Ankeny laundromat burglary

The Ankeny Police Department is looking to the public for help in identifying two suspects involved in a burglary of an Ankeny laundromat overnight.

On 11/27/13 at approximately 5:54 a.m. Ankeny officers responded to The Laundry Place located at 308 S. Ankeny Blvd. after a customer reported seeing damaged security cameras and an open door into the office. Upon arrival to the scene officers found all the security cameras had been forcefully removed from the ceiling and damage to the door into an office area. Officers found the office area to have been ransacked. An undisclosed amount of money was stolen from the office and approximately $3,000.00 worth of damage was done to the interior of the business.

The security cameras were able to record two suspects in the business before they were disabled. The cameras show a Caucasian male suspect in his mid to late 20's wearing a brown colored coat with a hood and denim jeans and another Caucasian male with no description enter the business at approximately 1:15 a.m. Once inside the business the suspects immediately started to disable the security cameras. After the cameras were disabled the suspects entered the office where the money was stolen.

Anyone with information on the identities of the suspects or the suspect shown in the photos is asked to call Det. Nate Lampe at 515.289.5267 or Polk County Crime Stoppers at 515.223.1400.

Veterans hospital employed sex offender

A Des Moines veterans hospital apparently employed a registered sex offender for three years.

The Des Moines Register reports 46-year-old Stanley McGinty of Knoxville has two convictions for lascivious acts with a child as far back as 2007.

McGinty applied for a job three years ago at the hospital in Des Moines that VA Central Iowa Health Care System operates. He mentioned his convictions on his job application, along with his two decades of National Guard service.

The hospital hired McGinty as a housekeeping aide. It fired him in September when administrators learned that sex offenders could not work at care facilities for dependent adults.

Proposal at Festival of Trees

The Festival of Trees Christmas tree lights display was a beautiful background for a marriage proposal the night before Thanksgiving. Joshua Mogle knew his fiancé Barbie Morris's favorite time of year is Christmas, and so he took Barbie to a tree with a Barbie decoration theme where he had hung an ornament that said---Barbie, will you marry me? When she read it and turned around, he was on one knee. She said yes.

Iowa Banks Farm-Friendly

In a report by the American Bankers Association, it turns out that Iowa banks make up 15% of the 100 banks that give the most loans to farmers. United Bank of Iowa is number 15 on the list and it gave more than a million loans and 75% of those were to farmers.

Chuck's Feeds the Needy

The level of need in Des Moines was illustrated by the speed at which Chuck's restaurant, which has been cooking up free meals for their needy neighbors for nearly 30 years, had to cut off meal requests when they reached their limit of 3 thousand and 69. Chuck's continued its turkey tradition despite the death of the owner of the restaurant who passed away from cancer earlier this month.

Retailers Battle Amazon

The stores have been filled in Des Moines from last night through today, but retailers are fighting to keep shoppers from using their stores to try on or scope out gifts and then go home and order them on Amazon.com. Amazon is competing head to head with brick and mortar stores even before Cyber Monday by giving shoppers the option of picking up items at physical locations or adding Sunday delivery.

Accused Iowa Killer Too Sick for Extradition?

This week former University of Iowa Researcher John Bloomfield was officially charged with killing his wife in 1997, after investigators plugged away at the case for 16 years. But now his lawyer says Bloomfield's health is poor and he has suffered serious illnesses. It is not known how his health might affect extradition to Iowa from Minnesota, where he was arrested.

Unskilled Iowans an Obstacle to Business Expansion

A state survey shows that the top reason businesses have for deciding not to expand in Iowa is the lack of qualified workers. 673 Iowa companies have plans to expand representing perhaps 7 thousand new jobs, but more than 384 of these companies say they are experiencing recruitment problems while 311 say they don't have room to expand. Most Iowa workers are categorized as middle skilled, meaning an education level between high school and an associates degree, while only 33% of jobs go to middle skilled workers.

Man accused of trying to run over another man in Des Moines

Police yesterday arrested a Des Moines man for trying to run over someone with his car.

The Des Moines Register reports police taking 46-year-old Simon Alatorre into custody outside Beer Can Alley on Court Avenue.

The manager apparently asked Alatorre and another man to leave when they started arguing.

Witnesses say Alatorre drove his car toward them and hit a fire hydrant. He allegedy backed up and tried hitting them again, but this time he hit a utility box.

