(Radio Iowa) — The governor has declared October as Domestic Violence Awareness month. Kevin Hall of the Iowa Secretary of State’s office says five-hundred victims of domestic abuse, stalking and human trafficking are utilizing the state-run address confidentiality program. “It’s a way to allow survivors of domestic violence and other violent crimes to get a portion of their lives back without the fear of their address becoming public,” Hall says. “They’re able to do things like register to vote and things that normally where their address would be put on public records, now they have a substitute address for that and their actual physical address is no longer on the public records.”

An estimated 29-thousand Iowans will seek help this year to escape a violent domestic or dating relationship. A coalition of groups including the Secretary of State’s office and the Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence have partnered on a website called share-their-story-dot-net (www.sharetheirstory.net). It invites survivors and their families and friends to explain how domestic violence has directly impacted individual Iowans.

“It is a problem, unfortunately,” Hall says. “There are about 3000 convictions per year for domestic violence-related instances and we want to raise awareness to it and, ultimately, put a stop to it.” The share-their-story website also features links to groups offering services to those seeking help.

(Radio Iowa) — A three-member panel of financial experts has increased its estimate of state tax receipts in the current budgeting year by nearly 360-million dollars. The Revenue Estimating Conference predicts tax growth this year will be nearly five percent, but in the following year it will be far smaller, just one-point-seven percent — when the G-O-P crafted tax cuts fully kick in. Governor Kim Reynolds says the report shows the Iowa economy is growing.

“That’s on top of the $127 million surplus that we have and I think that’s reflective of an economy that’s growth because of the tax cuts we’ve seen at the federal level and when ours (at the state level) are implemented, I think we’re going to continue to see growth,” Reynolds says. “…I think it’s positive momentum. I think it’s really good news.”

Key Democrats in the legislature say the state’s finances are headed for a “slow motion train wreck.” They point to the projection of narrow, one-point-seven percent growth in state tax collections and warn state budget cuts are coming, especially if the Republicans’ state tax cuts take effect, the trade war with China continues and the financial fortunes of Iowa farmers worsen.

A key Republican in the legislature says the State of Iowa is in a “strong financial position” and Democrats are putting a “negative spin” on today’s (Tuesday’s) state tax revenue forecast.

INDEPENDENCE, Iowa (AP) — Attorneys for an Iowa farmer who appeared on ABC’s “The Bachelor” say they are close to reaching a deal with prosecutors that would resolve a criminal charge against him related to a fatal crash.

The Des Moines Register reports an attorney for Chris Soules said during a Tuesday hearing that attorneys should know by Monday whether a deal had been reached.

Soules, who appeared on “The Bachelor” and “Dancing With The Stars” in 2015, rear-ended a tractor in April 2017, killing 66-year-old Kenny Mosher. Soules called 911 and waited for first responders, but he left before police arrived. He’s now charged with leaving the scene of a fatal crash.

Tuesday’s hearing was to address Soules’ motion to move his trial out of Independence because of the publicity it has received.

Cass County Health System is hosting a free community workshop titled “Tools for Troubled Youth” on Wednesday, November 14^th from 1 to 3:30 pm at the Cass County Community Center. The workshop will be presented by H. John Lehnhoff, PhD.

Dr. Lehnhoff

The workshop focuses specifically on youth and includes material for families and professionals. Suicide risk and self-harm will be covered during the workshop. Dr. Lehnhoff says “Childhood years can be stormy at times under best of conditions, and not every problem is a mental disorder or a family dysfunction. This program helps untangle which is which, and offers tips and topics which can assist navigation of the pathways toward success and safety for youth.” .

Dr. Lehnhoff has practiced Clinical Psychology since receiving his doctorate from the University of Nebraska’s Clinical Psychology program in Lincoln. He has served as the Director of a community mental health center office, engaged in private practice, and was Clinical Director and Clinical Consultant at Omaha’s Richard Young Center (now Lasting Hope Hospital) for 16 years. Since 2003, he has served as a Clinical Psychologist Consultant for CHI Health Behavioral Services in Nebraska and Iowa.

Cass County Health System is inviting parents, families, teachers, school staff, law enforcement, community members, and more to attend this workshop. It is a free event, but reservations are requested. To reserve your spot, or if you have any questions, please call 712-250-8020.

Police in Harlan have arrested two people on drug charges. 45-year old Michael Dean Bierman, and 48-year old Terri Lynn McCord, both Harlan, were arrested today (Tuesday), following a search warrant that was executed in the 900 block of Farnam Street.

McCord was transported to the Shelby County Jail where she was charged with prohibited acts penalties, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.  Bierman was transported to the Shelby County Jail where he was charged with two counts of possession of controlled substance, prohibited acts penalties, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

 On Monday, Harlan Police cited 18-year old Kyle David Confere, of Harlan, for in the theft 5^th degree, following a call for service in the 1000 block of Chatburn Avenue.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The Mega Millions prize was already giant, but now it’s absolutely massive. Lottery officials have raised the estimated jackpot for Tuesday night’s drawing to $667 million, making it the third-largest grand prize in U.S. history. The increase from $654 million reflects a surge in ticket sales. The record lottery jackpot remains a $1.6 billion Powerball prize won in January 2016.
Although the Mega Millions prize has grown larger, the odds of winning remain the same at one in 302.5 million.

The $667 million jackpot refers to the annuity option, paid out over 29 years. The cash option, which is favored by nearly all winners, is $380 million. Mega Millions is played in 44 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Audubon Community School District Superintendent Brett Gibbs has announced he’s retiring at the end of this current school year. Gibbs told KJAN News he handed in his resignation during a Monday evening meeting of the Audubon School Board. The Board accepted his letter of resign. He’s taking early retirement at the end of the current contract year, June 30 2019. Gibbs has served the Audubon School District for 12 years, and it “was time.” He spoke about what his plans are for retirement. He and his wife will move back to northeastern South Dakota, where he grew up and has family living.

