(Radio Iowa) — The Republican-led Iowa Legislature has again endorsed a proposed gun rights amendment to Iowa’s constitution. Senator Brad Zaun, a Republican from Urbandale, says the amendment’s “strong language” is necessary. “In case of laws coming out of D.C. or in case of any court decisions that would weaken our Second Amendment rights,” Zaun said. Senator Tony Bisignano, a Democrat from Des Moines, was among those who suggested that if voters approve the amendment, it could lead to the repeal of current gun-related laws. “Just say it. You don’t want any laws when it comes to guns and arms and ammunition and restrictions,” Bisignano said. “You don’t even want training.”

Legislators had discussed this same proposal before and had hoped to place the issue before voters in 2020, but the Secretary of State failed to meet a publishing deadline last fall, so the process has been restarted. 2022 is the earliest Iowa voters could decide whether to add the amendment to the state constitution. Senator Zach Whiting, a Republican from Spirit Lake, noted a number of gun rights activists were at the capitol yesterday (Wednesday), lobbying for it. “This constitutional amendment, if adopted by the people, is the single most important thing that we can do for the Second Amendment in the state of Iowa,” Whiting said.

Senator Claire Celsi, a Democrat from Des Moines, was a “no” on the proposal. “I’m here representing one of the 90 percent of Americans who say they want universal background checks,” she said. “Those are the kind of laws that would keep guns out of the hands of those who have no business possessing a gun.” Celsi also went on Twitter to announce she had asked that security officers be dispatched to the balcony overlooking the senate. Celsi said supporters of the amendment sitting in the gallery were giving her “dirty looks” and she was “fully aware that most of them are carrying guns.” The Senate approved the gun-rights proposal early yesterday afternoon on a 33-to-16 vote. The HOUSE took up the issue, too, and passed it last night by a narrower, 53-to-46 margin.

(Radio Iowa) — With last spring’s flood still fresh in the memories of many Northwest Iowa residents, authorities are concerned over early flooding with the snow-melt and recent rains. Sioux County Emergency Management Director Nate Huizenga describes the current situation and what the county is doing to help. He says they flooding they have right now is flooding from water that can’t soak into the frozen ground.

Huizenga says he is offering pumps to cities that need them, but right now they are using their own pumps. River flooding is still a concern as area rivers are rising. Huizenga says it looks like the Floyd, Big Sioux and Rock rivers are going to at least hit moderate flood stage. “And I think two of them are going to go to major if the predictions hold true. The Big Sioux by Hawarden and the Floyd look like they are going to go to major flood stage,” he says. He says they rivers are expected to crest today (Thursday) or Friday. The Rock River in Rock Valley has seen recent major flooding, notably last spring, Huizenga says they’re prepared. “We’ve been doing some prep work the last couple of weeks, just making sure we had the materials needed if a larger sandbagging operation was needed,” Huizenga says.

Authorities are monitoring the entire area, and he cautions drivers. He says they are asking people to be really careful on the gravel roads as all the water and the frost coming out has made them really soft and they are tough to travel on.  Along the Big Sioux River in Hawarden, authorities are battling excessive water run-off as well. City Administrator, Mike De Bruin (Duh Broin) says the river crest isn’t the biggest concern at the moment “We just have so much groundwater from all the melting snow and in the yards. A lot of people are finding it seeping into their basements or filing their window wells and pouring into their basements,” De Bruins says. “So there’s a lot of people fighting the water.”

He says crews are doing their best to clear storm water outlets as well as helping residents when they see excess water on a yard that needs to drain. Sioux County Engineer, Doug Julius, is alerting motorists that some county gravel roads have washed out, so those driving need to be extra cautious and vigilant as they drive, especially as it gets dark.

Police in Red Oak arrested a man on an OWI/1st offense charge late Wednesday night. 34-year old Billy Lyn Leeper, of Red Oak, was arrested at around 11:50-p.m. and transported to the Montgomery County Jail, where his bond was set at $1,000.

The Adams County Sheriff’s Office reports that at around 11:30-p.m. Wednesday, Deputies assisted a motorist who was parked along Sycamore Avenue near Highway 34. Upon further investigation, James Tiepelman, of Lenox, was placed under arrest for Operating While Intoxicated 1st Offense. Tiepelman registered a Preliminary Breath Test of .180. The owner of the car, Katie Sickels of Mount Ayr was cited for Minor in Possession of Alcohol 18-20 Years of Age.

Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press
IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Two Iowa county treasurers recently vacationed with the businessman who runs the website where their residents pay taxes, staying at his Florida beach property for free in an apparent violation of a state ethics law. Dubuque County Treasurer Eric Stierman and Winneshiek County Treasurer Wayne Walter confirmed the trip in response to questions from The Associated Press.
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — House Republicans are moving forward with a bill that would stop cities and counties from raising property taxes by more than 2 percent. The bill would allow voters to seek a referendum to approve spending increases above 2 percent. A House Ways and Means subcommittee moved the bill forward Wednesday and it’s expected to move through a full House committee within the next week. Republican Rep. Lee Hein says lawmakers have heard from voters concerned about rising property taxes.
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Forecasters say major flooding is likely in eastern Nebraska and western Iowa over the next couple days and some rural roads already had to be closed after being covered with water. The National Weather Service says this week’s significant rain is especially problematic because much of the region is still covered by a blanket of snow and the ground is still frozen, so the rail flows right into streams and rivers.
IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — The Associated Press tested the public’s ability to access police video in use-of-force cases and was met with a series of denials. In rejecting or delaying the requests, most law enforcement agencies and prosecutors cited exemptions that allow them to keep records of pending investigations secret. That’s not the case everywhere. Some departments have begun releasing officer videos within days or weeks of a major incident.

COUNCIL BLUFFS – The American Red Cross, Pottawattamie County Emergency Management, and Officials with the City of Council Bluffs have opened a shelter for area families and individuals affected by flooding from the rising Mosquito Creek in Council Bluffs.  Estimates on continued rise of Mosquito Creek have prompted preemptive protective actions considering the proximity of an area apartment complex and some residential properties in the area. The Valley View Apartments have seen rapid water rise into their parking lot and current conditions have led officials to recommend voluntary evacuation from the area. Those in the area who wish to voluntarily evacuate until threat has passed and do not have an alternate place to go can may seek shelter at Salem United Methodist Church at 14955 Somerset Avenue, Council Bluffs, Iowa.

The shelter will be available for people to come to after 7pm this evening. Anyone who has been displaced from their home or has voluntarily evacuated the Valley View area is urged to come to the shelter. Red Cross volunteers will be on hand to provide a safe place to stay, a place to sleep, a hot meal and referrals to community services.

Anyone evacuating to a shelter should bring essential items for each member of the family, including:
• Prescriptions and emergency medications • Foods that meet unusual dietary requirements • Identification to show residence is in affected area and important personal documents • Extra clothing, pillows, blankets, hygiene supplies and other comfort items • Supplies needed for children and infants, such as diapers, formula and toys • Special items for family members who are elderly or disabled

The shelter will remain open as long as necessary. The Red Cross is working closely with local emergency management officials to coordinate relief services.

To receive emergency weather warnings and community alerts such as evacuations, shelter locations, and other emergency notices, sign up for free alerts from Pottawattamie Alert, part of the Alert Iowa Network, at www.pottcounty-ia.gov.