Western Iowa towns that were hit hard by the 2019 floods are still working toward recovery. Hamburg and Pacific Junction are awaiting levee certifications to move their communities forward. As Hamburg puts the finishing touches on one levee, Mayor Cathy Crain is already focusing on how the … [Read more...]
Fontanelle man dies in I-80 motorcycle accident
A motorcycle accident late Thursday night in western Iowa has claimed the life of an Adair County man. The Iowa State Patrol reports 59-year-old Jay Zimmerline, of Fontanelle died in the crash that occurred at around 11:30 p.m. on I-80 westbound, near Menlo. The 2011 Harley Davidson motorcycle … [Read more...]
Owner plans to rebuild Malvern grocery store
The owner of an iconic downtown grocery store in southwest Iowa says he will rebuild after a fire gutted Mulholland's Grocery in Malvern just over a month ago. Firefighters from more than two dozen communities battled the fire on December 10th. Though an investigation into the fire's cause is … [Read more...]
Body pulled from submerged vehicle in Marshall County
The name of the man whose body was found in a central Iowa pond is being released. Authorities in Marshall County have recovered the body of a Laurel man after responding to a report of a vehicle submerged in a rural farm pond. On Tuesday afternoon, sheriff’s deputies responded to the pond … [Read more...]
Space heaters increase fire risk if not used properly
Many Iowans try to combat the bone-chilling cold of winter with space heaters, but they can also bring an increased risk of house fires. Le Mars Fire and Rescue Chief Dave Schipper says space heaters can provide much-needed warmth to an icy room, however, they can also be very dangerous if … [Read more...]
Winter sees more problems with carbon monoxide
The wintery weather is forcing most Iowans to spend more time indoors -- and with furnaces, fireplaces and space heaters running, there's a serious risk from an odorless, colorless gas. Le Mars Fire and Rescue Chief Dave Schipper strongly recommends carbon monoxide detectors in all houses, … [Read more...]
NWS expert says we could see future December tornadoes
The outbreak of dozens of tornadoes in Iowa and across the region last month was very unusual and one weather expert says it may be a sign of what lies ahead. Doug Kluck, climate services director for the Central Region of the National Weather Service, says massive and rare derecho storms like … [Read more...]
December 25th is the worst day of the year for fires started by candles
While some Iowans' homes will be visited by a sleigh and eight tiny reindeer tonight, it's hoped there's not a visit tomorrow from a fire truck. Andrea Vaspis, public education director for the National Fire Protection Association, says if you're trying to add some holiday ambience to the room by … [Read more...]
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are among the very worst for cooking fires
Along with Thanksgiving, today and tomorrow are the top three days of the year for cooking fires in Iowa and nationwide. Andrea Vaspis, public education director for the National Fire Protection Association, says December 24th and 25th will mean families and friends are gathering for a big meal … [Read more...]
Study: Iowa is among the deadliest states for kids to be near trains
Iowa has improved slightly but still has one of the nation’s worst rates of children being hit by trains, according to a study by a non-profit group that works to protect kids from preventable injuries. Nadji Kirby, senior program manager with Safe Kids Worldwide, says their surveys find many … [Read more...]