CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) -Iowa’s alcohol distribution laws will soon change, and that could have a major impact for bars, restaurants, golf courses and any establishment that carries a class C license. Beginning January 1st businesses that carry a class C license will be able to buy up to five cases of beer or canned cocktails from area retailers, to resell. It’s something the Iowa Restaurant Association is calling a win. They pushed for the change this past legislative session. Under current state law, businesses have to wait for their distributors to deliver beer on site. That can at times mean a two week delay, and that’s if the product is in stock. Soon, businesses with a class C license will be able to go to their nearest store to restock customer favorites. They’ll be able to buy five cases every 24 hours. It’s a step to make sure restaurants remain stocked, and customers remain happy. The change comes at what the Iowa Restaurant Association is calling an unprecedented time for the industry as they’re facing higher costs for products and labor.
JOHNSON COUNTY Iowa (KCRG) – Over a dozen people pleaded their case after hundreds of Johnson County residents didn’t receive federal ARPA money. Johnson County, Iowa City, and Coralville agreed to use just over $3 million to give to people in need and those who didn’t qualify for a COVID-19 stimulus check. They then held a lottery first to see who from the county would receive money, then use the Iowa City money on Iowa City residents, followed by Coralville money to Coralville residents. 700-thousand dollars was given back to Iowa City after they issued money to all residents who qualified. Johnson County received 2,411 applications; of those, 2,238 people qualified. Had all the money that was set aside been used, everyone who applied could have received a check. The Johnson County Board of Supervisors didn’t take any actions Thursday, but those who didn’t receive money said they wanted them to hear and see their pleas for help.
DUBUQUE, Iowa (KCRG) – A Dubuque man got the chance to thank the officers who saved his life after a medical emergency earlier this year. Officers Brandon Gudenkauf, Mark Lorenzen and Chief Deputy Dave Riniker were on duty at the Hempstead Graduation ceremony in May. While they were there, Terry Hirsch, who was attending the ceremony, had a medical emergency. The officers stepped in and gave him CPR, and deployed an AED before paramedics could arrive. On Thursday, the officers paid a visit to Hirsch’s home, so he could give them a proper “thank you.” The officers encourage everyone to take CPR classes, because it can save someone’s life at any given moment.
FAIRFIELD, Iowa (KCRG) – Jeremy Goodale, one of the two teens charged in the death of a Fairfield Spanish teacher, has filed a motion to change the location of his upcoming murder trial. Goodale is charged with first-degree murder in the death of Nohema Graber. The other teen charged, Willard Miller, has already filed similar motions successfully. His trial will be held in Council Bluffs. Graber was 66 years old when she was killed in November of last year. Her body was found hidden in Chatauqua Park, a place she liked to walk. Investigators say she had extensive head trauma and believe she was beaten with a baseball bat.
