Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Confidential Settlement Agreement

The state senate's government oversight committee plans to question current and former state government administrators over confidential settlement agreements.

The committee chairwoman says she wants to know who authorized payments for secrecy to former state workers.

Three-hundred-twenty state workers have entered settlement agreements since Terry Branstad returned as governor three years ago.

Fallen Marine

An Iowa Marine is one step closer to being laid to rest in his hometown. Ottumwa native, 25-year-old Lance Cpl. Adam Wolff, was killed in action in Afghanistan on Friday. His funeral service will be held in Ottumwa on Saturday

Flooding Over

It looks like Iowans have seen the worst of recent flooding.

The National Weather Service says while several rivers continue flooding, the water has mainly spilled over onto some roads without threatening homes.

Last week's average rainfall statewide totaled three and a half inches.

Near Drowning

In West Desmoines - a 7 year old went under water while at raccoon river park late yesterday afternoon... KCCI says officials say the boy experienced a medical condition while he was swimming, which caused him to go under... he was reportedly NOT conscious when he was pulled from the water... he was taken to blank children's hospital.

Tama Boil Water Order

Tama has an order to boil its water.

Officials say yesterday's water main break has prompted the edict.

Those living in a four-block area from 9th to 13th streets between Washington and Seymour should boil their water until further notice.

Flooding

Damage to public roads, bridges, and buildings has reached $15 million from storms and flooding this month.

The state's top emergency management official, however, says that figure only includes public facilities.  It does not include homes or farmland.

Downtown Renovation

Part of Western Gateway Park in downtown Des Moines is getting a face-lift. The vacant buildings, south of the Papa John Sculpture Park, used to be auto showrooms that have deteriorated over the years. They'll be turned into office space and restaurants. Some could open as early as this fall.

Peggy's Tavern

Des Moines Police Department have asked City Council to revoke the liquor license for Peggy's Tavern.  Police say it's failed 13-compliance checks since 2009, and it's co-owner, Mark Graziano, faces trial over several hundred thousand pain pills missing from Bauder Pharmacy.  Council will decide next month.

Raccoon River

West Des Moines first responders were called to Raccoon River Beach this afternoon after a report of someone having trouble in the water.  A young boy was pulled from the river, and we're told he's breathing.  

Rolling Plane

Authorities at Des Moines International Airport are trying to figure out how an Allegiant aircraft MD-83 managed to roll away on its own while it was being towed a remote parking area Sunday.  The plane had just been disconnected from a tow bar, and for some reasons its' brakes failed and it started rolling.  It hit some ground equipment suffering some damage. 

Sunday, June 22, 2014

State Economic Development Board

Iowa's Economic Development Board's approved assistance for Krause Holdings. They're behind the new Kum & Go headquarters in downtown Des Moines. It's expected to create 62-jobs. They board's also agreed to tax incentives for the downtown convention center hotel near Hy-Vee Hall and Wells Fargo Arena.

Uptick in Jobless Rate

State Workforce Development says the jobless rate was up slightly from April to May, 4.3 to 4.4%. It was 4.8% in May 2013. Iowa's doing better than the national unemployment rate of 6.3%. May's job leaders in Iowa were leisure, hospitality, construction and transportation. 

Wellmark Health Care

Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield wants a rate hike of close to 5.9% for about 92% of its 253,000 Iowa individual and small business policyholders. They're looking for a rate hike of 11 to 14.5% for about 7.5% of customers under 65 who got those policies after the Affordable Care Act took effect. The company says the proposed premium hikes vary by plan.  

Friday, June 20, 2014

Lake City Double Murder

Authorities have arrested a Lake City man for the murders of a woman and her son.

Thomas Henderson stands accused of killing Tammie and Karl Devore.

Authorities found their bodies after the sheriff's office received a 911 call last month about an unconscious person at a mobile home park in Glidden.

Velveeta Recall

Kraft's recalling Velveeta cheese from Walmart stores in Iowa and 11-other states, mostly in the midwest, because it didn't have the right amount of sorbic acid, a preservative. The code on packages being recalled is 021000611614.  

Mahaska Co Inmate

An inmate at Mahaska County Jail allegedly assaulted two people and tried escaping.

Authorities say it happened Wednesday as the inmate visited a doctor.

He apparently fled into a neighboring yard before others restrained him.

Meat Prices Up

If you've grilled out lately... you've probably noticed that meat prices are up... KCCI says iowa state unviersity livestock economist lee schultz said beef prices are 13 percent higher than they were last year... they've gone up the most... droughts have meant lower cattle numbers, so there's less supply... fish prices also are up.

Rural Main Street Index

The rural mainstreet index, which surveys bankers in ten midwestern and plains states, including (iowa) has dropped ... this month the index dropped to 53 point 6... down from 55 point 6 in May... any score above 50 generally suggests growth in the months to come... anything below 50 suggests a decline... the numbers go from zero to 100.

