DAVENPORT, IA (IRN) – The foster care program in Iowa is urgently seeking families willing to open their homes to kids whose parents are unable to care for them. KWQC-TV reports last year, over 2,500 children in Iowa were referred to foster care, and there are only about 2,100 foster homes in the state. Iowa KidsNet is sending out an urgent call for a wide range of caregivers.
MT. UNION, IA (IRN) – Over 250 marijuana plants were seized at a residence in Mt. Union Thursday after an investigation started on a citizen complaint and tip. KCII-Radio reports thirty-six-year-old James Nicholson was arrested and charged with manufacturing marijuana over 110 pounds, possession with intent to deliver, and drug tax stamp violations.
WATERLOO, IA (IRN) – One person has been arrested following an early morning fire in Waterloo. KGAN-TV reports the fire broke out just after 3:00 Friday morning. One person from an upstairs apartment was rescued. No one was hurt.
INDIANOLA, IA (IRN) – An Indianola woman is being held at the Warren County Jail following an investigation into the death of a 7-month-old child. KCCI-TV reports Tori Marie Bittner was arrested Wednesday and charged with child endangerment resulting in death. Emergency personnel responded to a call for a child in respiratory distress. The 7-month-old was transported to Mercy in Des Moines by air and died the next day.
CLEAR LAKE, IA (IRN) – An arrest has been made in an incident where a bicyclist was struck by a car in Clear Lake. KIMT-TV reports 36-year-old Nicholas Dustin Horst has been charged with willful injury and serious injury by vehicle. Horst is accused of intentionally running into the bicyclist and driving under the influence of drugs. The bicyclist was dragged for 150 feet and was hospitalized with serious injuries.
MARSHALLTOWN, IA (IRN) – A Des Moines woman is facing 16 felony charges for allegedly embezzling more than $80,000 from her Marshalltown employer. WHO-TV reports 36-year-old Amy Howell was arrested yesterday for stealing from the Substance Abuse Treatment Unit of Central Iowa. She was finance coordinator for the company.
IOWA CITY, IA (IRN) – Tom Brokaw is celebrating 50 years with NBC and as part of the celebration he has announced he is giving his collection of memorabilia to the University of Iowa Library. Brokaw was a freshman at the University of Iowa, but flunked out, double majoring in what he calls, “beer & co-eds.” He says he has spent the past 60 years trying to make up for his “errant ways.” He adds the gift comes because of his great affection for the school and the people of Iowa.