Webster?s preliminary hearing delayed; more

Webster?s preliminary hearing delayed

The preliminary hearing for Tyler James Webster was rescheduled from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. today at the Jefferson County Courthouse.

Webster, 33, of 2104 185th St., is charged with first-degree murder, a Class A felony, in the Aug. 25 shooting death of Buddy Lee Frisbie, age 32, also of Fairfield.

Webster has been confined in the Jefferson County Jail since his arrest Aug. 25. During his initial appearance Aug. 26, Jefferson County Magistrate Judge Benny Waggner set bail at $2 million cash only.

Jefferson County Law Center received a 911 call at 7:28 p.m. Aug. 25 reporting a shooting at 2469 Marigold Blvd. According to court documents, Webster called 911, stated he had just shot a man, the man was deceased, and the handgun was in the glovebox of his pickup.

When law enforcement officials arrived, a .45-caliber semi-automatic Sig Sauer handgun was found in the glovebox, according to court documents.

The documents also state Webster told law enforcement personnel he shot Frisbie twice in the face.

Iowa DNR warns of algae growth in shallow lakes

DES MOINES (AP) ? The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is warning that warm weather and high water temperatures could lead to blue-green algae in Iowa lakes.

The DNR says the algae grows quickly in warm, shallow and undisturbed water, which has become increasingly common during the hot, dry summer.

Although it?s called blue-green algae, water where the algae exist can appear pea-green or reddish-brown.

People exposed to the water can develop irritated skin and rashes. It can be more dangerous if the water is swallowed, including the possibility of headaches, nausea, liver injuries and respiratory problems.

The DNR recommends that people not swim or boat in areas where the water is discolored and to keep their pets out of such water.

People should rinse off if they come in contact with such water.

Roadside count of Iowa pheasants jumps 16 percent

CEDAR RAPIDS (AP) ? Iowa?s annual August roadside count of pheasants has jumped 16 percent over last year.

The statewide index was 7.9 pheasants per 30-mile route, compared with 6.6 last year.

The Gazette reports it was the first increase in seven years.

Iowa Natural Resources Department biologist Todd Bogenschutz says he was projecting an even bigger increase, based on the average increase that occurred in seven previous years with similar nesting and other conditions.

He says pheasants may have been undercounted this year because heavy dews, which produce the best counting conditions, occurred less often this summer because of the drought.

Bogenschutz says the count leads him to estimate that hunters will kill between 125,000 and 200,000 roosters this coming season, compared with last year?s record low harvest of 109,000 roosters.