DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Coronavirus hospitalizations are spiking again in Iowa as the state has now surpassed 1,400 deaths due to the virus. The Iowa Department of Public Health on Wednesday reported 919 new positive COVID-19 cases and 15 additional deaths. There were 97 patients admitted to hospitals in the last 24 hours, up from 61 the previous day and the highest total the state has reported.

WEST DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – A West Des Moines educator has died from complications from COVID-19. Indian Hills Junior High special education assistant Jennifer Crawford died Monday. She was 53. The school has the fourth-highest coronavirus positivity rate in the nation.

VAN METER, IA (IRN) – The Van Meter Community School District placed a teacher on leave after he allegedly assaulted a student attempting to TP his house. Joel Bartz was charged with assault and fifth-degree criminal mischief. Bartz confronted a group of students and is accused of tearing one teenager’s shirt, then hitting him several times in the back and the back of his head. Bartz is a middle school science teacher and an assistant coach for high school football and basketball.

JESUP, IA (IRN) – A former Jesup Community School District bus driver has been charged with operating while intoxicated after kids on the bus called their parents concerned for their safety. Along with OWI, James Stockwell, 62, of Jesup, is facing 16 counts of child endangerment. One parent was able to stop the bus and contact authorities. Stockwell resigned the next day.

DAVENPORT, IA (IRN) – Second Amendment supporters rallied outside Davenport City Hall on Saturday, bringing attention to gun rights. It was part of an open carry gun rally organized by the organization “We Fight.” The goal of the rally was to bring awareness for the legal carrying of guns. Organizers say children are safer because there are guns in their homes.