News

One Hospitalized after Dryer Causes fire in Dubuque Mobile Home

One person was hospitalized after a dryer caused a fire in a Dubuque manufactured home Friday night. According to a press release, the Dubuque Fire Department responded at 8:55 p.m. Friday to a report of a fire at 4657 Cardinal Drive. An investigation determined the fire was caused by the malfunction of a clothes dryer. The fire did not spread beyond the laundry area, but heavy smoke was reported inside the home during the fire. Paramedics treated the occupants of the home, one of whom suffered severe smoke inhalation and was taken to Unity Point Health-Finley Hospital for treatment. Officials declined to release the name of the injured occupant. Losses were estimated at $11,000. The home was determined to be uninhabitable.

Bettendorf Man Faces Several Charges after Stabbing at Davenport Walmart

A Bettendorf man faces several charges after a stabbing at a Davenport Walmart Saturday afternoon. KWQC reports 58-year-old Wesley Spotts of Bettendorf, is charged with Attempted Murder, Willful Injury, Going Armed with Intent, and Assault with Intent to Commit Serious Injury. According to police, at around 3:45, officers found a 24-year-old man suffering from multiple stab wounds at the Walmart on Elmore Avenue in Davenport. An initial investigation found that an argument between the suspect and victim escalated prior to the stabbing. The victim has not been identified and his condition is unknown. Spotts is in Scott County Jail pending a court appearance. No other information is available at this time. In September 2023, Spotts pled guilty to charges of assault, public intoxication and interference with official acts for a separate incident that occurred in Davenport.

Center Junction Woman Injured in Rollover Accident

A Center Junction woman was injured in a rollover accident East of Springville early Sunday morning. Just before 2:40 AM, The Linn and Jones County Sheriff's and other emergency services responded to a personal injury accident on Hwy 151 near Linn Grove Road. A crash report from the Linn County Sheriff's Office states that a vehicle driven by 42-year-old Shannon Parmenter of Center Junction, was traveling southbound on Hwy 151 north of Linn Grove Road when she lost control of her vehicle and went into the west ditch causing the vehicle to roll several times before coming to rest in a farm field. Parmenter was transported to a local hospital by Anamosa Ambulance for what are believed to be non-life-threatening injuries. The cause of the accident remains under investigation by the Linn County Sheriff's Office.

Moser School of Dance and Gymnastics Perform in Holiday Bowl Parade/at Halftime

The Moser School of Dance and Gymnastics performed in The 2024 Holiday Bowl Parade and during the Halftime Show of the Holiday Bowl Game last week. The game was held in the Snap Dragon Stadium in San Diego California Thursday. The Moser School had 16 Dancers and Gymnasts performing aged 10 to 22, with a total of 46 family members traveling with them. Geo Hubela was the Holiday Bowl's Choreographer who who lead all rehearsals for the halftime performance and lead them in the parade.

Laws Taking Effect This Year in Iowa

Iowa is ushering in a slate of new laws. With more than 180 laws passing last legislative session, several notable measures took effect on Jan. 1, reflecting the priorities of Iowa’s Republican-controlled legislature. Among the most significant changes, is the reduction of the state’s individual income tax to a flat rate of 3.8%, down from 5.7%. The move aligns with Republican efforts nationwide to implement flat tax systems. It's also part of an effort to give money back to Iowans amidst a state revenue surplus, although budget projections for 2026 are showing a shortfall under those cuts. Another law now in effect, bolsters state-level protections on gun rights. The law allows citizens to sue cities that enact firearm regulations conflicting with state laws, with damages ranging from $100 to $2,500 per day depending on intent. Iowa’s new data protection law gives consumers greater control over their personal information. Residents can now confirm if their data is being collected, request copies, delete their data, and opt out of the sale of their data. Another measure enacts a 40% excise tax on glass and metal pipes and bongs, along with a $1,500 annual permit fee for sellers. It raises the minimum age to purchase such items to 21, tightening restrictions on businesses in this sector and adding new rules to track customers' names and ages. lawmakers return to Des Moines for the new legislative session on Monday, January 13th.

Coggon Man Facing Charges after Single Vehicle Rollover Accident

A Coggon man is facing charges after a single vehicle rollover accident last week. According to a press release from the Delaware County Sheriff's Department, 76-year-old Ralph Dunn of Coggon was traveling east on 285th Street Thursday at 8:40 am, when he failed to stop at the intersection with 285th Avenue. The crash report says Dunn was traveling too fast for weather conditions and lost control of the vehicle, entering the ditch, where the vehicle rolled onto it's top. Dunn's 2013 Chevy truck was totalled in the accident. The report says Dunn left the scene of the accident before law enforcement arrived. He was charged with failure to provide proof of financial liability.

