Fire officials in Shenandoah say no injuries were reported following a house fire Monday afternoon. According to reports, the fire took place at 106 South Avenue in Shenandoah, at around 4:30-p.m. The home sustained considerable damage and resulted in the family being displaced. Their names were not immediately available. The Red Cross was assisting the family in finding shelter. The cause of the blaze was believed to be faulty wiring.

EARLY, Iowa (AP) — A 21-year-old Iowa man has pleaded not guilty to charges of killing his mother and kidnapping another woman. The Sioux City Journal reports Kirk Levin submitted a written plea Monday. He faces charges of first-degree murder and third-degree kidnapping. Prosecutors say Levin repeatedly stabbed his mother, Marilyn Schmitt, at her farmhouse in Early on Jan. 3. They say he then kidnapped a 21-year-old woman who he tied up and put in the trunk of a car. The woman escaped after Levin drove into a ditch.

Levin had been released from prison days earlier after serving time for burglary charges. Gov. Terry Branstad’s spokesman has defended the state’s release of Levin.

Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press

Police in Council Bluffs Police said Monday, one person was arrested in connection with an alleged attempted kidnapping. Authorities say 20-year old Nathan Busse of Council Bluffs allegedly attempted to kidnap an unidentified 10-year old girl. The victim was at Edison School finishing her duty as a crossing guard, when Busse approached her.

Busse reportedly asked the girl  “What’s up,” before grabbing her by the arm and forcing her to start walking with him. Police say the victim struggled while Busse told her “It’s OK.” She was finally able to break free after a brief struggle and ran to a family member who was there to pick her up.

Busse left the area but was located a short distance away by the victim’s father, who was able to detain the man until police arrived. After questioning, Busse was arrested on charges of Kidnapping/3rd Degree, Assault with intent to commit sexual abuse, Enticing a minor, and Child stealing. He remained in the Pottawattamie County Jail Monday evening.

Officials with the Stuart Police Department have released additional information on a stabbing incident which occurred Saturday. Authorities say on the morning of January 26th, Stuart Police responded to a report of a male subject that had been stabbed. While investigating the stabbing, officers discovered a stolen handgun and other stolen property. The victim of the stabbing, James Block, was transported to Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines with injuries. He later left the hospital before officers could speak with him.

Sean Ward was arrested in connection with the stabbing and felon in possession of a firearm. Wynter Hudson and Sarah Clendaniel who were both present at the stabbing were arrested for possession of stolen property. While investigating the stabbing it was discovered that James Block had poured gasoline on Ward and attempted to light Ward on fire with a lighter before the stabbing had occurred.

Stuart Officers later served search warrants at three separate residences. While searching a residence in Stuart additional items of stolen property were recovered. While searching a residence in Earlham, officers discovered five stolen rifles including an “SKS” assault rifle, a stolen handgun and various other items of stolen property. Cory Daugherty was arrested at the Earlham residence for felon in possession of a firearm, possession of stolen property, and drug related charges.

The recovered property and firearms were linked to a home burglary in Stuart on January, 24th, 2013. Officers recovered a total of six rifles, two handguns and various other stolen items. The total value of the items was estimated at over $5,000. Additional charges have been filed in this case relating to the burglary, and trafficking of the stolen firearms.