From the KCRG-TV9 Newsroom:
A Linn County jury yesterday heard how a Marion woman was killed, and her body later found at Lake Lily in Amana. The testimony came during Day 5 of Dakota Van Patten’s first degree murder trial in the killing of Melody Hoffman. Dr. Kelly Kruse says the cause of death was strangulation, and that Hoffman also suffered blunt force injuries to her head, five stab wounds, and numerous cuts. Dr. Kruse says the injuries were consistent with the rope, machete, and knives shown as evidence. Testimony continues today in the trial. If Van Patten is found guilty, he would be automatically sentenced to life in prison.
A newborn baby boy was surrendered as part of the Safe Haven program. According to Iowa Health and Human Services, the boy was born September 8. The boy is the fourth Safe Haven baby this year and 78th since the program began. The Safe Haven program allows parents to give up the baby at locations like hospitals or police and fire stations.
Dubuque Initiatives says it’s extending its $100 airfare rebate program for travelers who purchase round-trip tickets on Denver Air Connection flights at the Dubuque Regional Airport. The new deadline is Friday, October 31. There are no restrictions on when the flights take place. As of yesterday, nearly 500 rebate requests have been received.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources says bird flu has been detected in Dubuque. Canada geese are the most impacted species, but some ducks and pelicans are also affected. The DNR is telling people to keep their distance from sick birds, or those that are easily approached. It’s asking people to report sightings to Dubuque County Conservation.
There’s a brand new mural for people to enjoy in Cedar Rapids’ NewBo neighborhood. The Floral Energy Mural is on the Fulton Lofts Building on Third Street, near NewBo City Market. The original artist behind the painting is Nathalia Gellego Sanchez. Visa issues stopped her from coming back to the U.S. to finish her work in person. A local artist helped complete the project that was dedicated yesterday.
