200 in cash, cellphones, and other electronics. They were caught because a Polk County Sheriff's deputy remembered seeing them at a nearby gas station before the incident.

Friday, October 18, 2013

Davenport Woman Sentenced to 21-years for Bank Robbery

32-year old Ceneca Johnson of Davenport was sentenced today to 21-years and 10-months in federal prison for a robbery at Southeast National Bank in Davenport. Authorities say she used an imitation pistol in the holdup. She didn't get far, and all the money was recovered. She pleaded guilty in June.

Guinea Pigs Still Available for Adoption at Animal Rescue League

The Animal Rescue League says some of the 52-guinea pigs dropped off at their shelter earlier this year are still in need of homes. 31-have been adopted, 8 are in foster care, and 14 are still waiting for a home. And yes, that's more than 52--there've been some babies. KCCI reports the guinea pigs can be seen anytime the shelter's open.

Missing DM Rental Bicycles Found

The remaining three of the six bicycles stolen from the Des Moines Bicycle Collective have been found. Carl Voss tells KCCI one was all muddy, and two were a bit banged up. Police spotted a man riding one of them downtown and he's been arrested. The suspect claimed he wasn't involved in the thefts, but later told investigators the two remaining bikes were under the Fleur Drive viaduct.

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Alice's Road Corridor Groundbreaking Set

The city of Waukee says groundbreaking for the new Alice’s Road Corridor will be Friday November 1st at 10:45 a.m. WHO-TV reports the interchange will give drivers in Des Moines western suburbs easier access to I-80. City officials are excited about the development opportunities ahead for the area.

DM Rental Bikes Vanish

A company that rents bicycles in downtown Des Moines says 6-of its bikes have disappeared in the past 2-days. KCCI reports a company spokesperson says all of them were rented using the same credit card. Two of the bikes were found outside an East Des Moines liquor store. The credit card owner says the card had probably been stolen.

63rd St. West Ramp to I-235 Reopens Tonight

The entrance ramp from 63rd Street west onto I 235 is expected to reopen tonight. KCCI reports the ramp closure's part of ongoing construction to add another lane on I-235 from 63rd to 73rd. The westbound exit ramp from I-235 onto 73rd Street is still closed, and not expected to reopen until November 7th.

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Iowa Guard Personnel Return Tomorrow

Dozens of Iowa National Guard soldiers return home tomorrow. Forty soldiers with the 186th Military Police Company deployed for Honduras last December. They’re returning on three separate flights to Des Moines International Airport. WHO-TV reports there'll be welcome ceremonies at 11:30a.m., 3:20p.m. and 8:30 pm in the airport’s Cloud Room.

Story Blogged at 10-16-13 16:27 by djennings

Iowa Guardsmen Returning Tomorrow

Dozens of Iowa National Guard soldiers return home tomorrow. Forty soldiers with the 186th Military Police Company deployed for Honduras last December. They’re returning on three separate flights to Des Moines International Airport. WHI-TV reports there'll be welcome ceremonies at 11:30a.m., 3:20p.m. and 8:30 pm in the airport’s Cloud Room.

Wells Fargo Cutting More Home Mortgage Division Jobs

Wells Fargo says it's cutting another 71-jobs in the Des Moines metro. The employees in the home mortgage division got the 60-days notice that their jobs were going away today. The jobs are at various area offices. A Wells Fargo spokesperson tells KCCI they're working to help them find other positions within the company.

Monday, October 14, 2013

More than 1,000 attend Farmcrawl

Over 1,000 people attended this year's Farmcrawl.

Eight farms in the Knoxville area welcomed visitors over the weekend.

Farmcrawl allowed people to see crops and farm animals, among other things, up close.

Those in attendance made a 42-mile loop of farms in spite of the dreary weather.

Melbourne man sentenced for voter fraud

An Melbourne man has received his sentence for voter fraud.

Iowa's secretary of state says Nickie Perkins has received a five-year suspended sentence and two years' probation.

Perkins has pleaded guilty to election misconduct.

As a felon, Perkins still registered to vote and cast a ballot in last year's general election.

4 shootings reported in month at Des Moines house

Police continue investigating at least the fourth shooting of which they know at a Des Moines house in the last month.

The Des Moines Register reports a man running into the house Saturday night after someone shot him in the leg. No one has reported any arrests.

A police report describes the house as a "known gang member hangout." Police say more drive-by shootings have happened there.

Department spokesman Jason Halifax says officers respond to gunshot calls "pretty regularly" in the neighborhood, which he says has a reputation for drug deals.

King Irving neighborhood association president Joann Muldoon says it has "taken a little bit longer" than anyone "would like to deal with the problem."

