Friday, February 28, 2014

IDOT Plow Cams

Iowa DOT's added video cameras to some of its snowplows.   The camera's, mounted on the truck's dashboards, give you a view of road and weather where the plows are in real time.  You can go to DOT's website and click on one of the blue dots.  KCCI reports DOT officials say they want to have most of the state covered by next winter.  

Mason Sex Assaults

University of Iowa president sally mason is going to lead a forum on sexual assault today... a new group is demanding more attention from the university on concerns about sexual assaults this school year... mason has taken some heat for comments she made about sexual assaults in a student newspaper... the protestors want changes in the way that reports of sexual assaults are communicated to the campus.

Rick Perry

Rick Perry has begun a two-day visit to Iowa with stops in the Des Moines suburbs. Perry was interviewed by a media panel in Johnston for a public affairs show on Iowa Public Television and is meeting with Republican activists at a GOP campaign office in Urbandale.  This is the first visit to Iowa since last November.  for the Texas governor, frequently mentioned as a potential presidential candidate.

Vehicular Homicide

A 22 year old man from Osage has been charged in a fatal wreck from last year... 22 year old Jesse Wilson of Charles City was killed in the crash...Tylor Patrick was allegedly driving on hickory avenue northwest of Osage, when he lose control of his vehicle... it rolled multiple times... Wilson was a passenger in that vehicle... five others were hurt. He's been charged with vehicular homicide... a preliminary hearing has been set for march 7th,

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Digital Lab Follow-Up

Iowa's three public universities and one of its largest private employers are among the partners in a new consortium announced by President Obama to improve the nation's manufacturing capabilities.  Iowa State University, the University of Iowa and the University of Northern Iowa are among the more than 70 organizations that will be part of the Digital Lab for Manufacturing, based in Chicago. Cedar Rapids-based Rockwell Collins is also a member.  The White House says the goal is to create a new partnership between manufacturers and software companies to develop new, cutting-edge capabilities to design, test and move products to market.

High Speed Chase

An Oskaloosa man is facing felony charges after leading authorities on a high-speed chase. He says he panice; officers say if he'd just stopped the charges would have been much less. It started Monday morning when police tried to pull over a red pickup truck going 74 mph in a 55 mph zone on Highway 92. The truck sped away but authorities later located it near the town of Leighton. Bryant Groenendyk is said to have driven through three stops signs going upwards of 90 mph.

Murder Sentence

An Ankeny man will spend the rest of his life in prison after his second conviction in the killing of his ex-wife's lover. Vernon Huser continued to claim his innocence even as the judge handed down the sentence.A Polk County jury convicted him of first-degree murder last December. After his 2010 conviction, the Iowa Court of Appeals ordered a new trial for Huser, concluding his conviction was largely based on hearsay testimony that shouldn't have been allowed.

Rental Occupancy Bill

Cities and landlords are fighting about something that's become known as the occupancy bill. It would allow more than four unrelated people to live in a single-family rental home -- something not allowed by ordinances in most communities int he area. Supporters say it’s meant to make more money for landlords. Iowa’s largest cities are lining up to fight it. Opponents say it could mean less property value for homeowners that might suddenly find themselves flanked by halfway houses or even shelters.

Rogers Surrenders

Bionca Rogers, the 21-year old woman wanted in the death of a missing Colorado man, surrendered to authorities in Cedar Rapids this morning.  She's being held without bond, and authorities want her extradited to Colorado.  61-year old Grant Frazier of Colorado Springs was found dead in a car in Newton early yesterday.

Wells Fargo Job Cuts

Wells Fargo says 80 employees in the Des Moines metro area have been laid off.  A company spokesperson tells KCCI it's part of a nationwide move to eliminate 700-jobs due to a drop in the demand for home mortgages.  Employees were given a 60 day notice, offered possible relocation within the company as well as assistance in searching for a new job.

