NEB. LAWMAKERS EXPECTED TO APPROVE SAFE HAVEN AGE LIMIT
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - A 30-day age limit on children who can be dropped off at hospitals under Nebraska's safe haven law is expected to get final approval.
A final vote by lawmakers approving the measure was expected today. And Gov. Dave Heineman was expected to sign the bill into law today (Friday).
If signed by Heineman, the law will go into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday.
Nebraska's current safe haven law was meant to prevent newborns from being dumped in trash bins or worse but is the only one in the country without an age limit. Since September, 35 children, most of them preteens and teenagers, have been dropped off at Nebraska hospitals.
Lawmakers have vowed to address what they say is a lack of mental health and other services for troubled older youth.
11/21/2008 6:57:05 AM
JURY BEGINS DELIBERATIONS IN ROVE ARREST TRIAL
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) _ A jury is expected to begin deliberations on Friday in the case of four people who attempted to arrest former White House adviser Karl Rove during a fund raising appearance earlier this year in Iowa.
Facing charges of trespassing are retired Methodist minister Chet Guinn, two members of the social welfare group Des Moines Catholic Worker Community, Edward Bloomer and Mona Shaw, and former group member Kirk Brown. The four were cited after attempting a citizen's arrest of Rove on July 25 at the Wakonda County Club in Des Moines, where he spoke at a Republican fundraiser.
In the citizens arrest complaint, the defendants accused Rove of felony murder, election fraud, conspiracy to commit offense or defraud the United States leading to the war in Iraq, as well as treason, sedition and subversive activities.
$225,000 grant to fund Neb. holiday traffic cops.
11/21/2008 6:57:40 AM
HOLIDAY TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS TO BE ENFORCED
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) _ Gov. Dave Heineman is announcing nearly $225,000 in federal grants to increase traffic enforcement around the Thanksgiving holiday.
The money goes to 26 police departments, 23 sheriff's offices and the Nebraska State Patrol. Efforts start Nov. 24 and run through Nov. 30. The money will provide about 8,000 hours of additional traffic enforcement. The grants are awarded by the Nebraska Office of Highway Safety and pay for vehicle check points and more patrols at locations with a high potential for accidents.
Heavy traffic is expected because of the holiday and the Nebraska football game.
A focus will be on child restraint and seat belt usage.
11/21/2008 6:58:28 AM
MARI CULVER ADMITS VIOLATING IOWA SMOKING BAN
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) _ Iowa first lady Mari Culver has admitted she violated the state's smoking ban by smoking in a state-owned vehicle. Gov. Chet Culver signed the ban into law in April, and on Thursday his wife released a statement saying she had quit smoking last year but restarted a few months ago and smoked in a state vehicle.
Mari Culver says she regrets the mistake and promises that it won't happen again. The Des Moines Register reported that Culver was seen smoking in a black SUV the state provides to her family. Culver was in the passenger seat with the window rolled down. A state trooper was driving.
Culver declined to comment beyond the statement released by a spokesman, who did not comment about whether she would be fined.
11/21/2008 6:58:40 AM
HUCKABEE: REPUBLICANS NEED TO HIT 'RESET BUTTON'
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (AP) _ Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee says this year's election was a warning that Republicans should be ``pushing the reset button'' because voters have lost faith that GOP candidates support the party's core values.
Huckabee says the problem isn't the party's principles but that Republicans are ``not following the principles of our party.''
Huckabee spoke with The Associated Press on Thursday after signing copies of his new book for more than 400 people in Cedar Rapids. He says he plans to return to Iowa, where he won this year's precinct caucuses, to campaign for others but hasn't decided whether to seek the Republican presidential nomination in the next election cycle.
11/21/2008 6:58:51 AM
VERASUN CLOSES DYERSVILLE ETHANOL PLANT
DYERSVILLE, Iowa (AP) _ VeraSun Energy has announced that it has closed its ethanol plant in Dyersville indefinitely.
The company made the announcement earlier this week in an e-mail to producers and grain elevators.
In the e-mail, the South Dakota-based company says the Dyersville plant is closed for both corn deliveries and corn purchasing until further notice. The e-mail also says that the company is negotiating additional financing that should be available next month.
