(Radio Iowa) – Fire broke out last (Thursday) night in a large structure at the Lost Island Theme Park, a new amusement venue under construction in Waterloo. The 100-million dollar entertainment attraction that’s scheduled to open in late May on the south side of the city. When fire crews arrived, they found a nearly 15-hundred square-foot building completely engulfed in flames. The fire, which could be seen for several miles, raged for more than 90 minutes before being brought under control.

Waterloo Fire Rescue officials say the structure was completely destroyed and no injuries were reported. Investigators are working to determine the cause. The theme park’s owner, Eric Bertch, told a local television station that the fire won’t delay the theme park’s scheduled, which is now about two months away.

The Creston Police Department reports an Adams County man was arrested at around 2:15-p.m. Thursday, on a charge of Public Intoxication. Authorities say 21-year-old Collin Steven Gregory, of Corning, was taken into custody at 1106 E. Lucas Street (Bunn O Matic), and transported to the Union County Jail. He has since posted bond.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The man who holds a seat on the Cass County Board of Supervisors in District 2, has announced his bid for re-election, in advance of the June 7th Primary Election. Mark O’Brien released a statement Thursday, saying “As a lifelong resident of Cass County, I feel I have been and will continue to be a respected voice for my fellow constituents due to the years of knowledge and experience I have attained on both a professional and personal level.

“A brief history of my experiences include building my business, Iron Specialties, Inc. from the ground up, extensive construction background along with general contracting of commercial and agricultural projects for over 37 years, residential and commercial property owner, farming and farm land owner, serving on various local boards and committees, coaching and coordinating various youth activities and volunteer work within the community.

Mark O’Brien

“As a contractor, I have had the opportunity to offer guidance and assist several other county and economic boards in and around Iowa through various construction projects. My additional entrepreneurial endeavors with property investments, farming and new business developments further the level of diversity of my experiences, all of which I believe will bring positive things to the table for Cass County in the capacities of both planning and budgeting. My key objectives as a member of the Cass County Board of Supervisors have been and will continue to focus on keeping spending in check and creating smart budgeting for continued county growth, improvement and progress. I believe an open-door policy is key and invite the voters who re-elect me to have their voices heard.

On a personal note, I have been married to my wife Trish for 47 years. We have 3 sons, Chris, Jason & Kolby. We are lifelong members of SS Peter & Paul Catholic Church. In our free time we enjoy spending time with our 7 grandchildren and attending their activities. I look forward to this opportunity and urge anyone with questions regarding my candidacy to contact me
via phone at 712-249-4881 or via email at marktobrien@msn.com.”

(Radio Iowa) – As gas prices surge, the Republican governors of Maryland, Virginia and Florida are supporting gas tax holidays. The State of Iowa’s gas tax is around 30 cents a gallon. House Speaker Pat Grassley, a Republican, says it’s unlikely the Iowa legislature would vote to temporarily suspend the STATE gas tax.

“The situation we see with the rising gas prices has nothing to do with any decision the legislature has or has not made,” Grassley says. Grassley says a temporary hiatus for the state gas tax would delay financing for projects to improve Iowa roads and bridges.  “I think to really attack the situation and the issue that we see with gas prices, the federal government’s going to have to take some level of action,” Grassley says.

The federal gas tax is 18-point-three cents per gallon and six Democratic governors are calling on congress to suspend it until the end of the year. In January, Florida’s Republican governor proposed suspending HIS state’s 25-cents-a-gallon gas tax for a full five months — using federal pandemic relief money to plug the hole in the state budget. The Florida legislature has just proposed a one-month suspension — in October, when fewer tourists are visiting Florida.

(Radio Iowa) – Republicans say a new report on state tax revenues aligns with their plans for state finances. Democrats say the report shows the state won’t be able to meet its financial obligations. The pace of state tax collections has surged this year, but once recently-approved tax cuts take effect July 1st, a state panel predicts total state tax revenue will decline by about two-tenths of a percent. The following year, the drop is estimated to be in the range of two-and-a-half percent.

That would be the first time in 12 years that state tax collections have declined. Democrats like Senate Minority Leader Zach Wahls say it shows the G-O-P’s tax policy will likely result in future state budget cuts for public schools, law enforcement agencies and Iowa’s health care system.

In January, Republican Governor Kim Reynolds said the state would have less to spend after the tax cuts kick in — and she’d prefer Iowans spend their money in businesses rather than on bureaucracies.