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Dubuque Man Pleads Guilty in Heroin Death

A 50-year-old Dubuque man has pleaded guilty to selling heroin to someone who died from the drug. The U.S. Attorney's Office says Alvin Briggs, Junior was convicted after admitting Thursday that he sold $100 worth of heroin in July 2012 to an individual who died from an overdose. Brigss faces a minimum of 20 years in prison, with a possible maximum sentence of life in prison. A sentencing date has not been set.

Dyersville Council News

The Dyersville City Council met Monday. The council approved a resolution adopting the plans and estimate of cost for the 12th Avenue SE street project, and approved a resolution endorsing the expansion of Heritage Trail from the trail head at Beltline Road to 2nd Avenue SE. In other business they approved the salaries for appointed officers and employees of the city, an approved an ordinance providing for designation of duties, compensation and terms of employement for the council.

Governor Says Iowa School Start Rules are Too Lax

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Gov. Terry Branstad says the rules for school start dates in Iowa are "too lax." Branstad told reporters Monday that the existing policy hurts tourism in the state and that he expects to see some changes made by the Department of Education. Under current Iowa law, schools are supposed to start the week that includes Sept. 1. But nearly all districts apply for and get waivers to start earlier in August. A group led by State Fair Manager Gary Slater has filed a petition with the state Department of Education seeking tougher enforcement of the law.

Department of Education Director Jason Glass says the department is reviewing the petition, but no final decision has been made.

Dardis, Inc. to Open Professional Apparel Distribution Center in Dyersville

Dardis, Inc., plans to break ground this summer on a 25,000-square-foot distribution center in Dyersville’s Industrial Park.

The distribution center will ship and store apparel for Dardis Clothiers, a component of Dardis, Inc.’s growing business and comprehensive approach to developing its clients’ professional image. The company expects the facility to be completed by Sept. 1.

Dardis, Inc. has two main divisions: Dardis Communications, which offers executive training and skill-building for business professionals, and the Dardis Academy, a business training program for high school and college students was Founded by Farley-native Greg Dardis

Dardis Communications has offices in Chicago, Des Moines and Coralville. Greg Dardis say he is pleased to be locating the Dardis Clothiers’ distribution center near his hometown.

Dardis says they looked at a number of possible locations, and Dyersville came out on top. He says he was impressed with the Dyersville Economic Development Corporation and their dedication to helping businesses thrive.

Former Baseball Players to Visit 'Field of Dreams'

DYERSVILLE, Iowa (AP) — Several former major league baseball players are scheduled to participate in a game this fall at the "Field of Dreams" movie site in eastern Iowa. More than a dozen former players are scheduled to participate in the September 14 event. They include Hall of Fame players Johnny Bench, Wade Boggs, Rod Carew, and Carlton Fisk. Organizers of the event are calling it the "Team of Dreams." Proceeds from the game will benefit the Wounded Warrior Project.

State Plans Repairs to Dubuque Bridge Next Spring

DUBUQUE, Iowa (AP) — Iowa transportation officials plan to close or limit traffic on Julien Dubuque Bridge while crews make repairs to the span.

Transportation department planner Sam Shea says workers must replace deck joints on the bridge before they fall into poor condition.

The agency will hold a public meeting Thursday where people can respond to the closure options.

One would close the bridge for 10 working days while repairs are made. Another would close the bridge for six to eight weekends. Crews also could limit traffic to one lane for 10 to 12 weeks.

Workers also will make other fixes, such as repairing concrete.

The work will be done next spring at a cost of $780,000.

John Deere Plant in Dubuque Lays off 65 Employees

DUBUQUE, Iowa (AP) — The John Deere plan in Dubuque has laid off 65 employees in its manufacturing section. The employees at John Deere Dubuque Works were notified Thursday. The layoffs are effective June 24th.

John Deere spokesman Ken Golden says despite recent strong earnings, the decision is based on sales and demand in its construction and forestry division. Golden says the layoffs were according to seniority. Employees will receive compensation through the union and unemployment benefits.

Work Continues on New Delaware County Fairgrounds Show Ring

Workers are making good progress on the new Delaware County Fairgrounds show ring. Fair Manager Jeannie Domeyer says the shell of the building is almost complete, and contractors are working on electricity and other inside projects. Domeyer says donations are still needed to reach the final fundraising goal. If you are interested in making a tax deductible contribution, contact the fair office.

CenturyLink to Improve Internet in Dubuque Area

DUBUQUE, Iowa (AP) — A communications company has announced a $2.3 million investment into bringing more reliable Internet and data service to the Dubuque area.

CenturyLink announced Wednesday a project that will create a second fiber optic line that's nearly 70 miles. The project is part of an effort to prevent major outages in the area. The company made the investment without public assistance and without a rate increase to its customers. CenturyLink officials say the move was prompted by a June 2012 incident involving an excavator accidentally severing the first fiber optic line. Residents and businesses, including emergency responders, had no phone service or Internet for hours.

Dyersville Council Sets Public Hearing, Meeting Dates

The Dyersville City Council met Monday. They set a public hearing for June 17 on the plans for the construction of the 12th Ave Southeast project. They also set a public meeting for June 10 at 6 pm to dicuss a grant application for a concrete trail from Heritage Trail to Commericial Club Park and then to Candy Candy Cane Park. They will also hold a meeting June 26 to discuss the proposed Highway 20 interchange. Both of those meeting will be held at the Social Center.

Farmers Struggle to Finish Planting Corn, Soybeans

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Wet fields from too much rain continues to delay corn and soybean planting in Iowa reaching the point where farmers are likely to see at least some reduction in this fall's harvest.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture says Iowa farmers planted only an additional 3 percent of the crop last week. Corn is 88 percent planted, behind the five-year average of 99 percent. Seventy-three percent of corn plants have emerged from the ground. Normal is about 91 percent.

Iowa soybean farmers have just 44 percent planted, trailing the five-year average of 91 percent.

Nationally, just 57 percent of soybeans are in the ground, significantly behind the five-year average of 74 percent.

St. Francis Xavier Parish 125th Birthday Sunday

St. Francis Xavier Parish will celebrate their 125th birthday this Sunday, June 2. All are invited to walk in the Annual Corpus Christi Procession following the 10:30 am Mass. There will be a Picnic Lunch with Birthday cake following the Procession. You can enjoy a hamburger lunch for $5.00 or hotdog lunch for $3.00. Lunch includes sandwich, potato salad, chips, baked beans, watermelon, lemonade, coffee and birthday cake and ice cream.

Archdiocese of Dubuque Installs New Archbishop

DUBUQUE, Iowa (AP) — The Archdiocese of Dubuque has installed its new archbishop.

More than 1,200 people gathered Thursday at the Church of the Nativity in Dubuque to watch Archbishop Michael Jackels get installed as the 10th archbishop.

Jackels urged more people to consider religious vocations. He also praised the work of people who labor in the church and their communities.

The archdiocese announced Jackels' appointment by Pope Francis in April. Jackels replaced Archbishop Jerome Hanus, who announced his resignation due to declining health. Jackels was previously bishop at the Catholic Diocese of Wichita.

Iowa Rodeo Clown gets Prison Time for Growing Marijuana in Jones County

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (AP) — A professional rodeo clown has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for growing marijuana in rural Iowa for several years.

U.S. District Judge Linda Reade announced Thursday the sentence of 55-year-old Roy Meeks, of Marion. He was given a special assessment of $100.

Meeks, who worked as a rodeo clown and bullfighter in local and national rodeos, was convicted in March of one count of conspiracy to manufacture marijuana. He was acquitted on a second charge.
Prosecutors say Meeks conspired with others to plant marijuana along corn and soybean fields in secluded spots in Jones County. He is accused of tending the plants throughout the summer then harvesting and processing them.

Prosecutors say Meeks was involved in growing more than 1,000 marijuana plants between 2004 and 2011.

Soggy Weather Delays Corn, Soybean Planting

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture says 85 percent of Iowa's corn crop and 40 percent of the state's soybean crop has been planted.

The estimates released Tuesday by the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service show the corn crop is far behind the five-year-average of 98 percent for this time of year. The soybean crop's five-year average is 83 percent planted by this time.

Although planting is behind the average due to a cold spring and recent persistent rain, farmers were able to make a lot of progress during a dry stretch last week.

The rain also has improved pasture and range conditions, with 89 percent now seen as in fair, good or excellent conditions, though some land along streams has flooded.

Iowa House Leader Considering Race for Congress

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Republican House Speaker Kraig Paulsen says he's seriously considering running for the congressional seat being vacated by Bruce Braley.

Paulsen says he is contemplating the 2014 race now that the legislative session has concluded. He says he expects to make a decision within two months. Paulsen, of Hiawatha, was elected to the state House in 2002 and was made Speaker in 2010. Democratic state Rep. Pat Murphy from Dubuque has announced he will run. Steve Rathje of Cedar Rapids and Rod Blum of Dubuque say they will run on the Republican side. The seat will be open because Braley plans to seek the Senate seat being vacated by Tom Harkin.

Dyersville Man Arrested Following Domestic Assault

A Dyersville man was arrested following a domestic disturbance Monday night. According to police, Darla Goerdt stated that her husband, Michael, and herself were arguing at their home. During the argument, he slapped a cell phone out of her hand and pushed her, and later made verbal threats.

Darla Goerdt left the area and called police. Responding officers were unbale to locate Michael Goerdt, and the Jones County Tactical Response team was called in to search the home. A citizen later saw Goerdt walking in a different area of Dyersville and he was taken into custody without incident. Goerdt, who was charged with domestic assault, was being held at the Dubuque County Jail.

Teen Fatally Injured in Delaware County Crash

DUNDEE, Iowa (AP) — A 13-year-old girl has been fatally injured in a rollover crash on a county road in northeast Iowa.

The Iowa State Patrol says the accident occurred about 2:15 p.m. Sunday near Dundee.

The patrol says 36-year-old Amber Rutherford, of Cedar Rapids, lost control of her vehicle on a curve. The vehicle ran off the road and into a ditch before rolling into a wooded area.

The patrol says a passenger, 13-year-old Chloe Estes, of Cedar Rapids, died at Regional Medical Center in Manchester.

Rutherford and three other passengers were taken to the Manchester hospital and then taken to University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.

Dubuque Toddler Dies After Being Hit by Car

DUBUQUE, Iowa (AP) — Authorities in Dubuque are investigating the death of a 3-year-old boy hit by a vehicle.