The plant opened in September and was projected to produce up to 110 million gallons of ethanol each year.
VeraSun filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Oct. 31. On Wednesday, it released its earnings statement, which showed the company had a net loss of more than $476 million in the last quarter.
11/21/2008 6:59:02 AM
TECHNICAL PROBLEMS LEAD TO UNANSWERED 911 CALLS
MASON CITY, Iowa (AP) _ A sheriff says technical problems caused two 911 calls to go unanswered in Cerro Gordo County last week.
Cerro Gordo County Sheriff Kevin Pals says the calls, which came from a Mason City resident and from Mason City Mayor Roger Bang, were made early in the morning on November 12th.
Mason City resident Don Fix says he called 911 at least four times about a burglary without getting an answer. He then called Bang, the mayor, who also called 911 to no avail.
Pals says dispatchers were switching shifts at the time of the calls and when one dispatcher logged out a ringer setting changed.
11/21/2008 6:59:12 AM
IOWA WORKS TO OVERCOME RACIAL BIAS IN FOSTER CARE
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) _ State officials are launching a campaign designed to reduce the disproportionate number of minority children in Iowa's foster care system.
Iowa Department of Human Services Director Gene Gessow announced the campaign Thursday.
He says minority children, especially blacks, are too often placed outside their home. Officials should instead work with families to make changes to keep children safe in their homes.
Gessow says the campaign should help the agency work harder on placement, and raise awareness among people who report child abuse, such as teachers and health care workers.
The campaign is centered in Polk County, where blacks make up about 7 percent of children but account for 24 percent of those in out-of-home foster care.
11/21/2008 6:59:42 AM
FREMONT COUNTY OFFICIALS VOICE CONCERNS OVER PRESCRIPTION DRUG ABUSE
(Sidney) -- Some of the most heavily abused drugs may not be those found on the street. They may be available in your home medicine cabinet.
"Easy Access: The Abuse of Legal Drugs," is the title of a web-cast aired by the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America--or CADCA--at the Fremont County Courthouse Thursday afternoon. Fremont County's Drug Endangered Children Coalition sponsored the local airing. Fremont County Attorney Margaret Johnson is a coalition member. Johnson tells KMA News the program's purpose was to create awareness about the abuse of prescription or over-the-counter medications--primarily by young people.
Based on national statistics, Johnson says abuse of so-called legal drugs is a problem for rural youth as well as those living in urban areas.
Johnson says painkillers are the most easily-accessible drug abused, followed by over-the-counter cold medications. Johnson says adults can fight legal drug abuse problems by monitoring prescription drug use at home.
Other tips include talking with your kids about the dangers of prescription and over-the-counter drug abuse, talking with friends and families about the problem, concealing all unused drugs or disposing of them properly, and--perhaps most important--being a good role model by not abusing such drugs yourself.
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11/20/2008 5:42:39 PM
GRANT WOMAN INJURED IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY ACCIDENT
(Grant) -- A Grant woman is injured in a two-vehicle accident in Montgomery County this (Thursday) afternoon.
The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office says 68-year-old Patricia Bates was taken to Montgomery County Memorial Hospital in Red Oak following the accident at the intersection of "U" Avenue and 2nd Street in Grant. Authorities say Bates' car was eastbound on 2nd Street when she stopped at the intersection and failed to yield to a vehicle on the right. Bates' car then struck a Montgomery County Engineer's Department dump truck driven by 44-year-old Scott Kith of Red Oak. The collision caused Bates' vehicle to spin before coming to rest. Charges are pending in the accident.
11/20/2008 5:43:17 PM
GUTHRIE COUNTY WOMAN KILLED IN COLLISION WITH ANHYDROUS TANK
(Coon Rapids) -- A Guthrie County woman is killed after her car rear-ends an anhydrous ammonia tank late Wednesday evening.
Dead is 73-year-old Nancy Faye Johnson of Coon Rapids. The Iowa State Patrol says Johnson's car was southbound on Chestnut Road approximately five miles south of Coon Rapids when it rear-ended an anhydrous ammonia applicator and nurse tank pulled by a tractor driven by 46-year-old Steve Blass, also of Coon Rapids. Authorities say the tank lacked the required lighting on the rear, while Johnson was not wearing a seatbelt.
