A traffic stop at around 12:10-a.m. today (Thursday) in Page County resulted in the alleged assault of a Deputy and the arrest of a woman on a trio of charges. Page County Sheriff Lyle Palmer says a pickup truck was pulled over for a traffic violation, and the driver, 39-year old Jill Christine Currin, of rural Braddyville, was given tests for driving while under the influence.

During the arrest, Currin assaulted the Deputy, causing injury to the Deputy.  Currin was taken to the Page County Jail on charges of Interference with official acts, Operating a motor vehicle while under the influence 1^st offense, Criminal mischief 5^th degree, and Assault on persons engaged in certain occupations (a Peace Officer).

She was unable to post the $4,000 cash only bond, and is currently being held in the Page County Jail.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Iowa’s treasurer is warning that the state should borrow money to ensure it can pay its bills on time amid a potential budget shortfall, but Gov. Kim Reynolds’ staff says the move is politically driven.

Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald announced Thursday that he had asked the Republican governor to authorize using loan notes that are paid back quickly and don’t increase the state’s liabilities. Fitzgerald, a Democrat, says borrowing would be a “sensible way” to manage “uncertainties.”

Brenna Smith, Reynolds’ press secretary, says Fitzgerald is engaging in “headline-grabbing scare tactics” and it’s “unwise” to suggest the state can’t pay its bills. Fitzgerald says his warning is not political.

Reynolds may need to call a special legislative session to address the state’s roughly $7.2 billion budget. A nonpartisan state agency has estimated Iowa faces a revenue shortfall of about $100 million, but the figure could fluctuate.

SERGEANT BLUFF, Iowa (AP) – Sergeant Bluff officials say the city’s water treatment plant doesn’t function as promised and so are suing the engineering firm that designed it. The Sioux City Journal reports that the city sued Veenstra & Kimm Inc. on Tuesday in Woodbury County District Court.

The lawsuit says the West Des Moines firm was paid more than $4.5 million to design the plant. The lawsuit also says the city has incurred higher costs for chemicals, labor and repairs since the plant opened in 2011 because it wasn’t designed properly and can’t operate “at the contracted capacity.” Veenstra & Kimm President Bob Veenstra has declined to comment.

The city has said its water is safe and that residents shouldn’t worry about using or drinking it.

MASON CITY, Iowa (AP) – A northern Iowa hospital plans to construct a $9.78 million building that will be able to serve more behavioral health patients. The Globe Gazette reports that officials from Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason announced details about the 27,200 square-foot facility Wednesday.

Senior vice president of Mercy Clinics, Dr. Theresa Mock, says the hospital can usually see just over 20 patients at a time in its behavior health center. The new facility will have space for more than 30 behavior health service patients. Mock says the hospital had to turn away 3,000 patients last year because of resource shortages.

The project will be funded by donations from the Jan Again Foundation and through a reinvestment of the hospital’s funds and capital. Construction is scheduled to begin in the fall and is expected to be completed by 2019.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Iowa is seeking federal approval to cut a key Medicaid health care benefit for the elderly and poor in an effort to save money. The state has asked the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to eliminate a provision that allows a person to get Medicaid coverage three months before he or she submits an application to join the program. The provision ensures a care facility receives retroactive payment for treating some patients who are suddenly sick or in an accident.

The policy would impact new Medicaid patients. The Iowa Department of Human Services says the GOP-controlled Iowa Legislature mandated the cut in a bill with cost-containment measures. DHS estimates $36.7 million would be saved, including $9.7 million for the state.

DHS told The Des Moines Register it hopes to implement the changes on Oct. 1.

The Harlan Police Department and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office would like to warn citizens and businesses about the possibility of SCAMS arising from the flooding and relief efforts in Texas. Officials said in a statement, “We, as Iowans, are very caring and giving when it comes to helping other people that are experiencing such heartache and devastation as we are all witnessing in Texas.  As such, we are targets for people looking to take advantage of our generosity.”

Authorities urge everyone to be vigilant with phone, email, and Facebook solicitations wanting money for flood relief. The H-PD says “We have been informed that NO legitimate charities will be soliciting funds by phone, email or Facebook. If you feel the need to help, please stick with legitimate charities that you can check out i.e. American Red Cross, Salvation Army.

Never send anyone cash or gift cards. The legitimate ones don’t work like that. If a local organization, that you are familiar with, or a local church, is fundraising, feel free to help. This should be done in person, if possible so that you are confident that your dollars are going to the victims.

If you aren’t sure of a solicitation, feel free to contact your local law enforcement prior to committing any funds.

A traffic stop Wednesday morning on Interstate 80 near mile marker 7 in Pott. County, resulted in the arrest of the driver on drug charges, and the recovery of 91 pounds of marijuana. Sheriff’s officials say a deputy stopped a 2017 Hyundai Elantra for speeding at around 10:20-a.m., on I-80 eastbound in Council Bluffs.

A Sheriff’s K9 was deployed and conducted a “free air sniff” around the vehicle. The dog alerted to odor of narcotics inside the vehicle, and the driver, 21-year old Gabriel James Swisher, of Glendale, WI., was given a warning for speeding. Swisher, who is a student at the University of Wisconsin at LaCrosse, was then asked for permission to search the vehicle. He refused, but a probable cause search was conducted based on the indications given by the K9. During the search, several vacuum sealed packages of marijuana were located and seized into evidence. Swisher was arrested for Drug Possession/Delivery of Marijuana.

The Pott. County Sheriff’s Office said also, a man whose vehicle ran out of gas Wednesday afternoon in Pottawattamie County, flagged down a Sheriff’s Deputy and then turned himself in for Driving While Barred. 32-year old Nicholas John Horgdal, of Henderson, was on the way to see his girlfriend, when the 1997 Ford F-250 truck he was driving, ran out of gas. After his status of being barred from driving was confirmed, Horgal was placed under arrest and the owner contacted to retrieve

And, a records check on man who was visiting an inmate at the Pott. County Jail, Wednesday, resulted in the visitor being arrest, after it was determined he had a warrant for 5th degree Theft. 26-year old Justin Lee Renk, of Carter Lake, had his visit cut short. He was taken into custody without incident and booked into the jail.