DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Iowa cities that take in millions of dollars a year from automated traffic enforcement cameras are mulling over their options if lawmakers force them to shut off the devices. Legislation that would require the cameras to be removed has passed out of the House Appropriations Committee, moving it to the list of measures that can be called up for full House debate this year.
 
The cameras are used in seven cities, including Council Bluffs and Sioux City. Iowa City’s council voted in February to begin using the cameras. Iowa isn’t the only state interested in such a ban. Nine states have passed laws that ban the use of automated traffic cameras. Last year, legislation was introduced but did not pass in Arizona, Florida, Missouri and South Dakota.

The Harlan Police Department reports 42-year old James Boell, of Harlan, was arrested Wednesday on alcohol-related charges, including supplying alcohol to a minor. Boell and 19-year old Daniel Netawaka, of Kansas, were charged following a traffic stop. Officials say Boell was also arrested for OWI/2nd offense. Netawaka was cited for Possession of alcohol by a person under legal age.

Harlan Police report also, 27-year old Kevin Smith, of Harlan, was charged with Theft in the 5th degree , following an investigation into a complaint filed by Harlan Municipal Utilities that Smith was using unauthorized utilities, in the form of cable television. The offense allegedly occurred on or about March 5th. Smith was issued a citation to appear in court.

Last Sunday, 23-year old Tyler Alex Powers, of Harlan, was arrested on an assault charge, after officers were called to a residence in the 200-block of 20th Street. He posted a $300 bond Tuesday, and is scheduled to appear in court April 20th. On Thursday, Powers was arrested again, on a warrant for Violation of his Parole.

And, the Harlan Police Deparment reports several individuals were arrested March 17th, after officers investigated a noise complaint in the 600 block of Broadway. Persons who face charges of Possession of Alcohol under the age, include: 18-year old’s Cain Pfeifer, Tannis Belisle, and Kaitlyn Stessman; and, 19-year old’s Malerie Scheffler, Chantel Scheffler, and Adam Scheffler, all of Harlan. In addition, 24-year old Jackie Thielen, of Harlan, was cited for supplying alcohol to persons under legal age.

DEXTER, Iowa (AP) – State authorities say an audit has uncovered that more than $131,000 was improperly disbursed by the city clerk in Dexter before her death in 2010.  A news release from the office of State Auditor David Vaudt says nearly $71,000 in checks was improperly issued to Denise Miller. She was city clerk from Jan. 1, 2000, until she died on July 15, 2010. 
 
The audit also says the total included more than $45,000 that was improperly disbursed for penalties and interest related to payroll taxes and nearly $7,000 in interest for an unauthorized loan Miller took out in the city’s name.
 
Vaudt’s office says inadequate records kept auditors from determining whether more money was improperly paid out or not properly deposited.     The auditors recommended that the city bolster its financial controls.

The Cass County Board of Supervisors, Wednesday, accepted a letter of resignation from Jerry Putnam, a member of the Cass County Veterans Affairs Commission for the past 12-years. The resignation is effective immediately. Putnam’s replacement is expected to be appointed during the Board’s next meeting, on March 30th.

The Supervisor’s Wednesday, also discussed a revision to the County’s cellular phone policy. The matter was taken under advisement until their next meeting. In other business, the Board next Friday, will review appointments to the Local Emergency Planning Council (LEPC).

Cass County (IA) Treasurer Tracey J. Marshall is reminding property owners that the second-half payments of real estate and mobile homes are now due. Deadline for payments without penalty, is Monday, April 2nd. You can pay your taxes online at www.iowatreasurers.org, or by credit/debit card in the Treaurer’s Office. Payments with a postmark will be accepted without penalty.

The Cass County Sheriff’s Office reports an Anita woman was arrested Thursday on four Cass County warrants. 30-year old Sarah Prall was taken into custody on warrants for: OWI/1st Offense; No Proof of Insurance; Failure to Maintain Control; & Failure to Maintain a Safety Belt. Prall was brought to the Cass County Jail in Atlantic, posted bond, and was released.

(9-a.m. News)