Manchester Man Escapes Injury after Rolling Vehicle Over into Creek

A Manchester man escaped injury after rolling his vehicle over into a creek last week. A crash report from the Delaware County Sheriff's Department says that 51-year-old Scott Kelly of Manchester was driving North on 190th Avenue Thursday at 9:35 AM. Kelly lost control of his vehicle on the ice covered road way and struck a guard rail near a bridge over a creek. The vehicle knocked down the guard rail and the vehicle rolled over into the creek, coming to rest on it's wheels. Kelly's 2009 Buick Enclave was totaled in the accident.

Jackson County Fair Announces Concert

The Jackson County fair has announced entertainment for this year's fair. Sawyer Brown and Confederate Railroad will perform at the Jackson County Fair on July 25th. Sawyer Brown has released 18 studio albums and has a total of 14 Top-10 hits on the Billboard Country Airplay chart. Confederate Railroad will open the concert, beginning at 7:30 p.m., and Sawyer Brown will serve as the headliner, taking the stage at 9. Tickets are available at jacksoncountyiowafair.com.

One Dead, Three Injured in Wrong Way Collision on Highway 13

Highway 13 was closed for over four hours Friday night after a fatal accident. Just before about 9:50 PM Linn County Sheriff’s Deputies and Rescue and other emergency services responded to a report of vehicle collision involving a wrong way driver on Highway 13 near Travis Road. Responders arrived to find two vehicles had collided in the northbound lanes of Highway 13 just north of Travis Rd. A 2003 Saturn, driven by 27-year-old Barnabas Destahun of Marion was northbound on Highway 13 and collided with a 2010 Honda CRV driven by 32-year-old Katie Marie Austin Karkow of Cedar Rapids. One of the passengers, 18-year-old Yoseph Wendafrash Abera, from Somerset, New Jersey, was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. Abera and another occupant of the Saturn, 20-year-old Natnael Wendafrash Abera of Highland Park, New Jersey were transported to an area hospital with serious but non life-threatening injuries. Karkow had to be extricated by mechanical means from the Honda and was taken to an area hospital with life-threatening injuries. A third vehicle, a 2024 Subaru, then became involved in the crash. The occupants of that vehicle were uninjured. The northbound lanes of Highway 13 were closed for a little more than four hours. The crash remains under investigation by the Linn County Sheriff’s Office.

Four Injured in Dubuque County Collision

Four people were injured Thursday in a Dubuque County collision. According to the Dubuque County Sheriff’s Department, 19-year-old Joseph Schmitt of Dubuque was driving north on U.S. 151 around 1 PM, when he came upon a vehicle driven by 69-year-old Gregory Pithan of Danbury, Iowa, which was stopped in the northbound lanes at the Skyline Road intersection. Schmitt says he was unable to stop in time and hit Pithan’s vehicle. Pithan said he did not see Schmitt approaching due to the foggy conditions. Schmitt and his passenger Ariel Oberbroeckling, 17, of Dubuque, were transported by Key West EMS to UnityPoint Health-Finley Hospital for minor injuries. Pithan and his passenger, 60-year-old Dawn Barr, of Danbury, were also transported by Key West EMS to UnityPoint Health-Finley Hospital after complaining of pain. Pithan was cited for failure to yield upon entering a through highway, and Schmitt was cited for driving while under suspension.

Clayton County Sheriff’s Department Warns of Deteriorating Ice Conditions

The Clayton County Sheriff’s Department is warning people to be cautious out on the ice, after a fisherman was rescued after going through. The individual was fishing Johnson Slough at the Sny Magill access and was safely rescued. In a Facebook post, the department said ice conditions are deteriorating as temperatures have warmed up and to pay close attention to flowing sloughs.

Bellevue Man Hospitalized after Hit by Car in Dubuque

A Bellevue man was hospitalized after being hit by a car Thursday in Dubuque. According to a police report, 22-year-old Mitchell Heuer of Dubuque, was driving east on Loras Boulevard through the Iowa Street intersection at about 1:10 pm, when 33-year-old Zacceri Montgomery of Bellevue, crossed the intersection on foot heading south, then ran back into the intersection, causing Heuer to hit him. Montgomery suffered serious injuries and was transported by EMS to UnityPoint Health-Finley Hospital. The report states that Montgomery was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident.

