(Radio Iowa) — Republican Senator Joni Ernst kicked off her bid for re-election in 2020 this past weekend. “You and I know that this fight isn’t over and there’s more work to be done to push back on the coastal liberal insanity,” Ernst said Saturday, “to stand up for Iowans.” Ernst held her fifth annual “Roast and Ride” fundraiser, starting Saturday morning with a 49-mile motorcycle ride from Des Moines to Boone, then a barbecue Saturday afternoon at the Central Iowa Expo grounds. Ernst spent much of her half-hour speech in Boone criticizing the Democratic presidential candidates. “Can I count on your help to stop them?” Ernst said, and the crowd cheered in the affirmative. “That’s right. I knew you would.”

Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley — who served nearly two years as President Trump’s Ambassador to the United Nations — was the event’s keynote speaker. “We need all of you to go out and become part of Joni’s campaign. It’s going to be a competitive race. Iowa is always competitive,” Haley said. “We can’t take anything for granted.” Ernst’s 2014 race against Democrat Bruce Braley was the third-most expensive in the country, topping 85-million dollars. Ernst told reporters she’s hoping her 2020 race isn’t that expensive. “I know that this is an important seat that the Democrats would love to have back, but I’m going to make them fight for it,” Ernst said during a news conference Saturday morning, “and they are going to fail.”

Three Democrats have announced they’re running for THEIR party’s nomination, to face Ernst in 2020. Ernst did not mention her potential Democratic competitors Saturday, but other speakers at her campaign kick-off did. Republican Governor Kim Reynolds mentioned Eddie Mauro and Theresa Greenfield by name. “There may be more and I’m sure they’ll all compete to see who can run the fastest to the left,” Reynolds said.

Ernst campaign officials say they sold about a thousand tickets to Saturday’s event. In a written statement, Iowa Democratic Party chairman Troy Price said while Ernst spent Saturday “reaffirming her support for Donald Trump’s extreme agenda,” Democrats spent Saturday holding organizing events throughout the state to prepare for 2020.

The Adams County Sheriff’s Office says a man from Pleasantville was arrested last Thursday night on a drug charge. 18-year old Brant Bacon was arrested at around 10:30-p.m. following a traffic stop for speeding. Upon further investigation, it was learned Bacon was allegedly in possession of a controlled substance. He was also cited for speeding.

Sheriff’s officials in Adams County report a Taylor County man was arrested Saturday night following a report of a possible intoxicated driver that was potentially entering Adams County. The vehicle was reported at around 11-p.m. to be traveling on Highway 148 near the Adams-Cass County line, that two children were in the vehicle, and the situation had turned into a “rolling domestic.”

The Cass County Sheriff’s Office advised Adams County that they had a received a 911 call that pinged near the Adams-Cass County line. Adams County Deputies located the suspected vehicle near the intersection of Highway 148 and 125th Street.

After further investigation, 46-year old Brian Spooner, of New Market, was arrested for Interference with Official Acts. The case remains under investigation, with additional charges pending.

Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press at 3:35 a.m. CDT

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Police are investigating the fatal shootings of four family members whose bodies were found in their Iowa home. The Des Moines Register reports that the bodies were discovered Saturday morning by relatives who were staying with the family at the home in West Des Moines. A police news release identifies the victims as 44-year-old Lavanya Sunkara, 41-year-old Chandrasekhar Sunkara, and two boys aged 15 and 10 years.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Torrential rain this spring prevented most Midwest farmers from planting their crops but while the federal government provides help to growers of corn and soybeans, those who grow specialty crops are largely on their own. Although the lack of federal safety net programs for farmers who grow everything from arugula to zucchini isn’t new, one of the wettest springs in U.S. history has focused attention on the special status of commodity crops, primarily corn, soybeans, cotton, rice and wheat.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Six people were injured when someone fired shots into a group of people who had left a party on Des Moines’ east side. Police say those hurt in the shooting early Sunday were taken to hospitals and were all in stable condition. The shooting happened about 1:30 a.m. when a vehicle approached a group of people who were standing in a street after a party ended. Someone in the vehicle fired multiple shots into the crowd, injuring three females and three males. The victims are 16 to 20 years old.

MAQUOKETA, Iowa (AP) — Eastern Iowa officials are investigating the death of a man in police custody. The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation says in a news release that the death happened Saturday morning after Jackson County Sheriff’s deputies and the Maquoketa Police Department were called to an address in Maquoketa for a fight. The incident lead to the arrest of Drew Edwards, of Marquoketa. Officials say that soon after Edwards’ arrest, he began showing signs of a medical emergency and died at a hospital.

Sheriff’s Deputies in Montgomery County, Sunday, arrested a Pottawattamie County woman wanted on a Pott. County warrant for Failure to Appear on a Possession of a Controlled Substance (Meth) charge. 31-year old Jeri Diane Shoemaker, of Council Bluffs, was taken into custody at around 2:28-p.m., Sunday. Shoemaker was a passenger in a vehicle that had been stopped for speeding. She was being held without bond for Pottawattamie County.

The Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office, Sunday, issued a statement of thanks to two good fathers for their assistance during incidents that took place Saturday. The first a Cyclone, the second a Hawkeye. At around 3:10-p.m., Guthrie County Emergency Services (Fire, EMS, and Law Enforcement) were dispatched to Jones Cove on the west side of Lake Panorama for a medical emergency on the water.

