DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Gov. Terry Branstad says Iowa Utilities Board chairwoman Geri Huser has done nothing wrong in maintaining a busy outside law practice while earning a $128,900 state salary. KCCI-TV reports a Senate committee delayed Huser’s re-confirmation last week after they learned she’s handled scores of cases as an attorney during her two-year tenure, earning over $177,000. State law requires board members to devote their “whole time” to their duties.

WATERLOO, IA (IRN) – One person was hospitalized after an overnight house fire in Waterloo, according to KCRG-TV. Crews found flames coming out both the front door and window. The fire was extinguished and the home suffered heavy fire and smoke damage.

GENOA, WI (IRN) – An Iowa man’s drowning in the Mississippi River might have been avoided if the 52-year-old had been wearing a life jacket. The Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier reports James Freeman of the northeastern Iowa town of Lansing drowned Friday after his fishing boat capsized and went under the dam gates near Genoa, Wisconsin. Freeman had a life jacket hanging on his boat and was attempting to put it on when his boat capsized, and he was pulled under.

ROCKWELL, IA (IRN) – A man has been arrested for the November death of Griselda Castaneda Tello of Hampton. KIMT-TV reports 59-year-old Paul Wood of Manly was arrested on charges of vehicular homicide and other charges. Wood was allegedly driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol when he crossed the centerline killing Castaneda Tello.

IOWA (IRN) – Iowa’s problem with high nitrate levels in lakes and rivers is getting worse, according to the Cedar Rapids Gazette. Iowa has 61 nitrate sensors and 40% showed an increasing average daily concentration of nitrates in 2016 above the federal standard of 10 milligrams per liter. This included the Raccoon River, which is the source of drinking water for the Des Moines Water Works.

DUBUQUE, IA (IRN) – A pilot project by Dubuque schools to install Wifi on school buses is a hit with students. The Telegraph Herald reports that Dubuque Community School District officials launched a pilot project last week on seven district buses. They say the goal is to give students an opportunity to continue their studies on long rides to and from home and to activities.