IOWA CITY, Iowa (KCRG) – The Iowa City Fire Department is looking for new firefighters, according to officials. The department is accepting applications online for multiple positions through Tuesday, November 15, 2022. The process includes an on-site written test, or a remote computer-based test, along with a physical fitness test. Interviews will likely not be held until early- to mid-January. “We are in search of individuals who are passionate about providing service to the community. Our department members come from a diverse work background (factory worker, college student, retail, general business, attorney, scientist, sports official, musician) before becoming firefighters,” Scott Lyon, ICFD Fire Chief, said, in a statement. “I would challenge you to see yourself becoming a firefighter in Iowa City as we value diverse experiences and backgrounds, all of which strengthen our team.” Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and a high school diploma or equivalent is required. The salary for the position starts at $59,754.76.
DES MOINES, Iowa (KCRG) – The second round of informational meetings about a proposed carbon capture pipeline in eastern Iowa now has set dates and times, according to officials. The Iowa Utilities Board announced the meeting schedule at the request of Wolf Carbon Solutions US, LLC. The meetings are a follow-up to a round of meetings held in late August, and a virtual meeting in mid-September.
The meetings will be at:
- Cedar County: Noon, December 5, 2022 – Cedar County Fairgrounds, The Matthews Building, 220th Street, Tipton.
- Linn County: 5:30 p.m., December 5, 2022 – Hawkeye Downs Racetrack, South Hall, 4400 Sixth St. S.W., Cedar Rapids.
- Clinton County: Noon, December 6, 2022 – Wild Rose Convention Center, 777 Wild Rose Drive, Clinton.
- Scott County: 5:30 p.m., December 6, 2022 – River Center (Adler Theater), 136 E. Third St., Davenport.
Changes to the planned pipeline’s route mean that it no longer extends into Johnson County, thus negating the need for additional meetings there.After the first round of meetings, some discrepancies were found in whether Wolf had sufficiently notified some landowners via certified mail. Negotiations with those landowners cannot begin until those are rectified. The pipeline has met resistance among those living near its path,
DUBUQUE, Iowa (KCRG) – Former Assistant Dubuque County Attorney Richard Kirkendall said he was cleared of wrongdoing after being fired in March for insubordination. However, an investigator’s report contradicts his claim. Kirkendall says he was placed on paid administrative leave in retaliation for challenging his boss, C.J. May, for his position as county attorney in the midterm elections. A Dubuque radio station reports a new confidential investigation concluded Kirkendall was “hostile” to his boss before he was fired. Kirkendall is running for county attorney against Democrat Sam Wooden, and Republican Scott Nelson. May lost the June primary to Wooden; Kirkendall is running as an independent.
CHEROKEE, Iowa (KCRG) – A school district in Northwest Iowa is allowing some staff members to carry guns on school grounds. The district in Cherokee, Iowa, came to the decision during a board meeting on Monday. Teachers and parents had a chance to speak during the meeting. Some said it is a necessary measure and are grateful the school is being proactive. Others presented data about school shootings and were curious about training. Ultimately, the school board said a unanimous poll was taken. Cherokee Schools Superintendent Kim Lingenfelter said the initial discussions began in July and involved law enforcement officials, the chief of police and the school’s resource officer. The district will get a list of what teachers would like to be trained on carrying a weapon. All staff with a weapon will take part in monthly training. The district will start an oversight committee to review how this policy is used. The school district’s decision makes it the second in Iowa to allow staff to carry guns. In August, the Spirit Lake School Board voted to allow 10 staff members, designated by the Superintendent, to carry guns in schools.
