Governor Terry Branstad is predicting legislators will have a tough time making a school funding decision this year. “I don’t think that’s going to happen quickly because there’s some big issues to be resolved,” Branstad says. Legislative leaders from both parties have been saying they hope to strike a quick compromise on school funding for the academic year that starts this fall. Branstad says budget realities may prevent that.

“There’s some big issues to be resolved,” Branstad says. “…This is a tough year, financially.” House Republicans propose a two percent boost in general state aid for K-through-12 public schools in Iowa. Branstad last month recommended nearly half a percent more than that.

Democrats who control the Iowa Senate are seeking a four percent increase. Last year, the legislature made its decision about school funding in June — about four weeks before the budgeting year began.

(Radio Iowa)

The Mills County Sheriff’s Office reports a Pottawattamie County woman was arrested early this (Friday) morning. 32-year old Jessica Gonzalez Herrera, of Council Bluffs, was arrested at around 2:10-a.m. on a warrant for Failure to Appear on a Possession of Controlled Substance, charge. Bond was set at $25,000.

And, Thursday night, 29-year old Jacob Michael Morrison, of Glenwood, was arrested on a Warrant for Criminal Mischief. His bond was set at $1,000.

CLARINDA, Iowa (AP) – The 128-year-old former mental health institute in the small southwest Iowa city of Clarinda isn’t your typical real estate opportunity, and so far no one is rushing to move in. More than seven months after the state closed the Clarinda Mental Health Institute, much of the sprawling building remains empty, including entire floors that haven’t been used in decades. With its gothic architecture set amid lawns and tree-lined paths, the former institute is impressive, but it’s also a site that Iowa’s governor labeled as outdated and inefficient.

Community members have been working to find occupants for the former hospital but the process hasn’t proved to be an easy one as unclaimed inventory piles up and a historic part of the town remains largely empty.

(9-a.m. News)

If you’ve ever considered getting some ink, southwest Iowa is the place to go for being needled this weekend. What’s called the Best in the Midwest Tattoo Convention is being held in Council Bluffs. An Omaha tattoo shop owner, who only goes by the name Smitty, organized the event. “We’ll have 120 booths and most will have two to three artists working out of each booth so there’ll be over 300 licensed tattooers there from all over the country,” Smitty says.

Some of the most well-known tattoo artists in the nation will be at the convention, showing off their colorful works and offering their services. Many have gained fame from reality T-V shows. “We’re going to have cast members from five seasons of ‘Ink Masters,’ including a winner and a runner up and a lot of the supporting cast,” he says.

In addition to the buzz of the tools used to create tattooes, there will be plenty of other things to catch your eyes and ears, including live music, magicians and “side show” acts. “It is a family event and suitable for your kids or your mother,” Smitty says. “Anybody can come. We have live entertainment that’s PG-rated. There’s a lot to take in. It’s almost sensory overload.” It is a competition with judging in various categories daily.

The convention runs today (Friday) through Sunday at the Mid America Center in Council Bluffs.

(Radio Iowa)

Police in Creston are investigating the theft of a handgun that was left inside a vehicle. Authorities say a resident in the 600 block of N. Cherry Street reported Thursday that someone entered their vehicle that was parked behind the home, and stole a .40-caliber Smith and Wesson pistol from the vehicles’ center console. The incident occurred sometime between 11-p.m. Wednesday and 11-a.m. Thursday. The loss was estimated at $300.

Creston Police report also, 43-year old Kent Collins, of Winterset, was arrested early this (Friday) morning on a charge of Driving While Suspended. Collins was later released from the Union County Jail on a $300 bond.

The first of three legislative coffees scheduled to take place in Cass County for the 2016 session, will be held tomorrow (Saturday). Kenner Baxter, President of PRIDE (Progressive Rural Iowa Development Enterprise), says the event takes place beginning at 10 a.m., inside the Cumberland Fire Station at 216 Main Street, in Cumberland.

Representatives Clel Baudler, from Greenfield, and Tom Moore, from Griswold, along with Senators Tom Shipley, from Nodaway, and Jake Chapman, of Adel, have all been invited to attend the coffees.

Rep. Tom Moore (R), from Griswold

Rep. Clel Baudler (R), Greenfield

Sen. Jake Chapman, (R), Adel

Sen. Tom Shipley (R), Nodaway

Marne is the second host Saturday, March 5th, 10 a.m. at the Community Center, 403 Washington, Street, Marne. The final coffee of this session will take place Saturday, April 2nd, 10 a.m. at the Lewis Community Library, 506 West Main Street, Lewis.
Baxter says the meetings usually open with statements from the legislators, but then they’re open to discussion, questions and answers.

P.R.I.D.E. is sponsoring the legislative coffees. The economic development organization works on behalf of communities, businesses, and citizens for Southwest Iowa development. For additional information, contact Kenner Baxter, at 781-2395, or Clarke Gerlock at 712-774-5476.