DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Three aides to Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds and six newly appointed agency directors earn more than the governor, a decision a spokesman says reflects the need to attract top talent. The Des Moines Register reports that Iowa law sets the governor’s salary at $130,000 and some of Reynolds’ top appointees will be paid more. One of the top earners is Debi Durham, the director of the state’s economic development and housing agencies. A $50,000 retention bonus brings her annual salary to about $204,000.

Reynolds spokesman Pat Garrett says the high salaries are needed to keep top talent. Durham says she took the job because she believes “in the mission, not because of the pay. Other top earners include the governor’s chief of staff, the chief operations officer and chief counsel.

Officials with the Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office report a woman waiting to visiting an inmate at the Pott. County Jail, was arrested Monday morning, after it was determined she had a warrant for her arrest. 20-year old Robyn Christine Hick, of Council Bluffs, was wanted for Harboring a Runaway against the wishes of their parent. Hick claimed the charge had already been dismissed by a judge, but the warrant was still valid in the system. The woman was subsequently booked into the Pott. County Jail.

A Sheriff’s Deputy called to a residence on Northern Pine Road, in Council Bluffs for a protection order violation, met with the reporting party. Afterward, a warrant was issued for 47-year old James Eric Larson, of Council Bluffs. Larson had not been taken into custody as of the time the report was issued.

And, 70-year old Michael Ray Christensen, of Council Bluffs, was transported Jan. 24th from the Buffalo County, Nebraska Jail to the Pottawattamie County Jail. Authorities say Christensen was booked-in on warrant for Failure to Appear on a Harassment in the first degree, charge.

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) — Authorities say a man strangled his former girlfriend before setting at fire in a Sioux City hotel room. Woodbury County court records say Jordan Henry was charged Tuesday with first-degree murder. He’s already been charged with arson, trespassing and other crimes . Police say an autopsy showed 40-year-old Elizabeth Bockholt, of Hinton, was strangled. Firefighters found her unresponsive Thursday night in the damaged Wingate Hotel room, and she was pronounced dead later at a hospital.

A criminal complaint says Henry is a 29-year-old transient living in Sioux City. The complaint says he was identified on surveillance video and by witnesses who saw him leaving the area just after the room fire was discovered.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Tyson Foods is recalling more than 36,000 pounds of chicken nuggets because they may be contaminated with rubber. The U.S. Agriculture Department says there were consumer complaints about extraneous material in 5-pound packages of Tyson White Meat Panko Chicken Nuggets. There are no confirmed reports of adverse reactions. The packages have a best if used by date of Nov. 26, 2019 and the case code 3308SDL03. The establishment core P-13556 is inside the USDA inspection mark.

The nuggets should be thrown out or returned to the place of purchase. Tuesday’s recall comes after Perdue Foods recalled more than 16,000 pounds of chicken nuggets because of an undeclared allergen, milk.

(Radio Iowa) — The U.S. Postal Service will not be delivering the mail. Schools, churches and even some Iowa businesses are closed on this frigid Wednesday, but state government is open. “State agencies within the executive branch of state government will be open to maintain our commitments to Iowans throughout the state.”  Governor Kim Reynolds says there was very similar weather in 2014 and state government did not close then either. “In a couple of days, it’s going to be 40, so we just need to be conscientious of the weather,” Reynolds says.

Reynolds spoke with reporters yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon and read through a list tips for surviving when the “feels like” temperatures reach minus 40, minus 50 or even more frigid depths. “Stay indoors when possible. Dress warmly in loose-fitting, layered, light-weight clothing. Keep dry. Change wet clothing frequently, to prevent loss of body heat. Maintain at least half a tank of gas at all times and keep an emergency supply kit in your car,” Reynolds said.

The governor’s schedule calls for her to be on the road today (Wednesday), visiting businesses in four eastern Iowa cities. “We’re Iowans and this is part of the elements that we deal with and so just be mindful that it’s nasty outside,” Reynolds said. “…I think if people are just thoughtful about when they go out into the elements, they’ll be fine.” Reynolds plans to be in Albion by 9 a.m. today, followed by mid-day tours of companies in Cedar Falls and Cedar Rapids, plus a late afternoon stop in Tipton.