WATERLOO, Iowa (KCRG) – Tuesday morning at approximately 8:30 am, police responded to the 700 block of Kern Street for a welfare check call. Officers arrived to find 40-year-old Robert Smull holding a female and several children against their will inside. Hostage Negotiators, the Waterloo Police Department Tactical Unit, and Crisis Intervention Unit were activated. After several hours of negotiations, the female and children were able to exit the residence. Smull surrendered outside and was arrested. He was charged with Domestic Assault in the First Degree, Criminal Mischief in the Fourth Degree, and Probation Violation.
JOHNSON COUNTY, Iowa (KCRG) – Johnson County Public Health is working closely with the Iowa Department of Public Health to investigate the circumstances regarding the first confirmed case of monkeypox in the county. Monkeypox infections occur through skin-to-skin contact, body fluids, or touching shared items that have been in contact with bodily fluids and or monkeypox rashes/sores. The virus can also spread through respiratory secretions that occur during kissing, cuddling, or sex. Monkeypox is not generally considered an STI but can be transmitted during intimate contact. People usually develop monkeypox 7 to 14 days (up to 21 days) after being exposed. Symptoms can include fever, fatigue, and enlarged lymph nodes followed by a rash. Johnson County Public Health encourages individuals who have symptoms of monkeypox, particularly the characteristic rash or sore, to reach out to their medical provider.
INDEPENDENCE, Iowa (KCRG) – Brad Bleichner will become Independence’s next Mayor, after winning Tuesday’s special election. Unofficial election results show Bleichner winning an impressive 72.7% of the votes compared to challengers Nathan Hansen (20.44%) and Denny Vaughn (6.57%). The candidates ran to replace Bob Hill, who died in April after becoming mayor in January. The special election came after City Manager Al Roder resigned for a new position in Minnesota, according to the Independence City Clerk. Bleichner told TV-9 he would like to develop a plan for the city’s trails, make the post office more accessible, improve 1st St., and increase options for childcare in town.
IOWA CITY, Iowa (KCRG) – A proposal for a student-built house in an Iowa City neighborhood is moving forward. City council members gave their support to that proposal earlier this month. The proposal will provide the city with more affordable housing while also giving students the chance to explore career paths. The Student Built House program in Iowa City stopped in 2010, but it’s coming back because of that desire to give students as many options as possible. The next step is to produce an agreement to sell the property to the Housing Fellowship.