DNR: Expect good wild turkey harvest

People have had lots of turkey today, but also expect the bird to remain plentiful in the wild this year.

DNR officials tell KCRG television that they expect a bumper crop for turkey season.

They say this has resulted from strong hatching conditions two years ago, which has led to lots of mature birds for the taking.

NASCAR buys Iowa Speedway

NASCAR has bought Iowa Speedway in Newton.

This transaction makes NASCAR the speedway's third owner in seven years.

Officials say the upcoming summer race schedule has already taken shape, but big changes may come year after next.

Thanksgiving and Black Friday Store Hours

Here are some of the store hours for Thanksgiving. Stores at the Merle Hay Mall will open at 8 Thanksgiving night and stay open till 10pm Black Friday. Pretty much the same at Jordan Creek Town Center. 8 Thanksgiving till 10 Black Friday. The Valley West Mall in West Des Moines will open at 8 Thanksgiving and will close at 9 at night on Black Friday. At Southridge Mall some stories will actually open at 6 Thanksgiving evening.

Other stores hours. Toys R Us opens at 8pm Thanksgiving and continues till 10 Friday night. Walmart will be open 24 hours except for the West Des Moines store which opens at 6pm Thursday and remains open 24 hours through the holidays. Best Buys open 6pm Thursday to 10pm Friday. JC Penney's opens at 8 Thanksgiving. So does Sears, which will stay open through 10 Friday. Same thing at Kohl's.

Water Works Budget Apoproved, Rates Will Climb

Des Moines Water Works Board of Trustees have approved a 2014 budget, and it will mean higher rates for customers. WHO-TV reports the budget's $61-million, with $35-million for operations. A 5% rate hike's already been approved for direct customers. Retail customers can expect a hike, and communities that buy water will see a 4% hike effective in April 2014.

Clerk Refuses to Give West Des Moines Robber Money

West Des Moines Police are investigating a robbery just after noon today at Scott's Shop on 5th Street. Detectives say the store clerk refused to give the man they're looking for any money, even after the suspect pulled a handgun. The suspects a black man in a black or gray stocking cap and sunglasses.\

NASCAR New Iowa Speedway Owners

NASCAR's the new owner of the Iowa Speedway, through a new subsidiary, Iowa Speedway, LLC. NASCAR says it will draw on all of its resources to continue the tracks development. NASCAR's hosting an event December 12th to outline more details on the purchase and their plans for the track going forward.

Church Robbed of 5 Thousand Dollar Keyboard

A Grinch has stolen the music from a Des Moines church this holiday season. Someone burglarized the Calvary Apostolic Church on Easton Boulevard Sunday night into Monday afternoon and stole the church's Yamaha keyboard. Value 5 thousand dollars.

Lyric Cook Mother Arrested for Drugs

You will recall last year when young Lyric Cook and her cousin Elizabeth Collins vanished while riding bikes in Evansdale and their bodies were found in a wooded area near Waterloo last December. Now Lyric Cooks mother Misty, who is 36, has been arrested on felony drug charges for possessing marijuana with intent to sell and possession of meth. She could face 50 years. Two months ago Lyric Cooks father Todd Morrisey was sentenced to up to 90 years on drug charges.

Meanwhile, the Iowa Department of Investigations says the murders of the two missing cousins Lyric and Elizabeth is not a cold case and investigators are still at work solving it.

Serial Stickup Suspect Arrested

Des Moines police say they have in custody the man who robbed 5 convenience stories in the past two weeks. 22 year-old Denzell Bullock is charged with robbing Star Liquor on East 14th, Valero on East Euclid, Kum and Go on Guthrie, Sahota Foods and Liquor on Southeast 14th and Star Service on Ingersoll. He was armed with a handgun during all of them and pistol whipped a clerk in one robbery, causing police to worry he was becoming more aggressive and violent. Acting on tips they spotted his car and chased him down. They recovered the gun.

Police Arrest Suspect in DM Armed Robberies

Des Moines PD say they've arrested a suspect they believes involved in five armed robberies in the metro this month. 22-year old Denzell Bullock of Des Moines is charged with five counts of first degree robbery. He's thought to have been involved in the hold ups at STAR Liquor, the Valero, Kum and Go, Sahota Foods and Liquor, and Star Service.