Friday, October 11, 2013

Boulder County to Cyclists: Stay Off Flood Damaged Mountain Roads

Boulder County raising its voice and pleading with cyclists to stay off flood-damaged mountain roads.
The Longmont Times-Call reports that county transportation director George Gerstle has temporarily closed several flood-damaged mountain roads to cycling. He's also asked cyclists to limit their bike riding on other roads in the mountains. Gerstle and Boulder County Sheriff Joe Pelle already had asked motorists, cyclists and hikers to avoid recreational trips through many of the areas west of the foothills.Gerstle said mountain roads can be unsafe while repair work continues. He cited construction equipment and steep drop-offs in washed-out ditches. Gerstle also says there's debris on mountain roadways from recurring rock slides.

Smoke Alarm Blitz in DM Highland Park Tomorrow

Over 300 volunteers are expected to hit the streets of Des Moines tomorrow in a smoke alarm installation blitz. KCCI reports the event, organized by The American Red Cross Serving Greater Iowa and the City of Des Moines Fire Department will focus on the Highland Park neighborhood, checking batteries, installing long life lithium batteries and installing new dual-sensor smoke alarms.

AZ Business Ordered to Stop Telemarketing Calls to Iowa

A Polk County judge's ordered Phoenix-based American Handicapped and Disadvantaged Workers Inc. and its owner, Adli Dasuqi, to stop telephone sales with pitches focused on helping disabled workers. KCCI reports Attorney General office says callers claimed to be disabled and were mislead Iowa residents.

State Workforce Development Lays Off 49 Due to Fed Shutdown

Iowa Workforce Development's laying off 49-employees as of today because of the federal government shutdown. Iowa's Department of Administrative Services and AFSCME who represent the laid off workers say it's to avoid a permanent reduction in the workforce and minimize the shutdown’s impact. WHO-TV reports the layoffs are expected to last up to 60 days.

DM Man Charged in Girlfriend Assault Was Out on Bond

The Des Moines man, charged with domestic assault and false imprisonment, for allegedly beating up his girlfriend for 17-hours was out on bond from an incident earlier this year. 36-year old Brian Case, was awaiting trial for allegedly brandished a machete at an animal control officer trying to catch his dog after a bite complaint in June.

Thursday, October 10, 2013

Pedestrian Says Assaulted by Bicycle Rider

A pedestrian says a man cut him while he was walking home early this morning. WHO-TV reports 44-year old William Beasley says he was walking in the 600 block of East University around 4:30 a.m. when he heard a couple of bicycles approaching. He says he got out of their way, and one of the two riders yelled at him, and sliced his hand. No arrests have been made.

S C. Cop Canned Charged with Sending Explicit Pics to Polk County Juvenile

A police officer in West Columbia, South Carolina's facing federal charges after sending explicit photos of himself to a 13-year-old girl in Polk County last month. 30-year old Andrew Haney's charged with interstate commerce of obscene materials to a person under 16. Haney's been fired by the police department. The two met on a social media site.

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

2-Businesses Bounce Checks at Des Moines Hy-Vee

Des Moines Police are investigating after a Hy-Vee store reported more than $7,500 in bounced checks from two businesses. A spokesperson from the store at 3221 SE 14th St. tells KCCI the amount could go higher as more checks are added in the next few days. The checks were listed to United Transportation and Puma Expedite LLC.

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Wandro New Polk County Administreator

Polk County's hired former Iowa DOT administrator Mark Wandro as its new county administrator. He replaces David Jones who's moved on to the job as Ankeny's City Manager. WHO-TV reports Wandro was an Assistant Polk County Engineer for more than 10 years. His new job will pay $185,000.

Gortz Haus Sues Over Gay Marriage Ceremonies

Betty Odgaard, owner of Gortz Haus is suing the Iowa Civil Rights Commission over finding they violated the civil rights of a gay couple by refusing to allow their wedding at her business, an art gallery and wedding venue, saying it violated her religious beliefs. The lawsuit claims the Odgaard's don't display art that violates their religious beliefs, and the state can't force them to violate their religious beliefs by planning and hosting gay wedding ceremonies.

Monday, October 7, 2013

Fed Techs W/Iowa Nat'l Gaurd Return to Work

Over 1,000 full-time federal technicians with the Iowa National Guard have been recalled to work. They were furloughed when the federal government shut down. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel says the Pay Our Military Act allows the Pentagon to eliminate furloughs for certain employees whose responsibilities contribute to the “morale, well-being, capabilities and readiness of service members.”