A local search committee will meet next week to discuss finding Gibbs’ replacement. They will begin advertising for the position. The District will run its own search process, rather than hiring a profession “Head Hunter” firm to interview and weed out potential candidates. He said the Board thought that money would be better spent on the students. Gibbs will lead the search, but the Board has the final decision on who to hire.

In other, “bigger news,” according to Gibbs, the Audubon School District applying to the SBRC (School Budget Review Committee) for additional funding, because the district saw an increase in enrollment this year. It’s only the second time in his 12 years of being there that he’s seen an increase. It wasn’t entirely unexpected because there are two little classes that have been working their way through the system for the past 12 years. One graduated last year, the other will graduate in the Spring of 2019. He says they expect an increase next year, as well. The District’s Certified Enrollment is up 7.8 students. “Actual butts in seats,” according to Gibbs is up nearly 15 students. The open enrolled-in is greater than the outgoing, by around 10-to 12 students. The increase means an extra $53,000 per year from the State, which is what the District will levy to the SBRC.

Gibbs said also, that the Board is looking at have a committee meeting 6-p.m. next Monday in Audubon, to discuss continued sharing opportunities with Coon Rapids-Bayard, and their role in selecting a shared Superintendent. The Audubon District has already voted to continue sharing with CR-B, and he thinks CR-B is interested in continuing the arrangement as well. And, Gibbs was proud to announce Sophomore Anna Campbell recited the FFA Creed to the Board Monday night, as part of her preparation to represent Audubon County and the State at the National FFA Convention.

The Cass County Sheriff’s Office reports there were two arrests, and one accident was investigated, last Friday. On Friday, 38-year old David Francis Dennis II,  of Anita, turned himself in at the Cass County Jail on a Sheriff’s Office charge of Assault with Intent to Commit Serious Injury. He was released later that day on $2,000 bond. And, 20-year old Shawn Michael Putnam Jr., of Atlantic, was arrested on a Council Bluffs Police Department warrant. Putnam was taken to the Cass County Jail and later released to Pottawattamie County authorities.

And, an accident last Friday afternoon in Cass County resulted in one person being transported to the hospital. Sheriff’s officials say a 2005 Kia Spectra driven by 39-year old James Lee Wolff, of Walnut, was westbound on 750^th Street at around 2:20-p.m, when a southbound 2018 Chevy Silverado owned and driven by 73-year old Dennis Dean Newell, of Anita, pulled away from a stop sign, causing the Spectra to strike the Silverado’s passenger side. Wolff was transported to CCMH via Anita Rescue. Damage to Wolff’s vehicle is estimated at $8,500; damage to Newell’s vehicle is estimated at $1,500. Newell was cited for Failure to Yield Right-of-Way at a Stop Sign.

(12-p.m. News)

Democratic nominee for Iowa Governor, Fred Hubbell, spoke to a crowd of about 40 people this (Tuesday) morning, at the Cass County Democratic Party Headquarters, in Atlantic. Hubbell and his running mate Rita Hart, are trying to spur Iowan’s to vote early and vote Democrat. Hubbell said Iowa is “At a tipping point.” He said Reynolds represents more of the same old same old, a continuation of Gov. Branstad’s policies and the taking away of Collective Bargaining rights. He says she also threw money out the window with wasteful corporate tax giveaways, took away worker protections, underfunded education and health care and continue to do little to protect the environment.)

Dem. nominee for IA Gov. Fred Hubbell (Ric Hanson photo)

He said Reynolds will also likely work to take away IPERS from State employees and teachers. Hubbell said “we have a choice.” He said “We need to elect a governor who’s going to put people first, for a change.” Hubbell said “There’s plenty of money in State government, we just don’t have the right priorities.” That starts, he said, “with education.” Hubbell said “I want to make sure we have all-day Pre-K for 4-year olds, all across our State. There are a lot of places in our State where we don’t have any Pre-K programs, because because we’re not paying those people well enough, and they can’t make enough money to have that occupation.”

He said also, “We need to fully fund our public schools. We’ve been underfunding them for eight-years in a row.” Hubbell spoke also about jobs training, healthcare, which he said “Is a disaster,” in Iowa, and return funding for Planned Parenthood. Later, when he was asked about Governor Reynolds’ assertion that he (Hubbell) didn’t look like he was having “fun” at the last Gubernatorial Debate, Hubbell said he had a lot of fun, but he takes a different approach. “I don’t necessarily go on the attack all the time like her ads do or like she did in the debate. I think about things, I approach with a common-sense bi-partisan agenda. And that’s what I’m going to be doing as governor. I to represent ALL people, not just her party.”

When asked about Reynolds comment about him “Tearing down the state,” during the first debate, Hubbell said his campaign is about putting people first. After his vist to Atlantic, Hubbell and his entourage went to Pottawattamie County, for a “Get out the vote” event in Council Bluffs.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa (AP) — An engineering report blames the failure of a pipe cap for a massive steam release that fatally injured an employee at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls. The report from HBK Engineering says the “sudden, catastrophic failure of this cap is the likely cause of the incident” at a campus dining hall. The university asked HBK to investigate in order to quickly determine what happened. The school also is awaiting a report from Iowa Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

University steamfitter Kevin Bley was fatally injured Sept. 10 as he was testing the steam distribution service for the dining hall. The dining hall had been closed since Sept. 4 because of a prior steam leak.