11/20/2008 5:44:02 PM
TERRI SIMPSON NAMED SHENANDOAH TEACHER OF THE YEAR
 (Shenandoah) -- For years, Terri Simpson organized Shenandoah's Teacher of the Year ceremonies during American Education Week.
Now, the tables are turned. A 25-year education veteran, Simpson, herself, received the award during this year's ceremonies Wednesday afternoon at the Shenandoah Middle School Commons. Simpson, one of Shenandoah Elementary's first grade instructors, tells KMA News the award came as a surprise.
Though she's been teaching for a quarter century, Simpson says each year is a new beginning.
Simpson says she was inspired by her own teachers to enter the education field. Simpson is the second in her household to win the Teacher of the Year award. Husband Bill Simpson, a longtime middle school instructor, was the 2006 recipient
11/20/2008 5:45:18 PM
CULVER ADMITS VIOLATING IOWA SMOKING BAN
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) _ Iowa first lady Mari Culver has admitted she violated the state's smoking ban by smoking in a state-owned vehicle.
Gov. Chet Culver signed the ban into law in April, and on Thursday his wife released a statement saying she had quit smoking last year but restarted a few months ago and smoked in a state vehicle.
Mari Culver says she regrets the mistake and promises that it won't happen again.
The Des Moines Register reported that Culver was seen smoking in a black SUV the state provides to her family. Culver was in the passenger seat with the window rolled down. A state trooper was driving.
Culver declined to comment beyond the statement released by a spokesman, who did not comment about whether she would be fined.
IOWA WORKS TO OVERCOME RACIAL BIAS IN FOSTER CARE
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) _ State officials are launching a campaign designed to reduce the disproportionate number of minority children in Iowa's foster care system.
Iowa Department of Human Services Director Gene Gessow announced the campaign Thursday.
He says minority children, especially blacks, are too often placed outside their home. Officials should instead work with families to make changes to keep children safe in their homes.
Gessow says the campaign should help the agency work harder on placement, and raise awareness among people who report child abuse, such as teachers and health care workers.
The campaign is centered in Polk County, where blacks make up about 7 percent of children but account for 24 percent of those in out-of-home foster care.
HUCKABEE: REPUBLICANS NEED TO HIT 'RESET BUTTON'
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (AP) _ Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee says this year's election was a warning that Republicans should be ``pushing the reset button'' because voters have lost faith that GOP candidates support the party's core values.
Huckabee says the problem isn't the party's principles but that Republicans are ``not following the principles of our party.''
Huckabee spoke with The Associated Press on Thursday after signing copies of his new book for more than 400 people in Cedar Rapids. He says he plans to return to Iowa, where he won this year's precinct caucuses, to campaign for others but hasn't decided whether to seek the Republican presidential nomination in the next election cycle.
PAGE COUNTY SHERIFF ELECT SALUTES SHENANDOAH TEACHERS
 (Shenandoah) -- Years ago, he was a student in Shenandoah. Now, he's Page County's top law enforcement official. Lyle Palmer, the county's sheriff-elect, was guest speaker at ceremonies honoring American Education Week in Shenandoah Wednesday afternoon.
Palmer, who takes office in January, spoke on the week's local theme, "Together We Can Make A Difference," and on how education is a partnership between teachers and the community. Palmer saluted teachers on hand for the ceremonies--many of whom taught Palmer as he was growing up in the community. Palmer says teachers today have a more difficult job. In some cases, Palmer says they must be more than educators.
Even if he never advances further in his career, Palmer says he knows that he will have a made a difference as a deputy or, eventually, or as a sheriff. And, Palmer says Shenandoah's teachers have made a difference in the lives of others.
11/20/2008 2:15:14 PM
JURY TRIAL SET FOR FORMER TARKIO SCHOOL OFFICIAL
(Tarkio) -- Trial date is set for a former Tarkio school official facing child molestation charges. Arraignment took place earlier this month for Lee Rucker, a former Tarkio R-1 Athletic Director arrested in July on first degree child molestation charges, plus sexual misconduct or attempt involving a child under age 15 and furnishing pornographic material or attempt to furnish to a minor.
