DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Former Iowa first lady Mari Culver has pleaded guilty to public intoxication after troopers saw her stumbling at the Iowa State Fair last month. In a statement Friday, Culver says she’s “very disappointed” in herself and it won’t happen again.

A complaint says an Iowa State Patrol officer observed Culver “stumble into three people” Aug. 19 before contacting her on the Midway. The trooper says Culver’s speech was slurred and she was having trouble standing.

The report says the trooper contacted a transport vehicle to move her to the patrol’s compound to face processing for public intoxication. The report says a preliminary breath test found a blood alcohol content of .189.

Culver is an attorney and wife of former Democratic Gov. Chet Culver, who served from 2007 to 2011. She pleaded guilty and was fined this week.

Fremont County Sheriff’s officials say Deputies responded at around 11:34-a.m. Wednesday, to the scene of a woman who had died at a residence in the 300 block of Washington Street, in Thurman. 18-year old Anna Marie Joy Courtier, of Tabor, was found dead inside the home.

At this point in the investigation, authorities say her death does not appear to be suspicious in nature, and no one is actively being sought in connection with her death. An autopsy was performed at the State Medical Examiner’s Office in Ankeny, but the cause and manner of death are being withheld, pending completion of the autopsy report.

The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, Fremont County Sheriff’s Office and Iowa State Medical Examiner assisted with the investigation. Authorities say no other information will be released at this time.

Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS) officials have used the state’s safe haven procedures for the 30th time since the law went into effect. Officials say a girl was born August 21st, 2017, at an Iowa hospital and the infant was released to the custody of the DHS. A court hearing to terminate parental rights is held within a month. Specific details are withheld in order to protect the identity of the parents and child.

Through Iowa’s safe haven law, parents have the option to safely hand over custody of babies age 14 days or younger without fear of prosecution for abandonment. The parent, or their authorized representative, can leave the newborn at a hospital or health care facility, and can remain anonymous.

The safe haven law was approved in the wake of a high-profile case in 2001 involving a teen mother in eastern Iowa who killed her home-delivered newborn. Infants who are safe haven babies are placed with currently-approved foster or adoptive families.

If you are interested in becoming a foster or adoptive parent, please visit https://www.iowakidsnet.com/

For more information on the safe haven procedure: http://dhs.iowa.gov/safe-haven

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – The Iowa State Patrol has responded to a new texting-while-driving state law by issuing 230 tickets in the past two months, far more than troopers issued all last year. The Des Moines Register reports that troopers issued less than 175 tickets for texting in 2016.

The new law took effect July 1 and lets officers issue citations if they observe a motorist texting while driving. The previous law only allowed motorists to be ticketed for texting if they also committed another traffic offense.

Maj. Randy Kunert heads the state patrol’s field operations. He says officers are using unmarked vehicles and plain-clothed troopers to catch motorists. The Legislative Services Agency says the fine for texting while driving is $30, but court costs bring the total cost to about $100.

As of today (Friday) Crossroads of Western Iowa has expanded into Atlantic, by officially merging with CASS Incorporated. For over 40 years, Crossroads has been serving the Western Iowa area teaching program clients life skills and attaining independence.

Crossroads officials say they are excited to start serving the Atlantic community in an effort to reach more people with disabilities. The merger will allow Crossroads to make more impacts in Iowa communities.

Crossroads of Western Iowa is a non-profit organization devoted to supporting adults in the community who, for various reasons, are unable to live completely on their own. Most have some sort of disability, brain injury or serious mental illness.

The newly combined organization will use the “Crossroads of Western Iowa” name. Brent Dillinger, current CEO for Crossroads of Western Iowa, will continue to oversee all of the major operations of the combined organization. Dillinger has been serving as CEO for Crossroads of Western Iowa since 2008. Under Dillinger’s helm, Crossroads has experienced tremendous growth. Today, the organization has a $20 million budget, employs more than 300 individuals and serves 350 clients.

Dillinger said “This is an exciting time for Crossroads and CASS Incorporated! This merger is a big accomplishment for both organizations. We look forward to continue the legacy of providing much needed services that CASS has been successfully providing for a number of years.”

Glenda Farrier, CEO for CASS Incorporated for the past 28 years, will retire this month. She will continue to work on special projects for Crossroads through January 2018.

By providing residential living, supported employment options and adult dayhab services, Crossroads individuals have been able to reach their full potential at home, at work and in their communities. Crossroads’ services provide meaningful life skills, a connection to the community, low staff-to-client ratios, confidentiality, clean and modern facilities, and qualified staff with ongoing training. Your loved ones are safe to grow with us.

This past July, Crossroads also merged with Cherokee Work Services located in Cherokee, Iowa. The merger has allowed Crossroads to expand services into the Cherokee Iowa area.

For more information about Crossroads of Western Iowa, please visit explorecrossroads.com or contact Rita Hamele at 712-216-2345.

The Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office reports a Council Bluffs man was arrested Thursday afternoon, for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. 45-year old William John Harrisman, of Council Bluffs, was arrested at his residence in the 1900th block of 30th Avenue, and booked into the Pott. County Jail.

A speeding pickup truck was stopped Thursday evening in Pott. County, and its driver arrested on a warrant for OWI/1st offense. Sheriff’s officials say 57-year old Joel Leon Peters, of Council Bluffs, was taken into custody on the warrant, at around 9:20-p.m. in the area of Highway 92 and 360th Street.

And, an inmate at the Pottawattamie County Jail faces an Assault on a Peace Officer charge, following an incident at the Jail. Officials say 19-year old Peter Douglas Hobart, of Council Bluffs, is accused of assault a 36-year old male corrections officer, from Council Bluffs. Hobart remained in the Pott. County Jail.