AMES, IA (IRN) – A crash involving dozens of vehicles has forced the closure of I-35 southbound in Ames. Approximately 50 vehicles were involved in the crash, which has closed the southbound lanes of I-35 near Lincoln Way. Officials at the scene report a mix of injuries from serious to walking wounded. People caught in the crash are being picked up by officials.
GEORGE, IA (IRN) – One person died in a house fire in the small northwest Iowa city of George. Crews from six communities helped fight the fire, which was complicated by cold temperatures that caused water from the trucks to repeatedly freeze. The name of the deceased has not been released.
CENTER POINT, IA (IRN) – Two firefighters received minor injuries from a house fire Sunday in the Linn County town of Center Point. KGAN-TV reports the home suffered major damages but everyone inside escaped without injury.
DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – The 2018 Iowa County Caucuses are tonight. While there is no presidential election this year, Iowans will decide who will be governor and many legislative positions in November. Tonight, attendees will discuss the candidates, policies, and determine their representatives for their county committees.
LAMONI, IA (IRN) – Layoffs are underway at Graceland University in Lamoni. The private liberal arts university is one of the largest employers in Decatur County on the Iowa-Missouri border. The university will cut 15 full-time employees and 4 part-time workers. Decatur County is the poorest county in Iowa.
DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – The Iowa Legislature is considering making first offense possession of marijuana that’s 5 grams or less a simple misdemeanor. KCCI-TV reports supporters say it would lessen penalties, save the state money, and reduce racial injustice. Half of the 3,400 cases brought in 2016 involved 5 grams or less. In the same period, 18% of people convicted were African Americans.
IOWA FALLS, IA (IRN) – An Iowa Falls man who is a former Philadelphia Eagles player got a special message from the team Sunday. KCRG-TV reports Russell Verhousky signed with the team as a free agent halfback in 1953, and is now battling a terminal illness. He received a signed jersey with the message that read in part, “You have a loving team in your corner. Sincerely, your friends at the Philadelphia Eagles.”