OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Some Nebraska colleges are offering tuition discounts to students from other states in the hopes of filling classrooms, balancing budgets and expanding programs. The Omaha World-Herald reports that the pool of new high school graduates in the state isn’t expected to grow much in the short term.

Some schools are offering nonresidents lower tuition rates with the hope of boosting enrollment. Peru State University has been offering in-state tuition to out-of-state students since 2009.

The Midwest Student Exchange Program has offered nonresidents a rate of 150 percent of resident tuition at participating public colleges in 10 states. Many Nebraska institutions participate in the program, which has been operating for about 25 years.

While Iowa doesn’t participate in the exchange program, the University of Nebraska at Omaha has been offering Iowa students that rate since 2008.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A new facility in the Omaha area will help cook up new food-related businesses. The 2,500-square-foot Kitchen Council plans to open in early February. Its commercial kitchen and business development experts will help entrepreneurs launch food-related businesses.

The Kitchen Council’s director Holly Benson Muller says the facility in Council Bluffs, Iowa, is designed to make it easier for food businesses to get started. The facility will work with entrepreneurs from around the region.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Gov. Kim Reynolds highlighted multiple priorities in her Condition of the State speech, but recent history shows plans can change. Republicans have indicated strong support for several proposals in the Jan. 9 speech, such as reducing taxes and expanding workforce opportunities.

But topics not discussed such as the death penalty and immigration, or only briefly mentioned like abortion and school choice, could rise to the top of lawmakers’ agenda.

In last year’s Condition of the State address, former GOP Gov. Terry Branstad didn’t stress proposals that later dominated the session, including eliminating most collective bargaining rights for public workers, requiring voter identification at the polls and banning local minimum wage increases.

Republicans say lawmakers have different priorities than the governor. Democrats say looming budget cuts deserved more attention.

Emergency responders from Anita and Wiota, as well as law enforcement are on the scene of a collision between a vehicle and a semi on Interstate 80 in Cass County. The collision was on I-80 eastbound at the 64-mile marker. It occurred at around 8:50-a.m.

Two subjects were transported to CCMH. One person was said to have been seriously injured. The left lane of the eastbound Interstate was partially blocked and traffic was moving slowly. Be prepared for stop and go traffic in the area. There’s also a “massive pile-up” at the 70-mile marker, according to dispatch.

A Veterinarian was called to check on a horse being hauled in a trailer that was involved in an accident. Numerous other, non-injury accidents are being reported along the same stretch of road from the 64 to the 70 mile markers, both east and westbound.

No other details are currently available.

The Adair County Board of Supervisors will meet in a regular session beginning at 9-a.m. Monday, in their Boardroom on the second floor or the courthouse, in the courtroom.  Their meeting includes discussion and/or action on: Taxable mileage, and a report from/on the Southern Iowa Council of Governments (SICOG) Trust Fund. They will also hold a Budget Work Session, with discussion to continue after their last regular agenda item.

The Adair County Board will also act on a 28-E Sanitarian Agreement with Guthrie County Environmental Health, and they’ll hear a regular report from County Engineer Nick Kauffman, who will present information for possible action on: a Farm-to-Market rock contract and bond with Schildberg Construction Company; the signing of a bond for a bridge project, and the signing of a Detour Agreement for Highway 25, with the Iowa DOT, along with his regular report on Secondary Roads Department maintenance and activities.

The Atlantic Parks and Recreation Department’s Board of Directors will meet 5:15-p.m Monday (Jan. 15th), in the City Council’s Chambers, at City Hall. Action or New Business items on their agenda include:

• Approval for a full application to the Water Quality Initiative: Urban Conservation Projects.
• Schildberg Recreation Area Development Project (update)
• Lake #3 Trail (update)
• Community Parks Project (Update) – Public
• Accepting funds from the Atlantic Royal Neighbors
• Sunnyside Entrance Sign (update)
• Parks Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) 10-year Plan – preliminary layout.

And, in his report to the Board, Parks and Rec Director Seth Stasshelm will provide updates on: The Ice Rink; Campground at the Schildberg Rec Area, and a report on Sunnyside Park being open all winter – road to remain open, weather permitting.

Red Oak Police, Saturday afternoon, arrested 28-year old Bruce Anthony Kaimann, Jr., of Red Oak. The man was taken into custody at around 2:15-p.m. in the 1400 block of Forest Avenue. He faces charges that include Domestic Abuse Assault/1st offense, Simple Assault, and Obstruction of Emergency Communications. Kaimann, Jr. was being held without bond in the Montgomery County Jail.