DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – The U.S.D.A. has announced the award of $36 million to buy conservation easements on Iowa agricultural land damaged by flooding this year. The funds are available through the floodplain easement component of the Emergency Watershed Protection Program. Under the program, eligible applicants voluntarily agree to sell a permanent conservation easement to the federal government. Compensation is based on the value of the easement rights acquired based on rate caps and market analysis.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA (IRN) – A western Iowa man has been charged with kidnapping and abusing a 4-year-old girl. Council Bluffs police were investigating a report of a missing child when 28-year-old Michael Brandstrom brought the girl to officers, saying he had found her outside and brought her into his apartment to keep her safe. An investigation found that Brandstrom had kept the girl in his apartment for more than an hour without calling authorities and a search of his cellphone revealed nude photos of the girl.

BELLEVUE, NE (IRN) – A man wanted in Michigan caused a 10-hour standoff Wednesday that shut down a road leading to the Bellevue Toll Bridge in western Iowa. KETV reports Iowa State Patrol troopers pulled over 45-year-old Eric Kramer. He got out of his vehicle and pulled out a handgun, pointing it at his head. Ten hours later, troopers moved in and ended the standoff peacefully. Kramer is now in custody and was wanted in Michigan for domestic abuse.

BETTENDORF, IA (IRN) – A physical education teacher at Bettendorf High School was arrested on domestic assault charges. WQAD-TV reports on Sunday evening police responded to multiple 911 calls about a distressed and injured woman trying to get into people’s vehicles at a stoplight. The LeClaire Police Department arrested her husband, 57-year-old Jay Fitzgerald.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Staff members at Brody Middle School in Des Moines are investigating after a student jumped from the school’s roof Thursday, landing 30 feet below. KCCI-TV reports the sixth grade student gained access to the roof and jumped onto a grassy area. The student was responsive and left with a parent in an ambulance. He will be OK.