LE MARS, Iowa (AP) — A state board has awarded the maker of Wells Blue Bunny ice cream $644,400 in tax incentives to help finance an expansion in Le Mars that is expected to create 19 new jobs. The Sioux City Journal reports that the Iowa Economic Development Authority awarded the incentives to Wells Enterprises on Friday.

The company plans to build a 12,000-square-foot addition to its ice cream plant in south Le Mars. The $19.3 million project will also include the installation of a new multiproduct production line, as well as additional hardening equipment.

Wells operates two plants in Le Mars. With around 2,000 employees, the privately held, family-owned company is by far the largest employer in the Plymouth County seat, the self-proclaimed Ice Cream Capitol of the World.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa education officials are close to adopting new computerized exams for students in the state’s 336 school districts, but critics question whether the new tests are worth the cost. The Des Moines Register reports the state Board of Education is likely to drop multiple choice tests with paper answer sheets in favor of Smarter Balanced’s adaptive computerized tests.

Critics question the value of the $8.3 million tests because of the potential for technical problems, and the fact that school districts may have to upgrade their wireless networks to administer them. But supporters say the computerized tests provide valuable information because they can change the difficulty of future questions based on a student’s answers.

A Council Bluffs man was arrested Friday night after a short pursuit into Omaha.  Bluffs officers located a stolen 2009 Dodge Ram pick-up with Colorado plates Friday night just after nine o’clock at 16th and High streets in Council Bluffs.  27 year old Jeffery Huff of Council Bluffs was driving the truck.  He was wanted on a pair of warrants for burglary and a probation violation and was reported to have a sawed-off shot gun.  Huff fled in the truck and eventually led officers into Omaha when he struck a parked vehicle on a dead-end road.  Huff was captured near 22nd and F streets after fleeing on foot for about a block.  Omaha police took Huff into custody and he was charged with being a fugitive from justice.  He was also charged with the traffic accident and leaving the scene of the accident.  The Vehicle pursuit lasted about seven minutes.  Huff is awaiting extradition back to Iowa authorities.