Iowa Briefs - Sunday, Feb. 2, 2020

Suspect breaks into Capital Building
DES MOINES – The Iowa State Patrol and Division of Criminal Investigation are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the person responsible for entering and damaging the Iowa State Capitol Building in the early morning hours of Sunday, February 2.
At approximately 2:55 a.m., a young male forcibly gained entry to the State Capitol Building and caused damage. Authorities believe the suspect sustained injuries to his hands and/or arms, which may be significant.

DPS investigates Mapleton shooting
MAPLETON - At approximately 9:40 P.M. on January 31, 2020, the Monona County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call in reference to a shooting that occurred in Mapleton. Emergency personnel responding to the call located a deceased male subject at the scene. The victim and witnesses at the scene are minors, and their names are not being released at this time.

State offers two science scholarships
DES MOINES – Gov. Kim Reynolds announced today the opportunity for two Iowa high school seniors to receive full scholarships to attend the 2020 National Youth Science Camp (NYSCamp) this summer in West Virginia. The students will exchange ideas with scientists and other professionals from the academic, corporate and government worlds during the nearly month-long experience. Application forms are available online at http://apply.nyscamp.org. All applications must be submitted by Feb. 28, 2020.

Governor voices support for renewable fuels program
DES MOINES – Gov. Kim Reynolds and Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig submitted joint comments to USDA voicing support for the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP). The federal HBIIP would provide grant funding to support investments in renewable fuels infrastructure. Iowa is one of a handful of states with a standing appropriation for a Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program (RFIP). The RFIP helps the operators of motor fuel dispensing sites or fueling stations convert their equipment to allow the expanded use of renewable fuels in Iowa.

DNR penalizes Lee County couple
Roland and Mary Wierather of Lee County were penalized by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources for violation of animal feeding operations regulations and water quality regulations resulting from a manure discharge at the Wierather's confinement feeding operation in Lee County. The order indicated the Wierathers closed the operation and were ordered to pay a $3,000 administrative penalty.