The Internal Revenue Service is warning Iowa taxpayers to watch out for a new tactic being used by con artists that’s actually more of an old-school scam — direct mail. The agency’s Michael Devine says taxpayers need to be vigilant if they get a letter that appears to be from the I-R-S and requests personal information or an immediate payment.

Devine says, “If the only contact you normally have with the IRS is sending in your tax return once a year, you should be very suspicious of any unexpected contact.” The letters being sent out look legitimate and if in doubt, Devine says to double-check by calling the I-R-S. “Some of them may look very authentic, but they’re fake,” he says, and he stresses the agency does not contact taxpayers via phone, email or social media. Devine says scammers are keeping the I-R-S investigators on their toes.

“We are getting better at catching these criminals,” he says, “but they’re evolving in their tactics and their techniques to try and steal your information, steal your money, and we’re always playing catch-up.” For more information, call 800-TAX-1040 or visit irs-dot-gov.

(Radio Iowa)

Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A super PAC supporting Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker for president says it is launching a nearly $7 million ad buy in Iowa to begin right after Labor Day. A senior adviser for the Unintimidated PAC said Wednesday that $6.8 million in television, cable and radio ads will air in the Des Moines, Ames, Cedar Rapids, Waterloo, Iowa City and Dubuque markets. The ads are to begin running on Tuesday, September 8th.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Federal prosecutors have charged three people who worked for Ron Paul’s 2012 presidential campaign with conspiring to buy the support of a former Iowa state senator. Among those changed is Jesse Benton, who now heads up a super PAC supporting the 2016 presidential candidacy of the now retired Texas Congressman’s son, Kentucky Senator Rand Paul.

NEW HAMPTON, Iowa (AP) — The Iowa Board of Education is set to consider a family’s complaint over a public school choir singing religious music. The parents, whose daughter recently graduated from the New Hampton Community School District, say the choir inappropriately endorses Christianity by performing songs. The Des Moines Register reports they brought their concerns to the School Board in January.

GARNER, Iowa (AP) — A camp in northern Iowa is helping several elementary students develop their robotics and programming skills. The Mason City Globe Gazette reports that fourth- through sixth-graders learned how to build a robot and program it to perform certain tasks Tuesday as part of a two-day camp in Garner.

In a surprise announcement during Wednesday evening’s City Council meeting in Atlantic, City Administrator John Lund reported City Attorney Jaimie Arnold has resigned, effective immediately. Lund told reporters after the meeting that Arnold tendered his resignation Tuesday morning.

While no official explanation was given for his resignation, Lund said Arnold was planning to return to North Carolina.

Former Atlantic City Atty. Jamie Arnold

He added there would be no disruption in the City’s legal services, since Cass County Attorney David Wiederstein, who had served as the City Attorney until Arnold took over the position earlier this year, will handle the role until a replacement is found. Arnold also served as the Assistant Cass County Attorney.

The City’s Personnel and Finance Committee will begin the process of searching for a replacement. Arnold worked for the law firm of Otto, Lorence and Wiederstein. That firm will continue to be on retainer for the City in the interim.

Of Arnold, Lund said “He was a great guy, and I’m really sorry things didn’t work out.” He said there was no problem with his job performance, and there have been no complaints what-so-ever.

A truck driver from Sparta, Wisconsin was injured this (Wednesday) morning, when the 2014 Kenworth he was driving went out of control on Interstate 29 southbound north of Council Bluffs, and came to rest on the highway. The Iowa State Patrol says 56-year old Bradley Zirott was transported by Council Bluffs Fire and Rescue to Mercy Hospital in Council Bluffs for treatment of minor injuries. The accident occurred at around 10:40-a.m. near the 58-miler marker.

Split peas cover I-29. (IA DOT photo)

Officials say the semi left the road on the right shoulder and re-entered the interstate before rolling onto its side and spilling its 50-thousand pound load of split peas. It’s believed Zirott suffered from a medical problem prior to the accident taking place. The roadway was closed for about two-hours, while crews worked to clean-up the spilled veggies.