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

"Knockout Game"

Police in Ames are investigating what could be a case of the “knockout game.” The “knockout game” is where someone hits an unsuspecting victim without provocation, trying to knock that person out with one punch. On three separate occasions on February 16th, students tell police they were approached by a black man with dreadlocks who hit them for no apparent reason. The suspect then took off in a dark colored car with at least one other person inside. One of the victims had to have his broken jaw wired shut.

Missing Man Found

A man from Colorado, missing for over a week,  has been found dead in Iowa. The body of 61-year-old Grant Frazier of Colorado Springs was found in Newton, along Interstate 80. His car was also recovered.  Authorities say details about how he died won't be released until after an autopsy is completed. Police are still asking  for help in finding a woman who was last known to be with Frazier, 21-year-old Bionca Rogers.
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National Guard

Just back from Washington, where he attended a meeting of the National Governor's Association, Governor Branstad says he's seeking to deliver a letter to President Obama signed by every governor expressing displeasure with the proposed cuts in the federal defense budget.  Branstad says he's particularly concerned about cuts to the National Guard, which he says could be dangerous for national defense, as well as for states that rely on those forces in emergencies.

Potholes

We're hearing about a lot of troubles with potholes this year... with the snow and the temperature swings... and city leaders in cedar rapids today are announcing plans to help fix the potholes... the city also will use a recently-passed local option sales tax to pay for a multi year street repair campaign.

Stabbing Death

Authorities are investigating a suspicious death on the Meskwaki (MESK-waukee) settlement Monday night. Police have not released the name of the person, who died of a stabbing according to 9-1-1 callers. Monday night, DCI Special Agent Rick Rahn said authorities were detaining one person for questioning. They believe that person was involved in the crime. So far no charges have been filed. KCCI reports an autopsy will be conducted at the State Medical Examiner's Office in Ankeny.

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

DMPD Officer Hurt

A Des Moines police officer and a woman he was assisting both were hurt in an accident blamed on a slick road.The woman's car was disabled and the officer was giving her a ride when the first accident occurred near Prospect Park. Another car slid across the center line and hit the officer's patrol car. The woman in the officer's car was taken to a hospital. As the officer and the other driver talked, another car slid toward them. The officer jumped onto the hood of a car but hurt his back when he slid off the hood.

Pets Covered in Domestic Abuse Protection Orders

The State Senate's passed a bill that includes pets in domestic abuse protection orders.  KCCI reports lawmakers are hoping that with this addition, abuse victims would be more likely to leave a bad situation without worrying that a family pet would be abused as a result of their decision to leave.  The bill goes to the House.

Rammed the Deputy

An Iowa man has been charged with attempted murder, after he rammed a pickup into a deputy's vehicle. 35 year old Myron Brandon also is charged with eluding and burglary. Brandon was reportedly in custody. A deputy who was responding to a reported break-in began chasing the pickup in rural Hastings around 9 p.m. on Sunday. Authorities say the chase ended in farm field when Brandon rammed his truck into the deputy's SUV, disabling it. Authorities say that after the deputy got out, Brandon's truck struck near where the deputy was standing. The deputy fired at the pickup, which was later found abandoned. Brandon was arrested nearby. Nobody was hurt.

Voter Fraud

An agent from the state Division of Criminal Investigation overseeing Iowa's probe into potential voter fraud says more than 80 cases are still being reviewed by local prosecutors. 245 investigations have been completed since September, resulting in 15 felony cases. Iowa Secretary of State Matt Schultz said earlier this month that 26 people have been charged during the controversial two-year investigation. He's expected to issue a report next month detailing the findings.

Monday, February 24, 2014

Norovirus in Ames Library

Tests have confirmed that norovirus is to blame for the illnesses of more than 30 employees at the Ames Public Library. Officials said Thursday that results from a state hygienic lab confirmed officials' suspicion that norovirus was responsible. The illnesses caused the library to close its doors Wednesday. It was also closed Thursday. The library has since been thoroughly sanitized. Officials say there's no reason to believe materials at the facility pose a risk to visitors.