Statae Board Approves Pleasant Hill Voluntary Annexation

The state’s City Development Board's approved the voluntary annexation of 153 acres into Pleasant Hill, despite objections from residents opposed to a warehouse development proposed for part of the land. The Des Moines Register reports opponents of the warehouse plan say this will probably mean a new lawsuit.

Newton City Council Approves Iowa Speedway Deal

Big changes are coming to the Iowa Speedway. Newton's City Council approved lease and finance deals for the new owners, Iowa Speedway, LLC. The council didn't reveal who's behind the company. Rusty Wallace, who designed the track and is part owner, isn't talking about what's to come, but tells KCCI we should know more tomorrow, and a much bigger announcement's due December 12th.

Mother of Murdered Evansdale Girl Busted on Drug Charges

The mother of one of the Evansdale two girls who vanished and were found dead, now faces drug charges. 36-year old Misty Morrissey and 25-year old Todd Henricksen's face charges including delivery and possession with intent relating to marijuana and methamphetamine. KCCI reports police expect more arrests. Morrisey's husband's already serving 90-years after his conviction on drug charges.

Hen and Tom Turkey Get Executive Clemency

Governor Brandstad, in an official pronouncement at his Des Moines home at Terrace Hill, declared he was invoking clemency and pardoning two turkeys by the names of Carmel and Apple, ahead of Thanksgiving. Carmel is a hen and Apple is a Tom and weigh a combined 67 pounds. Said the governor, “ I do hereby proclaim Carmel the Turkey and Apple the Turkey free from the harm of carving knifes and gravy This Thanksgiving Day,” close quote.

One Local Farmer Grows Turkeys Too Big for the Oven

Iowa ranks ninth in the nation when it comes to turkey production. But one area farmer says you won't find one of his turkeys on you Thanksgiving table this year. Steve Burrows tells KWWL-TV the birds he breeds average about 40 pounds, while most consumers buy turkeys in the 16-pound range. As a result, Burrows says he doesn't see an uptick in business around Thanksgiving.

Iowa State Gets Huge Grant

The founders of Rieman Publications and longtime Iowa State University donors will give the university 25 million dollars to start the process of creating a stunning and inspiring new entrance to the campus and to enclose the south end zone of Jack Trice stadium to upgrade the game day experience for fans.

Grand Ave Bridge Reopening Pushed Back to Mid-December

There's been another change in the opening of the new Grand Avenue bridge at 63rd Street in Des Moines. A Des Moines engineer says the bridge won't reopen now until mid-December. The bridge was shut down in March so it could be torn down and replaced. WHO-TV reports the most recent delay's being blamed on extreme cold.

Big Grant for ISU Jump Starts Stadium Project

Iowa State University's Athletic Director Jamie Pollard says the University's gotten a $25 million gift from Roy and Bobbi Reiman to jump-start a project to change the south end of Jack Trice Stadium and create a new entrance to the campus and Reiman Gardens. KCCI reports the project must still be approved by the State Board of Regents.

Iowa Speedway Sale in the Works

The owners of the Iowa Speedway are planning to sell the track and assets to a new corporation. The Newton's City Council has a special meeting tomorrow to discuss the sale to Iowa Speedway LLC. The Newton Daily News reports the sale will transfer the current agreements between the track and the city to the new owners.

Mulberry Shelter Can Use Donations

If you are searching for a means to provide a holiday kindness you might consider the homeless shelter on Mulberry Street. The cold winds blasting through this weekend drove homeless clients into the shelter, and supplies are dwindling. The shelter has 150 beds that are generally filled in cold weather, and the shelter needs food and clothing for those who stay there

Area Towns Make List of Best Places in Iowa for Young Families

Waukee, Clive and West Des Moines have done well in a new survey from NerdWallet. They've listed Waukee 2nd, Clive 8th, and West Des Moines 11th in its list of the "best towns for young families." The Des Moines Register reports NerdWallet's list was based on public school quality, home affordability, and how much the city is growing and prospering.

Branstad Leads Protest of EPA Ethanol Cut in Gas Proposal

The EPA's proposal to lower the amount of ethanol in gasoline led to a gathering of GOP politicians who are crying foul. KCCI reports Gov. Branstad's gone so far as to call it a war on corn that threatens thousands of jobs. Brandstad and other republicans were joined by businesses and farm groups that profit from ethanol production today during an appearance at Lincolnway Energy in Nevada.

