(Radio Iowa) — Republicans in the Iowa Senate have voted to require able-bodied adults to work, volunteer or go to school for at least 20 hours a week to remain qualified for Medicaid benefits. Senator Jason Schultz, a Republican from Schleswig, says the “Iowa work ethic” is eroding and this will help.

“We’ve told people that you don’t have to work…’Oh, here, by the way, here’s enough stuff to get by. You still don’t have to work,'” Schultz said. “That destroys a culture, people.” Senator Liz Mathis, a Democrat from Cedar Rapids, had this reply. “People don’t wake up every morning, Senator Schultz, and say: ‘I’m so glad I’m on Medicaid. I’m so glad I’m poor,'” Mathis said.

Senator Pam Jochum, a Democrat from Dubuque, says there are better ways to spend the cost five-million dollars it will cost to keep and analyze the reports Medicaid recipients submit about their work, volunteerism or school attendance. “This is not about new work requirements. We can keep saying it is. It is not,” Jochum said. “It’s about new reporting requirements.”

Jochum and the other Democrats present in the Senate today (Tuesday) voted against the bill, while all 32 Republicans voted for it. Senator Jerry Behn, of Boone, a Republican, says work requirements for welfare should be enforced. “It is simply a compassionate nudge toward being successful,” Behn said. “…This is a bill that we are in dire need of. Will it fix everything? No. Will it help? Yes.”

The bill now goes to the House. The Senate has passed two other bills aimed at making welfare program changes. One created a new crime of illegally possessing more than two food stamp cards and it passed unanimously.

In response to Governor Reynolds’ disaster declarations for many Iowa counties, the Iowa Department of Revenue has granted a 30-day extension and suspension of any penalty or interest for taxpayers whose principal residence or business is located in the disaster areas and whose payment or return is due on or before March 31. This includes all tax types.

The governor has issued declarations for 41 counties impacted by the recent flooding, including (locally): Adair, Crawford, Dallas, Fremont, Guthrie, Harrison, Mills, Monona, Montgomery, Page, Pottawattamie, and Shelby.

State law authorizes Iowa Department of Revenue Director Kraig Paulsen to extend the period of time for filing tax returns and making associated payments. This includes the suspension of any penalty or interest associated with those returns or payments.

Officials with Cass County Public Heath said Tuesday, Parents as Teachers (PAT) currently has limited openings. Parents who are interested in the program can contract Nancy Gibson, Parents as Teachers Educator with Cass County Public Health at 712-243-7475.

Referrals are also welcome – anyone who knows of a family that could benefit from participating is encouraged to call. PAT is a free program for Cass County families with children ages 0-5, which provides home visits to help young children grow up healthy, safe, and ready to learn.

Officials with the Harlan Police Department, Tuesday, issued report on arrests from over the past couple of weeks. This past Sunday, 28-year old Alicia Arlene Dellaca, of Avoca, was arrested following a traffic stop.  Dellaca was transported to the Shelby County Jail where she was charged with operating while intoxicated, prohibited acts, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, operating without owner’s consent, false reports to police, driving while revoked, and careless driving.

Last Saturday, 24-year old Khadijah Meeks, of Harlan, was arrested following a traffic stop.  Meeks was transported to the Shelby County Jail where she was charged with driving while revoked and violation of financial liability.

On March 12th, 24-year old Matthew Allen Strong, of Harlan was arrested on an active Shelby County warrant.  Strong was transported to the Shelby County Jail where he was also charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of burglary tools.

March 8th, following a traffic stop, Harlan Police arrested 27-year old Miranda June Willis, of Charter Oak.  Willis was transported to the Shelby County Jail where she was charged with prohibited acts, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, operating a non-registered vehicle, and improper rear lamps.

And, on March 7th, 25-year old Jacob Wayne Jens, of Avoca, was arrested on an active Pottawatomie County warrant.  Custody of Jens was transferred to a Shelby County deputy for transport to Pottawatomie County.

Officials with the Missouri DOT said Tuesday, the Interstate 29 closure has been extended further south to the U.S. 71 intersection north of St. Joseph, MO (mile marker 57) due to flooding. Previously, I-29 had been closed at Rock Port, MO (mile marker 110).

