From the KCRG-TV9 Newsroom:
Iowa Senate Majority Leader Mike Klimesh has proposed his own way of tackling the eminent domain debate that’s divided lawmakers and property owners for years. It follows five years of disagreements over the Summit Carbon Solutions CO2 pipeline. If a landowner does not agree to have a pipeline built on their property, the pipeline company can reach out to nearby neighbors as an alternative path. After a year, if the company cannot find any willing landowners, it could ask the Iowa Utilities Commission for permission to use eminent domain and force access onto someone’s property. Lawmakers passed an eminent domain bill last session. It was vetoed by the Governor.
A community group heard the Cedar Rapids school plans to cut nearly $13 million from its budget. The school board took action Monday night to make big cuts for next school year, and is preparing a plan that could close schools and re-organize the district is expected in April. Superintendent Tawanna Lannin says the district will continue to seek public input on its districtwide plans. The Community Coalition took no action Monday night.
The Cedar Rapids School District says its District Deputy and Chief Financial Officer will retire. Karla Hogan has served as the district’s financial lead since 2023. She’s been with the district since 2017. The district says it hopes to have a new CFO by July this year.
A Northwest Iowa man is charged after over 100 dogs and several children were removed from his home. Rick Reifenrath was arrested for child endangerment and animal neglect. The Plymouth County Sheriff’s office says law enforcement searched his property in September 2025. There were reports of unsafe living conditions. At the time, 3 children and 111 dogs were removed from the residence. Police arrested him last week during a traffic stop when officers learned he had warrants outstanding connected to that search.
