Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press

DUBUQUE, Iowa (AP) — Dubuque leaders are considering opening more city parks to sledding, just days after limiting the winter recreation to two of the city’s 50 parks, sparking public criticism. The Telegraph Herald reports that the Dubuque City Council will consider at a Tuesday meeting allowing sledding in Gay, Usha and Valentine parks. The council voted January 5th to restrict sledding in city parks to just Bunker Hill Golf Course and Allison-Henderson Park, leading to a public protest last week.

AMES, Iowa (AP) — Pasta-maker Barilla Group has announced plans for a $26.5 million expansion at its Ames production plant to add two new production lines dedicated to making gluten-free pasta. In a news release Friday, Barilla said construction is slated to begin in late March, and production is expected to start by October. The expansion will create 23 new jobs.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Democratic lawmakers say they’re ready to introduce bills this session that would increase Iowa’s minimum wage, but the effort faces hurdles because of a divided Legislature and Republican Governor Terry Branstad’s other priorities. Democrats in the Iowa House and Senate want to raise the state’s minimum wage from $7.25 an hour — the federal minimum — to $10.10 an hour.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The Iowa Democratic Party has elected Andrea McGuire, of Des Moines, as the state party’s new chairwoman. The 58-year-old McGuire is president and CEO of a Des Moines health care company.