DES MOINES, Iowa (Gray Iowa Capitol Bureau) – The worst of the nation’s economic issues may be behind us. At Wednesday’s Revenue Estimating Conference meeting, state leaders said that overall, Iowa’s economy is doing quite well, though there are still some pain points. Kraig Paulsen with the Iowa Department of Management said a recession isn’t as imminent as once believed. Due to recent tax cuts, state revenue is down 1% from last year. Governor Kim Reynolds wants the state income tax eliminated. Even with less revenue coming in, Paulsen says there is still more room for cuts. Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver says the cuts are keeping more money in Iowans’ pockets and they’ll continue to seek more income tax cuts in the next session.
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – Cedar Rapids Police have arrested a 48-year-old in connection to several recent thefts of power cords and display-related items throughout Cedar Rapids. In the last week, several power cords lighting up holiday displays in Greene Square and the NewBo areas went missing. Investigators say that video evidence indicates Scott Clark of Cedar Rapids stole them. Clark was charged with three counts of Theft in the 5th Degree, Criminal Mischief, and Illegal Possession of Prescription Drugs
FAIRFIELD, Iowa (KCRG) – On Wednesday, the Jefferson County Attorney released an explanation as to why a stabbing that occurred last month has resulted in no criminal charges. On November 30, officials responded to an anonymous call in the 800 block of West Grimes Avenue about a group of individuals fighting with sticks. Responders arrived to find an adult male significantly bleeding after being stabbed in the leg by a kitchen knife. The male was transported to the hospital for treatment of his injuries. According to investigators, conflicting statements were obtained by law enforcement relating to the facts that gave rise to the stabbing. Officials determined that a disagreement among family members culminated in a physical struggle among numerous individuals which then resulted in a female stabbing the male individual in the leg with the knife. The female individual indicated to police that the knife was used in self-defense, which could not be verified by law enforcement. The male victim in the incident also refused to cooperate with police in regards to criminal prosecution, saying “We don’t do family like that.” In a statement, the Jefferson County Attorney says that a cooperating victim’s testimony is not necessary for criminal prosecution. However, with the conflicting witness reports, and the inability to verify whether or not the female party in question did commit the act in self-defense, probable cause could not be established. Officials say no criminal charges will be issued regarding the incident, barring the development of substantial additional evidence.
DUBUQUE, Iowa (KCRG) – On Tuesday, at approximately 12:05 p.m., officers responded to the 1100 block of Race St. for a report of a disturbance. Investigators say a teenage victim was involved in an altercation with 20-year-old Makayla Smith after Smith accused them of stealing clothes. Smith reportedly bit the victim two times on the forearm and then grabbed two knives from the kitchen and slashed at them. Smith was charged with Going Armed with Intent.
