DES MOINES (IRN) – The emerald ash borer, a destructive and invasive insect of ash trees has been discovered in rural Montgomery County. Iowa’s growing number of counties with confirmed detections has now reached twenty-seven. Native to Asia, the insect has spread to 25 states since first being identified in Michigan in 2002. The invasive pest is responsible for the death of tens of millions of ash trees.

DUBUQUE, IA (IRN) – Two juveniles were arrested and charged after being involved in a disturbance Monday evening in Dubuque, according to KWQC-TV. When a police officer responded to a disturbance involving several individuals, he saw several people enticing one another to fight. The officer ordered them to disperse, and most didn’t comply. A 12-year-old boy and his 13-year-old sister were arrested.

IOWA CITY, IA – A Coralville man arrested earlier this month for having sex with a woman and not telling her he has HIV faces an additional charge after a second victim came forward after hearing news reports. The Cedar Rapids Gazette reports 34-year-old Adam D. Musser has been charged a second time with criminal transmission of an infectious disease to another person. Musser told both women he is disease free. He faces up to 30 years in prison.

IOWA CITY, IA – Gov. Terry Branstad’s administration will turn over management of Iowa’s $4.2 billion Medicaid program to four companies beginning Jan. 1. KWWL-TV reports that the companies were selected after a bidding process. The state says patients will receive the same benefits but the new system should reduce unnecessary services. Critics worry the shift will hurt patients.

LEHIGH, IA (IRN) – College divers on a training dip were surprised by their discovery of a pickup on the bottom of a lake in central Iowa. The Dubuque Telegraph Herald reports scuba divers from Iowa State University found the truck Sunday at Brushy Creek State Recreational Area near Lehigh. Divers got the truck’s license number, and authorities confirmed the pickup was stolen several years ago.

ALLAMAKEE COUNTY, IA (IRN) – A 63-year-old Decorah man is dead after an accident on Hwy 76 in Allamakee County, according to KWWL-TV. Authorities say Mark Werner’s car left the roadway, entered a ditch, reentered the roadway, crossing the highway and entered the opposite ditch. He was pronounced dead at the scene. He was wearing a seatbelt.

SIOUX CITY, IA (IRN) – State officials say two former Sioux City employees tampered with samples at the city’s wastewater treatment plant. The Sioux City Journal reports former plant superintendent Jay Niday and supervisor Pat Schwarte put consumers at risk for E. coli. They have lost their certification, and may face prison time and a $50,000 fine.

DES MOINES (IRN) – Des Moines police responding to complaints about a stench coming from a house found something unexpected: 55 chickens living in the vacant home. WHO-TV reports the chickens were seized by the Animal Rescue League. The couple who owns the house ran a business called “Sovereign Farmstead,” and sold chickens and pigs out of their home. They reportedly moved out two weeks ago, taking the pigs but leaving the chickens behind.