DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Iowa officials say public schools have reported overall jump in enrollment for the 2012-13 school year.  Officials say the rise of 0.6 percent was the first significant increase since 1996. Overall enrollment has dropped in the five previous school years. Department of Education officials say the increase is due in part to an upsurge in birth rates from 2003 to 2008.

The department’s Jay Pennington says the increase “is refreshing news for Iowa after years of declining enrollment. However, the reality is that this increase most likely is temporary.” Pennington says the long-term trend shows declining enrollment in rural parts of Iowa.

The chairpersons of the Cass and Audubon County Community Foundations, are reminding non-profit groups and organizations in their respective counties, that grant funds amounting to $102,000 for each county, are currently available for your projects.  Applications to receive a portion of those funds, are due by no later than February 1st, 2013.  Detailed application procedures, fact sheets, and a link to the application form can be obtained online at http://omahafoundation.org/swiowa.

Applications will only be accepted through the online system.   Contact Dennis Nissen at 800-794-3458 or dennis@omahafoundation.org or Denise Cardos at denise@omahafoundation.org with grant application-specific questions.  All completed applications will be considered at the March board meeting with notification of results in early April.

Only organizations providing charitable services in Audubon or Cass County are eligible.  They must be able to demonstrate broad community/county support and supply a copy of their 501(c)(3) IRS determination letter.  Requests for general operational funds will not be considered.

Board members of the Audubon County Community Foundation are Chair, Brett Irlmeier of Audubon, 712-563-2644; Vice Chair, Jonnie Meislahn of Audubon, 712-563-2009 Secretary/Treasurer, Thomas Nielsen of Audubon, 712-563-2742; Joanie Heuton of Kimballton, 712-773-5291;; Jay Nelson of rural Brayton, 712-549-2277; Daryl Olsen, DVM of Audubon, 712-563-2080; and Joseph T. Rasmussen, Esq. of Exira, 712-268-6357.

Board members of the Cass County Community Foundation are Chair, Nicholas Hunt of rural Atlantic, 243-5485; Vice Chair, Gary Maas of Anita, 762-3434; Secretary/Treasurer, Roland K. Landsness, Esq. of Atlantic, 243-4154; Royal Bierbaum of Griswold, 778-2586; Beulah Follman of Massena, 779-3457; and Mark D. Kyhnn, CPA of Atlantic, 243-1800.

EVANSDALE, Iowa (AP) – Authorities won’t be releasing details anytime soon about what caused the deaths of two cousins whose bodies were found in a park about 25 miles from their homes in northeast Iowa.  Evansdale Police Chief Kent Smock told The Des Moines Register on Wednesday that the causes and other details about the deaths of Lyric Cook and Elizabeth Collins will be kept confidential in order to protect the investigation.

Smock says “the only people that are going to know this information are the people who are responsible.”  He says tests on the girls’ bodies aren’t finished yet. Lyric was 10 and Elizabeth was 8 when they disappeared from Evansdale on July 13. Their bodies were found on Dec. 5.  No arrests have been reported as the investigation continues.

Authorities in Union County are asking for your help in locating a vehicle reported stolen sometime Wednesday night or early this morning, from a residence about four-miles north/northeast of Creston.

A vehicle similar to this, was reported stolen from rural Union County.

The Sheriff’s Department described the vehicle as a red, 4-door, 2000 model-year Oldsmobile Alero. It’s license plate reads 184 WZD.

The vehicle was reported missing from 1131 Hawk Avenue. If you have any information about the car, call the Union County Sheriff’s Department at 1-641-782-8402.