Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press….
TOLEDO, Iowa (AP) — A Marion kindergarten teacher has been acquitted of not reporting that a 15-year-old classroom volunteer sexually abused her students. Cedar Rapids television station KCRG reports that a Tama County jury on Thursday found 59-year-old Diane Graham not guilty of failing to report sexual abuse. Prosecutors said Graham was teaching at Starry Elementary when two students told her in August 2016 that they were being abused by the volunteer. Prosecutors said she didn’t report the abuse, as required.
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A judge recently appointed by Gov. Kim Reynolds has recused herself from a high-profile civil lawsuit. Judge Samantha Gronewald has disqualified herself from overseeing the wrongful termination case brought by former Division of Criminal Investigation agent Larry Hedlund. Gronewald didn’t elaborate on the reason. But records show she and her husband have contributed to former Gov. Terry Branstad and other Republican candidates for years.
DUBUQUE, Iowa (AP) — Some eastern Iowa hospitals have announced restrictions on visitation in the wake of a vicious flu season that has strained hospitals across the country. Mercy Medical Center in Dubuque and Dyersville and UnityPoint Health Finley Hospital in Dubuque have announced patient visitation restrictions starting Friday because of the respiratory virus.
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A Cincinnati-based company says it’s closing a Des Moines stockroom over the next four months, affecting the jobs of about 35 workers. The Des Moines Register reports that Cintas acquired the facility when it merged with G&K Services. Cintas said Thursday that the employees are encouraged to apply for open positions at other facilities in the Des Moines market. Cintas offers uniforms, floor care products and other goods and services to its customers.