The area’s latest and/or top news stories at 7:05-a.m. From KJAN News Director Ric Hanson.

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DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Beto O’Rourke says he’s hired 37 staffers to help with organizing in Iowa, boosting his staff to 44 in the state that kicks off presidential primary voting. Some 2020 presidential hopefuls have larger Iowa staffs but O’Rourke’s now approaching the upper tier. His campaign announced a “statewide weekend of action” beginning Saturday featuring door-knocking and canvassing.

The former Texas congressman and his wife, Amy, also will open a Cedar Rapids campaign office, his first outside Des Moines, Iowa’s capital, on June 8. Not counting that trip, the campaign says O’Rourke has held more Iowa events than any 2020 presidential campaign, attending 67 town halls and house parties since joining the race in mid-March.

O’Rourke has seen once-promising polling numbers fall, increasing pressure to perform in Iowa’s Feb. 3 caucus.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A Des Moines man convicted of fatally stabbing his brother has been sentenced to up to 50 years in prison. The Des Moines Register reports that 51-year-old Shawn Davis was sentenced Thursday. In April, a Polk County jury found Davis guilty of second-degree murder for fatally stabbing his 35-year-old brother, Preston Davis, on Aug. 5, 2017, during a family gathering. They had been arguing and Shawn Davis punched his brother. Police say Shawn Davis then retrieved a knife and stabbed Preston in the home’s driveway as Preston and another person were leaving.

Shawn Davis’ criminal history includes a second-degree murder conviction for the October 1986 shooting death of 27-year-old Thomas Law. His sentence was reduced after the Iowa Court of Appeals ordered a new trial in 1989, and he later received a 12-year-sentence for voluntary manslaughter.

Mills County Emergency Management and the Mills County Engineer, Thursday evening, announced additional road closures for Western Mills County. Lambert Avenue is now closed from 195th St. West to the Plattsmouth Bridge, eliminating access to the Plattsmouth Bridge. Roads have become inundated with water throughout the area South of Gaston Avenue to the Mills/Fremont County line and West of Interstate 29 to the Missouri River.

Road access remains open from 195th St. South of Lambert to Nims Road. Road closures on the East side of I29 include 195th St. South of Hwy 34 to Pacific Junction and Ingrahm West of 195th. Road closures can be monitored by using this link: https://www.iceasb.org/roads/county/

Officials said water levels had risen substantially over the previous 24-hours, Thursday. The Missouri River was last reported to be at 31.17 feet, with predictions of very little decrease until June 6th. Gavin’s Point Dam is increasing output to 75,000 CFS on 6/1/19 and plans to maintain that level for the near future. Areas of the levee that were damaged but not breached in the previous flood are now being stressed by significant river rise. Levee breaches have not been repaired and are allowing free river access.

Glenwood Municipal District Water Treatment Plant has implemented emergency precautions to protect their system against potential flooding. HESCO Barriers have been placed to complete the berm protection around the facility and 2 generators are on site to provide power if needed. Vinton’s Campground has removed all trailers effective today. MidAmerican Energy has shut off power West of I29 between Gaston Ave. and Lambert Ave, S. of Hwy 34 along 195th St. and is working to shut off power S. of Nims Road.

Residents of the City of Pacific Junction and the surrounding area are urged to be vigilant for rising water and be prepared to implement a plan to assure safety should they need to quickly evacuate. Have a plan and be ready to put it into action. Questions regarding road closures or needs for assistance with evacuation can be directed to 712-527-4871.

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), chairman of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development and Energy as well as a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee issued the following statement in regard to President Trump’s threat to place a new tariff on Mexico:

“It’s clear that we need to address the unprecedented flow of illegal immigrants coming across our border day in and day out; and it’s imperative that Mexico step up and do its part to stop the stream of these migrants. That being said, the livelihoods of Iowa farmers and producers are at stake. The USMCA would provide much-needed certainty to our agriculture community, at a time when they need it. If the president goes through with this, I’m afraid progress to get this trade agreement across the finish line will be stifled. While I support the need for comprehensive border security and a permanent fix to illegal immigration, this isn’t the right path forward. I’m asking the president to reconsider, and for Democrats to work with us to find a solution to the humanitarian crisis at our southern border.”