Dubuque police say Edgar Joel ran into the street Monday night and was struck by a car driven by 59-year-old Donald Makovec.

Edgar was airlifted to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. He died Tuesday afternoon.

County prosecutors have not filed any charges.

'Bishop' Would-be Pipe Bomber Gets 37 Years

CHICAGO (AP) — An Iowa letter carrier has been sentenced to 37 years in prison for sending dud pipe bombs with threatening letters signed "The Bishop."

U.S. District Judge Robert Dow issued the sentence Tuesday afternoon, saying John Tomkins "engaged in a reign of terror." The 48-year-old Dubuque, Iowa man previously apologized, saying there were "no words to describe" his "shame." Tomkins was trying to drive up the value of shares he owned. One package was sent to Denver and another to Kansas City, Mo.

Jurors convicted Tomkins last year. The most serious charge was for use of a destructive device while mailing threatening communications. It carried a mandatory sentence of at least 30 years.

Tomkins last month said the mandatory minimum was unfair. Prosecutors sought a sentence of around 45 years.

Midwest Pride in Your Ride Raises $47,000 for Relay for Life

The Midwest Pride in Your Ride Truck Show has again raised thousands of dollars for Relay for Life. Eldy Jaeger talks about this years event.

Jager would also like to thank those that helped with the event and those who attended.

The Midwest Pride in Your Ride event has raised more than $116,000 for Relay during its first three years. This years Dyersville Area Relay for Life is set for August 2 and 3 at Beckman Catholic High School.

Weather Info

Due to a power outage, LaSalle schools in Luxemburg and Holy Cross are closed today (Monday, May 20). Also, Highway 52 from Luxemburg to Holy Cross is closed due to downed power lines.

Anamosa Man Injured in Crash

A Jones County man was injured in a crash near Solon Wednesday morning. The state patrol says Larry Shelton of Anamosa was southbound on Highway 1 and started to pass other vehicles. Another car also attempted to pass, forcing Shelton onto the shoulder. His vehicle entered the ditch, struck a field drive and rolled, coming to rest in the field. Shelton was taken to Univeristy Hospitals by Air Care. That crash happened at 5:56 a.m. north of Solon.

Tyson Considers Expansion at Independence Plant

Officials at Tyson Pet Products say they hope to decide soon whether to expand operations in Independence and add more than 100 full-time jobs. The state awarded tax incentives about a month ago for the proposed project, and the city of Independence gave its official backing of the plan on Monday night. The company is considering a $24.1 million expansion at the plant, which produces dog treats sold under three brands.

The plan calls for adding 133 new jobs, more than doubling employment at the plant.

New Wine Bridge Reopened with Weight Limit

The bridge at New Wine Park has been reopened. County officials closed the bridge after it was hit by an ice jam this winter. Inspectors recently deemed it safe for traffic, but there is currently a 10-ton weight limit. The bridge will be inspected monthly to ensure its safety. The Dubuque County Conservation Board is studying plans to either repair or replace the bridge.

Crews Respond to Hay Bale Fire near Dyersville

The Dyersville Fire Department was called to a fire on Blackhills Road Thursday evening. Officials say around 80 large round bales were burning at the Mitch Reittinger farm. The bales were valued at about $10,000. That fire was reported around 5:50 p.m. No one was injured. The Farley Fire Department provided mutual aid.

Events to Recall 2008 Raid at Postville Slaughterhouse

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (AP) — Events in Cedar Rapids on Friday will mark the five-year anniversary of a devastating immigration raid at an Iowa meatpacking plant.

Immigrants and their families, church representatives, lawyers and other advocates will gather near the federal courthouse at noon for a ritual remembering the 389 people arrested during the raid of the Agriprocessors plant in Postville on May 12, 2008.

Event organizers say they'll then walk to Immaculate Conception Church for an interfaith service in which they will pray to reconcile with the federal officials who executed the raid, and call for immigration reform to protect future workers and families.

Most of the immigrants arrested were charged with identity theft, spent five months in prison and were deported. At the time, it was the largest workplace immigration raid in history.

Ghost Players to Return to Field of Dreams for "Ghost Sunday's"

The Ghost Players will return to the Field of Dreams later this year. Go the Distance Baseball announced today that "Ghost Sunday's will begin July 7 and continue every other Sunday through September 29.

Greeley Teen Charged With Making Bomb Threat at Ed-Co

A Greeley teen has been charged with making a bomb threat at Ed-Co High School. According to a press release, 13-year-old Jacob Ahlers called the Delaware County Communications Center at 6:30 Tuesday morning and said there were bombs at Ed-Co High School. Authorities responded to the school and conducted a search, but no explosives were found. Ahlers was charged in juvenile court with two counts of Threat of Terrorism and two counts of False Reports, which are all class D felonies.

Fire Damages Home in Luxemburg

The New Vienna/Luxemburg Fire Department was called to a house fire in Luxemburg late Wednesday night. Crews responded to 102 South Andres Street around 10:50 p.m. No one was home at the time of the fire, which heavily damaged the second floor. Officials say the fire was possibly caused by an electrical appliance. A damage estimate was not available. Fire crews were on scene until about 12:50 this morning.

Dyersville Council Votes to Deny Use of County Smart Plan

The Dyersville City Council has voted against using the Dubuque County Smart Plan. The council on Monday approved a resolution denying the use of that Smart Plan for the city's Comprehensive Plan. They previously tabled the issue, and last week held a special public input session at which the majority of speakers opposed the plan. The city will continue work on forming a comprehensive plan.

Midwest Pride In Your Ride Events Postponed until Saturday

Friday's events at the Midwest Pride In Your Ride truck and tractor show have been moved to Saturday. The "Truck Teeter" will take place at 9AM, the Truck Rodeo will follow at 10AM with the kiddie tractory pul at Noon. The live auction will take place at 12:30, followed by the survivor convoy. Semi drag races will happen at 2:00 with the Semi pull at 4:00.

Gates will open at 8AM as scheduled.

Dubuque Police Try to Curb Underage Drinking

Police in Dubuque are stepping up patrols and listening for loud parties in an effort to curb excessive underage drinking.

The Dubuque Police Department says officers will do special foot and vehicle patrols to look for signs of loud music and groups that appear to promote social disorder.

Dubuque Police says the project will last several weeks, especially around celebrations like high school and college graduations.

The state Department of Public Health is funding the project, which is being conducted in partnership with the Helping Services of Northwest Iowa.

Gas Leak Near Monticello Leads to Evacuation

Authorities say a ruptured propane line in Jones County forced the evacuation of nearby homes. The Jones County Sheriff's Office says a farmer was using a tractor Wednesday and struck an above ground pipeline near County Road X44 south of Monticello. Authorites evacuated residents within one mile in all directions of the leak. Crews sealed off both ends of the line and are letting the remaining propane drain out. The evacuation order remains in affect at this time.

Family Seeks Diploma in Honor of Their Son

The family of a West Delaware student who passed away is working to get him a diploma. Travis Krapfl, who battled Muscular Dystrophy, passed away at the beginning of his senior year. According to KCRG, Krapfl's sister and parents are hoping they can receive a diploma in his honor, but district officials say Travis didn't have enough credits to graduate.

Superintendent Dr. Kristen Ricky says the state has requirements to earn a diploma and if they bend the rules, it would affect future decisions regarding graduation. School officials decided to stay with current policy in honoring students who pass away, including a flower and chair for them onstage during the cermony. The Krapfl's say the hope the district will change the ruling. West Delaware's graduation ceremony is set for May 19.

Independence Man Charged with Kidnapping

An Independence man faces kidnapping charges in connection with an incident earlier this year. Authorities say Matthew Noack forced his victim from a residence and took them to another location where the victim was sexually absued. The incident happened on January 13 in Independence. Noack was arrested Monday on a charge of First Degree Kidnapping. He is scheduled for a court appearance today.

Dyersville City Council to Hold Worksession on Smart Plan

The Dyersville City Council will hold a worksession tonight (April 29) to discuss the city's Comprehensive Plan. The council earlier this year tabled a resolution to adopt the Dubuque County Regional Smart Plan as the city's comprehensive plan. Tonight's workshop will be held at the Dyersville Social Center beginning at 6.

Go the Distance Responds to RAAC Counterclaim

Go the Distance Baseball has filed a response to a counterclaim from the Residential and Agricultural Advisory Committee. In a recent court filing, the development group denies its lawsuit against members of the committee is frivolous. The RACC counterclaim alleges that the Go the Distance lawsuit intentionally incflicted emotional distress on committee members. The recent filing by Go the Distance seeks to have the counterclaim dismissed.

Maquoketa Police Investigate Shooting

Maquoketa police are investigating a shooting. Officers were called to the home at 208 South Niagara Street late Thursday for a disturbance. There they found 63-year-old Gerald Edwards, who had been shot. Edwards indicated there was an intruder in his home when he was shot. The intruder had fled before officers arrived. Edwards was air lifted to University Hospitals in Iowa City and was listed in stable condition. Authorities say the gun used in the shooting has been secured and there is no public safety concern. Anyone with information about that incident should contact the Maquoketa Police Department.

Iowa Governor Terry Branstad Signs 34 Bills into Law, Including Lake Delhi Measure

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad has signed 34 bills into law, including a measure to aid rebuilding Lake Delhi and another making a new criminal offense for stealing a police officer's radio.

Gov. Terry Branstad signed the bills into law Wednesday.

The Lake Delhi measure exempts the area along the Maquoketa River from a requirement that owners of a soon-to-be-rebuilt dam buy easements for any property that could flood if water overtops the dam.
Some lawmakers argued the bill could leave taxpayers vulnerable if future flooding damages homes surrounding the eastern Iowa lake, which drained when a dam collapsed in 2010.

The radio measure makes it a simple misdemeanor to steal an officer's radio or cellphone. Penalties can be enhanced to a felony if the officer is injured during the theft.

Officials ID Body of Man Found in Turkey River

ELKADER, Iowa (AP) — Officials have released the name of an elderly man whose body was pulled from a river in northeast Iowa.

The Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier says the Clayton County Sheriff's Office identified him as 74-year-old James Halverson, of Elkader.

Deputies took a report early Sunday morning about Halverson being missing. Deputies later found tire marks going into a ditch and then into the Turkey River near Ten Mile Bridge on Chariot Road. A vehicle and the body were found in the water about 250 yards from the tire marks.

