MIDWEST (IRN) – Bone-chilling cold gripped the middle of the U.S. as 2018 began, breaking low temperature records, icing some New Year’s celebrations and leading to at least two deaths attributed to exposure to the elements. Dangerously low temperatures enveloped eight Midwest states including parts of Kansas, Missouri, Illinois and Nebraska along with nearly all of Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota and North Dakota. Omaha’s temperature low of 15 below zero before midnight broke a record that had stood since 1884.

WATERLOO, IA (IRN) – A 63-year-old man died after a house fire in Waterloo Saturday night. KCRG-TV reports the only resident of the home, Robert Smiley, was taken to a hospital after the blaze, but did not survive. Firefighters say the cold weather made it difficult for firefighters, as the closest hydrant was found frozen. But firefighters were able to find another hydrant down the street and contain the blaze.

CERRO GORDO COUNTY, IA (IRN) – One person was injured in a single-vehicle crash Saturday night in Cerro Gordo County. KIMT-TV reports 41-year-old Brooke Sanchez-Peterson, of Mason City was taken to the hospital after the accident. Icy conditions caused her to slide through a stop sign at an intersection and off the roadway, down an embankment and into a tree.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – 2017 has been an unprecedented year for Des Moines firefighters, according to WHO-TV. Crews are dealing with record-breaking statistics and calls for service.
Lieutenant Joe Van Haalen, president of the local union says, “we’re seeing about a 4.5% increase each year over the last several years in call volumes.” The reason? Van Haalen says it’s due to rapid city growth.

COLFAX, IA (IRN) – Someone from central Iowa is ending 2017 on an extremely happy note.
Powerball officials announced Sunday that a $1 million winning ticket was purchased at the Kum & Go store in Colfax.