DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – The Democratic National Committee and Obama for America are starting a bus tour reminding voters in early voting states they can begin casting ballots. The tour kicks off in Sioux City at noon tomorrow then heads to Council Bluffs for a 3 p.m. event. Several other stops are planned throughout Iowa next week. Early voting began in Iowa yesterday.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Campaign aides say Republican vice presidential nominee Paul Ryan will visit eastern Iowa next week. The Wisconsin congressman will headline a rally Monday at Loras College in Dubuque, then visit Clinton, the Davenport area and Muscatine on Tuesday. It will be the first time Ryan has campaigned in eastern Iowa. Vice President Joe Biden campaigned there last week.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – A Des Moines doctor faces a fifth malpractice lawsuit for allegedly prescribing large amounts of narcotic painkillers to a patient who fatally overdosed. The Des Moines Register reports Doctor Daniel Baldi (BALD’-ee) was sued this week by the family of 39-year-old Chad Martin. The man from Johnston died last September. Baldi has denied wrongdoing.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Two Iowa school districts have received a multimillion-dollar national grant to help teachers and principals develop their skills as educators. Governor Terry Branstad announced yesterday that the Central Decatur Community School District and the Saydel Community School District have won the grant, which will provide $2.3 million in its first two years.

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (AP) – Authorities say firefighters have rescued two cats from a mobile home in Cedar Rapids after a resident had to flee the heavy smoke. The Cedar Rapids Fire Department says the blaze was reported about 2 a.m. today by a resident at the Summit View mobile home park.

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) – Police have arrested a man who allegedly tried to rob a Sioux City convenience store with a hammer. KTIV-TV in Sioux City reports that 42-year-old Shannon Ivory was charged with first-degree robbery and two counts of assault while participating in a felony. Police say they responded to the robbery around 1:30 a.m. today at a Kum and Go store before arresting Ivory.

Construction work will continue to restrict lanes on eastbound Interstate 80 near Council Bluffs through the weekend. The Iowa Department of Transportation will be closing the left lane of eastbound I-80 between exit 1 (I-29) and exit 1B (South 24th Street) from Friday at 10 PM until Monday at 6 AM weather permitting.

The Iowa DOT reminds motorists to drive with caution, obey posted speed limits and other signs in the work area, and be aware that traffic fines for moving violations are at least double in work zones. As in all work zones, drivers should stay alert, allow ample space between vehicles and wear seat belts.

The West Pottawattamie Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) in partnership with Iowa Western Community College (IWCC) has received a $20,900.00 DNR-REAP Conservation Education Program Grant to host Rainscaping Loess Soils and Sustainable Living classes. Cass County Conservation is partnered with them to bring the classes to the Atlantic Campus of IWCC. The Intro to Rainscaping Workshop is free to the public.  It will be held November 3, 2012. Topics covered at the Atlantic IWCC workshop include Green Roofs, Permeable Paving Systems, Rain Gardens, Worm Composting, and after a lunch break Rain Barrel Class. This workshop will be held at the Atlantic IWCC, Saturday November 3 from 9 AM to Noon. If you would like to build a Rain Barrel there is a $40/barrel fee.

To register for classes go to http://www.iwcc.edu/continuing_education/

The Mills County Sheriff’s Office reports the arrests of three people the past few days.

On Thursday at about 1:20 AM, 31-year-old Kevin Scott Peteren of Glenwood was arrested on Hazel Street in Glenwood for 3rd degree burglary, 3rd degree attempted burglary, 5th degree theft, and public intoxication.  He was held on $3,600 bond.

On Tuesday at about 9 AM, 36-year-old Charles Curtis Kephart of Glenwood was arrested for 3rd degree sexual abuse.  He was held on $20,000 bond.

On Monday, 22-year-old Patrick Neil Jack of Malvern was arrested for violation of probation.  He was hld on $5,000 bond.

The Cass County Board of Supervisors are set to meet Friday morning, in Atlantic. During the 9-a.m. session at the Courthouse, the Board will discuss appointing a Safety Coordinator, with regard to a recommendation from the Iowa Municipal Worker’s Compensation Association (IMWCA).

Board Chair Duane McFadden reviewed the IMWCA workers’ compensation safety review onsite visit by Loss Control representative Ed Morrison.  Following his September 11th visit, Morrison said he finds the workplace to be generally safe and compliant.  However, he recommended that Cass County “appoint a safety coordinator to assess the state of safety in the workplace, promote safety and ensure compliance with established safety programs and policies.”  The matter was taken under advisement during the Board’s meeting last week.

The Supervisors, Friday, will also discuss and/or possibly act on, a valuation exemption agreement for an Amaizing Energy Urban Renewal Area (URA) parcel or parcels.