Shooting Sentence

25 years in prison is the sentence for a 31 year old Harlan man who shot a woman and her young son in council bluffs... Ronald far had reached a plea agreement on charges of attempted murder and willful injury. Investigators say the shooting came from a financial dispute involving the father of heather Wilson's children... Farr allegedly shot Wilson eight times in a parking lot as Wilson was putting her kids in her car... Wilson's 19 year old was hit by a bullet that went through Wilson, but both recovered.

Twyner Plea

Dr. Lafayette Twyner, Jr. of Newton pleaded guilty in federal court today to one count of illegal distribution of a narcotic resulting in death, and one count of defrauding Medicaid.  The Des Moines Register reports Twyner was indicted by a federal grand jury for prescribing addictive drugs even after he was warned the medications were being abused. He'll be sentenced in May.

Friday, February 21, 2014

Legislative Deadline

Governor Branstad's legislative priorities have survived a procedural deadline in the General Assembly. Bills dealing with veterans support, bullying prevention and expanding broadband Internet will move forward in the legislature. All three issues are part of Branstad's modest legislative agenda for the year. The actual deadline is tomorrow, but lawmakers have already completed their work for the week and most will not return to the Capitol until next week




Mile Long Bridge

A bridge connecting Ankeny, Polk City, Grimes and Johnston areas is about to close for a couple months. According to the DOT, 7,700 vehicles drive the bridge over Saylorville Lake every day. Starting on March 31, the Mile Long Bridge will be closed. The encouraged detour runs 16 miles to the south around the reservoir and includes Lower Beaver Road, Northwest 66th Avenue and 415. If everything goes as scheduled the Mile Long Bridge will be closed just shy of eight weeks.

Officer Injured

A Des Moines police officer and a woman he was helping were hurt in separate accidents on a slick road. The woman's car had been disabled and the officer was giving her a ride when the first accident occurred near Prospect Park yesterday. Another car slid across the center line and hit the officer's patrol car. The woman was taken to a hospital. As the officer and the other driver talked, another car slid toward them. Police say the officer jumped onto the hood of a car and hurt his back.

Stranger Danger

The disappearance and death of 10-year-old Hailey Owens shocked a southwest Missouri community. Erin Tuken, a child-life specialist with Mercy Children’s Hospital, said the hospital promotes a “no, go, yell, tell” strategy for stranger safety. The Missouri kidnapping comes as parents in West Des Moines are on high alert after a recent spike in stranger-danger reports. Police tell KCCI they are investigating three suspicious encounters that occurred this month.

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Flood Concerns

Concerns that snow melt and spring rain could happen all at once causing flooding are increasing. The ground remains solidly frozen with frost reaching 33 inches, twice the depth normally expected this time of year. That means any rainfall runs off the ground. The later freezing temperatures stay the more likely snowmelt will come as spring rain sets in, which could increase flood chances. The National Weather Service releases its spring flood outlook tomorrow.




Deer Harvest

For the first time since the 1990s, Iowa’s deer harvest has dropped below 100,000. State DNR officials say hunters took just over 99,000 deer last year. in 2013. That’s a drop of 14 percent from 2012. Officials also say the number of hunting licenses issued is also down.

Ames Library

The Ames public library has temporarily closed its doors because most of its staff members are sick. A message on the library's website says it closed today after 25 employees called in sick. State and county public health officials are testing whether norovirus is the cause of the illnesses. And the library is being cleaned and disinfected while it's closed. The Ames library is temporarily housed in a strip mall while the main building undergoes renovations.

Beating Death Sentence

A man convicted of second-degree murder in the beating death of a Des Moines man is going to prison. 18-year-old Kent Anthony Tyler has been sentenced to up to 50 years behind bars for last August's death of 40-year-old Richard Daughenbaugh. Three other men face first-degree murder charges in the case. They're still awaiting trial.






Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Minimum Wage

Legislation to boost Iowa's minimum wage has gained preliminary approval state Senate.  The bill, which would gradually raise the minimum wage in the state to $10.10 an hour from the current $7.25, won backing in a Senate subcommittee. Supporters say the measure faces major hurdles due to a lack of Republican support.

