DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A House panel has approved a minimum wage bill that could result in pay cuts for tens of thousands of Iowa workers. The Local Government Committee on Thursday approved the bill that bans local governments from increasing the minimum wage and cancels higher wages already implemented in Polk, Linn, Johnson and Wapello counties.

All Republicans on the committee supported the bill while all the Democrats were opposed. It now moves to the full House. The bill, introduced by Johnston Republican Jake Highfill, would force all counties to adhere to Iowa’s minimum hourly wage of $7.25.

Bill supporters say wages should be set by the state. Others argue the legislation infringes on local governments. Polk and Johnson county officials say they are exploring possible legal action if lawmakers approve the bill.

Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Ouida Hargens, Thursday afternoon, announced she has resigned from her position. She has reportedly decided to resign to help her husband focus on his grain and livestock hedging business, and to pursue some other possible, future opportunities within the community.

In a statement, Hargens said “After careful consideration, I have decided to resign from my position of Executive Director of the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce.  I moved to Atlantic in March of 2013 to take the position of the Programs Director. By April my passion for the community resembled that of a long-time resident.  In October, the same year, I took the position of the Executive Director. The community and membership has embraced me with open arms.”

Ouida Hargens

She went on to say “Your support helped me to reach many of my career goals. Strengthening partnerships within the community through the collaborative website www.atlanticiowa.com.  Growing the resources within the organization by securing three new Community Investors. Engaging members and volunteers in the Total Resource Campaign creating the most successful campaign two years in a row.”

“The goal of $90,000 was surpassed by $20,000, tripling the amount of funds previously raised. The $110,000 sponsorship campaign included participation of over 60% of our members.” The success of the campaign she said, has allowed for the addition of new programs and events to the community, as well as new memberships.

“All of these goals,” she said, “Were accomplished because of the support of the membership, community, and volunteers. Also, the time and dedication given by staff especially Chelsea Cousins, Alli Krogman and Bailey Smith, our current Program Director. All three were amazing, creative and talented women to work side by side with.”

Hargens closed by saying “Thank you again for all the opportunities and support.”

ADEL, Iowa (AP) — Iowa election officials say nearly 6,000 Dallas County absentee ballots went uncounted from the Nov. 8 election because of mistakes by local election officials. A letter from the Iowa Secretary of State’s office says a total of 5,842 ballots went uncounted, but the office acknowledges the missed votes did not change the outcome of any election on the ballot in the central Iowa county. The office says local officials tallied the votes, but failed to upload those tallies to software that compiles vote reports.

The omission of the ballots wasn’t discovered until Feb. 1. In the letter to Dallas County officials, Deputy Secretary of State Carol Olson said while the omissions were due to mistakes, “it is chilling to contemplate the possibility that winners could easily have been affected.”

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Republicans on a legislative committee have approved a bill that would make big changes to Iowa’s collective bargaining law for public employees. The Senate Labor and Business Relations Committee approved the bill Thursday after hearing strong opposition from Democratic lawmakers, all of whom voted against the measure.

Iowa’s current collective bargaining law allows public sector employees like teachers, nurses and correctional officers to negotiate job benefits, including health insurance, extra pay and seniority. The proposed legislation would specifically prohibit those discussions.

Republicans say the bill, which includes exemptions for some public safety workers, will give employers greater flexibility to reward top employees. Unions argue it will hurt Iowa’s workforce and is meant to weaken unions.

The bill is expected to be debated on the Senate and House floors next week.

The Mills County Sheriff’s Office said today (Thursday), a man from Malvern who was arrested after he was apprehended by a Fremont County K9 unit at around 3:45-a.m., has been charged with Possession of Burglary Tools, Interference with Official Acts, Theft in the 2nd Degree, Ongoing Criminal Conduct and Criminal Trespass with Injury. 37-year old Jeremy Lynn Erickson was being held in the Mills County Jail on $34,000 bond.

Jeremy L. Erickson

The Sheriff’s Department said also, 38-year old Nicholas Jason Manolia was arrested Wednesday night in Malvern for Obstruction of Emergency Communication. His bond was set at $300. And, 50-year old Denise Christine Russell, of Council Bluffs, was arrested Wednesday night along Highway 34 in Mills County, for Driving Under Suspension. Her bond was set at $300.