From the KCRG-TV9 Newsroom:
Cedar Rapids fire investigators are working to figure out what caused a house fire that left one woman dead and another person seriously hurt. The fire happened in the 2600 block of Fruitland Boulevard Southwest, near Jones Park. One person was able to escape the home but suffered potentially serious injuries. The names of those in the home have not been released. Two pets were also lost in the fire.
The Iowa Division of Criminal investigation arrested a former Tama County jailer accused of having sex with a 13-year-old girl. Prosecutors charged 21-year-old Clayton Killian with second degree sexual abuse. According to court documents, the teen claims they had sex several times in 2023 when Killian was 19. The Sheriff’s Office says his arrest did not involve his employment and they had no information he was committing a crime at the time.
The Cedar Rapids City Council approved a new $4.5 million housing development on Mt. Vernon Road Southeast. The money for that development comes from the federal government in response to the 2020 derecho. Construction would include 52 rental units. At least half of those have to be affordable for low-to-moderate income households.
The Iowa DOT is looking to reopen Iowa Highway 21 in Poweshiek County by Monday following a fatal train and semi crash last week. The crash killed 14-year-old Robert Orton. He was a passenger in the semi his father was driving that hit the train. More than 20 rail cars derailed. Officials say crews are fixing the track, the signals, and the guardrails.
Fairfax may create a traffic and safety committee to deal with growing concerns as construction continues on nearby data centers. Recently, the city’s Fairfax Road radar sign recorded 81 percent of drivers speeding, and 19 drivers going 75miles per hour or more in a 25 mile per hour zone; one person was clocked at 95 miles per hour in the 25 mile per hour zone. Project representatives say part of the problem is road closures that pushed construction traffic off its intended route and straight through the community.
