Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (AP) – A Cedar Rapids police spokeswoman says no obvious signs of trauma have been found on the body of a man that was found between two houses. Officers were sent to the scene on the southwest side of the city after a neighbor reported seeing the body of 25-year-old James Tamayo shortly after 7 a.m. yesterday.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – A Des Moines area developer has pleaded guilty to bank fraud in connection with a loan to develop a condominium project. U.S. Attorney Nicholas Klinefeldt announced that Randal Walters of Polk County pleaded guilty yesterday to one count of bank fraud related to the Meadow Cove project. The 55-year-old Walters acknowledged during court proceedings that he diverted loans intended for condos to other uses.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Rural electric cooperatives operating in Iowa, Nebraska and seven other states are getting federal loan guarantees to improve portions of their power lines and generating systems. The funding includes a $6.7 million loan guarantee for Nobles Electric Cooperative, which serves customers in northwest Iowa and Minnesota.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Cleanup of an oil spill along 10 to 15 miles of the North Raccoon River south of Jefferson continues as environmental officials warn people to avoid canoeing, fishing, or even hiking in the area. Pools of thick black smelly oil are apparent in the area after a valve on a storage tank malfunctioned September 13th at Krieger’s Greenhouse in Jefferson.

Governor Terry Branstad and Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds are calling on Cass County residents and all Iowans to join in a one-kilometer Healthiest State Walk on Wednesday, October 3rd, as one part of an effort to become the healthiest state in the nation. More than 291,000 Iowans from each of Iowa’s 99 counties participated in the Healthiest State Initiative’s “Start Somewhere” walk in 2011. This year, many organized Healthiest State Walks will be held at noon on October 3rd, but walks are encouraged throughout the day.

A kilometer is about 7.5 city blocks, a 12-minute stroll for the average walker. Walkers can sign up for the event and find or create a local, organized walk at www.iowahealthieststate.com. In addition to walking, Branstad and Reynolds are encouraging Iowans to add one more wellness activity to their day on October 3rd.  The Governor and Lt. Gov. last year announced the plan to make Iowa the healthiest state in the nation within five years as measured by the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index(r). In 2011, Iowa ranked 16th compared to all other states, moving up from the 19th position in 2010.

The Healthiest State Initiative is a privately led, public effort that engages Iowans and their communities throughout the state. It involves individuals, families, businesses, faith-based organizations, not-for-profits and the public sector in a broad-based community-focused effort.

Page County Sheriff Lyle Palmer reports his deputies were called Thursday to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of a man found in a vehicle.  Deputies responded to 1851 A Avenue at approxiamtely7:30 AM. Following an investigation, which involved the Page County Medical Examiner and the Page County Sheriff’s Office, it was determined that 59-year old George Henry Mier, of Ottumwa,  had died from natural causes in a Semi tractor waiting in line to get into the business of Hallet Materials.  The Semi was parked on A Avenue facing north just south of the entrance to the business.

Officials with the Montgomery County Auditor’s Office said Thursday, that Absentee ballots for the November 6^th General Election will be available in the Auditors Office on Thursday September 27^th. Absentee ballots may be cast in the Election/Auditors Office, 2^nd Floor of the Courthouse, during office hours from 8:00 AM through 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday.  Last day to cast Absentee ballots is in the Auditor’s Office on 11/5/12 until 5:00 PM. Absentee ballots must be requested in writing.  Forms are available at the Auditor’s office and on the Secretary of State website at www.sos.iowa.gov.  Return ballots must be postmarked by 11/5/12 or earlier. All requests for a ballot to be mailed must be received by the Election Office by 5:00 pm, on Friday November 2, 2012.

For further information, contact the Montgomery County Election/Auditors Office at 712-623-5127 between 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM Monday – Friday.

The Cass County Sheriff’s Office is reminding the public to be aware that telephone scams are still alive and well in the county. Most recently reported to officials is the old scam whereby people are called by someone claiming to be that person’s grandchild or other relative and asking for cash to be wired to them so they can get out of jail. If you receive this sort of call, be sure to satisfy yourself as to the true identity of the caller. Never wire money without verifying the whereabouts of your actual relative, and never give out personal or banking information over the phone.

Officials with the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) said Thursday, that the work location has changed but the schedule will remain the same, for the Interstate 480 work scheduled for next week in Council Bluffs. The DOT will be closing the eastbound Interstate 480 to northbound I-29 bridge in Council Bluffs on Wednesday and Thursday, Sept. 26th and 27th, to make repairs.

Northbound I-29 traffic will be routed around the construction zone by traveling south on I-29, exiting at 9th Avenue (exit 53A), and traveling north on I-29. Motorists will want to allow some extra time in the morning hours to travel on this detour. The roadway should be reopened to traffic by Friday, Sept. 28, weather permitting.

The Iowa DOT reminds motorists to drive with caution, obey posted speed limits and other signs in the work area, and be aware that traffic fines for moving violations are at least double in work zones. As in all work zones, drivers should stay alert, allow ample space between vehicles and wear seat belts.