CEDAR FALLS, IA (IRN) – Martin Brothers Distributing is planning a $16 million expansion that will create 35 jobs in Cedar Falls, according to the Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier. The company is a 75-year-old, third-generation family business that distributes food products. Its delivery trucks are a familiar sight, with the motto “Here Comes Martin” on the front and “There Goes Martin” on the rear.
DES MOINES (IRN) – Iowa’s pheasant harvest increased 30 percent in 2014 marking the third harvest increase in a row for the popular game bird, according to the Iowa DNR. Pheasants weren’t the only species to see a harvest increase; the quail harvest increased an estimated 23 percent, rabbit 28 percent, squirrels 23 percent and doves 17 percent. Turkey numbers remained about the same.
TAMA, IA (IRN) – The Tama County Sheriff’s Office is mourning the loss of K9 deputy Nikki, who died after a sudden illness Tuesday. The Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier reports the dog had cancer. She served for six years, won numerous awards, assisted in countless narcotics investigations, and according to the Sheriff’s Office, will forever be remembered for her happy-go-lucky demeanor and work ethic.
DES MOINES (IRN) – The Iowa Department of Agriculture has confirmed the presence of the emerald ash borer in Fort Madison in Lee County, bringing the number of infected counties in Iowa to twenty-six. The insect is a small, metallic-green beetle that is responsible for killing tens of millions of ash trees in 25 states.
WATERLOO, IA (IRN) – Cheap heroin is causing problems in eastern Iowa, according to the Tri-County Drug Task Force. KWWL-TV reports heroin is five time cheaper than over the counter painkillers, and that users come from all walks of life. Much of the heroin in the area comes from Detroit and Chicago, and is associated with gang activity, violent crime, and shootings.
DONNELLSON, IA (IRN) – One person is dead in a traffic accident north of Donnellson in Lee County, according to the Iowa State Patrol. The vehicle was southbound on Highway 218, passed a semi truck, returned to the right lane, and failed to see that a vehicle ahead of the semi was slowing to turn, colliding with it. The name of the victim has not been released.
MASON CITY, IA (IRN) – A Mason City man suffered burns to his hands Tuesday night after his grill caught fire. KIMT-TV reports the man was grilling when he noticed the flames. He unhooked the propane tank and threw it into an open field away from the house. Grease had accumulated under the grill, which lead to the fire.
SIOUX CITY, IA (IRN) – A Sioux City man charged with first–degree murder in the stabbing death of a woman last month is pleading not guilty. 35–year–old Isack Abduhnoor was arrested and charged with stabbing 43–year–old Cornelia Stead to death.