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.

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.