IOWA – While the Legislative Session is still several weeks from starting, discussion about priorities has Governor Kim Reynolds clarifying her position as it relates to Area Education Agencies. The governor told The Gazette she intends to leave AEAs intact, but plans to overhaul the system that provides support to public schools and their students with learning or intellectual disabilities. Democrats and other education lobbyists have expressed concerns that majority Republicans want to cut funding or shut down AEAs as the GOP announced plans to review and likely change the system.

GUTTENBURG – Governor Kim Reynolds honored Iowans for their bravery earlier this week. WHO-13 reports the annual Governor’s Lifesaving and Sullivan Brothers’ awards ceremony featured recognition for residents who have gone above and beyond to help others. Among the honorees was Caleb Crocker of Guttenberg, who rescued many people with disabilities who were inside of a group home that caught fire.

PLEASANT HILL – A rare disease was found in an Iowa nursing home. Parkridge Nursing Home is investigating a case of Legionnaire’s disease found in its Pleasant Hill facility. The case appears to be specific to the home, according to Des Moines Water Works in a KCCI-TV report. Legionella bacteria are found naturally in freshwater environments, like lakes and streams. The bacteria can become a health concern when they grow and spread in human-made building water systems. Person-to-person transmission is extremely rare.