Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press at 3:40 a.m. CDT

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Communities that were flooded when levees failed along the Missouri River this spring will likely remain exposed to high water for months. Many displaced residents have been left wondering when, or if, they can return and rebuild their homes. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has been assessing the levees that were crippled in March when the river and its tributaries to overflowed in Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri and Kansas. But repairs are hindered by the extensive damage and lingering floodwaters.

OSCEOLA, Iowa (AP) — An Osceola husband and wife accused of abusing two adopted children have pleaded guilty to two counts each of child endangerment. Television station KCCI reports that 42-year-old Kenneth Fry and 40-year-old Kelly Fry entered their pleas Monday in a deal with prosecutors that saw several other charges dropped. Prosecutors say the children, ages 8 and 9, were adopted from Ghana and that the Frys kept them in an unfurnished room with only a bucket for a toilet. The children were also malnourished.

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) — Sioux City officials have approved nearly $15 million for a new exposition center that they hope will attract events such as trade show and youth sports tournaments. The Sioux City Journal reports that the City Council awarded the contract to L&L Builders on Monday for the Siouxland Expo Center project. The contract bid was over $2 million higher than initial projections. The venue will be built between Interstate 29 and the Floyd River and is expected to start hosting events in 2020.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Gov. Kim Reynolds has signed a bill into law that allows Iowa farmers to legally grow industrial hemp. The Iowa Hemp Act passed the Legislature with overwhelming support last month. The bill Reynolds signed Monday allows licensed growers to cultivate the crop on up to 40 acres. First, however, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship must develop a plan and submit it for approval of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The USDA must still release its own regulations this fall.

Three people from Harlan were injured in a three vehicle, chain-reaction collision just before 10-a.m. Tuesday, in Pottawattamie County. The Iowa State Patrol reports a 2012 Chevy Cruze driven by 20-year old Jessica Throlson, of Harlan, was westbound on Interstate 80 near mile marker 19.

Due to an earlier crash near the 18 mile marker, traffic was merging to the right lane. 72-year old Marilyn Rosman and 61-year old Sharon Davidson, both of Harlan, were traveling in a 2019 Toyota Avalon in the right lane, when Throlson rear-ended the Toyota.

The collision cause the Toyota to collide with a 2018 Jeep Wrangler driven by 21-year old Taylor Axelson, of Loveland, CO. The Chevy and the Toyota came to rest in the right lane, while the Jeep came to rest in the median.

Throlson, Rosmann and Davidson were all transported to Mercy Hospital in Council Bluffs, by rescue crews from Neola and Underwood.

On Monday, authorities in Pottawattamie County identified the victim of a fatal vehicle versus bicycle accident that took place Saturday. Tuesday evening,  investigators identified a black 2014 Ford F-150 as the vehicle that struck William Shepard on Saturday, May 11, 2019 at approximately 2:10-a.m., near Old Lincoln Highway and Northline Drive.  Shepard was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

56-year old Robert Christensen, of rural Council Bluffs, was identified Tuesday as the driver of the vehicle.  No charges have been filed at this time. The case remains under investigation.

OSCEOLA, Iowa (AP) — An Osceola husband and wife accused of abusing two adopted children have pleaded guilty to two counts each of child endangerment.
Television station KCCI reports that 42-year-old Kenneth Fry and 40-year-old Kelly Fry entered their pleas Monday in a deal with prosecutors that saw several other charges dropped.

Prosecutors say the children, ages 8 and 9, were adopted from Ghana and that the Frys kept them in an unfurnished room divided by a wooden wall. The divided room contained only a couple of blankets and buckets for use as toilets, and its door was equipped with an alarm that would sound if opened. Doctors say the children were also dangerously malnourished.

Prosecutors say the Frys’ five other children had typical age-appropriate bedrooms and did not have food restrictions. The Frys each face up to two years in prison when they’re sentenced May 23.

Officials with the Harlan Police Department report five arrests.

On May 11th: 29-year old Cody Emmett Lister, of Harlan was arrested in the 600 block of Main Street.  Lister was transported to the Shelby County Jail where he was charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and interference with official acts.; and, 29-year old Jacob Brady Scheffler, of Harlan, was arrested on an active warrant.  Scheffler was transported to the Shelby County Jail.

On May 9th: 36-year old Brent Michael Swisher, of, Avoca, was arrested following a call for service.  Swisher was transported to the Shelby County Jail where he was charged with assault and criminal mischief 4th.

And on May 6th: 45-year old Frances Williams, of Milwaukee, WI was arrested on an active warrant out of the state of Arizona.  Williams was transported to the Shelby County Jail.; 23-year old Angel Nicole Knowles, of Harlan was arrested on an active warrant.  Knowles was transported to the Shelby County Jail.