DES MOINES – A change of plea hearing is on the federal court docket for the former superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools. The Des Moines Register reports Ian Roberts is accused of gun possession as an illegal immigrant and making a false statement for employment. A court hearing is scheduled next week on January 22nd. Roberts pled not guilty in October, shortly following an arrest by federal immigration officers.

IOWA – Narrow bands of snow showers are expected today, along with winds gusting to as high as 45 MPH at times, according to the National Weather Service. While not everyone will see snow, those that do may experience snow squalls with intense bursts of snow and periods of whiteout conditions and hazardous travel. Both the morning and evening commutes may be impacted in some areas.

OTTUMWA – Mercy One has announced that its medical clinic in Ottumwa is closing by the end of February. KCCI-TV reports this means 30 staff members will be seeking employment, with hundreds of local patients seeking new medical care options. Mercy One hopes to transition the patients to a clinic in Centerville.

DES MOINES – The recently-formed Iowa House Higher Education Committee approved their first motions of the new session this week, which included the introduction of two bills. That legislation includes changes for presidential searches and course requirements on campus. President searches would require a search committee formed by the Iowa Board of Regents, and that only members of that group could participate. The subcommittee also discussed requiring classes related to American government and history for undergraduate college students.