Trial is set for March 16th through the 18th in Atchison County District Court, with a pre-trial hearing slated for January 6th. According to the Tarkio Avalanche, Rucker resigned earlier this month under an agreement reached with Tarkio R-1 school officials. Rucker will be paid through the rest of November and December.
11/20/2008 2:15:26 PM
UPS DRIVER HONORED WITH 30 YEARS INCIDENT-FREE DRIVING
 A local UPS driver is honored with a remarkable 30 years of incident-free driving. Tim Johnson tells KMA News drivers are trained early on to be safe - safety is just part of the routine. Johnson has been with UPS now over 32 years - 30 years of which in the Shenandoah area.
Johnson says he won't ever forget his people in Essex, Farragut, Northboro, Coin, Blanchard, and College Springs. He says customers helped him when he would come in at 7:30 - 8:00 at night with a runny nose and a broken down truck and invite him into their homes and get him on his way again. Johnson hails from the Red Oak and Stanton area, but feels after his pending retirement, he may land closer to Shenandoah.
He quips, "Once I do get retired, I'll probably be here in Shenandoah knocking on doors looking for a part-time job, so y'all keep that in mind."
Johnson feels being a UPS driver is a young man's job and after 32 and a half years, he's looking now at driving something different - he and his wife, Donna, of 37 years wish to travel the country in their motor home.
Johnson lives between Red Oak and Stanton. He and his wife Donna have been married for 37 years. Their four children have given them seven grandchildren.
11/20/2008 2:16:00 PM
ADAMS COUNTY INDUSTRIAL BUILDING NEARS COMPLETION
(Corning) -- Rough economic times isn't stopping Adams County from searching for new industries. One weapon in the effort to bring new industries to the area is nearing completion. Construction began more than a year ago on a new speculative building at Adams County's Blue Grass Industrial Park off of Highway 34. Adams Community Economic Development Coordinator Beth Waddle tells KMA News the new building was needed because the industrial park had run out of space.
Waddle says the county plans to get the word out on the building's availability through an aggressive marketing campaign.
Despite the rough economic, Waddle says having a vacant spec building isn't a bad thing. Waddle says the county may attract more attention from prospective industries because the new building is available. Construction of the building is estimated at $450,000.
11/20/2008 2:16:11 PM
WORK CONTINUES ON NEW SHENANDOAH SOFTBALL DIAMOND
(Shenandoah) -- Shenandoah's young softball players will heard the words, "play ball" in more  places than one next spring. Work continues on a new softball diamond in the existing baseball/softball complex at Sportsman's Park. Shenandoah Park and Recreation Director Mike Laughlin tells KMA News the new diamond will serve mainly as a practice field, and meet the new for another field at the ever-busy complex.
Laughlin says the field's dimensions are similar to the others at the complex.
Laughlin says most of the funding for the project came out of the park and rec department's budget.
11/20/2008 2:16:22 PM
SHENANDOAH SECRETARIAL STAFF NAMED FRIENDS OF EDUCATION
 (Shenandoah) -- They're the right arms of teachers and administrators. They're the first voices the public hears on the other end of the phone. And, they're essential in every school building. Now, the Shenandoah School District is recognizing the district's secretary staff by naming then Friends of Education for 2008. Middle School Instructor Bill Simpson made the announcement during ceremonies at Shenandoah Middle School Wednesday afternoon marking American Education Week.
Molly Blackburn and Connie McGuiness comprise the high school's secretarial staff. McGuiness tells KMA News she was surprised and honored by the award.
District Business Manager Joyce Morgan and secretaries Sandy Apperson and Mandy Maher are located at the Central Office Building. Despite the challenges she and other fellow employees face, Maher says the recognition is humbling.
Also honored were the elementary and middle school's secretarial staff--Merrilee Vavra, Toni Graham, Anita Baker and Lorene Stoaks.
11/20/2008 6:57:48 AM
NEW: LAWMAKERS EXPECT FINAL APPROVAL FOR 30-DAY AGE LIMIT IN SAFE HAVEN LAW
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) _ State Sen. Tom Carlson of Holdredge says the rails are greased and the train is heading down the track on a 30-day age limit for the state's safe haven law.
