DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – The state of Iowa will spend nearly $250,000 on a consultant to help three Iowa cities find new tenants for empty, state-owned buildings. The Iowa Economic Development Board voted Friday to hire a national company, Matrix Design Group, to help seek new tenants for recently closed facilities in Toledo, Clarinda and Mount Pleasant. The Clarinda facility may be a particularly tough sell as the building is 128 years old with entire floors that have haven’t been used in decades.

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA (IRN) – A man wanted for murder in Chicago may be in eastern Iowa, according to KCRG-TV. The U.S. Marshals Service is looking for 22-year-old Kevin Edwards, who is wanted for the execution-style murder of 9-year-old Tyshawn Lee. Authorities believe Edwards fled Illinois after the murder and has connections throughout eastern Iowa.

WATERLOO, IA (IRN) – Two people were taken to a hospital following a fire in Waterloo yesterday. One resident tried to get to his neighbor out of the burning building, but failed because there was so much smoke. First responders were able to rescue the neighbor.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Iowa is the last of four states to make a decision on the Bakken oil pipeline and it will remain that way until March. The Iowa Utilities Board decided Friday to delay action on the controversial pipeline. Supporters say it will create jobs and and help lead to energy independence, while critics say it will create few jobs and is a potential environmental disaster. The board plans to make their final decision on March 9 or March 10.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Iowa lost 500 farms last year, continuing a trend seen in recent years in which there are fewer farms operating and those that remain are becoming larger. The average farm size in Iowa rose to 349 acres. Nationally, the number of farms fell by 18,000.