The first-degree murder trial of Brian Heath Davis got underway before a judge in Fremont County District Court, Tuesday. The 34-year-old Davis is charged with murder in the death of Holly Rae Durben in July of 2009. Davis waived his right to a jury trial and today marked the beginning of a bench trial presided over by 4th District Judge Timothy O’Grady.

Following opening statements the prosecution began by calling witnesses and playing the 9-1-1 call made on the day of Durben’s death. The trial is expected to last until at least Friday when a key medical witness is expected to testify. The defendant claims Durben committed suicide, however the prosecution told Judge O’Grady they are prepared to show evidence that her death was a homicide.

(Radio Iowa)

The second time was the charm for voters in the East Mills Community School District, Tuesday, as they passed by a slim margin, a Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL), during a special election. Unofficial results from the Mills County Auditor’s Office show the PPEL of $1.34 per thousand dollars valuation passing by a vote of 478 “Yes” to 410 “No” votes The referendum received almost 54% of the vote–a simple majority was necessary in order to pass. Voters rejected a similar PPEL referendum in September.

Monies raised through the 10-year levy will be used to complete geothermal upgrades in each of the district’s buildings. District officials have said the PPEL is key part of the district’s long-range building plans, which call for converting East Mills Junior-Senior High School in Malvern into a K-12 facility.

A bond referendum that would have been used to build and equip a new elementary building and improve the site in the Nodaway Valley School District has failed by a slim margin. Unofficial results from the Adair County Auditor’s Office show that while there were 397 “Yes” votes to 283 “No” votes for the $8.8-million dollar referendum, the measure needed 60-percent approval in order to pass. It received 58.4-percent. There were a total of 680 votes cast out of the 3,004 registered voters in the district.

At least two informational meetings were held prior to the vote. The current building is nearly 60-years old. Officials have said it would cost $6.5-million to renovate the existing facility, which is not currently energy efficient, is difficult to maintain, and not ADA compliant.

Nodaway Valley Superintendent Casey Berlau has stated that the new structure would have included a safe room/storm shelter, and met all energy efficiency and ADA requirements.