On May 1st, Iowa Governor Terry Branstad declared a state of emergency, due to a rapidly expanding avian flu outbreak, saying the entire state was at risk from the spread of the disease. The announcement mean authorities have the power to enforce preventative measures against the spread of the outbreak, at least through the end of May. On Wednesday, the Cass County Board of Supervisors will discuss the declaration, and possibly act on passing a resolution, as a proactive/preventive approach to the potential civil emergency in Cass County.

In other business, the Board is expected to act on: Approving a Veterans Affairs Commissioner appointment for a three-year term, running from July 1st, 2015 through June 30th, 2018; and, on a Cass Township Trustee appointment to fill a vacancy term through 2016. They’ll also act on approving the contract and bond with A.M. Cohron for a bridge replacement project over Baughman Creek, northeast of Griswold.

During last week’s meeting, Amy Hook, co-owner of the Griswold Golf and Country Club, requested the start of the project be delayed until September, so as to not affect their business during the busiest part of the golf season. The Board discussed with Engineer Charles Marker the feasibility of delaying the bridge replacement project until September, but Marker said was too early to say if that is an option, because of the process it takes to get the contract signed. Amending the contract to provide for a later start date, would make the process more involved, he said, and require additional discussion with the contractor, not to mention the possible, additional cost to the County.

The Cass County Board of Supervisor’s meeting begins at 8:30-a.m. Wednesday in the Board Room at the courthouse, in Atlantic.

Officials with the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office said late Monday evening, an inmate being held on murder charges at the Crawford County Jail has now been charged with felony Assault on a Jailer with the Intent to Commit a Serious Injury. Sheriff’ James Steinkuehler says 20-year old Jayden Ray Chapman, of Denison, also faces a felony charge of Escape or Attempt to Escape a Detention Facility in connection with an incident that occurred Monday, at the Crawford County Jail. Chapman is being held in the facility without bond.

On May 4th, a jury convicted Chapman on two counts of first-degree murder and reckless use of fire in connection with the March 2014 double homicide of 80-year old Marvin Huelsing, of Maple River, and 81-year old Alice Huisenga, of Arcadia. 26-year old Michael David Schenk, also of Denison, was sentenced in March to two life terms in prison for the crime, which happened on a farm located southeast of Deloit.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — An Iowa man and his estranged wife have been handed lengthy federal prison terms on charges that they produced child pornography involving babies and young children. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa says 42-year-old Bradley Shane Jensen and 37-year-old Jennifer Marie Jensen, both Panora residents, were sentenced Friday to 32½ years and 20 years in federal prison, respectively. Bradley Jensen was convicted sexual exploitation of a child and production of child pornography. Jennifer Jensen was found guilty of receipt of child pornography.

Investigation unveiled that the couple produced images of Bradley Jensen sexually abusing a 3-month-old. It also revealed Bradley Jensen made child pornography with a 6-year-old girl, whom they are both accused of sexually abusing.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Budget haggling continues in the Iowa Legislature, as lawmakers seek a compromise financial deal for the next fiscal year.

Leaders in the Republican-led House and Democratic-majority Senate were working to resolve their differences Monday. The two sides must agree on an overall spending level and how much new money to provide for K-12 education. A compromise could include an increase in basic aid for K-12 schools, plus a one-time payment.

Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal, a Council Bluffs Democrat, says he would “love to get done” with the budget this week, which would mean they could adjourn. But he cautioned that might not be possible.

Rep. Chuck Soderberg, a Le Mars Republican who chairs the House Appropriations Committee, says there are limited new dollars available, making for tight budgets.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The head of the Iowa agency overseeing the proposed closings of two state mental health facilities says officials are still finding placements for some long-term patients. Charles Palmer, director of the Iowa Department of Human Services, says up to six patients in a specialized unit for the elderly at the facility in Clarinda may not have placements by June.

Gov. Terry Branstad removed funding in his budget for facilities in Clarinda and Mount Pleasant. He supports a proposal by some Republican lawmakers to keep them open through December, but it’s unclear what support the measure will get from others. Janice Scalise told lawmakers Monday her 63-year-old sister at Clarinda has yet to be placed and DHS officials have been unclear about the process. DHS officials say they’re working hard.