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Woman dies after being shot while driving in eastern Iowa

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April 28th, 2019 by Ric Hanson

(UPDATE) WATERLOO, Iowa (AP) — A former University of Northern Iowa softball player was killed when she was struck by a bullet in the neck while driving on U.S. Highway 218 early Sunday morning. According to Waterloo Police, 25-year old Micalla Alexis Rettinger, of Cedar Falls, was identified as the woman pronounced dead following the incident that happened at around 2:40-a.m., Sunday.  A passenger in her vehicle, 32-year old Adam Jake Kimball was injured in the shooting.

According to police, Rettinger was driving southbound on Highway 218 when a bullet shattered a side window and hit her in the neck. The projectile then struck Kimball. Rettinger pulled over near the Greenhill Road exit and was pronounced dead at the scene. Police say Kimball was taken to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City and is expected to survive. A second man in the vehicle wasn’t injured.

Police say the shooting happened as Rettinger’s Jeep was crossing the bridge over Brinker Lake and the Cedar River. The area below is heavily wooded. Waterloo Police were investigating the area around Brinker Lake as they continue to investigate the shooting. Initial reports are that there were no other vehicles on the highway in that area, and there hadn’t been any trouble or other incident leading up to the shooting. Police haven’t received any other reports of vehicles damaged by gunfire, and there were no reports of gunshots in any surrounding areas during the time frame. Investigators are collecting fragments of the bullet for ballistics purposes.

Rettinger, a native of Lenexa, Kansas, was a four-year softball player at UNI from 2013-2016.

Red Oak woman arrested on an assault charge

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April 28th, 2019 by Ric Hanson

Red Oak Police, Saturday night, arrested a woman on an assault charge. 49-year-old Kristen Marie Hughes, of Red Oak, was taken into custody just before 10-p.m. on a charge of domestic abuse assault/2nd offense.

She was transported to the Montgomery county jail and held without bond pending an appearance before the magistrate.

1 dead 1 hurt in Poweshiek County crash, Sunday morning

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April 28th, 2019 by Ric Hanson

A single vehicle rollover accident at around 3-a.m. Sunday in Poweshiek County has claimed a life. The Iowa State Patrol reports, a 2018 Chevy Cruze driven by 46-year old Matthew T. Gibson, of Brooklyn (IA) was traveling west on Old Highway 6, when Gibson failed to negotiate a curve.

The vehicle entered the north ditch and rolled several times. A passenger in the cas, 37-year old Jason W. Hayes, of Guernsey, who was not wearing a seat belt, was ejected and died at the scene. Gibson was wearing his seat belt. He was transported by ambulance to the hospital in Grinnell.

The State Patrol was assisted at the scene by the Poweshiek County Sheriff’s Office, Brooklyn Fire and the East Poweshiek County Ambulance.

Nominate a woman? Some Democratic women aren’t so sure

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April 28th, 2019 by Ric Hanson

TIPTON, Iowa (AP) — Some Democratic women say they’re worried about nominating a woman for president after Hillary Clinton’s loss to Donald Trump.

The Associated Press talked to dozens of women in early-voting states who express that concern — even a record number of women are seeking the party’s presidential nomination in 2020. These worries are creating a paradox for Democrats.

Women are among the party’s most energized and engaged voters, making up more than half the electorate in the 2018 midterms, when Democrats sent a historic number of women to Congress.

But the Oval Office has been elusive. And given Democrats’ deep desire to oust Trump, some don’t want to take any chances with their nominee.

Man convicted of kidnapping, trying to kill woman in Iowa

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April 28th, 2019 by Ric Hanson

INDEPENDENCE, Iowa (AP) — A jury has convicted a Waterloo man kidnapping and trying to kill a woman by intentionally wrecking the car they were in last April.
Cedar Rapids television station KCRG reports that 55-year-old Ronald Share was convicted Friday of kidnapping, attempted murder, willful injury and eluding police.

He faces a mandatory life sentence on the kidnapping count alone when he’s sentenced June 25.

Prosecutors say Share kidnapped a woman who had a restraining order against him and told her he was going to kill her by crashing the car he forced her into. She called 911, and when police spotted the car and tried to stop it, Share led them on a chase reaching 100 mph on I-380 in northeastern Iowa.

Police say he then intentionally drove the car into a guardrail while speeding at about 90 mph, causing serious injuries to the woman and himself.

Griswold School Board Special Meeting – Monday, 4/29/19

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April 28th, 2019 by Ric Hanson

The Board of Education of the Griswold Community School District will meet in a special session 5-p.m. Monday, April 29th, at the Middle School/High School Library. The purpose of the meeting is to accept an offer to sell the Elliott school building, and the possible hire of an assistance high school softball coach.

