Law enforcement testify on apprehending Lasley, testing cartridges

May 16, 2026

The double murder trial of Ilias Lasley continued Friday with the prosecution calling more witnesses. Lasley, 30, of Ankeny, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder of Mario Murillo, 28, and Frances Gasca, 33, both of Marshalltown. The charges stem from an April 19, 2024 shooting at a residence north of Marshalltown on 182nd Street. The arrest report states that Lasley became upset the victims were speaking to one another in Spanish. He allegedly followed them outside and began shooting. Gasca and Murillo reportedly each had seven bullet wounds. The prosecution called law ...

Beaman to honor 150th birthday with Memorial weekend celebration

May 16, 2026

BEAMAN — “You’re not dreamin…You’re in Beaman” is the motto of the small Grundy County community about to celebrate its 150th year of existence with a three-day celebration spanning May 23-25. While the town usually hosts a handful of events in honor of the Memorial Day holiday, ...

Cop on a Rooftop fundraiser held at Dunkin’ Friday

May 16, 2026

Police officers around the state gathered at Dunkin’ locations across the state on Friday morning to stand on rooftops and raise money for Special Olympics Iowa, and the Marshalltown store saw representatives from the Marshalltown Police Department, the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office and ...

Crime scene details shared during Day 3 of Lasley double murder trial

May 15, 2026

Testimonies in the Ilias Lasley double murder case during the past two days helped place the pieces of the puzzle of what happened to Mario Murillo and Frances Gasca. Lasley, 30, of Ankeny, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder of Murillo, 28, and Gasca, 33, both of Marshalltown. ...

Miller Middle School’s Ann Jackson nominated for 2026 NHD Teacher of the Year

May 15, 2026

Miller Middle School Extended Learning Program (XLP) Teacher Ann Jackson brings a unique passion to her role facilitating the National History Day (NHD) program there, and this year, she is among 78 nominees from across the U.S. — and the only one from Iowa — for the National NHD Teacher ...

Kara Wildman receives 2026 Woman in Business Award

May 15, 2026

Kara Wildman, owner of Happy Tails in Marshalltown, was presented the 2026 Woman in Business Award during the Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce Women in Business Luncheon held at Iowa Valley Business & Community Solutions Dejardin Hall on Thursday, May 14. Presenting Kara with the award ...