Gazette Daily News Podcast: Wednesday, January 24, 2024

– Sledding crash turns fatal for Anamosa teen

– A vote to extend a capital projects fund to go to Linn-Mar, Marion voters in March

– Linn County assistant prosecutor appointed next 6th Judicial District judge

Episode Transcript

You are listening to The Gazette’s Daily News Podcast on Wednesday, January 24. This podcast gives quick bites from the latest headlines coming out of The Gazette newsroom. I’m Bailey Cichon.

An Anamosa teen who was struck by a vehicle while sledding outside his home has died. 13-year-old Adam McWherter was sledding in his driveway with a friend January 10 when he picked up speed and slid into the road. There, McWherter was hit by a northbound SUV. Ten days after the crash, McWherter died from his injuries at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital. A celebration of life will be held Thursday at the Antioch Christian Church in Marion. A GoFundMe page started on behalf of the family after the crash had raised $37,952 as of Tuesday afternoon. This exceeds the campaign’s goal of $30,000.

No one has been charged and the crash is still under investigation by the Iowa State Patrol. According to a search warrant affidavit, as part of the investigation, troopers searched the vehicle involved in the crash, reenacted the scene and interviewed an 11-year-old boy who was sledding with McWherter at the time. The 49-year-old driver of the vehicle told law enforcement that McWherter wasn’t visible until just before he entered the road. The driver braked as soon as he came into view, but was not able to stop in time. The full story is available at the link in this episode’s description.

Next, voters in the Marion Independent and Linn-Mar School Districts are being asked to consider extending a levy that funds maintaining facilities and purchasing vehicles and technology. On March 5, voters will decide whether to extend the Physical Plant and Equipment Levy or PPEL for another ten years. Recently, PPEL funds were used to repair the roof of Francis Marion Intermediate School in Marion after it partially collapsed in October during a storm. If the renewals are approved, the extension would not raise the existing school tax rate of either district. For a closer look at the issue, read the story linked in this episode’s description.

The next district judge of the 6th Judicial District Court has been appointed. Last week, Governor Kim Reynolds appointed Assistant Linn County Attorney Mike Harris to the role. Harris, who is 43, will fill the vacancy created when Judge Fae Hoover retired earlier this month. Hoover served 20 years on the bench. Linn County Attorney Nick Maybanks said prosecutors and staff are quote “thrilled” end quote for Harris and wish him the best in the new role. Maybanks said quote, “Mike is honest, intelligent, confident and possesses immense legal knowledge. He will be an excellent judge.” end quote. Harris started as a Linn County prosecutor in 2015. Maybanks said Harris climbed office ranks fairly quickly. Harris worked alongside Maybanks in the prosecution of Jerry Burns for the 1979 cold case fatal stabbing of 18-year-old Michelle Martinko. The 6th Judicial District includes Benton, Iowa, Johnson, Jones, Linn and Tama counties. The position pays $158,056 a year.

Now let’s take a look at today’s weather in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. This morning, expect freezing rain along with areas of patchy fog. A mix of rain and snow is possible and the fog may return in the evening. Temperatures are expected to reach a high of 35 degrees and low of 32 degrees. Thursday brings more wet and dreary weather. Expect rain and fog overnight. Thursday’s temperatures will be similar to Wednesday.

Thank you for listening to The Gazette’s Daily News Podcast. Stay up to date with the latest news from Eastern Iowa at the gazette dot com. I’m Bailey Cichon.

Comments: bailey.cichon@thegazette.com