CARROLL – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is investigating a hog manure release into a tributary of Elk Run Creek in Carroll County. On October 14, the DNR Field Office in Atlantic was notified by Eric Baumhover, manager of B&B Custom Pumping, a certified manure applicator business, of a manure spill which occurred in the evening hours on October 13. Staff from the DNR Field Office in Atlantic responded to the incident. Further investigation revealed that approximately 5,000 gallons of manure was spilled when a hose blew while land-applying manure. The department will determine if further enforcement action is warranted.

WINTERSET – The recently elected auditor in Madison County made note of several concerns following a year filled with several changes to leadership. WHO-13 reports Michele Brant found that multiple libraries in the county had not received funding since January, VPN access was given to non-county employees, several wages were overpaid, and budget data was deleted and re-uploaded on a county server. Madison County Attorney Stephen Swanson also asked the board of supervisors about outside legal counsel hired for what appears to be no litigation, but has been paid anyways.

DES MOINES – State Auditor Rob Sand announced his office has now received the proper request to re-investigate the Des Moines Public School District. Iowa Capital Dispatch reports Sand had denied a request by lawmakers to look into issues raised following the arrest of former Superintendent Ian Roberts by immigration officials. Sand had cited that a direct request was required before his office could investigate.