DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – The Iowa Legislature approved a medical marijuana oil program in the final hours of the session, but advocates remain skeptical the expansion of an existing program will have a large impact. The Republican-controlled chambers approved a bill that would allow the oil to treat nine conditions, including cancer and multiple sclerosis. The expansion builds off an existing program for epilepsy patients.

Some medical marijuana advocates say a cap on the strength of the oil used is arbitrary and limits the benefit. Rep. Jared Klein, the bill’s manager, says lawmakers may consider broadening the program in future sessions if medical professionals advise it.

The program would continue to prohibit smoking, vaporizing or eating food containing marijuana. Despite questions raised about the program, some argue that small steps are better than none.

PEOSTA, Iowa (AP) – An eastern Iowa man accused of padlocking a weighted chain around his 14-year-old nephew’s waist has pleaded not guilty. The Dubuque Telegraph Herald reports Jeffrey Merfeld and the boy’s parents are charged with child endangerment causing injury. Merfeld’s plea was submitted Tuesday.

Court records don’t show whether Michael and Cynthia Kobusch have submitted pleas. All three defendants live in Peosta. Court documents say Cynthia Kobusch told an investigator that she had been searching for a way to attach a GPS to her son – a frequent runaway – and had asked her brother to “make a chain” and fashion it so the boy couldn’t cut it off.

The Griswold School Board will hold a Special Meeting Friday afternoon in the Central Office at the Middle School/High School Building. During their 4-p.m. session, the School Board will act on Personnel matters and, approval of:

A Reduction in Force; Cash in Lieu of Insurance; Changes to the Professional Salary Range; Placing limits on the number of paid coaches; approval also, of Master Contract agreements with the Griswold Educational Association (Certified staff) and Non-Certified Personnel, as well as contract renewals for Certified staff, non-certified coaches/sponsors, administration, Quasi-Administration, and Support Staff.

The final action item is the setting of Contract Issue and Return dates.

The Cass County Board of Supervisors will hold their regular weekly meeting 8:30-a.m. Friday, in their Boardroom at the courthouse in Atlantic. On their agenda is a Public Hearing on an amendment to the Flood Plain Management Ordinance, followed by action on approving the Ordinance after the final reading.

The Board will also act on approving a Resolution to enter into a RISE (Revitalize Iowa’s Sound Economy) agreement with the Iowa Dept. of Transportation (in an amount not to exceed $2,119, 978 or, 50-percent of the eligible items – which is the smaller amount). They’ll also act on approving the “Fifth amendment to the Cooperative Reimbursement Agreement” (with regard to the Child Support Recovery Office), for changes to confidentiality and privacy sections, and incorporating the Program Budget for State Fiscal Year 2018.

In other business, the Cass County Supervisors will act on approving a Resolution to increase the number of assistant County Attorneys to two, from May 1st through June 30th (with the number to be set back to one, on July 1st), and approve the appointment of an additional Assistant County Attorney.

The final action item on their agenda, is a Permit for display of fireworks for an unincorporated area – per Iowa Code – pertaining to the Lewis Celebration Committee.

Police in Creston report an Illinois man was arrested late Wednesday night at the Union County Law Enforcement Center. 19-year old Antonio Walker, of Evanston, IL, was arrested on a charge of OWI/1st offense. Walker was later released from the Union County Jail on a $1000 bond.

And, authorities in Creston say late Monday night, the Mayflower School on E. Townline, Road reported an incident of Vandalism to their property. Police say someone damaged nine stepping stones and boards in the Ball Pit. The damage was estimated at $50.