UI enhancing Internet protection measures

The University of Iowa has improved security after an Internet scam seeking personal information tricked several employees.

IT services security director Jane Drews says her office continues working to reduce the phishing emails and other spam making it through security filters.

Drews says 800 phishing scams have surfaced through campus email this semester.

Des Moines woman whose car went into lake drowned

Authorities say a Des Moines woman drowned after her car plunged into a lake following a police chase.

Polk County officials say it make take weeks to determine whether or not drugs or alcohol had anything to do with the death of 51-year-old Brenda Hatfield.

A West Des Moines officer tried stopping a car Wednesday morning, but it sped down a dead-end street. The officer later saw tire tracks towards Crystal Lake on the Des Moines Water Works property.

A dive team pulled the car from the lake and found Hatfield dead inside.

Kia minivan recall includes Iowa

Kia has recalled 80,000 minivans sold or registered in Iowa and several other states.

The company says a suspension part can break and cause drivers to lose control of the vehicles.

The recall affects Sedona minivans from 2006 through last year.

Bolkcom wants tax credits to help roads and bridges

The assistant majority leader in Iowa's senate has a thought on how to spend new tax credits.

Joe Bolkcom believes the $54 credits would really help fix the state's crumbling roads and bridges.

The Department of Revenue says many Iowans can receive the credit when they file this year's taxes.

Bolkcom, however, wants to "turn the Taxpayer Trust Fund into the taxpayer road fund."

Insurance commissioner sees nothing wrong with Wellmark ads

Iowa's insurance commissioner has no problem with ads from Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield.

The ads make fun of the technical problems associated with the federal Internet marketplace.

Commissioner Nick Gerhart says he sees nothing illegal about the ads from the state's dominant health insurer.

CoOportunity Health competes agianst Wellmark. It describes the ads as "questionable market conduct."

DM PD Seek One Suspect in 3 Convenience Store Robberies

Des Moines Police say one suspect may be behind the robberies of three convenience stores in the past week. The Des Moines Register reports they believe the man who held up the Kum and Go on Guthrie Monday night, Valero on E. Euclid earlier the same evening, and STAR Liquor on E. 14th Street Friday are on in the same. If you know something, call DM PD or Polk County Crime Stoppers.

Waveland and Bright Grandview Golf Courses CLose Next Wednesday

Des Moines officials say golfers have one more week before Waveland and Bright Grandview golf courses close for the season next Wednesday. KCCI reports A.H. Blank Golf Course will remain open throughout the year for golf, weather permitting. Temperatures and wind chill must be above 40 degrees to allow golfers access to the course.

Pella Pastor Getting New Trial

Iowa's Court of Appeals has overturned the guilty verdict in the case of former Pella Pastor Patrick Edouard, who was convicted on 4-counts of sexual exploitation by a counselor. The court fund the jury instructions gave a broader definition of "counselor" than should have been given. KCCI reports Edouard's been free during his appeal.

I-235 Ramp Reopens Tonight

The Windsor Heights exit ramp that’s been closed for months reopens tonight. The westbound I-235 ramp
at 73rd Street's scheduled to re-open at 10:00. It’s been closed since April for widening the interstate between 73rd and 63rd Streets. They’re adding an extra lane to the bridge that goes over 73rd Street. Work on the widening project will run into early December.

Hy-Vee Donates Turkeys

A big donation will help make sure local families can cook up a family feast this Thanksgiving. WHO-TV reports Hy-Vee's delivering 10,000 turkeys to 10 cities in 10 days. Among the cities: Des Moines. Des Moines turkey's arrived at the Food Bank of Iowa today. Food bank officials say this time of the year can be stressful, with expenses climbing in the winter months and holidays.

Jury Selection Starts in Huser Retrial

Jury selection's started in the retrial of 63-year old Vernon Huser for first degree murder. Huser's first conviction was tossed by the Iowa Court of Appeals for hearsay testimony. WHO-TV reports Huser's alleged to have hired a hit man to kill his ex-wife’s boyfriend in 2004.

