Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (AP) — A Council Bluffs teenage driver is facing charges after an investigation indicated she had drugs in her system during a rollover crash that killed one of her passengers. Police say a 16-year-old girl was arrested and charged with motor vehicle homicide by driving while under the influence and reckless driving in connection with a Dec. 4 crash on Interstate 80 in Council Bluffs.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa lawmakers have approved legislation over taxes that supporters say will help people and businesses, but critics argue the move will cut needed state revenue. The legislation would conform Iowa’s tax laws to federal changes for the 2015 tax year. It would also expand sales tax exemptions for manufacturing. The legislation heads to Gov. Terry Branstad.

Six former students have filed a lawsuit alleging that an Iowa boarding school kept them in isolation boxes for days at a time, allowed sexual abuse and provided inadequate medical care. Several of their parents also joined the lawsuit against the now-closed Midwest Academy in Keokuk, Iowa and its owner, Benjamin Trane. The parents allege the high-priced school for troubled teens made false representations to induce them to enroll their struggling children, then failed to “provide appropriate and quality education, medical and therapeutic services.”

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — The inmate population has dropped over the past three years at the Johnson County Jail, and officials credit the Jail Alternatives program. Bookings dropped to fewer than 5,300 last year, compared with more than 5,900 in 2014 and more than 6,400 in 2013. The program focuses on people who don’t pose a danger or whose issues would be better addressed by other county services.

MONONA-HARRISON-SHELBY-POTTAWATTAMIE-MILLS-MONTGOMERY-FREMONT and PAGE COUNTIES IN IA…741 PM CDT TUE MAR 15 2016

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN OMAHA SAYS THE GRASSLAND FIRE DANGER INDEX IS EXPECTED TO REACH THE VERY HIGH CATEGORY OVER MOST OF EASTERN NEBRASKA AND SOUTHWEST IOWA WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON.

RELATIVE HUMIDITIES WILL DROP INTO THE 25 TO 35 PERCENT RANGE, WITH NORTHWEST WINDS FROM 15 TO 30 MPH. GUSTS MAY REACH AROUND 40 MPH.

A VERY HIGH FIRE IS EXPECTED AGAIN THURSDAY AFTERNOON FOR AT LEAST PARTS OF THE AREA. OUTDOOR BURNING IS NOT RECOMMENDED THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS.

A challenger has filed nomination papers for the District 5 seat on the Cass County Board of Supervisors, in advance of the June 7th Primary election. The seat is currently held by Republican Frank Waters, of Cumberland. On Tuesday, J. Ford Lillard, of Wiota, submitted certified nomination papers for the election on the Republican ticket.

That means so far, with the March 30th filing deadline approaching, there will be three Board of Supervisors races to follow during the Primary: Lillard and Waters in District 5; Republicans Steve Baier and Barry Moore, of Griswold, and Todd Hansen, of Atlantic, in District 4, and Republicans Steve Green, Dave Jones and Dale Retallic, all of Atlantic, in district 1.

So far, no challengers have filed papers to run against Cass County Republican Auditor Dale Sunderman, or Republican Sheriff, Darby McLaren, and no Democrats have filed in any of the races.

The Atlantic City Council, Wednesday evening, is expected to act on approving an Engineering Agreement with Snyder and Associates Engineers, for the City’s 2016 Street and Alley Improvement Project. The meeting at City Hall, begins at 5:30-p.m.

The total cost of the projects is estimated at $1.4-million, of which, according to City Administrator John Lund, $1.09-million is coming from the upcoming bond. Another $500,000 will flow into the Capital Improvement Street fund as a transfer from the Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) fund. Any surplus funds will be directed to handle change orders, and anything remaining from that point will be moved into the 2017 Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) Fund, to reduce future bonding needs and save interest costs.

The current 2016 Street and Alley improvement projects:

Street Projects

• Minor curb repair, mill, patch and overlay on 10th St. (from Sunnyside to CCMH)
• Mill, patch and overlay (MPO) Maple St. (from 9th to 10th)
• MPO Birch St., from 2nd to 3rd
• MPO Spruce St., from 7th to 10th

Downtown Alleys & parking lots

• Alley from 3rd to 4th St., between Chestnut & Poplar Streets
• Alley from 4th to 5th St., between Walnut and Elm Streets
• Alley from 3rd to 4th St., between Oak and Hazel Streets
• Alley from 8th to 9th St., between Chestnut and Walnut Streets
• Alley from 2nd to 3rd between Maple and Linn Streets.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa lawmakers have approved legislation over taxes that supporters say will help people and businesses, but critics argue the move will cut needed state revenue. The Republican-majority House and the Democratic-controlled Senate each voted Tuesday for the legislation, which would conform Iowa’s tax laws to federal changes for the 2015 tax year. It would also expand sales tax exemptions for manufacturing. The legislation heads to Gov. Terry Branstad.

The nonpartisan Legislative Services Agency estimates the measure would cut about $97 million in state revenue during the current fiscal year. It would add about $23 million in state revenue for the fiscal year that begins in July. Some House Democrats say the Legislature should not reduce its revenue. Other lawmakers say the money will go back to Iowa taxpayers.

