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.

There are several roads that are closed this morning, due to water over those roads. Locally, Olive Street in Atlantic, from the City Limits (at KJAN) south to Commerce Street is closed due to flood debris on the road. (Olive Street re-opened at 7:05-a.m.) Glacier Road, just east of the ethanol plant to Olive Street, is closed due to flooding. Highway 48 near Elliott was also closed this morning (as of 9-a.m.)

The Shelby County Emergency Management Agency reported the following roads were closed:

• Highway 44 east of Harlan. (Open as of 10:30-a.m.)
• Nishna Ave from 1st St to Oak Road (Harlan)
• 6th St between Chatburn Avenue (Hwy 44) and Walnut Street (Harlan)
• Utility Ave between Chatburn and Industrial (Harlan)
• Exchange between Chatburn and Stow Red-E-Mix. (Open as of 8:30-a.m.)
• F-58 from Maple Road to Highway 59.
• Highway 59 is closed at the Corley Bridge (south of the Harlan Airport).
• Highway 30 from Hwy 44 to Denison: Alternate route – Hwy 44 to Hwy 59 and back north of Hwy 30.
• Hwy 30 is closed at I-29, the Missouri Valley exit to eastbound traffic.

There was a mandatory evacuation of Westridge Trailer Court and the southern homes of Exchange Street in Harlan, yesterday. Two shelters were set up at Community Health (2712 12th St). and the Vets Auditorium (1104 Morning View Drive). People with pets are to go to Community Health. Highway 30 between I-29 (Missouri Valley) and U-S Highway 59 (Denison), is closed in both directions.

In addition, Interstate 680 was closed in both directions from east of Crescent to I-29, and from I-29 west to the Mormon Bridge at the Missouri River at Omaha. Interstate 29 was closed from Missouri Valley to Council Bluffs, also. For the latest road closures and other road information, go to 511ia.org