Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press…

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A state panel has approved legislation giving prosecutors more options for helping minors mired in prostitution and increasing penalties for pimps who used children. The House Judiciary Committee voted 20-0 yesterday to approve the bill, which now goes to the House floor. Penalties would also increase for pimping involving a minor from a class “D” felony to a class “C” felony.

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — An Iowa City elementary school has lifted a lockdown caused by a suspect on the loose. Mark Twain Elementary School went on lockdown yesterday afternoon as authorities searched for a suspect wanted by county and state officials. The Press-Citizen reports that Iowa City Community School District says authorities later gave permission for the students to be dismissed. Authorities are still looking for the suspect.

BEVINGTON, Iowa (AP) — A Cedar Rapids man faces several charges in connection to a brief standoff with authorities on a freeway. The Des Moines Register reports 19-year-old Albert Austin the Third faces multiple charges related to the Tuesday afternoon incident, including operating while intoxicated, reckless driving and attempting to elude. The incident temporarily rerouted traffic for several miles.

DUBUQUE, Iowa (AP) — A Dubuque woman has been accused of hitting her boyfriend and using a golf club to repeatedly strike a car. The Telegraph Herald reports 21-year-old Cynthia Pendleton was arrested Tuesday afternoon. She faces charges of assault while displaying, child endangerment and third-degree criminal mischief.

Police in Lenox have released photos of two suspects and a possible get-a-way vehicle, in connection with a January 26th break-in at the Lenox Public Library. Authorities believe the suspects are the same persons who broke into the Prescott Library, the Afton Fitness Center and several other area locations that night.

One man is believed to be five-feet eight-inches tall. He has a stocky build. The other suspect is about six-feet tall, and has a thinner build. Both wore face masks and gloves during the burglary. Their coats were similar to a Carhart coat, and green in color as were their face masks.

A white mini van believed to be involved was also captured on video. If you have any information concerning this incident or the suspects, please contact the Lenox Police Department at 641 333 2929

Page County Sheriff Lyle Palmer reports a 79-year old man from Clarinda was arrested Monday morning on a warrant for parole violation.

Sacora, Robert Dean (IA DOC photo)

Robert Dean Sacora was transported to the Page County Jail and held without bond until a parole hearing is held. Sacora was released on parole in July 2013 from a Special Sentence issued in eastern Iowa’s Linn County. He was scheduled to be released from parole in January, 2016.

In a report issued Wednesday (Today), the Harlan Police Department announced several arrests occurred and citations were issued from mid-to-late January. On Jan. 26^th, 19-year old Ryan Corder and 15-year old Nicholas Haner were taken into custody in connection with a wallet reported missing from a vehicle in the 300 block of 5^th Street.  Corder was transported to the Shelby County Jail where he was charged with theft in the 5^th degree, possession of a controlled substance, credit card fraud, and unlawful possession of prescription drugs.  Haner was charged with credit card fraud and joint criminal conduct.  Haner was released to his parent and will be referred to Juvenile court.

On Jan. 30^th, 18-year old Rosalynn Horner of Tacoma, WA, was cited for possession of drug paraphernalia when the owner of the residence where she was staying reported her drug use.  Horner was cited, given a court date, and released. On Jan. 21^st, 44-year old Steven Weber was arrested following an investigation of a stolen vehicle allegedly in his possession. The vehicle had been reported missing from LaPorte City. Weber was served with a warrant for possession of stolen property, made his initial appearance and was released with a court date.

On Jan. 22^nd, 31-year old Katherine Hayes and 44-year old Steven Weber, both of Harlan, were arrested when officers were called to a domestic disturbance at the Lincoln Pines apartments.  Hayes and Weber were both transported to the Shelby County Jail where they were both charged with domestic abuse assault.

And on Jan. 31^st, 34-year old Daniel Grabill of Harlan, was arrested when staff at the Big House Bar told officers that Grabill was asked to leave and refused.Grabill was transported to the Shelby County Jail where he was charged with Public Intoxication.