DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Three applicants to fill an Iowa Supreme Court vacancy have close political ties to Gov. Kim Reynolds who, thanks to Republican changes to the judicial nominating process last year, now has a heavier influence over the panel that chooses finalists. Among the 15 applicants to be interviewed Friday by the State Judicial Nominating Commission is Sam Langholz, the governor’s senior legal counsel.

If he’s a finalist Reynolds could decide whether her own lawyer becomes the next justice. Democratic Sen. Rob Hogg says it’s a test to see if the commission has turned partisan or continues Iowa’s merit-based selection of judges.

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (AP) — Police say an arrest has been made in the stabbing death of a Cedar Rapids man. Police say in a news release that 36-year-old Jacqueline Marie Holmes was arrested Wednesday morning at the home where a 35-year-old man was found with a stab wound to his upper torso. The man was later pronounced dead at a hospital. His name has not yet been released.

Police say an investigation showed that Holmes had stabbed the victim, with whom she was in a relationship. Holmes has been charged with first-degree murder in the case. She also had an arrest warrant for revocation of probation on other charges of child endangerment, operating while intoxicated and other counts.

A Republican has thrown his hat into the ring in a Cass County Primary race. Bernard Pettinger will run against Democrat Russell Joyce for the District 5 seat on the Cass County Board of Supervisors.

Cass County Deputy Auditor Sheri Karns said Wednesday afternoon, that Pettinger had filed his nomination papers for the June 2nd Primary Election.

The Walnut City Council will hold a Public Hearing 5-p.m. Thursday, on the FY 2020-21 Budget. Following the hearing and related discussion, the Council will act on a Resolution to Adopt the Budget as presented. Other (continued) discussion will be held, with regard to the Walnut Community and Fitness Center, including the possible purchase of a scissor lift, and the consideration of reduced rates for Class Reunions.

The Walnut City Council will also discuss and act on matters pertaining to a Housing Rehabilitation Grant through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). Other discussion concerns: Summer Mowing (Opening of bids and possible approval of a Service Agreement & Mowing Contract); and the Walnut Antique Show (including permission to park one trailer on Wed. during the show, and permission to use City Streets for the 2021 show).

And, the Council will hear from Shelly Thompson, with regard to a possible Brick Street Market.

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has announced the appointment of several southwest and western Iowa residents to various State Boards and Commissions. They include:

• Alexis Fleener, of Atlantic, to the Iowa Great Places Advisory Board.
• Dale Behrends, of Panora, and Lori Goetzinger of Carroll, to the Iowa Grain Indemnity Board.
• Daryl Olsen, of Audubon, to the Racing and Gaming Commission.
• Janet DeMott, of Bedford, to the Real Estate Commission.
• Quentin Stanerson, of Audubon, to the State Judicial Nominating Commission.
• S. James Smith, of Earlham, to the Accountancy Examining Board.
• Ryan Crawford, of Stuart, to the Board of Massage Therapy.
• Tami Kloewer, of Harlan, to the Board of Cosmetology.
• Jillian Travis, of Sidney, to the Board of Dentistry.
• Marty Rieken, of Oakland, and Mollie Pawlosky, of Earlham, to the Board of Mortuary Science.
• Lane Plugge, of Council Bluffs, to the Board of Social Work.
• Ann Werner, of Diagonal, to the Board of Veterinary Medicine.
• And Geneva Jacobsen, of Avoca, to the Commission for the Blind.

Each of the appointments are subject to Senate confirmation.