Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — More disaster proclamations have been issued for Iowa counties affected by recent severe weather in the state. Governor Terry Branstad yesterday issued proclamations for Clinton, Crawford, Des Moines, Hardin, Lee and Shelby counties. The proclamations mean state resources can be used to respond to flooding and severe weather.

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — The University of Iowa has placed protective measures around campus in response to potential flooding from the swollen Iowa River. The university placed a 12-foot sand-filled flood barrier around the Mayflower Residence Hall. An interlocking metal wall is also being placed around the Art Building West.

FORT DODGE, Iowa (AP) — A woman has pleaded guilty in connection to the hatchet slaying of a Fort Dodge man last year. Holly Ekstrom entered the pleas yesterday on charges accessory after the fact and operating a motor vehicle without owner’s consent. Ekstrom said she saw Ronald Dilley kill 22-year-old Steven Fisher in July 2013. She admitted to driving Dilley away from the scene and disposing of evidence.

MASONVILLE, Iowa (AP) — Officials in northeast Iowa are figuring out how to replace an emergency warning siren that was struck by lightning. Leaders in Masonville say they’re considering their options after recent severe weather broke the siren. In the meantime, authorities will alert Masonville residents of severe weather by blowing sirens on their trucks.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — More disaster proclamations have been issued for Iowa counties affected by recent severe weather in the state. Gov. Terry Branstad on Wednesday issued proclamations for Clinton, Crawford, Des Moines, Hardin, Lee and Shelby counties.

The proclamations mean state resources can be used to respond to flooding and severe weather. The proclamation for Clinton, Des Moines, Hardin, and Lee counties is in response to weather that began June 26. The proclamation for Crawford and Shelby counties is for weather that began June 13.

Several counties under proclamations will also be able to utilize the state’s individual assistance program. That offers grants of up to $5,000 to certain low-income households. Branstad has issued proclamations since Monday for other counties around the state.

An medical condition caused an accident Tuesday afternoon in Audubon County that sent a Cass County man to the hospital. The Audubon County Sheriff’s Office says the accident happened at around 4:40-p.m. Tuesday on Highway 71, about two miles north of Exira. Officials say 59-year old Danny Ray Green, of Lake City, was traveling north on Highway 71, while 31-year old Michael David Updike, of Atlantic, was traveling southbound.

When Updike fainted, his 2004 Ford Explorer crossed the center line of the road and struck the rear tandem tires of the 2004 Freightliner semi driven by Green and registered to Randy’s of Carroll. Updike was transported to the Cass County Memorial Hospital by Exira Fire and Rescue. He’s been charged with Failure to Maintain Control.

Damage from the accident amounted to $11,000.

Floodwaters are still rising in parts of eastern and southern Iowa after heavy rains earlier this week. Several severe storms in recent weeks have caused many millions of dollars damage to homes and businesses, crops, roads and bridges. Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley is in eastern Iowa for town hall meetings this week and called from Muscatine. “On the road, I’m seeing tremendous damage done by downpours and the wind,” Grassley says. “It’s really shocking and recovery will be challenging.” Six more counties were declared state disaster emergencies late Tuesday by the governor, following Monday’s violent weather which included four tornadoes statewide. Grassley says it’s possible Iowa will qualify for federal aid.

Grassley says, “If it’s determined that the federal law threshold has been met for federal disaster requests, I will very promptly urge President Obama to approve the request from Governor Branstad.” The state declarations allow for the use of state resources in the disaster response process, but the federal dollars would bring more tools for rebuilding and recovery.

Grassley says, “The damage is great and there’s loss in agriculture and of both private and public property.” Flooding and storm damage has forced the closure or partial closure of at least a dozen state parks, heading into the 4th of July holiday, what’s typically a very busy camping weekend.

(Radio Iowa)