(Radio Iowa) – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has identified a record number of trumpeter swan nests. D-N-R waterfowl biologist Orrin Jones says the species was reintroduced in Iowa in 1993. “Their population has been slowly recovering since then,” he says, “and we’re really pleased to see them continue that recovery.”

According to the D-N-R’s website, unregulated hunting and the draining of wetlands after European settlers arrived in Iowa led to the species’ demise here. Now, in the 29th year of the restoration effort, the latest count indicates there are at least 135 pairs of adult nesting swans in Iowa. “Trumpeter swans are traditionally associated with the Prairie Pothole region of Iowa, which is a geographic formation in north central and northwest Iowa where historically pothole wetlands were very abundant,” Jones says.

Jones says restoration of wetland areas has helped the species get re-established. The D-N-R began its trumpeter swan restoration program in 1993, then in 1998, three wild cygnets — baby swans — hatched from a next in Dubuque County.

(Greenfield, Iowa) – The Adair County Board of Supervisors, Wednesday morning, received updates on the County employee Wellness Program, and Conservation Department activities. Supervisor Jerry Walker reported on the Wellness program participation and data regarding employee physicals. Data from the physicals helps the County in its efforts to obtain the best insurance rates it can in a points-based system. Walker said that, as of Monday, 60% of the physical reports had been turned-in.

Auditor Mandy Berg said the County stands to lose money if there is no change from last year’s data.

Rates have skyrocketed this year in Iowa, for both personal and group insurance. In other business, the Adair County Supervisors acknowledged and approved the GAAP Annual Financial Report. GAAP stands for Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, and are a collection of commonly-followed accounting rules and standards for financial reporting.

And, in his report to the Board, Adair County Conservation Director Dominic Johnson said they have awarded a contract for the Mormon Trail Shower House to Caliber Concrete, LLC out of Adair, in the amount of $174, 250, which was under budget by about $750,

The good news, he said is that they’ll have the site already prepped for the shower house before it arrives.

Johnson said he’s pleased by the number of campers they’ve had this year and the funds those persons bring to the county for camping fees.

He said this Fall has been especially busy. At Orient, they have been a lot of weekends this month where the campsites are full. Dominic said also, shower houses were officially closed and winterized last week. The docks are out of the water at most of the lakes in Adair County. Johnson said also, there were 27 people who attended the Conservation Department’s Hunter Education Class, last month.

Walleye fish, he said, have been stocked at four different county lakes, but there is concern about the lakes being as low as they are.

(Radio Iowa) – A new program to train aviation maintenance workers is coming to Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, thanks to nearly a million dollars in funding. Those who complete the two-year program will be qualified to work on anything from small aircraft to, eventually, commercial airliners. Iowa Department of Economic Development director Debbie Durham says Kirkwood’s Aviation Maintenance Technology program will be located at the Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids. “Iowa has more jobs than people right now to fill,” Durham says, “and the aviation industry is not spared from this very need.”

Classes are scheduled to begin in the fall of 2023. The funding includes an 800-thousand dollar grant from the U-S Commerce Department and nearly 200-thousand dollars from local sources. A survey found there are about 90 openings every year for aviation mechanics in Iowa, while nationally, there will be a need over the next decade for more than 600-thousand mechanics.

(Harlan, Iowa) – The Shelby County Board of Supervisors, passed an Ordinance amending various sections of the County’s Zoning Ordinance, with regard to the transporting of hazardous liquid through a pipeline. 202201025 MINUTES Their action was in response to a proposed Summit Carbon Solutions carbon capture and sequestration project that would transport up to 12 million metric tons of carbon dioxide (“CO2″) annually from participating industrial facilities in Iowa, as well as CO2 from facilities in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Nebraska to a sequestration site in North Dakota, where the CO2 will be permanently stored. The pipeline, which would pass through the town limits of Earling, has not yet been approved by the Iowa Utilities Board (IUB), which has the final say.

Prior to approving the amended ordinance, the Board held a public hearing on the matter. First to speak was Regional Water General Manager Tom Comb, who mentioned that Regional Water has not been contacted by anyone about installation of a pipeline and rural water concerns. There are an estimated twelve waterline main crossings planned by the pipeline in Shelby County alone. Comb stated that imminent domain issues concern regional water because at this time, money for any required moving of water lines must be absorbed by Regional water if imminent domain is used. Among other who spoke:

• Rick Chipman a grain and livestock producer, said safety was his main concern He has employees and family within steps of the proposed route. Livestock protocols for any pipeline accidents and permanent damage to conservation related practices on his operation is a concern.
• Jennifer Barnett, Superintendent of the Harlan Community Schools spoke about student and faculty safety. Economic stability is important to any taxing authorities.
• Gene Gettys, Harlan City Administrator mentioned that the Harlan City Council has passed a resolution of support for the Board of Supervisors actions, regarding the pipeline. Limitations to any future development is a concern. Placing a hazardous pipeline has possibilities of limiting economic development.
• Jan Reinig spoke next thanking the residents and Board of Supervisors in their efforts to make the pipeline safe and create less damage to the County.
• Mary Powell spoke of her property having old water pipelines and her concern for damage that may be done to those water lines.
• and, Sherry Webb thanked the Board of Supervisors for their efforts. Concerns for the safety of confinement animals and humans were expressed by Ms. Webb.

