DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Iowa’s chief justice is expected to address the Legislature in the annual “state of the judiciary” address. Chief Justice Mark Cady of the Iowa Supreme Court is scheduled to speak Wednesday morning before a joint session at the Capitol.

Gov. Terry Branstad’s proposed budget shows the judicial branch is requesting more than $182 million for the fiscal year that begins July 1. That’s an increase of more than $8 million over the current year. In past speeches, Cady has emphasized the importance of securing the money. He has said it helps the state’s court system improve efficiency and attract the best employees.

DES MOINES, Iowa – It’s been a steadily changing trend in Iowa – and more often, there’s a focus on the future and quality of life in residential construction and renovations. According to Siobhan Spain, program director for the Best Development Awards, at 1000 Friends of Iowa, the state has one of the largest housing stocks in need of attention in the nation. The group now is honoring those communities and residents addressing the issue with an eye on social, economic and environmental sustainability.

“These ‘smart growth’ principles that we acknowledge in the winners this year really understand the connection between residential and the community,” she said. “And they really inspire the community that they can really make a change for the better.”

Among the winners of this year’s Best Development Awards is Madison Flats in Des Moines, an apartment building on a formerly contaminated site that’s hoped to spark further development in that neighborhood.

Other awards for commercial, civic and mixed-use developments went to projects in Slater, Stanton, West Union and Woodbine. Spain noted that this was the first year of recognizing stormwater management, which can be key in flood mitigation. “That went to the Green Alley program up in Dubuque,” she said. “So, that’s exciting and that’s really great to be able to acknowledge wonderful projects that are happening in Iowa that focus on flood management and wastewater.”

Spain said Dubuque’s 12-phase, 20-year project retrofits alley infrastructure within the Bee Branch Watershed with what is known as “pervious” pavement. It allows stormwater to soak into the ground, reducing runoff by up to 80 percent. Award information is online at new.1000friendsofiowa.org.

(Iowa News Service)

A Villisca woman who was arrested early Tuesday morning for a drug-related OWI, was arrested again late Tuesday afternoon, on a charge of Theft in the 4th Degree. Red Oak Police say 21-year old Amanda Lee Smith was taken into custody just before 5-p.m. at 106 W. CoolBaugh Street. Smith was being held in the Montgomery County Jail on $1,000 bond.