DES MOINES, Iowa(AP) — Senate Democrats are pushing to reopen some unemployment offices that closed amid a shift to offering more services by computer, but they acknowledge the governor’s opposition will likely stop their effort. The Democrats, who hold a majority in the state Senate, have included $2.7 million in their economic development budget to reopen unemployment offices in Ames, Atlantic, Clinton, Denison and Newton. Supporters of the effort say those areas need extra attention to help unemployed people.

Officials with the Donna Reed Foundation say their “8th Annual Wine and Beer Tasting fundraiser” will be held Friday, May 3rd, at the Donna Reed Theater located at Broadway and Main in Denison.

Actress Donna Reed

Proceeds will benefit programs of the Donna Reed Foundation, including the upcoming centennial celebration plans for the century old theater building. Doors for the event open at 5:30 p.m., with  entertainment being provided by “Happy Tunes.”

Those in attendance will have the opportunity to join in the karaoke fun beginning at 6:00 p.m. A karaoke contest will be held from 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. and judges will award singers cash prizes at 9:00 p.m. – 1st place wins $50, 2nd & 3rd win $20. All who attend will also be entered into a drawing for a wine basket, donated by ThermalFab and presented at 9:00 p.m. That person must be present to win. Title sponsors for the event are Hy-Vee, Black Hills Energy, and the Omaha Eye and Laser Institute.

Tickets are $20 per person, available at the Donna Reed Foundation office, 712-263-3334, open Monday through Friday, 10-2, by e-mailing info@donnareed.org, from board members – Roy Voggesser, Pat Fleshner and Donna Meinen or at the Denison Hy-Vee.

The mission of the Donna Reed Foundation is to: Promote continuous excellence in education, the performing arts, and community to students of all ages through her upstanding values; Memorialize her story, achievement, and leadership through the preservation of historical assets, including personal archives and a landmark opera house; and Inspire service and commitment within the communities served by the foundation, membership, and partnerships, that sustain a momentum well into the twenty-first century.

The Lenox Police Department reports 28-year old Ruben Serrano Rivera, of Lenox, entered a voluntary plea of guilty on two felony counts of forgery earlier this week.

Ruben Rivera

His sentence of two-years of probation plus a fine, court costs and other fees, was handed down on Tuesday, in Taylor County District Court. Rivera was arrested March 7th on felony charges of Possession of a controlled substance with the Intent to Distribute a schedule I drug within 1000 feet of a school, and for being in possession of a firearm. He was also charged with forgery, identity theft and failure to affix a drug tax stamp.The judge sentenced him to 5-years in prison, with the jail time suspended.  The charges were the result of an investigation and charges filed on March 7th by the Lenox Police Department.

Another man, 45-year old Rosaria Rivera, of Lenox, was arrested March 5th on warrants for Identity theft and Forgery.

Rosario Rivera

Rivera posted a $10,000 cash bond shortly after his arrest and was released from custody. On March 7th Officers conducted a search warrant at Rivera’s home and discovered drugs and a stolen firearm. Rivera failed to show for scheduled court appearances. He is currently wanted on a number of arrest warrants. Anyone having information about his location is asked to contact the Lenox Police Department at 641-333 -2929.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) – Johnny Carson’s foundation is donating more than $571,000 for renovations at the theater named in his honor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.  The University of Nebraska Foundation on Friday announced the gift from the John W. Carson Foundation.

The project includes a redesigned entrance and lobby and a new theater floor. The theater is used for smaller productions, rehearsals, receptions and UNL dance classes. It can accommodate up to 250 people.

Carson was the longtime host of television’s “The Tonight Show.” He was born in Corning, Iowa, grew up in Norfolk, Neb., and attended the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. He died in California in 2005.