CENTERVILLE, IA (IRN) – An atheist leader says his organization will fight to add displays of its own if a Nativity scene is returned to a court house lawn in southern Iowa. KCRG-TV reports the Nativity scene was moved Monday from the Appanoose County Courthouse lawn in Centerville. Some residents had complained that a religious display should not be placed on government property. The Centerville City Council is scheduled to discuss the issue on Monday.
LACONA, IA (IRN) – An Iowa man is claiming whole, dead chickens are being mixed in with manure to be spread on fields. KCCI-TV reports John Miller, of Lacona, said it is supposed to be chicken manure being spread on the farm field across the road from his house, but he said something was added to the mix which makes it smell much worse–dead chickens.
DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – The head of the Iowa Department of Transportation will step down early next year. Iowa DOT Director Mark Lowe announced he will resign from the position effective January 10th. Pat Garrett, spokesperson for the Governor’s office, released a statement saying: “Governor Reynolds appreciates Director Mark Lowe’s years of service, and has decided to seek a change in leadership as she continues to build her administration.”
MONTICELLO, IA (IRN) – President Trump spent the end of the week touting a “Phase One” trade deal with China. The agreement means neither side will escalate the ongoing trade war and China will, over time, begin buying billions in American ag products. KGAN-TV reports Iowa farmers are happy to see something that looks like progress. Johnson County Farmer Steve Swenka says “at this point, any news is good news.”
IOWA CITY, IA (IRN) – Hawkeye senior basketball guard Jordan Bohannon announced that the shoes he wore in Thursday’s game against Iowa State will be raffled off and he will donate the money to the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital. Bohannon wrote a message on the shoes after the game, ‘To ISU: Thanks for the memz.’ He also added a smiley face and signed his name. The raffle tickets cost $10.