IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) – The Republican-controlled Iowa Legislature has again denied press access to a liberal journalist whose blog is often critical of its policies, despite warnings from state and national groups that the restriction appears to be unconstitutional. The Iowa House and Senate informed Laura Belin, author of the Bleeding Heartland blog, that her applications for access during the session that began Monday have been rejected. The Iowa House told Belin that it does not credential journalists who are nontraditional while the Iowa Senate said it doesn’t consider Belin a member of the media. Belin says she’s considering her next steps, including an appeal or a lawsuit.

VALLEY, Neb. (AP) – The National Weather Service is scheduling meetings to share information about the potential for river flooding this winter and spring in eastern Nebraska and western Iowa. The two areas were socked with record flooding late last winter and early spring. Weather service hydrologist David Pearson says warnings issued last year didn’t seem to reach people. He says this year the service is trying to reach more people with the best information and make personal connections. The Nebraska meetings are scheduled for Feb. 4 in Fremont, Feb. 13 in Columbus, Feb. 27 in Norfolk and March 5 in Sidney, Iowa.

Adair County Sheriff Jeff Vandewater reports a central Iowa woman was arrested at around 5:54-p.m. January 6th. 37-year old Shannon Kay Keeney, of Des Moines, was arrested at the Polk County Jail, on an Adair County warrant for Violation of Probation. Keeney was being held in the Adair County Jail on a $5,000 cash or surety bond. And, 35-year old Dayne Jayne Sweeney, of Urbandale, was cited Jan. 9th following a traffic stop in Greenfield at around 12:15-a.m., for an expired registration.

The Deputy who made contact with Sweeney noticed a smell of alcohol on her breath. A Field Sobriety Test was conducted, after which she was arrested for OWI/1st offense. Sweeney was released later that same morning on a citation.

WATERLOO, Iowa (AP) – Some Waterloo officials say the city can’t afford to fix the crumbling third runway at the city-owned airport and may have to shut it down. The airport director recommends closing the runway because of safety and liability concerns. The Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier reports that the Federal Aviation Administration won’t provide any money, because the two other runways can handle nearly all of the traffic. Some local pilots and others want the runway kept open, saying it’s important when crosswinds make the other two runways unsafe for small aircraft. Council members could vote on the issue at their meeting next week.

WEST BURLINGTON, Iowa – Authorities have recovered from a fire-damaged home the body of a man involved in a standoff with officers in southeast Iowa. Police said Tuesday the body of 62-year-old Michael Kartel was found in his West Des Moines basement around 8 p.m. Monday. Officers were sent to Kartel’s home early Monday to check on his welfare say Kartel brandished a shotgun when they arrived. Police say officers didn’t fire back when Kartel shot in their direction. A fire believed to have been set by Kartel burned unabated for nearly three hours until police were certain he no longer posed a danger to firefighters.

After having several, special, Budget Request meetings, the Adair County Board of Supervisors will meet in a regular session Wednesday, beginning at 9-a.m. in the Boardroom at the Adair County Courthouse, in Greenfield. During the meeting, the Board will discuss and possibly act on:

• Taxable mileage
• A Manure Management Plan (update)
• The SICOG Housing Trust Fund report
• Homestead/Military Disallowances
• A Child Abuse Prevention Grant draw down
• and, Condemnation Commission Appointments.

The Board will receive a report at around 9:15-a.m., Wednesday, from Veterans Affairs Director Duane Avey, and his FY 2021 Budget Request. At around 9:30-a.m., they’ll hear from County Auditor Mandy Berg, with regard to: an updated Computer Lease Agreement. And, FY21 Budget requests (Clerk of Court, Board of Supervisors, Medical Examiner, DHS, Social Services, Mental Health and Data Processing).

Montgomery County Deputy of Elections Josh Nelson reports the next scheduled elections for which candidates can file are the June 2, 2020 Primary for congressional, state legislative, and county offices, and the November 3, 2020 General Election. Due to changes in state law, all candidates (except Presidential candidates and candidates for the agricultural extension board) file during the same filing window in February and March. Democratic and Republican candidates must run in the June 2 Primary, with the winners moving on to the General Election ballot. Third party and independent candidates are placed directly on the General Election ballot.

Filing periods:

• State and Federal Offices: February 24 – March 13, 2020 (5:00 p.m.) File with Iowa Secretary of State.
• County Offices: Primary – March 2 – March 25, 2020 (5:00 p.m.) General – March 2 – March 20, 2020 (5:00 p.m.) File with Auditor’s Office.
• President/Vice President: July 27 – August 14, 2020 (5:00 p.m.) File with Iowa Secretary of State.
• Ag Extension Board: No first date (may file at any time). Deadline August 26, 2020 (5:00 p.m.) File with Auditor’s Office.

Information for candidates is available at the Iowa Secretary of State’s website: https://sos.iowa.gov/elections/candidates/index.html