(Radio Iowa) – The Wild Rose Clinton casino has agreed to a fine for a violation involving the self exclusion gambling law. Racing and Gaming Administrator, Brian Ohorilkoh, says the violation involved casino mailings. “There was an incident where a patron had contacted Wild Rose and indicated they were receiving promotional mailings — that this patron was on the statewide self exclusion list,” Ohorilko says. He says casinos have a grace period to get new self exclusion sign-ups into their system.

“And this person was receiving mailings after that period of time. An investigation of the matter actually led to a breakdown in the screening of the list that Wild Rose Clinton had and provided to their mail house,” Ohorilko says. He says the investigation found a total of 12 people who should have been on the list, but weren’t.

Ohorilko says Wild Rose Clinton has taken steps to correct the issue and they agreed to a ten-thousand-dollar fine for the violation.

AMES, Iowa/KCCI —Iowa State University alerted students of a third sexual assault that occurred in the past week. Authorities said the sexual assault occurred in the early hours of Friday morning at Alpha Tau Omega fraternity at Iowa State University. According to the fraternity, the victim told another fraternity member and a resident advisor about the sexual assault. The sexual assault was reported to Iowa State officials.

In a post on Facebook, the fraternity said “The alleged assault was not in conjunction with any ATO activity or event. Once informed of the situation, our chapter’s leadership began the swift and immediate process of removing this member from the chapter, resulting in his full dissociation with Alpha Tau Omega.”

The incident marked the third sexual assault reported at Iowa State in the past week. Last weeke, two different sexual assaults were reported at Martin Hall and Willow Hall. The Iowa State Police Department has reported nine sexual assaults since the beginning of the semester, however more have been reported through the Ames Police Department.

DES MOINES, Iowa/KCCI —Iowa’s 14-day COVID-19 test positivity rates continue to climb. According to the Iowa Department of Public Health, the state’s 14-day positivity rate climbed from 9.7% on Wednesday to 9.9% Friday. There were 8,698 positive tests reported in the last seven days, up from 8,254 on Wednesday.

Hospitalizations are also on the rise. There are now 569 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in Iowa, up from 544 at last report on Wednesday. Of those hospitalized with COVID-19, 73.3% are unvaccinated, while 80.2% of those listed in intensive care with COVID-19 are unvaccinated. There have been 4,039,408 vaccine doses administered in Iowa, with 68.7% of those 18 and older fully vaccinated and 71.6% of those 12 and older with at least one dose.

The number of long-term care facilities reporting outbreaks decreased from 29 to 28.

(Radio Iowa) – The state board which oversees the medical marijuana program remains down four board members — but there is hope that will soon change. Program Bureau Chief, Owen Parker, updated the four members present for today’s (Friday) meeting.

“I can let you know that we’ve been in touch with the governor’s office. This week they did conduct three interviews for neurology, pediatrics, and psychiatry. I received an update that those went well — nothing has been finalized yet,” Park says. Parker says all of those interviewed had been referred by board members or those we recently left the board.

“So I will update you all when I officially get word on that. But we are optimistic,” he says. Parker says the best case would have new members on the board by their next meeting in February.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic Chamber Ambassadors visited with Stacey Ashton, owner of Elixir Downtown, and her parents on Thursday, November 18th, 2021, to celebrate the Grand Opening of her coffee shop and eatery located inside the Franklin Market in Downtown Atlantic.

Stacey grew up in California with her parents Dusty & Steve Turner. About 22 years ago, during a cross-country trip, Steve spotted a Danish windmill and ventured into the town of Elk Horn where they bonded with the community and purchased an acreage with the hope to give their grandchildren memories of summers at the farm.

Through the years, Stacey decided to leave her elementary education career to move to Iowa for a slower, more cost-effective pace. Stacey dreamed of opening her own coffee shop that could provide a unique and comforting atmosphere while featuring fresh homemade appetizers, meals, and desserts.

(Photo submitted)

With the help of her parents, Stacey acquired a space in the Franklin Market and quickly went to work creating her vison. In July of 2021, she opened her doors serving coffee, tea, lemonades, and specialty espresso drinks and slowly started adding items such as specialty salad, sandwiches, soups, and pizzas that have grown quickly in popularity.

Elixir Downtown is excited to begin taking reservations for “Elixir After 5.” This is an opportunity for customers to reserve time in the evening for an intimate dining experience while bringing in wine and/or beer for Stacey to pair with charcuterie boards, flat bread pizzas, and desserts.

Elixir Downtown is located at 402 Chestnut Street in Atlantic. To learn more about Elixir Downtown, call 510-963-9020 or visit their Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/ElixirDowntownAtl

COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA – A man from Pottawattamie County was sentenced Friday (11/19) to serve 42 months (3.5-years) in prison, for being a Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm. A Judge in Council Bluffs U-S District Court also ordered 42-year-old Domingo Ace Vasquez, III, of Council Bluffs, to three-years of supervised release following completion of his prison term.

On February 21, 2021, the Council Bluffs Police Department responded to a call at a casino regarding a man with a gun and methamphetamine. Vasquez was located and was in possession of a SIG Sauer, Model P938, 9mm pistol. A drug dog made a positive indication and alert on Vasquez’s vehicle, and a loaded magazine that fit the gun was found inside the vehicle.

United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Council Bluffs Police Department investigated the case.