West Burlington, IA- Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center's Diabetes Education Program will begin hosting a quarterly Continuous Glucose Meter Support Group. The Pen City Current reports that the group is designed for anyone who currently uses a CGM device, or is interested in getting one. The first meeting will be held on Friday, March 17th, from 10 AM to 11 AM, at the West Burlington campus in the Family Medicine Mercy Plaza, Healthy Living Classroom, Suite 159, 1225 South Gear Avenue in West Burlington. For more information, please call 319-768-4165 or email tyakle@greatriverhealth.org.
Fort Madison, IA- The Fort Madison Fire Department says that a Saturday garage fire was caused by an acetylene tank explosion. The Pen City Current reports that at about 8:30 PM Saturday, reports came in to LeeComm of an explosion in the 1100 block of Avenue E. Fort Madison Fire Chief Joey Herron said that the fire started when an acetylene tank exploded inside of a garage, causing multiple other tanks to explode and destroying the garage. The fire is under investigation and the cause of the explosion is unknown. No injuries were reported.
Fort Madison, IA- City officials in Fort Madison have approved the purchase of property near the city's public works building for future construction. The Pen City Current reports that the Fort Madison City Council on Tuesday approved a $200,000 purchase agreement for several lots in the 2200 block of Avenue L. The property acquisition will allow for the construction of a new fire station. Preliminary estimates say the cost of the project would be about $9.5 million. Plans would involve the city tearing down the current public works building to make room for a new 7-bay, single-story fire station. City officials are also planning to move all public works space near Rodeo Park.
Fort Madison, IA- The Fort Madison Police Department has announced the arrest of a Burlington man accused of having an ongoing sexual relationship with a minor. 35-year-old Ray Bell was arrested Wednesday, January 25th at his residence without incident. He is charged with three counts of 3rd Degree Sexual Abuse, three counts of Enticing a Minor, and one count of prostitution. The Pen City Current reports that Bell is alleged to have had an ongoing sexual relationship with a minor in Fort Madison between September and October of 2021. Authorities say that recent DNA Forensic and Digital evidence from the Iowa Department of Criminal Investigation allowed investigators to arrest Bell.
Fort Madison, IA- The Fort Madison Fire department says that a home in the 1600 block of 33rd street was destroyed by an electrical fire Thursday, January 12th. The Pen City Current reports that Fort Madison Firefighters were called to 1623 33rd Street for a house fire. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered heavy smoke and flames coming from the roof of the porch and the house. Firefighters say the home was occupied at the time, and the owner had said they encountered some electrical issues earlier that day. No one was injured in the fire, but two birds in cages were rescued. The cause of the fire was determined to be wiring issues in the home, and no foul play is suspected. The house is considered a total loss.