LINN COUNTY, Iowa (KCRG) – The Linn County Sheriff’s Office says two people were injured in a crash on Highway 30 late Wednesday night. The sheriff’s office says around 9:30 p.m., 33-year-old Lindsey Clemens of Cedar Rapids was driving westbound on Highway 30 near Old River Road when she took her eyes off the road. Clemens hit another car that was also traveling westbound, causing Clemens’ car to roll before coming to a rest on its top. A Cedar Rapids man driving the second car was taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital injuries that are believed to be non-life threatening. Clemens had minor injuries. She has been charged with Failure to Maintain Control and for not wearing a seatbelt.
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – An arrest has been made in the murder of Ron Novak from over 40 years ago. The Linn County Sheriff’s Office and the Linn County Attorney’s Office held a news conference on the cold case Wednesday afternoon. Deputies arrested 64-year-old Michael Shappert of Fairview, Oregon. He is charged with first-degree murder and premeditation. Investigators say they connected him to the case through blood and touch-trace DNA located on Novak’s clothing and a hammer used in the attack. According to investigators, someone murdered Novak at his home on Rolling Acres Road about three miles north of Center Point on December 23, 1983. They found his hands tied behind his back and said someone had beaten Novak with hammers and golf clubs before shooting him. Investigators never released a motive, but say he was likely a dealer. In his home, they discovered $32,000 in cash and about $7,000 worth of marijuana. Schappert is currently in the Multnomah County, Oregon jail awaiting extradition.
STRAWBERRY POINT, Iowa (KCRG) – In a special meeting held Tuesday night, city leaders announced the Strawberry Point pool will reopen. Last month, the city announced it would close the pool due to declining use, staffing issues, and high maintenance costs. Many community members were upset by the closure. On Tuesday night, 10 to 12 people showed up to the special meeting in support of the pool. The pool is now set to open as early as possible, with the latest opening date being July 1. A pool committee was also formed, and is set to be approved at the next city council meeting. If approved, the committee will assist in hiring staff and raising money for future improvements. However, the city has already budgeted operational costs for this year, so no financial milestones will need to be met before reopening.
WAUKON, Iowa (KCRG) – The man accused of murdering his estranged wife at a home in Waukon has been found guilty of first degree murder. In January 2024, police were called to a home in Waukon for a welfare check, where they found the body of Jami Kasemeier. After police found her body, they arrested her estranged husband, Brandon Kasemeier in Loveland, Colorado. On Tuesday, Kasemeier was found guilty of murder. Kasemeier’s sentencing has been set for July 7, 2025.
