From the KCRG-TV9 Newsroom:
Strong winds, hail, and a rope tornado spotted near West Branch were part of a thunderstorm system that swept through eastern Iowa yesterday afternoon. Hail damaged homes in Ottumwa. Some damage was reported in Johnson and Cedar counties. Power outages were reported in Washington, Johnson, Keokuk, and other southeastern counties.
Iowa National Guard soldiers are back home tonight, as 60 members just returned from the Middle East. These National Guard troops have been overseas in Syria for nearly a year, stopping in Germany and Texas before finally making it to Cedar Rapids yesterday afternoon. The families say they’re grateful to have their loved ones home safe, following the deaths of two Iowa National Guardsmen at the hands of an ISIS gunman in December. There are still Iowa National Guard soldiers serving in Iraq and Syria as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, which is targeting ISIS in those countries. A welcome home ceremony for those 140 troops is expected to be announced in the coming days.
Marshall County Emergency Management says it is feeling the impact of the partial federal government shutdown and holdup in funding for Homeland Security. The agency is responsible for preparing and executing plans to keep the public safe. It says it applies for grants through FEMA, which DHS oversees. But right now, this process is on hold. The grant partially funds some of the staff’s salaries. Without it, the county has to cover the loss with local dollars.
Iowa Democrat candidate for governor Rob Sand wants to put age and term limits on state lawmakers. He has not yet proposed specific year limits, saying he’d work that out with the legislature. Sand says he believes Republican lawmakers, who have majorities in the House and Senate, would support the plan. Sand does not have an opponent in the June primary election.
Cedar Rapids commuters need to prepare for some downtown traffic changes. On Monday, work is set to begin on the first phase on the 3rd Avenue Bridge over the Cedar River. The east half of the bridge will close from Mays Island to the east bank of the river starting next week. The west half of the bridge, from Mays Island to 1st Street SW, will close to through traffic, but parking will still be available on this portion of the bridge. This set-up will be in place until late summer. You’ll still be able to get to the Linn County Courthouse from 1st Street SW. The overall project is expected to last through October.
