HARDIN COUNTY – A fatal crash was reported at a railroad crossing in Hardin County. The Iowa State Patrol reports the driver of a Toyota Prius failed to yield to a northbound train, which collided with the rear side of the car. The driver was taken to life flight in Des Moines, where that individual was later pronounced dead. That’s the third fatal crash reported to the Iowa State Patrol this week, which included the death of 77-year-old Jimmy Kent Offen of Martelle for an incident in Jones County, and of an unidentified driver in Jackson County. WATERLOO – After receiving backlash from advertisers and viewers over a move to reduce local meteorologists on staff, the owner of two Iowa TV stations and dozens around the nation has indicated a reversal in that decision. The Waterloo Courier reports Allen Media Group will keep those staff members on board now. Last week, the owner of The Weather Channel wanted to use that national center and produce local forecasts from Atlanta — which would have seen dozens of meteorologists lose work, including at KWWL in Waterloo and KIMT in Sioux City. FAIRFIELD – A judge may weigh in on a dispute between a county sheriff and attorney, a first of its kind case, according to the Ottumwa Courier. Jefferson County Attorney Chauncey Moulding placed Jefferson County Sheriff Bart Richmond on a Brady/Giglio list. That group includes police officers with “questionable” judgement, according to the report. Richmond used a newly-revised Iowa law to petition for a judge to review that decision. The dispute also calls into question whether the revised bill aimed to further protections for law enforcement is constitutional, although the Iowa Supreme Court has declined to weigh in for now.

POLK CITY – Several fire crews responded to a large fire at the Saylorville Marina Wednesday evening. KCCI-TV reports several boats were engulfed in flames. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office reported that all boats were unoccupied, but dozens were impacted by damage. The Marina is located at Saylorville Lake near Polk City. WATERLOO – Two Iowa TV stations are replacing all local meteorologists with remote coverage from The Weather Channel. The Des Moines Register reports Allen Media Group owns both KWWL and KIMT. All meteorologists on staff at both locations have been notified that they will no longer work for the stations. This news follows reports that WOI in Des Moines will share meteorologist reports with WQAD in Davenport. MIDDLETOWN – Nobody was injured at an explosion that occurred Wednesday at the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant. The explosion occurred in the ammunition production area. Due to the safety standards in place at the installation, the U.S. Army reported there were no injuries. The incident is currently under investigation. The Iowa Army Ammunition Plant mission is to produce quality medium- and large-caliber munitions for the Joint Warfighter.

COUNCIL BLUFFS – U.S. Marshals have taken custody of an Iowa man wanted on multiple federal child sexual exploitation charges. Trevor John Collison is being held on federal charges of sexual exploitation of a child and possession of child pornography, pursuant to an arrest warrant issued in the Southern District of Iowa in October 2024. U.S. Marshals determined that Collison fled the United States following the execution of a search warrant at his Little Sioux residence in August 2024, which was conducted by the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office as part of a child sexual exploitation investigation. Marshals tracked his movements across several South Pacific countries. WINTERSET – Police are investigating the death of a farmer who they believe was killed by a bull. The Des Moines Register reports 76-year-old Mark Hollingsworth was found unresponsive in a cattle feeding area on Sunday. The Madison County Sheriff’s Office believe Hollingsworth was checking on possibly frozen water when a bull attacked the farmer. An investigation is underway to determine if the animal attacked Hollingsworth before or after a possible medical incident. IOWA – Multiple Iowans charged in the January 6th, 2021 riots at the U.S. Capitol have been pardoned by President Donald Trump. KCCI-TV reports Kyle Young and Salvador Sandoval are expected to be released from prison soon and have their convictions effectively erased by a sweeping executive order. At least nine Iowans were sentenced in connection to the attacks. Those who paid fines will not be reimbursed.

FORT DODGE – A Fort Dodge man accused of killing a co-worker has been deemed as unfit for trial, according to the Des Moines Register. The Iowa Supreme Court ruled Lukouxs Brown faces charges for th murder of Wayne Smith in February 2021. Smith was found dead with a knife wound at an employee locker room at Prestage Foods in Eagle Grove. Brown has been diagnosed with schizophrenia. The court ruled prosecutors were not entitled to a second medical opinion in the case and that there is no probably that Brown will be able to stand trial. Mental commitment proceedings will resume in district court. DES MOINES – Following the closure of nearly 30 pharmacies in Iowa in 2024, a group representing those facilities is calling for legislative action. KCRG-TV reports the Iowa Pharmacy Association is blaming pharmacy benefit managers, which were created to mediate between pharmacies and healthcare companies. A bill did not pass in the 2024 session to address the issues.IOWA CITY – The Board of Directors of the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union approved the University of Iowa’s Campus Recreation and Wellness Center as the new home of the Iowa Girls State Swimming and Diving Meet beginning in the fall of 2025 through the 2028 State Meet. The IGHSAU State Swimming and Diving Meet has been held at the Marshalltown YMCA/YWCA the last 21 years. The 2025 Girls State Swimming and Diving Meet will be held November 14 & 15.

DES MOINES – Through the Safe Haven Law, a baby boy, born December 3 is now in the care and custody of the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services and will be placed with a foster family until permanent placement is determined. This brings the overall total to 74 infants since the law went into effect more than two decades ago. This brings the total to eight cases in 2024, including a baby girl born October 13 and a baby girl born on November 11. In 2023, ten infants were relinquished to HHS custody under the Safe Haven Act Iowa’s Safe Haven Act is an option for parents in crisis who determine they cannot care for an infant up to 90 days old.AMES – Ames police are investigating an incident Saturday evening in which they found a man suffering from a gunshot wound. According to a release, the department was dispatched to an apartment with medical assistance. The department believes there is no ongoing threat to the public; however, they are investigating the incident as a homicide.DES MOINES – Hundreds of people received free gas on Sunday as part of a relatively new tradition in Des Moines. KCCI-TV reports Rev. Rob Johnson started the Fueling Hope Giveaway three years ago, this year, donating $30,000 in fuel to those who made to a Kwik Star location at the event.