CENTERVILLE, IA (IRN) – A May trial has been scheduled for a man accused of killing a hunter in south-central Iowa. 27-year-old Ethan Davis entered a plea of not guilty Monday to a charge of first-degree murder. His trial begins May 1. Davis is charged with killing 31-year-old Curtis Ross, of Cedar Falls, whose body was found Dec. 2 in a remote area of Appanoose County. Ross suffered several stabbing and gunshot wounds.
IOWA CITY, IA (IRN) – A man charged with an Iowa City murder will get his trial moved.
KWWL-TV reports the trial of Curtis Jones will move from Johnson County to Polk County to avoid pre-trial publicity. Jones is accused of robbing a business and killing a man by shooting him in the head. His trial is scheduled for July. Jones is also charged with another murder. He’s accused of killing an Iowa City cab driver in June. That trial will begin in Scott County in April.
WAUKEE, IA (IRN) – A settlement of almost $1 million has been reached between the Waukee School district and a former employee. WHO-TV reports Terry Welker is one of three who filed lawsuits against the district alleging they were wrongfully terminated for reporting the conduct of district CEO Eric Rose. Rose has admitted to using school property for private use and instructing district employees to pick up and drop off equipment at his house while on the clock. A criminal investigation found Rose could face charges, but the Dallas County Attorney decided against filing them.
CEDAR FALLS, IA (IRN) – Cedar Falls Police are investigating a robbery at a jewelry store, according KCRG-TV. Around 8:00 p.m. Monday, a man entered the store, took merchandise, and then sprayed the employees with pepper spray.
APPANOOSE COUNTY, IA (IRN) – A new report is out announcing the poorest county in every state. Iowa’s poorest, according to Wall St. 24/7, is Appanoose county. Once a leading producer of coal, the county has never recovered from the loss of that industry. The county’s median household income is just short of $41,000, which is nearly $14,000 less than the state average. 16% of residents live in poverty.
ELKADER, IA (IRN) – International relationships may soon result in local investment for one Eastern Iowa City. KWWL-TV reports the City of Elkader has been fostering relationships with their sister city in Algeria for decades. In November, Elkader officials met with business owners in Algeria. An Algerian businessman now wants to build a 40-room hotel in Elkader with indoor and outdoor pools for community use.