News

Two Dead after Dubuque County Crash Thursday

Two people are dead after a crash involving an SUV and a semi Thursday afternoon in Dubuque County. The Dubuque County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa State Patrol, and the Key West Fire Department were called to the two-vehicle crash around 1 PM, involving a Tractor trailer and an SUV on Highway 151 at the intersection of Skyline Road. According to the State Patrol, an SUV was traveling on Skyline Road and failed to stop at the stop sign at Highway 151. The SUV was then struck by a northbound tractor trailer. The SUV came to rest in the East ditch. The semi crossed the center median and came to rest in the southbound lanes. The semi driver, 48-year-old William James, was taken to MercyOne, Dubuque with what are believed to be minor injuries. The driver of the SUV, 64-year-old Raymond Seeley of Sterling, Illinois, was pronounced dead at the scene, his passenger, 62-year-old Deana Seeley was taken to MercyOne Dubuque, before being flown to University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, where she later died. The State Patrol is still investigating the crash. The names of those involved were not released, pending notification of family.

Building Containing Dogs Damaged by Fire in Coggon

A Coggon building containing dogs and kennels was damaged by a fire Wednesday. According to a press release, 8:00pm Linn County Deputies, Linn County Rescue, Coggon Fire and Prairieburg Fire responded to a structure fire at 2061 Coggon Road. Emergency personnel arrived on scene to discover a metal building containing numerous dogs and kennels on fire. The owner of the building was able to get all the dogs out unharmed. The building sustained major damage during the incident. It is believed the fire started due to an electrical issue.

Fire Investigators Discover Remains of a 77-year-old Man after a House Fire in East Dubuque

Fire investigators have discovered the remains of a 77-year-old man after a house fire in East Dubuque. Just before 1 p.m. Tuesday the Jo Daviess County Sheriff’s Office responded to 5815 North Dunn Road in rural East Dubuque for reports of a fire. When first responders got to the scene, they found notes suspected to be written by the homeowner inside his vehicle parked outside. They say these notes led them to believe the homeowner was still inside the house. The remains were found by the Illinois State Fire Marshall after a preliminary walk through of the home. Investigators identified the man as the homeowner and say he lived alone. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Jo Daviess County Sheriff’s Office at 815-777-2141.

Fire Destroys Hoop Building in Independence

Fire destroyed a hoop building in Independence late Wednesday night. The Independence Fire Department says crews were called to the 1900-block of Jamestown Avenue at about 11:45 p.m. for a report of a hoop building on fire. At the scene, crews found the building fully engulfed. Firefighters were able to bring the fire under control quickly and stayed on scene to extinguish the fire. The cause of the blaze in unknown at this time.

Manchester Gets Free Mural After Winning State Contest

The city of Manchester will have a free mural painted after winning a state contest. According to a press release from the Iowa Economic Development Authority, the Manchester Area Chamber of Commerce will receive a custom mural for its community as a result of the 2024 Iowans Create Community Mural Contest. The city will work with Iowa artist Thomas Agran to develop and install “an original mural that reflects input from residents and the town’s unique cultural and creative identity.” The release says the mural contest “recognizes the importance of unity, community spirit and unique creative and cultural identity of Iowa’s communities.” Manchester was selected as the contest winner from among 14 finalists. More than 5,600 Iowans cast online votes for 30 participating communities. The mural is expected to be completed and publicly unveiled in late spring 2025.

Public Input Sought for Planned Development of Maquoketa River Water Trail in Delaware County

The Iowa DNR is seeking Public input for the planned development of a Maquoketa River Water Trail in Delaware County. According to a press release, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources is working with Delaware County Conservation and East Central Intergovernmental Association to develop a Water Trail Master Plan for a portion of the Maquoketa River in Delaware County. The release states that the plan “will present a vision for the future of river recreation in Delaware County and will recommend potential actions that can make that vision a reality.” Residents’ input is sought concerning potential elements of the plan, including improved river access, boat-launch designs, informational signage, parking areas and safety. Residents ages 18 and older are asked to complete a short survey about the river. The survey is online. Surveys should be completed by Jan. 31.

Authorities Investigating after Two Found Dead in Springville

Authorities have released the identities of two people found dead in Springville Sunday afternoon. According to a press release from the Linn County Sheriff's Department, at approximately 3:50pm, Linn County Deputies along with other emergency services, were dispatched to 718 Wild Pine Ct, Springville for two individuals found deceased. Upon arrival, first responders located the bodies of 69-year-old Robert Richmond Junior and 67-year-old Janice Richmond with apparent gunshot wounds. The bodies were transported to the State Medical Examiner’s Office in Ankeny for further investigation. The Linn County Sheriff’s Office says there is no danger to the public and that the incident is still under investigation.

DMASWA Adds Dyersville Holiday Lights Drop-Off Site

Dubuque Metropolitan Area Solid Waste Agency has added a Dyersville drop-off site to the list of locations where area residents can drop off old and unwanted holiday lights through January 10th. According to a press relaese, unwanted lights can be dropped off at Dyersville City Hall. The three Dubuque locations will remain the same this year, outside the public entrance to the Dubuque Municipal Services Center, the Carnegie-Stout Public Library and the Dubuque County Library District Asbury branch. This is the sixth year the department has offered the program, which has recycled over 12,000 pounds of lights. The release notes that unwanted holiday lights, along with other electronics, can also be recycled year-round at the landfill by scheduling a drop-off time at dmaswa.org.

