WEST BRANCH, IA (IRN) – A driver died in a crash on Interstate 80 after crashing into a bridge support column near West Branch. The Iowa State Patrol reports the driver went into the median, hit a bridge support and was thrown from the vehicle, a 2012 Dodge Journey. The Journey then caught fire.
DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – The Animal Rescue League helped Des Moines Police to remove 85 chickens and roosters from a property on the east side of Des Moines. KCCI-TV reports Mariano Martinez Ramirez has been charged with felony animal contest and possession of a contest device among other charges. The roosters were used for illegal cockfighting.
DECATUR COUNTY, IA (IRN) – A 69-year-old man died and two children were hospitalized Saturday after the man lost control of his pickup truck in rural Decatur County and hit a telephone pole. The Iowa State Patrol reports James Young lost traction on a gravel road, slid sideways, landed in a ditch and struck the pole. Young, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was thrown from the truck and killed. The condition of the children is unknown.
NEW VIRGINIA, IA (IRN) – Fire investigators in the town of New Virginia are working to determine what caused a house to catch fire Sunday. WHO-TV reports the abandoned house was fully engulfed when firefighters arrived. They suspect arson.
CHARLES CITY, IA (IRN) – A 15-year-old Charles City boy fatally injured in an ATV crash earlier this month has donated his organs. The Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier reports Logan Luft was pronounced brain dead on Wednesday. Logan’s organs went to five different people. Logan won’t be able to pursue his dream of winning a state wrestling title, but a friend who won two titles plans to donate his medals so Logan can be buried with them.
BURLINGTON, IA (IRN) – One Iowa company thinks there’s money to be made on the sunny roof of the Burlington Public Works building. The Hawk Eye reports that Moxie Solar, a North Liberty solar energy company, is in talks with the city of Burlington about putting solar panels on the building. If approved, the city could save up to 10% on its energy bill.