Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press at 3:40 a.m. CST

(FORT MADISON) – A staff member was assaulted by an inmate at the Iowa State Penitentiary in Fort Madison, IA at approximately 2:45 p.m. Thursday afternoon. The staff member, a correctional officer, was conducting a search of an inmate’s cell when the inmate attempted to strike the officer with closed fists. The officer that was attacked, as well as another officer that was in the area, quickly took control of the situation. The staff member was assessed by institution medical professionals for scratches and bruises that occurred from the incident. He returned to his post after his medical evaluation.  The inmate that attacked the staff member was transported to University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics for further medical assistance.  This incident remains under investigation, and the penitentiary has been placed on “restricted movement” for the time being.

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — The executive director of Iowa’s state-run broadband network and two subordinates have been fired after state auditors discovered a range of misspending and cronyism during his tenure. A report by State Auditor Mary Mosiman released Thursday says that Iowa Communications Network executive director Ric Lumbard improperly awarded jobs and contracts to individuals associated with a Christian ministry he also leads.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The Iowa Senate has hired an outside consultant to provide harassment prevention training to lawmakers. Justine Morton tells The Associated Press she will provide the training through her company Morton Consulting. She confirms senators will receive training on Jan. 23 and Jan. 24. Senate staff, clerks and others will get training on Jan. 22 and Jan. 26. House lawmakers and others in that chamber received separate training recently.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Key senators and farm groups are trying to fix a provision slipped into the federal tax overhaul that gave an unexpected tax break to farmers who sell their crops to cooperatives instead of private buyers. Observers say it’s not clear yet whether a fix can pass, given the partisan divide on Capitol Hill. The provision was added in the final days of debate over the tax bill.

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) — A woman accused of passing counterfeit cash at a Sioux City casino has been given two years of probation. Court records say 28-year-old Jackelen Hartsock, of Le Mars, pleaded guilty Tuesday to forgery after prosecutors dropped a theft charge as part of a plea agreement.

The East Pottawattamie County Extension and Outreach and 4-H program are offering “STEM Kids” afterschool program on Wednesday’s in February from 3:00 – 4:30pm at the Carson Fire Station Meeting Room for all 4th grade youth.

Youth will spend the afternoon learning about science, technology, engineering and math through hands on activities, teamwork and experiments.  The program will cost $10.00 per youth to attend the 4 sessions held on February 7, 14, 21, and 28.  All 4th grade youth interested in participating will be required to complete and submit a registration form, available on the website: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/eastpottawattamie/news/stem-kids-after-school-program-0 Registration forms, payment and health forms will be due to the East Pottawattamie County Extension Office, PO Box 187, Oakland, Iowa 51560 by Monday, January 29th.  STEM Kids registration will be on a first come, first served basis, as spots are limited.

The Cooking with Kids Afterschool program will be offered to 4th graders attending the AHSTW Schools on Tuesdays during the month of March.  Registration forms and additional information will be sent home with 4th grade students and available on our website in February.

The Iowa State Patrol reports one person died during an accident Wednesday afternoon, in Sac County. Authorities say the accident happened at around 12:06-p.m., when a 2007 Chevy Silverado pickup driven by 77-year old Dennis Paul Gosch, of Sac City, stopped at the intersection of Rolfe Avenue and Highway 20, but then proceeded into the intersection. His pickup was struck on the driver’s side by a 2009 Peterbilt semi driven by 61-year old Robert Brown, of Kiron.

The impact pushed the pickup into the median. Gosch died at the scene. Brown was not injured. Both men were wearing their seat belts.

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — The executive director of Iowa’s state-run broadband network and two subordinates have been fired after state auditors discovered a range of misspending and cronyism during his tenure. A report by State Auditor Mary Mosiman released Thursday says that Iowa Communications Network executive director Ric Lumbard improperly awarded jobs and contracts to individuals associated with a nonprofit Christian ministry he also leads.

The report says that Lumbard and two associates he hired, Jessica Jensen and T.J. Boulet, were fired earlier this month ahead of the audit’s release. A criminal investigation is ongoing. Mosiman’s report says Lumbard repeatedly circumvented rules requiring competitive bidding on government contracts, created unnecessary jobs, hired unqualified individuals and awarded Jensen excessive pay increases. A company associated with Lumbard sold more than $2,000 in state-owned equipment on eBay.

MASON CITY, Iowa (AP) — Police and mental health professionals in northern Iowa have agreed to more closely work together on difficult cases in an effort to improve outcomes and reduce costs. The Mason City Council approved a plan Tuesday for the local police department and County Social Services to collaborate on creating a law enforcement mental health care coordinator position. The role will serve under County Social Services but will work with police on mental health situations.

Police Chief Jeff Brinkley tells the Globe Gazette that calls for service related to mental health have increased by 22 percent over the last three years. Brinkley says the challenge is reducing the impact on public safety resources while offering better care for mental health patients. He says they aim to work with patients before they reach crisis status.