DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – A child injured in a car accident two weeks ago in Des Moines has died. KCCI-TV reports 46-year old Soe Reh was speeding when he collided with two cars.
Reh’s three year old son, David, was in the backseat at the time of the crash. Soe Reh died at the hospital later that day. David had been hospitalized in critical condition since the crash, but died yesterday.
WATERLOO, IA (IRN) – An Iowa man who was found with roughly 500,000 images of child pornography has been sentenced to prison. The Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier reports that 60-year-old Forrest Lynn Rindels of Waterloo was given a five-year prison sentence Thursday.
PELLA, IA (IRN) – A pickup truck crashed through the front doors of the Pella Walmart yesterday morning. KNIA/KRLS Radio reports there are three fatalities and an unknown number of injuries. Witnesses say the truck was traveling at a high rate of speed, and Walmart employees were among those killed. Names have not been released.
BURLINGTON, IA (IRN) – One man is in custody following a vehicle accident caused by an erratic driver in Burlington. WQAD-TV reports an officer had spotted and was trying to catch up with the vehicle, which was several blocks ahead. The driver then ran a stop sign and collided with a truck and a light pole. 21-year-old Antoine Tellis tried to climb out of the vehicle’s window while armed with a handgun. Tellis was taken into custody by the officer with the help of two bystanders.
CEDAR RAPIDS, IA (IRN) – Transamerica, a holding company for life insurance companies and investment firms, will be laying off 120 people in Cedar Rapids. KGAN-TV reports 800 jobs are being cut nationwide. The cuts come as part of a cost-reduction plan. Those affected by the cuts will be offered separation packages and job placement services.
DUBUQUE, IA (IRN) – A committee has decided to keep a book some say is too racy for use in a Dubuque high school class. KCRG-TV reports “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” is required reading for an Advanced Placement literature class at Hempstead High School. Some parents have complained about the book’s sex scenes and depictions of drugs and alcohol use. The teacher will provide an alternative book if students or their parents request it.
DES MOINES, IA – Hollywood star and native-Iowan Ashton Kutcher has been named the recipient of 2017’s Robert D. Ray Pillar of Character Award. The award honors someone who demonstrates good character as a role model and reflects former Gov. Robert D. Ray’s lifelong commitment to civility and character development. Past recipients include Norman Borlaug, Hayden Fry, and Dan Gable.