Home News Friday Afternoon News, May 7th

Friday Afternoon News, May 7th

Reynolds Orders Flags Lowered to Half-Staff For Peace Officer Memorial Day

(Des Moines, IA) — Flags are flying at half-staff across Iowa today (Friday) in honor of Peace Officer Memorial Day. Governor Kim Reynolds said in a statement, “today serves as another reminder of the heroic sacrifice of the men and women in blue as well as the family members who selflessly share their heroes with our grateful state.” The governor is also encouraging Iowa businesses, homes and schools to lower their flags in honor of law enforcement . The state recently lost Iowa State Patrol Sergeant Jim Smith and Anamosa State Penitentiary correctional employees Robert McFarland and Lorena Schulte.

 

 

 

Testing Could Show Impact of Online Learning For Iowa Students

(Des Moines, IA) — The impact of online learning on the achievement gap between minority and low-income students in Iowa schools is not yet known — but answers should be coming as students are in the midst of tests right now. The Department of Education’s Jay Pennington tells the Board of Education that Iowa should be in a good position compared to other states. He said “I would think that as a state that was more in-person that will help us as a state as a whole in decreasing loss relative to others.” Pennington cited one study which looked at how far behind students were based on the availability of online instruction. He added, “even with the highest quality, they were estimating three to four months behind what they would expect of students that were in-person in a normal year. And low quality — it was more like a year behind.” Pennington says this year’s national assessment results will show how the pandemic learning here compared to other states.

 

 

 

Trial Continues for Pella Woman Charged in Fatal Stabbing of Husband’s Girlfriend

(Knoxville, IA) — Attorneys for a Pella woman accused in the fatal stabbing of her estranged husband’s girlfriend argue she should be on trial for manslaughter and not murder. Fifty-five-year-old Michelle Boat is charged with the first-degree murder of 46-year-old Tracy Mondabough in Marion County. Investigators say Boat stabbed Mondabough in her vehicle last May and she died before being taken to the hospital. A witness told police that Boat yelled “He don’t belong to you” outside the victim’s car. The defense claims Boat did not plan to murder Mondabough. Authorities say they found evidence that Boat may have been stalking the victim or her ex-husband. Testimony continues today (Friday) in Knoxville.

 

 

 

Grand Opening For Lauridsen Skate Park in Des Moines

(Des Moines, IA) — There’s a grand opening today (Friday 4:30 pm) in Des Moines for America’s largest skateboard park. Lauridsen Skatepark will open to the public after a ribbon-cutting ceremony this afternoon. Committee co-chair Brad Anderson says creating this skatepark has a 17-year process. On May 20th, the Dew Tour comes to Iowa for Olympic skateboarding qualifying. Des Moines leaders expect the event to bring in four- to five-million dollars in revenue. Anderson says he can’t wait to see the local skaters use the park before the pros come to town.