DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Gov. Terry Branstad has signed an executive order to create an office that will tackle school bullying in Iowa, a move that follows years of failed attempts to pass comprehensive legislation on the issue. The order will establish a bullying prevention office through the University of Northern Iowa’s Center for Violence Prevention. The office will examine training opportunities, develop guidelines on various issues and address inconsistencies in data reporting of school bullying cases.

ODEBOLT, Iowa (AP) — Authorities in western Iowa say charges are possible for a man accused of discharging a gun into the air and shooting himself in the leg. The Sac County Sheriff’s Office says deputies responded to a property Saturday night in Odebolt. A 29-year-old man was found lying on a kitchen floor with a gunshot wound. The man was taken to a Sioux City hospital. His condition is not available. Authorities say charges are possible following further investigation into the shooting.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa (AP) — Cedar Falls is celebrating the reopening of the Island Park Beach House after the original structure was destroyed by floodwaters in 2008. A ceremony will be held Thursday to commemorate the reopening after seven years of planning and fundraising. The house has been an institution in the city for 90 years. Businessman Dave Krejchi says it is an important part of the city’s quality of life. The house cost about $650,000 to rebuild.

DUBUQUE, Iowa (AP) — Preschool is becoming a more popular option for families with young children across Iowa. Educators with the Dubuque Community School District and Holy Family Catholic Schools credit a statewide program offering free preschool for the increase in enrollment. The Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program for 4-Year-Old Children was established in 2007. Since its first year, enrollment in the program has grown from about 5,100 to nearly 22,700 this school year.