DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The loud cry for voter ID and voter fraud investigations is fading to a whimper as Iowa’s top election official prepares to leave and those seeking to replace him downplay the politically charged issues. Iowa Secretary of State Matt Schultz leaves in January after pursuing high profile voter fraud investigations costing $250,000, proposing a voter purge rule for those lacking citizenship proof, and lobbying for voter ID.

Brad Anderson, the Democrat seeking the office opposes voter ID and says he would immediately end criminal fraud investigations. He says Iowa’s 99 should use the same computerized poll book program. Republican former Secretary of State Paul Pate also supports statewide electronic poll books, which he says if designed right can accomplish the same ends as voter ID without alienating or disenfranchising people.

Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — New state laws aimed at corn growers, drones and electronic cigarettes are set to go into effect Tuesday in Iowa. The Des Moines Register reports that the laws will allow for potential increases in Iowa’s corn promotion check-off, impose new restrictions on e-cigarettes and prohibit the state and local governments from using drones to enforce traffic laws.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The Iowa Republican Party has voted to replace its current chairman with a former state lawmaker. The state central committee yesterday chose former state Representative Jeff Kauffman of Wilton as the new party chairman. Kaufmann replaces Danny Carroll, a former lobbyist for the Family Leader, a conservative Christian group.

DAVENPORT, Iowa (AP) — Authorities say a Davenport police car was struck by another vehicle while chasing a criminal suspect. The Quad-City Times reports that the police officer was unharmed, but two people suffered minor injuries after their vehicle struck the squad car on Friday night. The Iowa State Patrol was called to the scene and is investigating the crash.

GRUNDY CENTER, Iowa (AP) — An 84-year-old Grundy County man has died after his tractor struck him. The Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier reports Harold Voss was trying to start his International 674 tractor Friday when the machine started and lunged forward, knocking him to the ground. The accident happened at Voss’ farm, about two miles northwest of Grundy Center.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — An Omaha man accused of causing a fatal crash while driving the wrong way on Interstate 480 has pleaded not guilty to felony charges. Victor Perez is charged with motor vehicle homicide while drunk and leaving the scene of an accident. A judge on Friday set his bail at $250,000. Police say the 24-year-old Perez was driving the SUV that struck Mickey Riesberg, who was riding a motorcycle. Riesberg was pronounced dead at Nebraska Medical Center.

Perez was arrested shortly after the crash after he pulled into the Ameristar Casino grounds in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Prosecutors say his blood alcohol level was 0.191 at the time of his arrest, more than twice the legal limit to drive. A preliminary hearing is set for Aug. 1.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The Iowa Republican Party has voted to replace its current chairman with a former state lawmaker. The state central committee on Saturday chose former state Rep. Jeff Kauffman, of Wilton, as the new party chairman. Kaufmann replaces Danny Carroll, a former lobbyist for the Family Leader, a conservative Christian group.

The vote came after new committee members were elected earlier this year, with the support of Gov. Terry Branstad. Branstad wants the party unified to protect Iowa’s first-in-the-nation presidential caucuses. Kaufmann, a loyal Branstad supporter, says he will work to unite the party, raise money and get Republican voters to the polls. Kaufmann set an immediate goal of raising $300,000 over the next three months.

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS CANCELLED SEVERE THE THUNDERSTORM WATCH WHICH HAD BEEN IN EFFECT FOR ADAIR DALLAS GUTHRIE MADISON RINGGOLD AND UNION COUNTIES IN THE KJAN LISTENING AREA.

ADDITIONAL PERIODS OF THUNDERSTORMS ARE EXPECTED SUNDAY INTO MONDAY. THERE IS A MODERATE RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS FOR SUNDAY AND SUNDAY NIGHT. DAMAGING WIND…LARGE HAIL AND A FEW TORNADOES ARE ALL POSSIBLE SUNDAY. SUNDAY NIGHT THE THREAT WILL MAINLY BE DAMAGING WIND. VERY HEAVY RAINFALL WILL OCCUR WITH STORMS AND FLASH FLOODING WILL BE POSSIBLE.

ADDITIONAL SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ARE POSSIBLE MONDAY WITH DAMAGING WIND THE MAIN THREAT. HEAVY RAINFALL IS ALSO LIKELY WITH THUNDERSTORMS.

Multiple rounds of severe weather are expected starting this (Saturday) afternoon and going through Monday for Iowa. Sunday afternoon looks to be the biggest threat. Please stay weather aware this weekend, especially if you are outdoors!

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — New state laws aimed at corn growers, drones and electronic cigarettes are set to go into effect Tuesday in Iowa. The Des Moines Register reports) that the laws will allow for potential increases in Iowa’s corn promotion check-off, impose new restrictions on e-cigarettes and prohibit the state and local governments from using drones to enforce traffic laws.

Another law will allow consumers to use gift certificates indefinitely. The state Board of Educational Examiners will also receive the power to discipline teachers who engage in relationships with recent former students.

Iowa will also allow household pets to be included in protection orders in domestic abuse cases. The state will also provide services for minors forced into prostitution, instead of prosecuting them.

w/ Chris Parks

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DEXTER, Iowa (AP) – Officials say a leaking pipe has caused wastewater to discharge near Diamondhead Lake in Guthrie County.

The state Department of Natural Resources says wastewater from a sanitary sewer line began bubbling up Friday morning from an underground pipe on the west side of Diamondhead Lake.

Officials believe the pipeline leak occurred after the installation of a power pole. Wastewater is discharging about 300 feet from the lake but has not reached the water.

The Diamondhead Lake Sanitary District expects the discharge to be ongoing until at least Saturday. Residents are being encouraged to avoid swimming and wading near the area.

The Red Oak Police Department reports the arrest of a Red Oak man for Theft in the 5th Degree early Saturday, June 28th at 12:57am.  Officers observed 31-year-old Joseph Aaron Nelson of Red Oak carrying a large storage box on his bicycle.  After making contact with Nelson, he stated that he had taken the box from the 400 block of East Coolbaugh Street.  Nelson was then taken into custody and taken to the Montgomery County Law Enforcement Center and held on $300 bond.