(DES MOINES) – Gov. Kim Reynolds ordered flags at half-staff effective immediately and continuing for 30 days to honor former President George HW Bush. “America lost a great leader with the passing of George HW Bush. A man whose legacy is one of service, statesmanship and values,” Gov. Reynolds said. “Last night, we didn’t just lose a patriot who dedicated his life to serving America, but also a loving husband, father and grandfather who now leaves behind a grieving family.  “Our hearts and our prayers continue to go out to the Bush family,” she continued. “It is my hope that as a nation, we will remember his legacy and as leaders in public service, we will work to meet the standard he set for many years to come.”

Flags will be at half-staff on the State Capitol Building and on flag displays in the Capitol Complex. Flags will also be half-staff on all public buildings, grounds and facilities throughout the state. Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and other government subdivisions are encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff for the same length of time as a sign of respect.

(Radio Iowa) — The Iowa Supreme Court has ruled those involved in police chases can be required to pay for damage to patrol cars. The City of Davenport sought seven-thousand dollars for damage to patrol cars that resulted from a high-speed chase of Daryl Shears in 2016. Shears had pled guilty to criminal mischief and eluding officers — but argued the damage to the patrol vehicles was not a direct result of his crimes and he should not have to pay restitution. The Iowa Supreme Court acknowledge that providing damages to victims has until fairly recently been a civil — not criminal action. And says there are questions as to whether a government entity can be considered a victim.

But the ruling says a reasonable fact finder could conclude that police would make an effort to apprehend the speeding Shears and that police vehicles could be damaged. It says most of the state and federal case law dealing with police vehicle crashes supports their conclusion

(Radio Iowa) — Many Iowans are spreading holiday cheer with Christmas displays on their property, but possibly the biggest exhibit is in northwest Iowa’s Plymouth County. For 22 years, the Scheitler family has been hosting “Christmas Acres” – a display of 150,000 lights and around 1,300 plastic figurines and sculptures. Rob Scheitler says his favorite part is interacting with all the people. “I try and be out here every night, especially on weekends when it is busy. We’ll have our tables set up at the end of the driveway with all the candy canes for the kids,” Scheitler said. “On weekends when it is busy, I will be out here with three or four other people just to keep handing out candy canes.”

Word of mouth and social media bring more and more people to Christmas Acres each year. It’s located along Highway 3, about seven miles west of Le Mars. A 16-foot-tall inflatable Santa is one of the more popular decorations. “The kids come down the road and they see that big Santa, they’re going ‘wow look at that!’ It’s neat to hear what the kids have to say,” Scheitler said. The attraction often draws tour buses and church groups. Visitors to Christmas Acres can make donations – with all of the money raised going to local charity.

(Story contribution and thanks to Katie Peikes, Iowa Public Radio)

The Adams County Sheriff’s Office reports two people were arrested on drug and weapon charges late Friday night, in Corning. Deputies arrested Michael Baker, of Kent, and Shari Lowe, of Lorimor, following a traffic stop at around 10:23-p.m. in the parking lot of the Casey’s General Store, in Corning. During the course of the traffic stop, K9 Baxo was deployed and gave a positive alert to the odor of narcotics. Upon further investigation, Baker was placed under arrest for Possession of a Controlled Substance 1st Offense (marijuana), Possession of a Controlled Substance 1st Offense (Xanax), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Carrying Weapons (a loaded 12-gauge shotgun). Lowe, who was a passenger in the vehicle, was also placed under arrest for Possession of a Controlled Substance 3rd or Subsequent Offense and for being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm.

Shari Lowe

Michael Baker

The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office reports 41-year old Mark Allen Raines, of Villisca, was arrested at around 11:55-p.m. Friday, for Domestic Abuse by Strangulation, 3rd or subsequent offense. Raines was taken into custody at a residence in  the 600 block of E. 3rd Street, in Villisca, and was transported to the Montgomery County Jail. He was being held without bond in the jail, pending an appearance before a Magistrate.