The Iowa Department of Public Health reports the number of flu deaths in Iowa continues to increase. Deputy State Epidemiologist Ann Garvey says six new deaths were reported in the last week. "This year we've had 20 deaths total -- one was unfortunately in a child. It's just an unfortunate … [Read more...]
Variety Club Telethon airs this weekend
The annual Variety Club of Iowa telethon airs in central Iowa this weekend. Megan Grandgeorge is spokeswoman for the Des Moines-based charity which helps children all across the state. Grandgeorge says some of the planet's most beautiful women will be on-stage. "We have quite the contingent … [Read more...]
New mother, baby and bassinet return to Iowa House
There's a temporary spot on the floor of the Iowa House for a baby born on Valentine's Day. A bassinet was set up this week as State Representative Megan Jones of Sioux Rapids returned to work at the capitol with her baby boy. "Our daycare doesn't take kids until they're six weeks old and so we … [Read more...]
Three Apollo astronauts to appear at DMACC for Innovation Week
July will mark the 50th anniversary of what's considered humankind's greatest scientific achievement, landing a man on the moon. To honor the landmark, Des Moines Area Community College is bringing in three Apollo astronauts to speak in a single panel this week. DMACC Provost Anthony Paustian … [Read more...]
Iowa’s Safe Haven law for newborns used for 33rd time
Officials today announced a boy born in Iowa on February 2nd has been turned over for adoption under the state's "safe haven" law. This is the 33rd time the process for voluntarily surrendering parental rights in Iowa shortly after a child's birth has been used. The option was created by a 2002 … [Read more...]
Recruiting is underway for Iowa’s first ‘Alternative Baseball’ team
A baseball team for players with autism and other special needs is recruiting in Cedar Rapids as the national organization Alternative Baseball is fielding its first Iowa team. The group's founder, Taylor Duncan, has autism and was left out of sports as a kid. Now, he’s on a mission to get other … [Read more...]
Computer experts help nonprofits with their websites in ‘hack-a-thon’
A hack-a-thon is now underway, but it doesn't involve breaking into the Pentagon mainframe. The event gathers computer experts from across Iowa and leaders of ten Iowa non-profit groups. Alex Karei, vice president of DSM Hack, says the non-profits all need help, from basic websites to ways to … [Read more...]
Honor Flight planned for veterans of Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan
While recent "honor flights" have recognized veterans of World War Two, Korea and Vietnam, a new honor flight is being organized for those who served in conflicts in the Middle East. Bill Williams, a cofounder of the non-profit group Patriotic Productions -- which puts on the flights, says this … [Read more...]
Lawton-Bronson principal returns from Puerto Rico mission trip
A western Iowa school principal recently returned from a mission trip where he helped rebuild a school damaged by Hurricane Maria in 2017 and now he's sharing the experience with his students. Principal Chad Shook of Lawton-Bronson Elementary in Woodbury County spent a week in Juncos, Puerto Rico … [Read more...]
Historic Warrior Hotel being renovated in Sioux City
A long-closed, historic hotel in Sioux City is being restored to its previous splendor. Owners and developers Amrit and Amy Gill are investing tens of millions of dollars to renovate the Warrior Hotel and the adjacent Davidson Building into a 148-room Marriot with 22 apartments. The Warrior has … [Read more...]