DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – The governor’s $4.7 billion proposal to improve Iowa’s water quality over three decades would generate $691 million in economic activity and create 2,800 jobs annually, according to an Iowa State University report released Tuesday. Gov. Terry Branstad proposes extending a tax that supports Iowa school facilities and diverting part of the tax revenue growth to efforts to cut the amount of nutrients entering Iowa waters. Critics say the governor’s plan fails to hold agriculture accountable for nutrient runoff and passes the bill to the taxpayer.

MASON CITY, IA (IRN) – Mason City is on its way to getting a hog-processing operation that’s expected to employ up to 2,000 workers in its first two years. The Mason City Globe Gazette reports that an out-of-state company intends to build the hog-processing facility and to hire 900 to 2,000 workers. The company says it will build an environmentally friendly building that will enhance the neighborhood.

WATERLOO, IA (IRN) – A Waterloo family has lost two loved ones in the past decade to accidental shootings. KWWL-TV reports the family is shocked that it happened given that they all grew up around guns, and were taught to assume guns are always loaded. Last month 27-year-old Eric Tusing was joking with friends about playing Russian Roulette. He shot himself not knowing the gun was loaded. Eric’s brother Tristan died in 2007 when a gun fell to the ground and shot him in the back.

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA (IRN) – A trooper with the Iowa State Patrol has resigned after being arrested following a drunken, late-night disturbance in which the former college football player repeatedly pounded on a female neighbor’s door. KCRG-TV reports after his arrest Patrick Steinbach received special treatment at the Iowa County Jail, where the booking officer did not take his mug shot or require him to wear a jumpsuit. The booking officer lost his job too.

WINTERSET, IA (IRN) – An Iowa sheriff is sounding the alarm on mental health, saying there are people who are in desperate need of help that are not getting it, according to WHO-TV. Madison County Sheriff Jason Barnes says it’s the No. 1 problem he faces in the county — more than drunk driving or other crimes. Barnes says “We’ve had people in our jail that needed mental health help. They don’t belong in a jail. But there’s no other place for them.”

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Craig Vance had a heart attack at the State Capitol three weeks ago, according to KCCI-TV. During the heart attack he lost consciousness and hit the floor. Vance is on his feet today — thanks in part to a stranger who performed CPR prior to medics arriving. Vance says he’s lucky the heart attack happened in a public place, as otherwise he would be dead. He’s recovering from open heart surgery and hopes to soon meet the man or woman who saved his life.