The National Safety Transportation Board has completed its investigation into the fatal airplane crash last month that killed four people from Le Mars and Merrill. According to the accident investigation report, the NTSB says examination of the plane wreckage at the accident site in a pasture … [Read more...]
Senator Grassley doesn’t like farm payment provisions in Farm Bill
Reports that the compromise Farm Bill loosens restrictions on farm program payment eligibility are raising the ire of Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley. Grassley says Farm Bill negotiators have apparently adopted House provisions making it easier for nieces, nephews and cousins of farmers to become … [Read more...]
Iowa firm illuminated Capitol for Bush observances
An Oskaloosa company rushed equipment to Washington, D.C. a few days ago to temporarily illuminate the nation's capitol at night. Musco Lighting president Joe Crookham says two trucks were positioned to light the exterior as former President George H. W. Bush was lying is state inside. "This is … [Read more...]
Officials in southeast Iowa city ban fireworks displays
The Fort Madison City Council has adopted a new fireworks ordinance. It makes all fireworks except the lowest class of novelty fireworks such as snakes and sparklers illegal to use within city limits. Residents went to the council after last year's 4th of July and said constant noise of exploding … [Read more...]
Marshalltown mayor responds to second FEMA denial of disaster assistance
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has again said "no" to requests for individual disaster assistance for Marshall and Polk counties in the wake of July’s tornadoes. Governor Kim Reynolds appealed that initial ruling denying assistance and it was turned down once again. Marshalltown … [Read more...]
DCI says fight led to shooting by railroad police officer in Mason City
The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation has released more details on a railroad officer-involved shooting in Mason City. The DCI's initial investigation determined that Union Pacific Special Agent Louis Miner stopped 30-year-old Nathan Olson of Mason City for trespassing on Union Pacific … [Read more...]
Shopko closing stores in Cherokee, Eldora, Webster City
Another retailer is downsizing in Iowa. Officials with Shopko Stores Operating Company in Green Bay, Wisconsin have announced that three Shopko Hometown stores in Iowa will be closing their doors in February. The stores are located in Cherokee, Eldora and Webster City. Company officials said the … [Read more...]
Closing of Florida dog tracks could impact Iowa’s only track
Florida voters chose last month to close all of that state’s dog tracks in 2020 -- but the head of Iowa’s only greyhound racing track says he expects to be in business for at least a few more years. Iowa saw the number of dog tracks cut in half after the Iowa Legislature passed a bill in 2014 that … [Read more...]
Snowy, icy weather poses a fall risk on sidewalks and steps
The official start of winter is still a couple of weeks off but Iowans are already slipping and sliding on ice and snow-covered sidewalks, steps and roadways. Julie Richter, with the Wright County Department of Public Health, suggests Iowans stock-up on ice melting products and -- chicken … [Read more...]
Alta Vista man sentenced to life in death of infant son
An Iowa dad has been sentenced to life in prison in the death of his infant son. Judge Richard Stochol sentenced 29-year-old Zachary Koehn of Alta Vista to life in prison without parole for his convictions for first-degree murder child endangerment causing death. Koehn's four-month-old son … [Read more...]