ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) – Congressman Steve Pearce says a fellow Republican congressman’s comment comparing young college-age immigrants to drug mules are “unproductive” and “divisive.”  The Albuquerque Journal reports that the New Mexico Republican criticized recent remarks made by Representative Steve King and said he disagreed with Iowa congressman.

King drew fire from Latino activists this week after he told a conservative news website that many immigrants brought illegally to the U.S. as kids are actually running drugs.  Pearce represents New Mexico’s border with Mexico and is viewed by the GOP as a key figure is helping attract Latino voters to the Republican Party.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Iowa’s economic development director says it will be hard to meet Gov. Terry Branstad’s goal of 200,000 new jobs unless the state gains more workers. The Des Moines Register reports that economic development director Debi Durham noted the state can’t meet the 200,000 goal simply by putting unemployed people to work. Iowa’s unemployment rolls now stand at about 76,500 workers.  Durham says, “We’ll have to grow Iowa’s population to get there.”

She made her comments at time when the state has regained the number of jobs lost during the recession. Iowa State University economist Peter Orazem says Iowa is seeing stronger job growth than in the 1990s, but he’s skeptical the state can reach Branstad’s goal. He says jobs creation comes first and will lead to population growth.

The Mills County Sheriff’s Office reports three people were arrested, Wednesday. 37-year old Regina Jolene Meyers, of Pacific Junction, was arrested at around 5:20-p.m. in Pacific Junction, on a charge of driving while revoked, and for Possession of a controlled substance. Meyers was being held in the Mills County Jail on $2,000 bond.

19-year old Dakota David Kempton, of Malvern, was arrested Wednesday in Mills County, for driving under suspension and possession of a controlled substance. He was being held in the jail on $1,300 bond.

And, 22-year old Aaron Michael Burris, of Sidney, was arrested Wednesday, on a charge of OWI/1st offense. His bond was set at $1,000.

Two men were arrested in Lenox Wednesday afternoon, following an investigation into a physical altercation. Officers were called to the Lenox trailer court at around 3:30-p.m.  Upon their arrival, officers found a man with blood running from facial wounds, outside a residence, and the Taylor County Ambulance was contacted for assistance.

Shaun Sanden

An investigation revealed 34-year old Shaun R. Sanden, of Lenox, and 33-year old Jose R. Cerda, of Lenox, had become involved in a dispute which led to a fight.

Jose Cerda

Both men suffered  injuries during the incident. Both men were subsequently arrested and charged with serious assault/domestic. They were transported to the Taylor County Jail for processing

w/ Ric Hanson

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The first full day of the 2013 Cass County begins today, in Atlantic. Activities later today include the Food Sale at the Community Center on the fairgrounds, beginning at 10-a.m. All 4-H baked goods will be for sale, with a sample of every item kept for exhibit purposes, and displayed in the club booth, and recipes of each baked item will be available. Baked products selected for the State Fair will not be offered for sale, however. Proceeds from the sale are used to help support the 4-H program in Cass County.

Entertainment this evening begins at 7, with music from the “Blue Tones,” followed by the Cass County Fair King and Queen contest on the north garden of the Community Center at 8, and Senior Recognition at 9.

This year’s Queen candidates include Emily Jacobsen, Amber Stender, Hannah Ankenbauer, Larissa Backhaus, Tierney Sothman, Diana Perkins, Heather Reyna, Valerie Watson, and Mikayla Somers. King candidates include: Tanner Potter, Clint Hansen, Justin Somers, Blake Miller, and Luke Frisbie.

Preliminary judging of all candidates was held on July 15^th. As always, there is NO Charge to attend the Cass County Fair, but your purchase of meals at the food stand are very much appreciated, to help support the Fair and continue to make it a unique, free event each year.

View the complete Cass County Fair Schedule here: http://www.extension.iastate.edu/cass/sites/www.extension.iastate.edu/files/cass/2013%20Schedule_Cass%20County%20Fair%20Updated.pdf

A t-bone style accident at an uncontrolled intersection Wednesday afternoon in Red Oak caused $6,000 damage, but no one was injured. Sheriff’s officials say a 2010 Dodge Ram pickup driven by 16-year old Eric A. Goodwin, of Red Oak, was traveling east on East Valley Street at around 2:15-p.m., and didn’t see a 2013 Hyundai Accent traveling north on North 2nd Street, Goodwin failed to yield to the car driven by 21-year old Alexandra Marcel, of Red Oak, and struck her vehicle near the middle of the intersection. Both drivers were wearing their seat belts. Goodwin was cited for Failure to Yield to a vehicle on the right.

Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press

The Atlantic City Council held a brief, special session Wednesday evening, to act on approving the third and final reading of an amended ordinance calling for an increase in the ESU, or Storm Water Equivalent Service Unit rate. The ESU rate, which has not changed in over 10-years, will increase 35-cents per month, to $2.85, effective August 1st. The rate increase should generate $25,000 in additional revenues, which will be used to cover the net increase in debt service cost of $15,000 for repairs to the Bull Creek Underground drainage system and continued funding for annual repairs to the City’s storm water management system.

No one from the public was present to object to the increase or voice their opinions. And, when polled by the Mayor, only one of the Council members, Linda Hartkopf, mentioned she had heard anything from the public about the increase. Hartkopf said the person she spoke with opposed the move. Hartkopf told the individual the only other option was to raise taxes. She said “He didn’t like that idea, either.”

During the Council’s regular meeting on July 17th, prior to the second reading of the ordinance, a letter written by Atlantic resident Charles Griffin was read, which indicated he was opposed to the increase, because he claimed, it was not a “fee.” Instead, Griffin said it was an illegal tax because the citizens of Atlantic were not allowed to vote on it.

Snyder and Associates Engineer Pat Hall, one of the creators of the storm water fee system approved by the Council in 2003, said the intention of a storm water utility is spelled out in the Code of Iowa,  along with a city’s responsibility for utilities, and services provided to the citizens of the community. Therefore, according to Hall, it is a fee, and not a tax. Hall said by setting up a utility fee, the City provides itself with a certain amount of flexibility, when it comes to payments for capital improvements, such as the Bull Creek storm sewer improvement project. The ESU is based on the amount of square footage on a parcel of property. Those who have more square footage would always pay more than those who have less.