Carlson says he's not the only one with that sentiment. The state Legislature gave overwhelming approval yesterday, with a 41-6 vote, to the 30-day age limit.
Gov. Dave Heineman says he also supports a 30-day limit.
The lack of an age cap in Nebraska's current safe haven law has led to 35 children from Nebraska and five other states being left at state hospitals. None of the children dropped off have been infants, the group lawmaker had intended to protect when they passed the law last spring.
Instead, most of the children dropped off have been preteens and teenagers.
11/20/2008 6:58:01 AM
HEALTH OFFICIALS: NEB. NEEDS TO BE ON GERM WATCH
 OMAHA, Neb. (AP) _ Health officials say traveling people mean traveling germs and everyone should be watching for symptoms of the flu and whooping cough with Thanksgiving approaching.
Mild weather and education about flu shots may be slowing the illness so far this year.
Whooping cough, meanwhile, has not gone away.
Cases of the highly contagious respiratory illness have been confirmed across the state in the last several weeks, including 12 cases at an Omaha school.
Early symptoms of whooping cough, also known as pertussis (per-TUH-sis), include sinus congestion, runny nose, a slight sore throat and possible low-grade fever. It can progress into violent coughing spells that can last for weeks.
11/20/2008 6:58:13 AM
INTERNET COMPANY PLANS SUPPORT CENTER IN OMAHA
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) _ Internet company People Search Media plans to open a customer support center in Omaha and hire up to 40 people over the next two years.
Company officials say they chose Omaha because of the quality work force and tax incentives available.
The California-based company develops Web sites that charge users to search for information, and it offers products to help people protect their privacy.
The Omaha office will start with five customer support employees. Later, jobs in information technology and communications could be added.
11/20/2008 6:58:24 AM
 'ORACLE OF OMAHA' PORTRAIT AUCTION ENDS THURSDAY
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) _ The auction of a signed portrait of billionaire Warren Buffett that was painted at this year's Berkshire Hathaway shareholders meeting will end Thursday evening at 7 p.m. CST.
Either most of the potential bidders are waiting until the end of the 10-day auction to jump in, or there's not much interest. Only one bid of $100,000 had been submitted by Wednesday afternoon.
All proceeds from the auction will benefit Girls Inc. of Omaha. The nonprofit group provides educational and recreational programs to girls.
Performance artist Michael Israel painted the portrait in May in front of a crowd waiting to enter the Berkshire meeting in Omaha. Buffett is chairman and chief executive of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., which is based in Omaha.
11/20/2008 6:58:36 AM
 NEB. GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES RURAL DEVELOPMENT GRANTS
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) _ Gov. Dave Heineman is announcing nearly $320,000 in grants supporting economic and community development in rural areas.
The money goes to 13 organizations and is available through the Building Entrepreneurial Communities Act. It's part of the Nebraska Advantage incentive package used to encourage businesses to locate and expand in the state.
Eighteen partnerships applied for funding.
11/20/2008 6:58:48 AM
PROSECUTORS: KEEP SLAUGHTERHOUSE MANAGER JAILED
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (AP) _ Prosecutors say a former slaughterhouse manager should stay in jail because he's a flight risk.
They told a federal judge at a hearing Wednesday for Sholom Rubashkin that after he was arrested last week on bank fraud charges, agents found about $20,000 in cash and silver coins packed with passports in a travel bag in his bedroom.
Prosecutors also allege he tried to tamper with evidence when he was released from jail after earlier charges of harboring illegal immigrants and document fraud. Rubashkin, former CEO at Agriprocessors, pleaded not guilty to those charges.
The judge will rule Thursday on whether Rubashkin should remain in jail.
Lawyers say he kept the cash and documents together to protect them.
11/20/2008 6:58:59 AM
CITIES COMPLAIN ABOUT REGULATIONS FOR FLOOD MONEY
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (AP) _ City officials say they're frustrated that rules imposed on government funding are making it harder to distribute disaster recovery funds to homeowners.
