DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Iowa has received a $1.2 million federal grant for a project related to science, technology, engineering and math education.  Gov. Terry Branstad announced the funding from the National Science Foundation Tuesday in a press release. The study of these four subjects collectively is known as STEM.

The money will be provided over three years and will help develop a statewide system for evaluating STEM education in Iowa. The funding goes to an advisory council that works on advancing STEM education. Branstad established the council in 2011.

In the release, Branstad calls Iowa a “pioneering state in advancing these important life and career skills.”

A grant received through the efforts of Audubon firefighters’ wives has resulted in the Audubon City Hall receiving a defibrillator. City Clerk Lora Hansen told KJAN News the City Council in Audubon was informed about the grant during their meeting, Monday night. The “Firehouse Flames” group is responsible for obtaining the grant, which will also provide for the training of City personnel and those who serve congregate meals, in the use of the life-saving device.

In other business, the Audubon City Council approved a resolution setting May 28th at 7-p.m., as the date and time for a Public Hearing to consider the sale of three lots in block 13 of the City of Audubon. The City took possession of the dilapidated and/or abandoned homes, which were then demolished. Hansen says the City hopes to eventually sell the lots and see new homes built on the land.The Council also passed a resolution setting the date for a Public Hearing on the Budget Amendment for the same meeting on May 28th.

Hansen says also, the City of Audubon will be sending out reminder notices to residents about the need to separate recyclable trash from regular trash. A copy of the rules regarding recycling will be included in the notice.

A Harlan man was taken into custody last week on a warrant out of Cass County for felony forgery, after he allegedly lead police in Harlan on a brief foot pursuit. 29-year old Gabriel Brown was arrested May 9th and transported to the Cass County Jail by deputies with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department. Brown was being held in the Cass County Jail on $5,000 bond.

Police in Harlan report also, the arrest on Saturday, of 21-year old Alisha Buttry, of Macedonia. Buttry was charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Authorities in Harlan are also investigating an incident of vandalism. Officials say a Harlan resident reported on May 6th, someone broke the window out of his 2002 Ford Taurus. The incident remains under investigation. No arrests have been made.

The Harlan Police Department reports two people were arrested on Domestic Abuse Assault charges, Sunday. 24-year old Kane Griffith, of Walnut, was arrested after officers were called to the 1400 block of 8th Street in Harlan, for a domestic disturbance. An investigation determined Griffith allegedly assaulted a Harlan woman. In addition to the assault charge, Griffith faces charges of Obstruction of Emergency Communications, and Public Intoxication.

And, 21-year old Aric Davis, of Harlan, was arrested Sunday, after a woman came to the police department to request an officer assist her in retrieving her belongings from the residence she shared with Davis. Officials say the woman had several visible injuries. Following an investigation, Davis was arrested and brought to the Shelby County Jail, where was charged with assault and Possession of a Controlled Substance, as well as Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.