From the Associated Press (11:20 a.m.):
DAVENPORT, Iowa (AP) – Iowa’s 2nd congressional district has the dubious distinction of having the second-most structurally deficient bridges in the country. So, it struck some Iowans as strange when the district’s Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks voted against a bill that would pour more than $100 million in federal money to repair and replace bridges into southwest Iowa. Miller-Meeks objected to majority Democrats’ handling of the bill, a common refrain from the minority that overwhelmingly opposed it. If anyone in Iowa was surprised that the Republican would oppose money for a glaring local priority, few in Washington were. Strategists and onetime party leaders note it’s become so common for lawmakers to prioritize their party’s line over district needs that it’s hardly mentioned.
MERRILL, Iowa (AP) – Construction has begun on a 16-mile hiking and biking trail connecting the Iowa towns of Sioux City and Le Mars. The Sioux City Journal reports that ground was broken Tuesday on the PlyWood Trail. The PlyWood Trail Foundation has raised more than $4 million from public and private sources, and is seeking state and federal grants. Foundation chairman Ryan Meyer says “quality of life” amenities are important in attracting workforce and young families to the area. Mike Wells, president of Le Mars-based Wells Enterprises, says the new trail along with the mountain bike trail at Cone Park will create a “bicycle destination in Northwest Iowa.” The company is a major donor.
AMES, Iowa (AP) – The Ames City Council has set a goal of the community reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 83% by 2030, and net-zero emissions by 2050. The Ames Tribune reports that the council voted 5-1 on Tuesday to adopt the targets. Residents have been split on the issue. Some have called for aggressive climate action. Others are demanding that the costs don’t fall on them. Council member Tim Gartin, who cast the lone dissenting vote, said the city’s ambitious target was disingenuous without having clear data and knowing the costs.
IOWA FALLS, Iowa (AP) – A review by the Iowa attorney general’s office finds that two Iowa State Patrol troopers were justified in an Iowa Falls shooting that left one man dead. The review released Wednesday by Special Assistant Attorney General Scott Brown found that troopers Corey Smock and Jeremy Schaffer “were entirely legally justified” in their actions that ended in the death of 35-year-old Jared Risius on the morning of Dec. 8 in Iowa Falls. The shooting happened after officers attempted to help a woman who reported a man was trying to stop her vehicle. Officers said they believed Risius was armed and potentially dangerous to people nearby.
MASON CITY, Iowa (AP) – An Iowa school board has upheld the decision to drop the “Mohawk” name and mascot, despite some pushback from the community. In November, the Mason City School Board voted to end use of the Mohawk nickname after the Meskwaki Nation in Iowa and the St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Council of Akwesasne, New York, objected to the Native-themed mascot. The topic was put on the agenda for the Monday night meeting in response to a presentation by members of the Facebook group, “Mason City Mohawk Save the Name.” But the Mason City Globe Gazette reports that the board held firm with its decision.
FORT DODGE, Iowa (AP) – A former jailer in Webster County is facing charges accusing her of helping an inmate escape. The Fort Dodge Messenger reports that 30-year-old Michelle Renee Valenti of Fort Dodge faces several felony charges in connection with the Dec. 11 incident in which an inmate, 43-year-old Jordan Mefferd of Fort Dodge, was able to break out of the jail. Mefferd was taken back into custody hours later. A criminal complaint cites surveillance video showing that Valenti was the only person with access to the controls capable of unlocking the door Mefferd used in his escape. Authorities say Valenti later admitted to facilitating the escape.
