WATERLOO, IA (IRN) – UnityPoint Health-Allen Hospital in Waterloo is reviewing a breach of patient information which occurred over about seven years. The Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier reports the hospital is notifying approximately 1,600 patients that a former employee inappropriately accessed their personal information in the hospital’s electronic medical record.

WINNESHIEK COUNTY, IA (IRN) – It’s official. North Winneshiek School will close its doors and consolidate with the Decorah School District in the 2019-2020 School Year, according to KCRG-TV. The School Board formally approved the decision Monday during their regular meeting. The school board also approved or looked at other cost savings measures.

WAUKEE, IA (IRN) – Waukee released new population numbers today showing the city has added more than 4,000 people since 2010. KCCI-TV reports a special census just conducted showed over 4,000 new residents pushing the city’s population to nearly 18,000. City officials said that equals a 30% increase in residential growth since 2010. Dallas County is the fastest growing county in Iowa and ranks 13th in the nation.

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA (IRN) – The FBI is searching for a Dubuque man in connection to a methamphetamine raid carried out across the state last week called Operation Ice Pirates. KCRG-TV reports Dennis Sharkey II is wanted on a federal arrest warrant. Officers arrested nine other people and served 29 search warrants on Thursday, with the help of about 250 officers, including nine SWAT teams. They seized more than six pounds of meth, valued at just over $270,000, and dismantled five meth labs.

IOWA CITY, IA (IRN) – A new study out of Iowa City finds that children living or attending school near agricultural fields are at the greatest risk for pesticides linked to cancer and brain development. KWWL-TV reports the research shows links between pesticides used in food production and cancers such as leukemia and brain tumors as well as developmental disorders and autism.

WEBSTER COUNTY, IA (IRN) – Residents of two Iowa counties say flies are taking over this spring in Webster and Wright counties. KCCI-TV reports residents say the infestation is driving them crazy. Sides of houses are covered, and it’s almost impossible to take a drink of pop without getting a mouthful of flies. Residents point the finger at a local chicken farm. The DNR and county health departments have been contacted, but say they can’t do anything.

WEST DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – A West Des Moines woman is crediting a neighbor with saving her life, according to WHO-TV. Blake Havard heard screaming outside of his house Friday night, and found a woman who had just returned from the store being attacked. The man had her on the ground, and was trying to rob her. When Havard arrived, the man fled. He helped the woman up, and she’s calling him her “guardian angel.” Havard says he was glad that he heard her–he’s almost deaf.