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

KNOXVILLE, Iowa (AP) — An Iowa man who was found responsible for his mother’s death at a civil trial but acquitted at a murder trial is now suing criminal investigators and his father. Forty-seven-year-old Jason Carter filed a federal lawsuit Thursday accusing investigators of conducting a biased and incomplete investigation into his mother’s death. Carter’s father, Bill Carter, won a wrongful-death lawsuit against his son in 2017. The suit alleged that Jason fatally shot 68-year-old Shirley Carter in June 2015 to gain access to his parents’ assets. Jason Carter was ordered to pay $10 million to his mother’s estate. In March, a jury acquitted him of murder.

BURLINGTON, Iowa (AP) — On a winter day in Iowa, Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders took some batting practice indoors. Representatives from three small-town Iowa teams looked on as the Vermont senator shed his suit jacket to take swings in a sweater over a dress shirt. He dribbled a few grounders, then lifted a ball in the air. The appearance was part of his effort opposing a Major League Baseball plan to cut 42 minor league teams after 2020. He’s defending clubs in far-flung places more fervently than any other candidate. That may allow him to win over baseball fans, a largely untapped 2020 constituency.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — In Iowa, where nearly 17,000 residents work in the health insurance industry, candidates are facing questions about how their health care plans could affect jobs in the state. Des Moines is home to Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield’s health insurance headquarters. Some candidates have already faced questions about the issue on the campaign trail. This week, South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg went on the offensive. Referencing Sen. Bernie Sanders’ and Sen. Elizabeth Warren’s “Medicare for All” plans, he argued that some candidates’ health care plans would “eliminate the job of every single American working at every single insurance company in the country.”

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The director of the Iowa Department of Transportation has announced his resignation after the governor asked him to step down. The Des Moines Register reports Mark Lowe will leave his position effective Jan. 10. Gov. Kim Reynolds’ office confirmed that she requested the resignation. The governor’s office says Reynolds appreciates his years of service and has decided to seek a change in leadership as she continues to build her administration. Reynolds appointed him director in 2017.

The Atlantic City Council will meet 5:30-p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 19th, in their Chambers at City Hall. For current Councilmen Chris Jimerson and Dana Halder, it will be their last meeting. Jimerson opted not to run for re-election, and Halder was defeated in his bid for re-election, in November.

The Council will recognize Fire Chief Mark McNees for his nearly 13 years as Chief of the Volunteer Fire Department, for a total of 29 1/2-years as a member of department. During his years as Chief, McNees has worked to maintain a lean and effective organization that features three full-time and 34 volunteer firefighters. The Fire Department earlier this month elected Tom Cappel II as Fire Chief to succeed McNees. The Council will act on his appointment to the top post during their meeting Wednesday, as well.

The Atlantic City Council will also recognize Julie Tjepkes for her 32-years of service to the Atlantic Public Library as the Children’s Librarian. They will also pay tribute to Chris Jimerson, who has been on the Council serving the 1st Ward for the past seven-years, and Dana Halder, who joined the Council as an At Large Councilman this year following a special election.

Afterward, Grace Garrett will be sworn-in to the At Large seat, and Jim Behrens will be sworn-in as Councilman for the 1st Ward. Both won election to the Council in Nov., 2019. In other business, the Council will act on a Resolution pertaining to policies, rules and regulation with regard to the performance of the CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) Program, as required by the State and Federal regulations.

They will also hold the third and final reading of amended ordinances pertaining to the powers of the Parks and Rec Board, with regard to their authority to approve expenditures for salaries and supplies, contracts and capital outlays, and personnel matters, such as hiring, firing, disciplinary actions, appointments and/or direction. Those areas would be turned over to the City Administrator.

The Council will then act on orders to appoint Jon martens to the Planning & Zoning Commission (to fill a vacancy), and Melissa Ihnen to the Board of Adjustment (to replace a member who has resigned). Their final order of business is a closed session with regard to an annual performance review for City Administrator John Lund.

The Audubon School District’s Board of Education will meet 7-p.m. Monday (Dec. 16), in their Boardroom at the High School. Among the action items on their agenda, is Possible Action on Building Project and General Obligation Bond Petition.

On Dec. 10th, the Audubon School Board held a Work Session to discuss Building Feasibility Study Results, Costs and Financing, Bond Referendum Specifics and Recommendations from the Building Committee. The District hopes to renovate the Middle School/High School, and at Monday night’s Board meeting, will talk about their financing options and related matters.

The questions they’ll have to answer in their discussion include: Does the District move forward with the project as presented; Should they request a bond referendum from the public to finance the project; and the method of construction, assuming the project is approved.

In other business, the Board will act on approving Early Retirement Applications and Personnel matters. Superintendent Eric Trager will update the Board on current building projects, and, they’ll receive a Transportation Report.

Members of the Griswold School District’s Board of Education will meet 5:30-p.m. Monday, in the Conference Room at the High School. Under Old Business, and prior to adjourning, the retiring Board will receive updates (as available) from KPE Architects and Estes Construction, and they will hold the second reading of Board Policies, Series 200.

The New Board will then be called to order by Superintendent Dave Henrichs. The Board will certify the official results of the Nov. 5th canvas of elections, and handle administrative matters, including the administering of the Oath of Office to new members, along with the election of Officers.

Other action items for the New Board, include setting their regular meeting dates and times, and acting on an SBRC application for increasing enrollment, open enrollment out, and LEP Instruction beyond 5-years.

The Board will then discuss a Joint Board Meeting with the Lenox School Board, and consider approving an HVAC Maintenance Program.