Police in Creston report an Adair County man was arrested on drug charges at around 1:23-a.m. today (Friday). 38-year old Michael Ross Waddingham, of Orient, was arrested near the intersection of Townline Road and Osage Street, on a charge of Possession with the intent to sell or manufacture/Methamphetamine – under 5 grams, and Introducing intoxicants or drugs into an Institution (Jail). Waddingham was being held in the Union County Jail on a $10,000 cash bond.

At the same time and place, 23-year old Dakota Eugene Brown, of Creston, was arrested for Driving While Suspended. He was later released from the Union County Jail on a $300 cash bond. Creston Police said also, at around 12:45-a.m. today (Friday), 31-year old John Lyle VanScoy, of Creston, was arrested on Highway 34 on charges that include eluding, driving while barred, OWI/1st offense, Possession of a Controlled Substance/2nd Offense, Possession of drug paraphernalia, and interference with official acts. He was later released on a $5,000 cash bond.

Thursday afternoon, Creston Police arrested 19-year old Tyson Malik Smiley, of Creston, for Theft in the 5th Degree. He was released from custody on a Promise to Appear in Court. At the same time and place, 19-year old Alijah Djon Shemar Thomas, of Des Moines, was arrested on a charge of Forgery. He was later released on a $5,000 cash bond.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – The Republican-controlled Iowa Legislature has approved a budget bill that would give up millions in federal Medicaid money to remove funding for Planned Parenthood. The Senate voted 28-21 Thursday night along party lines for the roughly $1.7 billion health and human services budget bill. The House approved the bill Wednesday. It now heads to Gov. Terry Branstad.

The legislation would create a state-run family planning program that excludes organizations that provide abortions. Iowa would give up federal Medicaid money and instead spend about $3.1 million in state dollars.

Democrats criticized the decision amid budget constraints. Several areas of state government are receiving less money in the roughly $7.2 billion budget that goes into effect in July. Lawmakers are nearing adjournment, but it’s unclear when they’ll complete their work.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Iowa lawmakers are headed back to the Capitol as they attempt to adjourn the 2017 legislative session. Lawmakers were scheduled Friday to try to pass a bill that helps make up the roughly $7.2 billion budget. The so-called standing appropriation bill includes policy and spending across several state agencies.

The GOP-controlled chambers debated into Thursday night to complete spending bills on health and human services and administration and regulation. They’ve already approved most budget bills that will require Gov. Terry Branstad’s signature.

It’s unclear what day lawmakers will actually adjourn. There’s no official end date, though their reimbursements for daily expenses ended Tuesday. GOP lawmakers also appear at odds over bills that fund water quality initiatives and expand medical marijuana.

A man and woman from Nebraska were arrested early this morning in Council Bluffs, in connection with a reported stolen vehicle. A Council Bluffs Police Officer on routine patrol at around 1:25-a.m. today (Friday), located in the 100 bock of S. 32nd Street, an occupied, 2007 Nissan Versa that was reported stolen out of Papillion, NE., on April 19th.

Watts

Mooney

26-year old Brittany Watts, and 25-year old Dakota Mooney, both of Omaha, were arrested for Theft 2nd Degree/Possession of a Stolen Vehicle. Watts was also found to have valid extraditable warrants out of Sarpy County, NE.

Council Bluffs Police would like to remind the public to make sure they secure their vehicles and not to leave their vehicles running when unattended.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – A former teacher is scheduled to go on trial in Des Moines June 26 on allegations that he had inappropriately touched and kissed students in his anatomy class. Thirty-three-year-old Dustin Mead pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges of sexual abuse and sexual exploitation by a school employee. His attorney, Guy Cook, says Mead denies any wrongdoing.

A Johnston Community School District spokeswoman says Mead has resigned. A court document says Mead gave one girl grades she didn’t earn, made sexual comments and groped her.

Police in Red Oak late Thursday night arrested a man on a felony charge of Burglary in the 2nd Degree, and an aggravated misdemeanor charge of Operating a Vehicle without Owner’s consent. 40-year old Billy Ray Hunter, of Red Oak, was arrested at around 11-p.m. in the 400 block of W. Coolbaugh Street and brought to the Montgomery County Jail, where his bond was set at $10,000.