School Employee on Leave

A Des Moines school employee has seen her administrative leave extended.

The investigation of Anita Babe follows a complaint from a parent of a student at Hubbel Elementary.

Babe faces assault charges for allegedly injuring a student during discipline in a special education classroom.

Thursday, June 19, 2014

Altoona's Theater

Cinemark's going to build a new 10-screen movie theater in Altoona. KCCI reports the multi-plex will be built at I-80 and Northeast Hubbell, opposite Prairie Meadows. A company spokesperson there'll be luxury reclining chairs in all 10 auditoriums.

State Fair Food

The Iowa State Fair has announced five finalists for its New Food Contest. Fairgoers will have the chance to vote on their favorite August 7th-17th.

Younkers Demolition

Bit by bit, the burned out Younkers building downtown is being reduced to rubble. WHO-TV reports the demolition firm's brought in specially made inflated bags designed to prevent any more damage to adjacent building while the demolition continues.   

Gangs

This number may surprise you: there are 30 known gangs operating in the metro. The number of violent shootings in Des Moines has more than doubled in two years as police step up efforts to stop gang activity. A Summer Enforcement Team has officers targeting members, getting weapons off the street and monitoring social media that has increased recruitment efforts locally.


Man Found in Story County

The search for a man who went missing in a swollen river in Story county ended pretty quickly, but tragically. Searchers, including a dive team, had been working up river from where the man was last seen, and located his body about 50 feet upstream. They believe his raft got caught on a submerged tree.

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Minivan Into Kum and Go

Clive Police say a 15-year old boy drove his family's minivan through the front door of a Kum & Go at 86th and Harbach Boulevard this afternoon.  WHO-TV reports the boy asked his mother, who was filling up, if he could pull the van from the pump to the front of the store.  That's when police say he hit the gas. 

Ride Transit Week

Iowa's DOT has partnered with public transit systems statewide for Ride Transit Week.

The department encourages people to park their cars and use one of Iowa's 35 public transit systems.

Public transit systems provided over 27.4 million rides throughout Iowa last year.

Riverview Park

A Des Moines park could soon have a new future -- one that pays tribute to its past. Des Moines Parks and Recreation laid out a preliminary plan for the future of Riverview Park that calls for building a stage, walking paths and green space.

Saylorville Lake

Saylorville Lake Reservoir's expected to rise more than 15 feet by the middle of next week.  WHO-TV reports it's the heavy rain we've been getting.  The Lake's at 837' about sea level now, and it's expected to hit 852' by June 25th, putting Oak Grove Beach and lower marina parking under water.

Storm Damage

Some des moines residents lost power in severe storms early this morning... thousands of people were without power as of this morning... the des moines police say tornado sirens went off around 1am because of straight-line wind alerts... trees came down, so did power lines, and crews are working to clean up to the roads.

Twilight Not Guilty

A "Twilight" imposter from California has pleaded not guilty to trying to lure a young girl into his car.

Court in Jasper County has received a plea from a 33-year-old man.

The man allegedly told a 14-year-old Baxter girl that he acted in the movie series.

Authorities say he touched the girl inappropriately, and he may have tried this more than once in the area.

Thursday, June 12, 2014

Iowa Regents Consultant

A consulting firm's handed in ideas to Iowa's Board of Regents for cutting costs. WHO-TV reports their recommendations including better purchasing practices, maximizing how IT services are provided, streamlining financial services and cutting utility costs.

Some LJS Restaurants Closing

Nellis Management in Urbandale, says it's shutting down 16 of the 31-Long John Silvers it operates in Iowa. It's because poor sales brought on by negative attention over trans fat oil, which they no longer use. About 3 of the 6-stores in the Des Moines metro are expected to stay open.

Apartment Issues

The tenants of a historic Sherman Hill apartment building have less than 30 days to find a new home, according to a rare court order prompted by the city of Des Moines. Safety and sanitary issues such as lack of lighting and smoke detectors triggered the order. The 12 units, 11 of which are occupied, must be vacated by July 4, unless owner Kirk Blunck fixes a raft of problems right away.

Cell Phone Data Ruling

A federal appeals court has ruled that investigators must obtain a search warrant if they want to use the phone company's records to track you through the cell phone towers. The ruling means authorities must meet a higher legal standard of probable cause in order to gain access to the data.

Hotel Crackdown

City leaders are working to crack down on crime at about a dozen blighted motels. They want to increase police presence at the dives, one of which was the scene of Des Moines' latest killing. Police say crime scenes like the one at the Royal Motel earlier in June highlight the need for better motel inspections.

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Flores in Court

David Flores is back in custody and appeared in a Polk County courtroom this morning.  He's charged with domestic abuse, willful injury, and harassment in an alleged incident involving his girlfriend last September.  Flores took off after the incident has been in Phoenix the past 8-months.   

