DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa lawmakers say they have an agreement on an overall budget figure, a signal that the end of the legislative session may not be far behind. Legislative leaders say Tuesday that they have a deal to set the state general fund budget at just under $6.5 billion for the fiscal year that starts July 1. Senate and House leaders say votes could start on individual budget bills as early as Wednesday.

Democratic Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal and Republican House Speaker Kraig Paulsen both say they are moving forward on two key issues of the session — education policy and property tax reductions. But they say there has been less progress on whether to expand Medicaid or approve an alternate low-income health plan.

The Cass County Memorial Hospital’s Board of Trustees will hold a regularly schedule meeting Wednesday morning in conference room 1 at the hospital. During the 7:30-a.m. session, the Board will discuss and/or act on, matters pertaining to the FY 2014, and FY 2014-through 2018 Operating budgets; Rehabilitation services. They’re also expected to set the date for a Public Hearing on June 26th.

Following other business, and prior to adjournment, the CCMH Board of Trustees will enter into a closed session under the provisions of Code of Iowa, to discuss strategy with counsel pertaining to matters that are presently in litigation or where litigation is imminent, and where its disclosure would be likely to prejudice or disadvantage the position of a governmental body in that litigation.

The Cass and Adair County Board’s of Supervisors will hold their regular weekly meetings Wednesday, beginning at 9-a.m.  In Greenfield, the Adair County Board will hear from County Engineer Nick Kauffman, with regard to a DOT construction agreement for Antique Country Drive, and VA Director Rick Schaecher, about cell phone matters. The Board will also hear from Bryan Beldon, with the City of Stuart, with regard to consent to a Local Option Sales Tax TIF Resolution.

In Atlantic, the Cass County Supervisors will act on an appointment to the County Zoning Board of Adjustment (if a person is available to fill the vacancy position), as well as a resolution to add a Farm-to-Market or Locally Funded Project (not currently in the FY 2013 road construction program). The project was identified as a bridge deck replacement on Jackson Road, S-14.

In other business, the Supervisors will act on the abatement of taxes for a property owned by the City of Lewis, and, at 1o-a.m., they’ll discuss and possibly take action on an FY 2014 Licensed County Software Code Support agreement, and FY 2014 Information Technology Services agreement, both of which are with Solutions, Inc., out of Spencer.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Iowa has received a $1.2 million federal grant for a project related to science, technology, engineering and math education.  Gov. Terry Branstad announced the funding from the National Science Foundation Tuesday in a press release. The study of these four subjects collectively is known as STEM.

The money will be provided over three years and will help develop a statewide system for evaluating STEM education in Iowa. The funding goes to an advisory council that works on advancing STEM education. Branstad established the council in 2011.

In the release, Branstad calls Iowa a “pioneering state in advancing these important life and career skills.”

A grant received through the efforts of Audubon firefighters’ wives has resulted in the Audubon City Hall receiving a defibrillator. City Clerk Lora Hansen told KJAN News the City Council in Audubon was informed about the grant during their meeting, Monday night. The “Firehouse Flames” group is responsible for obtaining the grant, which will also provide for the training of City personnel and those who serve congregate meals, in the use of the life-saving device.

In other business, the Audubon City Council approved a resolution setting May 28th at 7-p.m., as the date and time for a Public Hearing to consider the sale of three lots in block 13 of the City of Audubon. The City took possession of the dilapidated and/or abandoned homes, which were then demolished. Hansen says the City hopes to eventually sell the lots and see new homes built on the land.The Council also passed a resolution setting the date for a Public Hearing on the Budget Amendment for the same meeting on May 28th.

Hansen says also, the City of Audubon will be sending out reminder notices to residents about the need to separate recyclable trash from regular trash. A copy of the rules regarding recycling will be included in the notice.

The Shelby County Emergency Management Agency says NO OPENING BURNING is allowed in the County today (Tuesday, May 14th), due to the extremely dry and forecast windy conditions. Officials have bumped the grassland and field fire danger index into the “EXTREME” category for today. The fire danger rating was listed Monday, as “High.”

A Red Flag Warning is in effect for the listening area though late this evening. Officials say Red Flag Warnings are not common in the Midwest, therefore when one is received, the Shelby County Emergency Management Agency will put the Fire Danger index into the Extreme category, and no open burning is permitted. 

If you see smoke please report it immediately so fire suppression can take place while the fire is small.  For those that find themselves near a fire, explosive fire growth is expected – make sure you are in a safe location and report fires immediately.

A Harlan man was taken into custody last week on a warrant out of Cass County for felony forgery, after he allegedly lead police in Harlan on a brief foot pursuit. 29-year old Gabriel Brown was arrested May 9th and transported to the Cass County Jail by deputies with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department. Brown was being held in the Cass County Jail on $5,000 bond.

Police in Harlan report also, the arrest on Saturday, of 21-year old Alisha Buttry, of Macedonia. Buttry was charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Authorities in Harlan are also investigating an incident of vandalism. Officials say a Harlan resident reported on May 6th, someone broke the window out of his 2002 Ford Taurus. The incident remains under investigation. No arrests have been made.

The Harlan Police Department reports two people were arrested on Domestic Abuse Assault charges, Sunday. 24-year old Kane Griffith, of Walnut, was arrested after officers were called to the 1400 block of 8th Street in Harlan, for a domestic disturbance. An investigation determined Griffith allegedly assaulted a Harlan woman. In addition to the assault charge, Griffith faces charges of Obstruction of Emergency Communications, and Public Intoxication.

And, 21-year old Aric Davis, of Harlan, was arrested Sunday, after a woman came to the police department to request an officer assist her in retrieving her belongings from the residence she shared with Davis. Officials say the woman had several visible injuries. Following an investigation, Davis was arrested and brought to the Shelby County Jail, where was charged with assault and Possession of a Controlled Substance, as well as Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

w/ Ric Hanson

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