CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – Linn County Supervisor Ben Rogers is stepping down to take a new position with UnityPoint Health -St. Luke’s Foundation. Rogers gave his resignation to the Linn County Auditor Monday morning. It will become effective April 1. Rogers has been on the board of supervisors since 2009. It will be up to Linn County officials to determine how to fill the vacancy.
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – The Cedar Rapids Fire Department says the Red Cross is helping after a home was significantly damage by fire Monday morning. The Cedar Rapids Fire Department says firefighters responded to the 300 block of 31st Street Dr. SE at 8:06 a.m. for a report of a house fire. Crews at the scene found fire and smoke coming from the upper level of the home’s back side. Firefighters used hose lines while rescue teams went inside the home to make sure no people were still inside. The fire was brought under control about 17 minutes after crews were called. Five people and four pets were able to escape safely thanks to properly working smoke alarms. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
DES MOINES, Iowa (KCRG) – MidAmerican Energy announced new proposed projects to add solar energy sites and two natural gas-fired combustion turbines as demand for electricity grows. Leaders with the company said plans were filed Monday for a solar energy project involving about six sites across the state that would generate up to 800 megawatts of power. Site locations were not announced, as some have yet to be finalized. MidAmerican said it is requesting approval from the Iowa Utilities Commission for the solar project by August, with construction beginning in 2026. The company would also develop two natural gas-fired combustion turbines in Adair County that leaders say would generate 465 megawatts of power starting in 2028. During construction, the project would provide 400 jobs, and up to five skilled, craft jobs after completion.
TIFFIN, Iowa (KCRG) – A Tiffin man has been charged with Operating While Intoxicated after he was stopped while driving at speeds estimated at more than 100 miles per hour. According to a criminal complaint, 26-year-old Drew Zschiesche, was stopped on Village Drive at 11:44 p.m. Sunday night. The complaint says Zschiesche was observed traveling at speeds estimated to be over 100 miles per hour. Zschiesche smelled strongly of ingest alcohol, had bloodshot and watery eyes, and slurred speech. He admitted he had been drinking since 6:00 p.m. According to the complaint, a field sobriety test showed Zschiesche was visibly impaired. A Datamaster test showed he had a BAC of .153, nearly twice the legal limit to drive.
