DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Republican lawmakers say they’re going to try again to ban the rare use of public money to finance abortions for low-income women. Missouri Valley Representative Matt Windschitl says he and other House Republicans are holding preliminary talks on a proposal to prevent Medicaid reimbursement for any abortions. Last fiscal year, the state reimbursed 22 abortions at a cost of $19,402.

State and federal laws now limit abortion funding to low-income women who are rape or incest victims, whose lives will be in danger if they don’t get an abortion, or whose fetuses face severe deformities. A similar effort delayed Iowa lawmakers during the end of last legislative session, as Republicans tried to push a rule banning government-funded abortions. Republicans finally gave up the effort under pressure to end the session.

Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press

The Atlantic City Council, Wednesday, approved the final plans and specifications for reconstruction and renovation of the Sunnyside Tennis Courts. Mike Jorgenson with Snyder and Associates Engineers in Atlantic, told the Council only one bid had been received for the project last July, which was considerably more than the engineer’s cost estimate. Jorgenson attributed the lack of bids to the timing of the project. Changes have since been made to the plan, with cost savings realized through work done by crews with the City’s Park and Recreation and Street Department. The work involved removal of the fence, light poles and the old asphalt surface, which was huge part of the process. The project was then sent out to be re-bid. The bid date was tentatively set for Feb. 19th, with the results be known the following day.

The Council passed a motion setting the date for a public hearing and bid letting for February 20th, and a resolution authorizing the receiving of bids. They also approved an agreement with Snyder and Associates for engineering services for the 2013 Sanitary Sewer Improvements. City Administrator Doug Harris said sewer lines that will be worked on include those under Cedar Street, from 2nd to 10th…Locust Street, from 2nd to 7th…Linn Street, from 2nd to 8th, and Locust Street, from 7th to 14th Street. The lines are being infiltrated with tree roots. The service includes cleaning the affected lines, conducting point repairs and doing a televised inspection. The total estimated cost for which (including 12% for engineering fees), amounts to an estimated $238,000. Bids will be requested later this Winter.

And the Council passed a resolution setting February 20th as the date for a public hearing and bid letting for the 7th Street Traffic Signal Improvement Project, which is expected to cost around $179,000. The project will be funded out of bond proceeds and some operating funds.

Todd Knox, with Snyder and Associates, said the project includes needed modifications and improvements to stop lights along 7th Street, at the intersections of Plum, Olive, Walnut, Chestnut and Poplar. By far, the most frustrating intersection for motorists, is 7th and Olive Streets. Knox said the current 3 light, 4-way configuration will be replaced with a 4-light, 4-way system. He said the 3 section heads over the left turn lanes will be replaced with a section using 4 arrows, all pointing left: 1 Red, 2 yellow arrows – the lowest of which will flash when you are able to turn left while opposing traffic is coming toward you – and one green. The current configuration is protected only by solid red and yellow signals, plus 1 green turn signal.

The timing of the signals will be adjustable locally and in-sync with each other along the affected stretch of 7th Street.

Officials with the Stuart Police Department said Wednesday three people were arrested Tuesday, during the culmination of a year-long investigation to the supply of drugs to persons under age in the Stuart area. Search warrants served at two locations in Stuart resulted in the recovery of methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

Taken into custody at one residence was Nina Wagner and David Sherwood, of Stuart. The pair both face charges which include: possession of drug paraphernalia; possession of marijuana; possession of prescription drugs without a prescription; child endangerment; possession of methamphetamine; and, distribution of a schedule One controlled substance to a person under age18. Also taken into custody, at a separate residence, was Gerald Waltz.

Waltz faces charges that include: possession of drug paraphernalia; distribution of a prescription drug; possession of marijuana; possession of methamphetamine; and, distribution of a schedule One controlled substance to a person under age 18.

Officials say the investigation is ongoing, and additional charges are possible. Anyone with information regarding the sale or use of illegal drugs in the Stuart area, especially information pertaining to the sale of drugs to minors, are encouraged to contact the Stuart Police Department at (515)-523-1896.

Sheriff’s officials in Adams County say a Red Oak man, 30-year old Jason Kyzer, was arrested Wednesday, on warrant for Assault, a Serious Misdemeanor. His arrest stemmed from an incident authorities say happened on January 21st. Kyzer was being held in the Adams County Jail on $1,000 bond, pending an initial appearance before the Adams County Magistrate.