Delaware County Sheriff John LeClere to Retire

Delaware County Sheriff John LeClere will retire at the end of December, after a 40-year career in law enforcement. LeClere started as a reserve deputy in 1983 before becoming a full-time patrol deputy the following year. He served as sheriff after being elected in 2000. LeClere says law enforcement has allowed him to serve his community and county. After taking some time off, LeClere plans to find a job outside of law enforcement.

Teen Shot by Dubuque Police after Brandishing Knife

A 16-year-old was shot by Dubuque police after they say the teen brandished a knife. Officers responded to the 800 block of Alpine St. at around 11:50 a.m. Tuesday, on a report of a 16-year-old with adult warrants. Police say the teen ran away when officers tried to make contact. During the incident, police say the teen displayed a knife, and two officers fired their weapons. The officers gave medical treatment. The teen was taken to the hospital with arm and shoulder injuries. The two officers involved in the shooting have been placed on critical incident leave, according to standard department policy. The Dubuque Police Department has requested that the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation investigates the incident.

Manchester Contractor Accused of Scamming Waverly Family Commits Suicide

A Manchester contractor accused of scamming a Waverly family has committed suicide in the middle of his trial, according to the Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier. 57 year old Randy Less and his company, RCZ Enterprises, were charged with Wire Fraud, Bank Fraud, Identity Theft, and False Statements to a Financial Institution. His trial began on Wednesday. On Thursday he failed to show up at court. He was later found in his home with gunshot to the head and rifle laying nearby. Less had been hired by a Waverly couple to build a custom home in 2021. He received an initial payment of $150,000 in July of 2021. The couple later became concerned that subcontractors were not being paid and the bank required Less to submit mechanics lien waivers before allowing further withdrawals on the loan. Less then submitted altered waivers and resumed drawing money. Last year Less was also charged with a ticket switching scheme on home improvement stores in Dubuque and Cedar Rapids while on pre-trial release.

Manchester Men Face Animal Neglect and Other Charges

Two men face dozens of animal neglect charges after 69 animals were rescued earlier this month from a residence in Manchester. According to Manchester Police Chief Ben Davis, 38-year-old Bradley Gerike and 36-year-old Donald Schmitt, both of Manchester, face charges that include 69 counts of animal neglect-no injury. A press release states that the pair also face charges of animal neglect causing serious injury or death and failure to dispose of a dead animal. Additionally, Gerike faces charges of possession of marijuana-second offense and possession of drug paraphernalia. Police received a citizen’s complaint of possible animal neglect at a residence on December 6th. During an execution of a search warrant Dec. 11 at the home, police rescued three cats, 25 birds and 41 rabbits. A deceased rabbit was found on the property, and police were told that other animals had died prior to December 11th. Gerike told police that most of the animals belonged to Schmitt. Gerike and Schmitt had been in a long-term relationship but had recently separated. Schmitt told police he had been coming to the residence to care for the animals during the separation but had recently stopped. A compliance investigator for the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and a investigating veterinarian determined that the animals lived in unsanitary conditions, with poor ventilation of the animals’ shelter in a garage, and were exposed to freezing conditions, according to documents. The rescued animals were transported to Dubuque Regional Humane Society in the organization’s rescue trailer. Both Schmitt and Gerike have preliminary hearings set for January 8th in Delaware County District Court.

Local Girl Scout Camp Receives National Accreditation

A local Girl Scout camp has received national accreditation. Girl Scout Camp Little Cloud, near Epworth, recently received accreditation from the American Camp Association. The accreditation results from a review of 266 standards of the camp’s operation, from staff qualifications and training to emergency management. The American Camp Association collaborates with the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Red Cross and other youth-serving agencies to ensure that current practices at the camp reflect the most up-to-date, research-based standards in camp operation.

City of Maquoketa and Jackson County Awarded CAT Grant from IEDA

The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) Board approved approved Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) grants in Cedar Rapids, Grundy County, Maquoketa and Pella. The Prairie Recreation Area project led by City of Maquoketa and Jackson County was awarded $400,000 to make large scale improvements. The project includes streambank restoration for fishing, viewing and camping; construction of shelters, restrooms, trailheads and bridges; a trail connection from the recreation area to the city limits; and the addition of an 18-hole championship caliber disc golf course. Total project cost is nearly $2 million. The CAT program provides financial assistance to communities for the construction of recreational, cultural, educational or entertainment facilities that enhance the quality of life in Iowa. Award recommendations for these funds are made by the CAT Review Committee to the IEDA Board for approval.

