KANSAS CITY, MO (IRN) – A civil lawsuit is proceeding against a suspended Missouri State Highway Patrol officer who was transporting a handcuffed Iowa suspect when he fell out of a boat and drowned, according to KCCI-TV. Trooper Anthony Piercy’s patrol boat hit speeds of around 40 mph in 2014 while he transported Brandon Ellingson for a breath test. Ellingson tumbled into the Lake of the Ozarks wearing an improperly secured life vest. The vest slipped off, and Piercy was unable to save Ellingson.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA (IRN) – A Council Bluffs couple faces child neglect charges after their three children tested positive for methamphetamine. The Daily Nonpareil reports that Craig and Crystal McConnell face multiple charges. The children’s hair follicles tested positive for meth. The children have been removed from the home and are safe. The parents are in jail.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – A new state law has tougher penalties for littering or illegally dumping waste or garbage. WHO-TV reports starting today, people dumping items weighing more than 10 pounds or larger than 15 cubic feet could face a fine beginning at $1,000 for the first offense, $2,000 for a second violation and $3,000 for a third or subsequent offense.

IOWA COUNTY, IA (IRN) – Three people, including two children, died in a crash in Iowa County yesterday. KWWL-TV reports the crash happened near Marengo. Authorities say an SUV Renee Jones was driving went off the shoulder and over corrected, crossing the centerline. An SUV driven by Kimberly Stevenson collided with Jones’ SUV. Both drivers were injured, as was a 9-year-old passenger, Lana Coon. 42-year old Marilyn Coon died. So did 14-year-old Hailey Cruise and 11-year-old Cherokee Niemann. All three are from Williamsburg.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – The actions of Des Moines police officers likely saved the life of a man who was stabbed overnight, according to WHO-TV. Police were called to the YMCA Supportive Housing Campus around midnight on a report of a stabbing. Two residents were arguing when one man stabbed another with a pair of scissors. The man suffered a stab wound to his arm so serious, it severed an artery. 27-year-old Cory Hogan was charged in the stabbing.

AMES, IA (IRN) – Some Ames residents are outraged after they claimed a racist display was imprudently placed at a well-attended public event. KCCI-TV reports a vendor displayed the Confederate flag during Ames Main Street Bike Night last week, sparking controversy. The Main Street Cultural District apologized for the display and said they’re reviewing their policies.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – A range of bills signed into law this year by Gov. Terry Branstad are taking effect today. KCRG-TV reports measures set to take effect include laws aimed at criminal justice reform. One law will make most juvenile delinquency records in Iowa confidential unless otherwise ordered by a judge. Another law will allow certain non-violent drug offenders in Iowa to be eligible for parole after they serve at least half of their mandatory minimum sentence.