(Iowa News Service) – The U.S. House Agriculture Committee is scheduled to take up the first version of the new Farm Bill tomorrow (Thursday) morning.  Outdoor enthusiasts in Iowa are pushing for the measure to address key hunting and fishing policies. The Farm Bill is the biggest, most high-profile piece of legislation for farmers and ranchers and it has a huge effect on hunters and anglers in Iowa. Kate Hansen, agriculture program director for the Isaak Walton League of America, said conservation policies set out in the Farm Bill — support for approaches like cover crops, for example — have a domino effect on the state’s ecosystems.

“At face value, cover crops have benefits like they improve our water quality and our soil health,” Hansen pointed out. “We think about how could water quality improvements benefit our fish habitats? There are also benefits of them sitting right there in the field for wildlife.” Hansen noted the healthy fields benefit Iowa hunters. She added it is important for the Farm Bill to consider private land access and conservation measures to improve habitats for fish and wildlife. The House Agriculture Committee is set to consider the bill tomorrow.

The Farm Bill is the biggest investment the U.S. makes in private lands conservation. Aaron Field, director of private lands conservation for the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, said one especially important part of the bill focuses on increasing voluntary conservation projects on private property. He emphasized it benefits hunters and anglers and called the public-private partnerships crucial to shaping the Farm Bill. “It’s critically important that hunter and angler groups step up and provide feedback as Congress is making decisions about how those programs operate and how they’re funded,” Field urged.

Summer shoreline view of Saylorville Lake near Polk City Iowa.

Field added this year’s Farm Bill is the best opportunity hunter and angler programs have had for increased funding in recent history. He noted the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership has published an online guide about how to participate in shaping the measure.

(Harlan, Iowa) – Officials with the Shelby County Emergency Management Agency report a Tornado Resource and Relief Open House will take place Tuesday, May 28th, at the Veterans Memorial Building (1104 Morningview Dr.), in Harlan. The event will be held from 5-until 8-p.m. Shelby County EMA will host government disaster officials, local aid providers and other, that include:

• FEMA
• West Central Community Action
• Local insurance adjusters
• Mental health providers
• Shelby County State Bank.

The Shelby County Cattleman’s Association will provide food for the event. The Shelby County EMA will also be recognizing groups that assisted with the cleanup process.

Anyone who has questions regarding tornado relief efforts is welcome to attend.

(Walnut, Iowa) – The Iowa State Patrol reports one person died and another was injured in a crash that occurred Tuesday afternoon on Interstate 80 westbound, near Walnut. The Patrol says a 2021 Freightliner semi driven by 85-year-old Kenneth Turner, of Norman, IN, was stopped in the left lane of I-80 near mile marker 48.55, due to a prior crash that had taken place.

A 2015 Honda Odyssey van driven by 45-year-old Emma Gonzalez-Maldonado, of Lincoln, NE., was traveling westbound on I-80 in the left lane, and failed to slow down and come to a stop. The van struck the semi before it spun-out and struck a third vehicle’s trailer. The third vehicle sustained no damage, and pulled-off to the shoulder of the road. The accident happened at around 4-p.m.

The van came to rest on the right shoulder of the Interstate. Gonzalez-Maldonado died at the scene. A passenger in the van, 18-year-old Emily Elizabeth Esteban, of Lincoln, NE., was injured, and transported by Walnut EMS to Myrtue Memorial Hospital, in Harlan. Both women were wearing their seat belts.

The Patrol was assisted at the scene by the Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office.

(Red Oak, Iowa) – Montgomery County Emergency Management Agency Director Brian Hamman reports “Montgomery County was impacted by several rounds of severe weather on May 21, 2024, including multiple confirmed tornadoes, significant wind and hail and ongoing river flooding. (Photos courtesy Brian Hamman)

Red Oak Water Treatment plant building

Montgomery County Communications Tower

“Initial residential damage assessments conducted have revealed 28 homes directly impacted by tornadoes with damage ranging from affected to destroyed. A number of critical public facilities have been damaged and/or destroyed including a county owned 300’ radio communications tower and significant damage to Hacklebarney Park.

“No injuries have been reported and the total value of loss is not available at this time. Damage assessments will continue Thursday, May 23rd, between Emergency Management and the National Weather Service.

“As a result of today’s [Tuesday’s] severe weather and damage sustained, the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors, City of Red Oak and Emergency Management Commission have signed a Declaration of Disaster Emergency authorized under Iowa State Statute and the Montgomery County Comprehensive Emergency Plan. Jurisdictions will execute the expenditure of emergency funds from all available sources, the invoking of mutual aid agreements, and apply to the State of Iowa for disaster emergency assistance, as applicable.

CURRENT ROAD CLOSURES:
• J Ave between 210th x 230th due to flash flooding and culvert damage.
• Hacklebarney Park – Closed until further notice.”

(Greenfield, Iowa) – Adair County Auditor Mandy Berg reports “The Adair County Courthouse will be closed Wednesday, May 22^nd.  The Board of Supervisors meeting scheduled for May 22^nd has also been cancelled.” Berg said also, My prayers go out to everyone that was affected by today’s [Tuesday’s] tornado.  “

(Greenfield, Iowa) – The Iowa State Patrol released a statement Tuesday night, following a devastating tornado that struck the City of Greenfield. Sgt. Alex Dinkla, the Iowa State Patrol public information officer, said:

“Earlier today, the town of Greenfield was struck by a devastating tornado. Local, county, and state emergency responders quickly initiated search and rescue operations once the tornado passed through the area. The team at Adair County Memorial Hospital worked swiftly to assist the injured while also ensuring the safety of their facility, as it also sustained tornado damage. Due to the hospital damage, patients needing further treatment for injuries were transferred to nearby medical centers.

Additionally, the Greenfield Community School District coordinated the establishment of a reunification point at the local high school. This location will also serve as a temporary shelter for Greenfield residents in need [tonight].

Sadly, we can confirm there were fatalities and injuries within the community of Greenfield from this tornado. We are still working to assess and update this information as it becomes available. A mandatory curfew of 10:00 p.m. is in effect tonight in Greenfield. The town will open back up at 7:00 a.m. Wednesday morning.

Law enforcement officials are checking identification of those wanting to enter the community. At this time, only Greenfield residents will be allowed past the checkpoints. Residents are grateful for the overwhelming support from neighboring communities and appreciate those eager to help. Food is being provided to residents and first responders East of the Fareway tonight.

A food and water drop off location has been set up at the Department of Transportation (DOT) Facility located east of Greenfield. The address is 2313 Highway 92. Tomorrow [Wednesday], we will release more details regarding cleanup and volunteer efforts.

If there are family members or friends unable to reach their loved ones that might have been impacted by the storm in Greenfield, we encourage you to call the Iowa Department of Public Safety Storm Lake Communication Center at 712.732.1341.

The community of Greenfield has shown incredible unity during this challenging time, with neighbors and friends displaying remarkable compassion, empathy, and support. This town has a long road ahead of them, but if their actions today are any indication of what lies ahead, they will emerge stronger and more united than ever before. Thank you.”

(Cedar Rapids, Iowa) Officials with Alliant Energy tell KJAN News, “Due to the extensive tornado damage to homes in Greenfield, Alliant Energy safely shut off the gas to the town at 5:35 p.m. today. Gas will remain off until the system is deemed safe and assessments are complete.”

Alliant says when it is safe to do so, their crews “will work door-to door to relight all customers.”

Alliant Energy serves approximately 1,054 customers in town. As always, customers can check the Outage Center for the latest restoration estimates for their area.