From the KCRG-TV9 Newsroom:
The coldest temperatures of the season, mixed with strong winds driving down the wind chills, is shutting down schools, churches and a few businesses across eastern Iowa this morning. Organizations encourage people to call ahead before leaving your home to make sure events are still being held today.
Des Moines police say the cold may have been a factor in a missing man’s death. Maintenance workers found the 51-year-old in the carport area of a vacant trailer at a trailer park yesterday morning. Police say the man may be the same person reported missing earlier in the day who had experienced periodic homelessness for about five days. His name has not been released.
A fire at a hog confinement facility in Wellman killed 250 pigs. Firefighters faced cold conditions while trying to put out the fire. One building is considered a total loss. It’s not clear what caused the fire.
Former Des Moines schools superintendent Ian Roberts has officially pleaded guilty after federal immigration officers arrested him last September. He admitted to living in the U.S. illegally and possessing weapons as an illegal immigrant. He also lied about his background when he applied for the position of superintendent. In court yesterday, Roberts pleaded guilty to making a false statement for employment and possessing weapons as an illegal immigrant. His sentencing is set for May.
In the Iowa Legislature, Speaker of the House Pat Grassley says there is progress on eminent domain bills, even as the House and Senate look at two different proposals that could impact carbon capture pipelines. The Iowa Utilities Commission previously granted Summit Carbon Solutions eminent domain authority for the pipeline project. Senate Minority Leader Janice Weiner says Republicans are divided on where this debate will lead and she does not expect a vote on the Senate floor any time soon.
And could a Cedar Rapids Dairy Queen become a local landmark? The Cedar Rapids Historic Commission received an application to designate the 16th Street NE DQ, located near Coe College, as a landmark. It first opened in 1955. By the way, the First Avenue NE Dairy Queen is considered the oldest in the state. It opened in 1947.
