IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — An Iowa police chief says a dozen investigators are looking into whether the suspect in Monday’s kidnapping of two girls is connected to last year’s slaying of two cousins who vanished 90 miles away. Authorities believe Michael Klunder kidnapped 15-year-old Kathlynn Shepard and her 12-year-old friend as they walked home from school. The 12-year-old was able to escape, but Kathlynn is still missing. Evansdale Police Chief Kent Smock said Thursday that investigators are now scrutinizing Klunder in connection with the deaths of Lyric Cook and Elizabeth Collins because of similarities in the cases. The cousins were 10 and 8 when they disappeared while riding bikes last July. Their bodies were discovered in December.  Smock says investigators are “exploring anything and everything” about Klunder, who was found dead earlier this week.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Gov. Terry Branstad has requested a presidential disaster declaration to help 19 Iowa counties affected by severe weather last month. Branstad wants to use public assistance funds to rebuild roads, bridges and other damaged infrastructure affected by heavy rains, thunderstorms and flooding between April 17 and April 30. The money also can be used to cover emergency work and debris removal.

Branstad signed a letter Thursday that will be delivered to President Barack Obama. It requests the declaration for areas along a swath of central, eastern and southern Iowa, including Ringgold, Appanoose, Cedar and Warren counties. Officials say the 19 counties sustained an estimated $8.9 million in damage that could be eligible for public assistance funds.

Local residents, business owners and community leaders will have the opportunity to share their thoughts about opportunities and challenges in rural Iowa when Bill Menner, USDA Rural Development State Director in Iowa, visits Atlantic on Wednesday, June 5th. A rural-issues roundtable discussion will take place starting at 10 a.m. at the Rowe Conference Room, Rock Island Depot, 102 Chestnut Street, Atlantic.

USDA Rural Development’s funding continues to have a dramatic impact on rural communities across Iowa. Since 2009, USDA Rural Development has invested more than $2.5 billion on essential public facilities, small and emerging businesses, water and sewer systems, and housing opportunities for Iowa families. Today, more than 1.7 million Iowans live in rural communities and areas, and nearly half of the state’s communities have fewer than 500 residents.

This past year USDA Rural Development’s investment in Iowa helped create or retain more than 1,600 jobs, aided 2,400 families in buying their own homes and assisted more than 60 communities as they made improvements to their facilities, services and infrastructure. For more information about finance programs available through USDA Rural Development, please call the office located in Atlantic at (712) 546-5149 Ext. 4. The office serves communities, businesses and residents in Harrison, Shelby, Audubon, Pottawattamie, Cass, Mills, Montgomery, Adams, Fremont, Page and Taylor Counties.

A Cass County man had a string of bad luck today (Thursday). The Sheriff’s Office says 54-year old Robert John Rasmussen, of Massena was involved in an accident just before 9-a.m. one-half mile south of Cumberland, on 690th Street, at the intersection with Richland Road. Officials say a 1996 Buick Century owned and driven by Rasmussen, was westbound on Richland Road, when Rasmussen attempted to make a right turn onto 690^th Street. The car went out of control and entered the ditch on the west side of 690^th, striking an embankment. Rasmussen had minor injuries but refused medical treatment. Damage to the vehicle is estimated at $1500. Rasmussen was cited for Failure to Maintain Control.

A little over three-hours later, Rasmussen’s car was involved in another accident, near the exact same location. Sheriff’s officials say Rasmussen was stopped at a stop sign on 690^th Street southbound, and pulled away from the stop sign onto Richland Road and ran into the rear of a 2005 belly-dump truck, as the truck was traveling west on Richland Road. The truck was being driven by 56-year old Mark Edward Polzin, of Des Moines. No injuries were reported. Damage to Rasmussen’s vehicle was estimated at $3000. The dump truck sustained no apparent damage. Rasmussen was cited for Failure to Yield at a Stop Sign. The case remains under investigation.

The Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce Image Builders have awarded the Casey’s General Store on Poplar Streetwith a “Community Improvement Award,” for exterior and interior updates and renovation to the former Kum & Go station at 7^th and Poplar Streets. Manager Stacie Hansen accepted the award from committee members Gene Fischer, Bill Saluk and Rich Perry. Hansen said new pumps will be added later in 2013. 

The Image Builders focus on bettering the community image of the greater Atlantic Area in part through projects such as improvement awards and holiday lighting. To nominate a business or residence for an improvement award, call the Atlantic Area Chamber at 712.243.3017.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Iowa lawmakers have adjourned the 2013 session after reaching deals to cut property taxes, revise education policy and provide health care for low-income residents. The Senate concluded just before midnight Wednesday and the House finished voting Thursday morning. The legislation now moves to Gov. Terry Branstad.
 
Property taxes and education changes have been top priorities for Branstad. The property tax plan will cut commercial property taxes, as well as provide some income tax breaks. Under the education deal, schools will get an increase in basic funding and additional dollars will be provided to districts that boost minimum teacher pay and offer leadership perks. 
 
Lawmakers also agreed to a compromise health care plan that will seek federal funding to provide health care coverage to an estimated 150,000 low-income residents.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – A compromise plan to cut commercial property taxes in the state has won approval from the state legislature.   The plan was approved in the state House Thursday in an 84-13 vote. It won approval in the state Senate Wednesday. It now moves to Gov. Terry Branstad, who has long sought these tax cuts. 
 
The property tax plan will gradually reduce taxable assessments of commercial properties by 10 percent and provide property tax credits geared for smaller businesses.  The deal also limits the amount that residential property assessments can grow. It includes small income tax credits and increases the state earned income tax credit for low-income workers.