AMANA, Iowa (KCRG) – Whirlpool confirms that around 400 employees will be let go at its Amana facility, effective March 9. The company also shared that additional job reductions may happen in the spring. Whirlpool says the change comes as part of a “broader multi-year transformation” where it’s phasing out older fridge models and expanding operations to upgraded products. The facility will continue making refrigerators. The facility laid off 250 workers last summer. TV9 asked Whirlpool if this layoff was related to the 400 workers retained last year, and a spokesperson shared that they are completely separate. TV9 also asked if Amana’s expansion plans would mean some workers may be able to come back to the facility. A spokesperson said union employees are able to be called back for a certain amount of years based on tenure and seniority, although the likelihood that they will be called back is low. Whirlpool said affected employees will be supported with onside HR support, an employee assistance program and guidance through Iowa Workforce Development’s unemployment benefits.
IOWA CITY, Iowa (KCRG) – The Iowa City City Council voted Tuesday night to deny Fieldhouse Bar and Grill’s liquor license renewal following an ongoing dispute between the city and business owner Tracy Barkalow. The council voted last month to suspend the business’ liquor license for 14 days because it was selling alcohol on more than one floor. The city also fined Barkalow for hiring its own trash removal service despite the city having an agreement with Republic Services. The city argues that the business has been operating as a bar while being licensed as a restaurant, which goes against a city ordinance that Barkalow disputes. The business cannot obtain a proper bar license because of a city ordinance prohibiting bars within 500 feet of each other, according to council documents. The two-week suspension from last month never took effect because the bar appealed the council’s decision. The city said the rule that Fieldhouse was accused of violating was supposed to be removed from city code 11 years ago when it approved rooftop bar service.
AMES, Iowa (KCCI/KCRG) – Iowa State’s athletics director said a decision to end the gymnastics season was due to “unreconcilable differences” between athletes, coaches, and parents. On February 7, the athletics department announced it canceled the remainder of the season due to a lack of available student athletes to “safely compete.” This came after cancelling a meet that was scheduled for February 6 vs. West Virginia. The Big 12 does not require a minimum number of gymnasts and leaves the decision up to the coaches. In a letter obtained by KCCI, Athletics Director Jamie Pollard said there were “complex internal conflicts” that prevented team members from competing and practicing. He said suspending the season was the “only viable alternative.” The program held a record 2-8 on the season and had five regular season remaining meets scheduled, including against Iowa. It is unclear how the shortened season will impact the NCAA eligibility of these athletes.
IOWA CITY, Iowa (KCRG) – A man arrested by ICE agents at an Iowa City market has pleaded guilty to using fraudulent immigration and social security documents. 28-year-old Jorge Eliecer Gonzalez-Ochoa will plead guilty to one count of fraud and misuse of documents in federal court. He faces up to 10 years in prison. Gonzalez-Ochoa was arrested by ICE during his shift at the Bread Garden Market on September 25. Video of the arrest shows plainclothes ICE agents taking Gonzalez to the ground in front of customers and coworkers before loading him into a van. The indictment accuses Gonzalez-Ochoa of possessing a forged Permanent Resident Card in the name of “Elijah Rodriguez.” The alien registration number on the card was not his, according to court documents. The indictment says Gonzalez-Ochoa knew the document had been forged, counterfeited, altered, and falsely made. Court documents stated that Gonzalez-Ochoa utilized Rodriguez’s personal information specifically to secure unlawful employment.
