FORT DODGE, IA (IRN) – A weeks-long search for a Fort Dodge man has come to an end. The Fort Dodge Messenger reports a landfill worker found Kris Markle dead in his car in a ravine near the landfill. Authorities believe Markle crashed. He was last seen earlier this month at a bar in Fort Dodge.

DUBUQUE, IA (IRN) – A man was arrested in Dubuque for dependent adult abuse after allegedly stealing nearly $37,000 from his mother. KCRG-TV reports police charged 35-year-old Michael Woods on December 20, saying the stolen money came from his mother’s social security checks.

URBANDALE, IA (IRN) – Two brothers who spearheaded the biggest lottery scam in U.S. history have repaid less than $1,400 in restitution — despite owning property worth nearly $2 million, according to the Des Moines Register. Between them, Eddie and Tommy Tipton admitted rigging winning drawings in at least five states, including Iowa, worth a combined $24 million.

MASON CITY, IA (IRN) – A Mason City resident had an unexpected guest Christmas Eve when he came home to find an unknown male asleep on his couch. KIMT-TV reports James Dulude, 30, who has no permanent address, is facing a second-degree burglary charge. Dulude was also in possession of the victim’s credit card, and was wearing the his sweatshirt.

USA (IRN) – Today is National Fruitcake Day. People tend to love fruitcake, or hate it. Johnny Carson famously quipped, “The worst Christmas gift is fruitcake…there’s only one fruitcake in the entire world, and people keep sending it to each other, year after year.” Regardless, the sale of fruitcakes has been a great fundraiser for Camp Courageous near Monticello for over 30 years. Camp Courageous is a year-round respite care and recreational facility for individuals of all ages with disabilities.