Iowa v. Indiana Postponed

Tonight's Iowa vs. Indiana game at Indiana has been postponed.  Indiana's VP and Athletics Director Fred Glass says it's a safety issue.  KCCI reports a piece of metal facing, about 8' long, fell from the ceiling of Assembly Hall, damaging several seats.  Engineer want to find out why it fell and make repairs before any events are held.  

Blizzard Watch

A Blizzard Watch has been issued by the National Weather Service. 3 to 7 inches of snow is expected on Thursday, with snow fall rates of one to two inches per hour possible and strong northwest winds that may create blizzard conditions.

Store Closing

A popular Midwest electronics store is getting ready to close its doors...for good.  American TV & Appliance is shutting-down its ten remaining stores in Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin, including the one in Johnston.  Nearly 1,000 employees are losing their jobs.  A going out of business sale begins on Thursday.

Hy-Vee Pharmacy

Hy-Vee is purchasing a specialty pharmacy based in Omaha. The employee-owned grocery chain based in West Des Moines says it's agreed to acquire Amber Pharmacy, help it expand its pharmacy services for complex cases and for patients dealing with chronic illnesses. Amber will continue to operate independently of Hy-Vee. Hy-Vee operates 235 stores in eight states.

Iowa State Bibles

Iowa State University says it's removing Bibles from a campus hotel's guest rooms ... after a watchdog group argued that it was an illegal endorsement of Christianity by the state-run institution.  The Bibles will be removed from the hotel by March 1st, and placed in the Memorial Union's Browsing Library for lending, where they will be available to any guest.  The school says Bibles in the  guest rooms predate when the university took ownership of the hotel in 2003.

Sex Abuse National Guard

A state senate subcommittee today approved a bill requiring the Iowa National Guard provide an annual report to the legislature on sex abuse allegations reported the previous year.  KCCI reports lawmakers are still working out some details, including whether there should be mandatory reporting of sex abuse allegations to local police.

Snowmobile Injury

The department of natural resources says a 38 year old woman was hurt while snowmobiling on north twin lake in Calhoun county this weekend... KCCI says Jill George was thrown from a snowmobile when she hit a snow drift... she was flown to Iowa Methodist medical center in Des Monies... she had suffered a serious head injury. She was not wearing a helmet, and neither was her passenger, 24 year old Hilary Hansch... the state reportedly says the snowmobile is supposed to be for one person. George is from Clare... Hansch is from fort dodge.

Workforce Training

Des Moines Area Community College is expanding a workforce training program.  The school says it is hiring new trainers, adding sessions and expanding classroom space for its Workforce Training Academy.  The state-funded program offers unemployed and underemployed people short-term training for high-demand careers.

Monday, February 17, 2014

Drake Dinner

A student group at Drake University is expressing concern over the menu at a campus dinner intended to celebrate Black History Month. Tess Montgomery, president of the Coalition of Black Students, tells the Des Moines Register that some African-American students felt embarrassed and patronized by Wednesday night's dinner menu that included fried chicken and collard greens. Montgomery says the menu perpetuated offensive stereotypes. Sodexo, the school's food services provider, has apologized, and is planning a second dinner with the student group.

Ritenour Back In Jail

Alicia Ritenour is back behind bars on $500,000 bond.  The 20-year old Oskaloosa mom is charged with first degree murder in January's death of her 18-month old daughter.  She'd been free on $125,000 bond.  Police say the toddlers body was found in an apartment complex January 24th, and police say she'd been dead for some time.  The child died of trauma to the head. 

Spahic Not Guilty

A Polk County jury found Nermin Spahic not guilty. The 41-year old was charged with third-degree sexual assault and two counts of sexual exploitation by clergy.  A mother and her 18-year-old daughter alleged they were assault by Spahic during a counseling session at a Johnston home last year. 

Tourism Stats

A new study shows travelers in Iowa are spending more money.

The Iowa Tourism Office says in an annual report that travel party spending per day on lodging, entertainment, transportation, food and shopping in 2013 was an average of about $285. That's an increase of 8.5 percent from 2012.

