(Radio Iowa) – Governor Kim Reynolds has signed a bill into law that makes it easier to form publicly-funded charter schools in Iowa. “Iowa needs schools as diverse as the needs of its students and that’s exactly what this law aims to deliver,” Reynolds says. There are two charter schools in Iowa today.

Under the new law, groups that hope to start a charter school may apply to the State Board of Education. If state officials grant the charter, taxpayer funding for Iowa students in public districts who enroll in the charter would shift over.  “Creating an environment in Iowa that encourages alternative educational opportunities for those who need them and it doesn’t undermine the traditional public school system,” Reynolds said. “It strives to improve the entire educational system.”

Under current law, school districts must sign off on creation of a charter school in their area. That’s not required in the new law and critics say there will not be enough oversight of how tax dollars are spent in charter schools. Reynolds held a bill signing ceremony at Starts Right Here in Des Moines, a youth program started by rapped Will Keeps. He supports creation of public charter schools. “We see that things are not working well for the kids, so what’s wrong with giving them another opportunity, another chance?” he asked. “I don’t see anything wrong with it.”

Three Des Moines students who’re in the Starts Right Here program say traditional school hasn’t worked well for them, particularly during the pandemic. As the governor finished signing the official copy of the bill, making it law, another student leaned over the microphone to kick off the celebration. “It starts right here!” she said, and the crowd cheered and applauded.

This charter school bill was among the governor’s priority issues for the 2021 legislative session. Other elements of her education agenda have become law, but a plan to provide state scholarships to students in struggling public schools who enroll in a private school stalled in the House.

The Cass County Sheriff’s Office is asking for your help in locating a missing teenager. Authorities say 16-year-old Victoria Rose Williams has been missing since May 18, 2021. Victoria has black hair and brown eyes. She weighs 116 lbs., and was wearing orange stretch pants and blue t-shirt.

Victoria Rose Williams

She was last seen at a residence north of Atlantic. If you have seen her or have any information on her whereabouts, please contact the Cass County Sheriff’s Office at 712-243-2206.

The Atlantic Police Department reports three arrests in the past week.

On Monday, May 17th Officers arrested Cole Benton on a Shelby County Warrant and for Driving While License Barred. He was booked in to the Cass County Jail.

On May 16th Atlantic Police arrested 33-year-old Krysta Hanson of Atlantic for OWI 1st Offense. She was taken to the Cass County Jail and booked in.

On May 11th 20-year-old Kyle Gehling of Atlantic was arrested on a Cass County Warrant for Violation of Probation. He was booked in to the Cass County Jail.

The Adair County Board of Supervisors met on Wednesday morning at the Adair County Courthouse.

The board heard from Catherine Olesen about the Greenfield Historic Public Square design guidelines. They are working on finding locations for signage along the interstate to promote the downtown district. She said they are continuing to do building consultations and will be updating their website soon with changes that have been made.

The board then heard from Conservation Director Dominic Johnson. He introduced a summer AmeriCorps Naturalist Kasha Shear. Shear said she is excited to be working with the county and will be putting on various educational programs and recreational activities throughout the county. She hopes gather some input from residents about programs they would like implemented. Johnson talked about construction progress on the shower house being put in at Mormon Trail Park. Water lines are in and concrete work is starting up.

County Engineer Nick Kauffman reported on current projects in progress. The board discussed working with Kauffman and other department heads to determine the best way to spend federal funds that will be coming in for COVID relief. They hope to supplement not only the roads department budget but other needs as well. They also discussed some trouble areas for gravel roads in the county.

The Creston Police Department reports two arrests on Tuesday.

At approximately 10:25 a.m. Officers served 38-year-old Adrian Jaques of Creston  a Union County Warrant for 10 counts of Violation of a Protection Order. He was being held in the Union County Jail and remains held on $3,000 bond.

At 9:22 p.m. Creston Police arrested 42-year-old Crystal Mack of Creston on the charges of Possession of a Controlled Substance, 3rd or Subsequent Offense and Possession of Paraphernalia. She was later released from the Union County Jail on $5,300 bond.