COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (AP) — The Iowa Court of Appeals has upheld the conviction of a former Army officer accused of breaking into a Council Bluffs apartment and assaulting a woman. The court rejected the appeal from former Lt. Col. Robert Butts, who claimed there were several problems with his 2010 jury trial. Butts was sentenced to 25 years in prison for seven charges, including second-degree kidnapping. Butts was accused of breaking into a woman’s apartment on Nov. 11, 2009, which was Veteran’s Day, and holding her at gunpoint. The woman’s sister, who was hiding in a closet, called police. During his trial, Butts testified he didn’t remember what happened that night. A psychiatrist testified Butt has history of sleepwalking.

The City Council in Audubon is set to meet Monday evening. On their agenda for the 7-p.m. session at City Hall, is an update from Barb Jacobsen on the Blue Zone Project. Audubon was one of 8 western Iowa communities selected last week from a field of 84 towns, to submit a full application for the opportunity to become one 10 finalists for Blue Zones demonstration sites. The next step in the process, is for the City to submit the full application, by no later than January 4^th.

The Council will also discuss siding on the police office, space in the basement for the police department, and compensation practices.

The Exira and Elk Horn-Kimballton Boards of Education will hold a joint meeting Monday evening, in Elk Horn. On the agenda for the 7-p.m. session in the Family and Consumer Science Room at the EHK High School, is discussion with regard to: graduation diplomas; sports facilities; communication structure; a joint advisory committee; their mission and vision; and goals for the 2012-2013 school year.

The next joint meeting of both boards will take place March 26^th, in Exira.

Police in the Taylor County community of Lenox reported Saturday, a disturbance at around 11:30-a.m. Friday resulted in the arrest of 30-year old Lucas Briggs, of Lenox. Briggs was charged with Domestic Abuse/Serious Assault, following an incident which allegedly occurred in the 500-block of West Ohio Street. He was brought to the Taylor County Jail and held, pending an appearance before the magistrate.

Police in Red Oak report the arrest this (Sunday) morning of Eric Vannausdle. The man was taken into custody in the 400 block of North 3rd Street in Red Oak, on a warrant out of Montgomery County, for Theft in the 2nd degree. Vannausdle was being held in the Montgomery County Jail.

The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office reports one person was arrested early this (Sunday) morning in Red Oak, on Trespass and Public Intoxication charges. 46-year old Steven James Shearer, of Elliott, was taken into custody at around 2:30-a.m., following an incident in the 100 block of Corning Street, in Red Oak. Shearer was being held in the Montgomery County Jail on $300 bond.