Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press at 3:40 a.m. CST

(FORT MADISON) – A staff member was assaulted by an inmate at the Iowa State Penitentiary in Fort Madison, IA at approximately 2:45 p.m. Thursday afternoon. The staff member, a correctional officer, was conducting a search of an inmate’s cell when the inmate attempted to strike the officer with closed fists. The officer that was attacked, as well as another officer that was in the area, quickly took control of the situation. The staff member was assessed by institution medical professionals for scratches and bruises that occurred from the incident. He returned to his post after his medical evaluation.  The inmate that attacked the staff member was transported to University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics for further medical assistance.  This incident remains under investigation, and the penitentiary has been placed on “restricted movement” for the time being.

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — The executive director of Iowa’s state-run broadband network and two subordinates have been fired after state auditors discovered a range of misspending and cronyism during his tenure. A report by State Auditor Mary Mosiman released Thursday says that Iowa Communications Network executive director Ric Lumbard improperly awarded jobs and contracts to individuals associated with a Christian ministry he also leads.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The Iowa Senate has hired an outside consultant to provide harassment prevention training to lawmakers. Justine Morton tells The Associated Press she will provide the training through her company Morton Consulting. She confirms senators will receive training on Jan. 23 and Jan. 24. Senate staff, clerks and others will get training on Jan. 22 and Jan. 26. House lawmakers and others in that chamber received separate training recently.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Key senators and farm groups are trying to fix a provision slipped into the federal tax overhaul that gave an unexpected tax break to farmers who sell their crops to cooperatives instead of private buyers. Observers say it’s not clear yet whether a fix can pass, given the partisan divide on Capitol Hill. The provision was added in the final days of debate over the tax bill.

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) — A woman accused of passing counterfeit cash at a Sioux City casino has been given two years of probation. Court records say 28-year-old Jackelen Hartsock, of Le Mars, pleaded guilty Tuesday to forgery after prosecutors dropped a theft charge as part of a plea agreement.

The East Pottawattamie County Extension and Outreach and 4-H program are offering “STEM Kids” afterschool program on Wednesday’s in February from 3:00 – 4:30pm at the Carson Fire Station Meeting Room for all 4th grade youth.

Youth will spend the afternoon learning about science, technology, engineering and math through hands on activities, teamwork and experiments.  The program will cost $10.00 per youth to attend the 4 sessions held on February 7, 14, 21, and 28.  All 4th grade youth interested in participating will be required to complete and submit a registration form, available on the website: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/eastpottawattamie/news/stem-kids-after-school-program-0 Registration forms, payment and health forms will be due to the East Pottawattamie County Extension Office, PO Box 187, Oakland, Iowa 51560 by Monday, January 29th.  STEM Kids registration will be on a first come, first served basis, as spots are limited.

The Cooking with Kids Afterschool program will be offered to 4th graders attending the AHSTW Schools on Tuesdays during the month of March.  Registration forms and additional information will be sent home with 4th grade students and available on our website in February.

The Iowa State Patrol reports one person died during an accident Wednesday afternoon, in Sac County. Authorities say the accident happened at around 12:06-p.m., when a 2007 Chevy Silverado pickup driven by 77-year old Dennis Paul Gosch, of Sac City, stopped at the intersection of Rolfe Avenue and Highway 20, but then proceeded into the intersection. His pickup was struck on the driver’s side by a 2009 Peterbilt semi driven by 61-year old Robert Brown, of Kiron.

The impact pushed the pickup into the median. Gosch died at the scene. Brown was not injured. Both men were wearing their seat belts.

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — The executive director of Iowa’s state-run broadband network and two subordinates have been fired after state auditors discovered a range of misspending and cronyism during his tenure. A report by State Auditor Mary Mosiman released Thursday says that Iowa Communications Network executive director Ric Lumbard improperly awarded jobs and contracts to individuals associated with a nonprofit Christian ministry he also leads.

The report says that Lumbard and two associates he hired, Jessica Jensen and T.J. Boulet, were fired earlier this month ahead of the audit’s release. A criminal investigation is ongoing. Mosiman’s report says Lumbard repeatedly circumvented rules requiring competitive bidding on government contracts, created unnecessary jobs, hired unqualified individuals and awarded Jensen excessive pay increases. A company associated with Lumbard sold more than $2,000 in state-owned equipment on eBay.