The Iowa Welcome Center Survey Report also shows visitors took more trips in the state than the previous year.

Historical attractions, museums, scenic byways, outdoor recreation and shopping were the most popular destinations.

The study was conducted by the tourism office, which is under the Iowa Economic Development Authority.

Friday, February 14, 2014

School Website Porn

Urbandale school officials say someone hacked the district's website and posted pornographic images. The photos were noticed this morning and removed.  The postings were tracked to an Internet address based in Canada. Stillwell plans to talk with the Urbandale Police Department about what to do next.  School officials say It appears someone gained access to the website by hacking a staff member's account.

Sexual Predator Bill

The State Senate Judiciary Committee's approved 2-bills in response to last May's kidnapping and murder of Kathlynn Sheppard.  One would mandate 25-years in prison for kidnapping anyone 16 or younger.  The Des Moines Register reports the other would allow courts to consider juvenile delinquency records as evidence in civil commitment proceedings against violent sexual predators. 

Skittles Parties

Prescription drugs are fast becoming a problem on college campuses -- especially when they're mixed with alcohol or marijuana. Most of the trend is being seen in young adults who are having dangerous events called "Skittles parties." Ames police tell KCCI they've also seen an increase in cases. In 2012, the Story County Drug Task Force seized 20 doses of opiate Hydrocodone while the following year they seized 200 doses.

Snow Shovel Attack Follow-Up

A fight over shoveling snow has landed a Des Moines woman in jail.   46-year-old Maria Alana Connett has been arrested for allegedly hitting her roommate with a shovel last week after an argument over clearing their driveway. 
The victim suffered a shoulder fracture. She told police Connett had dragged her out of the house and demanded she shovel the driveway.

Speedway TRax Break

A State Senate subcommittee's approved a bill that would continue the sales tax break for the Iowa Speedway in Newton.  It could be worth up to $9-million.  Since current law requires the track be at least 25% Iowan owned, officials asked for the changes since NASCAR is not an Iowa based owner. 

Ritenour Charged

A 20 year old woman from Oskaloosa - who's been charged in the death of her 18 month old daughter - has been released from jail after posting bond... Alicia Ritenour is the month of Ava Ritenour... law enforcement found Ava dead inside an apartment in Oskaloosa last month... the case was classified as a homicide after an autopsy showed trauma to the head was the cause of death. Ritenour is charged with first degree murder and had been held pending 125 thousand dollars bail.

Thursday, February 13, 2014

Wood Stoves

A Des Moines woman wants wood stoves banned in the city. Brenda Walker says wood smoke is highly toxic to breathe. KCCI reports Walker is upset after living next door to a house on 44th Place that used to be heated with a wood burning stone all winter long. But current Environmental Protection Agency rules make new wood stoves much cleaner, because they burn the smoke within the device, too. Instead of banning old stoves, one seller of the stoves said the city should offer incentives to replace them.

ECigs for Minors

Lawmakers in the Iowa House are backing a bill that would prohibit the sale of e-cigarettes to minors. The legislation won the support of the House in a 76-to-22 vote Tuesday. It will now move to the Iowa Senate, where a similar piece of legislation is also under consideration. Currently there are no restrictions on selling e-cigarettes in Iowa to those under age 18. Industry groups have expressed support for the proposals. Public health officials want the Legislature to go further, treating the devices the same as real cigarettes.

Regents Consultant

A consultant will be looking at whether to privatize non-essential university enterprises like golf course and power plants... the Iowa board of regents hired Deloitte consulting for 2 and a half million dollars... the group will find ways to cut costs, boost revenue, and improve services at the university of Iowa, the university of northern Iowa, and Iowa state university. regents board president Bruce Rastetter said deloitte also will probably find ways to save money by pooling the universities' buying power and cutting down on duplicate programs.

Health Insurance Sign-Ups

New federal number show almost 12,000 Iowans have used the federal website to sign up for private health insurance plans between October and the beginning of this month.  Over 80% of those who've enrolled will get financial help in paying for their policy. Most of those who've signed up, 37% of them, are older,m between 55 and 64 years old.   

