PALO ALTO COUNTY – The Iowa State Patrol responded to a pair of fatal crashes Friday. The first was a single vehicle crash in Palo Alto County, in which a motorcycle operated by 38-year-old James Qualls was traveling at a high rate of speed and after passing multiple vehicles, but lost control while trying to take an exit on Interstate 35 and struck a sign post. Qualls died from his injuries. In Clarke County, a passenger died from his injuries in a two-vehicle crash when a Kia driven by Desiree Angela Sternhagen failed to yield and struck a Mitsubishi operated by Mathia Kay Nieves. Ernest Manwarren of Emmetsburg died from his injuries. CEDAR FALLS – A Hampton man has been charged with alleged harassment for a second time after posting fliers threatening immigrants. KCRG-TV reports 38-year-old Daniel Embree faces third degree harassment for distributing the fliers threatening undocumented immigrants at the Cedar Falls Public Library. He’s accused of doing the same thing in his hometown of Hampton. CLIVE- A Clive man was the lucky winner in the Iowa Lottery “Premiere” Scratch Game. WHO-13 reports Dale Hoppe will receive a $300,000 prize, the eighth in the game with a $30 ticket purchased at a Hy-Vee store.

DES MOINES – The teenager killed in a Des Moines crash earlier this week has been identified. The Iowa State Patrol reports that 16-year-old Chad Nicholson was killed in a two vehicle crash in a reportedly stolen vehicle. Nicholson was the passenger in a Hyundai Elantra operated by 16-year-old Alexander Daniel Haus. Police say Nicholson was eluding officers and collided in a wrong-way crash at a high rate of speed with a Jeep Cherokee driven by Aaron Stonehocker of Adel, who was treated and released on scene. IOWA – A report by Iowa Public Radio indicates Iowa’s Area Education Agencies have 429 fewer employees starting this school year as opposed to last following sweeping changes signed by Governor Kim Reynolds. Four of the AEAs reported 20% or higher staff turnover following the bill that shifted many of the services provided by the agencies to a per-fee model. AEA leadership says they are prioritizing special education but having to leave several spots open due to funding uncertainty. ROCK VALLEY – Gov. Kim Reynolds announced the opening of a temporary school facility for students in the Rock Valley Community School District. The 7,000-square-foot modular school, built by Hegg Construction, will house 150 middle school students in six classrooms, bathrooms, offices, and a common area. The facility is fitted with wireless Internet and smart boards. The $2 million school facility was built and installed on the school property in under seven weeks and is operational and ready to welcome students back to the classroom on Thursday, September 5. 542 homes in Rock Valley were impacted by the storms and 60 businesses were damaged.

HARRISON COUNTY – The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services announced the first case of West Nile virus infection reported in 2024 in an older adult, aged 61-80 years, from Harrison County. The case was confirmed through a test at the State Hygienic Lab. People who experience mild signs and symptoms of infection generally recover on their own. But illness that includes a severe headache, disorientation, or sudden weakness require immediate medical attention. In 2023, 17 Iowans were diagnosed with West Nile virus, with one death.DES MOINES – Governor Kim Reynolds unveiled a new website called Iowa Child Care Connect to help Iowans more easily find child care availability near their homes, where they attend school or near parents and caretakers work places. Iowa HHS, in partnership with Iowa State University and Resultant, a data and technology consulting firm, developed the Iowa Child Care Connect website platform with a focus on child care availability mapping for Iowans. This project is one of the recommendations brought by the Governor’s Child Care Task Force. Iowa Child Care Connect can also serve as a tool in emergency situations.

MARSHALL COUNTY – A Rhodes teen has been killed in an ATV crash in Marshall County. The Iowa State Patrol reports a Polaris operated by 17-year-old Kehgun Borton was traveling on a rural road and crossed into the other lane of traffic, and was struck by a Chevy Silverado driven by 41-year-old Jeremy Gukert, also of Rhodes. Borton died from his injuries and the crash is being investigated.  ALGONA – A life sentence was handed out to a man found guilty of killing an Algona Police Officer. WHO-13 reports Kyle Ricke received the mandatory term for first degree murder. Officer Keven Cram was killed while attempting to serve Ricke with a warrant on September 12th, 2023. Several impact statements were read by family members at Wednesday’s hearing. IOWA – The state of Iowa is joining a federal lawsuit against Live Nation and Ticketmaster. KCCI-TV reports State Attorney Brenna Bird is joining 39 states, Washington D.C., and the Department of Justice in claiming the companies hold a monopoly over ticket sales in the industry.

ALGONA – A man convicted in the killing of an Algona police officer will now be sentenced. KCCI-TV reports a motion made by Kyle Ricke for a new trial has been denied. Ricke has been found guilty for the killing of Officer Kevin Cram. Ricke faces a mandatory life sentence without parole. MARION – A Marion man accused of killing four people in Linn County has been found competent to stand trial. KCRG-TV reports 34-year-old Luke Truesdell faces four counts of first degree murder for four deaths that occurred in June after the man admitted to police he used a metal pipe in an alleged attack. The trial is set to begin in April. DES MOINES – An employee of the Civil Commitment Unit for Sex Offenders is suing the state-run operation for alleged sexual misconduct. The Des Moines Register reports supervisor Matthew Boothby and the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services are being accused of sex discrimination, sexual harassment, and unequal pay. This is the second time Boothby has been accused of misconduct.