The first-degree murder trial of Brian Heath Davis got underway before a judge in Fremont County District Court, Tuesday. The 34-year-old Davis is charged with murder in the death of Holly Rae Durben in July of 2009. Davis waived his right to a jury trial and today marked the beginning of a bench trial presided over by 4th District Judge Timothy O’Grady.

Following opening statements the prosecution began by calling witnesses and playing the 9-1-1 call made on the day of Durben’s death. The trial is expected to last until at least Friday when a key medical witness is expected to testify. The defendant claims Durben committed suicide, however the prosecution told Judge O’Grady they are prepared to show evidence that her death was a homicide.

(Radio Iowa)

The second time was the charm for voters in the East Mills Community School District, Tuesday, as they passed by a slim margin, a Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL), during a special election. Unofficial results from the Mills County Auditor’s Office show the PPEL of $1.34 per thousand dollars valuation passing by a vote of 478 “Yes” to 410 “No” votes The referendum received almost 54% of the vote–a simple majority was necessary in order to pass. Voters rejected a similar PPEL referendum in September.

Monies raised through the 10-year levy will be used to complete geothermal upgrades in each of the district’s buildings. District officials have said the PPEL is key part of the district’s long-range building plans, which call for converting East Mills Junior-Senior High School in Malvern into a K-12 facility.

A bond referendum that would have been used to build and equip a new elementary building and improve the site in the Nodaway Valley School District has failed by a slim margin. Unofficial results from the Adair County Auditor’s Office show that while there were 397 “Yes” votes to 283 “No” votes for the $8.8-million dollar referendum, the measure needed 60-percent approval in order to pass. It received 58.4-percent. There were a total of 680 votes cast out of the 3,004 registered voters in the district.

At least two informational meetings were held prior to the vote. The current building is nearly 60-years old. Officials have said it would cost $6.5-million to renovate the existing facility, which is not currently energy efficient, is difficult to maintain, and not ADA compliant.

Nodaway Valley Superintendent Casey Berlau has stated that the new structure would have included a safe room/storm shelter, and met all energy efficiency and ADA requirements.

Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa lawyers won’t have to pay a new $100 annual fee to help low-income people afford legal representation. Chief Justice Mark Cady says the Iowa Supreme Court will not assess the fee on lawyers to fund Iowa Legal Aid. Supporters said there was a great need for more low-income legal assistance. But critics said the fees unfairly singled out their profession and would hurt younger lawyers saddled with law school debt.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa Democratic lawmakers are proposing a significant boost to school aid for the coming academic year. Leaders in the Democratic-majority Senate say they will try to increase funding by over $200 million for the next school year. That’s more than double the amount sought by Gov. Terry Branstad and Republican lawmakers who control the state House. Both proposals include dollars already dedicated to a teacher training program.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa lawmakers are getting behind an effort to preserve farmland in the state. Sen. Joe Bolkcom, a Democrat from Iowa City, and Rep. Bobby Kaufmann, a Republican from Wilton, said Tuesday they would serve on an advisory board to the new Sustainable Iowa Land Trust. The organization seeks to preserve land in Iowa for farming and to make it more affordable for beginning farmers.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Gov. Terry Branstad has chosen Beth Townsend to serve as director of Iowa Workforce Development. Townsend has been serving in the role in an interim capacity since the previous director retired last month. The appointment must now be confirmed by the Iowa Senate. Former director Teresa Wahlert retired last month.

Police in Council Bluffs are investigating the circumstances surrounding a stabbing incident. Officers were called to the area of 8th Street and Creek Top at around 1:20-p.m., Tuesday, in an attempt to locate a possible victim of a stabbing. When they arrived at the scene and located the victim, 44-year old Jackie Henry, a transient, the man refused to give officers information about the incident. Officers did observe a small stab wound to Henry’s lower right side. The man was transported to Jennie Edmundson Hospital for treatment to his injuries. The investigation will continue as information arises.