The Women’s Health Services committee at Cass County Health System invites women of all ages to a free seminar, “Building Strength.” The free class will be from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on March 29th at Cass County Health System.

Laura Hickman, DPT, ATC, and Erin Johnson, PTA, will present at the seminar. Hickman says “Resistance training is really important for women because it can reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic diseases. Whether it’s using resistance bands, free weights, or your own body weight—these exercises can also help women burn more calories and achieve a more toned look.”

The class will be held in Conference Room 2. The first portion of the class will cover the basics of resistance training—the why and how behind it—and the second portion will be an active session for the participants. Attendees are encouraged to dress comfortably.

Hickman says “We’ll be up demonstrating these exercises, but all of our attendees will be actively trying them, too. We’ll also send everyone home with a resistance band so they can continue these exercises on their own.”

This is a free event, but because space is limited, reservations are required and can be made by calling 712-243-7479. Attendees are asked to park in Parking Lot C and enter through Rehabilitation Services. Any questions about the event can be directed to CCHS Public Relations Department at 712-243-7405.

An investigation into an accident last December that claimed the life of one teen and resulted in injuries to two others, has culminated in charges being filed against the driver of the vehicle. 16-year old Kaitlyn Renshaw, of Council Bluffs, was charged with Motor Vehicle Homicide by OWI, and Motor Vehicle Homicide by Reckless Driving. Renshaw was taken into custody, processed at Pottawattamie County Corrections, then released to the custody of her mother. The results of a drug screen determined Renshaw tested positive for marijuana in her system at the time of the collision.

The accident, which happened at around 10:20-a.m. Dec. 4th, resulted in the death of front seat passenger, 16-year old Haley Wright, and minor injuries to a back seat passenger, 16-year old Ethan Conger, both from Council Bluffs. Officials say a 2004 Mazda driven by Renshaw was found lying on its side down an embankment on the north side of Interstate 80 in Council Bluffs.

Wright was partially ejected and found deceased at the scene. The Council Bluffs Abraham Lincoln student was just three-days shy of her 17th birthday when the accident took her life. Renshaw and Conger were transported on an Omaha hospital for treatment of their injuries.

The Cass County Sheriff’s Office reports three, recent arrests. Today (Tuesday), deputies arrested 23-year old T-J Taylor Anderson, of Exira, on a Cass County Sheriff’s Office warrant for Driving While Barred (an Aggravated Misdemeanor). Anderson was taken to the Cass County Jail where was released later that day on $2,000 bond.

And, two people were arrested Monday, in Cass County. 52-year old Martin Soto Herrera, of Council Bluffs, was arrested on a charge of OWI 2nd Offense (An Aggravated misdemeanor). Herrera was taken to the Cass County Jail where he remains held on $2,000 bond. And, 30-year old Tony Martin Mayo, Jr., of Lewis, was arrested Monday on a charge of OWI 1st Offense (a Serious misdemeanor). Mayo was also cited for Driving Under Suspension (a Simple misdemeanor). Mayo was taken to the Cass County Jail where he was released the following day on his own recognizance.

The votes are in and tallied. This year’s Iowa’s Best Burger contest proves that great tasting beef burgers are being served across the state. Officials with the Iowa Beef Industry Council say Iowans submitted more than 6,200 nomination votes between February 15th and March 9th representing 311 Iowa restaurants. The number of votes each restaurant received determined the 2016 Top Ten restaurants and their burgers.

Among the Top 10, was: the Chuckwagon Restaurant, in Adair; Down Right Delicious, and Vaughn’s Café & Bakery, both in Clarinda; and, The Elm’s Club, in Creston. The Iowa Beef Industry Council and the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association counted the nominations that were received via the website, texting and paper ballots.

Also among the restaurants making the Top Ten list (in alphabetical order) is:

– Ankeny Diner, Ankeny
– BW’s Burgers, West Des Moines
– First Street Grille, Keosauqua
– PerXactly Bar & Grill, Maquoketa
– Rides Bar & Grill, Fort Dodge
– The Ritz, Arnolds Park

The quest for the winner of the Iowa’s Best Burger will now begin. All Top Ten restaurants will be visited by a panel of anonymous judges who will evaluate the burgers based on taste, appearance, and proper doneness (160 degrees). The judges’ scores and comments will be accumulated and the winner will be crowned on May 2.

To learn more about the Top Ten restaurants and the contest, visit www.iabeef.org.

Last year, The Cider House of Fairfield took home the title of the 2015 Iowa’s Best Burger. Winners in previous years are: 2014 – Brick City Grill in Ames; 2013 – 61 Chop House Grille in Mediapolis; 2012 – Coon Bowl III in Coon Rapids; 2011 – Rusty Duck in Dexter; and 2010 – Sac County Cattle Company of Sac City.

The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office reports a Cass County man was arrested today (Tuesday) on a warrant for Theft in the 3rd Degree. 44-year old Stanley Oral Rossell, of Lewis, was taken into custody a little after midnight, and was being held in the Montgomery County Jail on $2,000 bond.