DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds will be the headliner at an unofficial inaugural event this week that raises money for the Republican Party. The strategic move highlights the GOP’s focus on the upcoming midterm elections and Reynolds’ anticipated gubernatorial run.

The Republican Party of Iowa is footing the bill for what it’s calling an “Inaugural Celebration” for Reynolds, who was sworn in May 24. A ticket to the Friday night event at a downtown Des Moines hotel will cost $75 per attendee and include hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar.

Iowa GOP spokesman Carlos Cruz emphasized the occasion is not a formal inaugural event but instead a fundraiser. Republicans next year will try to keep congressional seats and maintain majorities they now enjoy in both the state House and Senate.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Iowa Congressman David Young today (Wednesday) announced the Griswold Fire Department will receive $48,448 in grant funding through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) Program. The funding was authorized by the U.S. House Committee on Appropriations, of which Congressman Young is the only member from the State of Iowa.

The AFG program awards competitive grants to fire departments and other organizations nationwide to obtain and maintain necessary equipment, facilities, training, and programs. The AFG program is part of a larger preparedness effort in support of the safety, security, and health of the public.

“This important grant funding will help ensure the Griswold Fire Department has the resources to work safely and effectively,” Congressman Young said. “I’m pleased this award will benefit our firefighters, and the safety and security of the entire Griswold community.”

Officials with the Harlan Police Department report last Saturday, 24-year old Nelson Reed Guyer, of Harlan, was cited into court for Unnecessary Noise, after officers were called to the 400 block of Durant Street, for a complaint about loud music. And, last Friday, 55-year old Curt Grant Whiteley, of Harlan, was arrested in the area of 19th and Willow Streets, on a charge of Public Intoxication.

NORDEN, Neb. (AP) – Authorities are investigating the death of an Iowa man who’d been canoeing on the Niobrara River in northern Nebraska. Keya Paha County Attorney Eric Scott said Wednesday that 68-year-old Garry Kaufman was pronounced dead on the scene Saturday after being removed from the river near Norden. Kaufman lived in Fort Dodge, Iowa.

Scott says Kaufman had been canoeing with a group. The attorney also says the circumstances leading up to Kaufman’s death remain unclear, but there’s no indication that any crime was involved. No autopsy has been ordered.