Cedar Falls Mayor Jon Crews says his city is having a hard time seeing how it can distribute assistance earmarked for flooding and natural disaster victims to citizens.
He says he has spoken with officials from Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Waterloo and Des Moines and that they are seeking a meeting with Gov. Chet Culver to discuss state government's interpretation of guidelines for millions of dollars in federal Community Development Block Grant money designated for housing assistance.
State Director of Economic Development Mike Tramontina says the state is working with the federal government to see what changes can be made to ease the process.
11/20/2008 6:59:12 AM
WAPA BUYING WIND POWER FROM BASIN
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) _ The agency that distributes hydroelectric power generated by Missouri River dams is planning to buy wind power for the first time.
The Western Area Power Administration says its deal is a ``precedent setting'' way to meet its power demands and support renewable energy.
The agency says it will buy up to 50 megawatts of wind power per year from Bismarck-based Basin Electric Power Cooperative from 2010 to 2012. Financial details were not released today.
Drought has plagued the Missouri River Basin for eight straight years, lowering electricity production.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says the six power plants on the river generated a record low amount of electricity in July. Total energy production this year is expected to be half the normal amount.
11/20/2008 6:59:24 AM
PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL SHARES DROP TO RECORD LOW
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) _ Shares of Principal Financial Group Inc. fell to new lows as stock in many life insurers tumbled over debt concerns involving commercial mortgage-backed securities.
Des Moines-based Principal has life and health insurance divisions along with banking, asset management and retirement fund businesses. Its shares fell 18.4 percent on Wednesday, or $2.64 to close at $11.67, a new all-time low.
Shares haven't traded below $21 a share since the company stock began publicly trading in October 2001.
Principal shares have traded as high as $70.85 in the past 52 weeks.
11/20/2008 6:59:35 AM
FIRED ADMINISTRATOR FILES OPEN RECORDS REQUEST
IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) _ A former University of Iowa vice president who was fired in the aftermath of a sexual assault investigation has filed an open records request with his former employer.
Phillip Jones was dismissed in September.
He is seeking information about sexual harassment investigations, access to correspondences between himself and Iowa President Sally Mason and between himself and athletic department officials.
Mason fired Jones after an investigation by the Stolar Partnership, a Missouri-based law firm, which examined Iowa's handling of a 2007 sexual assault case involving two former football players.
School officials did not immediately know what the status of Jones request was, which was filed on Sept. 29.
11/20/2008 6:59:46 AM
FLEXSTEEL INDUSTRIES LAYS OFF 33 EMPLOYEES
DUBUQUE, Iowa (AP) _ Flexsteel Industries Inc. has laid off 33 employees from its Dubuque factory.
The announcement of layoffs came on Tuesday and Wednesday. Company officials blame the economic downturn for the cuts.
Flexsteel spokesman Justin Mills says economic conditions, business conditions and consumer confidence are at an all-time low.
He says there are no additional layoffs anticipated in the ``foreseeable future.''
11/20/2008 7:00:01 AM
 REPORT OF PIPE BOMB AT CHARLES CITY HOME
CHARLES CITY, Iowa (AP) _ State fire officials have responded to a report of pipe bomb at a Charles City home.
The homeowner, Gary Carlson, says he moved in last April and was doing some fall cleaning on Wednesday when he discovered a pipe with sealed ends and a six-inch fuse.
Officials with the state fire marshal's office say they safely removed the device and planned to take it to Winterset in central Iowa to detonate it.
Floyd County sheriff's officials say they are trying to contact the home's previous owner, who collected war era relics.
Carlson says his five teenage children used a storage box the pipe bomb was found in to do skateboarding tricks.
11/20/2008 7:00:11 AM
BAR COULD LOSE LIQUOR LICENSE OVER SMOKING
 DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) _ A Wilton bar that could lose its liquor license over alleged violations of the state's smoking ban will make its case at a hearing.
The Iowa attorney general's office filed a complaint in September with the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division against Froehlich Properties Inc.
It alleges the ``open and continuing failure'' of Fro's Pub and Grub to comply with the Smokefree Air Act, which went into effect July 1.
Records say the Iowa Department of Public Health received five public complaints from July 1 to Aug. 4 that the bar had allowed smoking. It says a police officer also observed smoking at the bar on July 3, as did a state worker on Aug. 28.
