DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The head of Iowa’s court system says “Iowans are losing access to justice” because more than 100 court jobs remain empty following budget cuts. Iowa Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark Cady offered the assessment Wednesday during his annual judiciary address to lawmakers. Cady says the court system is operating with 115 “essential” positions unfilled. He adds rural Iowans are receiving fewer court services than urban residents.

Cady also says specialty courts dealing with substance abuse cannot be expanded until the Legislature increases funding. Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds highlighted the need to better address opioids in her Condition of the State speech Tuesday. Cady’s office has a roughly $175 million budget that’s been reduced in recent years. Reynolds announced mid-year budget cuts Tuesday that include $1.6 million for the judicial branch.

Harlan City Administrator Gene Gettys says “Due to the winter weather forecast for Thursday, January 11th, the City of Harlan is asking citizens to voluntarily utilize off-street parking wherever possible.” Gettys said that will assist the Public Works Department with snow and ice control on city streets.  He added, “The City of Harlan appreciates your cooperation.”

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Authorities say a suspect has surrendered in Des Moines’ first homicide of 2018. Police identified the victim Wednesday as 39-year-old Cory Channon. Officers and medics sent around 11:30 p.m. Tuesday to investigate a reported shooting found Channon’s body. He’d been shot in the chest.

A few minutes later the suspect contacted police and then surrendered. Police say investigators are still interviewing the unnamed person. No arrest has been reported and no charges have been filed.

The Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office reports a Deputy arrested 34-year old Vance Wayne Campbell, of Council Bluffs, Tuesday afternoon. Campbell was picked-up at the Clarinda Correctional Facility and transported to the Pott. County Jail. He was taken into custody on two outstanding warrants, one for Theft in the 4th Degree, the other for Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Also arrested Tuesday afternoon, was 30-year old John Phillip Fry, of Council Bluffs, for Public Intoxication, 3rd or subsequent offense. His bond was set at $2,000.

And, a woman from Oakland was arrested at around 1-a.m. today (Wednesday), after Deputies were called to the Casey’s General Store in Oakland, for a report of an intoxicated person. 32-year old Amber Lorraine Olsen was arrested for Theft in the 5th degree, for allegedly taking a bottle of vodka valued at slightly more than Nine-dollars from the store.

Governor Reynolds gave her Condition of the State address yesterday (Tuesday). And, although she didn’t mention it directly in her address, the Governor included full funding of the Backfill in her FY 2019 budget. Officials with the Iowa State Association of Counties (ISAC), commends the Governor for recognizing the importance of county services and keeping property taxes low. They are urging the Iowa Legislature to follow her lead and fully fund the backfill.

In 2013, Iowa state law was changed resulting in a reduction in the tax revenue that local governments receive from commercial and industrial properties. This loss of revenue is paid back to local governments by the state with funds called the backfill. ISAC President and Johnson County Sheriff Lonny Pulkrabek says “Iowa’s county governments are essential to the daily lives of Iowans,” said. “The county you live in is responsible for many of the services Iowans need – keeping our communities safe, providing services to our most vulnerable citizens, fixing potholes, plowing snow, and offering parks to enjoy with your family and friends.”

ISAC Executive Director Bill Peterson said “It’s essential to Iowa county governments that the backfill remains intact and whole. Without these funds, many counties could be faced with a tough choice: raise property taxes on their residents or cut services on which they depend.”  ISAC says they are urging Iowans to contact their legislators to let them know that their community needs the backfill. Contact information for your legislators and other advocacy materials are available at www.iowacounties.org.

More information about the backfill and how it may affect you, is also available at the website previously mentioned.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — An Iowa board has approved payment of nearly $1.1 million in a lawsuit by a former state worker who said the state Natural Resources Department fired him because of a work injury. A judge had ordered the state to pay John Vetter after a jury ruled in his favor in 2015. He’d alleged that the state had not made reasonable accommodations for his work-related back injury and was fired in 2013. Vetter had worked at the agency since 1976.

The state appealed the verdict all the way to the Iowa Supreme Court, which declined in November to hear an appeal of an Iowa Appeals Court decision backing the original verdict. The Des Moines Register reports that the Iowa Appeal Board agreed Tuesday to pay nearly $1.1 million.

Atlantic Police Chief Dave Erickson reports a two-month long investigation by the Atlantic Police Department has resulted in the arrest of 29-year old Jason Michael Anderton, of Atlantic. Anderton faces charges that include Animal Torture/1st offense, and Animal Abuse. The investigation followed a report of a deceased animal that was brought to the Police Department in early November, 2017. Atlantic Police Lt. Devin Hogue told KJAN News the animal was a mixed-breed female dog, about one and a-half years old. He would not elaborate on the injuries it suffered that resulted in its death. The A-PD was assisted in its investigation by the Humane Society of the United States.

Jason Anderton (booking photo)

The HSUS assisted by providing resources and funding that allowed the Police Dept. to complete a Necropsy exam and DNA testing, that furthered the investigation. Jessica Lauginiger, Director of Animal Crimes with the HSUS Animal Cruelty, Rescue and Response Team, said “This case is an excellent example of two different entities coming together to combat animal crime.” She said also, “We are thankful to the Atlantic Police Department and grateful to provide the resources needed to further this case.”

Jason Anderton was taken into custody on Monday, Jan. 8th, without incident. He was booked into the Cass County Jail and later released after posting bond. Atlantic Police Lt. Devon Hogue told KJAN News the P-D was extremely grateful to the HSUS and other individuals who assisted in the case.