JEFFERSON COUNTY, FL (IRN) –  A Cedar Falls man and two children were killed in a traffic accident in Florida. WCTV reports that 39-year-old Benjamin Bartlett and two of his children, ages 9 and 1, died at the scene. Another child is listed in serious condition. Four other individuals were also injured in the three vehicle crash. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a Ford F-250 hydroplaned and lost traction, hitting two other vehicles.

JOHNSON COUNTY, IA (IRN) – The Hawkeye Wildlife Management Area in northwest Johnson County has been closed to camping to curtail all night parties and damage to the area. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources reports that the closure will allow officials time to address problems with littering, off-road driving, illegal tree and grass cutting, drug use, under-age alcohol consumption, public intoxication, and large bonfires left unattended.

BOONE COUNTY, IA (IRN) – A Jefferson man was killed in a motorcycle accident in Boone County Wednesday. According to Raccoon Valley Radio, a motorcyclist drove off the eastbound ramp at the intersection of Highways 169 and 30.  The driver of the motorcycle, Michael Buswell of Jefferson, later died of his injuries.

CLEAR LAKE, IA (IRN) – A two-time convicted felon has been sentenced to more than six years in federal prison for possession of ammunition.  KWWL-TV reports that 50-year-old David Kuhlemeier, of Clear Lake, pleaded guilty to the charge on March 12.  Authorities discovered the ammunition at his home. Kuhlemeier was also convicted of two felony burglaries in Pocahontas and Emmet Counties, and has more than 100 traffic violations on his record.

LOUISA COUNTY, IA (IRN) – The Iowa Department of Criminal Investigation is examining an incident where a Louisa County deputy shot a man. On Tuesday, Louisa County deputies initiated a traffic stop when the operator of the vehicle, Richard Spurling, 55, of Muscatine, failed to stop. A pursuit began and when deputies approached the vehicle after it had been stopped, Spurling drove toward a deputy, and a deputy shot him in the torso. Spurling suffered non-life threatening injuries. He was charged with OWI, Eluding, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia among other charges.

PELLA, IA (IRN) – A former Pella Community School District band teacher is accused of sexually exploiting a student. Benjamin James Thompson, 31, was arrested on Wednesday in Ankeny and charged with several counts of sexual exploitation by a school employee, including one felony charge. The alleged incident occurred in May 2014 with a now graduated Pella High School student.

ANKENY, IA (IRN) – Ankeny-based Casey’s General Stores announced this week that they have completed a record fiscal year. Gross profit for fuel was up over 31%, grocery up over 13%, and prepared food was up over 15%. The company added 81 new stores during the past year, and next year it plans to add between 75 and 113 new stores.

DUBUQUE, IA (IRN) – The Vision Iowa Board has awarded a $468,000 Community Attraction and Tourism grant for improvements to the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium in Dubuque.  The project includes the construction of a stingray touch tank along with other exhibits and energy sustainability efforts.