Bernard’s Playground & Recreation Project to Host Pose with the Pro's Event

Bernard’s Playground & Recreation Project will host a "Pose with the Pro’s" event on Thursday, December 19th, at St. Patrick's Garryowen Church Hall located at 28914 46th Ave., Bernard, IA 52032). This one-of-a-kind event offers fans a chance to meet and interact with two celebrated professional athletes, Major League Baseball pitcher, Colin Rea and 3 time World Champion Bareback RiderTim O’Connell. The event will start with a Q&A Session from 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM, followed by Autographs & Photos from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM. A $20 suggested donation per autograph is encouraged. All proceeds will go toward Bernard’s Playground & Recreation Project, supporting local community initiatives. Fans are welcome to bring their own items to be signed or use posters provided at the event. Professional photos will be taken and made available for download after the event. The mission of Bernard’s Playground & Recreation Project is to enhance recreational opportunities and community spaces for the families and residents of Bernard. This event is one of many initiatives aimed at building connections and raising funds for our playground and recreation projects.

Dubuque Man Arrested for Multiple Charges after High Speed Chase

A Dubuque man has been arrested for multiple charges after a high speed chase early Friday morning in Sageville. A press release states at approximately 1:10 AM a Dubuque County Sheriff's deputies observed a motorcycle driven by 45-year-old Jeramie James Doyle exceeding the speed limit by more than 25 miles per hour. Upon attempting to stop the motorcycle, Doyle allegedly attempted to elude the officers. Doyle was taken into custody after crashing the motorcycle at the intersection of Rupp Hollow Road and Sageville Road. Further investigation revealed that Doyle’s driver’s license had been revoked, and the vehicle he was operating was not registered. Additionally, he failed to provide proof of insurance when requested by the officers. Doyle was charged with eluding (a felony), driving while revoked, operating a non-registered vehicle, failure to provide proof of insurance, and speeding. Doyle suffered minor injuries and was taken by ambulance to MercyOne Medical Center before being taken back into police custody.

Mount Vernon Man Injured after Hitting Deer

A Mount Vernon man was injured after hitting a deer Wednesday. At about 5:20pm, Linn County Deputies along with Linn County Sheriff Rescue 57, Lisbon- Mt. Vernon Ambulance and Mt. Vernon Fire Department responded to a single vehicle accident on West Mt. Vernon Road near O’Connor Road. Upon arrival, first responders observed a Ford Bronco had struck a deer and the driver, 47-year-old Jason Rushford of Mt. Vernon, was injured. Jason was transported to MercyOne with minor injuries. Rushford's passenger, 47-year-old Allyson Rushford was not injured. Mt. Vernon Road was partially blocked and traffic was restricted for a short time.

Northeast Iowa Community College Plans to Launch Advanced Manufacturing Lab at Peosta Campus

Northeast Iowa Community College plans a $700,000 project to launch an advanced manufacturing “super lab” at its Peosta campus. The Competency-Based Education Advanced Manufacturing, According to a press release, the Industrial Technology, Robotics, Automation and Engineering Technology Lab will be constructed at the campus’ industrial technologies building. The release states that the lab’s design will allow NICC to expand enrollment in its advanced manufacturing programs. The space also will better accommodate evolving technology in the advanced manufacturing industry, including the Industrial Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, robotics, automation and more. At a meeting this week, the NICC board of trustees awarded a bid of $703,940 for the project to Foreman Construction of Hiawatha. The release states that the project is funded through the State of Iowa Accelerated Career Education Program. Construction on the project will begin next month, and work is slated to be completed in time for the 2025-2026 academic year.

Epworth Elementary Teacher One of Nine Recipients of Teacher of the Year Award

A teacher in the Western Dubuque school district has been named one of nine Teacher of the Year award recipients in the state by the Iowa Department of Education. Alyssa Dalsing an elementary education teacher at Epworth Elementary has been named Keystone Regional Teacher of the Year. Dalsing has over 10 years of experience in the district working with pre-K through fourth grade students. Dalsing, a Dubuque native, pursued her elementary education degree at Clarke University. She has served in numerous leadership roles within the district and challenges her students to think critically and creatively, connecting classroom learning to the community and world around them.

Iowa’s Catholic Bishops Release Letter Extending the Church’s Support and Compassion for Migrants

Iowa’s Catholic bishops released a letter this week extending the church’s support and compassion for migrants. The Iowa Catholic Conference letter was signed by the state’s four bishops, including Dubuque Archbishop Thomas Zinkula. The letter assures that Iowa’s bishops will advocate for migrants’ “just treatment and dignity within the framework of the law” and stand with them “during this stressful time.” “We assure you of our prayerful support and ask the state of Iowa to do the same,” the letter states. “You are our brothers and sisters. Please know that you are not forgotten and that your Church stands with you in solidarity.” It also notes Pope Francis is a strong advocate for migrants and quotes him stating: “Migrants and refugees are not pawns on the chessboard of humanity. They are children, women and men who leave or who are forced to leave their homes for various reasons, who share a legitimate desire for knowing and having, but above all for being more.”