DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – An Iowa state audit says many school districts have failed to reach the state goal of smaller classes and higher academic achievement. The audit covered fiscal years 2006-2010 of the state’s Early Intervention Block Program, which has spent more than $146 million over that period. The class goal is 17 students for kindergarten through third grade.

The audit report, which was released Thursday, says some districts didn’t have paperwork to verify they had provided help for struggling students. Iowa Department of Education officials say that the class-size goal was merely that: a goal. The officials say the program gives districts some discretion on spending.

An Atlantic man was arrested Wednesday on a charge of Criminal Mischief in the 5^th Degree. Atlantic Police said Thursday, 24-year old Justin Knutsen was brought to the Cass County Jail and held, pending an appearance before the magistrate.

The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office said Thursday, two Red Oak residents were arrested this week, on drug charges. 25-year old Robert Beals, of Red Oak, was taken into custody Tuesday, and charged with Felony Possession of Marijuana, 4^th offense, and, a valid warrant out of Montgomery County. Beals was being held in the Montgomery County Jail on $5,000 bond.

And, a registered child care provider in Red Oak was arrested Wednesday, following a search warrant executed at her residence on Highland Avenue. 47-year old Candace Johnson was charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. She was released on a citation, and ordered to appear later in magistrate court.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today (Thursday) announced that the state will receive $773,353 in grants for the repair and rehabilitation of flood damaged railroad infrastructure.  The funds come from the Iowa Department of Transportation through the Flood Damage Restoration for the Iowa River Railroad Program. Harkin is a senior member of the Senate Appropriations subcommittee that funds transportation initiatives.

The railroad repairs include debris removal, track regulation, bridge reconstruction, aligning and surfacing caused by flood damage. The funds will be used to reimburse short line and regional rails in the following counties:  Adair, Cass, Dallas, Des Moines, Hardin, Iowa, Jasper, Marshall, Muscatine, Polk, Pottawattamie, and Poweshiek.

“Three years ago, devastating floods hit Iowa causing destruction across our state, including severe damage to our railway system,” said Harkin.  “These railroads are crucial to the safe and efficient movement of goods between Iowa communities and to places outside of our state, as well as critical to growing our economy.”

CRESTON, Iowa – Aug. 11, 2011 – Road construction work will reduce Iowa 25 to one lane between Guthrie County Road F-65 near Casey and Iowa 44 in Guthrie Center beginning Monday, Aug. 22nd, weather permitting, according to the Iowa Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Creston construction office.

A 16-foot lane width restriction will be in place in the open lane. Flaggers and a pilot car will be used to control traffic during the closure. The roadway will return to normal traffic patterns when workers are not present. This project is expected to be completed by Oct. 3rd.

The Iowa DOT reminds motorists to drive with caution, obey posted speed limit and other signs in the work area, and be aware that traffic fines for moving violations
are at least double in work zones. As in all work zones, drivers should stay alert, allow ample space between vehicles and wear seat belts.

(IA-DOT News Release)