Wednesday Morning Headlines - KTIV News 4 Sioux City IA: News, Weather and Sports

New recommendation encourages drivers to put down phones

Federal safety officials want to make texting and calling, even with a hands free device, illegal nationwide.  Officials said people, especially young people, don't have the concentration to multitask and should be focused on driving.  The NTSB also said it will urge auto and phone manufacturers to find ways to force drivers to hang up.  Officials said the ban on electronics won't extend to your GPS or radio.

Branstad wants education overhaul

Iowa Governor Terry Branstad is traveling the state to promote his plan to make Iowa's education system number one in the nation.  Branstad brought his pitch to Estherville yesterday.  His plan calls for higher standards for students, more technology in the classroom and better qualified faculty.  It would require a 3.0 grade point average for entry into teacher preparation programs and would create annual assessments and peer reviews for teachers.

Terex Bid-Well begins expansion project

A Canton, South Dakota business cut the ribbon on a $5 million expansion project.  Terex Bid-Well, which makes concrete paving machines, is replacing three existing buildings with a new 80,000 sq. ft. plant.  Company officials said the new plant will increase production, so new jobs may be added in the future.