Articles by Iowa Radio News

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June 1st, 2024

EMMET COUNTY – One person died following a reported shooting in Armstrong. The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation reports that at 6:20 Friday morning, the Emmet County Communications Center received a 911 call reporting a shots fired incident. The Emmet County Sheriff’s Office responded and discovered a male subject who had sustained a single gunshot wound. The subject was transported by ambulance to Avery Holy Family Hospital where he was later pronounced deceased. There is no danger to the public at this time. The Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, the Iowa State Patrol, Armstrong Ambulance Service, and the Emmet County Medical Examiner. DES MOINES – Nearly all 911, phone, and internet services that were disrupted due to a water pipe break on Thursday have been restored. WHO-13 reports Lumen in Des Moines received significant damage to equipment that provides a wide range of communications services statewide. For at least a day, many 911 centers could only receive emergency calls from cell phones. There could be some lingering issues in isolated locations heading into early next week. AMES – A man accused of shooting at a car was arrested this week in Ames. KCCI-TV reports Demetrius Friedl is charged with child endangerment and reckless use of a firearm. According to court records, Friedl was upset at a woman driving a car that also had another man and a child inside. CLUTIER- The former City Clerk for the City of Clutier was sentenced for wire fraud. KCRG-TV reports 44 year old Keri Kopriva pled guilty last October in Federal Court to alleged stealing $107,000 from the city’s tax and utility revenue from 2016 to 2018. A judge ordered 21 months of prison and full restitution paid back to the city, with three years of supervised release.


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May 31st, 2024

IOWA – A water line break at Lumen Technologies in Des Moines is causing widespread communication issues across the state Thursday. KCCI-TV reports water leaked through several parks of the building in downtown Des Moines that is impacting internet providers, landline services, and some cell phone companies — and even caused issues with 911 calls in Polk County and several cities across the state. While service has been restored in many areas, there could still be issues for some heading well into the weekend. MUSCATINE – The two males who were injured in the May 29th officer-involved shooting incident at the intersection of Highway 61 and Cedar Street in Muscatine have been identified. Isidro Barajas Jr., 29, of Muscatine, and Juan Aldo Beltran Delgado, 33, of Muscatine are receiving treatment at a medical facility. The Iowa Department of Public Safety reports the Drug Task Force Officer who fired their weapon is a member of the multi-jurisdictional task force that serves Muscatine County and surrounding areas. The officer has been placed on critical incident leave pending the completion of the investigation. The name of the officer will be released upon completion of the interview. The case will be referred to the Muscatine County Attorney’s office for review. IOWA CITY – The former head coach of the University of Iowa Gymnastics program has reached a settlement with the school after her resignation. KCRG-TV reports Larissa Libby was placed on leave and investigated for team culture. Libby signed a settlement worth approximately $450,000. The university did not admit any wrongdoing as part of the agreement.


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May 30th, 2024

MUSCATINE – Police are investigating a shooting in Muscatine that happened after a search warrant was underway Wednesday. KCRG-TV reports the subjects of the home being searched fled the scene in a vehicle, and a high speed chase followed. The pursuit eventually led to a crash, with several gunshots fired at that incident shortly after. Additional details are expected to be released in the coming days. No arrests were confirmed by police. DES MOINES – Three juveniles were arrested following a crash involving a stolen vehicle in Des Moines on Wednesday. WHO-13 reports the incident occurred shortly after noon near Duke Williams Stadium. Witnesses told police they spotted three teenagers fleeing from the scene of the collision. The car was reported stolen from a dealership on Tuesday evening. IOWA – More than 60 new meal sites will open next week as classes dismiss as part of a program funded by grants. The Iowa Capital Dispatch reports the Summer Meal Program through the Iowa Department of Education was a counter to a USDA proposal to send money directly to families, which Governor Kim Reynolds declined to join. There was an estimated $2.2 million match required for administrative costs that would have provided $40 in food assistance monthly while school was out of session. Instead, several meal sites have expanded in Iowa, and will begin providing free meals directly to families next week.


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May 29th, 2024

SIOUX COUNTY – Governor Kim Reynolds announced on Tuesday the signing of a disaster proclamation for Sioux County, effective immediately through June 27th. The USDA has confirmed a positive case of highly pathogenic avian influenza in commercial layer chickens. This proclamation allows state resources from Iowa Homeland Security, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, and other agencies to assist with tracking and monitoring, rapid detection, containment, disposal, and disinfection. The proclamation also waives regulatory provisions related to commercial vehicles responding to affected sites. The recent influenza detections in birds do not present an immediate public health concern, according to a release, and the Governor’s Office says it remains safe to eat poultry products. IOWA – Severe weather and flooding limited farmers across the state to just two suitable days for field work last week, according to the latest weekly report from the USDA and Iowa Department of Agriculture. Only three percent of the state reported short conditions for topsoil moisture, and 11 percent for subsoil. Despite several rounds of heavy rain, 88% of corn and 73% of soybeans were planted — both are behind the 2023 pace. Regardless, more than 3/4ths of the states crops are in good condition or better shape, and at least 95% are rated fair or higher. DECORAH – A missing kayaker was found dead in Winneshiek County, according to KCRG-TV. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources confirms 39-year-old Justin Limkemann was recovered from the Upper Iowa River near Lundy Bridge Monday afternoon.


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May 28th, 2024

DES MOINES – One person was arrested after shots were fired near the Knapp Center at Drake University Saturday. KCCI-TV reports 22-year-old Bradwick Michael Tukes was charged with going armed with intent, and he’s accused of firing a weapon during Roosevelt High School’s graduation ceremony. Des Moines Police believe there is another shooter still at-large. VAN METER – Four people were rescued from the Raccoon River near Van Meter on Monday. WHO-13 reports the individuals launched kayaks and a small boat into the high, fast moving water in the afternoon, and needed assistance shortly after hitting the water. One of the vessels hit a nearby bridge support. Van Meter Fire and Rescue launched an air boat to reach the struggling individuals, one of whom was tangled in a fishing line. The Iowa DNR reports the waters were not safe, and the small boat and one of the three kayaks capsized during the rescue. MUSCATINE COUNTY – One person has died and another injured in a Sunday night collision in Muscatine County. KWQC reports the crash occurred just after 6 p.m., involving a Jeep Grand Cherokee and a Chevy Equinox. Police have not identified those involved.