DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – The Iowa State Patrol responded to numerous crashes Saturday on the Interstates due to a quick moving snow system that caused roads to become snow covered and icy. I-35 in Polk County was closed for 2 hours for a 70 car pile-up. Approximately 11 people were transported to local hospitals for injuries. 20 vehicles crashed on I-80 in Jasper County, and 30 on I-80 in Iowa County. A majority of the crashes were caused by motorists travelling too fast for conditions and not allowing enough following distance.

FORT DODGE, IA (IRN) – A Fort Dodge man is in jail after he allegedly stabbed a woman at an apartment complex. WHO-TV reports 46-year-old Luciano Benitez Castro assaulted a woman, then stabbed another. Castro claims the stabbing was in self defense.

GARNER, IA (IRN) – A Lake Mills man is facing charges of 1st degree burglary and domestic abuse assault in Hancock County. KIMT-TV reports 24-year-old Jesus Roman Gallardo followed someone home from a party. When the victim arrived, Gallardo forced his way into the home and assaulted her. The assault lasted over five hours, and involved grabbing, slapping, pushing, throwing, and restraining.

CEDAR FALLS, IA (IRN) – A community theater group in northeast Iowa is making progress toward its fundraising goal of $1.5 million to renovate a 108-year-old mainstay in the historic downtown area. The Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier reports that the Cedar Falls Community Theatre has raised nearly $650,000 for improvements at the Oster Regent Theatre. The venue attracts about 35,000 patrons each year.