Iowa City|News|
Top 9 of Iowa: Death Penalty Unlikely, Letter to Newtown, Urban Chickens Win, Changing of the Johns
The trial has been set for February for the Ankeny parents accused of locking their kids in the basement.

This New Hampshirite migrated west to Olympia, Washington, south to Florida and wound up in the middle in Iowa. I studied journalism and political science at University of Iowa, and have worked professionally as a journalist covering higher education, city government and business. Investigative projects, covering RAGBRAI as an embedded reporter and paddling down the Iowa River for three days to report on its condition are some of my favorite assignments. I have many different interests: spending time with my family, hiking, biking, paddling, cooking, craft beers, writing, college and pro sports. I used to work as a professional chef, I've traveled to 49 of the 50 states, teach a backpacking course at the University of Iowa, and volunteer on the Board of Directors for the Bicyclists of Iowa City.
The trial has been set for February for the Ankeny parents accused of locking their kids in the basement.

The wrath of the first big winter storm of 2012, Draco, continues today with strong winds and negative-degree windchill.
Choosing the appropriate sparkling wine for New Year's Eve can make you dizzy before the first sip. Here's a handy guide to the intoxicating world of bubbles on a budget.
Kwanzaa is celebrated in the United States from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1.
If you could make a New Year's resolution for Marion, what would it be?
TIME magazine named President Obama their person of the year for the second time. Tell us who you think should win from our town!
The Patterson family is learning how to cope with the holidays and everyday life following the death of Mark Patterson, a husband and father. Recently, Marion's OHM Studio hosted a yoga event, raising more than $800 for the family.
There's a few things open on Christmas, but not much.
Latest forecast for Marion is 6 inches of accumulation and continued harsh winds. American Airlines has cancelled all flights. Thousands of Alliant customers without power.
Winter is here. Rejoice, send the kids out, drink some eggnog and share your pictures on Patch.
Marion Police arrested Michael and Airika Kimball at the end of November on multiple charges.
Marion officials are pushing a request to revoke the licenses of local massage parlors that were involved in prostitution stings. There will be a hearing about the licenses during a City Council meeting on Thursday.
Delta and American Airlines are canceling flights at the Eastern Iowa Airport until mid-afternoon on Thursday due to weather conditions from Winter Storm Draco.
School leaders reached a decision on Wednesday night to cancel school on Thursday.
The emergency status restricts parking on city streets.
Ace Hardware is busy with customer getting prepared for the storm, while public service workers are waiting to get called into action.
Kelley McLaren died at the scene of a two-vehicle crash on a November morning. She is remembered for her love of dance and people.
Join in the conversation: Warmer weather may be behind a rash of motorcycle-related deaths, but should more be done to keep motorcyclists safe?
Jennifer Livingston challenged the letter and made a powerful point about where children learn to bully others.
A wife asks advice to acquire a stripper for her husband's 40th birthday, an adorable cat is found and free pine cones are offered from a Marion residence.