Interstate closures include:

• I-680 in both directions between the Nebraska border and I-29 near Crescent (Mormon Bridge).
• The North portion of I-680 between I-80 and I-29 remains open for northbound traffic.
• I-29 in both directions between the I-680 interchange (near Loveland) and North 25th Street in Council Bluffs.
• Northbound I-29 between U.S. 71 in Missouri (north of St. Joseph, MO) and the Iowa 92/U.S. 275 interchange (in Council Bluffs).
• The I-29/U.S. 34/ U.S. 275 interchange (exit 34 near Pacific Junction) has also been closed.
• Southbound I-29 between the I-80 interchange in Iowa (near Council Bluffs) and U.S. 71 in Missouri (north of St. Joseph, MO)

Local traffic is urged to check www.511ia.org for current flood-related closures and detour routes. Interstate 29 travelers are being detoured using the following route:

• Northbound I-29 traffic is being detoured at I-35 in Kansas City, MO where travelers will continue north on I-35 into Iowa. From Des Moines, travelers will drive west on I-80 and continue onto I-680 to connect back with northbound I-29 in Iowa.
• Southbound I-29 traffic will be detoured at Loveland onto eastbound I-680 where travelers will continue on to eastbound I-80 to Des Moines. From Des Moines, travelers will head south on I-35 into Missouri where travelers can connect with I-29 in Kansas City, MO.

Travelers should be aware that westbound I-680 on the detour route in Iowa is reduced to one lane due to damage from previous flood waters.

Click on the map to enlarge the image

AMES, IOWA – Iowans submitted nominations between February 11 – March 11 to kick off the quest to find the best burger in Iowa. Nominations were accepted online by the Iowa Beef Industry Council and the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association. The number of votes each restaurant received determined the 2019 Top Ten restaurants. The restaurants making the Top Ten list (in alphabetical order) include:

• Ankeny Diner, Ankeny *
• Dotzy’s Restaurant and Saloon, Elgin
• Landmark Restaurant, Williamsburg
• Morgan’s Corner Bar & Grill, Ottumwa *
• Rides Bar & Grill, Fort Dodge *
• Robin’s Nest Café and Bakery, Clarinda *
• Saucy Focaccia, Cedar Rapids *
• The IowaStater Restaurant, Ames *
• The Twisted Tail Steakhouse & Saloon, Logan (Beebeetown) *
• and Wood Iron Grille, Oskaloosa.

Seven of the contestants have returned to the Top 10 list from previous nominations over the past few years, including the Robin’s Nest Cafe/Bakery in Clarinda, and The Twisted Tail in the Logan/Beebeetown area. (* indicates returning contestant)

To qualify, the burger must be a 100% beef patty or patties, although other ingredients may be added such as spices, and served on a bun or bread product. Burgers may include any combination of condiments, sauces, cheese or toppings.

The quest for the winner of the Iowa’s Best Burger will now begin. All Top Ten restaurants will be visited by a panel of anonymous judges who will evaluate the burgers based on taste, appearance, and proper doneness (160 degrees Fahrenheit). The judges’ scores and comments will be accumulated and the winner will be crowned on May 1.

To learn more about the contest and the Top Ten restaurants, including addresses and hours, visit www.iabeef.org. Last year, Café Beaudelaire of Ames took home the title of the 2018 Iowa’s Best Burger.

The Mills County Board of Supervisors and Mills County Emergency Managment have issued a partial release of mandatory evacuation order. The partial release area includes the unincorporated areas from Mills County/Pottawattamie County line south to Allis Road between the West face of the Loess Hills to the East and Missouri River to the West.

Residents in the area outlined may return to their homes. Residents are asked to contact 712-527-9699 if they need volunteers to assist.

Police in Council Bluffs say the suspect in a convenience store robbery that took place early this (Tuesday) morning, was apprehended without incident a little after 2-p.m. today (Tuesday). 28-year old Ryan Ross, of Bellevue, NE., was taken into custody at a residence in the 600 block of South 1st Street. Ross was arrested on a warrant for Robbery in the 3rd degree.

Earlier, authorities said Ross entered the Kwik Shop at 3632 Ave G at around 2:25-a.m., and demanded money from the cashier. After the clerk handed him an undetermined amount of cash, Ross fled the scene in his vehicle.

Robbery suspect Ryan Ross

Video surveillance was able to get the vehicles license plate information.

Mills County Emergency Management officials said today (Tuesday), that Glenwood Municipal Utilities (GMU) has issued a BOIL ORDER (effective 1:30-p.m. today) until further notice. The Order is in response to an electrical outage at the Glenwood Water Treatment Facility. GMU says it will be adding water to their system to assure ongoing availability for their customers. In the meantime, water meant for consumption should be boiled first, and then cooled.

The water is safe to use for bathing and household activities. Officials stress “Conservation of water is still required.” Drinking water is available at no cost, and can be picked up at  the Glenwood City Hall. Anyone with questions should contact GMU at 712-527-4868.