Branstad appoints acting Iowa corrections chief

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - Gov. Terry Branstad has named a longtime staffer as acting director of the Iowa Department of Corrections.

Branstad said Thursday that Jerry Bartruff will take over the job. He will replace retiring Director John Baldwin, who served in the role since 2007.

Bartruff's first day as acting director will be Friday. He has worked in the department since 1982, most recently as deputy director for operations in the department's eastern region.

Branstad called Bartruff a "capable professional" who could handle the transition.

Baldwin appeared before lawmakers earlier this week to discuss the long-delayed Iowa State Penitentiary. Baldwin said he doesn't know when the facility will open, noting officials are studying a potential solution to a faulty smoke control system. The prison in Fort Madison was scheduled to open last March.