MARSHALLTOWN – A Marshalltown man was sentenced to 21 months in prison after pleading guilty to crimes of insurance fraud. In 2018, following the EF-3 tornado that hit Marshalltown, 32 year old Timothy D. Sletten engaged in two separate schemes to defraud State Farm, the insurer of Sletten’s numerous residential rental properties. Following the 2020 derecho disaster in Marshalltown, Sletten again presented false work invoices from contractors. State Farm paid Sletten loss claim benefits totaling just over $180,000. State Farm opened an internal investigation that caused the company to deny payment of disaster-related claims made by Sletten. Additionally, Sletten was fined $50,000 and ordered to pay full restitution.

IOWA – After most of the state received between 18-24″ of snow last week, which was followed by bitter arctic air, more snow and cold remains in the short term forecast. The National Weather Service projects 1-3″ of snow this afternoon and evening across the vast majority of Iowa, which will be followed by additional wind chills of 20 to 35 below zero continuing through most of the weekend. Warmer days are on the horizon though, as are chances for widespread rainfall.

WEST BRANCH – Multiple schools went into a lockdown statewide Wednesday following calls of active shooters on the premise. KCRG-TV reports Marion High School, Cascade Junior/Senior High School, and West Branch schools were among those who received calls that attempted to prompt tactical team responses from police.

DES MOINES – A country music legend is set to return to Des Moines. Willie Nelson has announced a performance at the Water Works Lauridsen Amphitheater on May 25th, according to KCCI-TV. Tickets go on sale this Friday.