Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press

NORTH LIBERTY, Iowa (AP) — A man who helped his neighbor escape flames that destroyed a mobile home in eastern Iowa says he’s no hero. Jerry McBride Junior says he merely answered a call of duty in aiding 71-year-old Fred Steven. The septuagenarian says he awoke from a nap Monday afternoon to find that tubes from his oxygen tank were on fire inside his North Liberty home. Oxygen tanks began exploding by the time he reached a doorway.

MANNING, Iowa (AP) — Officials say one woman died in a house fire in rural Iowa last weekend. The Carroll County Sheriff’s Office said yesterday that 47-year-old Julia Schlichte of Manning was found dead inside the home located about three miles northeast of town. No other injuries were reported.

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) — A religious discrimination lawsuit filed against Sioux City’s Bishop Heelan Catholic school system has been dismissed. The Journal reports that in a ruling filed last week, U.S. Magistrate Judge Jon Scoles said David Newbrough couldn’t proceed on his claim that the system fired him because he wasn’t Roman Catholic. Newbrough was the system’s chief financial officer.

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — University of Iowa officials are ready to begin planning a steam production plant on the west side of the school’s campus. The Iowa City Press-Citizen reports that officials have asked the Iowa state Board of Regents for permission to begin planning the $75 million production plant that will be adjacent to the school’s new backup power facility.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Inspector General’s office has provided an update regarding Iowa Republican U-S Senator Joni Ernst’s request for an examination of the VA Central Iowa Health Care System’s mental health programs. Ernst’s inquiry followed news coverage of the death of veteran Richard Miles in Des Moines.

U-S Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)

The Veterans Affairs Inspector General’s office has initiated a review of the mental health care provided to Richard Miles. The VA IG will share these findings with Senator Ernst once they are complete in approximately one month. Ernst said she’s “Pleased that the VA IG has begun initiating a review. We must ensure that our veterans have the access they deserve to quality mental health care. If there are systemic problems that exist, we must work to correct those as quickly and efficiently as possible.”

On February 23rd, Ernst sent a letter to the VA IG detailing that “It is tragic our nation lost a veteran who may not have received the mental health treatment he deserved.” She said, “As a member of the Senate, I have a responsibility to ensure our nation lives up to the promises it has made to its veterans. Furthermore, as someone who deployed in support of the Iraq War, it is my top priority to ensure our veterans receive the care they deserve after selflessly sacrificing for our nation. I request your office conduct an immediate and thorough investigation into the VA Central Iowa Health Care System mental health care programs, treatment provided to veteran Richard Miles, and Mr. Miles’ requests for mental health care and the subsequent treatment received.”

The stop lights are working again at the intersection of Highway 92 and Harry Langdon Blvd. in Council Bluffs, two days after an accident involving an over-sized semi, caused them to be knocked down. Bluffs Police report the traffic lights have been repaired, and as of 4:45-p.m. Wednesday, traffic was allowed to resume a “normal” pattern in the construction zone.

MANNING, Iowa (AP) — Officials say one woman died in a house fire in rural Iowa last weekend. The Carroll County Sheriff’s Office said Wednesday that 47-year-old Julia Schlichte, of Manning, was found dead inside the home located about three miles northeast of town. Investigators say the fire that consumed the house has left it in complete disrepair.

Authorities say they are awaiting autopsy results to determine Schlichte’s cause of death. No other injuries were reported. The sheriff says the source of the fire that occurred early Saturday morning remains under investigation, though foul play is not suspected.

Funeral services for Julia Schlicte will be held 10:30-a.m. Friday, at the Sacred Heart Church, in Manning.

Atlantic Mayor Dave Jones announced during Wednesday evening’s Council meeting that 5th Ward Councilperson Lori Stuart will be stepping down.

5ht Ward Councilperson Lori Stuart

Stuart, whose term expires in January 2018, will be moving to Cedar Rapids. Her last City Council meeting will be in June. Therefore, Jones said there will be an opening in the 5th Ward, and anyone who is interested in the seat should let him know.

Jones said the options for filling her seat include: By Mayoral appointment with the Council’s approval, or a citizen from the ward can file a petition with the required number of signatures, to be followed by a special election if there is more than one candidate. Jones said also there is an opening on the City of Atlantic’s Library Board. Because of gender balancing, the position needs to be filled by a male. Anyone interested is again asked to get in contact with the Mayor.

