Gomers

CAT TORTURE:

A West Liberty man, Leo A. Nopoulos, has been charged with animal torture after police viewed a video of him abusing his roommate's cat 'non-stop for a period lasting longer than three hours.” Police say he's seen punching and kicking the cat, throwing it against the ceiling and striking it with objects. The charge is an aggravated misdemeanor.

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WET WEATHER WOES:

Muddy fields have slowed Iowa's harvest. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey says fall field work is well behind the five year average. Extended forecasts calling for warmer than normal temps and dry conditions are welcome news.

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FIRST FLU CASES:

State health officials confirmed the first flu cases of the season last week, with Henry, Polk and Johnson counties confirming cases. The Iowa Department of Public Health estimates 300,000 Iowans get the flu each year, 1,000 dying of complications. Flu vaccinations are recommended for any Iowans over six months of age, and especially for people over 65, young kids and pregnant women. Now is the time to get immunized.