READLYN, Iowa (KCRG) – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is investigating a fish kill at Crane Creek near Readlyn in Bremer County. On July 19, officials were notified of dead fish approximately 2 miles southwest of Readlyn. Investigators believe the fish kill originated at 250th Street and Piedmont Avenue. Numerous types of fish and invertebrates were found dead nearly 20 miles downstream near Dunkerton in Black Hawk County. Anyone with information, or who has seen dead or stressed fish at a lake or river, should call the DNR’s 24-hour spill line at 515-725-8694 as soon as possible. Quick reporting can help DNR staff identify the cause of a fish kill and potentially stop a fish kill in progress. Downstream water users should avoid using water from Crane Creek in the meantime. The investigation is continuing.
DES MOINES, Iowa (KCRG) – Iowa’s new abortion law is set to take effect after the Iowa Supreme Court officially denied Planned Parenthood’s application to rehear that case. The law will ban abortions once cardiac activity is detected, which is typically around 6-weeks into a pregnancy. The law does allow for some exceptions: rape if it’s reported within 45 days, incest if it’s reported within 140 days, and medical emergencies if the pregnant woman’s life is in danger. Under the law, doctors are required to let the pregnant woman know in writing whether they detected activity and whether abortion in their case is prohibited. Then, the pregnant woman must sign off, acknowledging they have received that information. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed the law in July 2023, but a judge blocked the ban. The law was on hold for nearly a year until the Iowa Supreme Court ruled 4-3 last month to let it take effect. Planned Parenthood had asked the Iowa Supreme Court to rehear the case, but with the court declining, it will now be sent to a district court judge who will decide when to officially lift the injunction on the law.
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – A 23-year-old has been charged after sexually abusing a minor. Officials say Michael Tyrell Garfield Jr. of Cedar Rapids forced a minor to engage in a sex act against her will back in April 2023. Following an interview with investigators, Garfield Jr. reportedly admitted to committing the crime to police. Garfield Jr. was charged with Sexual Abuse in the 3rd Degree – By Force, 1st Offense, and Sexual Abuse in the 3rd Degree – Child Victim-Person 4 or More Years Older, 1st Offense.
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – Cedar Rapids Police have identified the man charged in relation to a standoff incident that occurred Saturday evening. Police say officers had attempted to make a traffic stop around 6:12 p.m., when the driver refused to stop and instead eluded officials, driving in excess of 100 mph in a 30 mph zone. The suspect eventually ran into a home on Rogers Road NW and barricaded himself inside. The standoff ended at approximately 10:05 p.m. The suspect was identified as Shadow Austin Obadal of Cedar Rapids. He was charged with Eluding while Exceeding Speed Limit by 25 mph or more and Interference with Official Acts.