In other business, the Council appointed Jamie Arnold as City Attorney, and set March 18th as the date for bid letting on the 2015 Street Improvement Projects, which according to Snyder and Associates’ Engineer Dave Sturm, will include 19th Street. The Council also set the 18th as the date for Public hearings on the approval of a Development Agreement with Sonntag Development, LLC, and a proposal to enter into General Obligation Loan Agreements.

Current, Interim City Administrator John Lund explained there are three bonds. The first, a general obligation essential corporate purpose, includes all the street work and a fire truck. The second is a G-O non-essential corporate purpose bond includes an elevator for City Hall and a feasibility study for the building. The third is an economic development TIF bond for the Southern Heights View Development Project. Lund says the bonds have been “Bundled together, but they are legally classified as different.” By bundling the trio of bonds, the City saves its taxpayers about $4,000.

And, the Council officially appointed John Lund as City Administrator, the title of which becomes effective March 29th.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A Senate panel has approved a bill that would lower the age at which children in Iowa could use guns with a parent’s supervision. A three-member judiciary subcommittee approved the bill unanimously Wednesday. It heads to a full committee for consideration, though it needs to advance by Friday to beat a procedural deadline in the Legislature.

The bill would make several changes to Iowa’s gun laws, including legalizing the use of a suppressor to silence a weapon. It also would ban public access to a database of names of people with permits to carry and purchase weapons. The bill would lower the age that a minor could use a pistol or revolver with a parent’s supervision from 14 to 7. A similar House bill has no age limit.

On Wednesday, February 26th, members of the Atlantic FFA chapter hosted the Sub District Career Development Events with several advancing to District FFA Convention, which is to be held on Saturday, March 8, in Denison. FFA member Clint Hansen competed in Extemporaneous Speaking and Adam Freund competed in Ag Broadcasting, both advancing to Districts. Clayton Saeugling was the alternate in the Job Interview category. Colin Peterson competed in the FFA Creed. Freund, Hansen and Marshal McDermott competed in the Farm Business Management Test, each earning a bronze rating. Haylee Valeika and Morgan Barkley competed in the Greenhand Quiz. Valeika earned a silver and Barkley a bronze. FFA advisor Eric Miller commented, “I was proud of all the hard work each member put into preparing for their event.”

Haley Carlson was a candidate for District Office. She had a series of interviews beginning with an individual interview, which was a long process to help sort the candidates. After five candidates had each completed their interview, a group interview was held. The group interview is a team exercise designed to see how each member works in a group. This year team members had to make a mock presentation to a school board trying to convince them to start an FFA Chapter. Each contestant also took an FFA knowledge quiz. Although Carlson was not chosen to be on the ballot, this was an excellent springboard in preparation for next year. Carlson said, “It was a great experience! I learned a lot and that will help me prepare for next year. I also made many new friendships in the process.”

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Builders in Iowa would be required to install radon mitigation systems in new homes under legislation that has won approval in an Iowa Senate committee. The bill moved out of the State Government Committee on Wednesday. Under the proposal, new homes must be built with radon mitigation pipes. If the homeowner discovers radon, they can add a fan to use the system.

Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that can leak through cracks in building foundations. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency calls radon the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. The agency also says Iowa’s 99 counties are in the agency’s highest risk zone for exposure.

A similar bill was approved by the Democratic-majority Senate two years ago but failed to advance in the Republican-controlled House.

LE MARS, Iowa (AP) — A trial has again been delayed for a 45-year-old northwest Iowa man accused of killing his mother. The Sioux City Journal reports that a judge allowed the postponement in the trial of Jonathan Neunaber scheduled to begin March 31 so that his attorney could have more preparation time. A new trial date hasn’t been set. Online court records originally list a Dec. 9 start date for the trial.

Neunaber has pleaded not guilty to a first-degree murder charge in the slaying of his 80-year-old mother, Esther Neunaber. Her body and that of her husband, 83-year-old Donald Neunaber, were found July 9 in the Akron home they shared with their son. Authorities say Donald Neunaber died of natural causes. An autopsy determined his wife died of blunt for injuries.