Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press

MOLINE, Ill. (AP) — Agricultural equipment maker Deere is announcing it will indefinitely lay off more than 600 employees at four of its factories in the Midwest as demand slumps. The affected sites are in the cities of East Moline and Moline in Illinois, as well as Ankeny, Iowa and Coffeyville, Kansas. Deere is the world’s biggest farm equipment supplier.

EPWORTH, Iowa (AP) — The mayor of Epworth in northeast Iowa has cited personal health concerns for his resignation. City clerk Janet Berger says Tom Gassman submitted his resignation on Tuesday. The Dubuque Telegraph Herald says Gassman has been mayor since 2012 and a council member before that. Jacob Reuter will serve as acting mayor until the City Council fills the post of mayor. That’s expected to occur at the council’s September 9th meeting.

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — An eastern Iowa man has pleaded guilty to charges in connection to threatening letters involving a major high school football program. The Iowa City Press-Citizen reports 44-year-old Daniel Stone of Solon pleaded guilty Thursday to third-degree harassment and interference with official acts as part of plea deal.

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) — A Sioux City man has been sentenced to five years in prison for leading authorities on a high-speed car chase in May. The Sioux City Journal reports 25-year-old David Whitlock was sentenced Thursday in Woodbury County District Court after he pleaded guilty to eluding, possession of a controlled substance and second-offense operating while intoxicated.