WASHINGTON, IA (IRN) – A trial began in Washington, Iowa today for a man charged with first-degree murder in the death of a Burlington teenager. KCII-radio reports the Des Moines County trial was moved to Washington County because of extensive local media coverage. 25-year-old Jaron Narelle Purham is charged in the March 2016 death of 16-year-old Kedarie Johnson, a gender-fluid Burlington High School student, whose body was found with two bullet holes in the chest in a Burlington alley. Another man charged in the death, 24-year-old Jorge Sanders-Galvez was sentenced to life in prison in December 2017 after a jury trial found him guilty.

AURELIA (IRN) – An anhydrous ammonia leak in the small northwest town of Aurelia forced residents to be evacuated Monday. KCAU-TV reports he leak started around 10:00 a.m. at First Coop. Much of the town was evacuated, including about 300 students at Alta-Aurelia Elementary and the middle school. Residents were allowed to return home Monday evening.

MARION, IA (IRN) – A juvenile has been charged with harassment after a social media post indicated a possible threat toward the Linn-Mar Community School District. KGAN-TV reports
police investigated the post and determined the juvenile had no intention of writing a threat.
However, police said because of the concern it caused in the community, the juvenile was charged with harassment.

BOONE, IA (IRN) – A battle over pieces of history in Boone is going to court. KCCI-TV reports four Boone County residents are suing the Boone County Historical Society, citing a long list of alleged mismanagement dating back to 2016. Complaints include violating Iowa code and its own bylaws, terminating memberships for speaking out against the organization, and selling the Mamie Doud Eisenhower Birthplace without input from other members.

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA (IRN) – For the second time in less than a month, the Cedar River is rising to dangerous levels in Cedar Rapids. KCRG-TV reports this is the third time this year the city’s had to prepare for another river crest. It’s expected to crest at 17.5 feet tonight. The Iowa Flood Center said flooding this time of year is no longer an anomaly. Instead of seasonal threats, flooding is now a possibility any time of the year.