Home Depot

Home Depot's planning to hire 80,000 people nationwide as it gears up for spring.  KCCI reports there are 83 jobs in Iowa, with just over 30 in the Des Moines metro.  You can look through the jobs and apply online at www.careers.homedepot.com.

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Job Opportunities

A new report puts Des Moines among the best places in the country to land a job.

Career networking company Beyond.com ranks Des Moines fourth with the most job opportunities per capita.

With a ratio of unemployed to jobs posted at 4-1, Cheyenne, Wyo. stands as the city with the most job opportunities.

School Boundary Meetings Start

Parents and residents are getting a chance to provide feedback on a plan to change school boundaries in Des Moines. You can find an interactive map showing the current Des Moines Public School and proposed boundaries on the district's website. The map allows you to zoom into the neighborhood level to see exactly where the boundaries would be. School officials said the changes would likely go into effect in the 2015-2016 school year. DMPS is also planning a series of public meetings for parents to learn more about the proposal.

Spy Cameras

A contractor stands accused of hiding cameras in an Ames woman's home.

KCCI-TV reports investigators saying 45-year-old David Araiza has done some work in the home.

Authorities have charged Araiza with invasion of privacy after the woman called police when she found several tiny cameras throughout the house.

State Spends Some Surplus

State Auditor Mary Mosiman says the governor's budget proposal uses surplus fund dollars to cover some expenses, a practice she says taxpayers should be aware of. Yesterday,m Mosiman provided a review of Gov. Terry Branstad's budget plan for the fiscal year that begins July 1. She says that a complete analysis of state spending and revenue projections shows that the state will spend $144 million more than it takes in. Mosiman says that means the state needs to tap the nearly $900 million surplus to balance the books.

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

State Spends Some Surplus

State Auditor Mary Mosiman says the governor's budget proposal uses surplus fund dollars to cover some expenses, a practice she says taxpayers should be aware of.

Mosiman on Monday provided a review of Gov. Terry Branstad's budget plan for the fiscal year that begins July 1. She says that a complete analysis of state spending and revenue projections shows that the state will spend $144 million more than it takes in. Mosiman says that means the state needs to tap the nearly $900 million surplus to balance the books.

Mosiman says spending less than you take in is a sound practice. But she also said the state must decide how to use a sizable surplus.

Lawmakers and Branstad last year approved a property tax cut and new education spending.

Council Candidate Residency

There is a Des Moines City Council race that's heating up, because of where one of the candidates lives.

A citizen filed a petition challenging the residency of Joe Gatto, who is vying for the Ward Four seat vacated by Brian Meyer. The woman challenger says Gatto doesn't actually live in the house he owns in the Southside ward.

Monday the City Council voted on how to put together the panel who will hear the official challenge on Tuesday.

Housing Assistance

Des Moines city council is expected to vote today on proposed changes in the city's housing voucher program Stricter requirements on the number of bedrooms for which families are eligible could allow aid to reach up to 140 more households. But some residents now in the program worry the proposed changes would require them pay more each month or could force them to move.

Drone Bills

The State Senate Judiciary Committee discussed two bills today that would regulate drones, or unmanned aircraft systems, used by law enforcement agencies and private users.  One proposal would allow their use only with a search warrant or life threatening situation.  The other would set permit requirements for public drone use.  

5th and Court

Des Moines officials are scouring proposals from 5-different groups that want a green light to redevelop at 5th and Court in downtown.  KCCI reports one would have a 35,000 sq. ft. Hy-Vee, another an indoor farmers market, and a third would have a multiplex theater and a bowling alley.  Three of the plans focus on apartments.

Monday, February 10, 2014

Bass Settlement

Des Moines City Council is expected to vote on a settlement with Haley Bass, the 17-year old girl found not guilty buy a jury in last April's murder of 19-year old Anthony Moss.  A judge's signed off on a $38,000 settlement for Bass, and $2,000 to her mother.  The settlement covers a conversation recorded between Bass and her attorney in a  Des Police interview room. It shouldn't have been recorded by police. 

