SIOUX CITY, IA (IRN) – A man accused of killing his romantic partner during an argument early Tuesday has been arrested for assaulting people in the past. The Sioux City Journal reports that Isack Mahad Abdinur, 35, is charged with first-degree murder in the death of Cornelia Ann Stead, 43, whose body was found with multiple stab wounds early Tuesday in her Sioux City apartment. Five children, ages 1-10, were present during the incident.
WILLIAMSBURG, IA (IRN) – The sharp decline in corn and soybean prices has claimed additional manufacturing jobs in Eastern Iowa. KCRG-TV reports Kinze Manufacturing in Williamsburg laid off 215 people in its office and factory workforce Wednesday. Job cuts were a direct response to the slowdown in agricultural equipment sales. Kinze makes row crop planting equipment and grain auger carts.
PLEASANT HILL, IA (IRN) – A Pleasant Hill man’s defense team says he was “crazy” when he killed his ex-girlfriend’s fiance. The Des Moines Register reports that on Tuesday the defense said it was mental illness and the side effects of antidepressants that caused David Moffitt, 27, to shoot 30-year-old Justin Michael four times as he slept next to his fiancee. The prosecution says the murder was premeditated.
ANKENY, Iowa, (IRN) – A former Ankeny teacher accused of being drunk in the classroom has pleaded guilty to child endangerment. Officers arrested Jennifer Rich in February at an elementary school after a parent reported seeing her with alcohol during a Valentine’s party. Officers found two empty cans of beer and four full cans. Rich has resigned.
MONROE COUNTY, IA (IRN) – The tornado that began in southwestern Marion County at approximately 5 PM Monday has been classified as an EF-3. The National Weather Service reports that the tornado continued into Lucas and Monroe Counties, and hit an estimated peak wind of 142 mph when it destroyed a home west of Lovilia. Monroe County officials estimate that it caused several million dollars worth of damage in Albia. The tornado was approximately 440 yards wide, and was on the ground for over 25 miles.
DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – A Des Moines woman was seriously hurt after an assault by her boyfriend that was captured on a 911 call Monday. KCCI-TV reports the woman dialed 911 and the dispatcher heard the attack unfold. Officers arrived on scene and came face to face with an armed man who shot himself in the head. He died later at a hospital.
CHARLES CITY, IA (IRN) – A light plane crashed into a ditch east of the Charles City Airport early Tuesday evening. The Mason City Globe Gazette reports that a Piper Comanche flown by David Priebe of Sumner, with his wife as a passenger, lost power at an altitude of 6,500 feet. Priebe attempted to land at the Charles City Airport but overshot the landing. No one was injured.
DES MOINES (IRN) – The economic impact of the craft brewing industry in Iowa exceeded $100 million in 2014. The Iowa Wine and Beer Promotion Board says Iowa’s craft brewing industry generated 1,500 jobs. The number of breweries has doubled since 2009 to more than 50 in 29 counties. 95% of Iowa’s craft breweries are locally owned.
WASHINGTON, DC (IRN) – Iowa retained its tops in the nation ranking for egg production in May, but the avian flu outbreak exacted a significant toll on the state’s poultry industry. The USDA reports that egg production is down nearly 28 percent from last year.