Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The director of the Iowa Department of Corrections says he still doesn’t know when a long-delayed new Iowa State Penitentiary will open. Director John Baldwin said Friday that the Fort Madison prison — which has been held up by construction problems — is waiting for a certification that will help determine if fixes are needed to the smoke detection system.

BURLINGTON, Iowa (AP) — An Iowa family has begun a program that provides food for students on Fridays to ensure they have something to eat over the weekend. The Hawk Eye reports Josh and J.J. Caston started Homeplate Iowa, a nonprofit, to feed elementary students at several schools. They are Corse, North Hill, Sunnyside, Grimes and West Burlington elementary schools.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (AP) — Council Bluffs officials are planning a nearly $1 million restoration of the historic Fairmount Park with the help of $100,000 from a Rotary club. Mayor Matt Walsh announced the project on Thursday. The Daily Nonpareil the 90-acre park features a greenhouse, ice skating, sledding, a petting zoo and an old bell tower.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A former Ankeny High School teacher has been sentenced after pleading guilty to having sex with a 17-year-old student. KCCI-TV reports Mandy Davenport was sentenced Friday to two years of probation. She also will be listed on the state’s sex offender registry.

A rural Red Oak man was arrested Friday evening in Mongtomery County, on a court order pertaining to an original charge of OWI. The sheriff’s office reports 47-year old Danny Leroy Lewis was taken into custody at around 5-p.m. on the 2200 block of 160th Street. He was transported to the Montgomery County Jail and was scheduled to be held there for two-days, in order to satisfy the order.

Police in Red Oak arrested a woman late Friday morning on a warrant issued Nov. 10th, that charged her with Child Endangerment causing bodily injury. The offense allegedly took place on Oct. 27th. Officials say 25-year old Katie Rose Carnes, of Red Oak, was taken into custody at around 11-a.m. at a residence on east Reed Street. Carnes was being held in the Montgomery County Jail on $2,000 bond. Her preliminary hearing was set for Dec. 1st.

The Council Bluffs Police Department reported Friday, four Council Bluffs residents had been arrested and charged with first-degree robbery in connection with a Nov. 4th robbery at a convenience store. Three suspects – including the man the Council Bluffs Police Department believes entered Casey’s General Store at 701 32nd Ave., with a gun – were arrested Friday in Council Bluffs. Another alleged accomplice was arrested in Omaha.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa’s unemployment rate dropped slightly to 4.5 percent in October, down from 4.6 percent in September. Iowa Workforce Development announced the rate Friday, noting that Iowa’s labor force is at an all-time high of 1.7 million.

The rate in October compared to a 4.4 percent jobless rate in October 2013. Nationally, the unemployment rate for October was 5.8 percent.

Officials with the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce report their challenge of having small business owners invite 50 Atlantic shoppers to pledge to shop small businesses in town, has been accepted and exceeded. Participating businesses along with the Chamber had received 135 pledges as of Friday, Nov. 21st. The goal was to have at least 50.

Chamber Executive Director Quida Wymer said “We challenged Atlantic businesses to reach a goal of 50 pledges by Nov. 29th, and in just a few short days they had met their goal and shortly after doubled their goal.” She said also, it’s fun watching the participating businesses rally community members to shop Atlantic on Small Business Saturday.”

Understanding the important contributions small businesses make to their communities. The following businesses are participating: Aunt B’s;  Bonnesen’s Five & Ten Store; Brink Flower & Gift; Brown’s Shoe Fit; Brymon Interiors; Cappel’s Ace Hardware; Dvorak Tire & Service; Geis Perry Jewelry; Howard’ s Clothing; Hy-Vee; Lindeman Tractor Inc.; Lou Lous; Renew Ag Supply; Robinson True Value Hardware; Tinder Box; The Nest Egg; The TV Store; Something for You; Steffens Cycle, and Unique Salon & Spa.

“Shop Atlantic, Small Business Saturday is a day to celebrate the small businesses that help support our community,” said Wymer. “Support local businesses and receive Shop Small giveaways like canvas tote bags.” On November 29th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Atlantic community is encouraged to Shop Atlantic small business. It’s suggested you kick off the day by fueling up before you shop at
Downtowner Cafe & Catering, Family Table and Sweet Joy Shoppe.