Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press

Officials with the Harlan Police Department, Thursday, released a report on recent arrests and incidents. Authorities say on Monday, 32-year old Anne Criswell, of Lincoln, NE., was arrested on an active warrant out of Mills County for assault. She was taken to the Shelby County Jail and later turned over to Mills County.

Last Sunday, Harlan Police arrested 24-year old Shanae Hytrek, Harlan, after officers were called to a disturbance in the 1000 block of 6th Street. Hytrek was transported to the Shelby County Jail where she was charged with intoxication in public. That same day, 48-year old Thomas Carney, of Harlan, was taken into custody following a traffic stop. Carney was transported to the Shelby County Jail where he was charged with operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated, possession of a controlled substance, prohibited acts penalties, failure to have a valid driver’s license, and open container – driver.

On Saturday (Jan. 10th), 23-year old Kayla Strong, and 35-year old Jason Andersen, both of Irwin, were arrested on active Pottawattamie County warrants for burglary. Both subjects were transported to the Shelby County Jail.

On Jan. 9th, Harlan Police officers responded to a call by a concerned subject in reference to drugs possibly being used in an apartment where a small child was an occupant. As a result of the investigation, 19-year old Marcus Morgan, of Harlan, was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and prohibited acts penalties. The case involving the child was referred to the Department of Human Services.

On Jan. 7th, officers were called to the 2100 block of 9th Street for a vehicle that had gone out of control striking a utility pole, phone pedestal, and several mailboxes. As a result of the investigation, 34-year old Clayton Sorensen was cited for driving under suspension, fail to prove security against liability (accident), operating a non-registered vehicle, and failure to maintain control.

And as we had reported last week, on Jan. 5th, 41-year old Kenneth Kokemiller, of Perry, was taken into custody after a pursuit through the city of Harlan and south on Highway 59 that ended in a roll over crash. Kokemiller was found to be driving a stolen vehicle belonging to Michael Schnurr, of Rowland, IA. Kokemiller was transported to Myrtue Medical Center where he was treated and released to law enforcement. He was then transported to the Shelby County Jail where he was charged with 2 counts of speed, 2 counts of failure to obey stop signs, driving while suspended, trespass, reckless driving, possession of stolen property and eluding.

Firefighters from Shelby, Harlan, Avoca, Minden and Elk Horn were called to the scene of a hog confinement facility fire northeast of Shelby, Thursday night. A motorist passing by reported the fire at 515 Hazel Road, south of County Road F-58, just before 8-p.m.

Authorities on the scene reported at around 8:07-p.m. that the structure was fully engulfed and the roof had collapsed.

No other details are currently available.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa officials say a lottery employee has been arrested after being identified as the mystery winner of a multimillion-dollar Hot Lotto ticket that baffled investigators for years. The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation said Thursday that 51-year-old Eddie Raymond Tipton, of Norwalk, faces two felony counts of fraud. He is being held at the Polk County Jail.

Tipton is the security director for the Multi-State Lottery Association in Iowa. Officials say he bought the Hot Lotto ticket in 2010, despite being legally prohibited. He is accused of asking others to claim the ticket. A New York lawyer in 2011 waited shortly before the one-year deadline to try to claim the ticket but later withdrew. Authorities say the case remains under investigation.

Forecasters predict a warm-up with highs in the 40s and 50s tomorrow (Friday) for much of southern and central Iowa, which presents an opportunity for homeowners to get a jump on their spring lawn care duties. Extension educator John Fech says much of the region had very dry weather heading into winter and dormant plants could likely use a drink. Fech says, “If you have a chance, prioritize and pick out the plants that are most important to you, roses or shrubs, and attach a soaker hose temporarily on days when you’re 40 degrees or above.”

Make sure to disconnect and drain the hose when you’re done, he reminds, to prevent plumbing problems when it freezes again. When it’s bitter cold, he says it’s better if you don’t walk on your lawn at all, as that crunching grass underfoot will have a hard time recovering.  “Forget about those little trips out to fill the bird feeder and to dump stuff on the compost pile,” Fech says. “Generally, it’s a good idea to stay off of frosty turf. Sometimes, those things will injure the crown of the plant.” Don’t step on your frozen grass, he says, unless you absolutely can’t avoid it.

“If you have to do it, go ahead and do it, but keep in mind that you may have a strip of turf or some footprints through the turf that aren’t doing so well in the spring,” Fech says. “If that’s the case, those just might take a longer time to recover.” The National Weather Service is calling for high temperatures in many parts of Iowa to rise Friday and Saturday to unseasonable highs in the 40s and 50s, while highs are predicted to slip back into the 30s next week, with lows back in the teens.

(Radio Iowa)

Iowa’s rookie U.S. Senator is getting a prime speaking slot next week. Republican congressional leaders have picked Iowa Senator Joni Ernst to deliver the Republican response to President Obama’s “State of the Union” address next Tuesday. This is the first time G-O-P leaders have asked a first-year senator to speak in the prime time slot. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell says Ernst understands that middle-class Americans want Congress “to get refocused on their concerns.”

Ernst released a written statement, saying congress must “implement real solutions” that “grow a vibrant economy…and ensure the federal government beings to run more effectively and efficiently.” The televised response to the president’s annual “State of the Union” speech is carefully crafted and has lately been used by whichever party does not hold the White House as a forum to showcase its future leaders.

Last year Ernst captured the attention of the nation’s political class with a campaign ad touting her hog castration skills. Senator Marco Rubio and Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal have both delivered the Republican response during President Obama’s presidency and both are now considered possible presidential candidates in 2016.

(Radio Iowa)

A new vision loss support group continues to gather momentum as it prepares to hold its third meeting. The Low Vision Support Group will again meet at The Center at 714 Main Street in Council Bluffs on Tuesday, January 20 at 1:00 p.m. The agenda for this meeting includes discussion about group leadership, an appeal for volunteers to call members with phone reminders about upcoming meetings, and sharing topics of interest to feature at future meetings. The group also aims to establish a regular meeting time and date.

In addition, applications will be available for people to sign up for the City of Council Bluffs’ transportation service, Council Bluffs Special Transit Service (STS). Dawn Kruse, Rehabilitation
Teacher with the Iowa Department for the Blind, is providing assistance to the group during its formative phase.

The Council Bluffs group is one of several support groups throughout the state that aim to connect those with vision loss in local communities. The groups provide an opportunity for blind or visually impaired Iowans to share ways of doing everyday tasks non-visually, provide support to each other, and participate in fun activities. Support groups generally meet once a month.

For a list of vision loss support groups in the state of Iowa, visit the Iowa Department for the Blind webpage at: http://www.idbonline.org/living/support-groups. People of all ages and from all communities interested in learning more about living with vision loss are encouraged to attend.For more information, contact Dawn Kruse at (712) 355-2843.