DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Polk County gave $844,000 in grants to ten private, religious schools despite a state law prohibiting public funding for such schools. The Des Moines Register reports that Polk County gave the money in 2012 and 2013 to nine local Catholic schools and one Protestant school by giving the grants to a corporation that passed the money to the schools. The money came from gambling revenue generated by the Prairie Meadows Casino and Hotel.

MASON CITY, IA (IRN) – A sewer line collapse in Mason City caused untreated wastewater to flow into the Winnebago River in northern Iowa. The DNR reports repairs have been made, but sewage had been discharged into a storm sewer that ends up in the river.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – A motorcyclist died Sunday morning in a single-vehicle crash in Pleasant Hill. KCCI-TV reports the victim crashed into a chain link fence. Emergency personnel had to use bolt cutters to get to the victim, who died at the scene. Police say speed may have been a factor in the collision.

JASPER COUNTY, IA (IRN) – A 9-year-old child was flown to a Des Moines hospital after being located underwater at Rock Creek State Park in Jasper County Sunday afternoon. The Des Moines Register reports the child’s condition has not been released.

MONTICELLO, IA (IRN) – A well-known special needs camp near Monticello is shutting down to sanitize after more than a dozen staff members became ill. KCRG-TV reports the leadership of Camp Courageous decided Sunday to close and do the mass cleaning as a precautionary measure. At least 16 staff members have recently become ill. Officials are unsure what the illness or its origin might be, but said symptoms were flu-like.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – The Fourth of July might be a little quieter this year for Des Moines residents. WHO-TV reports the Des Moines city council has banned the use of fireworks. Vendors are still allowed to sell them within city limits.