DES MOINES, Iowa (KCRG) – On Thursday, the Satanic Temple of Iowa announced that its display at the Iowa Capitol had been significantly damaged. The controversial display, which Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds called “objectionable,” featured a ram’s head covered with mirrors on a mannequin before being damaged. Organizers say it’s a symbol of their right to religious freedom. The Satanic Temple of Iowa posted the following message on its Facebook page: “This morning, we were informed by authorities that the Baphomet statue in our holiday display was destroyed beyond repair. We are proud to continue our holiday display for the next few days that we have been allotted. We ask that for safety, visitors travel together and use the 7 Tenets as a reminder for empathy, in the knowledge that justice is being pursued the correct way, through legal means.” KCCI has reported that 35-year-old Michael Cassidy of Lauderdale, Mississippi, was charged with Criminal Mischief in the 4th Degree. He has since been released.
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – Two people are displaced after a fire broke out at their home. It happened just after 10:30 p.m. Thursday in the 2100 block of Glass Road Northeast. Officials say they received a call about fire coming from the side of the house. When firefighters arrived, flames were coming from the first and second floors. The two people inside the home were able to get out unharmed. Crews were able to get the fire under control. The cause is still under investigation.
ANAMOSA, Iowa (KCRG) -On Thursday, the Anamosa Community School District held a groundbreaking for a new addition that will provide more space for the school. The addition will include a new gym, weight rooms, locker rooms, indoor track, facilities, and a parking lot. It should be ready for the start of the school year in 2025. The project is expected to cost around $22.5 million. Crews are expected to start working on the new gym by December 21, 2025.
TOLEDO, Iowa (KCRG) – A nativity scene is back at the Toledo Fire Department, continuing a tradition that’s lasted nearly 15 years. Last week, The Freedom from Religion Foundation sent a letter to city officials requesting the nativity scene be removed from government property. The letter said the display violated the laws requiring the separation of church and state. Right after the letter was sent, the nativity scene was moved to private property, the yard of a retired firefighter a couple of hundred feet away. However, many in the town wanted to see the display reinstated in front of the Fire Department. Approximately 75 people showed up at this past Monday’s City Council meeting to find a solution that would put the display back in its traditional place. Now, officials have confirmed that the nativity scene has been moved back to the Fire Department – along with a display of Santa Claus. They say that by adding a secular holiday symbol in Santa Claus to the scene, the display then becomes constitutional and able to be on government property.
