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From Territory To State: Iowa’s Journey To Statehood On July 4th
As big days go, July 4th is one of the big dogs. It's America's birthday. July 4th is not just a big day for America. It's also part of Iowa history. We learned from Iowa PBS that early in its journey, the U.S. Congress set up a roadmap for western lands to become states, remembering how the American colonists weren't exactly fans of British rule (cue the Revolutionary fireworks). One of their star acts was the Northwest Ordinance of 1787. It gave a how-to guide for places like Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, and Wisconsin to join the statehood club.
Doctor: Fireworks pose very real risk to your eyesight
(Radio Iowa) – An eye doctor who serves northeast Iowa dreads being on call during the Fourth of July, as she says there’s always a case of someone being blinded by fireworks. Dr. Anna Kitzmann, an ophthalmologist with Gundersen Health in Decorah, says fireworks can cause devastating injuries to the hands, face and especially to the eyes.
GTSB Reminds Drivers No One is a Good Drunk Driver this July 4th Weekend
(Iowa) – As Iowans commemorate Independence Day, the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau (GTSB) has one critical message, “No One’s a Good DRUNK Driver.” In 2022, a person lost their life every 39 minutes in alcohol-related crashes on U.S. roads. From July 3 to July 7, law enforcement statewide will heighten vigilance against drunk driving on our roads.
Adult-only pool club opens in Des Moines
DES MOINES, Iowa — A new pool just for adults opened off of Hubbell Avenue near the Outlets of Des Moines on the Fourth of July. It’s called Broadway Beach House and it only allows entry to guests ages 21 and up. The club includes two bars, a...
ARL holds a pet adoption special, asks for hot dogs, canned pumpkin, whipped cream and more as shelters remain crowded
Last week, the Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL) asked for the public’s help because of a “severe space challenge” caused by a surge in dogs and cats arriving at its shelters. Over the weekend, it offered a special discount rate on adoptions of all dogs and cats six months or older, and 135 pets were adopted. Unfortunately, the space problem still exists, because while those adoptions were happening, 132 more pets arrived at ARL.
Homeless man charged in assault, stabbing near Des Moines park
DES MOINES, Iowa — Des Moines police arrested a homeless man Thursday, a week after they say he was involved in an assault and stabbing that left one person hospitalized. Robert McCalley and two other suspects approached two men sitting in a vehicle at University Avenue and Keo Way — across from Good Park — on June 27, according to court records.
Des Moines fireworks-related complaints increased from 2023, police say
DES MOINES, Iowa — Police in Des Moines responded to just over 10% more fireworks-related complaints over the first few days of July in 2024 than the same period last year. Sgt. Paul Parizek the Public Information Officer for the Des Moines Police Department said officers responded to 721 fireworks-related complaints between 6 p.m. on […]
Things to do in Des Moines this weekend: Celebrating Latin art, car show, concerts, disc golf and more
DES MOINES, Iowa — Looking for something to do this weekend? Or, want to try out a new place to grab a bite to eat?. Check out these events and activities happening across the metro, July 5-7. Friday, July 5. Celebrating Latin Art & Culture at Mainframe Studios, 900...
7 Brew Coffee, credit union to move in near former Price Chopper on Merle Hay Road
It's out with the old and in with the new at the Haymarket Square shopping center on Merle Hay Road in Des Moines, just east of Urbandale. A 7 Brew Coffee store and GreenState Credit Union branch will move in where the Price Chopper gas station once stood. Demolition of the gas station...
Historic front page from the Des Moines Register, Nov. 5, 1917: Merle Hay dies in WWI
The Evening Tribune, the afternoon sister paper of the Des Moines Register, reports on Nov. 5, 1917, that Iowan Merle Hay is among the first U.S. soldiers to be killed in World War I. The 20-year-old farm mechanic and store clerk from Glidden may have been the first to die as German troops mounted an attack on his unit's trench in France. Hay's funeral in Glidden drew mourners from around the country, and in Des Moines, he became the namesake of a major thoroughfare.
1969 – Moyer Wins Fairgrounds’ Mid-Season Title
Bill Moyer takes a victory lap after winning the mid-season title at Des Moines. Des Moines, Iowa (July 5, 1969) – Des Moines’ Bill Moyer squeezed his 1968 Corvette past Lem Blankenship’s 1965 Plymouth on the final turn of the 32nd lap, then coasted to the mid-season late model championship at the Iowa state Fairgrounds before 7,957 fans.
Making magic happen: The heart and hands behind the Iowa Cubs' fireworks show
DES MOINES, Iowa — The Iowa Cubs Fourth of July fireworks show has been lighting up Des Moines’ skies since the 90s. Organizers say it takes months of preparation to create the magic. In a changing technical world, Lead Firework Shooter Jake Amsden says there's nothing quite like...
Lil Wayne Performs “Rollin”, “Watch My Shoes” & More In Des Moines
Back on April 11th, Lil Wayne delivered a live concert at the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa. Tunechi performed many of his hit records live at the show, such as “Mr. Carter“, “I’m Goin’ In“, “Uproar“, “Fireman“, “Money On My Mind“, “Drop The World“, “Let The Beat Build“, “John“, “Hustler Musik”, “Love Me“, “Lollipop“, “She Will“, “6 Foot 7 Foot“, “Wasted“, “Rollin’“, “Every Girl“, “Watch My Shoes“, “Pop That“, “HYFR“, and “The Motto“.
New Iowa traffic cameras law puts Dubuque’s plan on hold
DUBUQUE, Iowa (KCRG) - Dubuque’s plans to install automatic traffic enforcement cameras will have to wait until at least 2026. A new Iowa law limiting how cities and counties can use traffic cameras went into effect July 1st. It creates standards for citations drivers can receive and puts a two year moratorium on new traffic cameras.
Ed Thomas Coach of the Week: Benton's Jordon Rettenmeier
After going to three state tournament appearances in a four year span from 2015 to 2018, Benton softball had not gone back to Fort Dodge since then prior to Jordon Rettenmeier's arrival to the program as head coach in 2022. Since then, the Bobcats not only made it back to the state tournament last season but are also primed to do so again, ranked top of class 3A and gearing up for a deep run into late July.
SE Iowa Man Injured in Motorcycle Crash Near Wesley
–A Southeast Iowa man had to be airlifted after crashing his motorcycle early Thursday morning near Wesley. According to the Kossuth County Sheriff’s Office, 62-year-old George Wayne Simons of Nichols, Iowa was traveling westbound along US Highway 18 on a 1990 Harley-Davidson Motorcycle around 5:45 AM. The accident report...
Resident of Klemme places high in venture school competition
Caleb Renner of Klemme took home 3rd place at the 2024 University of Iowa’s Venture School Launch Day held last month. 10 teams from across the state of Iowa competed in the event which was held at EntreFEST, a two-day entrepreneurial conference in Cedar Rapids. A total of 37-thousand dollars in prize money was awarded.
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