Hubbell Ave Experiment

Des Moines City Council's pulled the plug on the $200,000 experiment that cut Hubbell Avenue from 4 lanes to 3, between Easton Boulevard to East 33rd Street.  The goal was safety and calmer traffic.  KCCI reports the plan wasn't a hit with residents.  Hubbell goes back to 4 lanes this summer. 

Indianola PD Rifles

Some Indianola Police officers are carrying rifles.  The Des Moines Register reports four officers bought their own rifles, gotten training, and now carry them on patrol. Chief Dave Button say they've also applied for a grant to get excess weapons from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, which would arm more officers.

'Yes' for New Terminal

Des Moines Airport Authority today said yes to building a new terminal at the airport.  The Des Moines Register reports the project's expected to cost $468-million.  The new building will replace the current 66-year old terminal officials say is outdated and too small.  

Veterans Appointments

New numbers show veterans in Iowa continue waiting for health care.

Data shows hundreds of veterans who signed up at two facilities in Iowa indicated they wanted to make appointments.  However, no one has seen them yet.

Officials say they have no evidence of wait list manipulation.

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

GOP Nominating Convention

Iowa Republicans have chosen a new site for their nominating convention.

Officials say the delegates now meet at the Des Moines Christian School in Urbandale.

Delegates come together June 21 to select a candidate for the 3rd Congressional District.

Hit by Cop Car

A bicy­clist hit by a police car while rid­ing home says he doesn’t remem­ber any­thing. The police offi­cer says Zach Brown pulled out in front of him. Brown admits it was not the best idea to wear dark cloth­ing while bik­ing in the early morn­ing dark­ness. The crash left him with a bro­ken leg, con­cus­sion and road rash.

Kicking Out Homeless

The city of Des Moines is kicking out homeless people. Fliers posted in certain parts of town are telling the homeless to pack up and leave. City employees posted fliers more than a week ago along trails near the Des Moines River and Euclid Avenue stating that homeless camps must be removed or the city will dispose of the property.

Master Comment

Des Moines school officials have apologized for a teacher's request that a black student refer to him as "master."  Roosevelt High School principal Joseph Blazevich calls trhe incident "terrible" and "shameful" but says he can't comment on any disciplinary action against the teacher, Shawn McCurtain.

Son Charged with Dad's Murder

Authorities have charged a man with killing his father.  61-year old Steven Graesch's body was found in his Webster City home this morning.  KCCI reports 27-year old Corbin Graesch is charged with 1st degree murder.  Investigators say the two had an argument early Saturday.

Sunday, June 8, 2014

China Agreement

Iowa officials have signed an agreement to strengthen the state's economic ties with China. The agreement includes creation of a joint working group to enhance trade and investment. The Chinese also agreed to buy $100 million worth of U.S. soybeans.

ISU Pres Raise

Iowa State University President Steven Leath is getting a $33,000 raise and a new five-year contract. The Board of Regents voted to boost Leath's pay by 7.1 percent to $500,000.

Ultralight Crash

The pilot of an ultralight aircraft that crashed near Winterset last night is recoverig at a Des Moines hospital. 54-year-old Patrick Cook, of Winterset, suffered head, leg and abdominal injuries. The aircraft reportedly hit a power line before crashing.

VA Folo

Some patients at Veterans Affairs medical centers in Iowa and Nebraska are on waiting lists for treatment, but the facilities say they're unaware of any unauthorized lists like those uncovered in other states. A regional VA spokeswoman said Thursday that Iowa and Nebraska facilities were included in a federal investigation of specific sites.

Sunday, June 1, 2014

Doctor Pleads

A Newton doctor's been sentenced to 5-years in federal prison on his guilty plea to a count of illegally dispensing a controlled substance resulting in death.  WHO-TV reports prosecutors say Lafayette Twyner prescribed hydrocodone to a patient he knew was addicted to the pain killer.   That patient overdosed.

Old Settlers Grave

A Des Moines man hunting for mushrooms in the woods in Saylor Township said he thinks he stumbled on a piece of Iowa history. Curt Bambrook was walking through Margo Frankel Woods State Park north of Des Moines and stumbled across a large concrete structure he and state officials think may be an old settler's grave.

Romney Endorsement

Former presidential nominee Mitt Romney is aiming to boost Senate candidate Joni Ernst's appeal to mainstream Republicans with a public endorsement, just ahead of next Tuesday's primary.

Sexual Exploitation

A former Ankeny high school  teacher has pleaded not guilty to a charge of sexual exploitation involving allegations of a relationship she had with a 17-yearold student.  33-year-old Mandy Davenport is set to go to trial on July 28th.

Woman Strips

A woman facing eviction from her downtown Des Moines apartment let everyone know she was upset about it this morning.  About a half a dozen police units were at 1519 Grand Avenue.  When a deputy tried to escort the woman out, she reportedly stripped off her clothes and ran up and down the building's stairs.