DES MOINES, IA (IRN) IA – A Decatur County Man has been charged with the attempted murder of a Sheriff. On May 23 the Division of Criminal Investigation charged 54-year old Gerry Greenland with one count of attempted murder. Decatur County Sheriff Ben Boswell, along with two deputies, was dispatched to a rural home a report of an altercation between family members. The initial responding deputy was confronted by Mr. Greenland, who was driving a tractor that was outfitted with a front-end bale spear. As the deputy drove up the driveway, Mr. Greenland drove the tractor towards the deputy’s vehicle. The deputy took evasive action. Mr. Greenland then drove the tractor towards the vehicle occupied by Sheriff Boswell. Mr. Greenland struck Sheriff Boswell’s vehicle, forcing one of the bale spear tines through the driver’s door and pushing Sheriff Boswell and his vehicle more than 100 feet. When the tractor and impaled vehicle came to a rest, deputies were able to take Mr. Greenland into custody. Sheriff Boswell was unharmed.
WINDSOR HEIGHTS, IA (IRN) – Firefighters are investigating the cause of a house fire in Windsor Heights this morning. KCCI-TV reports one person was taken to the hospital and is expected to recover. The homeowners believe the fire sparked in a power outlet in their basement.
DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – A Des Moines hospital announced Thursday that it’s voluntarily inactivating one of its transplant programs. MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center said its Kidney and Pancreas Transplant Program will be inactive for up to 12 months beginning June 1. The hospital plans to evaluate the program’s patient volume, operational and technology needs.
DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – The U.S. General Services Administration has released conceptual drawings for a U.S. courthouse planned along the riverfront in downtown Des Moines. The Des Moines Register reports city leaders are protesting the decision to build at the location, but the release of the design is seen as an indication that the government is proceeding with the project.
DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Officials from Iowa’s Blank Park Zoo announced Thursday the passing of Zuri, an elderly female giraffe. Zoo officials said Zuri was humanely euthanized on Wednesday due to several age-related chronic health conditions.
DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Customers at a Des Moines McDonald’s found protesters as they drove up for lunch Thursday. KCCI-TV reports workers took part in a nationwide walkout to protest sexual harassment allegations and demand a $15 minimum wage. The protestors chanted, “Hold my pickle. Hold my fries. Make my wages supersized!”