The public is invited to comment on either matter prior the the Board’s consideration of the sale and hire. A decision is expected on both matters prior to the Board’s adjournment.

Utah truck driver dies in Jasper County crash, Saturday

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April 28th, 2019 by Ric Hanson

A semi tractor-trailer crashed into a bridge support pillar off I-80 in Jasper County, Saturday evening, killing the driver. The Iowa State Patrol reports 38-year old Mose Airti, of Clinton, Utah, died when the 2017 Freightliner semi went out of control at around 6:20-p.m. on I-80 westbound, near mile marker 161.

The rig entered the median before crashing into the bridge support pillar. Arti died at the scene. The accident remains under investigation. The Jasper County Sheriff’s Office and Newton Fire and Rescue assisted at the scene.

Iowa early News Headlines: Sunday, April 28 2019

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April 28th, 2019 by Ric Hanson

Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press at 5:40 a.m. CDT

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa lawmakers have ended the 2019 legislative session. Legislators adjourned the session Saturday that was highlighted by the passage of bills that authorize farmers to grow hemp, gamblers to bet on sports and a requirement that local governments publicize and get a supermajority vote on property tax increases. The session ended with bills on gun rights, abortion, animal abuse penalties, traffic cameras, Medicaid work requirements, judge selection and solar energy fees left unfinished.

DUBUQUE, Iowa (AP) — A blast of winter in late spring is hitting northern and northeastern Iowa. A snowstorm that is pushing through the upper Midwest this weekend is also moving through parts of northern Iowa, dropping heavy snow in the area, including along Interstate 35 through Clear Lake and Mason City. The snow, paired with high winds, rain and fog in some places, have cut visibility and made driving in the area dangerous.

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. (AP) — A western Nebraska junior college president is taking a similar job in northeast Iowa. Western Nebraska Community College President Todd Holcomb is scheduled to take over July 1 at Hawkeye Community College in Waterloo. The Iowa college’s board voted 8-1 Tuesday evening to hire Holcomb as president to replace Linda Allen, who is retiring.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Communities across Nebraska and Iowa participated in the federal Drug Enforcement Administration’s Drug Take-Back Day this weekend. The program allowed the public to drop off unused, expired or unwanted prescription drugs at scores of collection sites across the two states, Saturday.

Lawmakers adjourn with accomplishments, unfinished business

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April 27th, 2019 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa lawmakers on Saturday ended a legislative session that was highlighted by the passage of bills that authorize farmers to grow hemp, gamblers to bet on sports and a requirement that local governments publicize and get a supermajority vote on property tax increases. To become law those measures still need the signature of Gov. Kim Reynolds, who saw some of her own priorities pass but others left for another day.

Reynolds received approval for her priority measure to establish a mental health care system for children but could not get senators to approve a constitutional amendment that would restore voting rights to felons. An amendment must pass the legislature twice before it goes to a statewide vote.

Republicans continued to hold a majority in the Legislature but lost one member when Rep. Andy McKean announced Tuesday he was leaving the party and joining the Democrats out of frustration with President Donald Trump and a party he said has shifted too far to the right. McKean’s decision leaves Republicans with a 53 to 47 majority in the House.

The 2019 session ended a week earlier than scheduled with bills on gun rights, abortion, animal abuse penalties, traffic cameras, Medicaid work requirements and solar energy fees left unfinished. “I think there are things that people would like to do that they still need to get some questions answered and understand why their colleagues aren’t supporting them,” said Republican House Speaker Linda Upmeyer.

Senate Democratic leader Janet Petersen in closing remarks criticized the lack of effort in the legislature to fix the state’s privatized Medicaid program. “Instead of focusing on health prevention and wellness efforts, our state is still reeling from the governor’s privatized Medicaid mess that has gone on for more than three years,” she said.