MASON CITY, Iowa (AP) — Police and mental health professionals in northern Iowa have agreed to more closely work together on difficult cases in an effort to improve outcomes and reduce costs. The Mason City Council approved a plan Tuesday for the local police department and County Social Services to collaborate on creating a law enforcement mental health care coordinator position. The role will serve under County Social Services but will work with police on mental health situations.

Police Chief Jeff Brinkley tells the Globe Gazette that calls for service related to mental health have increased by 22 percent over the last three years. Brinkley says the challenge is reducing the impact on public safety resources while offering better care for mental health patients. He says they aim to work with patients before they reach crisis status.

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) — A woman accused of passing counterfeit cash at a Sioux City casino has been given two years of probation. Court records say 28-year-old Jackelen Hartsock, of Le Mars, pleaded guilty Tuesday to forgery after prosecutors dropped a theft charge as part of a plea agreement. She also was given a five-year suspended prison term.

Police say Hartsock, 29-year-old Brittany Derby and 27-year-old Kurt Jones made several cash transactions Aug. 5 at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Police say the bills were later found to be counterfeit. The records say Jones has pleaded not guilty to forgery and is scheduled to begin trial Tuesday. A Feb. 28 hearing is scheduled regarding a plea deal pending for the 29-year-old Derby.

The Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office reports a man from Cass County was arrested Wednesday afternoon. 30-year old Jacob William Earl Dofner, of Griswold, was arrested for Driving While License Denied or Revoked. He was taken into custody following a traffic stop in Treynor. A man from Carson was arrested at around 12:30-a.m. today (Thursday), following a traffic stop for speeding 82 in a 55-mph zone. The Sheriff’s Office said 28-year old Jared Tyler Hiser was driving his vehicle near the intersection of Highway 59 and Chestnut Road, when he was pulled over. Hiser was subsequently arrested for OWI/1st offense, after displaying clues of impairment.

And, a man from Council Bluffs was arrested for OWI/1st offense, after he was found walking in the 23,000 block of Highway 92 at around 3:20-a.m. today (Thursday). An investigation determined 26-year old Nathan Daniel Kantor was walking away from a motor vehicle accident.

The Union County Sheriff’s Office reports 18-year old Heaven Marie Jordan, of Creston, was arrested Wednesday morning in Afton, on a Union County warrant for assault. Jordan was later released from the Union County Jail on $300 bond.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Declining numbers in a new monthly survey of bankers suggests the economy remains weak in rural parts of 10 Plains and Western states. The overall economic index for the region dropped to 46.8 this month, compared with the December reading of 47.8. The November figure was 44.7. Survey organizers say any score below 50 suggests a shrinking economy in the months ahead.

The confidence index reflects expectations for the economy six months out, and it fell to 46.7 in the January survey from 51.2 in December. However, Creighton University economist Ernie Goss says “year-over-year indices are trending higher.” The January number a year ago was 42.8.

Bankers from Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming were surveyed.

The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) has launched an online quiz . Anyone can take the Save Your Brain quiz online at https://idph.iowa.gov/save-your-brain.  IDPH Medical Director, Dr. Patricia Quinlisk says “’Save Your Brain’ is based on the most recent science available. The assessment analyzes diet, physical activity, brain engagement and social interaction, and comes up with a list of things an individual can do to lower their risk for dementia or other forms of cognitive decline.” Because of the continuing research in this area, the quiz will be reviewed at least annually to reflect the most up-to-date science.

Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth leading cause of death in Iowa and the U.S. and cognitive decline and dementia are often contributing factors in other deaths. IDPH is encouraging health organizations, community groups and individuals to access and use the online materials; for example, Broadlawns Hospital in Des Moines is using the quiz as part of its dementia risk reduction program. One aspect of the assessment, diet, focuses on the consumption of “brain healthy” foods; research shows some of the best foods for brain health are vegetables, nuts, berries, beans, whole grains, fish, poultry, olive oil and wine.

The risk reductions suggested because of the quiz often work together to benefit brain health and it is important to maintain healthy habits in all areas. The goal of the quiz is to identify areas in an individual’s everyday life to improve current and future cognitive health, as well as improve physical health. Quinlisk recommends taking the quiz, working on the suggested improvements for six months, and then taking the quiz again to see how their risk of dementia has been reduced.