Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press…

AMES, Iowa (AP) — Ames police are investigating a series of reports in which a man randomly punched people in the face and ran to a waiting getaway car. KCCI TV says two assaults were reported on February 16th and another Saturday night.

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) — Frontier Airlines says it will resume flights into the Sioux City airport beginning this summer. The Sioux City Journal reports Frontier in June will begin flights three days a week between Sioux City and Denver. Frontier will become the second carrier at Sioux Gateway Airport, joining American Airlines. The new flights will use 138-seat Airbus 319 jets.

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — The cat room at the Iowa City animal shelter is open again for visitors looking to adopt and for new cats needing a home. The Iowa City Press Citizen reports the cat area of the Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center has been closed for two weeks after an outbreak of a virus that can be fatal to cats was discovered.

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Iowa coach Fran McCaffery has instructed the Hawkeyes to shut down their Twitter accounts for the rest of the season after senior Zach McCabe exchanged barbs with detractors on the social media service. McCabe air-balled a 3-pointer that could have tied the game with 16 seconds left against Wisconsin on Saturday. The 20th-ranked Hawkeyes went on to lose 79-74.

For the second year members of the private sector (business & industry) in Adair & Guthrie Counties are joining with the public sector (city and county governments) to support the budget needs of the Adair & Guthrie County Emergency Management Programs.

Adair & Guthrie County Emergency Management Coordinator, Robert Kempf states, “Emergency Preparedness is not just the responsibility of our local governments. Emergency Management and Preparedness are a team sport; everyone has a part to play. The participation by the private sector is critical to accomplishing our planning and response goals and objectives.”

“We have large areas in our counties that are not covered by storm sirens, our emergency notification system provide timely and address specific weather warning information to residents that have signed up” said Kempf. Officials can also send out emergency information based on geographical location about evacuations & shelter in place incidents, drinking water issues and resource needs during a major disaster. Individuals and Businesses can sign up landline phones, cell phones, text messaging and email addresses as ways to receive emergency information.

The agencies maintain a Hazardous Materials Response Contract to help provide response information and assistance to emergency responders and industry in the case of a chemical spill or leak. “Our emergency services cannot afford the equipment and training required to maintain a local hazardous materials team. Our contract with the Council Bluffs Fire Department allows our first responders 24/7 access to the information and expertise that might be needed for this type of incident’ said Kempf

These four contracts account for just part, about twenty percent, of the preparedness and response costs of the two agencies. These contract programs not only benefit our citizens but also our governments and the private sector. Monies from the sponsor program and taxation monies from the towns in and counties of Adair & Guthrie are used to fund the budgets of the two agencies.

The Sponsorship Program includes four support levels: Bronze up to $100.00, Silver $101.00 to $250.00, Gold $251.00 to $500.00 and Platinum $501.00 and over.

As of January 20th the 2014 Sponsors included Adair Feed & Grain of Adair, 21st Century Coop of Fontanelle & Greenfield, Guthrie County State Bank of Guthrie Center & Panora and Union State Bank of Bridgewater & Greenfield as Bronze Sponsors; West Central Coop of Adair, Casey & Guthrie Center as a Silver Sponsor; First National Bank of Fontanelle & Greenfield as a Gold Sponsor and Lake Panorama Association of Panora as a Platinum Sponsor.

Any businesses, industry or groups in Adair & Guthrie Counties that would like to learn more about the program or become a sponsor can contact Kempf at 641-332-3030 or gcema@hotmail.com.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Pets would be better protected in domestic abuse cases under a bill approved by the Iowa Senate. The Senate unanimously voted Monday to approve the measure that would allow the inclusion of pets in domestic abuse protective orders. By including pets in such orders, the hope is that victims would be more likely to escape an abusive situation without the fear that a family pet would be abused as a result. The legislation now goes to the House.

Democratic Sen. Janet Petersen, who sponsored the bill, says the bill would protect pets while also encouraging domestic abuse victims to leave dangerous situations more quickly.

