Local News
33-year-old Patrick Prentice killed while shooting off fireworks in Whittemore
KOSSUTH COUNTY, IOWA — A 33-year-old man has died following a fireworks-related incident in Whittemore, according to the Kossuth County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies responded to reports of a fireworks accident shortly after 9 p.m. on Tuesday.
Upon arrival, first responders found Patrick Prentice unconscious with severe injuries.
Authorities say Prentice was holding a launcher tube while igniting fireworks when the incident occurred.
He was transported to a hospital in Algona, where he was later pronounced dead.
Multiple emergency agencies responded to the scene, including Whittemore EMS, Kossuth County EMS, Air Med 3, the Kossuth County Medical Examiner’s Office, and the Kossuth County Sheriff’s Office.
An autopsy is being conducted by the State Medical Examiner’s Office in Ankeny.
The incident remains under investigation.
EAST AURORA, N.Y. — Emergency crews responded to the Aurora Theatre at 673 Main Street in the Village of East Aurora on Sunday following a ceiling collapse inside the historic building while students and chaperones were present.
Officials said construction activity inside the two-story brick structure led to a portion of the ceiling giving way during a scheduled event.
At the time of the incident, approximately 68 students and adult chaperones were inside the theater.
First responders confirmed there was no entrapment and the collapse was limited in scope.
Emergency Medical Services evaluated six pediatric patients for minor injuries at the scene. No serious injuries were reported.
Fire and safety officials secured the area and conducted a structural assessment to ensure the remainder of the building was safe.
Authorities said the incident remains under review, including the circumstances surrounding the construction work that preceded the collapse.
Further information will be released as the investigation continues.