Gov and Girls School

The fate of the now-shuttered Iowa Juvenile Home rests in the hands of state leaders at the capitol. A district court judge recently ordered the home to reopen and said Gov. Terry Branstad overstepped his executive authority by shutting it down. Branstad said he was disappointed about the ruling and wasted no time defending his actions Thursday. Branstad said he is considering an appeal but won't say when that decision will be made. Democratic lawmakers are orchestrating plans to reopen the home.

Missing Baby Found

A six-day-old baby, missing from his home in Wisconsin since yesterday morning has been found safe in Iowa. Police say the infant, Kayden Powell, was found wrapped in blankets inside a tote bag near a gas station in West Branch, not far from I-80. Police have taken a woman into custody who says she is the step-sister of the baby's mother.  Federal prosecutors have charged Kristin Smith with kidnapping.

Edgar Allan Poe Exhibit

An exhibit about poet Edgar Allan Poe is coming to the old capitol museum in Iowa city... the exhibit, called "Poe - a wilderness of mirrors" opens on Thursday... it'll feature first and early editions of Poe's work... and it'll explore his life, death, and legacy. the exhibit is being done in conjunction with the university of Iowa's special collections and archives department.

Speed Red Light Cam Law

Starting next week new rules take effect giving state transportation officials control over whether speed and red light cameras are placed by cities and counties on state-highways and interstates.  KCCI reports local officials have to show the camera's are in high crash or high risk areas.  They also have to renew the camera placement annually.    

Stay of Release Issued

A stay has been issued in the case of a convicted killed about to be released from prison. Yvette Louisell was set to go free February 10th. She was sentenced to life for murder in 1987, when she was 17 yeatrs old, but a judge later re-sentenced her to 25-years. The Iowa Supreme Court issued the stay after a request from the state Attorney General.

Thursday, February 6, 2014

Abortion Pills Remotely

A bill that would ban the remote distribution of abortion pills to pregnant women in Iowa has passed a subcommittee in the house... the plan would ban the use of webcams or teleconferencing as a way to dispense abortion-inducing medications in remote areas... the bill would require that women who want an abortion - would have to be in the presence of a doctor when get the bills. the bill now moves on to the house human resources committee.

Double Homicide

Authorities are investigating a double-murder in Tama County on the Meskwaki Settlement... ABC 5 says authorities are investigating a home on the 600 block of Meskwaki road... the investigation has been going since late last night... and the FBI was called in to help with the investigation at about 1 this morning.

Iowa Network Services

An Iowa company that specializes in call center solutions and other services ... KCCI says Iowa Network Services is buying Caleris... Iowa Network services says Caleris will keep operating under its name and the two main leaders will stay with Caleris... Ron Keller, president and CEO of INS, said Caleris is a great fit with the back-office services INS currently provides... some job cuts are coming with the move... but no word on how many. But it's possible 100 new jobs are coming with expansion.

Legal Fireworks

An Iowa state senator is proposing that the state allow, legally, the sale of fireworks in Iowa... KCCI says the bill from senator Mark Chelgren would restrict the sale of fireworks to those 18 years and over, and county boards and city council would regulate the sales... lawmakers banned the sale of fireworks in Iowa back in the 1930s, following a major fire in Spencer. The sales tax income from the sale of the fireworks would go toward equipment for local fire departments.

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Student Housing

The University of Iowa and Iowa State University are rushing to build more dormitories as high enrollment causes soaring demand for student housing.  The Regents will meet tomorrow to discuss financing to complete a $53 million residence hall project for 500 students in Iowa City.They will also discuss plans to build build an estimated $50 million dormitory to house 700 students at ISU.  The universities have spent millions to lease off-campus apartment buildings due to a boom in enrollment over the years

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Robber Thanks Clerk

Des Moines police are looking for an armed robber with good manners.  When he pointed a gun at a clerk at a Git N' Go store and demanding money Monday night,  the  cashier handed over $100.  Police say the robber thanked her before fleeing with the cash.  He remains at large.