The Adair and Guthrie County Emergency Management Agencies will be hosting their joint 2014 Storm Spotter Class at the Menlo Community Center at 7:00 PM on the 19^th of March.  According to Robert Kempf, Coordinator for the agencies, the class is free and open to the public.

The next week March 24-28, 2014, has been designated as Severe Weather Awareness Week in Iowa. For each day during Severe Weather Awareness Week, a different subject will be featured:

Monday – Flash Floods

Tuesday – Weather Warnings

Wednesday – Tornadoes

Thursday – Severe Thunderstorms

Friday – Family Preparedness

The highlight of Severe Weather Awareness Week is the annual tornado drill scheduled for Wednesday, March 26 at approximately 10 a.m. Schools, businesses, state and local governments, and individuals are strongly encouraged to participate in the drill. Additional information about the tornado drill can be found on local NWS websites.

During Severe Weather Awareness Week, HSEMD will post information on individual and family preparedness at www.BeReady.iowa.gov, including podcasts, public service announcements and videos. The NWS the National Weather Service (NWS) will promote severe weather safety on their websites and by issuing informative public information statements.

Additional information about severe weather and family safety can be found at: www.BeReady.iowa.gov.

Cass County Auditor Dale Sunderman reports the first day for Democratic and Republican candidates for county offices to file nomination papers in the office of the Cass County Auditor is Monday, March 3, 2014. Last day to file is Wednesday, March 26, 2014.

Nomination papers may be circulated prior to first date for filing as well as during the filing period. Nomination papers and candidate information are available at the office of the county auditor and from the IOWA Secretary of State: www.sos.state.ia.us.

The county positions to appear on the Cass County ballot for the 2014 PRIMARY ELECTION are: District 2 County Supervisor; District 3 County Supervisor; County Attorney; County Recorder; County Treasurer

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT: Dale Sunderman, Cass Co. Auditor, Courthouse 5 W 7th St, Atlantic, IA 50022; Phone: 712-243-4570 and Fax: 712-243-4572. Email:auditor@casscoia.us

List of person currently serving in those positions: Treasurer (incumbent: Tracey Marshall, Republican); Recorder (incumbent: Joyce Jensen, Republican); Attorney (incumbent: Daniel Feistner, Republican); *District 2 Supervisor (incumbent: Gaylord Schelling, Republican); **District 3 Supervisor (incumbent: Mark Wedemeyer, Republican).

SUPERVISOR DISTRICTS OF CASS COUNTY

Supervisors in Cass County are nominated from and elected by the residents of the specific supervisor district. Supervisor District 2 is comprised of Atlantic Second Ward and Atlantic Third Ward. Supervisor District 3 is comprised of Atlantic Fourth Ward and Atlantic Fifth Ward. Ward maps are available at the office of the county auditor and at the office of the Atlantic city clerk.

In an update to a story we first told you about Friday evening on kjan.com., Police in Harlan report one-person was injured and transported to Myrtue Medical Center, after crashing their vehicle into the Harlan Fire Department’s building. 61-year old Randall Lee Musich, of Harlan, was traveling eastbound on Cyclone Avenue in Harlan on Friday around 11:10-a.m., when his 2003 Ford Ranger crossed the centerline of the roadway.

The truck continued across the road past the sidewalk on the north side of Cyclone and continued along the tennis courts and ran over a stop sign. The Ranger then crossed an intersection and through the fire hall parking lot before striking a concrete pillar beside a door. The vehicle rolled and came to stop a in the Harlan Fire Department’s driveway.

Musich was transported by Medivac to the hospital for treatment. The Harlan Police Department was assisted by the Harlan Fire Department and Medivac Ambulance. No citations were issued in the accident.

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — A supervisor overseeing Iowa’s criminal investigation into potential voter fraud says more than 80 cases are still being reviewed by local prosecutors. Adam DeCamp, a special agent in charge with the Division of Criminal Investigation, said Monday that agents completed 245 investigations since September, resulting in 15 felony cases. He says the DCI has referred findings in more than 80 additional cases to county attorneys’ offices, and is awaiting decisions on whether more charges will be filed.

