The statement Saturday morning from Waterloo Police Chief Joel Fitzgerald was straightforward. Gunfire broke out at a gathering of motorcycle clubs in a private club in downtown Waterloo around 3:15 Saturday morning, killing one person and wounding seven others. Four more persons were injured by broken glass or other debris as they tried to leave the scene. The building at 501 West Fourth Street formerly housed a bar, and was being used as an after-hours club. Chief Fitzgerald said police were nearby and heard the shots, so they were on the scene virtually immediately. Investigators are still trying to determine whether there was more than one shooter and no arrests have been made. Police are asking witnesses to come forward and have even set up a website so witnesses may upload any video or photos they have.
Iowa school regulators have temporarily removed the top two officials in the Davenport school district amid concerns about inequities in discipline for minority students, plus inadequate special education and school safety. The State Board of Education decided Friday to replace Superintendent Robert Kobylski and Chief Financial Officer Claudia Wood while the district rectifies deficiencies; officials say Davenport schools have failed to make progress on goals outlined by the state over the past three years. The agency called the decision “a critical step” toward ensuring a quality education in a safe and secure environment.
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One person was killed, seven others shot, and four more injured by debris…this following a pre-dawn shooting in downtown Waterloo Saturday morning. That’s Waterloo Mayor Quentin Hart, speaking at a news briefing Saturday morning. More than a hundred people, apparently tied to motorcycle clubs, were in a so-called after hours club at 501 West Fourth Street when a disagreement led to at least one person firing a gun. A further disturbance broke out at a hospital later among friends of the injured. Officials are asking for the public’s help in identifying those responsible. Waterloo Police have now set up a web site so witnesses can upload photo or video they have of the scene and its aftermath.
The Waterloo City Council will consider traffic ordinances today, including one that would clarify the amount of time visitors can park recreational vehicles at Waterloo houses. The existing ordinance permits up to three recreational vehicles, such as RVs and travel trailers, to be parked on one- or two-family residential properties. The new part of the ordinance specifies that visitors can park their recreational vehicles at Waterloo houses for up to 30 days each calendar year.
Marion Police yesterday confirmed the death of a four-year-old child that was struck by a car four days ago. It happened in the late afternoon in the 2300 block of 31st Street when the child crossed the street in front of the car. The driver was not hurt. The investigation into this now deadly collision continues.
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President Trump nominated Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court Saturday…the nomination will now come before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Both of Iowa’s U.S. Senators serve on the committee. Following the nomination, Sen. Joni Ernst said Barrett would join “a growing, but still far too small, group of women nominated to serve on our nation’s highest court. Grassley chaired the committee when Barrett was appointed three years ago to the Seventh Circuit; he called her a “stellar candidate.”
Supporters of President Trump organized a large parade Saturday in Des Moines. A parade line some three miles long, made up of some 600 cars, trucks and motorcycles, drove through Iowa’s capitol city with flags and signs. The parade ended on Grand Avenue near the Statehouse. Organizers said it was also a Back the Blue event supporting law enforcement.
One guard was hurt at a state prison on Saturday night after an incident involving an inmate. Iowa Department of Corrections officials say an inmate hit one of the corrections officers in the face with a closed fist at the Anamosa State Penitentiary at around 6:45 p.m. Saturday. Other employees helped subdue the inmate. The guard that was punched was not injured, but another one that helped in the response was taken to the hospital for treatment of a foot injury. An investigation into the matter is ongoing.
Gov. Kim Reynolds has extended the closing of bars and taverns in Johnson and Story counties by one week, through next Sunday, October 4. The business are still allowed to sell alcohol for off-site consumption.
