DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – A federal judge says two men may proceed with the lawsuit they filed after more than $100,000 was seized from them by two Iowa State troopers. The Des Moines Register reports that the judge rejected a dismissal motion by the troopers and Desert Snow, a company that trains officers on roadside searches. The judge said in his ruling Wednesday that the allegations are sufficient for a claim to move forward that the troopers and Desert Snow acted as part of a conspiracy to violate the rights of William Davis and John Newmerzhycky.

A trooper pulled over Davis and Newmerzhycky in April 2013 and accused them of not using a turn signal. The cash and a grinder with small pieces of marijuana were seized when their rental car was searched.

Authorities in Guthrie County reported Thursday, they are on the lookout in the Stuart, Dexter, Redfield, Greenfield and DeSoto areas for a man wanted on warrants for escape and a parole violation.

Joseph LeClair, Jr.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, 30-year old Joseph L. LeClair, Jr., was last seen on foot near the intersection of White Pole Road and Highway 25 in Guthrie County, Wednesday evening. He evaded a three-hour search by law enforcement by entering a corn field.

LeClair was serving time on a criminal mischief conviction when he escaped on May 18th. Leclair was also wanted on an outstanding arrest warrant issued in Guthrie County for Parole Violation, and a warrant out of Polk County for Escape from Fort Des Moines. The charges stem from a case involving a motorcycle stolen last year in Guthrie County.

Anyone with information on Leclair’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office at (641)747-2214. You can remain anonymous when you call.

BEDFORD, Iowa (AP) – A man arrested in May in connection with the death of his 3-year-old daughter in southwest Iowa has officially been charged with first-degree murder. The Taylor County Attorney’s Office announced Thursday that the charge was added against 25-year-old Charles Hall on July 2nd.

Hall and his girlfriend, 25-year-old April Clair, were both arrested in late May on charges of child endangerment in connection with the death of Janyiah King. Authorities responded to a 911 call at a residence in Bedford on May 22nd. Janyiah was found unresponsive and later pronounced dead. A full autopsy is pending but her death has been ruled a homicide.

Joni Ernst is downplaying talk that she might be her party’s next vice presidential nominee. During a conference call with Iowa reporters Thursday morning, Ernst was asked if she would “entertain” the V-P spot on the G-O-P’s 2016 ticket. “The next ticket I anticipate running on will be the 2020 election for United States Senate again in Iowa,” Ernst said. “I very much enjoy serving Iowans and I’m going to put their priorities first.”

Ernst was elected last November and took the oath of office about seven months ago. She laughs off the kind of praise that has spawned talk of her moving up the political ladder. “Well, thank you. Did my mother pay you to say that?” Ernst asked, laughing.

Ernst hosted an event a month ago in Boone that drew seven of the G-O-P presidential candidates, but she does not plan to endorse a candidate before Iowa’s Caucuses.

(Radio Iowa)

Iowa Republican Joni Ernst, the only female combat veteran serving in the U.S. Senate, predicts the senate will easily confirm President Obama’s choice to be the next Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, a key military advisor to the president. General Joseph Dunford Thursday before the Senate Armed Services Committee. Ernst is a member of that panel.

“He has been a service chief for a number of years. I have met with him on many occasions,” Ernst says. “We have discussed action all around the globe including what we see going on in Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, of course the tension between Russia and Ukraine.” General Dunford, a Marine who is the son of a Marine, earned the nickname “Fightin’ Joe” from his troops after he jumped into a fire fight in Iraq.

“I think he’s going to do a fine job. I think he’s going to have a unanimous confirmation in the senate,” Ernst says. “I admire him greatly and respect his service.” The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is the highest ranking officer in the U.S. military and a direct advisor to the president. The chairman meets with leaders of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and National Guard to craft U.S. military strategy.

(Radio Iowa)

The driver of a vehicle involved in a collision at around Noon Thursday in Red Oak, reportedly complained of pain and was possibly injured, but did not request transport to the hospital. According to Red Oak Police, the accident happened at the intersection of N. 2nd and E. Coolbaugh Streets, when 65-year old Bonnie Husa, of Stanton, stopped her vehicle, but then proceeded into the intersection and struck a car driven by 85-year old Henry Elliott, of Red Oak. Elliott complained of pain afterward, but both drivers refused medical treatment.

Husa received a written warning for Failure to Obey a Stop Sign. Damage from the crash amounted to $10,000. Red Oak Police were assisted at the scene by the Red Oak Fire Department.