Iowa City earns high financial rating
Iowa City has maintained its AAA bond rating by Moody’s Investor Service for the 39th-straight year.
The rating is used to evaluate the risk of loans, bonds and other transactions from cities and other governmental bodies.
The city said in a release it will save taxpayers money because of lower interest rates on loans for city projects.
“We are proud that the city of Iowa City has once again earned this financial distinction,” said Mayor Matt Hayek. “It demonstrates our respect for financial resources and our commitment to sound planning. As Iowa City continues to grow, this bond rating helps us access capital for projects that will benefit our residents and businesses for years to come.”
— by Nick Moffitt
Man charged with robbery
Authorities have accused an Iowa City man of mugging a person.
Kellen Herdt, 33, was charged with second-degree robbery on April 29.
According to online court documents, Herdt was walking with a friend when they came across the person and began talking to him.
Soon after, Herdt pushed the person into his friend, and his friend punched the person in the face, knocking the person to the ground and dislodgin a tooth.
Herdt started to leave the scene but allegedly returned to steal the person’s wallet.
When Herdt was found and taken into custody, he smelled of alcohol, had bloodshot, watery eyes, slurred speech, and poor balance. A small pipe containing marijuana residue was also allegedly found on him.
Second-degree burglary is a Class-C felony.
— by Alyssa Guzman
Authorities have accused an Iowa City woman and man of breaking into a hotel room.
Ashley Scharf, 23, and Rashaud Lee, 27, were charged with third-degree burglary on Sept. 13, 2014.
Scharf reportedly served as a lookout as Lee and the other person broke into the housekeeping office to steal keys to the seventh floor.
Once on the seventh floor, they entered four rooms and allegedly stole at least $4,000 worth of property.
They then reportedly pawned the property at two local pawnshops.
Third-degree burglary is a Class-D felony.
— by Alyssa Guzman