DeCamp says the investigation ended Feb. 13, but agents will help see through any prosecutions that are pending. Iowa Secretary of State Matt Schultz said earlier this month that 26 people have been charged during the controversial two-year investigation. He said he’ll issue a report next month detailing the findings.

An Atlantic man was arrested Friday on a charge of Public Intoxication. According to Atlantic Police, 48-year old Eric Asay was taken into custody and booked into the Cass County Jail, where he was held pending an appearance before the magistrate.

And, no injuries were reported following an accident Sunday evening at 7th and Oak Streets, in Atlantic. Officials say vehicles driven by Dusty Meek, of Lewis, and Donnie Drennan, of Atlantic, were traveling west on 7th Street at around 7:25-p.m., when Drennan slowed for a non-contact vehicle in front of him that was about to turn onto Oak Street. Meek failed to slow his vehicle in-time, and rear-ended the Drennan vehicle, causing $2,300 damage altogether. No citations were issued.

The Mills County Sheriff’s Office reports the arrest of seven people over the weekend. On Monday (Today), 35-year old Myron Lee Brandon, of Pacific Junction, was arrested at the Sheriff’s Office on a warrant for 2nd degree Theft. His bond was set at $5,000.

On Sunday, deputies arrested the following persons: 29-year old Kenton Jarvis Schooling, of Council Bluffs, on a charge of Driving Under Suspension. His bond was set at $300; 32-year old Erin Catherine Hausen, of Villisca, was arrested for being a Fugitive from Justice. She was held without bond; 43-year old Robert Joe Coddington, of Red Oak, was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Unlawful Possession of Prescription Drugs. His bond was set at $2,300; and, 39-year old Terry J. Aherns along with 26-year old Letta Marie Stogdill, both of Red Oak,were arrested Sunday for Unlawful Possession of Prescription Drugs. Bond was set at $1,000 each.

Last Friday, deputies in Mills County arrested 32-year olde Justin Raymond Wright, of Glenwood, on a warrant for Probation Violation. His bond was set at $1,000.

Officials with The Museum of Danish America in Elk Horn have announced an upcoming exhibition exploring the history of Schleswig-Holstein on the border between Denmark and Germany.

Museum of Danish America in Elk Horn, IA.

For centuries, the duchies of Schleswig and Holstein (in Danish, Slesvig and Holsten) have been a bridge between Scandinavia and continental Europe. Located on the southern portion of the Jutland peninsula, the region is home to Danish, German, and Frisian peoples.

Over time, Schleswig-Holstein became an emblem for power struggles between larger European nations, and differing ideas of nationalism influenced the Jutland peninsula. Events in that small corner of the world have re-shaped the boundaries between nations and inspired waves of immigrants to the United States.

The two Schleswig wars, in 1848 and in 1864, had lasting impacts on immigration to the United States. A wave of revolutionary movements swept across Europe in 1848, including the German states and surrounding regions. The professional teachers, journalists, and lawyers who settled in the U.S. are often called the “48ers”, as they brought their political ideals to their new country and many continued to advocate for liberal values.

By 1890, over half of the immigrants from Schleswig – approximately 19,000 people living in the United States at the time – were living in Iowa. Their legacy is seen in the Iowa towns named “Schleswig,” Holstein”, and “Schley”, all settled by German immigrants, as well as Fredsville (“peace-ville”) settled by Danes. Within the Danish immigrant communities of Elk Horn, Kimballton, Exira, and neighboring towns, many Danish-American residents trace their ancestry to Danish immigrants from Schleswig.

“Schleswig-Holstein: Turmoil on the Danish-German Border” is supported by a grant from Humanities Iowa and the National Endowment for the Humanities.  Additional support for the traveling version of this exhibit is provided by the Albert V. Ravenholt Fund and the Danish Sisterhood Lodge #15 (Wisconsin). For more information, visit www.danishmueseum.org.