ISU A-D Jamie Pollard

Upon law enforcement’s arrival, the injured/ill party and their vessel docked at a nearby dock and an unknown off duty doctor was rendering aid. Bystanders were also rendering aid, including Iowa State Athletic Director Jamie Pollard and his two sons.The injured/ill party (name and condition withheld for privacy) was transported by Panora EMS to the Guthrie County Hospital for treatment.

Authorities say Mr. Pollard and his sons displayed very “Iowa nice” courtesy to the injured/ill party, her boat mates, and emergency services. Mr. Pollard even offered to personally drive a Guthrie County Sheriff’s Deputy back to the marina to his patrol car. Sheriff Marty Arganbright says “Mr. Pollard should be proud of his sons and his sons should be proud of their father for how they stepped up and helped another in need.”

Dr. Narasimha Palagummi

The second father profiled on Father’s Day is Doctor Narasimha “Sim” Palagummi, MD of the Iowa Clinic in Urbandale. At around 3:41-p.m. Saturday, Guthrie County Emergency Services were dispatched to the Raccoon River Valley Trail south of Yale for two injured bicyclists. The bicyclists were participating in the annual BaCoon Ride and were injured in a freak accident when a large tree branch fell across the trail seriously injuring both riders.

In the middle of a severe thunderstorm, which included strong winds, heavy rain and nickel sized hail, Doctor “Sim”, who was riding in the event, identified himself as a physician and offered to help. Doctor “Sim” proceeded to render critical aid, not leaving the side of the two injured parties despite the rain and hail. Doctor “Sim” disregarded his own comfort and safety to help others.

The injured parties were transported by Panora EMS to a hospital in the Des Moines Metro. Doctor “Sim’s” profile on the Iowa Clinic website states he is a Hawkeye fan and father of two, including taking in many foster children.

The GCSO would also like to thank the employees at Coulter Marine for transporting one of their deputies across the lake for the first medical emergency.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Six people were injured when someone fired shots into a group of people who had left a party on Des Moines’ east side. Police say those hurt in the shooting early Sunday were taken to hospitals and were all in stable condition.

The shooting happened about 1:30 a.m. when a vehicle approached a group of people who were standing in a street after a party ended. Someone in the vehicle fired multiple shots into the crowd, injuring three females and three males.

Police say the victims are 16 to 20 years old.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Torrential rain this spring prevented most Midwest farmers from planting their crops but while the federal government provides help to growers of corn and soybeans, those who grow specialty crops are largely on their own.

Although the lack of federal safety net programs for farmers who grow everything from arugula to zucchini isn’t new, one of the wettest springs in U.S. history has focused attention on the special status of commodity crops, primarily corn, soybeans, cotton, rice and wheat.

Iowa organic farmer Andrew Dunham shrugs at the situation, noting “there are no federal bailouts for vegetable farmers.”

Iowa State University economist Chad Hart says crops like corn and soybeans are treated differently because they’re so important to the national economy, and shortages would be painful, particularly to the livestock industry.

(**Updated 1:41-p.m., 6/16)

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Police are investigating the fatal shootings of four family members whose bodies were found in their Iowa home. The Des Moines Register reports that the bodies were discovered Saturday morning by relatives who were staying with the family at the home in West Des Moines.

A police news release identifies the victims as 44-year-old Lavanya Sunkara, 41-year-old Chandrasekhar Sunkara, and two boys aged 15 and 10 years.

West Des Moines police Sgt. Dan Wade says there is no threat to the community and investigators are trying to determine exactly what happened. Real estate records indicate the family has owned the home since March.

**Sunday afternoon, the Iowa Department of Public Safety issued the following statement: “It is with deep sadness that the Iowa Department of Public Safety confirms the death of one of our employees. Chandrasekhar “Chandra” Sunkara was found deceased in his West Des Moines home Saturday morning along with his wife and two sons.

Chandra was a civilian employee in the Technology Services Bureau (TSB), where he served as an IT professional. Our hearts and prayers go out to the family and friends of the Sunkaras. Counseling services will be available on Monday for any employee needing assistance.”

At least three area school district board’s of education will hold their regular monthly meetings Monday evening. In Griswold, the Board meeting gets underway at 5:30-p.m. in the Middle School/High School Library. The CAM School Board meets at 6:30-p.m. in the High School Media Center, and the Audubon School Board meets in their boardroom at the high school, beginning at 7-p.m., Monday.

The Griswold School Board is scheduled to receive an update from KPE Architects and/or Estes Construction, with regard to the District’s new facilities. The Board is expected to act on approving: A resolution of Intent to sell the Elliott Building; A Resolution Approving the Deed and Authorizing Delivery – for the Lewis Building; Approving the Emergency Operations Plan; And eSports Team proposal; various bids for 2019-20; approval of City Agreements, and a continued School Resource Officer (SRO) Contract.

The CAM School Board will consider a bid for a new school bus during their meeting, along with the increasing of Middle School Student Council sponsor pay. They will discuss facility projects, and consider an agreement with Casey Computing for the 2019-20 school year. Other matters include discussion and/or action on: A Concussion Protocol Resolution and District Emergency Plan.

And, in Audubon, their School Board will act on: approving the Emergency Management Plan; Issuing an invitation to the Exira-EHK District to join the Wrestling Program; approving a Sharing Agreement for Human Resources with the Coon Rapids-Bayard School District, approving the sale of surplus property, and Personnel matters.