The hearing is scheduled for Thursday at the Alcoholic Beverages Division in Ankeny.
11/20/2008 7:00:23 AM
NEW: MAN HOSPITALIZED AFTER BEING SHOCKED BY POWER LINE WHILE PAINTING OMAHA HOUSE
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) _ A man is hospitalized in critical condition after being electrocuted by a power line. Witnesses told WOWT two men were on a cherry picker yesterday, painting a northeast Omaha house. A witness says she heard a boom and saw a man's arm on fire. The injured man's name was not released.
11/20/2008 7:00:35 AM
 NEW: BRUNING WILL ASK FOR A LAW CHANGE TO ALLOW STIFFER PENALTIES FOR SMALL-SCALE CHEATS
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) _ Nebraska Attorney General Jon Bruning will ask the Legislature next year to allow prosecutors to combine the losses of multiple victims of financial crime in a single charge.
Under current law, Bruning couldn't charge a gas station owner with a felony for selling gas with ethanol in it at the higher, unleaded price.
Bruning could only charge the station owner with misdemeanors. For a felony, the total stolen must be at least $1,500, and the amounts stolen from each gas station customer can't be added together.
Bruning says the Internet has helped scams that steal small amounts from lots of people to flourish.
11/20/2008 7:00:48 AM
NEW: PIERCE WOMAN SUING OFFICER, CITY, SAYING MISTAKEN IDENTITY LED TO HER ARREST
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) _ A Pierce woman is suing a police officer and the city of Pierce, saying she was falsely arrested and jailed for several hours in June.
In the lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Omaha on Tuesday, Nichole Lashley is asking for at least $250,000 in damages. She alleges a violation of her constitutional rights, including her right to protection from unreasonable search and seizures.
The lawsuit says Officer Brett Oestreich arrested her June 25, saying he had a warrant.
While at the Pierce County Jail, Lashley got her first look at the warrant that listed a Nichole M. Lashley of Mitchell.
She argued that the person named was not her. She eventually was released.
Pierce is in northeast Nebraska.
11/20/2008 7:01:20 AM
 REPUBLICANS CHANGE LEADERS, NOT DIRECTION
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) _ When Republicans pick a new leader of the state party in January they will complete a replacement of virtually the entire GOP leadership team, but some worry they haven't addressed the party's real problems.
In the wake of election losses earlier this month, Republicans have begun an intense debate about how to broaden the party's message to attract independents and moderates.
House Minority Leader Chris Rants of Sioux City, who lost his post in the reorganization that followed the election, says everyone wants to talk about ideology but that misses the point. He says Republicans need to focus on mechanics instead.
Rants and others say Republicans simply got outhustled in the election, particularly in early voting, which Democrats won by a nearly 2-1 margin.
11/20/2008 7:01:30 AM
LARGE BUDGET HOLE PROJECTED FOR NEBRASKA
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) _ Nebraska lawmakers may have to cut spending or dip into a record rainy-day fund to make up for a projected revenue shortfall.
Government fiscal analysts said on Wednesday that over the next two fiscal years the state could fall $377 million short of meeting a budget requirement. It mandates that the state have a budget cushion equal to least 3 percent of total, planned spending during the two-year budget cycle.
Slower-than-normal revenue growth is a main reason for the projected shortfall. But lawmakers will have help from the rainy-day fund that has
accumulated over the years. It is expected to reach a record $593 million.
A budget will be approved during the legislative session that begins in January.
11/20/2008 7:01:42 AM
AUTHORITIES TO CLOSE OMAHA PEDESTRIAN TUNNEL
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) _ Omaha authorities plan to close a pedestrian tunnel in a north midtown area that has become known as a hangout for criminals and vandals.
City traffic engineer Todd Pfitzer says the tunnel, which runs underneath Northwest Radial Highway and 52nd Street, will be permanently closed next spring.
Pfitzer says a recent study found the tunnel is rarely used and difficult to maintain. He says it will be filled with sand.
The city plans improvements at the street level for a new pedestrian crossing.
11/20/2008 7:01:56 AM
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