From the KCRG-TV9 Newsroom:
Several school districts across the state were victims of fake active shooter calls Tuesday, in what may have been a coordinated effort to disrupt schools throughout the region. The so-called “swatting” incident involved 30 schools in Iowa, including Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Decorah, Clinton, Davenport and counties including Story and Polk. Iowa Department of Safety Commissioner Stephan Bayens said there were similarities in all of the phone calls. Law enforcement says it appears the same entity or person made all of the phone calls. The Department is continuing to work with the Federal Bureau of Investigation to investigate and identify the caller.
Thursday will mark two years since the murders of two workers at the Anamosa State Penitentiary. The family of one of the victims has made new claims in a wrongful death lawsuit. Lorena Schulte worked as a prison nurse. Robert McFarland worked as a corrections officer. Schulte’s family says other nurses had been assaulted and held hostage before the attack. The lawsuit also claims at least one inmate had tried to escape through the infirmary before. Schulte’s family originally filed the lawsuit against the Iowa Department of Corrections last year.
Two Dubuque public venues are looking to get more money in the coming year. As part of the city’s on-going budget hearings, the Grand River convention Center is asking for $1.1 million dollars, up from around $400 thousand. Officials say upgrades, repairs, and new management companies are the reason for the increase. And the Five Flags Center is asking for $1.3 million dollars. This is up from $1 million dollars in 2022. The council has already approved a $24 million dollar renovation plan over the next 5 years for the arena.
And here’s another sign that Spring has arrived. Gardner Golf Course in Cedar Rapids opens to the public this morning. TwinPines opened yesterday. And for those of you who just like putting around…the miniature golf course, “Mini Pines,” is also now open.
