The first statewide, bipartisan Iowa Youth Caucus was held Thursday night. There were 22 counties participating in the Youth Caucus. The events were organized by Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate’s Office, in conjunction with the Republican Party of Iowa and the Iowa Democratic Party. Iowa high school and middle school students took part in both a Republican and Democratic mock caucus, and cast votes for the presidential candidate of their choice for both parties. More than 1,600 students registered to take part in the Iowa Youth Caucus.

Secretary of State Paul Pate said “I hope this was a fun, educational event for the students that will spur them to become involved and participate in civics in their community. I’d like to thank the Republican and Democratic parties in each county for organizing this event and showing their dedication to Iowa’s youth.”

The statewide and local results are below:

REPUBLICANS: Jeb Bush – 7.52% Ben Carson – 22.35% Chris Christie – 2.57% Ted Cruz – 8.34% Carly Fiorina – 5.25% Mike Huckabee – 1.34% Bobby Jindal – 0.93% John Kasich – 2.27% George Pataki – 0.82% Rand Paul – 14.01% Marco Rubio – 14.83% Rick Santorum – 2.27% Donald Trump – 15.25% Other/Write-in – 1.54% Total participants: 971

DEMOCRATS: Hillary Clinton – 14.74% Martin O’Malley – 24.09% Bernie Sanders – 52.74% Uncommitted – 8.43% Total participants: 984 *

Jones County held their Youth Caucus last month. Those results are included in the total. Scott County’s will take place December 5.

Here are the results for Cass County:

REPUBLICANS Jeb Bush – 5% Chris Christie – 6.67% Ted Cruz – 15% Mike Huckabee – 5% Rand Paul – 10% Marco Rubio – 31.67% Rick Santorum – 1.67% Donald Trump – 25%.  60 participants

DEMOCRATS Hillary Clinton – 7.95% Martin O’Malley – 5.68% Bernie Sanders – 47.73% Uncommitted – 38.64%.  88 participants.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa officials say more than 12,000 Medicaid service providers have signed necessary paperwork to offer care under the state’s proposed privatization plan. Gov. Terry Branstad’s office said Thursday the four private companies scheduled to oversee Medicaid services on Jan. 1 signed the contracts since Nov. 1st.

The Iowa Department of Human Services says there are more than 17,200 active providers available to offer Medicaid services. Sen. Joe Bolkcom, a Democrat from Iowa City, said the figure shows low participation. He and other Democrats have been public about seeking a delay of the switch. They question the state’s preparedness, while Branstad and other state officials have said Iowa will be ready on time.

Iowa’s $4.2 billion Medicaid program provides care to low-income and needy people, including children and disabled individuals.

The Harlan Police Department has released a report on arrests that took place last week On Nov. 10th, 63-year old Gary Lee Anderson, of Harlan, was arrested following a confrontation with Magistrate William Early at the Shelby County Courthouse. Anderson was arrested the next day and taken to the Shelby County Jail where he was charged with assault – displaying a dangerous weapon.

And on Nov. 13th, 31-year old Michelle Longcor, of Harlan, was arrested following a traffic stop. Longcor was charged with unlawful possession of prescription drugs. Longcor was cited, given a court date and released.