Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Governor Terry Branstad has appointed a new chief of staff. Thirty-two-year-old Michael Bousselot, current legal counsel for the governor’s office, will begin his new role on August 8th. The announcement Thursday comes one day after current chief of staff Matt Hinch said he was resigning from the top post for a career in the private sector.

DUBUQUE, Iowa (AP) — Police data show Dubuque is on pace to see more reports of gunfire this year compared to 2014. But some residents tell the Telegraph Herald that they still feel safe despite the rising number of gunfire reports. Police received two calls of shots fired on Tuesday. No arrests have been made in either incident.

COUNCIL BLUFF, Iowa (AP) — Authorities have released the name of a man whose body was recovered from the Missouri River at Council Bluffs. Local police identified the man as 37-year-old Jeffrey Kahler of Omaha, Nebraska. His body was spotted a little before 5:30 p.m. Sunday just south of the Veterans Memorial Bridge, which connects Council Bluffs with south Omaha.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Nicki Gross has been named an assistant coach with the Iowa Energy, making her the only female to fill that role in the NBA D-League. The Memphis Grizzlies and Energy announced Gross’ appointment Thursday. The Grizzlies are Iowa’s NBA affiliate.

Iowa Senator Joni Ernst, a Republican from Red Oak, voted for the Senate transportation bill today (Thursday). Ernst talked with reporters before the vote, and says she decided to move ahead after addressing some questions with Iowa groups. “With the assurances that have come from the various groups in Iowa — they are okay with the measures that are in the bill — so, I am going to support it. I think we have to have a multi-year bill,” Ernst says.

Ernst was asked about concerns raised by some over 18-year-olds being allowed to drive trucks. “I haven’t seen any studies to contradict that. I think younger that drivers are fine,” according to Ernst. “We have laws in place already that will be followed, so I feel very confident.” Ernst says the bill isn’t perfect, but she says they needed to take action. “I look at this as a good bill, again a multi-year bill, that’s what we are striving for, and hopefully we can find a consensus on it,” Ernst says. She says the six-year bill gives more certainty to state transportation departments as they set their schedules.

“We have it fully funded for three of those years. It’s not the perfect solution, but it is a multi-year solution,” Ernst says. “It will considerably help our states and make sure that they have funding available for the projects.” Iowa’s other U-S Senator, Republican Chuck Grassley, also voted for the bill. The U-S Senate also passed a three-month extension of the current funding bill to keep transportation money available until a long-term bill is passed. The U-S House has left for its August recess, so a long-term bill would not move forward until the fall.

(Radio Iowa)

Photo’s courtesy Brian Hamman, Montgomery Co. EMA

Montgomery County Emergency Management Coordinator Brian Hamman reports Red Oak and Elliott Fire Departments were paged to a barn fire in northern Montgomery County just before 1-p.m., Thursday. Upon their arrival at 2402 100th Street, the barn was fully involved in fire, and a car inside the structure was also on fire.

Mutual aid was requested from Grant Fire Dept for additional tankers and man power. The fire was brought under control within 20 minutes and crews remained on scene for roughly an hour completing salvage and overhaul. At this time, the cause of fire is under investigation and the barn and vehicle are considered a total loss.

The Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce’ Image Committee has presented Complementary Care Health & Wellness with a Community with Improvement Award. The award recognizes the successful efforts to improve a property in the Atlantic Area.

Pictured: Doug Gifford, Ouida Wymer, Gene Fischer, Gerald Brink and Dr. Kerry Sauser.

Ouida Wymer, Executive Director, Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce, said “Dr. Kerry Sauser, ARNP, ND PhD, dedicates a lot of time and passion to her building and garden to create a welcoming environment for her patients and beautiful façade in the community.“ Susan Retz, CCHW Marketing Director, said she encourages everyone to “Stop in and see the many ways we can help them feel their best, look their best and live their best naturally. Our health food store is open to the public, and besides Dr. Kerry’s practice, we offer massage, reflexology, ortho-bionomy, healing touch and more.”

The Community Improvement Award is given to a business that takes pride in making Atlantic a welcoming and beautiful community by continuing to improve its appearance. If you would like to nominate a business or community member for a Community Improvement Award please contact the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce: 712-243-3017 or chamber@atlanticiowa.com.