DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – The state of Iowa has reached a birthday milestone. Today (Wednesday) marks 170 years since Iowa achieved statehood. It became the 29th state to be admitted to the Union on Dec. 28, 1846.

The Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs, which oversees the state historical museum near the state Capitol, opened two exhibits this month focused on Iowa history. The department is also hosting an event Wednesday at the museum to mark the state’s birthday.

The Mills County Sheriff’s Office reports two people were arrested Tuesday night for Driving Under Suspension. 35-year old Justin Wayne Schomburg, of Malvern, was taken into custody at around 11-p.m., and 35-year old Colleen Lynn Salmons, of Hastings, was arrested at around 9:30-p.m.  Bonds for both individuals was set at $300.

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) – Officials estimate that it could cost $2.1 million to repair the exterior of the Woodbury County courthouse. County supervisor Mark Monson told the Sioux City Journal that the exterior condition of the nearly century-old building is so dire that entire bricks can be pulled from the foundation in places.

Woodbury County building services department director Kenny Schmitz says the worst spots are higher up, typically from about the third to sixth floors on the eight-story building. He says the north side is the most weathered part of the building.

County supervisors say they want the building renovated for its 100th anniversary celebration in 2018, and that it might be necessary to borrow substantial funds in a capital improvement plan to pay for the repairs.

The Cass County Board of Supervisors will meet 8:30-a.m. Friday at the courthouse, in Atlantic. During their end-of-month session, the Board will act on passage of a Resolution calling for a portion of County matching funds (amounting to $25,0000), to be used to strengthen the chances The City of Atlantic’s Parks and Rec Department will receive an Enhance Iowa Community Attraction and Tourism (or, CAT) grant for improvements to the Schildberg Recreation Area.

In other business, the Board of Supervisors will hear a report from Zoning Administrator Rich Hansen with regard to a request for a Zoning Change pertaining to the Elite Octane Ethanol Plant. In a related note, the Board will act also on approving Professional Services Agreement with Snyder and Associates Engineers, with regard to the Ethanol Plant Gray Water Transmission line installation and Paving Project for Glacier, Buck Creek and Echo Roads.

And, the Supervisors will hear an annual report from County Weed Commissioner Larry Randall, along with regularly scheduled reports from the County Engineer, Attorney and Mental Health/General Relief Coordinator.

The Creston Police Department reports a man was arrested on drug- and alcohol-related warrants, Tuesday night. 52-year old Robbie Dohrn, of Creston, was arrested on two Union County Warrants for Failure to Appear as Sentenced on  original charges of Possession of Methamphetamine/1st Offense, and Failure to Appear as Sentenced on an original charge of OWI/2nd Offense. Dohrn was being held in the Union County Jail to serve the balance of his time on both sentences.

26-year old Brooke Carter, of Creston, was arrested Tuesday afternoon at the Union County Law Enforcement Center, on three warrants out of Polk County, for Probation Violations. Carter was being held in the Ringgold County jail without bond, while awaiting transfer to Polk County.

And, 18-year old Kendrick Davis, of Creston, was arrested Tuesday at the Union County Law Enforcement Center, on a Union County Warrant for Operating While Under the Influence/1st Offense. Davis was being held in the Union County Jail while awaiting a bond hearing.

Creston Police said also, a resident of the 1100 block of N. Birch Street reported Tuesday morning, that a laser light had been stolen from his yard. The loss was estimated at $50.