(Radio Iowa) – A group in the Iowa House is working on legislation that would erase the lowest level, non-violent felony convictions from a person’s record after a decade — if they aren’t convicted of another crime. The person would have to complete their sentence and pay all fines and court fees in order to have a Class D felony expunged. Drew Klein of Americans for Prosperity is urging legislators to pass the bill. “You’ve probably all heard me use that Ralph Waldo Emerson quote that, ‘If we treat people as they are. If we treat them as they could be, they become hopefully what they should be,'” Klein said. “And I think this bill moves us in that direction.”

Others say expunging non-violent felony convictions from decades ago can help Iowans qualify for professional licenses, get loans and sign leases. Representative Mary Wolfe, a Democrat from Clinton, says it would apply to non-violent offenses like criminal mischief, second degree theft or third offense drunken driving. “It is a piece of criminal justice reform that I think is important,” Wolfe says. “Many other states allow felonies to be expunged. This bill is more restrictive than several of those other states. Obviously, if somebody has a felony back in 2010 and they have another felony, they wouldn’t be eligible under this.”

Wolfe, who is an attorney, has been working on the bill after trying to help clients get their gun rights back.  “Primarily so they could hunt with their children or grandchildren,” Wolfe says. “I had no luck assisting them in doing that and I just think there should be a path forward for non-violent offenders to get their firearms’ right back without having to kind of plead with the governor’s office.”

Under current law, Iowa’s governor reviews and decides upon applications from felons seeking restoration of second amendment rights after they’ve completed their sentences.

MARENGO, Iowa (AP) — The Pride of Iowa sandwich-making facility in east-central Iowa has been destroyed in a fire. Television station KCRG reports that firefighters were called to the plant in Marengo around 9 p.m. Saturday for the fire. Officials say the facility was closed and that no one was working in the building at the time of the fire. No injuries were reported.

Fire officials say crews were able to salvage one freezer, but the rest of the plant was destroyed. The Pride of Iowa makes sandwiches for sale in vending machines and at convenience stores.

Here’s a reminder from Xi Beta Phi, a $500 Reanne Gruhn Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually to an Atlantic High School graduate who benefited from Resource Room Services in the Atlantic Community School District, or is planning a career in education. The scholarship was established by Xi Beta Phi Sorority in 2003 as a memorial to their sister, Reanne Gruhn.

Reanne was an outstanding educator in the Atlantic Schools, specializing in Resource Room education. This scholarship is a tribute to her dedication and continuous love for all students. All graduating seniors or alumni are encouraged to apply for the scholarship.

More information can be found on the AHS Guidance link on the website-atlanticiaschools.org. Applications must be turned in by March 29, 2021

Adair County Sheriff Jeff Vandewater has a very brief report today (Monday). Vandewater said 24-year old Cody A. Wilson, of Carlisle, remains held without bond in the Adair County Jail, on a State of Wisconsin arrest warrant. Wilson voluntarily waived extradition on Feb. 26th before a Union County Judge, and agreed to go back to Wisconsin when they male arrangements for his transportation.

Wilson had been arrested Feb. 23rd on warrants for Disorderly Conduct, Resisting or Obstructing an Officer, and felony charges of Battery or Threat to a Judge, Prosecutor or Law Enforcement Officer, along with Throwing/Discharging Bodily Fluid at a Public Safety worker or Prosecutor.

(Radio Iowa) – Des Moines police are now releasing the name of the man who was shot to death over the weekend in the capitol city’s first homicide of 2021. Des Moines police were called to a residential neighborhood near Drake University late Friday night to investigate a report of shots fired. First responders found 52-year-old Darrell Merriwether, of Clive, suffering from a gunshot wound. He died at the hospital early Saturday morning. Police say they’re interviewing witnesses, examining evidence and following leads, but as yet, no arrests are made.

The Mills County Sheriff’s Office reports five arrests. On Feb. 27th, 39-year old Ronald Wayne Reid, of Omaha, was arrested on a Pottawattamie County warrant for Violation of Probation. His bond was set at $5,000. And, 56-year old Kevin Lynn Nicks, of Clarinda, was arrested on a Page County warrant for two counts of Failure to Appear.

On Feb. 25th, 24-year old Billie Jean Fouts, of Weeping Water, NE., was arrested at the Mills County Sheriff’s Office on a warrant for Harassment. And, 35-year old Matthew Paul Dennis, of Council Bluffs, was arrested on a warrant for Failure to Appear on an original charge of Driving While License Denied or Revoked. Bond was set at $1,000.

On Feb. 24th, 27-year old James Aloysius Maschka, of Glenwood, was arrested at the Mills County Jail, for Criminal Mischief in the 3rd Degree, with bond set at $2,000.