DECORAH, IA (IRN) – Winneshiek Medical Center in Decorah is warning the communities they serve that there may not be enough beds for everyone who needs care because of the recent surge in COVID-19 cases in the region. The hospitals says 40% of their filled inpatient beds are occupied by COVID-positive patients, and they require more staff time than most other patients. Winneshiek Medical Center says 90% of its COVID patients are unvaccinated.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – A man is facing federal drug charges after an incident in Des Moines last month where a 15-year-old boy was shot and killed. Police say 21-year-old Brent Dobberke is charged with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and discharging a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Authorities believe two 15-year-olds attempted to rob Dobberke.

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA (IRN) – The Men’s and Women’s U.S. National Curling Championship has been canceled due to COVID-19. The event was going to be held in Cedar Rapids in the first week of the new year.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Afghan refugees are coming to Iowa, and more than 500 could be calling Polk County home. The county has spent $44,000 to purchase 300 beds, and delivery of those beds has already begun.