DES MOINES, Iowa (KCRG) – The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has identified the first case of West Nile Virus of the year so far. HHS says that the case was reported in an adult between the ages of 18-40 in eastern Iowa. The test was confirmed at the State Hygienic Laboratory. Bites from infected mosquitoes are the main way the virus spreads. In a news release, HHS shared some tips on how Iowans can protect themselves against the virus. “For the best protection against the virus, Iowans should use an insect repellent with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, 2-undecanone, or IR3535. Insect repellent lowers the risk of mosquito bites.” Other protection steps include wearing long-sleeved shirts, socks and shoes when outside. Officials say to also empty standing water from buckets, cans, pool covers, pet dishes and more.
IOWA CITY, Iowa (KCRG) – A 17-year-old facing multiple counts of attempted murder in connection to a shooting at the Iowa City Ped Mall has had his request for a separate trial denied. On April 17 shortly before 2:00 a.m., five bystanders were hurt in a shooting that broke out after a fight. Damarian Jones requested to have a separate trial from the other person charged in the case, 17-year-old Ka’Mari Dozier. Dozier faces an attempted murder charge for providing the gun used in the shooting to Jones. According to court documents, Jones said he anticipates he would be prejudiced by having a joint trial with Dozier. He also entered pleas of not guilty to the charges in June. Both Jones and Dozier are set to begin trial on August 18.
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – The discussion of a brand new jail and sheriff’s office continues in Johnson County. Johnson County of Supervisors will vote Thursday on whether or not to add a ballot measure for voters this fall. The supervisors discussed that resolution during a work session Wednesday morning. The issue of a new jail and sheriff’s office has been a divisive topic, even among board members. The supervisors have clashed over things like size, cost and public input. Several people spoke about the jail and sheriff’s office during public comment. One resident, defense attorney Anthony Haughton, spoke in favor of a new facility, saying the city would save money to house inmates at and transport them to other jails. The proposed jail and sheriff’s office would cost $96 million and add $107 per $100,000 in taxable property value to taxpayers. That tax increase would last 10 years. The facility would be built near Melrose and Slothower Road. The facility would include 120 beds, which county officials said will prevent inmates from transferring due to space limitations.
MARION, Iowa (KCRG) – A man was taken to the hospital with serious injuries after a rollover crash shortly after midnight Wednesday, according to the Linn County Sheriff’s Office. The driver lost control of the vehicle before it rolled into a bean field off Highway 13 south of Martin Creek Road. The car landed on its roof. Officials said the driver was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. Traffic charges are pending.
