The latest local news, weather and high school sports from the Heartland

1 hour, 30 minutes ago  The process of stacking Ottumwa's new communications tower began and was completed Tuesday.

2 hours, 43 minutes ago  Getting closer to nature using a smart phone

Today at 8:23 AM  Under current Iowa law, schools are supposed to start the week that includes September 1st.

Yesterday at 3:40 PM  A judge set the trial date for Robert Eugene Pilcher, 67, on Monday.

Yesterday at 11:53 AM  Finding activities for the kids during the summer can be difficult and expensive, but one free camp is here to help.

Yesterday at 11:36 AM  Branstad spokesman Tim Albrecht says Monday the governor will sign the bill Thursday in Mason City.

Sunday, June 16, 2013  The event is more than just authentic Italian food like meatball sandwiches and cannoli. With opera singers, street art and dancing, people were totally immersed in a different culture.

Saturday, June 15, 2013  Investigators from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources were assisted in the case by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Friday, June 14, 2013  The names were selected from suggestions submitted through MidAmerican's Facebook page.

Thursday, June 13, 2013  The Appanoose County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the report of a 12-year-old girl being approached by a suspicious male in Moravia, Iowa Thursday.

Thursday, June 13, 2013  The U.S. Department of Agriculture says in its monthly report released Wednesday that farmers are expected to bring in 14 billion bushels of corn this year.

Wednesday, June 12, 2013  Robert Pilcher was arrested in November of last year after agents from the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation performed DNA tests.

Wednesday, June 12, 2013  The Iowa Department of Natural Resources says a program designed to plant new trees in Iowa this spring distributed nearly 2,000 trees to homeowners.

Tuesday, June 11, 2013  At a public meeting this afternoon,  Pathfinders representatives gave a historic overview of the byways, and they also asked residents for suggestions for future planning and developing.

Tuesday, June 11, 2013  Construction was delayed due to weather.