Articles by Iowa Radio News

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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.


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May 27th, 2024

GREENFIELD – The names of the individuals who died in the tornado in Greenfield have been released. According to Adair and Guthrie County Emergency Management, three of the individuals died in their homes when the tornado came through the town, including 78-year-old Dean and 77-year-old Pamela Wiggins, as well as 73-year-old Michael Jensen. Seventy-year-old William Williamson was transported to Greater Regional Health when he later died from his injuries. The EF-4 tornado on May 21st also injured at least 35 people and caused devastating damage in its path. Adair and Guthrie County Emergency Management states that recovery efforts are continuing following the aftermath of the tornado. POWESHIEK COUNTY – A teenager died and another juvenile was injured in an ATV incident in rural Poweshiek County on Friday evening. The Iowa State Patrol reports 11-year-old Sam Schaeffer was traveling on a rural road near Guernsey and lost control negotiating a curve, rolling onto the drivers side in a ditch. A passenger was identified as 13-year-old Nolan Bayer, who died from his injuries, and Schaeffer was transported by helicopter to a hospital with significant injuries. BATTLE CREEK – The Ida County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a shooting that occurred Thursday night. The Ida County Communications Center received a 911 call for a shots fired incident in Battle Creek, with responding officers finding 53-year-old Kevin Lee Blume with a single gunshot wound. He was flown to Mercy Medical Center in Sioux City. An investigation is ongoing, according to a release shared by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation. DES MOINES – A man accused of vandalizing a display from the Satanic Temple of Iowa last December is pleading guilty. The Des Moines Register reports 36-year-old Michael Cassidy of Mississippi admitted he destroyed the decorations that were shown at the Iowa Capitol during the holiday season. Cassidy will accept the charge of third-degree criminal mischief, which includes a recommendation of a civil penalty and two years of probation.