Move over or slow down. Certainly you’ve heard these words before, and there’s a reason for that.

You can help save lives by following two very simple rules on the road. First, Iowa Code section 321.323A requires motorists to change lanes or slow down when approaching a stationary emergency vehicle that has flashing lights activated, a stationary tow, recovery, maintenance, construction, solid waste, or recycling collection vehicle that has flashing lights activated, and even any stationary motor vehicle that is displaying its emergency signal lamps, such as standard hazard lights. This includes passenger vehicles.

The second rule is covered under section 321.324 of the Iowa code and requires drivers to yield the right of way to emergency vehicles displaying flashing light or giving an audible signal. Move over to the right, stop, and continue to wait until the vehicle has passed. This article has even been shifted to the right to make room for the sign.

Failure to follow these simple rules can result in a ticket and a loss of license. Signs are posted statewide to ensure no driver can miss the message. Move over or slow down. It’s the law.

https://iowadot.gov/rules

*Remember: Move to the left for stopped vehicles on the right. Yield the right of way to emergency vehicles that are driving on the left.*

The Iowa Annual Sales Tax Holiday will take place on August 4^th and 5^th. While shopping during that Friday and Saturday, expect your bill to be a bit cheaper than usual as there is a break in the sales tax.

With back to school shopping, this is the perfect time to buy those much needed items and save money while doing so.

If you’d rather shop from the comfort of your home, the tax break is in effect for that too. Just make sure all items ordered online and paid for during this exemption period.

All clothing and footwear under $100 for a single unit qualify for this exemption.

In general, select clothing and footwear are tax exempt, meaning no state sales tax will be collected, but there are restrictions. According to tax.iowa.gov, clothing is defined as “any article of wearing apparel and typical footwear intended to be worn on or about the human body.” Visit the Sales Tax Holiday page for full details.

At 3:37 AM Thursday, July 27th, 2023, the Burlington Fire Department responded to a reported house fire at 1305 Corse St. in Burlington, IA. Burlington firefighters arrived at 3:43 AM to find a fully engulfed detached garage fire. The two vehicles adjacent to the garage also sustained damage from the fire.

Eleven initial Burlington firefighters responded to the call. A box alarm was struck, which resulted in calling in 10 off-duty Burlington Firefighters. West Burlington Fire Department responded with automatic aid. Alliant Gas and Energy and the Burlington Police Department assisted on the scene.

The garage is owned by Donald and Donna Charles and is considered a total loss. The property and its contents are insured.

The fire has been ruled undetermined and not considered suspicious.

No injuries were reported, and firefighters cleared the scene at 5:20 AM.

At 6:14pm on July 25, 2023, Burlington Police Officers were dispatched to the intersection of South 8th and Elm Streets on a report of gunshots. Officers were told a male had fired shots at a silver Ford Edge as it drove by the intersection. Numerous shell casings were found in the intersection but the targeted vehicle had left the scene. A short time later, employees from the Dollar General Store located at 1015 Division advised a man named Terrance Gordon, arrived there with a gunshot wound to his torso. Officers discovered the injured male had arrived there in a silver Ford Edge that had been struck by multiple bullets. The victim was transported to Southeast Iowa Medical Center with serious injuries.

During the investigation, officers were told Immanuel Johnson, 17, and Hamazah Tandia, 16, were involved in the shooting. Detectives were able to observe video footage from a vehicle’s dash camera that showed Johnson hand a handgun off to Tandia, who then shot into the vehicle numerous times.

Officers located Johnson and took him into custody after a brief foot chase. Johnson was found to be in possession of a handgun at the time of his apprehension. Tandia has not been located but arrest warrants have been obtained for his arrest.

As a result, Imanuel Lovell Johnson, 17, was charged with Intimidation with a Dangerous Weapon (Class C Felony), and Willful Injury (Class C Felony).

Hamazah Tandia, 16, has warrants for Attempted Murder (Class B felony), Intimidation With A Dangerous Weapon (Class C Felony), and Willful Injury (Class C felony). Tandia should be considered armed and dangerous. If you have information about Hamazah Tandia’s whereabouts, call Crime Stoppers at 319-753-6835. If your tip leads to his arrest, you will be eligible for a reward of up to $1000.00

With August quickly approaching, it’s easy to forget that there is still plenty of fun to be had this summer. The Winfield Crooked Creek days are a sure way to enjoy some time before summer gives way to fall. Starting at 5:00 pm on Friday, August 4^th with a meal at Twin Lakes Country Club and ending with a car show and trophy presentation on Sunday, August 6^th, there is fun to be had for the whole family.

In fact, Crooked Creek Days has been in operation since 1994, and this year the theme is “Build It, They Will Come.” While there may not be any baseball legends hitting homeruns, this is a great way for friends, family, and community to join together with plenty of activities to keep them entertained. If you enjoy running, there is a 5k run on Saturday at 8:30 am. Cool off with a water balloon toss, and even an escape room if you want to put your detective skills to the test.

The Crooked Creek Days of Winfield is a three-day event and is sure to bring smiles to all.