Woman airlifted after explosion
HUDSON -- A Hudson woman has been airlifted to University Hospitals in Iowa City after suffering injuries from an explosion at her home apparently triggered by liquid propane.
The woman's family identified her as Donna Firgard, 65. They say she was home alone when an explosion occurred around four in the afternoon.
The home was severely damaged in the blast. Hudson firefighters remained on the scene battling the blaze.
Neighbor Lyle Taylor, who lives across the street, says he heard the blast and called authorities. Smoke from the inferno was seen from as far away as U.S. 20 north of the Waterloo Cedar Falls area.
Officials warn of tornado scam
PARKERSBURG -- Officials are warning disaster victims in northeast Iowa to be wary of scam artists as they recover from a historic tornado that struck last week.
Authorities say they have heard of people going door to door in some Parkersburg and New Hartford neighborhoods claiming to be approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to remove debris.
But Amanda Johnson, a FEMA spokeswoman, says that's not the case, and that no cleanup crews have been approved by FEMA.
The scammers have asked for 10 percent deposit or down payment on work. The offers can be from contractors who plan to do little work or will not complete the work.
As yet, no one has reported being a scam victim, and no arrests have been made in conjunction with the reports, said Butler County Sheriff Jason Johnson.
Man arrested for theft after tornado
PARKERSBURG -- A Dows man has been arrested after allegedly stealing property from homes damaged in last week's massive tornado in northeast Iowa.
The Butler County Sheriff's Office charged Lloyd Bonjour, 68, with fourth degree theft on Friday night after he was found with several items in his possession that appeared to be taken from homes in the Highway 57 and South Johnston Street area.
Family files lawsuit after fatal fire
MASON CITY -- The family members of a Mason City woman who was killed in a 2007 house fire have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the man who shared her home.
According to Cerro Gordo County court records, the lawsuit was filed against Ron Larsen on May 19. Young's son, Scottie Lear, as well as Lear's wife and daughter are plaintiffs case.
The Iowa wrongful Death lawsuit contends that Larsen's unattended burning cigarette caused the fire that led to his mother's death. A fire marshal's report concluded burning embers from a cigarette ignited the fire last year.
More counties added
DES MOINES -- Gov. Chet Culver says he's received notification that additional counties affected by last week's massive tornado will receive federal aid.
The Presidential Disaster Declaration for parts of northeast Iowa will now include public assistance and individual assistance for Black Hawk and Buchanan counties, as well as public assistance for Delaware and Bulter counties.
Officials had previously announced that Butler County would receive expedited federal assistance.
Rail employee killed
WATERLOO -- A GE Rail Services employee has been killed after being struck by a rail car at the company's facility in Waterloo.
The victim, who has not been identified pending family notification, was struck on Friday afternoon.
Waterloo Police Lieutenant Michael McNamee says the death appears to be accidental.
The Waterloo facility is one of six locations in the nation that maintains and repairs General Electric-owned railcars.