DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – State officials are moving ahead with the most fundamental change in the state’s mental health system in more than a century.  Department of Human Services director Chuck Palmer says in an interview with The Associated Press that he expects legislators to approve the change, which will lead to a uniform system rather than services that now vary from county to county. Palmer says that should mean improved services that are available across the state. The five-year cost of the effort is projected to be about $133 million, with a big first-year bill of $47 million. 

Sen. Jack Hatch, a Des Moines Democrat who helped devise the new system, says funding should be available, even at a time when lawmakers are face with a tight overall state budget.

The superintendent of the West Harrison Community School District on Friday, released a statement involving one of his principals. Joel Foster confirmed earlier reports that both the district and the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office is investigating Principal & girls basketball coach Mike Loftin’s alleged actions, at the West Harrison High School in Mondamin. The investigation was launched after an incident allegedly took place on January 20th. A 15-year old freshman girl claimed Loftin pulled off her breakaway pants down to her knees in front of fellow students, leaving her exposed in her underwear.  The teen, who is a guard on the West Harrison girls basketball team,  told authorities the incident took place outside of a locker room, just before the team was about to board a bus for a game. The superintendent said once the investigation is complete, the school board will take appropriate action.

Here is the text of Superintendent Joel Foster’s statement to the media:

On Saturday January 21st, 2012, it was brought to my attention that there might have been an incident between a staff member and a student on Friday evening January 20th. I immediately began investigating this incident and the West Harrison Community Schools responded to the allegations in an appropriate manner. This incident continues to be actively investigated by West Harrison Community Schools and the Harrison County Sheriffs Department.At the conclusion of this investigation, the West Harrison Community Schools Board of Education will respond in a manner that is appropriate to the findings of the investigation.

Joel Foster Superintendent, West Harrison Community Schools

It’s unlikely the 88 neglected dogs, removed this week from a property in northwest Iowa, will be available for adoption anytime soon. Authorities say the dogs, mostly Cocker Spaniels, were living in filthy conditions with their coats matted in dried feces.

Cocker Spaniel found on Sac Co. property (Photo by ARL of IA)

Employees and volunteers at animal shelters in Carroll, Boone, Des Moines, Cedar Rapids and Sioux City have spent hours grooming the dogs and treating them for tooth decay and skin, ear and bladder infections. Bob Citrullo, executive director of the Cedar Valley Humane Society in Cedar Rapids, says the dogs will remain in the shelters for a while.

“Either the owners of the facility need to turn them over, which is what we would suggest, or if it becomes a legal battle we have to wait for the outcome of that,” Citrullo said. A press release from the Siouxland Humane Society identified the owner of the dogs as Mary Brodersen, of rural Kiron. Officials say Broderson is a non-licensed dog breeder. The release also states five dogs were found dead on the property. Charges in the case are pending. Josh Colvin, with the Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL), says donations are needed to help improve the dogs’ health.

He said anyone making monetary donations to the ARL can indicate they’d like the money to help the “Sac County dogs.” The ARL also accepts donations of dry dog and puppy food.

Link to ARL: www.arl-iowa.org

(Radio Iowa)