Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Governor Terry Branstad says he doesn’t expect to see any significant changes to Iowa’s gun laws. Speaking yesterday during a taping of the public television program, “Iowa Press,” Branstad stressed his support of the second amendment. President Barack Obama this week proposed a major overhaul of the nation’s gun laws, including renewing a ban on assault weapons, limiting high-capacity ammunition magazines and requiring background checks for all gun buyers.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Women’s magazine publisher Meredith Corporation has cut 60 jobs, half in New York City and seven in Des Moines. Company spokesman Art Slusark says the layoffs represent less than 2 percent of the company’s 3,400 workers. The company releases second quarter results on January 24th.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – The state Board of Educational Examiners wants more time to discuss a proposal that would let business and military leaders become Iowa school superintendents. A work session is planned for early March following Thursday’s board meeting. Iowa Education Department staffers also were asked to prepare other proposals for creating alternative paths for superintendents.

MASON CITY, Iowa (AP) – A preliminary federal report suggests that icy conditions will be among the factors checked by investigators trying to determine what caused the fatal crash of a medical helicopter in northern Iowa. KIMT TV in Mason City reports the document released Wednesday didn’t include any conclusion about the crash cause. The pilot and two others on board died on the night of January 2nd.

The Iowa State Patrol reports one person suffered serious injuries during a rollover accident this (Friday) morning, in Mills County. 31-year old Justin Knuckolls, of Pacific Junction, was flown from the scene of the crash at 287th and 286th Streets by LifeNet helicopter, to the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Knuckolls was ejected from the 1999 Ford Ranger pickup he was driving, when the vehicle went out of control at around 8:15-a.m., left the road and rolled over. Knuckolls was not wearing a seat belt.

Officials say accident happened as the pickup was rounding a curve in the road, which may have been slippery due to frost or black ice, although the report did not specifically indicate if road conditions played a role in the crash.

Cass County Veteran’s Affairs Director Mitch Holmes says a ceremony to be held Monday afternoon in Atlantic, will honor a local store manager, for helping support the National Guard and Reserves.

The “Patriot Award”.

Dale Breuer, store manager for the Atlantic Fareway, will receive the Patriot Award on Monday from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) organization. The presentation is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. at the store, located at 301 Poplar St.

The award will be presented by Jerry Hansen, ESGR Area 2 chairman and ombudsman. Breuer was nominated by Fareway employee Christopher Kinney, who also serves with the 1168^th Transportation Company of the Iowa National Guard.

The Patriot Award recognizes employers for their outstanding support of National Guardsmen and Reservists through a wide-range of measures including flexible schedules, time off prior to and after deployment, caring for families, and granting leaves of absence if needed.

The ESGR is a Department of Defense agency established in 1972 to develop and maintain employer support for Guard and Reserve service. It advocates relevant initiatives, recognizes outstanding support, increases awareness of applicable laws, and resolves conflict between service members and employers.

The Mills County Sheriff’s Office says four people were arrested over the past few days. Three men were arrested for violating the terms of their probation. They include: 22-year old Cory James Almquist, of Pacific Junction, 70-year old Charles Conrad Kruse, of Glenwood, and 37-year old Darren Douglas Bartley, of Malvern.

Bartley was allowed to post 10-percent of his bond ($500), and was released pending a court date. Kruse posted a $5,000 bond and will appear in court at a later date. Almquist remained in the Mills County Jail on $5,000 bond.

And, on Wednesday, deputies in Mills County arrested 42-year old Troy Daniel Smith, of Emerson, on a warrant out of Montgomery County for 5th degree theft. Smith was arrested at the Mills County Sheriff’s Office and held on $300 bond.