ANKENY – Layoffs are expected at the John Deere facility in Ankeny. WHO-13 reports 150 production employees were notified late last week about a two-month removal from their positions. The facility has nearly 1,700 employees, about two-thirds of whom are in the production and maintenance side of the industry.

AMES – Ames police are investigating the theft of guns from a Theisen’s store in the community. KCCI-TV reports the incident occurred early Tuesday morning, with several firearms missing when employees arrived. Police have not disclosed how many guns were taken, nor did they have any immediate details made public about potential suspects.

DES MOINES – Lawmakers will learn if the revenue that’s available for the upcoming fiscal year will be at its December projection or lower. The Revenue Estimating Conference meets on Friday to review the state’s tax receipts and project economic forecasts into what would be available for state finances. The latest estimate made just before the session showed up to $9.64 billion was available for the Iowa House and Senate to use for programs.

PELLA – A record-breaking warm winter and continued above average conditions will have Pella’s favorite flower showing earlier than usual. Organizers for the annual Tulip Time festival are encouraging a visit to the Tulip City during mid-April if they want to see peak bloom, and then a return trip for the heritage celebration May 2nd through the 4th. Pella’s City Parks Department and Historical Museums plant more than 200,000 bulbs in the fall — and leaders from both groups say the flower’s bloom and staying power is largely driven by weather conditions. The annual festival attracts more than 150,000 visitors over three days, and several hundred in the weeks leading up.