ANKENY, Iowa (/KCRGKCCI) – Iowa-based convenience store chain Casey’s unveiled its three-year plan of expansion on Wednesday. That plan includes expanding the number of stores it has nationwide. Their goal is to open 350 stores by the end of fiscal year 2026. Casey’s currently has over 2,500 stores in 16 states. There are 543 store locations in Iowa alone. The chain plans to expand its food offerings, including more private-label snack and beverage offerings. In a news release, the company also said it “is implementing new digital store tools for team members and guests to improve speed and lower operating costs.” Casey’s is the nation’s third-largest convenience store retailer and fifth-largest pizza chain in the country. The company wants to make it into the top 20% of retailers.
DAVENPORT, Iowa (KCRG) – Officials in Iowa are investigating what caused a train derailment this week. It happened on Tuesday near Nahant Marsh near the Mississippi River and Credit Island. 21 cars went off the tracks. Canadian Pacific says there were no injuries, and no hazardous material spills. Three of the cars were carrying liquid asphalt, but those did not spill during the derailment. Rail company spokespeople say there were no signs of mechanical issues with the train.
DES MOINES, Iowa (KCRG) – On Wednesday, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) issued an air quality advisory for all counties in the eastern half of Iowa. Through Thursday, fine particulate levels will be near or above EPA health standards. The national standard for fine particulate matter is 35 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3) averaged over a 24-hour period, and this level is considered “unhealthy for sensitive groups.” Groups sensitive to particulate matter include people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and teenagers, and outdoor workers. Fine particulate levels could reach levels considered “unhealthy” whereas even healthy adults should consider limiting their activities. The DNR recommends people reduce long or intense outdoor activities and take more breaks during outdoor activities until air quality conditions improve.
POWESHIEK COUNTY, Iowa (KCRG) – Tuesday at approximately 9:00 pm, emergency crews were called out to the 1500 block of 370th Avenue in Brooklyn for a report of a fire. Officials say the fire started in a lean to that stores hay and straw, and then burned into an attached machine shed. Multiple fire departments were called out to the scene to help bring tankers and additional support. The fire did several hundred thousand dollars in damage and destroyed 3 tractors, a feed wagon, and a corner planter. No animals were hurt, and the milking operation continues.
