After record flooding in parts of western Iowa in 2019, officials with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are predicting below-normal runoff into the Missouri River system during the year ahead. Kevin Grode, an engineer in the Corps' Omaha office, compared last year's runoff with this year’s … [Read more...]
Plans underway for Nebraska casinos
The Native American operation, Ho-Chunk Incorporated, has launched a new division to manage and operate the expansion of casino gaming at three existing horse racing tracks in Nebraska. Ho-Chunk CEO Lance Morgan says each of those facilities will be in the $200 million cost range and compete with … [Read more...]
Some still waiting for derecho repairs to homes
It's been almost five months since the derecho blasted across Iowa, causing more than one-and-a-half billion dollars damage, and some houses are still draped in tarps due to mangled roofs. Cedar Rapids caught the worst of the storm, where resident Olivia Mikarovski says she's struggled to find … [Read more...]
Congresswoman Miller-Meeks says no to removing president
Second District Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks, a Republican, does not support the call by some House Democrats to invoke the 25th Amendment and remove President Donald Trump from office. "With two weeks remaining and the president having said there will be a peaceful transition and the … [Read more...]
Nonprofits trying to find ways to keep afloat in pandemic
The pandemic is straining Iowa non-profits and their donors with significant drops in fundraising and volunteers. While some groups found new ways to get resources to those in need, other shelters and food banks can’t meet demand. Kari McCann Boutell, president of the Iowa Council of Foundations, … [Read more...]
Drake law expert has concerns about Linn County marijuana diversion program
The Linn County Attorney’s Office is launching a limited marijuana diversion program, allowing some people charged with possession to avoid a criminal record. The program is for first-time offenders with no previous felony charges. Studies find black Iowans are far more likely than white Iowans … [Read more...]
Luther College students ask for continued online classes
Hundreds of students, parents and alumni are asking Luther College in Decorah to wait longer before returning to in-person instruction. The college announced this week students must return to campus to attend classes in-person starting Monday, unless they have a documented condition that puts … [Read more...]
Spencer man who recently moved to Sioux Falls shot to death
Police in Sioux Falls, South Dakota say the shooting death of a 27-year-old man who recently moved from Spencer to Sioux Falls was not a random act, but no suspect is in custody. Police Lieutenant Terrance Matia says Mitchell Houchins was found near the intersection of two streets in a … [Read more...]
Investigators find Urbana man shot his wife and then killed himself
Investigators have deterined a New Year’s Day double-shooting in the eastern Iowa town of Urbana was a murder-suicide. According to the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, Urbana police received a 911 call from 59-year-old Garry Jensen stating that he had shot and killed his wife. Officers … [Read more...]
Early time in Washington leaves Congressman Feenstra with positive feeling
After spending several weeks in Washington D.C., Iowa's new 4th District Congressman says he's optimistic about the days, weeks and months ahead. Republican Randy Feenstra, of Hull, was sworn into office on Sunday and says during the December orientation, he came to realize the possibilities for … [Read more...]