DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A so-called personhood bill that would effectively ban abortion in Iowa has passed out of a legislative subcommittee, though it’s unclear if it has the necessary backing to clear the Senate. The measure was approved Monday as dozens gathered at the Capitol to support or oppose the bill. It now heads to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

The measure would recognize that life is protected from the moment of conception, effectively making abortions illegal. The bill would not prohibit the use of contraception. The legislation is co-sponsored by 20 Republicans and 1 independent in the Senate. It will need more support to pass out of the GOP-majority chamber.

If approved, the measure would likely be challenged in court. It’s among several bills seeking to restrict abortions in Iowa.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Early voting in Iowa would be reduced under a bill approved by a House subcommittee that also requires voters to show identification at the polls. Rep. Ken Rizer, a Marion Republican, on Monday announced several changes he’d made to a voter identification bill, including shortening early voting from 40 days to 29 days. The panel later approved the bill with only Republican support and sent it to the full House State Government Committee, which Rizer also heads.

The amended bill would also eliminate the option of voting straight party with a single mark on a ballot. The bill was initially drawn up by Secretary of State Paul Pate, who declined to comment on whether he supported the changes. His spokesman says Pate hopes lawmakers will pass his original bill.

The Young Professionals of Atlantic (YPA) organization will be hosting the 4th Annual Awards Luncheon and Dessert Gala on April 28th, 2017, and are seeking community-wide nominations for the awards. The awards are designed to recognize the achievements of young professionals who demonstrate a commitment to excellence and innovation in their profession and within the community.

The awards are open to any Young Professional that meets the following criteria: the professional is between the age of 21-41 years old as of January 1, 2017, and the professional either works or resides within Cass County.

Young Professionals will be nominated for their excellence in four different categories: YP Newcomer, YP Entrepreneur, YP Business Leader and YP Public Servant. There will also be one YP Choice Workplace Award given. The YP Choice Workplace Award recognizes a company who effectively attracts, retains and develops young professionals. Individuals can either nominate their company or another company. Companies must be Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce members. You can check the membership directory at www.atlanticiowa.com for eligibility.

The winners for the Young Professional Awards in 2016 included: Christina Bateman – Public Servant of the Year, Nick Harris – Newcomer of the Year, Megan Roberts – Entrepreneur of the Year, Tim Cappel – Business Leader of the Year, and TS Bank – Choice Workplace of the Year.

To submit a nomination, go to www.atlanticiowa.com for a nomination form or pick one up at the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce Office (102 Chestnut, Atlantic, IA 50022). All nomination forms must be submitted by Tuesday, March 21st, 2017 by 5 PM.

The YPA nominations will be reviewed by a selection committee including: a YPA Representative, an Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce Board Representative, a member of CADCO, an Atlantic City Official and an out of town guest.

The Young Professionals of Atlantic is a social group with no membership dues or required meetings. Their mission is to connect, engage and attract young leaders into the community while promoting the greater Atlantic area.  Members are young professionals between the ages of 21-41. Any interested individuals can contact the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce at 712-243-3017 for information.

The YPA Dessert Gala & Awards is sponsored by Megan Roberts, State Farm.

Sheriff’s Deputies in Mills County Sunday night arrested an Audubon County man on a warrant out of Audubon County. 44-year old Verlyn Duane Richardson, of Audubon, was arrested at around 8:45-p.m. in Glenwood, on a warrant for Domestic Abuse Assault, Interference with Official Acts and Disorderly Conduct. His bond was set at $5,000.

And, 45-year old Troy Robert McCain, of Council Bluffs, was arrested in Pacific Junction Sunday afternoon, for Driving Under Suspension. His bond was set at $300.

Adair County Sheriff Jeff Vandewater, today (Monday), released his weekly arrest report. Taken into custody at around 3:15-a.m. Saturday morning, was 39-year old John Michael Burgoyne, of Creston, who faces charges that include Theft by Credit Card, Attempted Burglary/2nd degree (associated with the theft of property from a vehicle), and two counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance (marijuana and meth). Burgoyne was later released on $5,000 bond.

At around 4:40-a.m., Saturday, 27-year old Colleen Nicole Denton, of Greenfield, was arrested in association with Burgoyne, on two counts each of Joint Criminal Conduct and Possession of a Controlled Substance (marijuana and meth). Denton was later released on $5,000 bond, as well.

30-year old Alfredo Ruvalcaba Nunez, of Columbus Junction was arrested following an investigation into a single vehicle accident on Interstate 80, at around 6-a.m., Saturday. He was charged with OWI/1st offense, Failure to have a valid license, Open Container in a motor vehicle, and Failure to Maintain Control. Nunez was later released on $1,000 bond.

Thursday evening, 37-year old Elijah Daniel Davis, of Fontanelle, was arrested on two counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance/3rd offense. The drugs (Hash oil & marijuana) were recovered from his bedroom at a home where children were located, following a visit by a DHS worker He was cited and released.

Vandewater says 18-year old Justice Guy Myers, of Villisca, was arrested Feb. 22nd for Burglary in the 3rd degree, and Theft in the 2nd degree, after he allegedly entered a garage in Greenfield and a vehicle in the garage, where it is alleged he took a loaded handgun without permission, and with the intent to sell the weapon. Myers was being held in the Adair County Jail on $10,000 bond.

An investigation into the theft of a vehicle from Adair resulted in the arrest Feb. 21st, of 26-year old Samantha Lynn Bullington, of Des Moines and 25-year old Haley Nicole Hamler, of Knoxville. Bullington was charged with Theft in the 2nd Degree in association with the stolen vehicle, which had broken down near Adair. She was also taken into custody on a Polk County warrant for Failure to Appear on a charge of Theft in the 4th Degree. Hamler was arrested for Theft in the 2nd Degree in Association with the theft from the vehicle of a laptop computer and carrying case, which she tried to ditch at a restaurant in Adair. Bullington was being held in the Adair County Jail on $5,000 bond, while Hamler was later released on $5,000 bond.