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Iowa early News Headlines: Monday, May 16th 2016

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May 16th, 2016 by Ric Hanson

Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press at 3:40 a.m. CDT

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A voluntary state program that aims to improve water quality practices at farms around Iowa is entering its fourth year amid growing differences about the best ways to clean up the state’s waterways. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship announced this month the sign-up period is open for its cost-share program that allows farmers to offset the expense of installing some water quality practices. Some agriculture experts say it’s not enough for long-term benefits.

FORT DODGE, Iowa (AP) — In the trucking industry, technology is driving change. Todd Smith, chief operating officer at Decker Truck Line Inc. in Fort Dodge said that by the end of 2017 it will be mandated that all trucks have electronic logs. Paper logs will no longer be accepted. This change in technology has made it a difficult transition for some of the older truckers, who account for a large percentage of drivers. Smith said the average age of the driving force today is an estimated 57 years old.

SOLON, Iowa (AP) — Iowa officials are considering banning alcohol at two state beaches because of past problems, but the rule hasn’t been approved yet. The ban would apply initially at Lake Macbride near Solon and Pleasant Creek at Palo. Alcohol would be banned at the beaches but would be allowed in the campgrounds.

DAVENPORT, Iowa (AP) — Officials in eastern Iowa plan to hold groundbreaking ceremony for new Scott County sheriff’s headquarters. The $4.55 million facility is expected to be completed next spring. The new headquarters will be built in Eldridge, Iowa.