After the Board closed the hearing, a motion was made and seconded before the Ordinance was adopted unanimously, as proposed. The amended Ordinance – which sets the terms and conditions under which any such proposed pipeline request may be granted- becomes effective Jan. 1, 2023. Officials with Summit have said the Ordinance is “inconsistent” with Iowa law.

(Glenwood, Iowa) – Police in Glenwood report the arrest on Tuesday, of 63-year-old Tim Thomas, from Glenwood. Thomas was taken into custody for OWI/2nd offense. He posted a $2,000 bond, and was released.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – Officials with the Southwest Iowa Planning Council (SWIPCO), in Atlantic, are recognizing this week, Oct. 23-29, as National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week. They recommend residents discuss the facts, talk about getting children and your home tested, and spreading awareness about the Lead Hazard Reduction Program grant.

SWIPCO is seeking applicants for the Lead Hazard Reduction Grant with homes constructed before 1978 and have children under the age of 6 who reside or spend a significant amount of time in the home. Applicants could be eligible for exterior and/or interior improvements involving lead-based paint removal. Homeowners and rental units qualify but owners of the rental units must be financially involved. Homeowners must meet certain income guidelines specific to the county where they live and must be in Cass, Fremont, Harrison, Mills, Montgomery, Page, or Shelby counties.

Lead Hazard Reduction Program Coordinator, Nicole Rhodes says the Lead Hazard Reduction Grant will allow for lead hazard reduction in approximately 35 housing units and build a more skilled workforce in the region. “This is a wonderful opportunity to help us get some of those lead hazards removed to make southwest Iowa a safer and healthier place to live for everyone, especially kids who are particularly vulnerable. Through this grant program we have already been able to get 3 contractors in the southwest Iowa area certified as Lead Safe Contractors, which will ensure that lead poisoning awareness and abatement will outlast this program and will continue to benefit the community for future generations.” 

Lead is highly neuro toxic. Lead poisoning is 100% preventable, but the effects of lead poisoning are irreversible. CDC reports that there is no safe lead level and a level of 3.5 micrograms/deciliter is considered a high blood level of lead. Children under 6 are more sensitive to lead and pregnant women exposed to lead can pass lead to their unborn baby. Lead gets into the body when it is inhaled or swallowed. Lead poisoning may cause long-term effects and significant effects on the child’s health. Lead poisoning affects 1 in 14 Iowa children and Iowa’s rate of lead poisoning is four times the national average. Nearly 60% of the homes in Iowa both in rural and urban areas were built before 1960. During 2019, 981 children under 6 had a confirmed elevated blood lead level, which is enough children to fill 13.5 school buses.

To apply or to learn more about the grant program, please contact SWIPCO Lead Hazard Reduction Program Coordinator, Nicole Rhodes, at 712-243-4196 or 866-279-4720 or by emailing nicole.rhodes@swipco.org.

(Stuart, Iowa) – Officials with the City of Stuart say there is a boil order in effect for the entire City, until further notice. The action is necessary due to a water main break. Additional updates will be posted as they become available.

(Council Bluffs, Iowa) – Police in Council Bluffs have identified the victim of Sunday morning’s fiery, single-vehicle accident, as a man from Lincoln, NE. Authorities say 32-year-old Darian Davis was the driver and lone occupant of a vehicle that struck a sign pole at around 4:10-a.m., Sunday. The accident happened on Interstate 29 northbound near mile marker 50.

The vehicle split-in half and left a large debris field in its wake. A motorist called 911 and advised, “A vehicle is on fire on the side of the interstate,” but they were unable to determine in there was anyone inside.  Officers and Fire Personnel arriving on the scene found the vehicle fully engulfed in flames, which where were extinguished by Council Bluffs Fire Department Personnel. The body was found in the front half of the vehicle once the flames were doused.

An investigation revealed that speed was a factor in the crash.

(Creston, Iowa) – The Creston Police Department reports 30-year-old Steven Douglas Brinker, of Creston, was arrested Tuesday afternoon. He was taken into custody for Violation of a No Contact/Protective Order. Brinker was being held without bond in the Union County Jail, pending an appearance before the magistrate.