DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – The Republican-controlled House has approved a contested voter identification bill along party lines after forcing debate to end. Republican lawmakers have for years supported identification at polling places, saying it’s needed to fight improper voting despite the rarity of voter fraud.

Before voting Thursday to approve the voter ID bill, Republicans forced an end to debate that had lasted until nearly midnight Wednesday. Democrats repeatedly argued the bill would suppress voter turnout among minorities, the elderly and the disabled. Republicans say the measure will require identification be sent to voters who don’t have an Iowa driver’s license or state ID.

The legislation now heads to the Senate, where there is also support among majority Republicans.  County auditors have expressed concern that the measure is underfunded and will burden local governments.

(In an update to the Iowa News Headlines posted earlier this morning)

MONTICELLO, Iowa (AP) – Authorities say 8-year-old Cassandra M. Rieken, of Monticello, who was riding a tricycle in eastern Iowa was fatally injured in a collision with a minivan. The accident occurred just before 4 p.m. Wednesday in Monticello. The Iowa State Patrol says the child was pedaling eastbound when she was struck at an intersection by the southbound minivan.

Troopers say the Cassandra died later at a hospital. The minivan driver, 27-year old April R. Covel, of Monticello, and a passenger weren’t injured. The accident is being investigated.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – The utility that provides drinking water to a half-million customers around Des Moines filed a lawsuit two years ago against three rural counties to stop farm runoff from polluting the city’s water supply. But rather than a clean-up, the result may be the end of the utility.

The Republican-controlled Iowa Legislature is considering dissolving the Des Moines Water Works and giving its assets to the cities it serves. Utility supporters say the move is designed to kill the lawsuit and shows the clout of the state’s agricultural interests. But supporters say the change would allow cities more direct control of their own water.

Iowa law currently requires a public vote to dissolve an independent water authority.

The Trevor Frederickson Memorial Fund has donated $600 to the weight room at the Atlantic High School. Trevor’s mom and Fund Spokesperson Melanie Petty said Ryan Henderson, AHS teacher/coach has implemented an amazing online program called teambuildr. It allows 500 athletes and students to track their weights training both in class and in their athletics if they are participating in any.

Six magnetic cases were purchased that attach to the weight benches for PE students and athletes. The donation of $600 will be used to purchase the devices to go in the magnetic cases. After speaking with both Ryan Henderson and Amber Moore, Petty said they found that the device and program will be able to keep track of the students 4 years of progress at AHS.

Melanie said also, that they “Are excited to help out with this project and hope all the students will take advantage of this new technology.”

Melanie Petty presenting a check to Amber Moore of AHS (Photo submitted)

Red Oak Police this (Thursday) morning, arrested 41-year old Jason Neal Beacham, of Red Oak, for allegedly violating a protective order. Beacham was taken into custody just before 8-a.m. after a witness confirmed the man had violated the protective order. Beacham was being held without bond in the Montgomery County Jail.

The Field/Grassland Fire Danger rating in Shelby County was reduced today (Thursday), from the “Extreme,” to “High” category. The rating is in effect until the next update on Monday. Emergency management officials warn conditions will still support large fire growth, and resistance to firefighting efforts. Be sure to call 712-755-2124 if you plan to conduct an outdoor burn, and contact your local Fire Chief prior to igniting.

The Glenwood Police Department reports two people have been arrested on alcohol-related charges. On Wednesday, 44-year old Ray Knipe, of Glenwood, was arrested on a Mills County Warrant for public intoxication 2nd offense, with bond set at $10,000. And this (Thursday) morning, 34-year old Jacob Somers, of Glenwood, was arrested for OWI 2nd offense. His bond was set at $2000.

(9-a.m. News)

The Cass County Board of Supervisors, Wednesday, held a Public Hearing with regard to the proposed Cass County budget for FY2018, the tax rate for which is $5.23 per $1,000 valuation in the urban areas, and $9.50/$1,000 in the rural area, which is a slight decrease in the tax asking from last year. Upon receiving no oral or written comments on the matter, the Board later on in the meeting approved the Budget as written.

A recommendation was received from the Cass County Compensation Board for elected officer base salaries. They recommended an increase of $2,250 for the “Auditor, Treasurer and Recorder,”  $3,000 for the Sheriff, and Supervisors $1,200, with an additional $1,000 for the acting chair. For the county attorney, the Compensation Board recommended $2,500 for the current part time Attorney so as the position stands now.

If Cass and Audubon County decide to share the County Attorney position, then the Compensation Board recommended a 65/35 split between the two counties and a salary of $80,000 with Cass County covering 65% and Audubon County the remaining 35%.”

After the Board of Supervisors considered the recommendation of the County Compensation Board, a motion was made by Supervisor Green and seconded by Supervisor Baier, that reduced the recommended salary increases for the Auditor, Recorder and Treasurer to $1,000 with a like percentage reduction for the Sheriff and Attorney, and to reduce the increase for supervisors to $0. The Resolution was carried unanimously.

The Supervisors also approved the Secondary Roads/IDOT budget, along with the 5-year construction program. And, a bid of $30,987 was awarded to Energyficient for lighting efficiency upgrades in the courthouse and occupancy sensors. In other business, the Cass County Supervisors approved an application for the appointment of Greg Meyer, from Cumberland, as the Noble Township clerk, to fill a resignation that becomes effective March 15th.  Meyer will fill the position for the remainder of the 4 year term ending 12/31/2020. And, application submitted by Pat McCurdy was approved to fill a vacancy on the Cass County Zoning commission. McCurdy will fill the remainder of the 5 year term ending 12/31/2020.

More State and area news from KJAN News Director Ric Hanson.

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