DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Investigators will bring in special forensic equipment to look for the cause of the Plaza Lanes fire in Des Moines. The Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms has investigators at the scene, noting the fire conditions and surroundings. They are expecting that forensic equipment to aid them in their investigation. Monday’s fire destroyed the bowling alley but the owner says he’ll rebuild.
DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds’ staff has blocked a state agency’s move to regulate guns in child care centers. The Des Moines Register reports the Department of Human Services’ proposal required guns present in child care centers to be locked away and kept separate from ammunition. The regulations would instruct child care centers to notify parents if a gun is kept on the premises. Reynolds said Tuesday that lawmakers should debate the issue instead of permitting administrators to implement rules.
CLIVE, IA (IRN) – The Iowa State Patrol released new information in a fatal car vs. pedestrian accident in Clive. 53-year-old Steven Rittel walked out in front of a Ford Expedition and was hit. Rittel was transported to a local hospital, where he later died. The Expedition, driven by 51-year-old Samuel Benjamin, was found on its side down an embankment. He and a passenger in the vehicle were not injured.
MAQUOKETA, IA (IRN) – Serious financial discrepancies have been found after an audit of an FFA program in eastern Iowa, according to WQAD-TV. A special state audit report says more than $20,000 in revenue from fruit sale fundraisers either wasn’t collected or deposited for the FFA program in Maquoketa. The money raised each year helps cover Maquoketa district FFA travel and rooming costs for conventions.
DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Nearly two-thirds of Iowans don’t approve of how state leaders are handling mental health issues. A new Des Moines Register-Mediacom poll shows 50% of Republicans, 63% of Independents, and 75% of Democrats disapprove with the state’s approach to mental health services.
DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – A little girl fighting a big illness wants to make it easier for other kids fighting medical battles of their own. WHO-TV reports a Facebook group, called “Team Elayna,” has collected over 700 give cards that have been given to the Courage Store at Blank Children’s Hospital. Children who are receiving treatment can collect Bravery Bucks for tough or difficult procedures, like scans or drawing blood. They can also trade them for small toys or gift cards in the store.