DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – The utility that provides drinking water to a half-million customers around Des Moines filed a lawsuit two years ago against three rural counties to stop farm runoff from polluting the city’s water supply. But rather than a clean-up, the result may be the end of the utility.

The Republican-controlled Iowa Legislature is considering dissolving the Des Moines Water Works and giving its assets to the cities it serves. Utility supporters say the move is designed to kill the lawsuit and shows the clout of the state’s agricultural interests. But supporters say the change would allow cities more direct control of their own water.

Iowa law currently requires a public vote to dissolve an independent water authority.

Red Oak Police this (Thursday) morning, arrested 41-year old Jason Neal Beacham, of Red Oak, for allegedly violating a protective order. Beacham was taken into custody just before 8-a.m. after a witness confirmed the man had violated the protective order. Beacham was being held without bond in the Montgomery County Jail.

The Glenwood Police Department reports two people have been arrested on alcohol-related charges. On Wednesday, 44-year old Ray Knipe, of Glenwood, was arrested on a Mills County Warrant for public intoxication 2nd offense, with bond set at $10,000. And this (Thursday) morning, 34-year old Jacob Somers, of Glenwood, was arrested for OWI 2nd offense. His bond was set at $2000.

(9-a.m. News)

The Cass County Board of Supervisors, Wednesday, held a Public Hearing with regard to the proposed Cass County budget for FY2018, the tax rate for which is $5.23 per $1,000 valuation in the urban areas, and $9.50/$1,000 in the rural area, which is a slight decrease in the tax asking from last year. Upon receiving no oral or written comments on the matter, the Board later on in the meeting approved the Budget as written.

A recommendation was received from the Cass County Compensation Board for elected officer base salaries. They recommended an increase of $2,250 for the “Auditor, Treasurer and Recorder,”  $3,000 for the Sheriff, and Supervisors $1,200, with an additional $1,000 for the acting chair. For the county attorney, the Compensation Board recommended $2,500 for the current part time Attorney so as the position stands now.

If Cass and Audubon County decide to share the County Attorney position, then the Compensation Board recommended a 65/35 split between the two counties and a salary of $80,000 with Cass County covering 65% and Audubon County the remaining 35%.”

After the Board of Supervisors considered the recommendation of the County Compensation Board, a motion was made by Supervisor Green and seconded by Supervisor Baier, that reduced the recommended salary increases for the Auditor, Recorder and Treasurer to $1,000 with a like percentage reduction for the Sheriff and Attorney, and to reduce the increase for supervisors to $0. The Resolution was carried unanimously.

The Supervisors also approved the Secondary Roads/IDOT budget, along with the 5-year construction program. And, a bid of $30,987 was awarded to Energyficient for lighting efficiency upgrades in the courthouse and occupancy sensors. In other business, the Cass County Supervisors approved an application for the appointment of Greg Meyer, from Cumberland, as the Noble Township clerk, to fill a resignation that becomes effective March 15th.  Meyer will fill the position for the remainder of the 4 year term ending 12/31/2020. And, application submitted by Pat McCurdy was approved to fill a vacancy on the Cass County Zoning commission. McCurdy will fill the remainder of the 5 year term ending 12/31/2020.