Iowa Workforce Development spokesperson, Courtney Greene, says the September report out today (Tuesday) shows the lowest unemployment rate in Iowa since 2006.  “Iowa’s unemployment rate is down another tenth of a percent to three-point-six percent in September, and a year ago we were standing at four-point-three percent,” Greene says.

The unemployment rate in August was three-point-seven percent. July has been the only month this year where unemployment did not drop or stay the same. It went up a half percent in July to three-point-eight. The U-S unemployment rate remained at five-point-one percent in September. The state did lose 21-hundred non-farm jobs in September, but those losses were offset by the gains.

“Leisure and hospitality added the most jobs in September at about 15-hundred, and that was also bolstered by growth and accommodations in food service which added about 500. Education and health care also added 600 jobs. However, there were some losses in September — with the largest being in manufacturing. Just one of Iowa’s 99 counties went against the trend of falling unemployment in September.

“Cherokee was the only Iowa county to see unemployment rise from three-point-nine percent a year ago to four-point-four percent this September. And that rise is due in part to the closing of the Tyson plant in Cherokee last fall, and the nearby Denison Tyson plant that closed its doors in August,” Greene says. The total number of working Iowans was 26-hundred higher than August, and 27-hundred more than one year ago.

(Radio Iowa)

Authorities say two people suffered minor injuries during a single vehicle rollover accident this (Tuesday) morning, northeast of Atlantic. The accident at 650th (Highway 71) and Fayette Road, was reported just after 11-a.m.

Authorities say the Dale Pauley was driving a Cadillac SUV was traveling southbound on Highway 71 and attempting to pass a tractor and grain wagon, when the SUV made contact with the tractor, entered the west ditch and rolled over. Deputies on the scene said Pauley, and his passenger, Ila Pauley, both of Atlantic, suffered from minor lacerations and were transported to the Cass County Memorial Hospital by Medivac Ambulance. The driver of the tractor, William Wilson, of Exira, was not hurt.

Atlantic Fire and Rescue and Cass County Sheriff’s Deputies assisted at the scene.

The Atlantic Police Department reports two men were arrested on assault charges, while another was arrested on drug charges. 28-year old Aaron Macias, of Atlantic, was arrested Saturday for Possession of a Controlled Substance/Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and on a Cass County warrant for Controlled Substance Violation. That same day, 37-year old Edward Sharp, II, of Atlantic, was arrested for Domestic Abuse Assault, and on a warrant out of Cerro Gordo County for Theft in the 3rd degree.

On Oct. 13th, 20-year old Bryce Baker, of Atlantic, was arrested for Domestic Abuse Assault. And, on Oct. 12th, Atlantic Police arrested 24-year old Scott Downer, of Atlantic, for Driving While Barred. 26-year old Mykel Thoren, of Atlantic, was arrested that same day, for Theft in the 4th degree, and Interference with official acts.

All subjects were booked into the Cass County Jail.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – The state auditor says improper management of city finances over a five-year period cost the city of Neola more than $230,000. City officials requested a special audit after a new city clerk discovered financial irregularities following the firing of previous clerk Deb Schierbrock in August 2013.

State auditors say in a report released today (Tuesday) they found more than $41,000 of improper spending and $122,000 of payments that couldn’t be confirmed as legitimate city expenses. Auditors also found Schierbrock didn’t bill late fees to herself and others failing to pay utility bills on time. The audit covers city finances from 2009 through 2013.

Schierbrock hasn’t been charged.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (AP) – One of the three men suspected in the death of a Council Bluffs man has pleaded not guilty to a murder charge. The Daily Nonpareil reports that 18-year-old Caine Petersen‘s attorney submitted a written plea on Friday.

Petersen and 23-year-old Christopher King, of Lincoln, Nebraska; and 22-year-old Sarael Duncan, of Omaha, Nebraska, are accused of robbing Jacob Combs of marijuana. Authorities say the 20-year-old Combs died in a hospital Aug. 15th, after being found in a Council Bluffs street.

Officers say Combs jumped onto Petersen’s vehicle as the three men fled the scene but then fell or was thrown, suffering head injuries when he was struck.

The Page County Sheriff’s Office reports an Essex woman was arrested last Thursday on a warrant out of Pottawattamie County, for Harassment in the 2nd degree. 29-year old Colbie Jo Sue Fike was taken into custody at the Shenandoah Memorial Hospital.  Fike was transported to the Pottawattamie County Jail where she was held without bond, pending an appearance in front of a magistrate.