DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A former Iowa assistant attorney general plans to challenge the Republican state auditor in next year’s midterm elections. Rob Sand, a Democrat who served with Attorney General Tom Miller between 2010 and earlier this year, announced his candidacy for state auditor Monday against incumbent Mary Mosiman.

Sand gained attention in the AG’s office for prosecuting a jackpot scandal that involved a former lottery programmer admitting to rigging computers that enabled him to pick winning numbers in several lottery games. Sand also prosecuted fraud related to the state’s film making tax credit program. Mosiman was appointed state auditor in 2013 following the resignation of former State Auditor David Vaudt. She was elected to a full four-year term the following year.

A hearing is set to take place 1:30-p.m. in Red Oak, for a man accused in a fatal Red Oak shooting. Online court records show the attorney for 39-year old Kevin Duane Staley, of Red Oak, filed a motion last week on his behalf, asking for a change of venue. The attorney cited extensive media coverage surrounding the case. Staley is charged with Voluntary Manslaughter in connection with the October 11th, fatal shooting of 27-year old Devin Alexander Davis, of Villisca. Records indicate Staley is claiming self-defense.

Red Oak Police Department were called to the 200 block of East Grimes Street at around 4:17 a.m. on October 11th, for deceased person. Their initial investigation determined Davis died from a single gunshot wound. A more in-depth investigation revealed Staley had been in a confrontation with Davis earlier in the morning that culminated in the shooting. Later that same day, a  search was executed at Staley’s home and he was placed under arrest.

He remains in the Montgomery County Law Enforcement Center on a $100,000 cash bond.

A call to authorities about an armed robbery in Harlan early this (Monday) morning, resulted in the arrest of a man for making a false report. Harlan Police say 45-year old Richard Green, of Harlan, an employee of the Settle Inn and Suites was arrested for 4th Degree Theft and False Reporting. His bond was set at $1,000. Harlan Police and Shelby County Sheriff’s Deputies were called to the business a little after 3-a.m. today (Monday), where an armed robbery was said to have occurred.

Green told authorities he was robbed at gunpoint and the robber had fled the area. Authorities set up a perimeter and deployed the Cass County K-9.  During an interview, Green’s story changed and he confessed to taking the money, which he put inside his coat. He also admitted making up a story about the armed robbery.

A company that makes wind blades in central Iowa will begin manufacturing bus bodies as well, adding hundreds of jobs. T-P-I Composites started producing wind blades in Newton nearly 10 years ago. Now, Newton Development Corporation Executive Director Frank Liebl says they’ll be making composite bus bodies for California-based Proterra, Incorporated. “Fortunately, for Newton, TPI decided to open a second facility. They’ll be leasing about 100,000 square feet at the former Maytag Plant Two,” Liebl says.

The supply agreement requires TPI to provide Proterra with up to 3,350 bus bodies over a five-year period. The Newton bus manufacturing operation is expected to be up and running in the first half of next year with 75-to-100 employees.”Eventually, the plan calls for three-year employment numbers that will exceed 350,” Liebl says.

T-P-I currently employs nearly 1,100 people in Newton at the plant that makes wind blades. Liebl says the bus bodies will be taken by semi to Proterra factories in South Carolina and California to be finished out. Proterra designs and manufactures battery-electric vehicles.

(Radio Iowa)

The Cass County Sheriff’s Office will be closed on Friday, November 17th, from 8 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for training purposes. It will re-open at 1:00 p.m. and stay open until 4:30 p.m.

Atlantic Municipal Utilities (AMU) and the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce announce the Annual Holiday Christmas Lighting Contest “Deck the Homes”. This contest encourages the community to nominate their favorite merry and bright home. Bailey Smith, Executive Director at the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce said “We love partnering with AMU on this project. It really encourages community pride and everyone loves twinkling lights,” mentioned Smith.

To nominate your favorite merry and bright home, call Atlantic Municipal Utilities at 712.243.1395. Winners will receive an Atlantic Municipal Utilities Voucher. Nominations are due December 11th.

Pick up your Christmas Brochure from area retail businesses, like the Chamber on Facebook or follow on Twitter to find dates and details to celebrate Christmas in Atlantic. You can find a complete list of activities at www.christmasinatlantic.com. Capture the Christmas magic with #MyAtlanticIA and post to the Atlantic Area Chamber’s Facebook page or Instagram (AtlanticIowaFan). Contact the Atlantic Area Chamber with any questions at chamber@atlanticiowa.com or call 712.243.3017.

ALGONA, Iowa (AP) — A state board has suspended the teaching license of a northern Iowa teacher and coach was accused of being intoxicated at school. The Globe Gazette in Mason City reports that the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners ordered the suspension of Chad Ahlers’ teaching and coaching licenses for two years. He also was ordered to complete a 15-hour ethics course for educators.

Ahlers was a math teacher and track and cross country coach at Algona High School. He says he has struggled with depression and alcohol use and apologized to his friends, family and former co-workers. Ahlers resigned in May after an investigation found the 46-year-old had a blood alcohol level above the legal limit to drive while he was at work.