DUNDEE, IA (IRN) – A 17-year-old Cedar Rapids teen is recovering in the hospital after falling down a bluff at Backbone State Park. DNR officials say they received the report of the girl falling during a hike on Monday night. Witnesses say the girl fell about 80 feet into a muddy area.
MASON CITY, IA (IRN) – A San Diego developer has sued Mason City and the Chamber of Commerce Foundation, alleging breach of contract and interference. The Mason City Globe Gazette reports G8 Development alleges the chamber interfered with his contract to build a downtown hotel and had secret meetings with City Council members to champion a competing proposal.
DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – A Des Moines woman charged with murder in the shooting death of her stepfather says Iowa’s new “stand your ground law” applies to her case. WHO-TV reports 29-year-old Sera Alexander pled not guilty to first degree murder in the death of 49-year-old Anthony Hartmann. Police say Sera shot Hartmann when he came to the home. Legal experts expect many more such claims in the future under the new law.
DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – The battle between a former state employee, who is gay, and the governor’s office that wanted him to quit is close to reaching $1 million in legal bills. KCCI-TV reports the Iowa Supreme Court ruled that former Iowa Workers’ Compensation Commissioner Chris Godfrey can seek damages for alleged retaliation he faced under former Gov. Terry Branstad. Branstad has denied the allegations.
DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – A group of Iowa businessmen has filed a lawsuit against United Airlines over the death of Simon – a giant rabbit – after a flight from London to Chicago. KWQC-TV reports the businessmen intended to show Simon at the Iowa State Fair and then display the animal to raise money for the Fair. The lawsuit says United was negligent in the care and transportation of Simon and then improperly cremated the rabbit.
IOWA CITY, IA (IRN) – Patients and their families at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics were given the chance to focus on something other than their healthcare Wednesday afternoon- ice cream! KCRG-TV reports the Coralville Dairy Queen provided 500 mini-Blizzards to all those who came by. Today, a portion of Dairy Queen Blizzard sales at participating stores will benefit hospitals in support of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.