ONAWA, Iowa (AP) – County leaders have scheduled a March 3 election on bonds to build a replacement jail in western Iowa’s Monona County. The jail in Onawa was built in 1976 to hold 12 inmates but now regularly holds 20. Station KTIV reports that the $6.2 million replacement would be built on the northeast side of the courthouse square in Onawa. It would house up to 32 inmates, with the possibility of expanding to hold as many as 66. It also would have interview rooms and more office space for the sheriff’s office and police department.

The Creston Police Department says two people were arrested on drug charges late Sunday night.  21-year old Brianna M. Lawson, of Greenfield, and 52-year old Michael Spare, of Creston, were arrested at around 11:44-p.m. in the vicinity of Elm and Page Streets, in Creston. Officers, assisted by Creston Police K-9 “Jax,” arrested the pair for Possession of a Controlled Substance/1st Offense. Lawson was also charged with Possession of drug paraphernalia. She was being held in the Adams County Jail on a $1,300 bond.

Spare was also arrested for: Possession/Control of a Firearm in a Controlled Substance Violation; Dominion/Control of a Firearm/Offensive Weapon by a Felon;  and Possession of Firearm Suppressor (a silencer). He was being held in the Union County Jail on a $ 11,300 bond.

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) – A new associate dean at the University of Iowa was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving the day of a public interview for his job. The Gazette reports that the arrest of Roland Racevskis occurred two weeks before he was chosen for his post. He told the newspaper Friday that he’s informed his supervisor. He’s charged with child endangerment and operating while under the influence. He was pulled over Nov. 19 while driving his 13-year-old and 9-year-old children to music lessons. University officials say they were not aware of Racevskis’ arrest at the time of his appointment.

The CAM School District’s Board of Education will meet 6:30-p.m. today in the CAM High School Superintendent’s Office. On their agenda, is discussion and/or action with regard to approval of:

• A Modified Supplemental amount of $161,038 for the At-Risk/Drop-out Prevention Program.
• A Copier Lease.
• An Iowa Western Community College Education Service agreement
• An out-of-state trip for the Speech/Debate team (re: All State)
• and a 2021 Washington D.C. trip.

The Board will also discuss/act on Board Policy Revisions, and a recommendation from SIAC (the School Improvement Advisory Committee).

The Adair County Board of Supervisors are set to receive several additional FY 2021 Budget requests today (Monday), from County Department Heads. During their meeting at the Courthouse in Greenfield, the Board is set to hear from:

• County Attorney Melissa Larson, at 9:15-a.m.
• Veteran’s Affairs Director Duane Avey, at 9:45-a.m.
• Recorder Janelle Schneider, at 10-a.m.
• Treasurer Brenda Wallace (Budget Request & Semi-annual report), at 10:20-a.m.
• Custodian Rich Wallace (General services, E-911), at 10:40-a.m.
• and DHS’ Pauline Rutherford, at 11-a.m.

(Radio Iowa) — The 2020 Iowa Legislature convenes this (Monday) morning, with lawmakers from both political parties pledging action to ease the child care concerns of Iowa parents. Republican Governor Kim Reynolds signalled this past summer she’s exploring a number of options, like tax credits for businesses that provide on-site child care to workers or state grants to help establish new child care centers. There’s also been discussion among Republicans and Democrats about state child care assistance for low-income Iowans. The idea? Implement a gradually diminishing level of child care support as workers get raises, work more hours or take a better job.

Senate President Charles Schneider, a Republican from West Des Moines, says current policy creates a child care cliff. “Right now, if you’re at 144% of the federal poverty level you get child care benefits and if you’re at 145%, they’re completely cut off,” Schneider says, “and that does not incent anyone to work harder or take a promotion.” Senate Minority Leader Janet Petersen, a Democrat from Des Moines, says legislators tried in 2015 to begin addressing this issue, but then-Governor Terry Branstad vetoed the additional money. “I’m hopeful with Governor Reynolds calling attention to this issue that we may be able to make some progress on child care,” Petersen says. Senator Schneider is expressing optimism about action.

Republican House Speaker-select Pat Grassley of New Hartford says helping ALL Iowa parents find affordable, quality child care fits with another goal of increasing the number of Iowans in the workforce. Grassley says legislators are also discussing how to address the shortage of child care workers. House Minority Leader Todd Prichard, a Democrat from Charles City, says communities need help in establishing new child care centers.

Senator Petersen says legislators need to provide more money for state oversight of child care operations, to address safety concerns. The legislative leaders made their comments during a forum organized by The Associated Press.