Author: Iowa Radio News

IOWA – A federal program aimed to provide locally produced food to children across the state has been cut, and could have significant impact in Iowa. The Des Moines Register reports the U.S. Department of Agriculture has ended two federal programs that purchase local produce, meat, and dairy for schools, daycares, and food banks. The estimated impact will be $11.3 million in funding over the next three years, including this year.

IOWA – Widespread thunderstorms are expected to impact the state on Friday, according to the National Weather Service. An enhanced risk of severe weather has been issued by the organization’s Storm Prediction Center, marking what will likely lead to the first intense thunderstorm activity of 2025. The main threats will be damaging wind and large hail in fast moving storms.

ALTOONA – A longtime facility that accompanies Iowa’s largest theme park is closing today. WHO-13 reports Adventureland Inn is ending is 52-year run, as the facility is converted into employee housing. The Adventureland campground remains open. The hotel was last renovated in 2002.

KEOKUK – Republicans maintained their supermajority in the Iowa House following a special election held Tuesday. The Des Moines Register reports Republican Blaine Watkins defeated Democrat Nannette Griffin in House District 100 by a 52-48 percent margin. Watkins will serve the remainder of Martin Graber’s term, who died of a heart attack earlier this year. Republican leadership is celebrating the victory, saying it reinforces their agenda; Democratic leadership countered that the narrow victory in a district President Trump won by over 20 percent shows a shift back in that party’s direction.

COUNCIL BLUFFS – A Council Bluffs man was arrested on Monday and charged with first-degree murder in connection to the disappearance of an Iowa woman 36 years ago. KCCI-TV reports 61-year-old Robert Allen Davis is accused by the state’s cold case unit of being responsible for the disappearance of Barbara Lenz in 1989 in Harrison County. A criminal complaint uncovered in the investigation alleges that Davis had assaulted Lenz several times in their relationship. He was also arrested in 1996 for kidnapping and third-degree sexual abuse.

IOWA CITY – An Iowa City man faces a first-degree murder charge after being accused of killing the mother of his child. Joshua Perry called 911 in January to report that a woman was passed out inside of his home, according to KCRG-TV. Emergency personnel found Victoria Skarda dead upon arrival. Police claim she was assaulted by Perry earlier in the day.

CHEROKEE – A man reported missing earlier this winter in northwest Iowa was found dead on Sunday. KCCI-TV reports the remains of Joseph Kosiba were found in a field east of Cherokee. An autopsy is underway to try and determine the cause of death of Kosiba, who was reported missing in January.

DES MOINES – The Iowa Senate unanimously passed a bill to make changes to a law related to chronic absenteeism in schools. WHO-13 reports the measure requires the Iowa Department of Education to consult with county attorneys to set a standard policy for truancy charges. It also adds exemptions for excused absences to include weddings, funerals, and military programs. It also removes requirements to use certified mail and adds options for meetings with parents.

HENRY COUNTY – A family is suing the Henry County Sheriff, claiming they are the victims of wild west justice. Iowa Capital Dispatch reports Curtis and Lori Wagler are suing Sheriff Rich McNamee and Deputy Carlos Lopez for false arrest and malicious prosecution. They point to Lopez and his appearance on the county’s Brady-Giglio list, which refers to police known to be untruthful by prosecutors. In April 2023, the Henry County Sheriff’s Office conduced a warrant for financial records and arrested the couple and their son, Owen, and allegedly subjected them to body cavity searches. Their felony charges were dismissed that November.

SIOUX CITY – A man accused of murdering a young woman in Iowa more than four decades ago has been brought back to the state. KTIV reports 62-year-old Thomas Popp was booked into the Woodbury County Jail late last week. He’s accused of killing 18-year-old Terri McCauley in 1983. A grand jury indicted Popp in January.

IOWA – Critical fire weather conditions are forecast today across much of the state. The National Weather Service predicts temperatures will soar into the upper 60s to mid-70s, with relative humidity falling to 20-25% in the afternoon. Southwest winds will increase to 20-25 mph during the day, with gusts to near 35 mph at times. Most surface fuels are now dry, especially in parts of southern into central Iowa where all snow has melted and a Red Flag Warning is in effect.

DES MOINES – A mother and son were arrested in Des Moines for alleged hoarding of more than 50 cats. KCCI-TV reports Melisa Leverich and Damon Chaplin were taken into custody after a two-month investigation at a Motel Six. The Des Moines Police Department responded to a call of nine dead cats in early January, and removed 32 other felines. The two were allowed to keep five cats and a dog on the condition they sough proper care for the animals. A follow-up visit found the two started collecting more cats. Both are charged with three counts of animal neglect.

CEDAR RAPIDS – Three people have been identified in a double homicide and suicide in Cedar Rapids. KCRG-TV reports 54-year-old Lynn Martin was found with self-inflicted wounds and the two others were 87-year-old Rita Martin and 57-year-old Alan Martin. All three were relatives and lived in Cedar Rapids.

DES MOINES – Lawmakers passed their first self-imposed deadline of the 2025 legislative session on Friday, with several bills advancing into the next round of legislation. Among those moving forward into the next few weeks of work is a bill to lower the age limit to carry a gun to 18, establishing an elective social studies class about the Bible, and banning the intentional emission of chemicals into the air to change the weather.

DES MOINES – A group that works to resettle refugees has cut dozens of staff members. WHO-13 reports Lutheran Services of Iowa has cut their resettlement program, resulting in job loss for 28 employees due to frozen federal funding. The group welcomed more than 1000 refugees in late December. It claims they have not received months of reimbursements from the federal government, dating back to October.