Articles by Iowa Radio News

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October 31st, 2023

WOODBURY COUNTY (IRN) – A father and son have died in a standoff with police that ended Monday morning. KTIV reports that at about 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 29, a man called 911 saying his son was shooting at him. The caller gave his location near Hornick, and law enforcement was sent to the area. According to the Woodbury County Sheriff’s office, officers located 44-year-old Walter Sulsberger on the property. Sulsberger shot at police early Monday morning, and died as a result of injuries. His father, Todd, was also found dead on the property. IOWA (IRN) – A new Iowa Poll released by the Des Moines Register shows the majority of Republicans believe former President Donald Trump can win re-election despite his legal troubles. The Des Moines Register/NBC News/Mediacom Iowa Poll had nearly two-thirds of likely caucus goers say that Trump can defeat Joe Biden. The survey of 404 Iowans was conducted October 22nd through 26th. A majority of the Republicans surveyed — or 60 percent, believe either the party should move on from Trump, or at least consider the option — while 39% believe the former president should remain its leader. IOWA CITY (IRN) – A long standing saga for Iowa Hawkeyes football fans will come to a resolution by season’s end. Longtime offensive coordinator and son of Head Coach Kirk Ferentz, Brian Ferentz will no longer be with the program heading into 2024, according to Athletic Director Beth Goetz. Brian has been the center of a bit of controversy that has included accusations of nepotism as Hawkeyes offensive rankings have consistently ranked among the worst in the Big Ten and all of Division I football despite the team’s ongoing winning record.


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October 30th, 2023

WODEN – A Woden man is charged with murder after his estranged wife was found dead in a Hancock County home Saturday. The Iowa Department of Criminal Investigation reports Roger Laverne Crews was arrested in Minnesota and charged with first degree murder. The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office found 56 year old Karen Abby Crews unresponsive in her home, where she was pronounced dead. The investigation is being conducted by the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office and Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation. DUBUQUE – An over three-decade old cold case has been revived after a car was discovered in the Mississippi River. WHO-13 reports on October 12th, Newt Marine Services found a submerged Mercury Zephyr belonging to Paul Joseph Knockel. The 53 year old was reported missing by his family in November of 1990, last seen parked along Highway 151. IOWA – Bitter cold for late October is expected across the state, especially on Halloween night. The National Weather Service has wide spread temperatures in the evening through the mornings both today and Tuesday mainly in the 20 degree range. Warning Coordination Meteorologist Chad Hahn recommends all ghouls and goblins trick or treating should have extra layers on and limit their time outdoors.


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October 28th, 2023

POLK COUNTY (IRN) – A motorcyclist was killed in a two-vehicle crash in Des Moines Friday morning. The Iowa State Patrol reports a motorcycle operated by 26 year old Daytin Bernal of Waukee was eastbound on Hickman Road at the intersection of Marbella and seemingly ran a red light. A Chevy Silverado driven by Carlo Gonzalez of Des Moines was entering the intersection with a green light and broadsided the motorcycle. LAKE COUNTY, IN (IRN) – An Iowa woman was arrested following an Amber Alert issued Wednesday. WHO-13 reports 36-year-old Jessica Williams was located near Hammond, Indiana — five hours east of Des Moines, with her 14-year old special needs daughter Nina. The Des Moines Police Department reports Jessica is a non-custodial parent. She faces a count of child endangerment. IOWA (IRN) – The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services announced the first influenza-related death of the 2023-24 respiratory virus season. The individual was an older adult aged 61 to 80 years from southern Iowa. Influenza (flu) strains, along with other respiratory viruses are circulating in the state. Iowa’s most recent Respiratory Virus Surveillance Report shows the virus at a low level of activity, and hospitals are currently reporting low patient admission rates. Although flu activity in Iowa is currently low, Iowans can take a few simple precautions to


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October 27th, 2023

OTTUMWA (IRN) – The Ottumwa Police Department has made an arrest in connection to a homicide. The department announced Thursday that 60-year-old Gary Lewis Scott is charged with first degree murder and three other felonies. On October 16th, police found Samuel Gallegos-Ramirez with stab wounds, and was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. DES MOINES (IRN) – Governor Reynolds has ordered all flags in Iowa to fly at half-staff in honor and remembrance of the victims in the shootings in Lewiston, Maine. Flags are to be lowered to half-staff until sunset, October 30th. The governor’s order is issued in conjunction with President Biden’s proclamation to lower all United States flags to half-staff for the same length of time.  Reynolds also ordered all flags in Iowa to be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset today, in honor and remembrance of Anthony “Tony” Hoffman of the Ionia Volunteer Fire Department who lost his life in the line of duty on October 22nd. IOWA CITY (IRN) – Two University of Iowa wrestlers are critical of an ongoing probe into sports gambling at Regents Universities. Nelson Brands and Abe Assad told the Des Moines Register they are frustrated by an investigation into wagering by current collegiate athletes. Both have faced punishment from the NCAA due to the process conducted by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation. A vote is expected on November 8th by the NCAA Division I council to allow rule changes that would lessen the punishment and ease reinstatement for current violations related to gambling among athletes. The Register reports several Iowa Hawkeyes have been fined and others may face suspension if the NCAA rules don’t change.


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October 26th, 2023

DES MOINES (IRN) A missing 14-year-old Des Moines girl was found safe in Indiana Wednesday night. The Des Moines Register reports Nina Williams was located after an Amber Alert was issued. Williams was found with her mother, who does not have custody. ANKENY (IRN) – Detectives with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office have made an arrest in connection to a dependent adult case that resulted in the death of an individual. Ray Crammond of Ankeny has been identified as the victim, who died in APril. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office identified Diana Lynn Becker-Abeyta (61) of Ankeny as the “live-in caretaker.” On October 18th, detectives filed a warrant for Becker-Abeyta for the charge of Murder in the 2nd degree. An autopsy ruled Crammond’s death as a homicide. IOWA (IRN) – A major cooldown is on the horizon state wide ahead of trick-or-treat events in area communities. The National Weather Service encourages an extra layer for ghosts and ghouls as a major cold front is expected to drop temperatures well below average, with evening temperatures in the upper 20s and lower 30s starting Saturday and continuing through Wednesday. FORT DODGE (IRN) – A teenager was charged in connection to a large apartment fire in Fort Dodge on Sunday. WHO-13 reports firefighters arrived on scene and discovered the entire back half of the apartment complex fully engulfed in flames. No injuries occurred. According to the Fort Dodge Police Department, a 13-year-old male has been arrested and charged with reckless use of fire.