MARSHALLTOWN – The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services is reporting a second death associated with the Legionella outbreak in Marshalltown. The individual, an elderly adult with multiple underlying health conditions, passed away on September 18. To date, there have been 71 cases of legionellosis, including two deaths. All available evidence continues to indicate cooling towers are the most likely source of the outbreak, although laboratory testing has not confirmed a direct source. Each business center with a cooling tower in the affected area has completed disinfection. Individuals who live, work, or have spent time in north central Marshalltown with a cough, fever, or other symptoms of pneumonia should see their health care provider and ask about Legionella.

NORWALK – A Norwalk woman was sentenced to a maximum of 50 years in prison at the Warren County Justice Center Monday afternoon, after pleading guilty to second-degree murder for the death of her baby. In 2023, Norwalk Police arrested 25-year-old Megan Staude of Norwalk and her 64-year-old father, Rodney Staude, after Megan gave birth, and after days of neglect the pair placed the baby in a trash bag and left it in a ditch. Rodney Staude also entered into a plea agreement for a second-degree murder charge, and has been sentenced to a maximum of 50 years in prison.

KNOXVILLE – The Iowa Attorney General’s Office has concluded that officers involved in a shooting in Knoxville in August acted with legal justification. The investigation was due to an incident that caused the fatal shooting of Steven Funk on August 21st. The Attorney General’s conclusion was based on a review and investigation by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation. It found that on August 21st, Sergeant Joseph Weppler and Officer Matthew Eagleton of the Knoxville Police Department responded to a 911 call and encountered Steven Funk allegedly attempting to murder a woman. Sergeant Weppler fired on Steven Funk, who died of his injuries.

DES MOINES— Governor Kim Reynolds announced that Kelly Garcia, Director of the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services has resigned and will leave the agency next month after nearly six years of service. Governor Reynolds has appointed Larry Johnson, currently Director of the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing, to succeed Garcia at HHS.