DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — About two month into the session, Republicans have moved quickly to capitalize on their control of both legislative chambers, but plenty of work remains as they push through a conservative agenda.

Among the priority issues will be efforts to restrict abortion rights. The Senate passed a bill that would forgo federal Medicaid dollars to create a state-run family planning program that excludes abortion providers. The measure is awaiting House activity. Anti-abortion groups are also supporting a bill that would ban most abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

On wages, the House approved a bill banning local governments from approving a minimum wage that exceeds the state rate of $7.25, and the measure now shifts to the Senate.

The Senate also will take up a bill that would require people to show identification at voting places and a measure making sweeping changes to Iowa’s gun laws.

On Saturday, March 4th, the Eddyville Blakesburg Fremont High School Jazz Band placed 1st in class 2A at the South East Iowa Bandmasters Association District Jazz Contest in Iowa City. The 1st and 2nd place bands from each class qualify for the Iowa Jazz Championships, which will be held at Iowa State University on April 4th. This is the 31st year in a row that the E.B.F.H.S. Jazz Band has qualified for the Jazz Championships.

Eddyville Blakesburg Fremont placed 1st ahead of Mid-Prairie, West Branch, West Burlington, Louisa – Muscatine, in class 2A competition.
Several students received an Outstanding Soloist Award for their solo performances. Outstanding Soloist Awards went to: Grace Manternach; flute, Delanee Van Zante; alto sax, Claire Jager, Alto Sax, Cyrus Rogers; tenor sax, Briana Ver Steegh; tenor sax, Sara Loving; trumpet, Maggie Voyles; piano, Dillon Howard; drums, Julia Fairchild; vibes, and Riley Bayliss; guitar. The EBF Sax Section and Trumpet Section received Outstanding Section Awards for their great performance. Delanee Van Zante was selected as the Outstanding Overall Soloist of the Day for her solo performances. The band is directed by Joe Overton.
The EBFHS Jazz Band will perform in concert with the junior high jazz band on Tuesday March 14th at the EBFHS Cafetorium at 7:00 P.M. The band will also appear at the Night of Jazz at the Daily Auditorium in Oskaloosa on March 31st with the bands from Oskaloosa and North Mahaska. EBFHS Jazz I will compete at the Iowa Jazz Championships at Iowa State University in Ames on April 4th. The band performs at 10:00 in class 2A competition. Friends and supporters of the band are encouraged to attend and lend your support.

Story provided by Joe Overton

On Monday, March 6, 2017, the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call from an individual at 4252 Maple St. regarding an individual down on the floor and unresponsive.

Newton Fire/EMS was contacted to respond to the address. Jasper County Sheriff’s Office also responded to the scene.

After Newton Fire/EMS and Jasper County Sheriff’s Office Deputies arrived, it was determined this appeared to be a suspicious death. The Jasper County Sheriff’s Office made contact with the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation for their assistance in this incident. The Office of the State Medical Examiner was requested to conduct an autopsy on the decedent.

On Wednesday,March 8, the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, along with the Office of the State Medical Examiner and the Division of Criminal Investigation, has determined the decedent at the scene was a victim of a homicide.

The investigation is ongoing. The manner of death has been ruled a homicide. The cause of death is not being released due to an ongoing investigation.

The victim is identified as Jose Luis C. Ramirez Berber, age 61.

If anyone has any information in the death of the victim, please contact the Jasper County

Sheriff’s Office at 641-792-5912.