Dana Searles

Minnesota

Reporter and Multi-Skilled Journalist at WOI-TV (Des Moines, IA)

Anchor/Reporter @weareiowa5news 🎤• @UofOklahoma alum ☝🏻• MN - OK - IA •

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Articles

National Weather Service meteorologist reflects on Greenfield tornado, one year later

2 weeks ago | wqad.com | Dana Searles

Special Reports “It's the largest tornado, the most impactful tornado that I've ever been part of,” said NWS Meteorologist Chad Hahn. Author: Dana Searles Published: 2:36 PM CDT May 21, 2025 Updated: 5:25 AM CDT May 22, 2025 DES MOINES, Iowa — A lot of eyes are on the people on the front lines of the storms, but many often forget about those behind the scenes, tracking the storms and issuing the warnings.
Greenfield resident reflects on tornado’s lasting impact one year later

2 weeks ago | weareiowa.com | Dana Searles

GREENFIELD, Iowa — May 21, 2024, is a moment that stays forever for many Greenfield residents. “Everything that I've ever known my whole Life has just disappeared in an instant,” said Haylee Landers, a Greenfield resident impacted by the EF-4 tornado. At ground zero of the path the Greenfield tornado traveled, sits a home with 29 years of one family’s love and history. One year later, they’re reminiscing about a day that changed their lives forever. “Terrifying still,” Landers said.
National Weather Service meteorologist reflects on Greenfield tornado, one year later

2 weeks ago | weareiowa.com | Dana Searles

DES MOINES, Iowa — A lot of eyes are on the people on the front lines of the storms, but many often forget about those behind the scenes, tracking the storms and issuing the warnings. In a small building on Beaver Avenue sits a mighty team of 23 people: the National Weather Service of Des Moines. NWS spends most days assessing the environment and honing their craft, all to be prepared for the moments they never forget.
Local businesses see increase in customers after Joan store closures

1 month ago | weareiowa.com | Dana Searles

DES MOINES, Iowa — At the start of the year, Joann filed for bankruptcy for the second time in less than 12 months. A Joann spokesperson confirmed by the end of May, all 790 Joann locations will close. Now, local fabric and quilt stores are already seeing the effects. “I think we're seeing quite a large impact of Joann's closing," said Cindy Peters, owner of Quilter's Cupboard.
Peggy's Tavern celebrates 90 years as a beloved Drake Relays tradition

1 month ago | weareiowa.com | Dana Searles

DES MOINES, Iowa — The Drake Relays may be known for showcasing record-breaking performances and Olympic athletes, but one local business outside the Blue Oval is a Relays mainstay. The iconic Peggy's Tavern is celebrating its 90th anniversary. Peggy's is a staple in the Drake community and the bar says the Friday of Drake Relays is its biggest day of the year. Peggy's fills its parking lot with a tent for people to spend time at during the Relays.
Crisis Canines of the Midlands trains Crisis Response K-9 teams in Iowa

2 months ago | weareiowa.com | Dana Searles

NEWTON, Iowa — A local nonprofit organization is giving back to the community by training to deploy Crisis Response K-9 teams in Iowa. The week-long academy brings in teams of K-9 handlers and their canines to become certified to respond in crisis situations. Crisis Canines of the Midlands is currently the largest program nationwide offering this type of training. In the academy, canines are put in real life simulations to prepare them to be first responders.
Webster Theater still rebuilding after 2023 fire, facing obstacles along the way

Jan 7, 2025 | weareiowa.com | Dana Searles

WEBSTER CITY, Iowa — The doors are closed and frost builds up outside, but indoors, it's been over a year of ups and downs at the Webster Theater. "It's been a roller coaster, is what it's been," said Jeff Pingel, president of Hero, the nonprofit running the theater. In November 2023, the building next to the Webster Theater caught on fire. The fire left smoke and water damage to the theater, forcing it to be completely gutted.
Jury rules former Des Moines bar owner must pay $277K in unpaid rent

Nov 15, 2024 | weareiowa.com | Dana Searles

DES MOINES, Iowa — A former Des Moines bar owner will now have to pay $277,250.86 of unpaid rent after a jury found the building's owner was not responsible for the missed payments. Eric Hartung, the former owner of Downtown Tap and Patio, sued the Court Center building owner. Hartung argued the building owner failed to keep the property safe, which violated the lease agreement.
Iowa-based LGBTQ nonprofit, advocacy group sees rapid increase in requests

Nov 14, 2024 | weareiowa.com | Dana Searles

IOWA, USA — An Iowa nonprofit that offers representation, advocacy and referrals for LGBTQ Iowans is seeing a rapid increase in requests following the 2024 election. Lavender Legal Center prioritizes LGBTQ youth and those with low incomes. The organization was founded in 2020 to fill in the gaps on day-to-day struggles the LGBTQ community faces. Lavender Legal Center served just over 70 people in its last fiscal year.
Iowa's 1st Congressional District race still too close to call, was deemed 'toss-up' to begin with

Nov 7, 2024 | weareiowa.com | Dana Searles

IOWA, USA — Two days after Election Day, Iowa's 1st U.S. Congressional District has still yet to be officially called by the Associated Press. The race is between current U.S. Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks and Christina Bohannan. It was deemed a toss-up from the beginning and now it could play a role in shaping who holds the majority in the U.S. House of Representatives. The race is no stranger to coming down to the wire.

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Dana Searles @DanaSearles

13 May 25

Local 5 and CW Iowa 23 is, once again, your home to catch Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever play this season! This partnership will bring you 18 games for free! Find out which games you can see⬇️ https://t.co/5TjGpP6ASV

Dana Searles @DanaSearles

13 May 25

Rep. Randy Feenstra confirms his intention to explore running for Iowa’s governor in 2026. Feenstra currently represents Iowa’s 4th Congressional District and has served in that role since 2021. @weareiowa5news

Randy Feenstra @RandyFeenstra

Today, I launched an exploratory committee for Governor of Iowa. In Congress, I’m standing shoulder-to-shoulder with President Trump to take on the radical Left and clean up Joe Biden’s mess. https://t.co/lw6mGm9CUI

Dana Searles @DanaSearles

11 Apr 25

BREAKING: Gov. Reynolds will not seek reelection in 2026.