Excessive Force Claim

A Des Moines family said a surveillance video shows police used excessive force to serve a search warrant in their home. Ankeny police say the homeowners would not answer their door. The video was shot by multiple cameras on a home surveillance system. The north side homeowner said she's terrified to stay in her home now. But police said what they found proves there's more to the story. The Suburban Emergency Response Team, SERT, was serving an Ankeny police search warrant for stolen wallets and credit cards.

DPS Employee Fired

An Iowa Department of Public Safety employee has been fired for accessing criminal records involving her two daughters. A judge ruled last week that ex-information technology support worker Kathleen Sohn is ineligible for unemployment benefits because she violated a policy banning employees from accessing relatives' records. Sohn testified during an unemployment hearing last month that she didn't remember whether she accessed her daughters' records last May.

Child Death Murder Charge

Oskaloosa police said Tuesday a woman has been arrested and charged in connection with the death of an 18-month-old girl.
Alicia Marie Ritenour is charged with first-degree murder. She is being held in the Mahaska County Jail pending bail of $25,000. Ritenour is the mother of the girl who died, Ava Ritenour. Police found the girl dead inside Apartment 224 at the Southern Hills Apartment Complex in Oskaloosa on Jan. 24. She had been dead for "a significant period of time" when found by law enforcement.

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Winter Storm

...WINTER STORM TO IMPACT THE AREA TODAY AND TONIGHT....LIGHT SNOW THIS MORNING WILL INTENSIFY BY THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING...THEN TAPER OFF AGAIN LATER TONIGHT. MODERATE TO HEAVY ACCUMULATIONS ARE EXPECTED ESPECIALLY ALONG AND SOUTH OF INTERSTATE 80. INCREASING WINDS THIS EVENING AND TONIGHT WILL ALSO LEAD TO BLOWING AND DRIFTING OF SNOW MAKING TRAVEL HAZARDOUS. A WINTER STORM WARNING GOES IN EFFECT AT NOON. 5-7 INCHES IS EXPECTED IN THE METRO.

New Radios

Years after the 2008 flood exposed flaws in emergency communications, first responders in Iowa's second largest county are using a new radio system so they can talk to each other. Linn County Sheriff Brian Gardner says his office and police departments in Hiawatha, Mount Vernon, Lisbon and Robins started using the new digital system Monday. Marion started using it last week, and Cedar Rapids is scheduled to make the switch Feb. 11. It cost more than $19-million.

Felons Vote

Iowa Secretary of State Matt Schultz is defending his office against what he says is unfair criticism at an Iowa Senate State Government Committee meeting. At issue: how three Cerro Gordo County voters had their ballots thrown out in the 2012 presidential election after their names appeared on a database of felons ineligible to vote. An investigation later proved the votes should have been counted. The three voters were eligible to cast ballots because two had their rights restored and the third had never been convicted of a felony.

Cashless State Fair

The Iowa State Fair Board is still discussing a way to eliminate cash sales at food vendors, rides and other attractions. After scrapping plans for a cashless system this summer that would have used tickets purchased online or at sites on the fairgrounds, the board is now considering prepaid plastic cards similar to credit cards. But no changes are planned for this summer's fair, which tuns from August 7th-17th.

Broadband

State lawmakers are considering legislation that provides incentives for improving broadband internet technology access across Iowa. Under the proposal, companies that invest in broadband infrastructure could receive breaks on property and income taxes. Governor Branstad has made broadband expansion a key focus for this legislative session.

Aircraft Repair

A specialized aircraft maintenance program for Des Moines area high school students is in jeopardy because of issues over the space used to teach it. A lease on the space at Des Moines International Airport expires at the end of June, and the Airport Authority Board has refused to renew it. Students would instead be moved to a nearby hangar that's about one-fourth the size. Parents and others are petitioning the move and want to keep the students in the current facility, that's been in use for nearly 40 years.