COON RAPIDS, Iowa (AP) — A schools superintendent in west-central Iowa says he is resigning in an effort to save his district money. Rich Stoffers, superintendent for the Coon Rapids-Bayard Community School District, says he’s taken an early retirement package in order to save thousands of dollars for the district next year. He called the decision bittersweet.

The Daily Times Herald reports Stoffers says financial challenges have been mounting for the small district, which aims to cut about $400,000 from its general fund budget for the upcoming school year. Stoffers, who is also an elementary school principal, recommends that the district share the superintendent position with another administrator. School board president Joel Davis says he has contacted other superintendents about the option, but it’s too early in the process to comment further on it.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (AP) — A county official in western Iowa is questioning how Council Bluffs police recorded inaccurate crime data in the past. The Council Bluffs Police Department recently announced that crime data for most of 2012 was reported at a higher rate because of a glitch in its records software. Authorities say the problem was resolved late last year.

Pottawattamie County Board member Loren Knauss says he has since reported the issue to state officials out of concern with funding that was issued based on the statistics. The Omaha World-Herald reports Council Bluffs Mayor Matt Walsh questioned Knauss’ actions, since the inquiry may require authorities to return money. Knauss says he has a legal and ethical obligation to report the situation.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Multiple parties in a legal fight over casino gambling in Sioux City are objecting to a group’s bid to join a lawsuit. Warrior Entertainment LLC recently filed requests to intervene in a lawsuit by Penn National Gaming Co.

Penn is challenging the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission’s decision last year to award a casino license to the owners of the Hard Rock casino. Warrior Entertainment, a partnership involving Ho-Chunk Inc. and others, also lost a bid.

The Sioux City Journal reports the commission, the Hard Rock developer and Sioux City officials all object to Warrior Entertainment’s petition. The commission argued in a motion Monday that the group is trying to “piggyback” onto the lawsuit. Ho-Chunk President and CEO Lance Morgan says the group has an interest in the proceedings.

Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press…

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Lawmakers in the Iowa House have advanced a bill attempting to change the state’s law dealing with drunken drivers. The bill would allow offenders to begin driving more quickly if they install an ignition lock device, which requires drivers to show they haven’t had alcohol before their vehicle ignition will unlock.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — An effort to toughen laws against sexual assaults in state military forces and to hold the Iowa National Guard accountable for such abuses has won the Iowa House’s support. The measure would ensure that victims are aware of their right to report assaults and require the Guard to comply with certain reporting standards. It would require the Iowa National Guard to file a report annually to the Legislature detailing sexual abuse allegations. It also would make it illegal for a commander to interfere in a victim’s reporting process.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (AP) — A county official in western Iowa is questioning how Council Bluffs police recorded inaccurate crime data in the past. The Council Bluffs Police Department recently announced that crime data for most of 2012 was reported at a higher rate because of a glitch in its records software. Authorities say the problem was resolved late last year.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A bill that previously added pets to domestic abuse protective orders was amended by the Iowa House to also include property of emotional value. The legislation would give judges discretion to include property if a victim is emotionally attached to such items as well.

Another name has been thrown into the hat for the Cass County Recorder’s job. Auditor Dale Sunderman reports Delbert Thurman, a Republican from Atlantic, has filed nomination papers for the June 3rd Primary. Thurman, the only male candidate for the Recorder’s position, joins fellow Republican candidates Mary Ward, Jess Ehrman and Shelly Glynn, in the bid to become Recorder. Thurman filed his nomination papers today (Tuesday).

High school students from across Iowa will be at the State Capitol in Des Moines for Capitol Youth Day on March 26th and 27th.  Capitol Youth Day celebrates Democracy Day and provides high school students with a non-partisan overview of the importance of civic participation and the electoral process.

Among the students participating on Wednesday, are those from: Adair-Casey; Panorama; Fremont-Mills and East Sac County. On Thursday, students from: Coon Rapids-Bayard Junior High; Glidden-Ralston and Council Bluffs/Thomas Jefferson will be participating in the event.

Democracy Day was started in March of 2011 by Rock the Vote to celebrate the 40^th Anniversary of the 26^th Amendment and a national effort to promote civic education in high schools.

During Capitol Youth Day, students will have the opportunity to meet with members of the state legislature and statewide elected officials; participate in an interactive election activity; tour the Capitol; and participate in a student rally. Capitol Youth Day is sponsored by the Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council and the Iowa Secretary of State’s Office.  The Capitol Youth Day lunch is sponsored by Hy-Vee and Anderson Erickson Dairy.