BENTON COUNTY, Iowa (KCRG) – Benton County will pay a quarter of a million dollars to a former employee following an incident with the Benton County Supervisor Chairman. Video released by the county shows Benton County Supervisor Chairman Tracy Seeman engaging in conversation with a female deputy, followed by Seeman patting the deputy on her behind. The deputy then grimaces as she walks away. As part of the settlement the female employee will “voluntarily” resign, never work for Benton County again, and agree not to pursue any other legal action against the county. The settlement also comes shortly after the Benton County Board of Supervisors cited an increase in the county Board of Health’s budget as the reason for the entire Board of Health’s termination.
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – A Cedar Rapids school was temporarily placed on hold Wednesday following a report that a student brought a weapon to class. At approximately 11:53 a.m., a teacher informed the Prairie High School administration that an individual had reported to them that a student brought a weapon to school. At this point, multiple students in question were taken to the administrative office. School Resource Officers and Cedar Rapids Police were called to the campus in order to investigate. Roughly 30 minutes later school staff and Cedar Rapids Police made the decision to place the building on hold. District officials say a hold is called “to allow all administrative and security staff to focus on a situation or event in the building by keeping students in class and eliminating transitions in the building.” Following an investigation, officials found that a student had brought a pellet gun to the school. The gun was secured and the building was released from a hold at 1:28 pm. School officials say that weapons violations are subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion.
DES MOINES, Iowa (KCRG) – Following First Gentleman Kevin Reynolds’ lung cancer diagnosis in late September, Governor Kim Reynolds says her husband is responding well to treatment. “He’s been in treatment for about a month. I’m happy to say that the radiation has really eliminated, kicked the pain that was in the spine. So, that has been true blessing. It’s helped his attitude quite a bit to not be in so much pain. He’s on an oral immune therapy drug for the tumor and hopefully if this works then we won’t have to do chemo,” Reynolds said. The First Gentleman is receiving treatment at the John Stoddard Cancer Center in Des Moines. “We’re just taking it one step at a time but he’s doing well. We’re very optimistic about the outcome,” Reynolds said. When asked if the First Gentleman would get involved with advocacy, Reynolds noted her husband’s reserved nature but said, “You bet we will”.
CORALVILLE, Iowa (KCRG) – Four new businesses are coming to the Iowa River Landing this fall and early next year. AllSpice Culinarium, Hokkaido Ramen House, Ekin Nutrition and Modern Market Eatery are set to open in the area, with two of them opening in the new Staybridge building. These new businesses join five other businesses that have opened there in 2023, including Blue Agave Mexican Restaurant, The GYM and X-Golf Simulator. Beno’s Flowers is also planning a pop-up shop at the Iowa River Landing for this holiday season that will feature local flowers, custom bouquets and holiday decor.
