CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – Multiple employees were impacted by layoffs at the CRST last week. The Cedar Rapids Transportation Company and Logistics Solutions went through with a small number of layoffs last week. The reduction in workforce affected employees in Cedar Rapids. The exact number of employees is unknown. A CRST spokesperson said in a statement, “We took these steps to ensure our staff levels are aligned to the current freight market, which remains in an industry slowdown.” No other information is known at this time.
DES MOINES, Iowa (KCRG) – Iowa House Republicans elected a new Majority Leader Monday. Representative Bobby Kaufmann will serve as the House Majority Leader for the rest of the 91st General Assembly. He is replacing former Majority Leader Matt Windschitl. Kaufmann was first elected to the House in 2012 for the district that covers Wilton. “I am honored by the trust placed in me by my colleagues to serve as Majority Leader,” Kaufmann said. “This is a role I will not take lightly. I am committed to uniting our caucus to advance policies that strengthen our economy, support our families, and ensure our children will have bright futures. I look forward to working with Speaker Grassley to address the challenges and opportunities facing Iowa with bold, practical solutions.”
WEST BRANCH, Iowa (KCRG) – Iowa State Patrol tells KCRG-TV9 that three people have serious and life-threatening injuries after a crash involving a wrong-way driver on I-80 near West Branch. According to a crash report, a vehicle was traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes near mile marker 252 around 9:30 p.m. Sunday when it struck another vehicle head-on before colliding with at least three more vehicles. The crash shutdown the westbound lanes on I-80 near West Branch for a period of time.
TOLEDO, Iowa (KCRG) – A 75 pound puppy is the newest addition to Tama County. The journey to get him there was a long one, and it’s still not over. Having this K-9 as part of the sheriff’s office isn’t a want, it’s a necessity. “They are very efficient at what they do and they’re very beneficial to keep law enforcement and the public safe in situations,” said Sheriff Casey Schmidt. Tama County recently started selling t-shirts to help raise money for the K-9. The community has already stepped up to bring the dog to Tama County, and any additional funds raised will support his ongoing care. “He is with me basically 24/7. Anything from feeding to walks to just trying to keep his brain busy and keep the energy, that kind of stuff,” said Tama County Sheriff’s Deputy and K9 Handler Brandon Wall. Jax is replacing their previous K-9 who retired in January. He’s heading to training next week. In the meantime, the department and the community waits for his return. Sheriff Schmidt says by then, Jax will be a completely different dog, eager to protect Tama County.