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Here’s a look at issues considered by lawmakers:
FELON VOTING RIGHTS
This priority of Reynolds passed the House with a strong bipartisan vote of 95-2 but it couldn’t pass the Senate, as some senators wanted to require total repayment of restitution and exclusion of those convicted of murder, rape, or child molestation.
SPORTS BETTING
Lawmakers approved a bill to authorize casinos, under the regulation of the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, to roll out betting on professional, collegiate and international sporting events, including motor racing. It excludes betting on some events, including minor leagues and in-state college team players. The bill also legalizes fantasy sports contests and internet fantasy sports betting. Reynolds must decide whether to sign it.
PROPERTY TAXES
Lawmaker passed a property tax bill that forces counties and cities to publicize and pass by a two-thirds vote any property tax increase over 2 percent. Property tax reform was a priority for Republican leaders this session but earlier bills that limited annual tax increases faded as criticism from local government officials intensified.
GROWING HEMP
A bill legalizing growing hemp was sent to Reynolds for her consideration. It allows licensed growers to cultivate the crop on up to 40 acres. Industrial hemp can be used in food, fiber, paper and other products.
ATTORNEY GENERAL RESTRICTIONS
A bill limiting the powers of the state’s attorney general developed late in the session as an amendment to a budget bill after some Republicans expressed frustration that Democrat Tom Miller joined lawsuits opposing the actions of President Donald Trump. Miller said it makes Iowa the first state to limit the attorney general to such an extreme. It requires Miller to get permission from the governor, executive council or Legislature to pursue out-of-state lawsuits. Reynolds could line-item veto it from the budget bill if she disagrees.
CHILDRENS MENTAL HEALTH
A priority of Reynolds, the bill creates a children’s behavioral health system, a state board and assigns new duties to the Department of Human Services. It also establishes regional mental health services provided through the adult Mental Health and Disability Services system. Reynolds plans on signing the bill.
JUDGE SELECTION
Lawmakers passed a bill that changes how judges for the Iowa Supreme Court and Iowa Court of Appeals are chosen to give the governor greater control and weaken the influence of attorneys. Democrats accused Republicans of attempting to stack the courts in their favor because they disagree with court rulings that overturned laws on same-sex marriage and abortion. Reynolds supported the bill.
SOLAR FEES
A bill pushed by MidAmerican Energy passed the Senate but didn’t get a vote in the House. It would have required homeowners, businesses and farmers who install solar panels to pay a new monthly fee, cutting into the savings customers see and discouraging future installations. It was opposed by legislators who note farmers are enduring tough times and that new fees would deprive them of an option for saving money.
RIGHT TO BEAR ARMS AMENDMENT
A constitutional amendment declaring a right of the people to keep and bear arms passed this year. It also declares any and all restrictions on gun rights shall be subject to strict scrutiny, which requires a higher bar for a court to reach before gun laws can be struck down. It must be passed a second time before going to voters. It was one of several gun rights expansion bills proposed this session but many failed to move forward, including one that would have eliminated the requirement for gun permits to own or buy a gun.
MEDICAID WORK REQUIREMENTS
A bill that would have required tens of thousands of Medicaid recipients to work to keep their benefits failed to advance despite support from some Republicans, who argued there was a “groundswell of support” for a work requirements. State officials said about 60,000 people could have been affected. Opponents say it could kick people off Medicaid who must stay home, such as to care for a parent with Alzheimer’s. Arkansas kicked 18,000 Medicaid recipients off their health insurance after last year’s enactment of the law.
NO RIGHT TO ABORTION IN CONSTITUTION
Republican Sen. Jake Chapman introduced a bill that would amend the Iowa Constitution to declare there is no right to an abortion in Iowa. The bill came just days after an Iowa judge overturned last year’s fetal heartbeat law, which banned abortions as early as six weeks into a pregnancy. Chapman said his bill, which didn’t advance, addresses what he considers judicial tyranny and overreach.
DEATH PENALTY
A Senate committee narrowly passed a death penalty bill, making it eligible for debate, but it did not advance. A similar bill last year failed to get through the committee process. The bill would have made it a capital offense to kidnap, rape and murder a minor. Iowa abolished the death penalty in 1965.
ANIMAL ABUSE
The House unanimously approved a bill that would have heightened the criminal penalties for animal abuse and neglect, animal torture and abandonment. It exempted farm livestock and some wild animals. The bill died in the Senate.
AG GAG
Gov. Kim Reynolds last month signed into law a bill that created a trespass charge for undercover investigators who get hired at a farm in order to report on animal living conditions. Animal welfare group that successfully sued the state for a previous ag-gag law have sued again in federal court to challenge the new law.
SEX REASSIGNMENT SURGERY
Conservative Republicans added a last-minute prohibition on the use of Medicaid funding to pay for sex-reassignment surgery. Backers of the amendment to a Health and Human Services funding bill say the prohibition on using federal or state money for sex reassignment surgery is a response to an Iowa Supreme Court decision. The ruling last month said the state cannot deny two transgender women Medicaid coverage for such a surgery. The bill passed despite claims by Democrats that it was a mean-spirited attempt at discrimination.

Late spring snowstorm blanketing northern, northeastern Iowa

News

April 27th, 2019 by Ric Hanson

DUBUQUE, Iowa (AP) — A blast of winter in late spring is hitting northern and northeastern Iowa. A snowstorm that is pushing through the upper Midwest this weekend is also moving through parts of northern Iowa, dropping heavy snow in the area, including along Interstate 35 through Clear Lake and Mason City. The snow, paired with high winds, rain and fog in some places, have cut visibility and made driving in the area dangerous.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for the area, including the cities of Dubuque, Maquoketa, and Waterloo, until 10 p.m. Saturday.