Missing Jones County Man Found

JONES COUNTY, Iowa - Officials in Jones County say they have found a man last seen in Cedar Rapids. The Sheriff's Office says Glen Thomas was last seen on April 4th. On April 11th, Thomas' family reported he was missing. The Sheriff's office sent out a release searching for the man April 17th. Officials say Thomas has been located and say he is OK.

Bellvue Stampede Lawsuits Settled

BELLEVUE, Iowa (AP) - Two lawsuits have been settled over a stampede during a Fourth of July parade in the eastern Iowa city of Bellevue. Court records show the lawsuits were settled and the case was dismissed April 12 in Jackson County District Court. Details about the settlement were not made public. The lawsuits were filed by the parents of two children injured in the 2010 accident, which injured two dozen people. A team of horses bolted during the parade. The owner of the horses, Mardell Steines, was driving a buggy with his wife, Janet and three relatives. Janet Steines was thrown from the buggy and died. The lawsuits alleged Mardell Steines and the city were negligent, though the city was dismissed from the suits last year.

Body Pulled from Turkey River in Northeast Iowa

ELKADER, Iowa (AP) — The body of a missing elderly man has been pulled from the Turkey River in northeast Iowa. Clayton County deputies took a report early Sunday morning about the missing man. Deputies found tire marks going into a ditch and then into the river near Ten Mile Bridge on Chariot Road. A vehicle and the body of the missing man were found in the river later Sunday morning. The man's name and other details about the incident haven't been released.

Manchester Good to Great Will Host Show and Tell Tour on Wednesday

The Manchester Good to Great Committee will host a Show and Tell Tour on Wednesday (April 24). The evening will include a free bus tour highlighting current projects, including the skateboard park and the white water park. Those planning to go on the tour should meet at the West Delaware High School Commons by 5 p.m.

Lake Delhi Movie to Premier in Manchester

The premier of the movie "We Will be Back, the Lake Delhi Story" is set for May 18 at the Castle Theatre in Manchester. Show times are 1, 3 and 5 p.m. Advance tickets are available at lake delhi will be back dot com. Following the 5 p.m. screening, there will be a Lake Delhi Celebration and Info event at the Pin Oak Country Club in Manchester.

Fire Destroys Beef Building at Fayette County Fairgrounds

No one was injured in a fire that destroyed a building at the Fayette County Fairgrounds.

The fire, which was reported around 6:30 p.m. Saturday, destroyed the beef building where cattle are housed during the fair. Officials say there were campers and a tractor stored in the building. The cause of that fire has not been released.

Dubuque Officials Close Flood Gates

DUBUQUE, Iowa (AP) — Officials in Dubuque closed flood gates along the Mississippi as water begins to crest. But at least one official says there is no sense of emergency in the city. The city closed the Ice Harbor gates on Thursday when the Mississippi surpassed the 17-foot mark, considered flood stage in Dubuque.

But the Public Works Director Don Vogt says it "doesn't seriously grab our attention until it gets to about 20 feet." The Mississippi is expected to remain near 17 feet for several days.

Drought Conditions Improve in Iowa

Thanks to above-normal rainfall this month, Iowa's drought condition continues to improve. The DNR says 35 percent of the state is no longer in drought. Buchanan, Clayton, Delaware, Dubuque, Jones and Linn are among the group of eastern Iowa counties no longer in drought. Officials say nearly all of the state has above average precipitation so far in April, including up 300 percent of normal in most area counties.

Update on Flood Warnings for Mississippi at Dubuque and Maquoketa River at Manchester

...FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE...
THE FLOOD WARNING CONTINUES FOR
THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER AT DUBUQUE.
* UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
* AT 4:30 AM THURSDAY THE STAGE WAS 16.9 FEET...AND RISING.
* FLOOD STAGE IS 17 FEET.
* NO FLOODING IS OCCURRING AND MINOR FLOODING IS FORECAST.
* FORECAST...RISE ABOVE FLOOD STAGE TODAY...AND CONTINUE RISING TO
17.3 FEET FRIDAY MORNING.
* IMPACT...AT 18 FEET...WATER OVERTOPS THE EAST DUBUQUE FLATS LEVEE.

THE FLOOD WARNING CONTINUES FOR
THE MAQUOKETA RIVER AT MANCHESTER HWY 20.
* UNTIL TODAY.
* AT 5:15 AM THURSDAY THE STAGE WAS 10.9 FEET...AND RISING.
* FLOOD STAGE IS 14 FEET.
* NO FLOODING IS OCCURRING AND MINOR FLOODING IS FORECAST.
* FORECAST...RISE ABOVE FLOOD STAGE THIS MORNING...AND CONTINUE
RISING TO 14.6 FEET TODAY. FALL BELOW FLOOD STAGE TODAY.
* IMPACT...AT 14 FEET...WATER AFFECTS WEST MAIN STREET. WATER ALSO
AFFECTS RESIDENCES ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF TOWN

Lansing Man Gets Prison Term for Threats

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A Lansing man has been sentenced to more than 2½ years in prison for making threatening telephone calls and sending harassing emails to judges, law enforcement officers, and court employees.

The federal prosecutor's office in Cedar Rapids says Kenneth Haag was sentenced Tuesday after pleading guilty to using a telephone to threaten injury to another person. Judge Linda Reade noted Haag had sent hundreds of communications about what he perceived as wrongful criminal convictions in 2004, when he pleaded guilty to criminal trespass and assault on a peace officer.

Many of the threats were directed at judges, law enforcement officers and the victim involved in the 2004 case in Allamakee County. Haag also must complete a substance abuse testing and treatment program.

Hopkinton Fire Department Receives Grant

The Hopkinton Fire Department will receive money through a federal program. Senator Tom Harkin announced Wednesday that the department was awarded $110,000 through the Assistance to Firefighteers Grant Program. That money will be used to increase the effectiveness of operations and support firefighter safety.

Hearing Set For Man Arrested for Demanding Money from Digga

A preliminary hearing has been set for the man who demanded money from Digga North America in Dyersville. According to police, Curits Jasa was involved in a incident with an employee of Digga the weekend of April 6. Police were notified of e-mails that Jasa had sent to the company. In the emails Jasa referred to the incident and demanded an apology and payment. An undercover officer contacted Jasa and an agreement was made for a payment to him if he would cease negative comments about the company. The undercover officer made arrangements for Jasa to come to Digga on April 15th to pick up a check in the amount of $24,000. Jasa entered the business and was given an envelope. As he attemped to open the envolope, he was taken into custody and charged with one count of extortion, a Class D Felony. Jasa was released Tuesday on an appearance bond. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 1.

Cedar Falls Police Say Pipe Bomb Found

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa (AP) — Authorities say they are investigating a pipe bomb found near a Cedar Falls neighborhood.

The Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier (http://bit.ly/13bppuN ) reports authorities have blocked off the 2300 block of Royal Drive and its surrounding neighborhood. Cedar Falls Police Chief Jeff Olson says nothing has exploded.

Olson says his department and the Waterloo Police Department bomb squad have been dispatched to the area. University of Northern Iowa police also have been dispatched.

Olson says a nearby day care is on lockdown and officials at a junior high school are monitoring the situation.

Dubuque County Baseball Hall of Fame Dinner, All Star Game set for July 12/13

The dates for the 2013 Dubuque County Baseball Hall of Fame Dinner and All Star Game are set. The dinner and program will be held July 12th at Happy's Place in Key West, with All Start game in Peosta on the 13th. They are currently taking nominations for the Hall of Fame. To nominate someone, send their name, team and a short list of stats to Rich Knepper at PO Box 370, Cascade, Iowa 52033.

Lawmakers Say State Could Pay for Flooded Homes at Lake Delhi

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Some lawmakers say a bill recently passed by the Legislature could leave taxpayers vulnerable if future flooding damages homes surrounding a lake in eastern Iowa.

The measure exempts Lake Delhi along the Maquoketa River from a requirement that dam owners buy easements for any property that could flood if water overtops the dam. Some lawmakers say it's a liability issue, since lakefront owners could sue the state if their homes are damaged.

Gov. Terry Branstad hasn't decided if he will sign the bill.

A 2010 storm caused the river to overtop the dam and destroy it. Some have criticized funding to restore the dam because they argue there's limited public access.

A homeowners group says the dam has a huge economic impact on Iowa.

Dyersville Council Approves Building, Flood Plain Permits for All Star Ballpark Heaven

The Dyersville City Council has approved two permits for the All Star Ballpark project. The council voted 4-1 Monday night to approve a Building Permit for phase 1 of the project. They also approved a Flood Plain Development permit to allow for filling and grading the baseball and softball fields. In other business, the council approved the second readings of ordinances setting the water and sewer rates, and voted to refer a notice of monitoring violation from the DNR to the Water and Sewer committee.

Asbury Fire Department Receives Grant

The Asbury Fire Department will receive funding through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program. Senator Tom Harkin announced Wednesday that the Asbury department was awarded $91,000. That money will be used to improve operations and support firefighter safety. Harkin co-sponsored the legislation that authorized the grant program.

Monticello Schools Hosting Facility Workshops

The Monticello School District is making plans for future facilities needs. As part of that process, they are hosting a design workshop today and tomorrow (Apr. 11-12). These events will give the public a chance to offer input on the district's needs. The workshops will be held at the district office from 9 to 6:30 today and tomorrow.

Western Dubuque School Board News

The Western Dubuque School Board met Monday. The board approved the 2013-2014 budget. Estimated expenditures, including construction, will be $54,671,507. The tax rate will be $13.10, which is an increase of 3 cents. In other business, the board set public hearing and bid award dates for the Cascade and Western Dubuque High School projects. The hearing and bid awarding for the Cascade project is set for May 29, and the hearing and bid awarding for Western Dubuque will take place June 24. Current cost estimates at this time are $8.04 million for the Cascade HS project and $7.88 million for the Western Dubuque Project.

Iowa Supreme Court to Hear 2 cases in Dubuque

DUBUQUE, Iowa (AP) — The Iowa Supreme Court will hear arguments in two cases during a visit to Dubuque. The court will convene Wednesday evening at Loras College to consider a case involving job protections for whistleblowers in health care fields and a murder case. The first involves a woman who was fired in 2008 from a Dubuque assisted-living center after she alleged that colleagues falsified training documents. She sued for wrongful termination, and a jury awarded her more than $350,000. An appeals court ruled that companies that operate health care facilities cannot fire employees who report potential violations of safety regulations. The second case involves Christopher Thompson, who's appealing his second-degree murder conviction in the 2010 shooting death of his girlfriend at their home near Monona

Kirkwood Community College says Hackers Accessed Student Data

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — An Iowa community college says that hackers may have stolen personal info for thousands of students who applied to take credit classes in the last eight years. Kirkwood officials said Monday that "sophisticated hackers" using an international IP address hacked into its website on March 13.

