A landmark building in downtown Des Moines caught fire and partially collapsed early this (Saturday) morning. KCCI-TV reports large numbers of firefighters and equipment responded to the three-alarm blaze at the former Younkers Department Store near 7^th and Walnut Streets. The blaze was reported at 12:50-a.m., and within minutes it was upgraded to a three-alarm fire.

Witnesses reported huge flames leaping from the upper floors of the building.  Video captured by one witness shows a huge part of one wall collapsing into the street. The upper floors of the structure were fully engulfed in flames when the first firefighting crews arrived. The flames spread quickly according to fire officials, because the building was under construction and many interior rooms were open.

As of 7-a.m., firefighters remained on the scene pouring water on what remains of the building. The inside of the building has collapsed. Buildings to the east and south of Younkers were damaged by falling debris and smoke, and nearby the Hub Tower was evacuated. It sustained significant damage due to the fire, including shattered windows and heat damage.

There is no word yet on what started the fire.

Police in Red Oak arrested a 35-year old man on an assault charge this (Saturday) morning. Officials say Tyler Geoffrey Jennings, of Red Oak, was arrested at around 5-a.m. on a charge of Domestic Abuse Assault. Jennings was being held without bond, in the Montgomery County Jail.

The Iowa Department of Transportation’s Creston Construction Office reports replacement of a bridge carrying traffic on U.S. Highway 34 over the Platte River in southwest Iowa, will require closing U.S. 34 west of the Adams/Union County line (1.3 miles west of Iowa 25). The road will be closed beginning at 9 a.m. Monday, April 7th, weather permitting. During the project, traffic will be detoured around the construction.

Eastbound traffic detoured south on Adams/Taylor County Road N-64, east on Taylor County Road J-13, north on Iowa 25 to U.S. 34.  Westbound traffic detoured south on Iowa 25, west on Taylor County Road J-13 (110th Street), north on Taylor/Adams County Road N-64 to U.S. 34.

The $2 million bridge replacement project also includes grading and paving of approximately 1500 foot of approach pavement. Cunningham-Reis Co., of Van Meter, was the successful bidder for the project.

The Iowa DOT reminds motorists to drive with caution, obey posted speed limit and other signs in the work area, and be aware that traffic fines for moving violations are at least double in work zones. As in all work zones, drivers should stay alert, allow ample space between vehicles, and wear seat belts.

Cass County Democratic Party Chair Sherry Toelle reports the County Democrats  hosted ten candidates or their surrogates at the Party’s “Spring Fling” on March 27^th More than 60 voters from several counties also attended the event.

Back Row: Jon Neiderbach, Tom Miller, Brad Anderson
Front Row: Michael Fitzgerald, Sherrie Taha, Tim Ennis, Steven Roe (Photo submitted)

Candidates present for the event included incumbents Attorney General Tom Miller and Iowa Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald. Jon Neiderbach, candidate for Auditor; Sherrie Taha, for Secretary of Agriculture; and Brad Anderson, Secretary of State. Campaign surrogates spoke for Staci Appel, US House of Representatives, Bruce Braley, US Senate, and Jack Hatch, Governor. Steven Roe and Tim Ennis, candidates for the Iowa House, Districts 20 and 21 respectively, were also present and spoke to the crowd.

Plans are in the works for all candidates to appear in Cass County as the campaigns advance.

Authorities in  western Iowa have released a man suspected of stabbing to death an Omaha meatpacking-plant worker in 2003, but they are continuing the case against another man charged in the slaying. The Omaha World-Herald reports 47-year old Thomas Sanchez, was released Thursday from the Pottawattamie County Jail on his own recognizance. Sanchez was arrested in January in connection to the cold case killing. He remains charged with first-degree murder in the death of 33-year old Nelson Alvarez-Hernandez, of Omaha.

The other identified suspect in the case, 36-year old James Cain Harris, of Council Bluffs, was also charged with first-degree murder. Harris was being held in the Pottawattamie County Jail on $1 million bail. Pottawattamie County Attorney Matt Wilber said Friday that the charges against Sanchez have not been dismissed. He said after Harris’ case is tried, a decision will be made on how to proceed with the case against Sanchez.

Alvarez-Hernandez, who worked at a South Omaha plant, dressed as a woman and went by the name Selena. He was stabbed in the early-morning hours of July 31st, 2003, outside a home near 13th Street and 16th Avenue in Council Bluffs. According to court documents, a sibling of Harris’ told Bluffs police that Harris stabbed Alvarez-Hernandez, saying Harris was angry because the victim had touched him. A $5 bill was found at the scene next to Alvarez-Hernandez’s body. A DNA profile developed from blood on the bill was tied to Sanchez several years later.

Sanchez told investigators that he did not know Alvarez-Hernandez and had never been to the scene of the crime. He said he had no idea why his DNA might have been there. Wilber said Sanchez agreed to waive his right to a speedy trial in return for being released. He said not having to try Sanchez right away will allow prosecutors to focus their efforts on Harris.

Harris is scheduled to go on trial May 28th.