DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – An Iowa soldier has received the Silver Star medal, one of the nation’s top combat decorations, for his actions in Afghanistan.  Sgt. Ryan Steinkamp, who is 26 and from Johnston, was awarded the honor Aug. 28.   The Des Moines Register reports the award is recognition of his leadership in combat on April 17, 2012, when his squad was tasked with clearing insurgents from a village in Afghanistan. They fought against fortified enemy positions, cleared more than 50 compounds and managed to avoid civilian casualties.

The U.S. Department of Defense says only 127 Marines have been awarded the Silver Star for combat in Iraq and Afghanistan since Sept. 11, 2001.   Steinkamp is scheduled to be discharged from the Marines in December.

A Red Oak man was taken into custody early this (Monday) morning on a charge of Criminal Mischief in the 4th degree. Red Oak Police report 21-year old Cody Dean Johnson was arrested at the Montgomery County Law Enforcement Center just before 1-a.m., and turned over to Momtgomery County Corrections, where he was being held on a $1,000 cash bond.

Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press

INDIANOLA, Iowa (AP) — San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro has told Iowa Democrats that he’s proud of a political party that provides access to education and health care coverage. The Texas Democrat spoke yesterday at Senator Tom Harkin’s annual steak picnic in Indianola along with Vice President Joe Biden.

ROCKWELL CITY, Iowa (AP) — The funeral service has been set for a Rockwell City police officer shot and killed last week. The Des Moines Register reports that the funeral service for 37-year-old Jamie Buenting will be held at 2 p.m. tomorrow in the gym at South Central Calhoun Middle School in Rockwell City. Burial at Rosehill Cemetery in Rockwell City will follow the funeral service.

MARSHALLTOWN, Iowa (AP) — Marshalltown police are investigating the shooting death of a man whose body was found in home. Police say that officers responded to a report of gunshots before 5 a.m. yesterday but couldn’t find any problems. At about 6:30 a.m. Sunday, a woman called 911 to report a shooting victim. Police say they’re still investigating but that no suspects are being sought and there’s no risk to public safety.

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (AP) — Fire officials say an overnight fire has damaged an apartment complex in Cedar Rapids. Cedar Rapids television station KCRG TV reports that fire crews were called to the complex in southeast Cedar Rapids shortly after midnight Saturday. Officials say everyone inside the building was able to escape the complex without injury.

The Griswold School Board will discuss and take action on several projects during their meeting Monday, at 5:30-p.m. They include a replacement of the boiler, and the remodeling of the locker and restrooms, along with track and fencing.

In other business, the 2011-2012 School Board will retire and the results of last Tuesday’s school board election will be read, followed by the election of a Board President and Vice President. The board will then discuss and act on: Snow removal bids; A budget guarantee; The appointment of a County representative; Setting of the Board meeting time and date, school improvement advisory committee; Flu shots; A letter of understanding with the Cass County Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) and a Special Education Deficit Levy.

The meeting takes place in the Central Office Board Room at the Griswold Middle School/High School Building.