(Radio Iowa) — Two high school students from Hinton High School in northwest Iowa, were killed in an accident early this (Tuesday) morning in rural Plymouth County.  According to Hinton High School Superintendent, Todd Meyer, the two students were siblings, a senior girl, and a freshman boy. Plymouth County Sheriff’s Officials say that icy roads may have played a factor in the head-on collision.

The names of the students have not been released. School officials say school remains in session, however, all school related activities scheduled for this (Tuesday) evening are now canceled. There have been four vehicle accident fatalities in Plymouth County during the last three weeks.

The Iowa Transportation Commission has approved more than $1.3-million in funding for four statewide Iowa’s Transportation Alternatives Program projects. The program supports projects related to trails, Safe Routes to School initiatives, National Scenic Byways, and the preservation or rehabilitation of historic transportation facilities. Funding is available to cities, counties, school districts, or other eligible organizations through an annual application-based program.

Among the projects and approved funding amounts is the Manning Safe Routes to School program – South Phase I (Manning): $49,200.

The Harlan Police Department reports two arrests. Last Friday, 20-year old Elizabeth Nadine Smith, of Plattsmouth, NE, was arrested following a traffic stop. Smith was transported to the Shelby County Jail where she was charged with possession of a controlled substance.

On Monday, (Jan. 13), 67-year old Larry Meurer, of Harlan, was arrested on an active Shelby County warrant. Meurer was transported to the Shelby County Jail where he was charged with harassment.

HARLAN, Iowa (AP) – A Kansas man has asked an Iowa judge to let him engage in a sword fight with his ex-wife and her attorney so that he can “rend their souls” from their bodies. 40-year old David Ostrom, of Paola, Kansas, said in a Jan. 3 court filing, that his former wife and her attorney had destroyed him legally. The Ostroms have been embroiled in various disputes. His filing says the U.S. has never explicitly banned trial by combat. Her attorney asked the judge to reject the request. The judge says he won’t be issuing any decisions soon, citing irregularities with both sides’ motions and responses.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum announced today (Tuesday), that 39-year old Dustin Shawn Morrison, of Council Bluffs, was sentenced in U-S District Court, to 151 months (12.5 years) in prison, for Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance. His sentence also includes a supervised term of release of five years, once he is released from prison.

On April 26, 2019, law enforcement was conducting a routine check of parolees when officers stopped Morrison. Morrison was found in possession of a bag containing three pounds of methamphetamine. The case was investigated by the Council Bluffs Police Department, Southwest Iowa Narcotics Enforcement Task Force, and the Iowa State Parole Office. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

“Opportunity Lives Here” is the title of the annual “Condition of the State” message Governor Kim Reynolds delivered this (Tuesday) morning and she’s asking legislators to raise one tax and lower others.  Governor Kim Reynolds declared the condition of the state “truly strong” — but she cautioned lawmakers not to take that for granted and urged them to make plans for what Iowa can be for the next generation. “No single policy will do,” Reynolds said, “but that kind of planning also takes a bold vision – a vision that preserves our heritage while seizing our opportunities.” Reynolds used the speech to unveil what she’s calling the “Invest in Iowa Act.” By raising the state sales tax by one percent, Reynolds says the state can significantly CUT income taxes across-the-board by 10 percent for all taxpayers — and by 25 percent for low-income Iowans.

“I have no interest in raising taxes, so any increase in revenue from a sales tax must be more than offset by additional tax cuts,” Reynolds said. “That starts with continuing to reduce our uncompetitive income-tax rates.” Reynolds is also proposing a reduction in county property taxes. Today, counties use property taxes to pay for mental health services. Reynolds proposes having the state pick up 70 percent of those costs — using money from the sales tax hike. “By establishing a dedicated and stable fund for mental health, we will give hope to so many who are suffering in silence,” Reynolds said. “It’s a promise we’ve made, and it’s a promise I intend to keep.” Another fraction of the new sales tax money would be deposited in a state fund for water quality and outdoor recreation programs.

“These changes will make our vision a reality. It’s an investment in our future. And it’s an investment in those who are our future,” Reynolds said. “…If we take this bold step, right now, then whoever is standing at this podium in 10, 20, or 30 years–Republican or Democrat–can proudly say what I can say today: The condition of our State is strong.” Part of her plan is to change a state law, so more of the new sales tax money is spent on improving water quality rather than on outdoor recreation projects, like bike trails. “We were given this beautiful land to work but also to keep,” Reynolds said, “and preserving what we’ve been given must be a responsibility of all Iowans.” Reynolds has released a state budget plan as well. The governor proposes a two-and-a-half percent increase in general state aid for public K-through-12 schools. In her speech, Reynolds mentioned her request for an additional 20 million dollars for flood relief.

“In 2019 we saw the resilience of Iowans tested once again as historic floods ravaged both sides of our state and parts in between,” she said. “Entire communities were wiped out as the waters rose and didn’t seem to recede.” Reynolds says there is resolve to rebuild and recover. “Your state stands with you as we work to return life to normal and get your homes, businesses, and communities back on track,” she said. Governor Reynolds is calling for changes in Iowa’s licensing system for plumbers, accountants and other professionals, people with ANOTHER state’s license do not have to go through the lengthy and expensive process of getting a license to practice in Iowa.

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) – The Republican-controlled Iowa Legislature has again denied press access to a liberal journalist whose blog is often critical of its policies, despite warnings from state and national groups that the restriction appears to be unconstitutional. The Iowa House and Senate informed Laura Belin, author of the Bleeding Heartland blog, that her applications for access during the session that began Monday have been rejected. The Iowa House told Belin that it does not credential journalists who are nontraditional while the Iowa Senate said it doesn’t consider Belin a member of the media. Belin says she’s considering her next steps, including an appeal or a lawsuit.

VALLEY, Neb. (AP) – The National Weather Service is scheduling meetings to share information about the potential for river flooding this winter and spring in eastern Nebraska and western Iowa. The two areas were socked with record flooding late last winter and early spring. Weather service hydrologist David Pearson says warnings issued last year didn’t seem to reach people. He says this year the service is trying to reach more people with the best information and make personal connections. The Nebraska meetings are scheduled for Feb. 4 in Fremont, Feb. 13 in Columbus, Feb. 27 in Norfolk and March 5 in Sidney, Iowa.

Adair County Sheriff Jeff Vandewater reports a central Iowa woman was arrested at around 5:54-p.m. January 6th. 37-year old Shannon Kay Keeney, of Des Moines, was arrested at the Polk County Jail, on an Adair County warrant for Violation of Probation. Keeney was being held in the Adair County Jail on a $5,000 cash or surety bond. And, 35-year old Dayne Jayne Sweeney, of Urbandale, was cited Jan. 9th following a traffic stop in Greenfield at around 12:15-a.m., for an expired registration.

The Deputy who made contact with Sweeney noticed a smell of alcohol on her breath. A Field Sobriety Test was conducted, after which she was arrested for OWI/1st offense. Sweeney was released later that same morning on a citation.

WATERLOO, Iowa (AP) – Some Waterloo officials say the city can’t afford to fix the crumbling third runway at the city-owned airport and may have to shut it down. The airport director recommends closing the runway because of safety and liability concerns. The Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier reports that the Federal Aviation Administration won’t provide any money, because the two other runways can handle nearly all of the traffic. Some local pilots and others want the runway kept open, saying it’s important when crosswinds make the other two runways unsafe for small aircraft. Council members could vote on the issue at their meeting next week.