The school says the hackers gained access to archived application info from 2005 to present that included names, social security numbers and birthdates. The school says it has contacted those who may have been affected to offer free assistance, including guidance from identity theft and restoration experts and credit monitoring alerts.

New Archbishop of Dubuque says He's Ready for Job

DUBUQUE, Iowa (AP) — The newly appointed archbishop of Dubuque says he is "ready to follow God's will" with the job.

Bishop Michael Jackels, of Wichita, Kan., spoke at a news conference Monday about his new role as archbishop of Dubuque. He will be installed on May 30.

The Dubuque Archdiocese announced Jackels' appointment by Pope Francis on Monday. Jackels replaces Archbishop Jerome Hanus, who resigned due to declining health. Hanus says he will serve as apostolic administrator until the installation, and then resume life as a monk in Missouri.

The Wichita diocesan website says Jackels was named the Wichita bishop in January 2005 by Pope John Paul II. He worked for the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in Rome for eight years.

Fire Damages Delaware County Community Center

Cleanup is underway following a fire at the Delaware County Community Center in Manchester. The fire started in a freezer and spread to a nearby wall causing the sprinkler system to engage. The sprinkler system extinguished the fire but caused water damage to portions of the building, including the utility rooms, kitchen and restrooms. Facilities Manager Jeannie Domeyer says they hope to have the restoration completed in 3 to 4 weeks. Domeyer says anyone with questions about an upcoming event at the community center should contact the fair office.

Dyersville Council News

The Dyersville City Council met Monday. They approved the first reading of ordinances changing the water rate to $4.15 per 1,000 gallons and the sewer charge to $7.40 per 1,000 gallons. Both ordinances need to pass two more readings to be approved. In other business, the council set the fee for garbage and recycling collection at $12.50 per month and approved salaries for the City Clerk, Public Works Director and Parks and Rec Director, with all three receiving raises. They also authoritzed the mayor to sign a new lease agreement with Moser School of Dance and Gymnastics.

Trials Delayed for Men Charged in Manchester Murders

The trials for two men charged in connection with a murder in Manchester have been rescheduled. The trial for Isaiah Sweet was continued until October 16 after he waived his right to a speedy trial. Sweet is charged with first-degree murder in the shootings of his grandparents, Richard and Janet Sweet, last spring. The trial for Brandon Ahlers, who is charged with aiding and abetting murder, is now scheduled for May 22. Both trials were previously set for mid April.

Cascade Chamber Hosts First Annual Dinner

The Cascade Chamber of Commerce hosted its first annual dinner Wednesday night. The evening included a taped apperance by Cascade native Gary Dolphin. The Voice of the Hawkeyes was choosen as the guest speaker for the dinner, but was unable to attend due to the Hawkeye's NIT game at Virgina. Dolphin was part of the Cascade business community early on as his parents ran "Dolphin's Corner" on the the east side of Cascade. The dinner concluded with the naming of the business of the year which was awarded to Annie's Treasures and owner Joyce Fagan.

Kluesner Named "Woman of the Year" at Women's Night

The Dyersville Chamber of Commerce hosted the annual Women's Night on Wednesday. They again presented the Woman of the Year award, which went to Amy Kluesner of Farley. Kluesner is a founding member of Outrun the Rays, a non-profit organization that raises funds to fight skin cancer. She is also very involved with Seton Schools. Kluesner founded the Seton Gala and was a member of the Seton Capital Campaign committee that helped raised funds for the new Peosta Center.

Republican Announces Candidacy for Congress

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Dubuque businessman Rod Blum says he'll run for the GOP nomination in Iowa's 1st Congressional District.

In a statement Wednesday, Blum announced his plans. He lost the Republican nomination for the seat in 2012 to attorney Ben Lange.

The seat will be open in 2014 because Democratic Rep. Bruce Braley has announced his intent to seek the Senate seat being vacated by longtime Sen. Tom Harkin.

Blum says in his announcement that he will work to keep more tax dollars in Iowa.

Democratic state Rep. Pat Murphy has also announced plans to run for the seat. More candidates are expected to come forward.

The 1st District in northeast Iowa includes Waterloo, Dubuque and Cedar Rapids.

Vote Canceled on Closure of Iowa Girl Scout Camps

DUBUQUE, Iowa (AP) — A decision on whether to close four Girl Scout camps in eastern Iowa is off the table after heavy community backlash.

The Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois announced Wednesday it will not vote on whether to sell the camps in Scott County, Dubuque County, Des Moines County and Allamakee County.

Citizens reacted to the possibility of the camps closing by filing an injunction Friday against letting the organization vote on the matter.

The group's board will now meet Thursday for a collaborative work session to review the issue. A new recommendation will later be given.

The Girls Scouts says the camps may be underused and outdated. Some camp supporters also disagreed with the argument that girls were demanding a more posh camp outfitted with technology.

Womens Night 2013

The annual Dyersville Area Chamber of Commerce Womens Night Out will take place March 27. The nights events will again include the Woman of the Year award. The nominees are Mickey Burlage of Worthington, Mary Heoger of Delhi, Amy Kluesner of Farley, Linda Martin of Zwingle, Mary Lakeman, Jacque Rahe and Kari Wittmeyer, all of Dyersville, and The Lemon Sisters group. Womens Night will be held at the Total Fitness Rec Center from 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets are available at the chamber or area financial institutions.

Iowa DOT Hosting Open House on Higwhay 52/61/151 Project

The Iowa DOT will hold and open house to discuss upcoming projects on Highways 52, 61 and 151 in Dubuque County. That project will include reconstruction of 52/61/151 from the Grandview interchange to the Highway 52 intersection, the replacement of the bridges spanning Catfish Creek, installing a median barrier and improvements at the Highway 52 intersection. The open house will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, March 28, at Table Mound Elementary School. The road projects are scheduled to begin April 1.

Iowa Educator's Attorney in OWI Charge Argues Case

INDEPENDENCE, Iowa (AP) — An attorney for an eastern Iowa school superintendent accused of drunken driving wants evidence collected during his arrest to be inadmissible at trial.

Robert Bembridge says neither a witness nor officer saw Jeff Corkery (KORK'-ur-ree) turn on his car or drive it when he was arrested in November.

Bembridge says there was no probable cause to stop Corkery and search him, and evidence collected cannot be introduced at trial.

Corkery, superintendent of Western Dubuque County Community School District, pleaded not guilty in December to a misdemeanor charge of operating a vehicle while intoxicated.

The officer says he found Corkery in a pickup in a bar parking lot. He says he failed field sobriety tests.

A Buchanan County judge has pushed Corkery's trial to May.

Dubuque Airport to Lose Air Traffic Control Tower

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The Federal Aviation Administration says it will shut down an air traffic control tower at a Dubuque airport due to federal budget cuts.

The FAA released a final list Friday that shows Dubuque Regional Airport is slated to lose an air traffic control tower starting early next month. It's one of 149 air traffic control facilities around the country that will close due to the federal spending cuts known as sequestration.

The towers scheduled to close are at smaller airports with lighter traffic, and all pilots are trained to land without help. They can communicate among themselves on a common radio frequency.
The Dubuque airport provides flights to Chicago O'Hare through American Airlines.

Ex-Assistant Principal Convicted in Sex Case Freed

DUBUQUE, Iowa (AP) — A former Dubuque public school assistant principal convicted of having an inappropriate sexual relationship with a student has been released from prison.

Former Hempstead High School Assistant Principal Shane Oswald was released Friday morning.

Oswald was arrested in January 2010 on suspicion of having sex with a 17-year-old student. He was also charged with distribution of a controlled substance and providing alcohol to a minor, but those charges were dropped in exchange for his guilty plea to sexual exploitation by a school employee.

Oswald must now register as a sex offender.

Dubuque Man Charged Following Assault in Dyersville

A Dubuque man was arrested following an assault in Dyersville early this morning. Dyersville police were called to 505 9th Street Southeast around 2:50 a.m. The responding officer was met by the victim, Deanna Quinn, who was running from the residence. Quinn, who had blood on her face, said she had a fight with her boyfriend who was still inside. The officer returned to the residence and was met by a man later identified as 29-year-old Deshone Dodson. Officers interviewed Quinn and Dodson's daughter, who said her dad was strangling her mom. The girl also said her dad punched her mother multiple times. Dodson was taken into custody and charged with assault causing bodily injury and interference with officials acts.

New Vienna Ice Jam 2013

A Bridge in New Vienna already slated for repairs, may need them sooner than expected. A recent ice Jam has damaged bridge pilings that support the New Wine Park Bridge. Those pilings have been gouged and degraded by a build-up of large sheets of ice on the North Fork of the Maquoketa River. The bridge was closed last week when conservation officers noticed the damage. The conservation department had already requested $215,000 for bridge work in the upcoming fiscal year, before the current damage occurred. That project was not approved by county supervisors.

Police Still investigating

Dubuque Police are still investigating the death of a woman who was run over and killed in her own driveway Saturday. Fifty-four year old Debra Laughlin was run down in her driveway around 5:30 PM. She had to be removed from under the vehicle and was transported to Mercy in Dubuque where she died that evening. According to a search warrant, the driver of the vehicle, 48 year old Lynn M. Hillard of Bernard and Laughlin had been arguing over a restaurant bill. No charges have been filed in the incident, but police have not ruled that out.

Dyersville Council Requests that County Deny Zoning for Horsfield

The Dyersville City Council met Monday night. The council voted 4-1 to approve a resolution requesting that Dubuque County officials deny a zoning request by Horsfield Materials. Horsfield is seeking to have property along Christoph Road north of Dyersville rezoned from agricultural to heavy industrial for a concrete batch plant. The resolution lists many reasons for the request, including increased traffic on Christof road and the bridge that are not constructed for such weights or traffic volume. The Dubuque County Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing on the rezoning request during its meeting tonight.

Dubuque Council Reverses Course on Pets in Parks

DUBUQUE, Iowa (AP) — The Dubuque City Council has reversed course and given initial approval to an ordinance that would let pets into most city parks. On March 4 the council voted 5-1 against the ordinance. But some council members' minds were changed, and the council voted 4-3 for the ordinance on Monday. The ordinance requires pets to be on leashes 6 feet long or shorter and requires owners to clean up after their pets. The proposal bars pets from Eagle Point Park, Marshall Park and the Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. The second reading of the ordinance likely won't occur until at least April 15.