Retaliation Suit Winner Wants State Job Back

A woman who won a $130,000 jury award in a case which found Iowa Workforce Development officials retaliated against her for filing a racial discrimination complaint now wants her state job back. KCCI reports Attorneys for Dorothea Polk filed a motion in Polk County District Court asking a judge to reinstate her to her job as a mail room clerk or an equivalent position.

Planned Parenthood Closing 4 Iowa Offices

Planned Parenthood of the Heartland is closing offices in 4-cities. Their centers in Ankeny, Fort Dodge, Mount Pleasant and Washington will shutdown Dec. 12. Board Chair Bob Shaw says it's an effort to focus limited resources where the patients are. Less than 10% of Planned Parenthood's Iowa patients visited those four centers.

Home Invasion Robbery in Des Moines

Des Moines PD say a father and son suffered only minor injuries when four armed masked men got into their home early this morning through an unlocked back door and robbed them. The home invasion was in the 2700 block of Indianapolis Avenue. KCCI reports the gunmen ran when the son recognized three of them. They got away with $60 in cash and video games.

Forey Jacobson Suing Man Who Assaulted Him

Local runner Forey Jacobson's suing the man who assaulted him two years ago, the bar they were in when it happened and the party bus company that dropped that man off at the bar that night. A jury's being asked to decide if Jacobson and his wife are entitled to damages for the injuries he suffered when Benjamin Vogl assaulted him. The beating put Jacobson in a coma for 2 weeks.

Grand Ave Bridge Deck Pour Scheduled Tomorrow Morning

Des Moines officials expect crews to pour the deck for the new the Grand Avenue bridge starting at 7 tomorrow morning. At least three lanes of the bridge are scheduled to open by November 29th, almost a month behind schedule. Businesses and residents in the area tell WHO-TV they're not pleased.

Blue Ribbon Bacon Fest Tickets On Sale December 12th

February 14th's the date set for the 7th Annual Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival. WHO-TV reports The Iowa Bacon Board's settled on the theme: “Viva Las Bacon: What happens at Baconfest…” 12,000 tickets will be available and go on sale December 12th at 12:12p.m. at www.blueribbonbaconfestival.com.

Police Locate 10-year old Boy in Alleged Merle Hay Mall Shoplifting Incident

Des Moines PD say they've located the 10-year old boy who allegedly shoved an 11-year old through a plate glass door at the Merle Hay Mall Saturday. A Sears employee spotted the two filling a backpack with clothing and jewelry. The 10-year old ran after security confronted them. The 11-year olds still in the hospital.

Miller Expected to Announce Candidacy for 9th Term as Atty General

Attorney General Tom Miller's expected to announce in several stop across the state tomorrow that he's running for re-election next year. KCCI reports Miller, a democrat, has events planned here, Dubuque, and Cedar Rapids. Miller is serving his 8th four year term. He's focused his work on public safety and consumer protection.

Lt. Gov. Making China Trip to Promote Iowa

Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds is heading to China. WHO-TV reports she leaves Sunday, and will be the featured speaker at the World Forum for Direct Investment in Shanghai. Tuesday, Reynolds will promote the state of Iowa and direct economic investment to an audience of international leaders.

Vote Tuersday on DM Airport Transportation Fees

Next Tuesday, Des Moines Airport Authority Board's expected to vote on new transportation fees on commercial vehicles visiting the airport. According to KCCI there'd be a per trip fee of $.50 on taxi's, hotel $1 on hotel shuttles, $2 on limousines, $1 for off airport parking operators, and $10 on charter buses. If approved, the new fees would go into effect on April 1.

Iowa DOT Cracking Down on Use of Undercover License Plates

Iowa DOT's acting on recommendations in a report released today calling for tighter regulation of undercover license plates. The Des Moines Register says the report found most of the almost 3200 sets of plates are being properly used, but over 200 sets have been lost or misused, 167 sets are missing, and 18 sets were used for purposes not allowed by law.

Ground Broken for Merle Hay Mall Renovation

There was a ground breaking at Merle Hay Mall today for its big renovation project. Plans call to the addition of a 900-seat 8-screen movie complex with a brewery, Flix Brewhouse. Several businesses have relocated from the mall's central court for the project which is expected to wrap up in late spring or early summer of 2014.

