DES MOINES – A rare stretch of winter warmth and heavy rain that fell across most of the state earlier this week may have prompted high nitrate levels in the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers. KCCI-TV reports the Central Iowa Water Works nitrate removal facility is up and running, which is unusual in January. But a stretch of above average temperatures has kept the ground from freezing, and rounds of melting snow and now heavy rain have increased run-off upstream.

DAVENPORT – A property manager in Davenport has agreed to pay a settlement to the U.S. Department of Justice for a sexual harassment lawsuit. The Des Moines Register reports Kurt Williams with Gearhead Properties was accused of harassing female tenants, exposing himself, and requesting sex in exchange for reduced rent, and allegedly moved to remove those who didn’t welcome those advances. The settlement is for $325,000, and Williams is banned from managing residential rental properties.

DES MOINES – The Iowa State Supreme Court ruled that officials can’t charge low income defendants for cases that were dismissed in court. WHO-13 reports the justices ruled in favor of Ronald Pagliai, who pleaded guilty to two charges and had two others dropped. However, he was required to pay court costs for all four counts. The case centered on defendants with court-appointed attorneys and low income.