Authorities ID Woman Hit by Car in Dubuque

Authorities have identified a Dubuque woman killed after a car struck her.

54-year-old Debra Laughlin died Saturday night after being run over by a vehicle at her residence. Police say Laughlin was removed from under the vehicle and transported to Mercy Medical Center-Dubuque, where she later was pronounced dead.

Police have identified the driver as 48-year-old Lynn Hillard, of Bernard.

Additional information about the incident has not been released. No charges have been filed.

Fire Spreads to 2nd House Near Rickardsville

A fire that began in a wood stove on the porch of one house spread to a second house in rural Dubuque County. The fire was reported Sunday afternoon at a home south of Rickardsville. The Dubuque County Sheriff's Office says the fire began in the wood stove on the front porch and spread to the house. The flames then spread to a nearby house.

Firefighters from three departments battled the blaze. No injuries have been reported.

The cause is being investigated.

Iowa Woman Dies After Being Struck by Vehicle

Iowa authorities are investigating a crash that killed a Dubuque woman while she was walking. The fatal crash happened around 5:30 p.m. Saturday evening.

Authorities say the woman had to be rescued from underneath the vehicle that struck her, but she died later at Mercy Medical Center. Police did not immediately identify the woman who will killed or the driver who struck her on Sunday. More details are expected to be released Monday.

Iowa Man Pleads Guilty to Fraudulent Schemes

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (AP) — A northeast Iowa man has pleaded guilty in federal court to two fraudulent schemes.

Prosecutors say 47-year-old Michael Recker admitted in federal court in Cedar Rapids last week to conspiring to fabricate grain elevator scale tickets, one count of bankruptcy fraud and one count of interfering with Internal Revenue laws.

Prosecutors say Recker admitted that in 2008 and 2009 he bribed an elevator worker to create the false tickets. The elevator paid Recker more than $20,000 based on the false tickets.

Recker also admitted selling a combine at auction for about $50,000 before filing for bankruptcy. He admitted that he didn't disclose to the bankruptcy court that money was still owed him by the auction company. Recker also admitted trying to conceal taxable income.

His sentencing hasn't been scheduled.

9 Catholic Schools in Cedar Rapids are Rebranding

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (AP) — Nine Catholic schools in Cedar Rapids and Marion will be rebranded as Xavier Catholic Schools.

The Gazette reports that each school will be adorned with Xavier High School's cross-style X but will retain their names. They also will use the same tagline in their various materials: "Learning with a higher purpose."

The schools are All Saints Catholic School, Regis Middle School, St. Ludmila Elementary School, St. Jude Elementary Center, St. Joseph School, St. Matthew School, St. Pius X, LaSalle Middle School and Xavier High School.

Administrators began sharing the rebranding strategy with students, parents and staffers earlier this week.

Superintendent Jeff Henderson, of the Archdiocese of Dubuque schools, says the rebranding is part of an effort to reverse declining enrollment and raise the schools' visibility.

Northeast Iowa Firefighters Find Body

POSTVILLE, Iowa (AP) — Firefighters have found a body while battling an apartment blaze in northeast Iowa.

Postville Fire Chief Jeffrey Bohr says in a news release that firetrucks were dispatched a little before 11 a.m. Wednesday to an apartment on the southwest side of Postville. Firefighters saw heavy smoke and flames as they arrived, so Bohr called Castalia and Ossian fire departments for mutual aid.

Bohr says the body was found inside a burned apartment. Two occupants of an adjacent apartment suffered minor burns.

Their names haven't been released.

The fire cause is being investigated. The loss is estimated at $200,000.

Rodeo Clown Convicted in Iowa Marijuana Conspiracy

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (AP) — A professional rodeo clown is headed to prison after a jury convicted him of a lengthy conspiracy to grow marijuana in rural Iowa.

Rory Meeks of Marion was convicted Friday on one count of conspiracy to manufacture marijuana, and acquitted on a second charge.

Federal prosecutors said Meeks planted marijuana along corn and soybean fields in secluded spots in Jones County, tending the plants throughout the summer. They say the 55-year-old and others harvested and processed the plants in the fall, and sold the marijuana in fall and winter.

Jurors found Meeks was involved in growing more than 1,000 marijuana plants.

Meeks had worked as a rodeo clown and bullfighter in local and national rodeos. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in prison.

Golden Butter Knife

A Dyersville restaurant received the Dubuque Dairy Association’s Golden Butter Knife Award at their annual banquet Saturday night. The Golf Side Grille on Olde Hawkeye Road, owned by Jeff and Terri Ehlers was the 2013 award recipient. Judges rate nominated restaurants on the variety of dairy products offered and how tasteful and eye appealing those products are, as well as other factors such as service and cleanliness. Golf Side Grille spent about $78,000 on dairy products last year.

Dyersville Fire, Meth Discovered

Authorities have discovered items used to manufacture methamphetamine after a house fire. Dyersville police and fire departments responded to a report of a fire at the residence of Clifford Williams at 119 8th ave NE, and observed several people fleeing the scene. Upon searching the property, authorities said they found items used in the manufacture of meth. Several items of drug paraphernalia were found in a second floor apartment belonging to 27-year-old cliftom dye. The Dubuque drug task force assisted Dyersville police in that search.

Lost Nation Woman Dies in Highway 64 Crash

One person was killed and two others injured in a crash near Maquoketa Thursday evening. The state patrol says 83-year-old Jacqueline Fischer of Lost Nation was eastbound on Highway 64 when she crossed the center line. Her car collided head-on with a vehicle driven by 30-year-old Zachary Schmidt of Maquoketa.

Fischer died in the crash. Schmidt was airlifted to University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. His passenger, 24-year-old Bridgit Moran of Maquoketa, was taken to the Maquoketa Hospital for treatment. That crash happened at 6:50 p.m. just east of Maquoketa.

Voters OK Casino Gambling for Linn County

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (AP) — Voters in Linn county are in favor of allowing casino gambling. The measure was approved by a 22-percentage point margin, 61 percent to 39 percent. A group of investors plans to build an $85 million casino in Cedar Rapids. Voter approval is just the first step in the process. Now the investors must work to secure a license from the Racing & Gaming Commission.

Manchester Hit-and-Run

A Manchester man is facing charges after a hit and run on Friday night.

Manchester Police responed to the 300 block of East Fayette Street late Friday after a caller reported that a vehicle struck a 24-year-old man and then drove away. When police arrived, they found the man lying on the sidewalk. Police talked to witnesses and then arrested 40-year-old Charles Wright at a nearby house.

Police said Wright and the victim got into a fight earlier in the night near a local bar. The 24-year-old male was treated for injuries. Wright, who is charged with attempted murder, was in the Delaware County Jail on $25,000 bond.

'Field of Dreams' Lawsuit to go to Trial

DYERSVILLE, Iowa (AP) — A lawsuit filed by the owners of the "Field of Dreams" movie site against a group of local residents will go to trial next year. A jury trial in the lawsuit has been set for Feb. 4, 2014.

Go the Distance Baseball LLC is suing the Residential and Agricultural Advisory Committee, a group of area residents opposing a sports complex. Go the Distance filed a petition in October saying the committee interfered with contracts related to the site's sale. Two members of the group are also being sued for libel for their alleged involvement in the distribution of fliers critical of the development.

Asbury Man Accused of Shooting Dad Reaches Plea Deal

(ASBURY, Iowa (AP) — An eastern Iowa man has pleaded guilty to a reduced charge in connection with the shooting of his father. Anthony Podnar pleaded guilty Thursday to willful injury with a dangerous weapon. The reduced charge is part of a plea deal that includes other gun charges. Podnar pleaded innocent last month to a charge of attempted murder related to the January shooting of his father, 60-year-old Adam Podnar. Anthony Podnar was arrested at his home in Asbury after his father drove himself to a convenience store and reported being shot in the stomach. The elder Podnar later was treated at a hospital. Anthony Podnar is scheduled to be sentenced Monday.

Hearing Delayed for Iowa Man Facing Murder Charge

WEST UNION, Iowa (AP) — Lawyers for a former Iowa care facility resident facing a murder charge are requesting a delay on his competency hearing.

Matthew Braun's defense counsel requested a delay on the hearing scheduled Monday. A judge reset it for April 29th in Fayette County District Court.

Braun is accused of assaulting 57-year-old Kris A. Simpson in September at the Prairie View Residential Care Facility in Fayette. Simpson died days later.

Investigators say security camera footage shows Braun attacked Simpson for no apparent reason. Braun pleaded not guilty in October to a first-degree murder charge. His trial was scheduled to begin at the end of January, but it was pushed back due to the pending competency hearing.

Gunman Robs Bank in Eastern Iowa's Oxford Junction

OXFORD JUNCTION, Iowa (AP) — No arrest has been reported in the robbery of a bank in eastern Iowa.

The FBI says a man entered the Citizens State Bank branch in Oxford Junction around 8:55 a.m. Wednesday. He was armed with a pistol.

He demanded money from tellers, who handed over an undisclosed amount of cash. No shots have been reported.

The FBI says the man left the bank, climbed into a pickup parked near the bank's front door and drove away.

Nearby schools briefly were locked down as a precaution after the robbery was reported.

Independence Considers Eliminating Police Department

INDEPENDENCE, Iowa (AP) — The northeast Iowa city of Independence is considering replacing its police department with contracted sheriff's deputies.

The city will hold a public workshop on the matter Thursday night. Council member Bonnie Davis says the city can spend up to $8,000 to study whether to retain the police department or rely on contracted county deputies.

Davis says the City Council wants to know whether residents support the feasibility study.

Independence is the county seat of Buchanan County and has a population of about 6,000.

Dubuque Casino Owner Opposes Cedar Rapids Casino

The president of a casino in Dubuque is opposing a proposed casino in Cedar Rapids.

Jesus Aviles, president and CEO of Mystique Casino, says there's no need for another casino in eastern Iowa. He says customers are satisfied with the number of casinos in the area.

But Aviles says he is not donating to a group trying to defeat a March 5 referendum in Linn County on casino gambling. The Just Say No Casino campaign has received financial support from the Isle of Capri casino in Waterloo and a casino in Riverside.

