Iowa

‘I’ve never had damage like this’: Iowa woman says recent storms worst of three she’s seen in 51 years

Published

2 years ago

April 29, 2024

‘I’ve never had damage like this’: Iowa woman says recent storms worst of three she’s seen in 51 years

PLEASANT HILL, Iowa (Gray Television Iowa Capitol Bureau) – The tornadoes that hit the state put an Iowa woman in a position that she’s unfortunately found herself numerous times. She’s cleaning up from another natural disaster.

Rose Ostrand has lived in the same house in Pleasant Hill for 51 years. In that time, she’s been through the Flood of 1993 and a few tornados, but somehow the house is still here. “This is the third one out here but I’ve never had damage like this. I mean, I’ve had a couple blown windows, maybe a broken door, but nothing that we couldn’t fix ourselves. Nothing to even turn in to the insurance,” Ostrand said.

Others in the neighborhood weren’t so lucky when the EF-2 tornado touched down just before nine Friday night. The winds, which peaked around 125 miles per hour, toppled trees, blew over headstones in the cemetery, a neighbor’s trampoline ended up in a tree.

Despite living through major storms before, Ostrand still headed for cover. “I got down to my little cubby hole and I heard a loud ‘boom’, and then just glass breaking, so I knew I’d been hit, and when I got a chance to go back upstairs, I looked out the patio window and I saw my car with no garage,” Ostrand said.

Ostrand’s big tree came down and knocked out her gas meter, so she’s been without hot water since the storm. Still, she considers herself lucky that she has neighbors, like Tyler Luft, who look out for her. “They’ve done more about cleaning out my yard than I have. I’ll go out and I’ll pick up a few things and he and his wife are dragging stuff out,” Ostrand said.

Ostrand says she’s “their senior” and they’re always checking on her. Luft says the favors go both ways. “Yeah but don’t let her fool you, snow in winter, sometimes she she’d do my snow before I would get to it,”” Luft said.

Right now though, they’re focused up on cleaning from the spring storm. Ostrand has seen many come through the neighborhood before, and she says they’ll be just fine.

—

Conner Hendricks covers state government and politics for Gray Television-owned stations in Iowa. Email him at conner.hendricks@gray.tv; and follow him on Facebook at Conner Hendricks TV or on X/Twitter @ConnerReports.

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Iowa

Opinion: Marathon legislative shutdown shouldn’t be repeated

Published

4 hours ago

May 10, 2026

Press Room

Opinion: Marathon legislative shutdown shouldn’t be repeated

Sleep deprivation for Iowa legislators, staff and journalists was not the only problem we have with this unnecessary stumble out the door. Legislation addressing issues Iowans care about was approved at a rapid pace, with no chance for Iowans to weigh in.

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Iowa

Groundbreaking held for Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity’s 16th Woman Build

Published

16 hours ago

May 9, 2026

Press Room

Groundbreaking held for Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity’s 16th Woman Build

IOWA CITY, Iowa (KCRG) — Volunteers broke ground Saturday for Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity’s 16th Woman Build, honoring a retired University of Iowa nursing professor.

Liz Swanson, a retired nursing professor, was chosen as this year’s honoree for her decades of impact. The Women Build program focuses on including women in every step of home construction.

While the home is built in Swanson’s honor, it will go to a fellow nurse and mother of three. The family applied through the affordable housing program.

Swanson said she’s proud to be part of a project that directly connects to her nursing legacy.

“It’s very special to have the unique opportunity to help the nurse who is working nights,” Swanson said.

Swanson said stable housing gives families the security to plan for the future.

“It means security for families. We talked briefly to the children and they said, ‘we’re gonna have our own bedroom,’” Swanson said.

Volunteers are set to begin work on the home in August. Those interested in volunteering can find more information here.

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Iowa

Iowa Lottery Mega Millions, Pick 3 Midday results for May 8, 2026

Published

1 day ago

May 9, 2026

Press Room

The Iowa Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big with rewards ranging from $1,000 to millions. The most an Iowan has ever won from playing the lottery was $343 million in 2018 off the Powerball.

Don’t miss out on the winnings. Here’s a look at Friday, May 8, 2026, winning numbers for each game:

Winning Mega Millions numbers from May 8 drawing

37-47-49-51-58, Mega Ball: 16

Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick-3 numbers from May 8 drawing

Midday: 0-5-8

Evening: 9-9-2

Check Pick-3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick-4 numbers from May 8 drawing

Midday: 0-2-7-3

Evening: 0-7-0-6

Check Pick-4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from May 8 drawing

14-16-21-43-51, Bonus: 03

Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

When are the Iowa Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 9:59 p.m. CT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 10:00 p.m. CT on Tuesday and Friday.
Lotto America: 9:15 p.m. CT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Lucky for Life: 9:38 p.m. CT daily.
Pick 3 (Day): 12:20 p.m. CT daily.
Pick 3 (Evening): 10:00 p.m. CT daily.
Pick 4 (Day): 12:20 p.m. CT daily.
Pick 4 (Evening): 10:00 p.m. CT daily.
Millionaire for Life: 10:15 p.m. CT daily.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by an Iowa editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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