IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Federal auditors are asking the state of Iowa to refund more than $2.6 million in funds for child care assistance for low-income families that was awarded years ago. A report posted online Thursday by the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services says the state should have refunded most of the money in 2006 when a contractor overseeing the program dissolved. The report says the Iowa Department of Human Services gave the money to other contractors, which is not allowed under federal rules. The recommendation to give back the money has angered state officials, who say they consulted with the federal agency’s regional office on their plan to use the leftover funds and thought they had put the matter to rest years ago.

Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press

The Harlan Police department reports the arrests of several people over the past few days.

On Wednesday (April 4th), an anonymous tip led to the arrest of three persons in connection to burglaries that occurred at the fairgrounds and other criminal mischief.  Eighteen-year-old Frank Bates of Harlan was charged with three counts of Burglary 3rd, two counts of criminal mischief, theft 5th, and operating a motor vehicle without owner’s consent.  18–year-old Matthew Scheuring of Harlan was charged with burglary 3rd and criminal mischief . And, a 17-year-old juvenile was charged with aiding and abetting operation without owner’s consent and aiding and abetting burglary.  Bates and Scheuring were taken to the Shelby County Jail and the juvenile was cited and released to their father.  A fourth person is being investigated in the case.

On Tuesday, 64-year-old David Peters of Harlan was arrested for public intoxication when Harlan police responded to a report of an unconscious person lying in the grass in front of a residence in the 1000 block of Park Street.

On March 30th, Bomgaar’s Supply Inc. called police in Harlan to report the theft of money by an employee.  Authorities report that 32-year-old Shelly Hulsebus of Council Bluffs was charged with 3rd degree theft.

And, on March 27th, police were called to the Brian Bowers residence in the 1400 block of College Blvd when a 1992 Mercury Sable was reported stolen.  The Shelby and Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Offices and the Iowa State Patrol stopped the stolen vehicle near the Underwood rest area after it was observed on Highway 59 and I-80.  The driver of the stolen vehicle was identified as 32-year-old Patrick James Schmitz of Harlan.  He was taken to the Pottawattamie County Jail.  Schmitz faces numerous traffic and criminal charges.

The Lenox Police Department reports today (Thursday), 23-year old Eric Almanza, of Lenox, was arrested Wednesday night on a warrant out of Union County for felony Sexual Abuse in the 3^rd Degree. According to online court records, the offense allegedly occurred on January 30^th. Almanza was transferred to the custody of a Union County deputy. His bond was set at $10,000.

Businesses in Cass County checking their mailboxes over the next few days may find a letter about becoming a Relay For Life event corporate sponsor.

Debbie Pellet, Corporate Sponsor Co-Chair, Congratulates employees of Atlantic Motor Supply for their donation to the 2012 Cass Co. Relay For Life. (Photo contributed)

 Relay For Life is a fund-raiser for the American Cancer Society. Prior to the Relay For Life event, community volunteers form teams. The teams plan community activities to help raise donations for the American Cancer Society. Then during the night of the event, members of the teams walk around Atlantic High School track. This year’s event is scheduled for June 22nd.

Letters have been mailed out looking for sponsors, and anyone who has not received a letter or wants more information should contact Linda Knop or Debbie Pellett at 712-243-3195. Relay For Life Chairman Carole Schuler said during last year’s event approximately $25,000 was donated by sponsors of the event.

An official kick off for the event will be the Captain’s Meeting set for April 9th.  The captain’s meeting is for individuals interested in being captains of Relay For Life teams , and will be held at Cass County Home Care on April 9th at 5:30 p.m. Information will be presented on important dates, team campsites, photos and fund-raising idea.  Individuals will also be able to
pick up a team packets during the meeting.

Cost to register a team is $50 if registered by May 1st, and $75 if registered after May 1st. Those who can’t attend the captain’s meeting can pick up their packet at the Atlantic Medical Center Appointment Desk after April 10th.