A spokeswoman for Diamond Jo Casino, which has locations in Dubuque and Northwood, says owners also have not given money to the campaign.

Judge Won't Lift No-Contact Order for Iowa Suspect

DUBUQUE, Iowa (AP) — A judge won't let the mother of a 2-year-old Dubuque boy who died last year speak to the man accused of killing him.

Judge Monica Ackley rejected a request by Kylee Vander Meulen to lift a no-contact order between her and her former boyfriend, Nicholas Reed. She had said she needs to communicate with Reed because she's pregnant with his child.

Reed faces first-degree murder and other charges in the death of Vander Meulen's son, Bentley Randall. Reed has pleaded not guilty.

Authorities say Reed was baby-sitting Bentley while Vander Meulen was at work. She later took the boy to a hospital for treatment of burns and head trauma.

Doctors say Bentley died of blunt force trauma to the head.

Dyersville City Council News

The Dyersville City Council met Monday. They held a public hearing on using the Dubuque County Regional Smart Plan as the city's Comprehensive Plan. One person who spoke on the plan feels it is too vague and that the city should have its own system that better suits the community. Following the hearing, the council voted to table that resolution until the March 4 meeting to allow for additional review. In other business, the council approved a resolution accepting work on the 2004 First Avenue reconstruction project. They also approved a resolution adopting the final assessment schedule for that project and amending the assessments with an interest rate of 5 percent. In other action, the Dyersville City Council approved a resolution endorsing the southewest bike and walking trail project, and set March 4th as the date for a public hearing on the budget estimate.

Authorities Respond to Highway 38 Crash

Authorities were called to a single-vehicle crash early Saturday morning on Highway 38 in Delaware County. According to the Sheriff's Office, 17-year-old Alexandria Chapman of Monticello was southbound on 38 when she lost control. Her car left the roadway and struck a tree. One of the passengers, 19-year-old Troy Stumpf of Monticello, suffered serious injuries and was taken to Regional Medical Center. Chapman and two other passengers were treated for minor injuries.

Details on Delaware County Incident

A Hopkinton man died following a chase with authorities on Tuesday. According to a press release, Delaware County deputies attempted to stop a vehicle driven by 45-year-old Ronald Schuman of Hopkinton. Authorities say Schuman had been involved in an incident with his ex-wife in Earlville and was wanted for questioning. As deputies approached, he displayed a handgun and pointed it at one of the officers. Schuman then pointed the gun at himself and continued southbound on Highway 38. About a half mile north of Delhi, Schuman apparently shot himself. His vehicle left the roadway, coming to rest in a field. Schuman was flown to University Hospitals in Iowa City where he died. That incident remains under investigation by the Delaware County Sheriff's Office and State Patrol.

Dubuque legislator says he'll run for US House

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Democratic state Rep. Pat Murphy of Dubuque says he's running for the Iowa congressional seat that will be vacated by Bruce Braley.

Murphy announced today he would run in next year's election for Iowa's 1st Congressional District. Murphy has served in the state House since 1989 and was House Speaker for four years.

Murphy says he will focus on issues like jobs, education and health care. Other possible Democratic candidates include state Sen. Liz Mathis and state Rep. Tyler Olson.

The 1st District seat will be open because Braley has opted to run for the Senate.

Audit: Coggon Power Plant Official Bought Gas, Tickets

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — An audit report says the superintendent of a municipal power plant repeatedly used its credit cards to pay for gas for personal vehicles and to buy concert tickets, pet medicine and other personal items.

The report blames the board of trustees of the light plant in Coggon (CAHG-in) for allowing misspending by Superintendent William Edgerly. The report criticizes the board for rehiring Edgerly in the middle of the audit with a 23 percent salary increase, after he'd resigned.

Auditors caught Edgerly on surveillance footage filling up his vehicle and those of his son and girlfriend. They say he bought items from Victoria's Secret, Ticketmaster, a pornographic website and a website promoting a supplement for male erectile enhancement.

Coggon Mayor Pro Tem Dan Huber says the city will take "immediate action."

Cascade Council Appoints Hosch to Fill Vacancy

The Cascade City Council has appointed a new member to fill a vacancy. The council on Monday appointed Bill Hosch to replace Scott Soppe, who resigned because he is moving. That term runs through the end of the year. In other business the council apporved a cost sharing agreement with the DOT for the reconstruction of the Highway 136/1st Avenue intersection. The total project cost is estimated at $190,000. The state will pay 80 percent, or $152,000, and the city's cost will be $38,000. That project will be done later this year.

Former Masonville City Clerk Charged with Theft

A former Masonville City Clerk is facing theft charges. 41-year-old Christine King of Strawberry Point was charged today with 1st Degree Theft following an investigation into unauthorized payments she received while employed as the city clerk. Investigators say King made unauthorized payements to herself from various Masonville accounts. The disbursements total about $80,000. King was released on a signature bond. The 1st Degree Theft charge is a Class C Felony.

Dubuque County Sheriff's Office Awarded Proceeds from Fofeiture Case

DUBUQUE, Iowa (AP) — The sale of a farm linked to a stolen meat scheme will benefit the Dubuque County Sheriff's Office.

Federal authorities awarded more than $742,000 to the office Friday, the proceeds of a forfeiture action brought in connection with a scheme in 2006 and 2007 to steal meat from interstate trucking shipments and resell it.

Four Dubuque-area residents were convicted and sentenced to prison for their role in stealing the meat from a storage facility in East Dubuque and reselling it.

Prosecutors say the rural Dubuque farm was owned by a trucker and used to unload and store stolen cases of meat, which were resold to residents and businesses.

The owners of the farm had agreed to forfeit their interest in the property as part of a plea agreement.

Authorities Identify Woman Killed in Asbury Crash

Authorities have identified a Dubuque woman who was killed in a crash Wednesday morning in Asbury. Deputies say 40-year-old Laura Mitchell was northbound on Hales Mill Road when her vehicle crossed the center line and collided with a southbound vehicle driven by 18-year-old Travis Boleyn of Asbury. Boleyn was treated at Mercy and released. That crash happened about 7:30 Wednesday morning just north of Asbury Road.

Iowa Democrat Braley announces 2014 US Senate bid

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa Rep. Bruce Braley says he will run for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Democratic Sen. Tom Harkin.

Braley said Thursday in an email to potential supporters that the decision is "a big responsibility" and he's forming a fundraising committee to get started.

The Waterloo Democrat was elected to the House in 2006.

He has been eyeing a Senate run since 2010 and his announcement follows Harkin's Jan. 26 announcement that he will not seek a sixth term.

Braley had already said he was weighing a run, and he met last week in Washington with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and chairmen of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.
Among Republicans, Iowa Reps. Tom Latham and Steve King are considering Senate campaigns.

Girls Scout Camps Could Close

The Board of Directors for the Girls Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois will vote on whether to close all four Girl Scout camps in the region, including Camp Little Cloud. Regional Director Allison Johnson says that if the vote does pass, they will look to partner with other organizations so that the Girl Scouts are still getting an outdoor experience. Johnson said Girl Scout camp will proceed as planned this year at the four locations. The board is scheduled to vote March 28th.

Dyersville Area Chamber of Commerce holds annual meeting

The Dyersville Area Chamber of Commerce annual meeting was held Wednesday. K&K Logo designs was named the 2012 business of the year. Jason Waterman with Victory Ford will serve as president of the chamber board for 2013.

Peosta Company to Add Jobs

A Peosta Company that makes tracks for ag machinery is expanding its workforce. Camoplast Solideal, which recently moved to a larger building, plans to add a total of 23 jobs in the assembling, welding and paint departments. Camoplast opened its original Peosta facility in 1998.

Sentencing Scheduled for "Bishop Bomber"

A sentencing date has been scheduled for a Dubuque man known as the "Bishop Bomber". John Tomkins will be sentenced April 19 in US District Court in Chicago. He was convicted in May on nine counts of mailing threatening communications, two counts of illegal possession of a destructive device and one count of using a destructive device in connection with a crime of violence. Tomkins faces a minimun of 30 years in prison for using a destructive device. The possession charges could bring a maximum of 20 years, and the nine counts of mailing a threatening communication each carry a maximum of 20 years in prison. Tomkins has been in custody since his arrest more than five years ago.

No One Injured in Durango Fire

A Durango family was able to escape a home fire Monday night. Firefighters were called to the home at 14628 Burtons Furnace Road around 6:30. There was smoke throughout the house and flames shooting out of one room after crew arrived. The owner, Karen Kennedy, says the family smelled something burning and ran out of the house unharmed. The cause of the fire was under investigation. The Red Cross is assisting the family.

Fire Destroys Home in Morley

A Jones County home has been destroyed by fire. Firefighters were called to 18192 County Road E-45 in Morley, where they found the home fully engulfed in flames. No one was injured in that fire. The cause is under investigation.

Man pleads guilty to threatening Iowa deputy

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (AP) — A Lansing man accused of threatening to kill an Allamakee County sheriff's deputy has pleaded guilty to a federal charge in the case.

Kenneth Haag was charged with using a telephone to transmit an interstate communication threatening to injure another person.

Prosecutors say that Haag made numerous calls and sent emails and faxes threatening to injure or kill various county officials. In a plea agreement, he pleaded guilty to one instance of calling and threatening to kill a sheriff's deputy.

Haag, who remains in federal custody, faces up to five years in prison when he's sentenced at a later date.

Illinois Man to Begin Iowa Trial in Boating Death

Jury selection is scheduled to begin today in Dubuque for an Illinois man charged with manslaughter in a fatal boating accident on the Mississippi. Kent Hoffman, of Galena, Ill., also is charged with operating a boat while intoxicated, causing a fatal accident. He's pleaded not guilty to both charges. Authorities say Hoffman was operating a boat that ran over another boat in Schmidt Harbor in Dubuque. The driver of the other boat, 45-year-old James Sutton, of Maquoketa, was killed.

One Injured in Crash at Wapsipinicon State Park

One person was injured in a crash Sunday evening at Wapsipinicon State Park in Anamosa. Authorities say the driver lost control of his vehicle and became trapped. He was freed from the vehicle and taken to St. Luke's Hospital with multiple injuries. The driver's name was not released.

Work on Lake Delhi Dam Expected to Begin in Spring

Issues remain, but lake district officials say reconstruction of the Lake Delhi dam probably will start this spring.

