(Radio Iowa) – Governor Kim Reynolds has signed a bill into law that will let teenagers work longer hours in Iowa and be paid to work in some jobs that are off limits to minors today.  “Honestly, it helps fill a need and it allows kids to earn a little bit of extra money,” Reynolds says, “maybe start saving for college or to buy that first vehicle.” Reynolds made her comments during a recent appearance on Iowa Press on Iowa P-B-S.

The law, which takes effect July 1st, will let 14 and 15 year olds work later at night. Sixteen and 17 year olds will be able to serve alcohol in a restaurant, if their parent gives permission. Teenagers are still barred from logging, mining and other dangerous work, like on the slaughter line in a meatpacking plant. But if they’re supervised by an adult at an approved work site, teens will be able to do light assembly work, use power tools and work in industrial laundries and meat freezers.

“Really common sense, practical things are included in that bill,” Reynolds says. Critics say Reynolds and Republican lawmakers are trying to solve the state’s workforce shortage with child labor and they say some parts of the law will conflict with federal regulations. House Democratic Leader Jennifer Konfrst says letting 14 and 15 year olds work six hours a day — until 9 p.m. during the school year — is the wrong move.  “We need to be protecting kids from those extra work hours because school should be a priority,” Konfrst says, “and there’s not a lot of protection in there for that.”

One element of the new law calls for a study of whether teenagers should be allowed to drive to and from work. Teenagers can get school permits now to drive to and from school and school activities. The bill originally called for letting minors with a driving permit commute to work as well. The governor backs that change. “They’re kids. They get distracted and so that’s why I think the study is probably a good idea,” Reynolds says. “…Cell phones have kind of brought a new element into that, so we just have to be really careful.”

The new law removes the requirement that businesses have to get a state permit to hire minors.

(Eldora, Iowa) – Authorities in north central Iowa are asking for the public’s help in locating a man suspected of committing a homicide, Friday. First responders were called to the 1400 block of 17th Avenue in Eldora at around 5:45-a.m., Friday, for a report of an unresponsive person. When they arrived, a woman was found dead inside the residence. Officials have not released her identity.

Authorities are searching for 28-year-old Nathan Cole Bahr, in connection with the crime. Police say Bahr – who is white, 5-feet 9-inches tall, has blue eyes and brown hair – may be traveling in a 2020 gray Toyota. Initially it was thought the vehicle’s Iowa blackout license plate read EMRGLL, but on Sunday, authorities said it may possibly have been changed to KHA-681. Nathan Bahr is considered to be armed and dangerous. Do not approach him if you spot Bahr or the vehicle. Contact your local law enforcement or call 9-1-1.

Nathan Cole Bahr & the vehicle he is thought to be driving.

If you have any information on his whereabouts, you are asked to call police. The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation is assisting in the investigation.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – A man who served for more than 37-years as an elected official in Cass County (Iowa), has died. Dale E. Sunderman was the Cass County Auditor from June of 1984 until he submitted his resignation, in February, 2022. His last day in office was in April, of 2022.  Sunderman died Thursday, May 25, 2023, at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, in Omaha, NE.

Former Cass County Auditor Dale Sunderman (file photo)

At the time when he announced his decision to resign, Sunderman said in a statement to the media, that he “enjoyed working for the County of Cass as its County Auditor, and I sincerely appreciate the support provided to me by my coworkers and the other citizens of our county during my 37 plus years as an elected official.”

A funeral service for Dale Sunderman will be held 11:30-a.m. June 3rd, 2023, at First United Methodist Church in Atlantic.  Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Atlantic is assisting the family.

(Des Moines, Iowa) – Gov. Kim Reynolds, today (Friday) announced new staff joining her administration.

Steve Blankinship will serve as Senior Legal Counsel following the departure of Michael Boal, who has served in that role since 2020. Blankinship joins the Governor’s Office after serving as a district court judge in the Twelfth Judicial District of New Mexico and Senior Counsel to former New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez. Boal will return to private legal practice.

“I appreciate Michael’s dedication to the state of Iowa and common-sense philosophy towards the law and public policy,” said Governor Reynolds. “I am confident Michael will continue to make an impact on the state of Iowa and I look forward to welcoming Steve to our team.”

Molly Severn will serve as Deputy Chief of Staff following the departure of Stephanie Groen, who served as Deputy Chief of Staff since 2021 and previously served as Director of the Office for State-Federal Relations. Severn will also continue to serve as Legislative Liaison for the Governor’s Office. Groen joined the Republican Governors Public Policy Committee (RGPPC) as Policy Director. With Groen’s departure, Eric Baker will now serve as Director of Federal-State Relations while also continuing to serve as Director of Strategic Operations.

“Stephanie’s years long commitment to serving the people of Iowa is unmatched and RGPPC is lucky to have her at the helm,” said Governor Reynolds. “ I know Molly and Eric will excel in their new roles.”

Lillie Brady will join the Governor’s Office as Agriculture & Energy Policy Advisor effective June 9, 2023. Previously, she served as a Senior Associate at Cornerstone Government Affairs, Government Affairs Associate at Corteva Agriscience, as well as several positions at the U.S. Department of Agriculture.