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.

DES MOINES – The Iowa State Fair was a record-breaker in 2024. KCCI-TV reports the total attendance eclipsed 1.18 million attendees in 2024, about 12,000 more than the 1.17 million who came to the 2019 event. The all-time single day record was included on day three of the event on August 10th, fueled by pleasant and mild August weather. The 2025 Iowa State Fair is set for August 7th through the 17th. IOWA – Crops remain behind their 2023 pace but ahead of the five year average according to this week’s Iowa Crop Progress and Condition report. Overall, 95% of the state’s crops, including corn, hay, pasture, and soybeans, are fair or better, with three-fourths of those rated good or better. All of those crops remain slight ahead of averages in terms of progress as well. Slightly drier conditions have been reported in some corners of the state in August, but widespread precipitation was observed yet again last week.

WEBSTER COUNTY –  A pair of fatal crashes were reported by the Iowa State Patrol on Sunday. The first occurred at 3:15 a.m. in Webster County and involved two vehicles. A GMC Acadia operated y 30-year-old Sasha Brown crossed the centerline on a county highway and collided with a semi. Brown died from her injuries. In Winnebago County, a Minnesota man was ejected in a single vehicle rollover near Scarville. Sixty-three year old Mark Claassen died on scene. The Iowa DOT reported that as of Friday, 175 people were killed on Iowa’s roadways so far this year, about eight-percent lower than the five-year average. ANKENY – An Arizona teenager declared missing on August 6th has been found in Iowa. WHO-13 reports 17-year-old Liliana Munguía was found in Ankeny on Saturday. The FBI reports the teenager traveled to meet 20-year-old Malachi Reed after communicating online. Reed has been placed into federal custody on undisclosed criminal charges. DES MOINES – The 2024 Iowa State Fair is on track to be at least the second-most attended ever, and should have a great chance break the all-time record once Sunday’s count is recorded. KCCI-TV reports just over 126,000 attendees came through the gates this past Saturday, bringing the ten-day total to 1.082 million. The all-time record was 1.17 million attendees, set in 2019. The 2024 Iowa State Fair wrapped up on Sunday.