11 Arrested in Ankeny Prostitution Sting

Ankeny Police busted 11-people in a prostitution sting at a local hotel. KCCI reports officers used an ad on backpage.com. About 200-people inquired about the ad, but the only ones arrested showed up at the unnamed hotel. A prostitution conviction's punishable by up to 2 years in prison and a fine of $625 to $6,250.

DICK'S Sporting Goods Opening Friday at Jordan Creek

They're planning a big grand opening celebration Friday for the opening of the new DICK's Sporting Goods at Jordan Creek Town Center in West Des Moines. A DICK'S spokesperson tells KCCI they're planning three days of activities including a free Mystery Gift Card worth from $5 to $500 for the first 100 adults in line on Friday and Saturday.

2-Arrestrs in Drake Student Robbery

Des Moines PD have 2-men in custody and are after a third in the October 27th robbery of a Drake University student near 29th and University. 19-year old Lilcurtis Gilliam and 38-year old Alfonzo Patrick, both from Des Moines, are charged with first-degree robbery and false use of credit cards. The Des Moines Register reports Gilliam and Patrick are in the Polk County Jail.

Suspect Charged in Sunday Night Assault Outside Scores Bar

Des Moines Police say 29-year old Cornelius Brown, Jr.'s being held on $50-thousand bond in the Polk County Jail, charged in the assault on a man outside Scores Bar last Sunday. KCCI reports the victim, 26-year old Markus Mullenger of Urbandale, was found face down outside the bar bleeding from the face and ears. He's been in a medically induced coma at an area hospital.

Construction Underway at 5-MidAmerican Wind Turbine Projects

MidAmerican Energy says construction's underway on all five of its new wind turbine sites in Grundy, Madison, Marshall, O’Brien and Webster counties. WHO-TV reports the combined projects are part of the largest wind energy expansion in Iowa’s history. The 5-sites combined will add almost 450-wind turbines to Iowa's inventory. All the turbine blades are being built in Ft. Madison.

Ex-Polk County Court Employee Gets Wrongful Firing Settlement

A former Polk County District Court employee will be paid $125,000 as part of a settlement alleging wrongful termination resulting from retaliation following a violence in the workplace complaint. The Des Moines Register reports the Iowa Appeal Board's agreed to pay Cynthia Marshall $54,193 in compensation, $15,000 in back pay, and $56,000 to her attorneys.

Public Works Employee Calls in Windsor Heights House Fire

Fire officials are trying to determine what caused a fire this morning in a Windsor Heights home. WHO-TV reports a public works employee passing the home in the 1100 block of 68th Street, saw smoke coming from the kitchen and attic, and called 911. There was no one home at the time.

Chicago Man Busted for Alleged Sporting Goods Store Theft

A Chicago man has been accused of stealing merchandise from a Marshalltown sporting goods store where he'd just applied for a job. 18-year-old Lawrence Briggs entered the Sports Page Oct. 30, turned in a job application, then police say he grabbed three items worth $150. Briggs was called back for a job interview Friday, after a review of surveillance video, and arrested.

Work Release Escapee Back in Custody

Des Moines police say Orlando Rodriguez, an escaped work release program inmate has been found and is back in custody. Rodriguez, serving time for the death of Iowa National Guardsman Bruce Munday, failed to return to the Fort Des Moines Work Release Facility yesterday. He was found late this morning at a home in Des Moines.

Newton Insurer Moving Offices to Urbandale

Newton based Marsh and Mercer Insurance says it's moving its operations to Urbandale. The Newton office closes next February. A company spokesperson tells KCCI no jobs are being eliminated, and all employees are being given the chance to move to Urbandale. Marsh and Mercer are affiliated subsidiaries of Marsh and McLennan Companies.

Three Kids Safe After Brief Car Chase

The Polk County Sheriff's Office says three small children are safe and back with family members after they were found in a car that was involved in a short police chase this morning. KCCI reports deputies were looking for Charles Senase Jr. after an alleged domestic incident. He faces charges including non-payment of child support, child endangerment, and driving while suspended.

Ground Broken for Alice's Road Project

Ground was broken this morning on the multi-million dollar Alice's Road project from University Avenue to Ashworth Road. KCCI reports crews will be paving about 1.5 miles of roadway with four travel and turning lanes. Plans call for the roadway to be expanded to six lanes as traffic demand builds in the area. The total cost of this phase of the project is $13 million.