(Radio Iowa) – The chairman of the House Education Committee says the governor’s bill to overhaul Area Education Agencies will not come up for a vote in his committee. Senate Republican Leader Jack Whitver predicts the legislature will approve some changes in how AEAs operate. “I think there’s a lot of people in our (Senate Republican) Caucus that are excited to make some reforms,” Whitver says. “There’s some that have a lot questions and I think it really indicates more of just the normal legislative process where the two sides disagree and we’re going to have to work with the governor and find some solution, but I’m optimistic we can do that.”

Area Education Agencies provide services for students with disabilities, as well as media and curriculum materials and training for all teachers. Governor Reynolds has proposed giving each Iowa school district the option to use AEA services or find another way to provide those services to students and staff. House Speaker Pat Grassley has suggested it’s time for a “reset” on the whole conversation about AEAs. Whitver says the governor has made adjustments in her initial proposal. “I don’t know about starting from scratch because it is a totally different bill than it was three weeks ago, but we’re going to have to continue the conversation and make the case why these reforms are necessary if it’s going to become law.”

Critics say under the governor’s plan, urban districts will be able to use their AEA allotment to hire more staff or find private companies to provide the services — leaving rural schools with a depleted AEA system. “That’s what we’re looking at, but I mean there’s almost $600 million in the AEA system, so if some of the schools opt out, I think there’s still a lot of money to make sure that services are being given to students across the state,” Whitver says, “but that’s certainly something we’re hearing from our rural members.”

Whitver made his comments this weekend on Iowa Press on Iowa PBS.

(Glenwood, Iowa) – Police in Glenwood report two people were arrested on separate drug charges over the weekend. 23-year-old Zavier McCarther, of Omaha, was arrested Saturday for Possession of a Controlled Substance (PCS). He posted bond and was released.

And, 37-year-old Kristen Kermeen, of Glenwood, was arrested Sunday for PCS. She was released on her Own Recognizance. Glenwood Police said also, 32-year-old Matthew Prunty, of Glenwood, was arrested Saturday for Harassment in the 1^st Degree. He posted 10-percent of his bond and was released

(Bedford, Iowa) — The Taylor County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s assistance in locating a missing resident. 71 year old Angela Green has not been heard from since January 6, 2024. She has recently been living in the Corning, Iowa area. She owns a white 2012 Chevrolet Malibu with Iowa license plate MUW101. Angela has medical issues that may need attention. If anyone has any information about her whereabouts, contact the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office at 712-523-2153.

The type of vehicle Green owns

Angela Green

DES MOINES, Iowa – The Iowa Department of Corrections reports Richard Wilson, who was convicted of Robbery 2nd Degree and Theft 1st Degree in Polk and Story Counties, failed to report back to the Fort Des Moines Correctional Facility as required on Saturday.

Wilson is a 46-year-old white male, height 6’2″, and weighs 240 pounds. He was admitted to the work release facility on December 15, 2023.

Persons with information on Wilson’s whereabouts should contact local police.

Richard Wilson

(Atlantic, Iowa) – Sheriff’s officials in Cass County are asking for your help in locating a trailer that was reported stolen sometime between 11-p.m. Saturday and 7-a.m. Sunday. The trailer was taken from the vicinity of Interstate 80 westbound at mile-marker 71.5. The trailer is described as being a 24-foot, dual axle “Deep South” brand. At the time of the theft, it had Florida temporary license tags DMS2008, in the lower left corner. The front driver side tire was blown and that wheel may no longer match the rest of the wheels.

If you have seen this trailer or have information about the theft, please contact the Cass County Sheriff’s Office at 712-243-2206.

(Council Bluffs, Iowa) – Police in Council Bluffs reports two people were arrested Friday on warrants for Child Endangerment. Authorities says Officers observed 31-year-old Vaughn White and 26-year-old Brittany DeSantiago, both of Council Bluffs, were seen entering an apartment. When officers attempted to call the pair out, they refused to respond or comply with demands. Police say due to Vaughn White’s past history and experiences with law enforcement, police negotiators were called to the scene, along with the Council Bluffs Emergency Service Team.

After about two-hours, negotiators were able to convince White to exit the apartment. He was placed under arrest on warrants for four-counts of Child Endangerment, two-counts of a No Contact Order violation, and Interference with Official Acts. DeSantiago was arrested on a warrant charging her with four-counts of Child Endangerment.

Two other subjects were detained for a brief time before being released.

Brittany DeSantiago

Vaughn White

(Red Oak, Iowa) – Police in Red Oak say a hit-and-run property damage incident was reported Friday evening. Officers were dispatched to the 400 block of E. Reed Street at around 6:15-p.m., following a reported hit-and-run that had just occurred. On the scene, a legally parked 2014 Subaru Forester SUV had damage to the driver’s side door, with an apparent dark colored paint transfer on the vehicle where the impact occurred.

The owner of the vehicle said she and her boyfriend were sitting in their apartment, when they heard a loud bang-type noise. When the boyfriend went out to check her vehicle, he saw that it had been side-swiped. A dark colored “box-type” vehicle was seen heading west on East Reed Street.

The SUV sustained about $5,000 damage. It was not insured, according to the owner, due to a family matter.