DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Expect a few more pops and flashes this July Fourth thanks to a final vote on legislation allowing fireworks sales in Iowa. The bill approved Tuesday 52-40 would legalize consumer-grade fireworks, including bottle rockets, firecrackers and roman candles. The explosives could be sold from June 1 to July 8 and Dec. 10 to Jan. 3. Local governments could forbid firework use, but not the sale.

Gov. Terry Branstad has indicated support for the bill, noting at a press conference that few states remain so restrictive about fireworks. The nonpartisan Legislative Services Agency estimates sales tax revenue generated from the bill is estimated at $1.5 million for the 2018 fiscal year.

Emergency medical responders have expressed concern for the proposed change, noting the increased risk of injury with widespread firework use.

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — The University of Iowa’s decision to eliminate and then reinstate scholarships for thousands of children of alumni will cost the university more than bad public relations.

A judge ordered the school Monday to pay the legal costs of a student who filed a class-action lawsuit to challenge President Bruce Harreld’s decision to eliminate scholarships they’d been promised. The bill’s expected to amount to a couple hundred dollars.

The university had asked the court to dismiss the case without costs after Harreld reinstated scholarships for those students last month. But Judge Carl Baker of the Sixth Judicial District said he agreed with plaintiff’s attorney Jim Larew, who argued Harreld tried to use the students as “political pawns” in an ill-advised attempt to convince Republican leaders to reverse budget cuts. Larew argued that UI only reversed course after an “adverse public reaction” to the cuts.

The Griswold School Board, Monday evening, voted to terminate the 2017-18 Human Resources Sharing Agreement. Superintendent Dave Henrichs said it was a cost saving measure. He said schools are allowed to receive funding through Operational Sharing, but there is a maximum of weighted [point value] positions allowed. Last year the district tried to reach enter into as many sharing agreements as possible to get the financial benefit of additional sharing dollars.

When they reached out to the other districts, they assumed not all the arrangements would be “do able,” but it turns out they were. As far as the sharing dollars are concerned, they were “Oversharing,” because funding is available for only 21 of the point values. The Griswold District was at 26, so it cost them money. The HR position was therefore eliminated, because it wasn’t “Financially beneficial” to the District. It also got the district total sharing down to the maximum of 21.

The Griswold School Board Monday voted to renew a Transportation Sharing Agreement with the Atlantic School District and Transportation Director Dave Eckles. In other business, the Griswold School Board discussed snow make-up days.

He says there were four snow days. One was made up April 17^th. Another will be made up May 25^th. The Board elected to forego using May 26^th as a make-up day, therefore that will be the last day of classes.

Students will be dismissed four-hours early on May 26^th, with staff remaining until 3-p.m. to wrap up end-of-year activities.

Atlantic Police Chief Dave Erickson reports 26-year old Alicia Dellaca, of Avoca, turned herself-in to authorities Monday. Dellaca was wanted on a Cass County warrant for Probation Violation. She was booked into the Cass County Jail.

The Atlantic Public Library’s Memorial Reading Garden project has received a big boost in funding, thanks to a donation by the Trevor Frederickson Memorial Fund. Fund spokesperson Melanie Petty recently presented Library Director Natalie Struecker with a check for $2,500 for the garden they are working on installing this spring.

Melanie Petty (Left) and Atlantic Public Library Director Natalie Struecker.

The money has been designated for a game table. Robinson Landscaping will be starting construction on the garden in the very near future. There are still many ways for the community to donate and support this great cause. Contact Natalie at 712-243-5466, if you are interested in helping out with the project.

The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office reports two men were arrested on separate charges, Monday afternoon. 24-year old Cody Dean Johnson, of Red Oak, was arrested for Criminal Mischief in the 5th degree after allegedly slashing car tires in the 600 block of Sunset Avenue. He was subsequently charged with Criminal Mischief in the 4th degree as well, in connection with alleged tire slashing incidents that occurred at an earlier date.

And, 33-year old Kirby David Stoneking, of Red Oak, was arrested Monday afternoon on a warrant for Burglary in the 2nd degree. His bond was set at $5,000.