Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press

NEWTON, Iowa (AP) — Authorities have arrested a man in connection with a bomb threat at a county courthouse in central Iowa. The Jasper County Sheriff’s Office says 39-year-old Martin Real Meloche, of Newton, faces two counts of false report of the placement of explosives devices. Court records do not list an attorney. Authorities say Meloche called in two threats Monday morning about a bomb at the Jasper County Courthouse. The building was briefly evacuated. No devices were found.

MARSHALLTOWN, Iowa (AP) — A Marshalltown man has pleaded not guilty to charges in connection with the death of a Tama man. Eighteen-year-old James Head faces charges of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit a felony in connection with the death of Adam Garrett. Garret was found dead inside a Marshalltown residence on Dec. 6. Additional information about the death is not available, but the state medical examiner’s office classified it as a homicide.

DAVENPORT, Iowa (AP) — Officials say a roughly $2 million renovation of the Scott County Courthouse will accommodate more people in magistrate court. Director Dave Donovan of facilities and support services says the construction work on the courthouse’s first floor is expected to finish by next summer. The work is being done by Precision Builders, which was the project’s lowest bidder at around $1.93 million.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The Iowa Supreme Court says it will hear an appeal in a lawsuit filed by a former state criminal investigator. At issue in Larry Hedlund’s case is whether Iowa should have a policy that protects police officers from losing their jobs for trying to enforce the law. Hedlund was fired after reporting Governor Terry Branstad’s speeding SUV.