Coggon Man Injured in UTV Accident Saturday

A Coggon man was injured in a UTV accident Saturday. At about 5:40pm, Linn County Deputies, Linn County Rescue, Coggon Fire and Center Point Ambulance responded to a personal injury accident on Hutchinson Rd near Valley Farm Rd. Emergency personnel arrived on scene to discover 60-year-old Jeffrey Hulsebus of Coggon, was operating a UTV eastbound on Hutchinson Rd near Valley Farm Rd when he lost control of the UTV and went into the south ditch where it rolled on its side. Hulsebus was transported to a local hospital by Center Point Ambulance for what are believed to be non-life-threatening injuries.

Peosta Man Charged after Single Vehicle Accident in Wisconsin

A Peosta man is facing charges after a single vehicle accident in Wisconsin. Just after 2:50pm Wednesday, the Grant County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a one-vehicle crash on County Highway D at the intersection with Center Road in Smelser. During the investigation, it was discovered that 19-year-old Pedro Chavez of Peosta, was operating his vehicle eastbound on County H, when Chavez drove off of the south side of the road and entered the ditch. Chavez continued through the ditch and struck a guy wire for a utility pole with the front of his vehicle. The vehicle then struck an embankment on the west side of Center Road, likely causing the vehicle to become airborne and strike another embankment on the east side of the road. Chavez had been wearing his seatbelt and multiple airbags deployed in the vehicle. Chavez sustained minor injuries, but refused transport by EMS. The vehicle received severe damage and had to be towed from the scene. Chavez was cited for Operating without a Driver’s License and Operating a Vehicle without Insurance. Chavez was also issued a written warning for Failure to Maintain Control of a Vehicle.

Google to Join the "Dream Team" with a $500,000 Grant

Dyersville Events says that Google will join the "Dream Team" with a $500,000 grant that will go toward funding educational and team-building programming at the Field of Dreams. Officials say that the program's themes will be rooted in family, education, teamwork, leadership and more. The Field of Dreams hosts around 500 youth teams each year, but officials hope to expand the site's offerings. They aim to create communication and trust-building camps, teamwork and leadership coaching, mentoring experiences with Ghost Players, fantasy and athletic camps with former MLB players, and bring interactive tours that highlight prominent Iowa history. Governor Kim Reynolds praised the Google.org grant in a statement.

Center Point Man Dies after Single Vehicle Crash

A Center Point man is dead, following a single vehicle crash Thursday afternoon in Center Point. The Linn County Sheriff’s Office says at about 2:50 p.m., emergency crews responded to a report of a vehicle that had gone off the road on Franklin Street just south of Maiden Street. At the scene, they found a Toyota truck had gone off the road and went into some trees. The driver, 42-year-old Mark Anthony Brecht, of Center Point, was found unresponsive. Brecht was taken to the hospital where he died. The Linn County Sheriff’s Office says Brecht was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. The crash is under investigation.

Farley Man Sentenced for Fentanyl Possession

A Farley man has been sentenced to jail following a charge of fentanyl possession. 41-year old Robert Julson of Farley was recently handed a five year prison term after a guilty plea in Delaware County District Court. Julson was arrested in October following an incident where an officer attempted to stop him for speeding on Highway 20. Julson eventually pulled his vehicle over and tried to escape on foot. He was later found by a K-9 officer. Two baggies which contained drugs with the presence of fentanyl were located in the vehicle.

Two Injured When Van Rear Ends Tractor in Linn County

Two men were injured when a van rear ended a tractor in Linn County Thursday afternoon. At about 3:45 PM, Linn County Sheriff’s Deputies, responded to a report of a crash on Highway 13 near Burnett Station Road. Deputies arrived at the scene to find that a Ford van, driven by 44-year-old Robert Zurcher of Edgewood, was northbound on Highway 13 and struck a John Deere Tractor that was also northbound. The driver of the tractor, 67-year-old Victor Liegel of rural Central City, was ejected from the tractor’s cab. Both drivers were taken to an area hospital by Center Point Ambulance with non-life-threatening injuries. Victor Liegel was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. Zurcher was charged with failure to maintain control of vehicle.

