Gov. Terry Branstad’s administration today (Monday), released a new form for individuals who apply for a restoration of firearm rights or pardon. The new streamlined application is more clear and organized for applicants, and provides complete and simple instructions. The new application also reduces the number of pages from five to two and the number of questions from 43 to 29.

Approximately over 100 individuals apply for their restoration of firearms rights and/or a pardon each year. This new application ensures that public safety is taken into account while creating an efficient form that allows eligible Iowans a process to restore those rights.

Branstad says “We’re pleased to be able to make the restoration of firearms rights and pardon applications easier for eligible Iowans while protecting public safety. I encourage all eligible Iowans who have committed felonies to visit our website and begin the process of restoring those rights.

The application that was released comes as the result of a review that was announced earlier this year. On April 27th, 2016, Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds announced a review of all four executive clemency applications to streamline the process and find government efficiencies. That same day, the governor’s office released a one-page streamlined application form for those seeking a restoration of their voting rights. This form is less than one page in length and reduces the number of questions from 29 to 13.

Branstad also took the time today (Monday) to applaud the recent Iowa Supreme Court decision that prevents convicted felons from voting unless their rights are restored by the governor. Branstad said “This common sense decision balances the rights of convicted felons with the responsibilities felons have to their victims and the community after they commit their crime. The court upheld Iowa’s good and fair policy on the restoration of rights for convicted felons and to automatically restore the right to vote without requiring the completion of the responsibilities associated with the criminal conviction would severely damage the balance between the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.”

Creston Police are investigating two incidents of Theft. Officials say Sunday afternoon, Carlisle Automotive, in Creston, reported to police that sometime between 5:30-and 10-p.m. Friday, someone stole several items from a racing trailer that was parked at the business. Among the items taken was a racing bag, racing gloves, racing shoes, a DVD player and a cordless Makita Drill. The loss was estimated at $350.

And, a resident in the 1100 block of Adair Street, in Creston, reported Friday, that  sometime between 12-a.m. July 6th and 1:30-p.m. July 8th, someone entered his residence and took numerous sports memorabilia items, jewelry, guitars, and miscellaneous items. The loss was estimated at $4,755.

Officials with the Creston Police Department have issued a report on recent arrests. Authorities say at around 12:12-a.m. today (Monday), 51-year old Robbie Dohrn, of Creston, was arrested on charges of Eluding and Driving While Suspended. Dohrn was being held in the Union County Jail on  $1,000 bond.

Sunday afternoon, 25-year old Kristen Oliphant, of Creston, was arrested at the Law Enforcement Center on a Union County Warrant for the charge of Theft 5th. Oliphant was being held in the Union County Jail on $300 bond.

Saturday morning, 27-year old Christal Hagle, of Creston, was arrested on a charge of Simple Assault. Hagle was being held in the Ringgold County Jail on $300 bond.

And, on Friday, 41-year old Courtney Abel, of Creston was arrested at his residence on a charge of Simple Domestic Assault. Abel was subsequently released from the Union County Jail on a Promise to Appear in court. And, 39-year old Brandi Foote, of Creston, was arrested at her residence on a charge of Simple Domestic Assault. Foote was later released from the Union County Jail on $300 bond.

The Severe Storms Prediction Center in Norman, OK., has issued an Enhanced Risk of severe storms across portions of western and central Iowa for storms expected mainly this evening/overnight. Large hail and damaging winds are the main severe threats. Pay attention to the latest forecast for updates through the day/night on KJAN and on our Facebook and Twitter feeds.

More area and State news from KJAN News Director Ric Hanson.

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The area’s top news at 7:06-a.m., w/KJAN News Director Ric Hanson

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BLENCOE, Iowa (AP) – Authorities are preparing to resume their search for a man who fell into the Missouri River. Sioux City television station KCAU reports that the man fell into the water around 7:20 p.m. Sunday near Blencoe. Monona County authorities searched the water and bank until 11:30 p.m. but found no sign of the man.

The man’s name and other information about the incident haven’t been released.

The “Farmers Market Scavenger Hunt” is an activity which was offered to all farmers markets by the Iowa Department of Agriculture (IDALS). The purpose is to help kids learn more about locally grown fruits and vegetables and the farmers in their community. Markets could choose to be included.

Youth participants use a form with a list of questions to hunt through the market. What is the smallest fruit or vegetable you see? What is a fruit or vegetable which grows underground? What was your favorite part of the market?  They are also asked to check a list of all of the items they saw and to visit with a farmer.

Produce in the Park has been offering the activity each Thursday evening beginning June 2nd. Completed forms are sent to IDALS twice a month and they are entered in a state drawing for prizes. One local person has been a winner.  Tammy Stotts of IDALS says more entries have been received from Produce in the Park than any other market.  Additional prizes will be available locally.

Kids may participate every week they attend. Forms and pencils are available at the Cass County Food Policy Council table in the center of the Park. Duane McFadden, Council member, is heading up the local activity.

Sheriff’s officials in Montgomery County report a traffic stop Sunday evening resulted in the arrest of a rural Red Oak man. 25-year old Tyler Jason Chambers was taken into custody at around 6:30-p.m., for Driving while Barred. Chambers was brought to the Montgomery County Jail and held on $2,000 bond.

Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press at 3:40 a.m. CDT

CHEROKEE, Iowa (AP) — A northwest Iowa town says Tyson Foods is making it hard to find a new use for its former meat-processing plant. Officials in Cherokee want to give their economy a boost with a new tenant in the plant, which closed nearly two years ago.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (AP) — A year after bird flu forced fairs across the region to cancel poultry shows, the competitions are returning this summer. The Daily Nonpareil reports that 4-H members who raise chickens are glad they’ll have a chance to show them at this year’s fairs.

LUCAS, Iowa (AP) — Woman dies after horse she was riding fell on top of her at Iowa park. The state Department of Natural Resources is investigating but hasn’t released many details. The woman’s name wasn’t released Sunday afternoon.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa cities of Johnston and Grimes renew longstanding partnership to provide fire and other emergency services. The new pact will create an advisory board to help oversee fire and emergency services in both cities.