IOWA – It was a bit of weather whiplash for many residents in Iowa that enjoyed an early surge of spring earlier this week, as winter returned in force late Thursday into this morning. According to the National Weather Service, a large number of Iowa communities received 6-12 inches of wet, heavy snow, including a report over a foot in northeast Iowa. Communities from Council Bluffs to Decorah were impacted. Colder air has settled in until the middle of next week, when more spring-like warmth is possible.

IOWA – The Federal Emergency Management Agency approved millions of dollars in disaster assistance funds for the state of Iowa. WHO-13 reports the Department of Homeland Security made the announcement prior to the partial government shutdown of the agency. Grants were awarded in Rock Valley and Minden for recent severe weather events.

WOODWARD – The Woodward police chief has resigned following the arrest of the community’s fire chief and a disagreement with the mayor. The Des Moines Register reports Jim Graham has stepped down from the leadership role. Graham resigned after Volunteer Fire Chief Matt Cavanaugh was arrested earlier in February for 10 counts of tampering with records. Members of the volunteer fire department claim Cavanaugh added his name to several fire calls he did not attend, and that members of the department make $10 per call. Graham says he resigned over a disagreement with the mayor on how the arrest was conducted.