Dyersville City Council Votes to Condemn Property

The Dyersville City Council voted this week to condemn a property. The Leonard Ollendick property at 703 Second Ave. SW was found a public nuisance and will be condemned. The TH reports City officials discussed the property at a work session November 18th, at which they signaled their intention to move toward eminent domain proceedings. A memo for that session laid out the rationale, with Ollendick found guilty in district court of violating the city’s code of ordinances concerning dangerous buildings. As a result of that ruling, “the city sent Mr. Ollendick a Notice and Order to Abate the Dangerous Building, giving him until November 1st, 2024, to substantially complete the abatement unless other prior arrangements were approved,” City Administrator Mick Michel wrote in a memo for the work session. Ollendick says he was not made aware of the latest inspection of the home conducted in December 2023. Assistant City Attorney Ed Henry says notices were mailed by certified mail in January and were part of a lawsuit over the summer. Ollendick says he has been without city services at the location since 2016, after which the city determined the structure to be unsanitary and unfit for human habitation. Michel says a request could have been made to restore services. Ollendick says he made “numerous requests over the years,” with city staff responding that the proper process was not followed. City Clerk Tricia Maiers says the process was made clear to Ollendick in May. Michel encouraged Ollendick to work with Henry on an agreement to abate the nuisance in a timely manner.

Racing Farley Teen Leads Police on High-Speed Chase

A Farley teen, racing on Highway 20, led law enforcement on a high-speed chase before being arrested near Farley. The TH reports that an Iowa State Patrol trooper spotted a vehicle driven by 18-year-old Drake Summers of Farley, racing another vehicle west on U.S. 20 from Epworth at approximately 9:25 p.m. Monday. The vehicles were traveling 88 mph in a 65-mph zone. The trooper began to pursue both vehicles and neither stopped. Summers’ vehicle began to accelerate before taking the exit to Farley. The vehicle failed to stop at a stop sign and attempted to return to Highway 20. Summers lost control of the vehicle and it entered the highway median, where it became stuck in mud. Summers and a passenger were ordered out of the vehicle at gunpoint and Summers was apprehended. Summers faces charges of eluding and driving while barred. He was also cited for multiple traffic violations.

Delaware County Man Sentenced to Probation for Illegal Business Practices

A Delaware County man has been sentenced to five years probation for illegal business practices. The TH reports 38-year-old Jeremy Klima of Delhi, recently received the deferred judgment in Iowa District Court of Delaware County after pleading guilty to three counts of first-degree theft. Per a plea deal approved by the District Court Judge, two additional counts of first-degree theft and one count of second-degree theft were dismissed. With a deferred judgment, the record of the case will be expunged if all probation obligations are met. Court documents state that Klima accepted a $35,000 down payment to purchase a boat for a man but failed to buy the boat or return the funds. He also took some floating docks from another man after entering an agreement to sell them but then failed to pay the owner. Documents also state Klima lied to a bank about owning a boat he used as collateral for a cash advance and tried to sell a boat that did not belong to him. As part of his probation requirements, Klima must pay back a total of $429,066 to be split among the two men and the bank according to their initial losses.

Masonville Teen Escapes Injury after Rollover Accident

A Masonville teen escaped injury after a rollover accident. The Delaware County Sheriff's office reports that 18-year-old Seth Goebel of Masonville was Traveling South on 110th Avenue at 6:35 AM on December 6th, when his vehicle left the roadway to the left and entered the ditch, then went across a driveway. When his vehicle re-entered the ditch, the front end hit the ground and caused the vehicle overturn. Goebel was unable to exit the vehicle and was then assisted by law enforcement. Goebel was not injured in the accident and admitted to being drowsy. The 2014 Ford Escape he was driving was totalled in the accident.

Icy Conditions Lead to Single Vehicle Accident Saturday Night in Delaware County

Icy conditions lead to a single vehicle accident Saturday night in Delaware County. The Delaware County Sheriff's Department was notified of a single vehicle accident Just after 7:20 PM Satruday. The crash report states that a truck driven by 29-year-old Alyssa Hansel of Delhi was drving West on Highway 20 near Delaware, when she lost control due to Icy road conditions. Hansel's 2009 GMC struck the guardrail causing an estimated $10,000 damage. Hansel was not injured in the crash. She was charged with failure to maintain control.

Illinois Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Role in Cascade Burglaries

An Illinois man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for his role in a string of Cascade burglaries. The TH reports that 28-year-old James Sadler of Springfield, Ill., recently received the sentence in Iowa District Court of Dubuque County after pleading guilty to one count of first-degree theft. Per a plea deal approved by the District Court, six additional counts of third-degree burglary were dismissed. According to court documents, the charges stemmed from a series of storage-unit burglaries and multiple thefts of property from vehicles parked at Cascade High School that occurred from Feb. 15, 2022, to Feb. 17, 2022. A second individual, 25-year-old Dylan Morrison of Cascade, was arrested in October 2022 in relation to the burglaries. Morrison was sentenced to five years of probation in 2023.

