DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa is moving forward with initiatives aimed at improving children’s mental health and well-being, but officials say they won’t be able to estimate the potential cost of the effort until it’s developed more fully.

The Iowa Department of Human Services and other state agencies have been working together to formally tackle components of a long-term goal to change how children in Iowa access services related to their mental health and well-being. Officials contend services can be more effective if the two issues are addressed together.

State officials began soliciting outside work this month to help develop children’s mental health crisis services. Additional bidding will be available soon for so-called learning labs that could help improve children’s well-being.

The Iowa Legislature approved at least $300,000 last session toward the planning efforts.

Police in Red Oak arrested 18-year old Dakota Lynn Girouex, of Red Oak, at around 4:15-a.m. today (Sunday), for Driving While Suspended. The woman was also charged with not having SR-22 Insurance. She was being held in the Montgomery County Jail on a $1,000 cash bond.

The operator of a dirt bike riding illegally on the highway, was pulled over near the intersection of Highway 34 and 48 Saturday evening in Red Oak, and arrested for Driving While Suspended, with three withdrawals in effect. Red Oak Police arrested 21-year old Spencer Edward Zarek, of Red Oak, at around 6-p.m. and brought to the Montgomery County Jail, where his bond was set at $300,

The City of Atlantic’s Personnel and Finance Committee will meet Tuesday evening in the Council’s Chambers at City Hall, to conduct interviews with candidates who have expressed an interest in filling the At Large seat vacated by former Councilman Bob Cord. Cord resigned from his seat July 20th. The meeting begins at 5:30-p.m.

Cord had announced his intentions to resign back in March. During Tuesday’s meeting, the Personnel and Finance Committee will go into a closed session to separately interview Ed Angell, Gerald Brink, Roger Carter, and any remaining applicants. The Committee will forward its report from those interviews and a recommendation to the Council, on who it feels would be best suited for the position. The City Council, on Wednesday, will then act on an Order approving the recommended candidate for appointment to the At Large seat. Once filled, members of the public will have 14-days following the Council’s decision, to request a Special Election.

Following Tuesday’s closed-session interviews, the Committee will return to an open session for a report on legal feedback with regard to proposed changes to the Personnel Policy. The Committee will also discuss the staffing, budget and operating needs of the Parks and Recreation Department, and receive a report from Atlantic Mayor Dave Jones and City Administrator John Lund, with regard to Sewer Connection Fees.