DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Cary Gordon isn’t a political operative, a top dollar donor or an elected official. But Jeb Bush’s team already has reached as the 2016 Republican presidential campaign heats up in Iowa. Gordon is a well-known evangelical Christian pastor with a church in Sioux City that can draw 600 people on Sundays.

When it comes to the Iowa Republican caucuses, evangelical pastors are kingmakers, with sway over a key bloc of participants. Lots of potential 2016 candidates are stepping up the courting. Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry and Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul have appeared before groups of religious conservatives. Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker talks frequently about being a pastor’s son.

Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, whose father is a pastor, and Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal recently addressed pastors in Des Moines.

Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Police say a man has reported being shot in the back while stopped at a Des Moines intersection. The Register reports that the shooting happened just after 12 a.m. Friday. Officers were called to the Iowa Lutheran Hospital for a report of a shooting victim who was brought in by a private vehicle. The 25-year-old man was later taken to Iowa Methodist Medical Center with injuries not believed to be life-threatening.

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) — A Sioux City specialty plant that processes ribs and other pre-cooked meats is planning a $9 million expansion that will bring 30 new jobs with it. The Journal reports that Curly’s Foods, owned by Smithfield Foods, credits a boost in sales and demand for pre-cooked meats at national franchise restaurants. The City Council is slated on Monday to approve a state tax incentive application for Smithfield Fields.

SHELDON, Iowa (AP) — Ag Partners feed mill plant in northwest Iowa is planning an expansion with $7.2 million in improvements to increase the plant’s ability to make livestock feed. The Sioux City Journal reports that Ag Partners officials announced the expansion on Thursday. Officials say construction will begin immediately and is expected to be complete in 2016.

MASON CITY, Iowa (AP) — Motorists in Mason City could soon have their vehicles impounded for any one of 10 violations, including some misdemeanors. The Globe Gazette reports that the City Council will consider an impound ordinance at its meeting Tuesday night.

Police in Red Oak report the arrest Saturday afternoon, of 41-year old Michael Avery Forest Cave. The Red Oak man was taken into custody at around 4:20-pm at a residence on West Grimes Street, and charged with Trespassing. His bond was set at $300.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) – Federal money will be used to help Omaha’s bike share program double its number of stations in 2016. The Omaha World-Herald reports that a $900,000 federal grant administered through the Nebraska Department of Roads will help Heartland B-Cycle expand from 31 stations with 150 bikes to nearly 70 stations across the city.

Ben Turner, B-cycle’s coordinator, says the expansion will give Omaha much more connectivity.
Stations are currently scattered in downtown, midtown and north downtown, as well as Aksarben Village. Those interested in using the bike sharing program must buy a daily, monthly or annual pass. They can check out a bike from any station, ride it and return it to any station in Omaha or Council Bluffs, Iowa.