Thursday, October 1, 2015

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA (IRN) – A Marion husband and wife have been sentenced to prison for enticing a 15-year-old girl into sexual activity, according to WHO-TV. Federal prosecutors say 27-year-old Jennifer Darling was given 19 years in prison and 21-year-old Michael Darling was given 30 years. Both pled guilty to one count each of enticement of a minor. The Darlings admitted they were planning to produce child pornography.

DES MOINES (IRN) – Sprinklers inside a Polk County courts building being renovated flooded part of the building Thursday according to KCCI-TV. Workers heard a boom and saw water running down a wall from the ceiling. Voters approved an $81 million bond referendum in 2013, which is now being used to give the Polk County Courthouse campus a face-lift.

WAUKEE, IA (IRN) – An Iowa school district had to dispatch a second bus and driver to pick up students because the first driver quit midway through her morning route. KWWL-TV reports the incident occurred Tuesday morning in Waukee. A Waukee Community School District spokesperson says no students were endangered. It’s not clear what made the bus driver quit so abruptly.

DES MOINES (IRN) – More police plan to patrol rural roadways in five rural Iowa counties starting today. The increased patrol is part of a traffic safety campaign called the “High Five Rural Traffic Safety Project,” according to the Iowa Department of Public Safety.  Jackson, Boone, Lee, Monona, and Poweshiek counties have been targeted after data revealed they were among the lowest ranked in seatbelt compliance.

GLENWOOD, IA (IRN) – The man who was involved in a shooting that happened Sunday involving a school principal is a former Iowa State basketball standout, playing alongside Fred Hoiberg at Iowa State in the ’90s. KCCI-TV reports Hurl Beechum, 42, along with Denver Cook, 18, and Colton McDaniel, 21, face different charges following the shooting in Glenwood. Beechum was well-known for his athletic ability and being a leader on the court.

MOLINE, IL (IRN) – John Deere & Company announced it has reached a tentative agreement with the UAW to replace the six-year master labor contract that expired yesterday. KWQC-TV reports the tentative agreement is for six years and will now be presented to members for a ratification vote. The agreement covers employees at John Deere facilities in Davenport, Ankeny, Dubuque, Ottumwa and Waterloo.

AMES, IA (IRN) – Donald Trump supporters verbally assaulted peaceful protesters at the recent Iowa vs. Iowa State game.  WHO-TV reports students were protesting Trump’s comments on immigration. That incident led to an emotional conversation Wednesday night on the ISU campus. Students said the incident made them feel unsafe, discriminated against, and unwelcome. University President Dr. Steven Leath led the discussion about how to create a better environment for students on campus.

DUBUQUE, IA (IRN) – A Dubuque man and his 11-year-old daughter teamed up to save their neighbors from a fire, according to KWWL-TV. Joshua Hentges was watching television with his family Monday evening when his daughter, Natalee, noticed flames coming from a home across the street. They rushed over and woke a sleeping woman and her young daughter. Firefighters extinguished the fire. The cause? Unattended candles.