DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – A former Johnston High School teacher accused of sexual abuse and exploitation submitted an Alford plea Monday. KCCI-TV reports Dustin Mead, 33, was accused of inappropriately touching a female student. Johnston police said Mead kissed the student, then gave her grades she did not earn. An “Alford plea” is plea in criminal court, whereby a defendant in a criminal case does not admit to the criminal act and asserts innocence.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Des Moines city workers cleared a homeless camp Thursday and Friday next to a downtown shelter. The Des Moines Register reports a couple dozen men and women had been living in tents at the site since November. The city had planned to close the camp earlier but it let an eviction notice expire when frigid winter temperatures set in.

ANKENY, IA (IRN) – Some parents say a bill making its way through the Iowa Senate is discriminatory against students with learning disabilities, according to WHO-TV. The bill would allow families to receive public funding for their children to enroll in a private school. Parents of children with disabilities say the private schools don’t have to admit their children, and they fear public schools will suffer financially if taxpayer dollars are transferred to private schools.

VINTON, IA (IRN) – The documentary “Hero Among Us” debuted Sunday in Vinton, according to KCRG-TV. A Vinton veteran of World War II, John Gualtier, was the subject. The film depicts Gualtier and his battalion as they entered a Nazi concentration camp. Gualtier worked to clean and feed those held captive. He says, “I had a prisoner die in my arms as I was feeding him.” The experiences haunted Gualtier for decades, but he finally decided to let his story be told.

IOWA (IRN) – A massive winter storm hit northern and eastern Iowa Saturday, leaving more than a foot of snow in its path. Mason City led the pack in snow totals, finishing with 17.5 inches. Clear Lake, Rockford and Garner received 16 inches.