The good

Home sales are up in the metro, according to the Des Moines Area Association of Realtors. In March 713 homes were sold, which is up 46 percent from February, The median sale price of a home was $140,000, up almost $20,000 from last month. The Association reports that 1,035 contracts were written in March, homes were on the market for an average of 123 days and there were 4,529 active listings. Those are good signs of an improving economy, we hope.

The Iowa Economic Development Authority board recently awarded financial assistance to 11 companies for job creation and expansion projects that will help create 403 new jobs, retain 44 jobs and result in $389 million of new capital investment to the state. Three of those recipients were metro business: Pioneer Hi-Bred International Inc. to expand its operations in Johnston, a $23 million capital investment project expected to create 100 jobs; The Toro Company for a new distribution facility located in Ankeny, a $500,000 capital investment expected to create 26 new jobs; and Weeks and Leo Company, Inc. to expand its manufacturing capabilities and warehousing in Clive, a $1.5 million capital investment expected to create 18 new jobs. That’s not 200,000 jobs, but it’s a start.

The bad

It was a sad and embarrassing day for Des Moines Police last Tuesday when they arrested one of their own. Officer Brandon Singleton started his morning out by allegedly smashing his police cruiser into another vehicle and taking off, later reporting the incident as a mere tire service call. A department supervisor responded and observed damages to the car not consistent with the officer’s account of the incident. The investigation determined Singleton had been involved in a hit-and-run accident while also allegedly in possession of methamphetamines and marijuana, which the supervisor found in the patrol car. He was arrested and charged with hit-and-run, two possession charges and paraphernalia. Singleton reportedly had similar prior incidents with a patrol car and this time around was immediately released from jail following booking without having to post bond. The DMPD declined to comment. Singleton is currently on paid administrative leave.

When you gotta go, you gotta go. Florida resident Barnard Cato, 29, was arrested last week after he fled the scene revved up for a duce. According to police, Cato struck a vehicle with his car and then fled the scene on foot. Officers found Cato a short time later at a nearby Wal-Mart. His breath smelled like alcohol, and his eyes were blood-shot and watery. When officers asked why he fled the scene, Cato stated that he “had the runs” and needed to get to a restroom immediately. Cato was arrested and charged with driving under the influence, hit-and-run and leaving the scene of an accident causing injury.

The ugly

Why would anyone do this? Tennessee native Becky Burlison, 39, was arrested last week after she admitted to jamming a hairbrush handle into a 2-year-old’s rectum. According to officials, Burlison was babysitting her friend’s daughter when she victimized the baby with a hairbrush. During a second insertion, the 4-inch brush handle broke off. The child was rushed to the hospital, and the handle was removed. While being questioned by officials, Burlison stated she was trying to relieve the child’s constipation with the handle. Burlison was arrested and charged with two counts of aggravated child rape and felony child abuse.

Can you hear me now? Florida native Aldwin Caceres, 18, was arrested last week after he beat his mother up and burned her house. According to officials, Caceres was arguing with his mother over a cell phone. He reportedly grabbed his mother and head-butted her twice. He then doused two couches and his mother’s bed with gasoline and set them on fire, which eventually destroyed the house. Caceres was arrested and charged with first-degree arson and domestic battery. CV