w/ Ric Hanson

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An impressive warming trend remains certain across Iowa today into Tuesday. The warmest day is forecast on Tuesday where near record or record high temperatures are anticipated. Lower to middle 90s for highs will be common over central Iowa. Windy southwest winds and very dry relative humidity will lead to an enhanced fire danger over western and northern Iowa Tuesday afternoon. A cold front will sweep across the state Tuesday night and provide a slight chance of thunderstorms. Cooler temperatures are expected by Wednesday.

Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Some Iowans are starting to worry about what a debate about IowaCare means for their doctor visits. About 66,000 residents are currently enrolled in the program. Democrats who control the state Senate favor a Medicaid expansion. Republicans who hold a majority in the House oppose the expansion.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — It’s unlikely a bill that would make changes to the state’s system for inspecting school buses will pass this year. A bill that would require buses with serious problems to be re-inspected has passed the Iowa Senate. But some lawmakers now want to shift inspections out of the Education Department and into the state Transportation Department.

ONAWA, Iowa (AP) — An Iowa man is facing charges after trying to evade police at speeds up to 120 miles per hour. The chase happened Friday afternoon when the Ida County Sheriff’s Department tried to stop Barry Young. Young faces a felony charge of eluding arrest, several drug charges and numerous traffic violations.

WAVERLY, Iowa (AP) — An Iowa lawyer and former police officer lost his law license after being convicted of drug and forgery charges. Brian Stowe was convicted of possessing methamphetamine and forging two checks in 2011. Supreme Court Justice David Wiggins says theft by lawyers won’t be tolerated.

The Atlantic School District’s Board of Education will meet Monday evening in the Media Center at the High School. During their regular, 7:30-p.m. session, the Board will act on approving a Fiscal year bus lease payment, and related transfer of more than $53,520 from the Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (or, “Peppel”), to Debt Service, and act on approving a bid for the refinishing of the High School gym floor.

Other action items on their agenda include approval of: a Budget Guarantee Resolution for 2013-2014; an amended Fee Schedule for 2013-14; and Kindergarten Summer School.

The Board is also expected to discuss several matters prior to adjournment. That includes issues pertaining: to a School Resource Officer (SRO), and additional teachers for…the Middle School 7^th grade Social Studies class, a paraprofessional for Middle School Special Education, and paraprofessional for the High School English as a Second Language (ESL) and English Language Learner (ELL) programs.

The Atlantic School Board will also discuss: The need for an additional Mobile Classroom; the District’s Technology Plan, and, the adding of extra curricular activities. In a previous Board meeting, information about a survey of students asking about adding additional activities, including bowling, swimming, archery, and dance, was discussed. Activities Director Josh Rasmussen said if activities are added, it would take some time to implement a schedule, perhaps as much as a year.

The Audubon City Council is expected to act Monday, on the passage of a Resolution setting May 28th at 7-p.m. as the date and time for a Public Hearing, with regard to the sale of certain Lots within the City. Lots 6, 4 and 2 are located in block 13 in the City of Audubon.

The Council will also act on a residents’ request for a curb cut on Freeman Avenue, for the installation of a driveway, and a request from the Audubon Chamber of Commerce for the use of tables, picnic tables, a truck and kitchen, in advance of the Annual Flight Breakfast. The final action item for their 7-p.m. meeting, is with regard to a Resolution setting May 28th at 7-p.m., as the date and time for a Public Hearing, on an amendment to the Budget.

ONAWA, Iowa (AP) – An Iowa man is facing charges after trying to evade police at speeds up to 120 mph. Television station KTIV reports that the chase happened on Friday afternoon when the Ida County Sheriff’s Department tried to stop 28-year-old Barry Young, of Galva.

Authorities say Young fled south on Highway 175 and drove erratically while as many as six police cars pursued him. Young is suspected of stealing packages off the front porches of homes.  The Iowa State Patrol says Young drove across a farm field and through a fence surrounding a cell phone tower during the chase.

Young was arrested a few miles east of Onawa. He faces a felony charge of eluding arrest, several drug charges and numerous traffic violations.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Most Iowa lawmakers agree that changes need to be made to the state’s system for inspecting school buses, but it’s unlikely a bill will pass this year because lawmakers can’t agree on what should be done. A bill that would help close loopholes in the inspection system by requiring buses with serious problems to be re-inspected before returning to service passed the Iowa Senate on a 46-2 vote.

The Des Moines Register reports some lawmakers now want to shift bus inspections out of the Education Department and into the state Transportation Department. Republican Rep. Kevin Koester, of Ankeny, says school buses should get the same inspections commercial vehicles receive. But former lawmaker Mike Cormack, who works for the Education Department, says moving the inspections would only delay needed improvements.

Authorities in Montgomery County report a joint effort between the Red Oak Police Department and Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Saturday night, resulted in one person being arrested on drug charges. Authorities executed a search warrant at 1010 Broad Street in Red Oak and arrested 49-year-old Kurtis Jay Davidson, of Red Oak.

Davidson faces charges that include possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine, gathering where controlled substances were unlawfully used, and, possession of drug paraphernalia. He was also taken into custody on a Montgomery County warrant.

During their search of the home, officials took into evidence a small amount of methamphetamine, marijuana scales, and numerous items of drug paraphernalia. Davidson was being held at the Montgomery County Law Enforcement Center on $50,000 bond.

Officials with the Stuart Police Department report officers with the department were called to Menlo, Saturday, to assist rescue unit members who had allegedly been threatened by a man who claimed to possess a firearm.

Photo of the scene near Menlo Saturday (from the Stuart P-D’s FaceBook page)

The situation began to unfold after the rescue unit was called to the man’s home in response to a medical situation. Stuart Officers, Guthrie County Deputies and State Patrol Troopers responded and were able to quickly resolve the matter. No other details were provided.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – The Iowa Department of Human Services is on the verge of taking a less-confrontational approach toward adults accused of minor acts of child neglect.

The state Legislature has approved a bill creating the new process, and it’s now awaiting Gov. Terry Branstad’s signature.

The new approach allows for “family assessments,” in which caseworkers can work with families and let them describe their situation without fear of being placed on the state child abuse registry.

Agency spokesman Roger Munns says the change would better balance the rights of adults with the need to protect children. Cases involving sexual, physical and substance abuse will still require a traditional investigation.

Some child advocates back the change but say the state needs to ensure quick evaluations if there is any risk to a child.