DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The afterglow of Gov. Terry Branstad’s sixth inauguration is still hanging in the air, but Iowa Republicans are already speculating about the political future for Branstad’s faithful Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds. Reynolds, serving her second term as Branstad’s second-in-command, is widely viewed as a likely candidate for governor in 2018, if Branstad steps aside. She’s keeping quiet about her ambitions, but her political mentor is showing no such reticence.

Branstad would not say if he would run again, but he said it is more likely he would support Reynolds. He says she’s “better prepared to be governor than anyone has ever been.” The 55-year-old Reynolds is one of the most high-profile lieutenant governors since Branstad himself held the role from 1979 to 1983.

Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press

DUBUQUE, Iowa (AP) — Dubuque leaders are considering opening more city parks to sledding, just days after limiting the winter recreation to two of the city’s 50 parks, sparking public criticism. The Telegraph Herald reports that the Dubuque City Council will consider at a Tuesday meeting allowing sledding in Gay, Usha and Valentine parks. The council voted January 5th to restrict sledding in city parks to just Bunker Hill Golf Course and Allison-Henderson Park, leading to a public protest last week.

AMES, Iowa (AP) — Pasta-maker Barilla Group has announced plans for a $26.5 million expansion at its Ames production plant to add two new production lines dedicated to making gluten-free pasta. In a news release Friday, Barilla said construction is slated to begin in late March, and production is expected to start by October. The expansion will create 23 new jobs.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Democratic lawmakers say they’re ready to introduce bills this session that would increase Iowa’s minimum wage, but the effort faces hurdles because of a divided Legislature and Republican Governor Terry Branstad’s other priorities. Democrats in the Iowa House and Senate want to raise the state’s minimum wage from $7.25 an hour — the federal minimum — to $10.10 an hour.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The Iowa Democratic Party has elected Andrea McGuire, of Des Moines, as the state party’s new chairwoman. The 58-year-old McGuire is president and CEO of a Des Moines health care company.

A minister in Atlantic has received the Athena Award for serving the community and assisting women in their attainment of professional goals and leadership skills. The 14th Annual Athena Award sponsored locally by Deter Motor Company, in Atlantic, went to the Reverend Lanette Plamback,  during the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce’ annual banquet and awards program held Saturday night at the Cass County Community Center. She received the award from last year’s winner, Pat Markham, former CEO of the Cass County Memorial Hospital.

Rev. Lanette Plambeck, 2014 Athena Award winner.

The Reverend Plambeck started at the 1st United Methodist Church in Atlantic about  5 and one-half years ago, and has since served the community through many programs such as “Celebrate Recovery,” “Soldier Ministry,” ministry at the Heritage House, the Ministerial Alliance and Micronesian community development. She was also described as being a great mentor to women and children in the community. The Athena Award was first presented in 1982 in Lansing, Michigan and has grown to include presentations to more than 6,000 individuals in hundreds of cities across the globe.

Other awards presented during the evening include:

• Outstanding Volunteer – The Atlantic Business and Professional Women’s organization (BPW).
• Ambassadors – Pat McCurdy, Rich Perry, and Dolly Bergmann.
• Ambassador of the Year – Sue Muri.
• Community Betterment – The City of Atlantic Street Department.
• Business of the Year – Brown Shoe Fit.
• Distinguished Service Award – Doctor Keith and Bernice Swanson.

The evening’s dinner was catered by The Downtowner Cafe,’ while the banquet and program was sponsored by the Allen House and The Office Stop.

Police in Red Oak say a resident on east Nuckols Street reported Saturday that sometime on Jan. 14th, a person or persons unknown stole a packaged automotive component from his mailbox. The Turbo 350 Powerglide transmission yoke is valued at slightly more than $46.

Anyone with information about the theft is asked to contact Red Oak Police at 712-623-6500 or Montgomery County Crimestoppers at 1-800-432-1001.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Democratic lawmakers say they’re ready to introduce bills this session that would increase Iowa’s minimum wage, but the effort faces hurdles because of a divided Legislature and Republican Gov. Terry Branstad’s other priorities. Democrats in the House and Senate want to raise the state’s minimum wage from $7.25 an hour — the federal minimum — to $10.10 an hour. Some feel there’s national momentum on their side this year.

Twenty-nine states plus the District of Columbia have a minimum wage higher than the federal standard. Several increases took effect on Jan. 1. But Branstad has been vocal about other priorities, including anti-bully legislation and expanded broadband Internet in Iowa. Leadership in the Republican-controlled House has indicated more interest in funding job creation and worker training programs.

Authorities say two Council Bluffs middle schools received unspecified threats Friday that Council Bluffs police quickly determined were not credible – along with several other Iowa schools. The Daily NonPareil reports just before noon, Friday, the Wilson Middle School received a recorded call indicating a vague, external threat would be coming to the school. The school was immediately placed on lockdown, but Council Bluffs Police Sgt. Chad Meyers said students did not appear to be in any real danger. Police presence was stepped up outside the school in response.

Shortly after Wilson received the all-clear at 12:25 p.m. and lifted its lockdown, a very similar threat was received at Kirn Middle School. Diane Ostrowski, chief communications officer with the Council Bluffs Community School District, said that though Kirn was not placed on lockdown, police responded and beefed up exterior security.

Meyers said authorities had been in contact with Harlan Police Department, as Harlan Community High School received a called-in bomb threat on Wednesday afternoon. The threat was deemed credible and classes were dismissed early, but the school was declared safe after a nearly three-hour search by law enforcement. A number of other threats were also made Friday against several other Iowa schools.

Media reports indicate similar threats were made at roughly the same time Friday to schools throughout Iowa, including: Ankeny, Cedar Falls, Davenport Central, Davenport West, Sioux City East and Waterloo West high schools. Mitch Mortvedt, special agent with the Iowa Department of Criminal Investigation, said the DCI has not yet been asked by law enforcement to be involved with investigating the threats. However, the Department of Public Safety’s intelligence division is monitoring the situation.