DAVENPORT – Two people were charged with arson in connection to a house fire in Davenport Friday. KCRG-TV reports 30-year-old Daltyn Matthes and 39-year-old Jetal Womack are accused of intentionally starting the blaze in an enclosed porch. A neighbor across the street quickly called 911. Police later placed Matthes and Womack into custody, charging them with First Degree Arson.

DES MOINES – Two dozen cats were rescued from a home covered in feces and garbage recently. Des Moines Police and the Animal Rescue league report they removed 24 felines from a house in the state’s capital, according to WHO-13. All of the animals were in poor condition and suffering from multiple pests and illnesses.

WEST DES MOINES – A pair of West Des Moines sisters were honored for their efforts in saving two drowning children. KCCI-TV reports Senator Joni Ernst presented Jasmine and Jacora Morris with the Carnegie Hero Medal Friday, as the two saved two young boys from an icy pond a year ago. The two also were honored last fall by the City of West Des Moines.

IOWA – As the growing season draws near, most of Iowa remains in drought — some of the worst in recent memory heading into spring planting in several years. The U.S. Drought Monitor Report shows more than half of the state is in severe conditions or worse, with 18.5% rated as extreme. Nearly 96% of Iowans are experiencing at least drier than normal conditions, and a warm, dry February has only made the situation worse. Additional warm, dry days are in the forecast, although much of the state may be impacted by a mix of rain and wintry precipitation late Tuesday into Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.