SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) – Sioux City officials will consider lowering fines levied against motorists caught speeding by traffic cameras posted on Interstate 29. The Sioux City Journal reports that the City Council will discuss at a Monday meeting whether to reduce the fine from $168 to $100. Assistant City Attorney Justin Vondrak says drivers caught going 11 to 15 mph over the posted speed limit are subject to the current fine.

Vondrak says the proposed reduction would apply only to speed cameras on I-29 and not to the city’s red-light cameras posted around town. In 2012, the council lowered the fine for red-light violations from $195 to $100, an amount more in line with other Iowa cities with cameras.

The Audubon County Sheriff’s Office is investigating several reports of thefts in Exira. Officials say the thefts occurred sometime early this (Tuesday) morning. Three residences reported having their Christmas lights stolen. The lights are described as being “Star Shower” laser lights.

Anyone with information about the thefts, or who may have seen anything pertaining to the incidents, is urged to contact the Audubon County Sheriff’s Office at 712-563-2631, or Audubon County Crimestoppers at 712-563-2234.

A reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction is being offered. Similar thefts of the “Star Shower” lights are being reported all over the nation.

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) – The University of Iowa’s president has apologized to one offended employee for saying publicly that instructors who aren’t ready to teach their classes should be shot. Bruce Harreld wrote in an email to librarian Lisa Gardinier that his statement to the UI Staff Council was “an unfortunate off-the-cuff remark.” He says he didn’t mean to offend anyone or imply that he supports gun violence in any form.

Harreld writes that he’s used the comment in many forums previously without drawing a complaint. Gardinier says Harreld’s remark came during the Dec. 9 meeting, in response to a staffer’s question about instruction. Gardinier told Harreld the remark was “irresponsible and unprofessional.” She later welcomed his apology, saying she understood his remark to be rhetorical.

Gardinier shared the correspondence with The Associated Press.

Chairpersons for the Cass and Audubon County Community Foundations report grant funds are available in their respective counties for non-profit agencies as part of the Spring grant cycle. In each County, about $108,000 is being made available. Applications for a part of those funds are due no later than February 1st, 2016.

Detailed application procedures, fact sheets, and a link to the application form can be obtained online at http://omahafoundation.org/swiowa. Applications will only be accepted through the online system.

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Contact Dennis Nissen at 800-794-3458 or dennis@omahafoundation.org or Denise Cardos at denise@omahafoundation.org with grant application-specific questions. All completed applications will be considered at the March board meeting with notification of results in early April.

Only organizations providing charitable services in Cass County and Audubon County, respectively, are eligible. Those organizations must be able to demonstrate broad community/county support and supply a copy of their 501(c)(3) IRS determination letter. Requests for general operational funds will not be considered.