Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – A commercial property tax proposal from Gov. Terry Branstad is moving forward in the Republican-majority Iowa House, while a very different plan has support in the Democratic-controlled Senate.

Republicans in a House ways and means subcommittee on Monday approved legislation from Branstad that would gradually reduce taxable assessments for commercial property owners by 20 percent. Branstad’s plan, which is estimated to cost $350 million, would also slow the growth of residential and agricultural assessments.

Senate Democrats have given committee-level approval to a plan that would gradually provide commercial property owners with a tax credit equivalent to a roughly 40 percent tax cut on their first $324,000 in assessed property value. Democrats say their $250 million plan would help small businesses more than Branstad’s plan.

A bridge on Interstate 80 in Adair County sustained extensive damage early this (Monday) morning, when it was hit by the box section of a dump truck.

Photo Courtesy Bob Younie, State Maintenance Engineer (Iowa Dept. of Transportation)

I-80 westbound bridge underpass from Antique Country Drive (Exit 83/Adair County Road N-77) Ric Hanson photo.

I-80 westbound bridge underpass from Antique Country Drive (Exit 83/Adair County Road N-77) Ric Hanson photo.

According to the Iowa State Patrol, 62-year old Duane Nelson, of Casey, forgot to lower the box on a 1991 Mack dump truck registered to Schildberg Construction, in Greenfield. As the vehicle was traveling southbound on Antique Country Drive, south of Casey, the truck box hit the westbound I-80 bridge support beam. The impact tore the box section off of the truck, but it became wedged against the support beam at the point of impact.

The accident happened at around 5:40-a.m. The Patrol cited Nelson for driving a vehicle with excessive height. No injuries were reported. A DOT crewman on the scene told KJAN News traffic was rerouted off of I-80 westbound for about two-hours until the bridge could be inspected. Crews have put a protective “bib” or tarp in-place to prevent debris from falling on motorists traveling beneath the bridge until the beam can be repaired or replaced.

Sheriff’s officials in Shelby County report two people were arrested on drug charges following separate investigations. The latest arrest took place on Sunday, March 3rd. Authorities say 22-year old Michael Stein, of Harlan, was arrested following the search of a residence at 908 Spring Street, where several items, including a substance believed to be marijuana, and drug paraphernalia, were seized. Stein faces felony charges of Delivery of a Controlled Substance/Marijuana, Possession of a Controlled Substance with the Intent to Deliver, and Failure to Affix a Drug Tax Stamp. Stein also faces Misdemeanor charges of Prohibited acts, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was being held in the Shelby County Jail on $20,000 bond.

The other arrest took place February 24th, after a deputy purchased a controlled substance believed to be methamphetamine, from 29-year old Sean Gifford, of Avoca. Gifford was arrested during a traffic stop in Harlan. He faces felony charges on two counts of Delivery of a Controlled Substance. Gifford was being held in the Shelby County Jail on $50,000 bond.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Gov. Terry Branstad says his health care proposal for some low-income Iowans will not provide the same benefits as an expanded Medicaid, but called his approach more fiscally responsible.  Branstad on Monday unveiled Healthy Iowa, a revamped version of IowaCare, a state and federally funded program which provides limited benefits to about 70,000 low-income adults. The new plan would adjust eligibility rules and offer some additional coverage, including service in more locations.

Branstad wants to get federal approval to set up Healthy Iowa instead of pursing a Medicaid expansion permitted under President Obama’s health care overhaul. He says his approach will better shield Iowa from federal fiscal changes. Democrats in the state Senate say the plan would provide people with fewer benefits at a higher cost to the state.

A Page County man was arrested Friday night on an assault charge, following an investigation into a domestic disturbance in Coin. Officials say 47-year old Carl Allen Race, of Coin, was charged with Domestic Abuse Assault, for allegedly assaulting his wife at Race’ residence in Coin. Race was brought to the Page County Jail, appeared before a magistrate and was being held on an undisclosed bond in the jail.