United Group Insurance

Iowa early News Headlines: Tue., Feb. 17th 2015

News

February 17th, 2015 by Ric Hanson

Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press

ATLANTIC – An air release valve on a forced wastewater main is leaking approximately 100 gallons per day of wastewater into the East Nishnabotna River from under the bridge at West 6th Street, west of Atlantic. The DNR says due to the location of the leak, city staff cannot access the leak to repair it, so the city’s engineer has been contacted to determine how to stop wastewater bypass. The leak bypasses wastewater only when the lift station pumps are operating-about one hour per day. Due to the river flow, the amount of wastewater reaching the river is diluted enough so that it is not effecting the environment. However, the DNR will monitor the situation until the leak is stopped.

SIDNEY, Iowa (AP) — A southwest Iowa man has been found guilty of first-degree murder in the 2009 death of his girlfriend. The Omaha World-Herald reports 34-year-old Brian Davis, of Omaha, was convicted Monday in connection to the July 18, 2009 death of Holly Durben. The conviction follows a trial earlier this month.

MAQUOKETA, Iowa (AP) — A Davenport man accused of stealing prescription drugs from a disabled man nearly two years ago has been arrested. Police charged 31-year-old Steve Scotton with first-degree burglary. According to a police report, an arrest warrant was issued in December after Scotton entered the man’s Maquoketa home in April 2013 in search of prescription drugs. Authorities say the man retrieved a gun during the burglary and accidentally shot himself in the abdomen. Scotton was not injured in the scuffle.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Senate Democrats say they plan to introduce legislation this session that would allow for the production and distribution of medical marijuana in Iowa. The bill would create a program that monitors the production and distribution of medical marijuana. It’s similar to legislation last session that failed to garner enough support. Bolkcom says he expects resistance this year in the Republican-controlled House.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A Senate committee has approved a bill that would expand public preschool for 4-year-olds in Iowa. The bill would provide extra funding for school districts that expand preschool programs. It now moves to the full Senate for consideration. A similar bill failed to win full legislative approval last year.

ANKENY, Iowa (AP) — A kindergarten teacher at a suburban Des Moines elementary school has been accused of drinking beer in her classroom. Police say 40-year-old Jennifer L. Rich, of West Des Moines, was arrested Friday at East Elementary School in Ankeny after testing positively on an initial breathalyzer test. She was charged with public intoxication and child endangerment.