KEOKUK, Iowa (AP) — A Fort Madison man has been charged with murder in the death of a woman who was stabbed in downtown Keokuk. The Hawk Eye newspaper reports police were called to a stabbing Tuesday morning and found 27-year-old Calove Sackman on a downtown sidewalk. Sackman, of Keokuk, had multiple stab wounds to her torso and died later at a hospital.

Police say she identified her assailant to a witness, and early Wednesday a Lee County deputy arrested 24-year-old Adam Golden McCain, of Fort Madison. The deputy charged McCain with traffic infractions, and he then was turned over to Keokuk police, who charged him with first-degree murder.

Sackman and McCain had previously been in a long-term relationship.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The agency that runs Iowa’s affordable housing programs will reimburse the state $4.15 million for payouts to victims of sexual harassment by its former director. The Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) board voted Wednesday to grant Gov. Kim Reynolds’ request to reimburse the general fund for the cost of the settlements.

The state agreed Monday to pay $2.35 million to one former employee, and $1.8 million to a current employee to settle claims stemming from their harassment by former Iowa Finance Authority director Dave Jamison. Reynolds says the state is considering whether to seek restitution from Jamison, a former ally whom she fired last year.

The authority board voted to amend its $54.6 million budget for the year that ends June 30 to cover the $4.15 million cost. Most of the budget comes from non-state funding such as revenue from bonds and loans.

Agency director Debi Durham says the payment will come out of a reserve fund that contains interest on investments and the diversion will not affect its programs or services.

Three area fire departments were called to a structure Tuesday night at about 6:30 pm. The Irwin Fire and Rescue Department, Defiance Fire and Rescue and Manilla Fire and Rescue Departments all responded to a house fire at 2213 Umbrella Road, north of Irwin. Firefighters fought for over 5 hours to put the fire out. No one lived in the residence and it was reported that no utilities were running to the house.

It is reported that one firefighter from Irwin fell from a ladder and was taken to Myrtue Medical Center for x-rays and observation. The firefighter was treated and was allowed to go home last night. No other injuries were reported. The house is considered a total loss. The fire is under investigation.

(Thanks to our sister station KNOD in Harlan)

The Cass County Sheriff’s Office reports three arrests took place from Jan. 31st to Feb. 4th. On the 4th, 28-year old Justin Dale Hardisty, of Cumberland, was arrested on a felony charge of OWI 3rd or Subsequent offense, and an aggravated misdemeanor charge of Driving While Barred (Aggravated). Hardisty was taken to the Cass County Jail and released later that day on his own recognizance. On Feb. 2nd, 46-year old Scott William McAfee, of Adair, was arrested for OWI 1st Offense. McAfee was taken to the Cass County Jail and released later that day on his own recognizance.

And, on January 31st, 40-year old Travis Lee Demey, of Carroll, was arrested by Cass County Deputies on a District Court warrant for Probation Violation. Demey was taken to the Cass County Jail where he remains held on $25,000 bond.