712 Digital Group - top

Iowa early News Headlines: Tuesday, 4/25/17

News

April 25th, 2017 by Ric Hanson

Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press at 3:59 a.m. CDT

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A plan to spend nearly a half-million dollars remodeling the interior of the newest state office building in Des Moines is moving forward despite budget cuts that are hitting an array of state programs and services. The Iowa Utilities Board is planning to demolish and redo much of the customer service area in its six-year-old building, adding a conference room and a nicer reception area. Planning documents call for new glass walls and doors, woodwork, paint and even a 75-inch television.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa athletic director Gary Barta said Monday that three separate rounds of complaints from parents and field hockey players prompted an investigation into the program that ultimately led to the firing of coach Tracey Griesbaum in 2014. Griesbaum’s termination is a central piece of a lawsuit filed by former top female administrator Jane Meyer against the university.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Polaris Industries plans to close its plant in the northwest Iowa city of Milford, leaving up to 300 employees out of work. Polaris spokeswoman Kelly Basgen told the Sioux City Journal on Monday the company would stop production of all-terrain and utility vehicles at the Milford plant that had operated since 2013. Production would shift to plants in Alabama, Minnesota and California. Company executive Ken Pucel says the plant was being closed to “streamline our plant infrastructure.”

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — Federal officials say 15 people have been indicted for allegedly trafficking eagles and other migratory birds. The U.S. attorney’s office in South Dakota and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced charges Monday after a two-year undercover investigation. U.S. Attorney Randy Seiler says that officials expect “significant” additional federal charges.