West DSM News

Resolving review findings of Iowa prison overcrowding, staff shortages 'are challenges that lie before us,' IDOC director declares

By Karen Kidd | Dec 26, 2021

A review of Iowa Department of Corrections is a step toward better safety and security operations following the killing of two staff members by an inmate earlier this year, the department's director said in a recent news release.

West Branch High football coach blames additional driver's license requirements, mask mandate for school bus driver shortage

By Karen Kidd | Dec 4, 2021

A western Cedar County high school football coach has a couple of ideas about why Iowa and the rest of the nation is experiencing a school bus driver shortage

Rural Linn County residents have doubts about proposed carbon sequestration pipelines, urge public meeting attendance

By Karen Kidd | Nov 30, 2021

A Cedar Rapids area farmer wants eastern Iowa residents to know about public meetings on proposed carbon sequestration pipelines for which they may be asked for easements.

Missouri woman calls last month's shooting of Marine 'senseless'; alleged shooter turns himself in

By Karen Kidd | Nov 11, 2021

The unintended shooting last month of a Kirkwood Marine, who remains hospitalized but his family reports some progress, was "senseless," A Missouri woman said in a recent social media post

'Special Hell for people that abuse animals,' retired teacher declares following rescue of 500 dogs in Iowa

By Karen Kidd | Nov 10, 2021

A retired San Jose school teacher and former city commissioner it doesn't require religious conviction to wish an Iowa breeder banned last week for selling dogs after 500 were rescued amid “horrific” conditions

New COVID cases, hospitalizations in Iowa continue to rise and slightly more are getting vaccinated, state summary says

By Karen Kidd | Sep 12, 2021

The number of unvaccinated people suffering from COVID in Iowa continues to climb, as does the number of weekly reported positive case, according to Iowa's latest summary figures.

'It's terrifying for a parent': families suing state over school mask mandate ban

By Karen Kidd | Sep 12, 2021

An Urbandale mother mother says that the choice between sending her young asthmatic son to school where masks were not mandated or keep him home with no online learning option is what pushed her to sue the state.

Polk County continues to lead state in COVID stats days away from beginning of the school year

By Karen Kidd | Aug 28, 2021

Polk County continues to lead all other Iowa counties in COVID-19 statistics, including the most positive tests and the most deaths, according to the latest figures posted by the state and just days before the school year is set to begin.As of today, Polk County has tested more than 811,00, of whom more than 70,000 tested positive.

Late John Landon 'a fantastic legislator,' fellow Iowa state representative declares

By Karen Kidd | Aug 7, 2021

Iowa lost "an incredible public servant" when Republican Iowa state Rep. John Landon passed away late last month, State House Rep. Jake Chapman (R-Adel) said in a Facebook post this past weekend.

From Hawkeye Reporter

Half of COVID-19 deaths were residents in long-term care facilities, Reynolds reports

By Karen Kidd | 4 years ago

More than half of Iowans who have died from COVID-19 were residents in longterm care facilities, Iowa Gov. Gov. Kim Reynolds said during a press conference Tuesday, May 5.