Steve Leonard is president of the board of trustees of the Combined Lake Delhi Recreational Facility and Water Quality District. He says the project "has definitely gone slower than we'd have liked, but it's looking good for a spring start on phase one," which includes work on the original concrete portion of the dam. Leonard says the remaining issues include flood plain easements and permits from the Corps of Engineers and DNR, along with the weather. Leonard says given those issues, it's impossible to predict when refilling of the lake might begin.

New Attorney Appointed for Manchester Murder Suspect

A Manchester teen accused of killing his grandparents has a new attorney. The switch in state-appointed representation for Isaiah Sweet is the result of a conflict between the office of his previous public defender, Tom Goodman, and a potential witness. Due to that change, Sweet's trial has been rescheduled for April 17th. Brandon Ahlers, who is also charged in the murder case, is currently scheduled to stand trail beginning March 6. The Delaware County Attorney wants to consolidate the trials, but a judge has not yet ruled on that motion.

Dubuque Man Killed in Highway 151/61 Crash

A Dubuque man was killed in a two-vehicle crash Wednesday morning on Highway 151/61. Authorities say 65-year-old Michael Maher was southbound near the Catfish Creek Bridge when he lost control of his vehicle and crossed the median into the northbound lanes, striking another vehicle. Maher was pronounced dead at the scene. His passenger, 61-year-old Donald Krier of Dubuque, was air-lifted to University Hospitals in Iowa City for treatment. The driver of the northbound vehicle, 33-year-old Rachel Fitzpatrick of Dubuque, and her two passengers were treated at Mercy and released. That crash happened just after 8:30 a.m.

Vehicle Recovered

Authorities have recovered a vehicle stolen from a Cascade garage. The 2005 Chevy Trailblazer had been reported stolen Tuesday from a residence on 3rd Avenue Southeast and was recovered by Delaware County authorities. Anyone with further information regarding the suspect, should call the Dubuque County dispatch center, Cascade Police Department or the Jones County Sheriff’s Office.

Fayette County Man Killed in Single-Vehicle Accident

One person was killed in a single-vehicle traffic accident in Fayette County early Tuesday morning.

Sheriff Marty Fisher said deputies responded around 4:25 a.m. when a passer-by reported a pickup that apparently had crashed near the intersection of Echo Road and 180th Street. The pickup was off the gravel road, which is located between Elgin and Wadena, and fully engulfed in flames. A body was found inside the pickup.

According to a press release, the 2001 Chevrolet pickup was owned by Steven Bilden, of rural Elgin. Authorities believe the deceased person was a roommate of Bilden's, but will not know positive identification until an autopsy is completed.

Officials are conducting interviews in the case. The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation is participating in the investigation.

Dubuque Family Hits Horses on Highway 61

A Dubuque family suffered minor injuries after hitting four horses on Highway 61 Monday night. The car rolled after hitting the animals.

The driver and his wife suffered minor injuries, a child in the car was not hurt. The accident happened just after 9:30 a.m. near the intersection of Pitz Road, about 2 miles south of the Dubuque Regional airport. Sheriff's deputies say more than a dozen horses got loose from a nearby farm. The owner was able to catch most of them except the four that ran all the way to the highway. A semi hit the horses first, then the car. Three of the horses were left in the median and one other was on the shoulder of the road. the owner removed the dead horses around 1 PM Tuesday.

Dyersville Council News

The Dyersville City Council met Monday. They approved a resolution authorizing the payment of the judgement in the matter of Horsfield Construction vs. the City of Dyersville. The payment, including the judgement amount and interest, will be just over $273,000. In other business, the council accepted the Community Visioning Final Report and Feasiblity Study. That resolution authorizes city officials to proceed with the study recommendations. The council also tabled the resolution on the plat of survey for H.M. Jasper's 3rd addition due to a potential water well issue.

Cascade Council Member Resigns

The Cascade City Council will be getting a new member. Scott Soppe, who was elected in 2009, resigned from the council this month due to an impending relocation to Iowa City. The council is expected to consider appointing a replacement at and upcoming meeting. Soppe's seat on the council will be up for election this fall. Today the Cascade Council will meet to discuss the first draft of the fiscal year 2013-2014 budget. That meeting begins at 5.

Dubuque County Reaches Agreement with Property Owner for Asbury Road Project

Dubuque County officials have apparantly reached an agreement to acquire the final property needed for the Asbury Road project.

Marianne Fettkether, of Bend, Oregon, said she will accept the county's offer of just more than $39,000 for 7.5 acres. That purchase will allow the county to begin work on a widening project on 3.33 miles of Asbury Road. Officials are hopeful the $3 million project can be completed by the end of the year.

RMC Announces Land Purchase

Regional Medical Center in Manchester has purchased land to allow for expansion. Officials say they recently closed on the purchase of 24 acres north of the hospital. Plans are in place to add parking for employees within the next year. Future usage of the additional land is yet to be finalized, but officials say new construction is a possibility in the next 2-3 years.

Iowa Governor Endorses Funding for Tuition Freeze

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — A leader of Iowa's public universities is praising Gov. Terry Branstad for supporting funding to pay for their plans to freeze tuition rates for in-state undergraduate students.

Board of Regents President Craig Lang said Tuesday that Branstad's budget proposal is "a tremendous win for Iowa's students and families" and vowed to lobby lawmakers to ensure the funds are approved.

The regents voted last month to keep tuition the same next school year for Iowa undergrads at Iowa, Iowa State and Northern Iowa. But the freeze is contingent on a 2.5 percent funding increase for the universities and a special $4 million UNI appropriation.

Branstad included both elements in his budget Tuesday to enable the freeze, which would be the first in 30 years.

New Vienna Man Arrested Following High Speed Chase

A New Vienna man was arrested following a high speed chase with Dyersville police on Saturday. According to a press release, an officer was following a pickup driven by 24-year-old Matthew Maiers, who was speeding on Dyersville East Road. The officer attempted a traffic stop, but Maiers kept driving. The chase ended when Maiers went off the road and into a snow bank as he turned onto Pape Road. According to the officer, he ordered Maiers out of the vehicle at gun point and took him into custody. Maiers is charged with Operating While Intoxicated, felony eluding, failure to maintain control and failure to stop for a posted stop sign.

Illinois Man Dies After Falling Through Ice

SABULA, Iowa (AP) — An Illinois man is dead and his teenage son injured after falling through the ice of an eastern Iowa lake.

The accident happened just before 5 p.m. Friday. Jackson County Sheriff's officials say 65-year-old Ronald Kerkhoff, of German Valley, Illinois and his son, 18-year-old Jacob Kerkhoff, had been ice fishing on South Sabula Lake when they fell through.

Rescue crews pulled the men from the lake and took them to a hospital in Clinton, where the father died. Jacob Kerkhoff was treated for his injuries and released.

Students, Driver Injured in Iowa School Bus Crash

POSTVILLE, Iowa (AP) — A bus driver and six students were treated for minor injuries following a crash Friday morning in northeast Iowa.

The Allamakee County Sheriff's Office says the school bus slid through an intersection, into a ditch and down an embankment.

The driver told authorities that ice on the road caused the crash.

The sheriff's office says the six students and driver were taken to Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon, where they were treated for minor injuries and released.

The accident remains under investigation.

Judge Hears Arguments in Lawsuit involving Go the Distance, RAAC

DYERSVILLE, Iowa (AP) — A judge is considering whether to dismiss a lawsuit involving the new owners of the "Field of Dreams". Dubuque District Court Judge Monica Ackley heard arguments Wednesday from attorneys for Go the Distance Baseball LLC and the Residential and Agricultural Advisory Committee.

Go the Distance is suing the committee, which is a group of area residents opposing a sports complex planned for the site. Go the Distance filed a petition in October saying the committee interfered with contracts related to the site's sale.

A committee attorney says the petition lacks specific instances of misconduct. A Go the Distance attorney says there is more than enough information.

Ackley has not yet issued a ruling.

Sentencing for Epworth Man Delayed

The sentencing for an Epworth man charged in a sex abuse case has been delayed. 53-year old Joseph Simon Jr. is accused of having sexual contact with two boys. Investigators say Simon admitted to paying the boys to let him perform sex acts on them. He was charged with two counts of third-degree sexual abuse. He pleaded guilty last fall to lesser charges of two counts of assault with intent to commit sexual abuse. He could face up to four years in prison and fines. His sentencing is now scheduled for February 15th.

McGregor Woman Killed in Crash that Closed Iowa-Wisconsin Bridge

A McGregor woman was killed in Sunday's crash that closed a bridge between Iowa and Wisconsin. Authorities say Lorraine Siegenthaler was westbound on the Highway 18 bridge between Marquette and Prairie du Chien when she crossed the center line. Her car collided head-on with an eastbound van driven by Roberta Lear of Praire du Chien. Siegenthaler was pronounced dead at the scene. Lear was airlifted to Gunderson-Lutheran in La Crosse and was listed in fair condition. Three of Lear's passengers were taken to the hospital with minor injuries. That crash happened around 4:30 p.m. Sunday.

Snowmobiler Killed in Jones County Crash

Authorities are investigating a fatal snowmobile crash in Jones County. Officials say the rider collided with a pickup on Highway 151 Sunday evening. The victims name has not been released.

Iowans Fight Health Insurer's Premium Increase

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Dozens of Iowans have asked the state health insurance commissioner to deny another premium increase sought by the state's dominant health insurer, Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield. The company wants to raise premiums on 150,000 individual policyholders by 12 percent to 13 percent starting in April. Wellmark has been raising premiums for the past several years, including 9.4 percent last year and 8.5 percent in 2011. Wellmark says it needs more money to pay for the higher costs of medical services. The company sells about 86 percent of the nonemployer health insurance policies in Iowa. On Saturday state Insurance Commissioner Susan Voss will hold a public hearing on the company's request.

1 Worker Dies, 1 Injured in Cedar Rapids Accident

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (AP) — Authorities say two employees at a corn mill in Cedar Rapids were preparing a fermentation tank for maintenance before an accident left one dead and the other injured. Cedar Rapids firefighters say the men were found unconscious Wednesday morning at a facility for Archer Daniels Midland. Officials believe the men encountered an oxygen-deficient environment that caused them to become unconscious. One of the workers died at Mercy Medical Center, and the other worker was being treated at another hospital. The men's names and other details about the accident have not been released. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the accident.

Upper Iowa University President Resigns

FAYETTE, Iowa (AP) — The president of Upper Iowa University in Fayette is stepping down after going on sabbatical in the fall. Officials announced Wednesday that Alan Walker, who has led the school since 2004, has resigned.
Reasons for the sabbatical and the resignation have not been released. The university will embark on a national search to find a new president.