Weather Leads to Busy Weekend for State Patrol

Iowa State Patrol was busy this weekend as they responded to more than 150 calls for service within 24 hours. The agency says they received 151 calls for service between 3 p.m. Friday, to Noon Saturday. In that timeframe, State Patrol responded to 52 crashes and 44 calls for property damage. They also responded to 99 motorist assist calls and 8 personal injury calls. On Friday, crews in western Iowa dealt with multiple crashes due to the weather. The freezing rain led to difficult to impossible travel late Friday night into Saturday afternoon. Iowa State Patrol shared a photo on Facebook Friday evening, showing several vehicles in a ditch.

Dubuque County Supervisors Approve Contract with Outside Counsel to Manage Lawsuit

The Dubuque County Board of Supervisors approved a contract with outside counsel to manage the lawsuit filed by the city of Dyersville over the missing $524,000 meant for the Field of Dreams expansion project. The TH reports Simmons Perrine Moyer Bergman PLC, will represent Dubuque County in a claim against the county’s risk management insurance carrier Iowa Community Assurance Pool by the city of Dyersville over the money that was intercepted by a third party. The Board of Supervisors approved the contract with the law firm during a brief special meeting on Tuesday, which occurred after ICAP told officials that the county was likely not to be covered under its cyber security plan. After the meeting, Dubuque County Attorney Scott Nelson said it was not typical for the county to secure outside counsel when being sued but that it was necessary in this case.

Central City Woman Injured in Fall from Moving Vehicle

A Central City woman was injured when she fell from a moving vehicle Early this morning (Wednesday). According to a press release, Linn County Deputies responded to a personal injury accident at Hwy 13 and Austin Road at about 3:05 AM. Emergency personnel arrived on scene to discover 25-year-old Austin Reinier, of Anamosa, was traveling northbound on Hwy 13 near Austin Road when he got into a verbal argument with his passenger, 23-year-old Mackenzie Butteris of Central City. Reinier began to slow the vehicle down so Butteris could exit, but Butteris attempted to exit the vehicle before it was stopped, causing Butteris to hit her head on the pavement. Butteris was transported to a local hospital by Center Point Ambulance for what are believed to be non-life-threatening injuries.

Dyersville Chamber to Host Legislative Luncheon Thursday

The Dyersville Area Chamber of Commerce will host a legislative luncheon Thursday at noon at O So Good Winery in Dyersville. The public is invited to hear Senators Carrie Koelker and Dan Zumbach and Representative Shannon Lundgren talk about the upcoming legislative session, and what legislation is in the works. Attendees will have a chance to share their perspective on issues that affect their business. There will be a question and answer session. To attend, you are asked to RSVP by calling the Chamber at 563-875-2311.

Victims Identified in Sunday Boating Accident near Bellevue

The DNR has released the names of the three victims involved in the Sunday boating accident near Bellevue. According to the Iowa DNR, around 11 AM on Sunday, three individuals were fishing from a boat in a restricted area directly beneath Lock and Dam No. 12 on the Mississippi River near Bellevue. Preliminary reports state that a strong back flow current caused by the dam’s operation pulled the boat into hazardous waters and overturned it. The victims have been identified as 30-year-old Mitchell Thompson of Stanwood, 40-year-old Nicholas Thompson of Tipton and 61-year-old Kirk Stout Sr, of Marion. All three individuals were pulled from the water. Two were pronounced dead at the scene and the third individual was transported by ambulance to the MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center. He was later pronounced dead.

One killed, Three Injured in Single Vehicle Accident in Dubuque County Early Saturday

One person was killed, and three others injured in single vehicle rollover accident in Dubuque County Early Saturday. Just after midnight, The Dubuque County Sheriff's Department, Iowa State Patrol, Peosta police and Farley and Epworth Fire Departments responded to a single vehicle rollover accident on Highway 20 near Hartbecke Road. An investigation at the scene determined that the vehicle was traveling westbound when the driver, 18-year-old Bodee Pitts of Farley lost control and the vehicle rolled. One passenger, 18-year-old Brayden Domeyer of Holy Cross was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver and two other passengers were taken to the hospital for serious and minor injuries. The Iowa State Patrol is investigating the incident.