IOWA CITY, IA (IRN) – It’s time to pay up if you owe money to any of Iowa’s three public universities. According to the Iowa City Press Citizen, the University of Iowa, the University of Northern Iowa and Iowa State University are joining together to collect more than $15.5 million in outstanding tuition, loans and various other charges. They have issued a joint request for proposals from external agencies to help collect funds from current and former students, as well as customers of university services.
WASHINGTON, DC (IRN) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds farmers to file a Highly Erodible Land Conservation and Wetland Conservation Certification form with their local USDA Service Center by June 1. The 2014 Farm Bill requires producers to have the form on file in order to remain eligible, or to become eligible for crop insurance premium support.
HANCOCK COUNTY, Iowa – The Iowa State Patrol reports that 55-year-old Darla Asche of Garner was killed in a three-vehicle crash just east of Garner Thursday. Asche was westbound on Highway 18 and crossed the center line, her van striking an eastbound vehicle driven by 62-year-old Norma Lovstad of Burt. Asche then had a head on collision with an additional eastbound vehicle driven by 26-year-old Megan Brood of Rockwell. Asche and Brood were transported to Mercy Medical Center – North Iowa, by ambulance while Lovstad and a passenger were taken to Mercy by private vehicle.
WATERLOO, IA (IRN) – Waterloo police are investigating a case where road rage may have resulted in a stabbing. KWWL TV reports that Waterloo police say that based on the initial investigation, the incident started as road rage and turned into an assault. A person was stabbed but is expected to survive.
DES MOINES (IRN) – The Iowa Department of Agriculture has cancelled all live bird exhibitions at county fairs, the Iowa State Fair, and other gatherings of birds due to avian flu. The Department’s order begins immediately, is effective through the end of 2015, and also prohibits live birds from being sold at livestock auction markets, swap meets and exotic sales. Iowa has over 25 million birds and more than 60 farms impacted by the avian flu.
PLEASANT HILL, IA (IRN) – A Pleasant Hill daycare provider is facing charges after police say she abused three children in her care. WHO TV reports that 28-year-old Christina Williamson, who runs a non-registered daycare out of her home, is charged with five counts of child endangerment. Police say video exists to prove the incidents.
CALMAR, IA (IRN) – A Postville man has been charged in connection with the robbery of State Bank in the northeastern Iowa town of Calmar. The Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier reports that Tyrone Wilson has been indicted on federal robbery charges and is now in custody of federal agents at the Linn County Jail.
WASHINGTON, DC (IRN) – Farm wages are down, and hours worked are up. The National Agriculture Statistics Service reports that there were 25,000 workers hired directly by farms in Iowa and Missouri during the reference week of April 12-18. Farm operators paid their hired workers an average wage rate of $12.08 per hour, down $2.17 from last year. The number of hours worked averaged 36.5 for hired workers, up about five hours from last year.