Saturday, August 22, 2015

IOWA CITY, IA (IRN) – Newsweek magazine has named five Iowa High Schools among the top high schools in the country.  Two Iowa City schools made the list–West High, and City High. Other schools recognized are Ankeny High, Linn-Mar High in Marion, Pleasant Valley High in Bettendorf, Ames High, and Waverly Shell Rock High School.

NORWOODVILLE, IA (IRN) – After more than 14 hours, the suspect involved in a standoff in Norwoodville surrendered to Polk County deputies. WHO-TV reports Alan VanGorp, 42, surrendered after tactical teams used tear gas. Deputies were called to the home for a report of a suicidal man with a handgun. When deputies arrived Van Gorp fired two shots into the ground and then pointed the gun at his head and went into the home. He faces multiple charges.

MECHANICSVILLE, IA (IRN) – A home was destroyed by fire Friday in the Cedar County town of Mechanicsville.  KWWL-TV reports the fire happened around 4 a.m. Fire officials say a woman, her son and dog who were sleeping inside made it out safely. The owners of the home say they have nothing left but the clothes on their back and a cell phone.

SIOUX CITY, IA (IRN) – FedEx has announced a plan for a more than $2.7 million expansion to its Sioux City facility, according to the Sioux City Journal. The project includes the addition of 24 semitrailer bays, for a total of 44. It’s not clear how many jobs will be added, but city officials said they likely will be filled by drivers hired as contractors.

DES MOINES (IRN) – Why are egg prices so high? The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports Iowa egg production in July rose slightly from the previous month but remained 44 percent below year-ago levels. The decline in production and high prices are attributed to the lasting impact of the bird flu which decimated the state’s hen flocks. United States egg production was down 10 percent from last year.