A new childcare center opening in Keokuk this week will eventually offer space for 110 kids. Advocates say the program is a much-needed step in addressing what they call a chronic shortage. Shelley Oltmans directs the local chamber of commerce and is leading the new childcare center. Otlmans says … [Read more...]
Man charged with murder in death of another man in Shenandoah
A suspect is in custody after a what is believed to be the first murder in the southwest Iowa community of Shenandoah since 1988. Authorities say 34-year-old Toby Lee McCunn of Red Oak was arrested for first-degree murder in connection with the death of 33-year-old Joshua Lyle Jordan. McCunn is … [Read more...]
DNR investigating diesel fuel spilled into Iowa River
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources says about 50 gallons of diesel fuel spilled Monday afternoon, reaching the South Fork of the Iowa River in Iowa Falls. The fuel spilled while an Agvantage FS truck was filling a farm diesel tank about five miles south of Iowa Falls. The diesel fuel flowed … [Read more...]
Activities available in 99 county parks highlighted in new state program
A new Iowa initiative was launched on Earth Day Monday at a nature center in Sioux City. The “99 Counties, 99 Parks” initiative is designed to show off the wide array of recreational activities the state has to offer within its county parks. The Director of Iowa’s Healthiest State Initiative, … [Read more...]
Storm Lake man accused of sexually assaulting teen girl
A Storm Lake man faces kidnapping, sexual abuse, and drug charges after a girl and her family told police she was sexually assaulted. The 14-year-old female victim and her family alleged an extended family member, 24-year-old Victor Carcamo of Storm Lake, held the victim against her will at a … [Read more...]
El Nino could make things warmer and wetter through fall
While it was slow to develop, it appears the effects of the current El Nino weather pattern will hang around for a while -- likely several months. Meteorologist Dennis Todey, director of the U.S.D.A.'s Midwest Climate Hub, based in Ames, says they expect a longer-than-average El Nino, which … [Read more...]
It doesn’t end well as semi, car drive around flood barricades in Fremont County
The drivers of two vehicles who disregarded flooded road barricades in southwest Iowa paid for their errors in judgment on Saturday. Deputies with the Fremont County Sheriff’s responded to two incidents of vehicles inside the flood zone Saturday morning. Christopher Hawes, of Coffeyville, Kansas, … [Read more...]
New home helps Sioux City residents recovering from addiction
What's being called a "sober living home" will open soon in Sioux City to help men who are struggling with addiction who may also be homeless. Hope Street of Siouxland has five bedrooms and ten beds, a kitchen, living room and showers, and staff members want to add a pool table. Program Director … [Read more...]
Pony Express ride ends at Camp Sunnyside today
It's an Easter weekend tradition, the annual Pony Express Riders of Iowa continue clip-clopping across the state to Camp Sunnyside today. Marlene Scarlett, secretary and board member for the Pony Express Riders, says there will be about 300 people on horseback trotting toward the Easter Seals … [Read more...]
Ames man accused of stabbing puppy
An Ames man is being held in the Story County Jail on a charge of animal torture. Twenty-year-old Rashdi D. Simba is accused of stabbing a German Shepherd puppy on April 14th and putting the puppy in a dumpster. Police notified Ames Animal Control to assist in the investigation. The puppy was … [Read more...]