DM Fire Officials After Cause of East Side Garage Fire

Des Moines fire officials are trying to find the cause of an explosion that started a fire in a garage at 817 Buchanan on the city's east side just before 11 this morning. WHO-TV reports the fire spread to another garage at 813 Buchanan. Fortunately, there were no injuries.

Nov. 19th Special Election to Fill Kent Sorensen State Senate Seat

Gov. Branstad's set November 19th as the date for a special election to fill the 13th District State Senate seat opened by the resignation of Kent Sorensen. Sorenson, a Republican from Milo, resigned Wednesday. He represented districts south of Des Moines.

DM PD Say Stabbing Victim Won't Identify Attacker

Des Moines PD say they're getting no help from 29-year old Richard Weigel. He drove himself to Broadlawns Medical Center after a girl he met a couple of days ago pulled a butcher-style knife from her purse and stabbed him in the chest during an argument. KCCI reports Weigel wouldn't give a name, saying he didn't want to get anyone into trouble. He's in good condition.

Friday, October 4, 2013

No Farm Bill Could Mean Higher Prices With the New Year

With Congress still not able to agree on a new Farm Bill, analysts are expecting prices of milk, cheese and butter to rise. KCCI reports as of January 1st, farmers will pass along the higher cost of feeding and transporting livestock to you. It could mean milk going from $3 to $6/gallon, and that will spread to other dairyt products.

Iowa DOT Recalling Confidential License Plates

Iowa DOT's going to rescind about 3,200 license plates issued to government agencies that have a special confidential status and reissue only those that are justified for sensitive work. Gov. Branstad ordered a review in July to cut the number of those plates, which also lets them avoid tickets from traffic cameras. DOT will reissue those that are necessary.

Thursday, October 3, 2013

MidAmerican Part of New Energy Efficiency Program in Des Moines

MidAmerican Energy plans to promote energy efficiency programs in three Des Moines neighborhoods as part of a new pilot program. The Des Moines Register reports MidAmerican will join the city, the Center on Sustainable Communities, and Green Iowa AmeriCorps to spread awareness of energy usage and promote energy efficiency programs. An official announcement is tomorrow morning.

Three Busted in Sting at Johnston Massage Business

Three women have been arrested Johnston Police after an undercover sting at Asian Body and Relaxation Center at 5249 Merle Hay Road. WHO-TV reports police received several complaints and tips about the massage business. One of the three's charged with prostitution. All three are charged with operation without proper licensing. Police say the investigation's ongoing.

NWS On the Job Despite Government Shutdown

The government shutdown has impacted some forecasting tools just as potential severe weather system moves into Iowa, but the National Weather Service is still working. They say current Forecasts call for the potential of strong to severe storms tonight and again tomorrow night.

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Two Charged After Discovery of Body in Marshalltown Home

30-year old Jeremy Garlin and 55-year old Max Nelson, both from Marshalltown, are in the Marshall County Jail after a tip led to the discovery of a body yesterday in the basement of a home in the 500 block of N. 4th Avenue. Garlin who lives in the home, is charged with 1st degree murder. Nelson's charged as an accessory after the fact, and with abuse of a corpse.

Appeals Court Upholds Conviction in HIV Transmission Case

Iowa's Court of Appeals has upheld the conviction of 39-year old Nick Rhoades, who's HIV positive. Rhoades was sentenced to 5-years supervised release and registration on the sex offender registry after pleading guilty to criminal transmission of HIV in 2009. Rhoades had sex with a man he met online without disclosing his HIV status.

Iowa Court Rejects DNA Test Request in Murder Case

Iowa's Court of Appeals has rejected a request from a man serving life for the murder of his brother's entire family in 1975. Jerry Mark asked for DNA tests on cigarette butts found at the crime scene. He argued it may call into question whether he was even there. KCCI reports the court ruled testing would do little to undermine the state's "exceptionally strong, albeit circumstantial, case."

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

DM PD Get Tip on 1960 Cold Case

Des Moines police are going over a south side home after getting a tip about a link to the possible murder of Darlene Fitchett, a woman in her 30's, who disappeared in 1960. WHO-TV reports investigators used ground radar to examine the basement floor of the home at 608 Pleasant View Drive.The results will help police decide whether to excavate the site.

Last DM Wednesday Farmers Market of 2013 is Tomorrow

The final Wednesday Farmers' Market of the season is tomorrow in downtown Des Moines. The hours tomorrow are 10:30a.m. to 1:30p.m. on 13th Street between Grand and Locust. KCCI reports there'll be 30-vendors with a mix of seasonal fresh fruit, vegetables, specialty and artisan food, local art and entertainment. The Saturday Farmers' Market runs this year through Oct. 26.