(Radio Iowa) — Illinois has voted to become the 11th state to legalize the recreational use of marijuana beginning in January. Law enforcement says that could create problems in Iowa, especially with students coming across state lines. Iowa State Patrol Trooper Bob Conrad tells K-C-R-G T-V it will be “business as usual” for them — even if people acquire marijuana legally in Illinois, whether the intention is for personal or distributional purposes “If it happens that we have students or something coming to this location and they’re bringing extra marijuana that they’re going to sell, if they get caught, they will face the penalties of Iowa law,” according to Trooper Conrad.  He says state law here has not changed. “There is not a grey area where because you live 50 miles away where it’s legal and you come here, that we’re going to accept that,” Conrad says.

Starting January 1st, 2020, the law in Illinois will allow residents 21 and older to have up to 30 grams or marijuana and non-residents can have up to 15 grams. U-I enrollment figures show more than 52-hundred undergraduates from Illinois attend Iowa.  “We do have a lot of Illinois students come to the University of Iowa. If they come here distributing it — they will be charged with distributing an illegal substance,” he says.  Conrad says it’s important for students to understand that the Iowa law on distributing drugs apply to everyone within the state’s borders. “I would caution anybody to be very careful, because that carried enhanced penalties that will be charged, simple as that,” Conrad says.

The penalties for possession of marijuana can carry up to two years in jail and a fine. Distribution is classified as a felony and could carry up to fifty years in jail. Trooper Conrad also expressed the concern for people driving impaired, especially if they decide to drive under the influence of marijuana.  “When you’re behind the wheel high, you’re not driving okay,” Trooper Conrad says. “It’s not acceptable. Our judgment is impaired, the way we do things, the way we think about things, the way we pull out in front of a car is completely different. If people are going to come into Iowa impaired, we as the Department of Public Safety are going to everything to keep those people safe.”

The University of Iowa released a statement on the issue:
“The possession and sale of marijuana is still illegal at the federal level and in Iowa. The U-I’s residence halls are substance-free environments and the possession of illegal drugs is prohibited. We encourage students to follow the rules, make healthy choices, and seek out the help of alcohol and drug education services on campus if they are struggling.”

The Adair County Board of Supervisors called an Emergency Session for 2-p.m. Friday to address and accept the resignation of County Attorney Clint Hight. In his letter of resignation, Hight said his decision was due to a medical diagnosis.

According to Adair County Auditor Mandy Berg, the Supervisors intend to fill the seat by appointment. They have agreed to publish a notice in the paper next week of their intention to appoint a replacement. The Board will then have between four and twenty-days to make that appointment. Afterward, the Public has the right to contest the appointment, providing it is done within 14-days of the appointment.

Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press

MONDAMIN, Iowa (AP) — A new report by the Iowa state auditor reveals more than $70,000 in improper spending by a former city clerk of the western Iowa town of Mondamin, as well as more than $80,000 in overbilling from 2015 to 2018 by the city for utility services. The report says former clerk Deborah Earleywine improperly paid herself nearly $15,000 from city payroll coffers from 2015 to 2018 and spent thousands of city dollars on personal items.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Des Moines police are investigating the city’s fifth homicide this year after officers say a man was shot to death in the Kirkwood Glen neighborhood. Police say the shooting happened Friday afternoon, when officers and medics were called to the area for a report of a shooting and found the man suffering from a gunshot wound. He was taken to an area hospital, where he died. Police believe the shooting and another, non-fatal shooting around the same time are connected.

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (AP) — It’s been called the largest speed trap in the Midwest, and it will be back in business next week after a two-year hiatus. The City of Cedar Rapids says traffic cameras that enforce its 55 mile per hour speed limit at four locations on Interstate 380 will begin issuing tickets to drivers again Monday. Several additional cameras that enforce red-light running and speed violations throughout the city will also be issuing citations

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The Iowa Supreme Court has kept alive a long-running lawsuit that claims a state agent was fired in retaliation for his complaint about speeding by the governor’s security detail. The court ruled that a judge erred in dismissing a whistleblower claim filed by former Division of Criminal Investigation special agent Larry Hedlund. The decision sends the 6-year-old case back to a lower court for a trial.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Des Moines police are investigating the city’s fifth homicide this year after officers say a man was shot to death in the Kirkwood Glen neighborhood.

Police say the shooting happened Friday afternoon, when officers and medics were called to the area for a report of a shooting and found the man suffering from a gunshot wound. He was taken to an area hospital, where he died.

Shortly after the shooting, another man showed up at the hospital with a gunshot wound not believed to be life-threatening. Police believe the shootings are connected.

Police have not announced an arrest, but say a police dog did track a possible suspect. The names of those shot have not been released.

AMES, Iowa – June28, 2019 – The Iowa Department of Transportation has reopened U.S. 34 between I-29 and the Nebraska border today. The roadway had been closed since late May due to a second round of Southwest Iowa flooding.

Motorists in the area can expect intermittent lane closures at times as the repair work on shoulders and ditches continues. Other flood-related closures continue on Iowa 2, Iowa 275 and Iowa 333.

Note: The interchange at U.S. 34 is the last southbound exit on I-29 to offer services such as fuel, so if you’re traveling south on I-29, please make sure your vehicle has enough fuel for the 60-mile trip to the next gas station in Rock Port, Missouri.