Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press

A central Iowa woman died, and two other women were injured during a collision Thursday afternoon, in western Guthrie County. The Iowa State Patrol says 78-year old Beverly Chase, of West Des Moines died at the Audubon County Hospital, after the car she was riding in was hit broadside by another vehicle at around 1:30-p.m.  Officials say 77-year old Nadine Ludwig, of Des Moines was driving a 2002 Mercury Sable eastbound on 190th Street, and failed yield after stopping at the intersection with Chestnut Road. Her car was hit by a northbound 2001 Pontiac Aztek, driven by 26-year old Angela Lovejoy, of Coon Rapids.Officials say Lovejoy was not wearing her seat belt, while the other two women were properly restrained in their vehicle.

Immediately after the collision, the Sable continued into the northeast ditch, while the Pontiac came to rest on the roadway. Ludwig and Lovejoy were both transported by Audubon Rescue to the Audubon County Hospital. A report on their conditions is not available. The accident remains under investigation.

The Iowa State Patrol says the driver of a pickup truck died this (Thursday) morning when he was ejected from the vehicle as it went out of control on Interstate 80 near Adair. 32-year old Randy Johnson, of Winterset, died at the scene of the crash on I-80 eastbound, at about the 77 mile marker. Officials say Johnson was traveling west on I-80 at around 7:10-a.m, when he came up fast on an eastbound Freightliner van and swerved to avoid hitting the rear of the vehicle. Johnson’s 2008 Freightliner pickup went out of control, crossed the median and eastbound lanes of traffic before entering the south ditch and rolling over. Johnson was ejected from the vehicle as it rolled. The Patrol’s report did not indicate if he was wearing a seat belt.

The accident closed both lanes of eastbound traffic for about an hour. One of the lanes remained closed for more than 4-hours, while authorities investigated the scene and crews worked to remove the vehicle from the ditch.

Officials with the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) today (Thursday), announced Downtown Revitalization funds totaling $3.5 million are being awarded to seven Iowa communities.  The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds are to be used for the rehabilitation of a total of 144 downtown buildings in Burlington, Charles City, Conrad, Elkader, Emmetsburg, Manning and West Union.  The federally-funded grants were awarded for façade master plan projects for downtown businesses. 

In a Press Release, Governor Terry Branstad said “The Iowa Economic Development Authority’s Downtown Revitalization Program is transforming downtowns and improving the business climate and quality of life for residents across the state.  Not only are these funds leveraging private investment and improving physical conditions, but participating communities are seeing new businesses and job creation on Iowa’s Main Streets.” Branstad said the seven communities have created local public-private partnerships “That are making great things happen for their residents and all Iowans to enjoy.”

To date, the CDBG Downtown Revitalization Program has supported 19 community revitalization strategies.  When complete, these 19 projects will lead to the rehabilitation of 347 downtown properties.  The grants are awarded based on the potential impact of the project, the project being part of a comprehensive downtown revitalization strategy, commitment of local resources, and the ability to demonstrate revitalization will continue to move forward following project completion. The Community Development Block Grant program is federally-funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). IEDA is responsible for administering the CDBG funds in the non-metropolitan areas of the state. Applications are solicited annually, usually during the fall.

The race for Iowa’s newly reorganized Third Congressional district is heating up.

Congressman Tom Latham (R-IA)

Republican Congressman Tom Latham says he thinks he knows what’s best for Iowans, and he characterized his Democrat opponent Leonard Boswell as being of the mindset “Washington knows best,” as proven by his voting record. Latham says he’s running campaign ads six-months prior to the election because he wants to get the word out that the election is about “the future of this Country, and the potential loss of the American Dream.” 

He says Boswell supported the Wall Street bank bailout and the economic stimulus package, Cap and Trade – which he says will increase utility rates in Iowa by 20- to 25-percent – while he – Latham – voted against those issues. Boswell told KJAN Wednesday, that Latham has deep pockets when it comes to bankrolling his campaign, thanks in-part to his relationship to House Speaker John Boehner and other Washington power brokers. Latham says his support comes primarily from Iowans. Latham says Boswell is probably using the fundraising issue as “an excuse on his part, because he hasn’t been able to generate the level of support…” that Latham has. Latham says he and Boswell have a clear philosophical difference, and that’s something Iowans need to consider before the next election in November.