Iowa Bartender Charged with Threatening Youth

ELKADER, Iowa (AP) — A Clayton County bartender is charged with threatening and trying to hold captive a teenager who was helping sheriff's deputies conduct an alcohol compliance check.

33-year-old Timothy Finley allegedly threatened the volunteer with a pipe and ordered her to go the basement of Fennelly's Irish Pub on Friday, after she tried to buy a six-pack of beer.

Clayton County Chief Deputy Ryan Johnson says Finley checked the youth's identification and told her he suspected she was part of a "sting." He then allegedly told the volunteer to go into the bar's basement and threatened to hurt her.

Finley was arrested on suspicion of second-degree harassment, false imprisonment, and kidnapping. He has since been released from jail.

Iowa's 'Field of Dreams' Movie Site Sale Completed

The investors group Go the Distance Baseball LLC says it closed last week on the deal reached with owners Don and Becky Lansing. The final price was $3.4 million plus interest. It was listed for $5.4 million more than two years ago when it went on the market. Go the Distance plans to transform the Dyersville landmark into All-Star Ballpark Heaven, a 24-field youth baseball and softball tournament complex.
Construction is expected to begin this spring, with the first tournament games scheduled for 2014

Western Dubuque Superintendent Charged with OWI

Western Dubuque Superintendent Jeff Corkery has pleaded not guilty to an OWI charge. According to Independence police, a witness notified them about pickup that was driving all over the road on November 30th. An office located the pickup with Corkery at the wheel in a parking lot. Corkery, who pleaded not guilty on Wednesday, says he disputes the contents of the police report. School Board President Bob McCabe said Corkery will continue to lead the district as the case proceeds.

Dubuque Man Pleads Not Guilty in Death of Girlfriend's Son

A 34-year-old Dubuque man has pleaded not guilty to allegations that he killed his girlfriend's 2-year-old son. Nicholas Reed faces first-degree murder and other charges in the death of Bentley Randall. Reed entered the pleas on Wednesday.

Snowmobile Accident Injures Coggon Man

Authorities say a 42-year-old man has been injured while driving a snowmobile through a farm field in Linn County.

The Linn County Sheriff's Office says Shawn Vandivier, of Coggon, lost control of the snowmobile around 5 p.m. Monday on the south side of Central City.

Vandivier was taken to St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids and then transferred to University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.

The accident is being investigated.

Authorities Respond to Crash on Kramer Road in Dubuque County

Authorities responded to a crash on Kramer Road north of Farley Monday afternoon. Officials say the jaws of life were used to free one of the people involved in the two vehicle crash. That person was taken to Mercy in Dubuque. The crash happened around 3:45 p.m. about a half mile north of the intersection of Kramer and Prier Roads.

Fire Destroys Hopkinton Building

Firefighters say fire has destroyed a building at Bacon Recycling in Hopkinton. Fire Chief Craig Wilson said the blaze began around 5 a.m. Saturday and had consumed the building by the time his crew arrived on scene. Wilson says the building was made of aluminum and was storing cardboard and plastic for recycling. Wilson says the heat of the fire caused the walls to collapse. Fire crews from Delhi and Monticello also responded. Wilson says about 60 firefighters battled the blaze.

Monticello Man Dies in Highway 151 Crash

One person was killed and another injured in a crash Friday evening on Highway 151 in Jones County. Authorities say 50-year-old Randy Hartwig of Monticello was southbound when his tow tow truck crossed the median and hit a semi driven by 32-year-old Jason Fagan of Onslow. Both were taken to Jones Regional Medical Center where Hatwig died. That crash happened just north of the Highway 64 interchange.

Man Who Escaped From Delaware County Captured in Indiana

The man who escaped from the Delaware County Jail on November 18 has been captured in Lafeytte, Indiana. Deputies with the U.S. Marshal's Service and Indiana authorities found Timothy Reynolds hiding in a basement crawl space on Wednesday. He was arrested without incident. Delaware County authorities say Reynolds assaulted a jailer and stole his SUV during his escape. He was being held in Indiana pending extradition back to Iowa.

Iowa Officials Identify Body Found in Trailer Fire near Centralia

Authorities have identified the man found inside burned out trailer near Centralia.
The Dubuque County Sheriff's Office says 84-year-old Leonard Behnke was found inside his home after the fire was reported early Thursday morning. Firefighters from the Centralia-Peosta Fire Department say the trailer was engulfed in flames when they arrived around 5 a.m. Authorities say they're investigating the cause of the fire.

DNR Approves Lake Delhi Wastewater Plan, Work Continues on Access Plan

Lake Delhi officials are continuing to work on requirements to secure state funding for the rebuilding of the lake. The Board of Trustees said the DNR has accepted their wastewater plan, and they are working on changes to the public access plan. Lawmakers approved a total of five million dollars in state funding to help rebuild Lake Delhi as long as they met the requirements of that agreement.

Attorney Wants Interview Out of Manchester Homicide Case

An attorney for a man facing charges in a double homicide in Manchester wants part of a police interview kept out of his client's upcoming trial.

The attorney for Brandon Ahlers argued at a hearing Tuesday that police expressed or implied leniency during an interview in return for Ahlers' statements. A judge will make a ruling on the request at a later date.

Ahlers is charged with aiding and abetting in the killings of Richard and Janet Sweet. Prosecutors say he suggested to his friend, Isaiah Sweet, different ways to kill the couple.

Sweet is charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the shooting deaths of his grandparents.

Both have pleaded not guilty. Their trials are scheduled to begin in March.

Sheriff: 2 Bodies were Found in Iowa Wildlife Area

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — A sheriff says hunters found the bodies believed to be two missing cousins in a secluded wildlife area about 25 miles from where they vanished in July.

Bremer County Sheriff Dewey Hildebrandt said the bodies were found in the park along the Wapsipinicon that is a popular area for hunting and fishing. Hildebrandt says investigators from his office, the FBI and other agencies are processing the crime scene.

Authorities said hunters on Wednesday found the bodies believed to be Elizabeth Collins and Lyric Cook. The bodies have been sent to the state medical examiner's office in Ankeny for identification. Authorities will release more information later today.

Hunters Find Bodies Believed to be 2 Iowa Cousins

EVANSDALE, Iowa (AP) — Authorities say hunters have found bodies believed to be two young Iowa cousins who disappeared while riding their bikes in July.
Black Hawk County sheriff's Captain Rick Abben says two bodies were found Wednesday in a wooded area, though he wouldn't say where.

He says the families of the cousins, 9-year-old Elizabeth Collins and 11-year-old Lyric Cook, were told of the discovery and are asking for privacy.

Abben appeared to fight back tears, saying "it's definitely not the outcome that we wanted."

Abben says the bodies are being sent to the state medical examiner's office for identification.

The girls vanished July 13th near Meyers Lake in Evansdale in northeast Iowa.

Their bikes were found near the lake.

Iowa Regents Vote to Freeze Tuition _ For Now

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — The Iowa Board of Regents has voted not to raise tuition charges for in-state undergraduate students for next school year — at least for now.
The board gave final approval to its tuition freeze plan during a telephone meeting Wednesday, with no discussion. The freeze is the first of its kind in Iowa in memory and is sure to be popular with students and parents.

But the plan is contingent on lawmakers approving a funding increase to operate the state's three public universities, which is by no means a sure thing. Leaders say it's too soon to know how the proposal will fare.

Board members have warned they may raise tuition in the spring if the Legislature does not come through.

Bill Hits $1.1M for Iowan Accused of Killing Boy

Bond has been set at $1.1 million for a Dubuque man who's accused of killing a 2-year-old who'd been left in his care.

A $750,000 bail was set during a video court appearance Tuesday for 34-year-old Nicholas Reed. The bail is in addition to $350,000 bail set after Reed was arrested on neglect and drug charges. Bentley Randall's mother had taken him to a Dubuque hospital on Nov. 23 for treatment of burns and head trauma. The boy died at University Hospitals in Iowa City.

Police say Bentley's mother had left him with Reed, her boyfriend, when she went to work. She took the boy to the hospital when she returned.

Ex-Iowa School Official to Avoid Prison for Theft

A judge has declined to give prison time to a former school district administrator caught stealing tens of thousands of dollars.

Prosecutor Rob Sand asked for prison time Monday for former Starmont School District business manager Vicki Vanter. Sand said prison was appropriate because her long-running theft amounted to "a number of crimes over a number of years."

Judge Richard Stochl instead ordered Vanter on probation for up to five years, citing the 61-year-old's age and remorse. He says he's mindful that she'll be more likely to pay restitution of $150,000 if she isn't jailed.

Vanter was arrested after a June audit alleged she wasted $229,000 paying off personal expenses such as credit card debt and improperly inflating her salary and benefits.

Judge Delays Ruling in Field of Dreams Zoning Dispute

The judge handling a dispute about the zoning change for the Field of Dreams property has delayed a ruling on the issue. Judge Thomas Bitter announced he needs more time to consider a motion by the Residential and Agricultural Advisory Committee to amend its petition contesting the re-zoning. The RAAC is seeking a writ which would allow the court to eventually determine the legality of the city council’s decision to rezone the property for the All Star Ballpark project. The judge last month decided not to issue a writ, but the committee filed a motion asking him to reconsider.

Fire Damages Monticello Businesses

An early morning fire damaged businesses in downtown Monticello. Fire crews were called out around 3:40 this morning. Officials say the hardest hit building is the one occupied by Monticello Carpet and Interiors. Flames also spread to a neighboring building, and others had some smoke and water damage. The cause of that fire is under investigation. A damage estimate was not available. Crews from the Manchester, Cascade, Hopkinton and Anamosa Fire Departments assisted.

Dyersville Man Faces Drug Charges

A Dyersville man faces drug charges after authorities searched his residence Monday. Robert Mueller the Second was arrested at his home on Fourth Street Southeast after the Dubuque Drug Task Force found precursors and other items to produce meth. Mueller was charged with manufacturing meth within 1,000 feet of a protected area. Additional charges are pending.

Trial Date Change in Manchester Murder Case

The trial date for a man accused of helping a teen charged with killing his grandparents has been changed. 20-year-old Brandon Ahlers is charged with aiding and abetting Isaiah Sweet in the death of Richard and Janet Sweet of Manchester. Ahlers is now scheduled to go on trial March 6, the same day as Sweet.

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