Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press at 3:40 a.m. CDT
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Gov. Kim Reynolds has signed a bill into law that allows Iowa farmers to legally grow industrial hemp. The Iowa Hemp Act passed the Legislature with overwhelming support last month. The bill Reynolds signed Monday allows licensed growers to cultivate the crop on up to 40 acres. First, however, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship must develop a plan and submit it for approval of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The USDA must still release its own regulations this fall.
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Gov. Kim Reynolds has signed a bill into law that establishes a legal way to bet on professional, collegiate and international sporting events. It also legalizes fantasy sports contests and internet fantasy sports betting, but delays betting based on college sporting event statistics until May 2020. Betting is expected to begin as early as this summer.
KNOXVILLE, Iowa (AP) — Authorities say an 11-year-old Iowa boy whose bedroom was covered in plastic sheeting told an investigator that he hadn’t been outside in several months. His parents have been charged with kidnapping, child endangerment and neglect. Marion County court records say 49-year-old Rocky Wooldridge and 43-year-old Jennifer Wooldridge, of Knoxville, are scheduled for arraignment June 6. The records don’t list an attorney.
INDIANOLA, Iowa (AP) — A group is trying to raise money to repair the roof of a historic one-room schoolhouse near Indianola and prevent damage to documents inside the building. The Des Moines Register reports a nonprofit group that manages the Hoosier Row schoolhouse is trying to raise $7,000 to replace the roof after storm damage this past winter. Group secretary Genie Hansen says the 119-year-old building is filled with maps, slate chalk boards and other items. It’s the last one-room schoolhouse in Warren County.