CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – Senator Charles Grassley (R-New Hartford) said he’s recovering from a gallstone removal procedure. His media team shared that he is working in Iowa “in good spirits and looks forward to returning to Washington soon.” Grassley, 92, is the oldest senator currently in office and the sixth-longest-serving senator in U.S. history. The Senate is in session this week.
OTTUMWA, Iowa (KYOU) – A repeat-offender pharmacist was sentenced last week to three years on probation after he created fake patient profiles to steal prescription drugs. Ryan Etscheid, 40, from La Salle, Illinois, pleaded guilty in October of 2025 to acquiring a controlled substance by means of misrepresentation, fraud, deception, and subterfuge. He was previously sentenced in December of 2024 to three years of probation for the same crime. The most recent sentence stems from a single shift at a Waterloo pharmacy on July 9, 2023. Officials say Etscheid created three fake patient accounts and dispensed prescription drugs under the fraudulent accounts. Some of the drugs included oxycodone and morphine. His previous sentence involved similar methods during three shifts at an Ottumwa pharmacy on February 13, 2022, March 10, 2023, and May 23, 2023. In addition to the probation, a judge ordered Etscheid to pay $1,177 in restitution to the Waterloo pharmacy.
DES MOINES, Iowa (KCRG) – Gov. Kim Reynolds issued a disaster proclamation for five Iowa counties following severe weather that occurred last week. Reynolds issued the proclamation for Carroll, Crawford, Grundy, Harrison and Washington counties due to severe weather that occurred on April 13 and continuing. The proclamation authorizes state resources to be used in response to severe weather and flooding situations. It activates the Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program and the Disaster Case Advocacy Program. The grant program offers grants up to $7,000 for families with incomes that are less than the federal poverty level or up to 200 percent. The grants are available for car repairs, food and cost of temporary housing. The advocacy program manages significant needs related to a disaster-impacted household and a disaster case advocate. Case advocates work with individuals to create a recovery plan and provide advice on accessing resources. There are no income eligibility requirements for the advocacy program. It closes 180 days following the governor’s proclamation. The proclamation will remain in effect for 30 days.
DES MOINES, Iowa (KCCI/KCRG) – A rescued English bulldog from Iowa Falls won the 47th annual Beautiful Bulldog Contest as the Drake Relays kick off. Flora beat out dozens of other contestants, winning over the crowd and the judges at the Knapp Center at Drake University on Sunday. Despite missing teeth from her early days spent gnawing on a cage, Flora’s charm, resilience, and unmistakable bulldog swagger carried her to the top. Her owners say this is a “Cinderella Story,” as Flora’s life has not always been easy. “She was a breeder’s surrender from a puppy mill. Never seen grass or the stairs before, so getting to know that, for her, was an experience,” said Nicole Gleason, Flora’s owner. “It couldn’t have turned out any better for her,” said Augie Wachter, Flora’s owner. Flora was one of the crowd favorites. Pickles from Urbandale proved that personality is as important as appearance, waddling away with both the “Bulldog Spirit” Award and the first runner-up title. Carl of Terril earned applause, taking second runner-up honors. Flora will serve a week-long reign as the official mascot for the relays.
