From the KCRG-TV9 Newsroom:
The prosecution will continue calling its witnesses today in the murder trial of Kaleek Lewis. He’s on trial for first degree murder in the death of Dedric Arnold. Lewis claims self-defense. Yesterday, jurors saw what happened in the moments after the shooting. Two men, Arnold and Morris Gray, approached Lewis’ home after exchanging threats over text messages. Arnold was shot in the neck as they entered Lewis’ driveway. Lewis himself called 911 immediately after the shooting. The jury must decide if the shooting was in self defense.
The City of Marion is asking the Iowa DOT for help continuing work on a major road project. It’s in the process of constructing a corridor connecting Marion, Cedar Rapids, Hiawatha, and Robins to Highway 13. But parts of that road still need to be connected together. The remainder of the project will cost $60 million to finish. Marion is seeking $25 million from the U.S. Transportation Department through a grant, and asking the Iowa DOT for help finding the rest of the money.
Communities are cleaning up after powerful winds swept through eastern Iowa yesterday morning. The National Weather Service says its preliminary conclusion is that it was a derecho that stretched from eastern Iowa to north Central Indiana. 80 miles per hour winds were recorded in some areas. A man in Farley says the wind forced his family toward the basement just in time as tree limbs came crashing down onto the home. There were no reports of injuries. Maquoketa has declared a local community disaster period to help with cleanup after the storm. City crews say it may take two weeks to clean up all the debris and fallen tree limbs from the storm.
This November, voters in Cedar Rapids will be asked to approve a $60 million bond for the Cedar Rapids Fire Department. The city council approved the ballot issue yesterday. The department says it wants to use the money for a new training facility, relocating two fire stations, remodeling four others, and purchasing trucks and equipment. It says these updates will mean more efficiently placed stations and a reduction in cancer risks for firefighters. If approved, you’ll see an increase of $2.03 per $100,000 of your home’s value.
