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SWIPCO receives 2024 Innovative Project Award from ICOG

News

May 28th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES – Southwest Iowa Planning Council (SWIPCO) has been awarded the 2024 Innovative Project Award from the Iowa Association of Councils of Governments (ICOG) for work with the City of Woodbine on the Harvest Hills Development. The award was accepted at the ICOG Staff Retreat in Des Moines.

SWIPCO worked with the City of Woodbine to apply for and obtain a Community Development Block Grant from disaster recovery funds following the 2019 Missouri River floods to create an affordable housing project. SWIPCO worked with the city and NuStyle Development to administer funds and help coordinate the project to construct 40 new homes and the supporting infrastructure in the Harvest Hills subdivision located on the west edge of Woodbine.

SWIPCO’s Ashley Hayes, Erin Hudson, Aaron Koontz, Mary Auten, and Barb Boggs had hands on the project. SWIPCO’s team has filled many roles along the way after helping obtain the initial grant funding. Work has included helping 2019 flood displaced and low to moderate income residents match with the new housing opportunities, assuring that federal standards and guidelines are followed, coordinating planning, and assuring proper paperwork has been filed.

The infrastructure involved with this project was significant with a new water tower and solar power grid included to meet Iowa Green Streets energy standards. The full scope of the project has been a $20,772,189 undertaking and was entirely funded through CDBG-Disaster Recovery funds and the developer’s financing.

Photo Caption: SWIPCO Staff Accepting the 2024 ICOG Innovative Project Award at the Staff Retreat in Des Moines (L-R): Barb Boggs, Mary Auten, Tammy DeBord, Aaron Koontz, Erin Hudson, ICOG Chair Nichole Moore.

SWIPCO Disaster Recovery Coordinator Ashley Hayes said, “I’m proud of our team here at SWIPCO and how quickly we all adapt to the ebbs and flows of grant work at this scale. The rapport each one of us has developed with each of the developer’s team members and with the City of Woodbine, as well as IEDA, has been very helpful throughout this project and others as well. We are excited for the city to continue to thrive with this additional housing and infrastructure and it’s great to know there are individuals and developers that are willing to invest in our rural communities. It’s exciting to know that our work as a team has been recognized in this way.”

These funds are a rare opportunity for small, rural communities to bring new residents in without the need for large matching funds. Cities involved in these types of projects work in tandem with SWIPCO to manage the grant and project, ultimately realizing a big impact that may not otherwise be possible.

Area Organizations Host June 1 Trails Event

Ag/Outdoor, News

May 28th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Cass County, Iowa)  – The Cass County Conservation Board, Nishna Valley Trails, and Atlantic Parks and Rec are holding a free National Trails Day Area trail event on Saturday, June 1. The event is 10-a.m. until Noon, at the Schildberg Recreation Area (102 Buck Creek Road, Atlantic, IA 50022) at the East Shelter (near the campground).

People of all ages are invited to come out and enjoy this free event. The Kiwanis will have their food truck on site, and hot dogs and watermelon will be available for a free will donation. The Schildberg Recreation area is connected to approximately five miles of trails, much of which is paved. Bikes, strollers, runners or walkers–all are welcome.

At 10:30-a.m., Jon Jordan will lead a bike ride out to the T-Bone Trailhead and back (approximately 15 miles). Portions of the route will be gravel, and Jon will share tips on biking safely. The event will be canceled if there is inclement weather.

The Schildberg Recreation area is just one of many trails sites in Cass County. A map of Cass County trails, including information on trail type, ADA accessibility, and restrooms, can be found at https://www.atlanticiowa.com/experience/cass-county-trails-map-2/. Printed copies of the Cass County Trails Map can be picked up at the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce (102 Chestnut St., Atlantic, IA 50022).

Jon Jordan shares cycling tips with rides before the 2023 trails ride

Nishna Valley Trails is a tax-exempt local nonprofit that promotes the development of recreational trails and cycling. People who support these causes are welcome to join the group. For more information on Nishna Valley Trails or to join the organization, contact President Dave Chase at 712-249-3059.

Gov. Reynolds Announces Disaster Proclamation for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Sioux County

Ag/Outdoor, News

May 28th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES – Today Gov. Kim Reynolds announced the signing of a disaster proclamation for Sioux County, Iowa effective immediately through June 27, 2024. The USDA has confirmed a positive case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in commercial layer chickens. 

This proclamation allows state resources from Iowa Homeland Security, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, and other agencies to assist with tracking and monitoring, rapid detection, containment, disposal, and disinfection. The proclamation also waives regulatory provisions related to commercial vehicles responding to affected sites. 

The recent HPAI detections in birds do not present an immediate public health concern, and it remains safe to eat poultry products. If producers suspect signs of HPAI in their flocks, they should contact their veterinarian immediately. 

Minor and Wardlow Receive CSC Academic All-District

Sports

May 28th, 2024 by admin

AMES, Iowa – Iowa State infielders Ashley Minor and Olivia Wardlow earned Academic All-District honors from the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Tuesday, the organization announced.
It marks the third straight season that the Cyclones have had multiple athletes recognized as CSC Academic All-District. Last year, a program-best three athletes (Carli Spelhaug, Ellie Spelhaug, Lea Nelson) were selected, while two (Carli Spelhaug and Kaylee Pond) received the distinction in 2022.
Minor, one of four ISU players to start in all 51 games this season, held down the hot corner for the Cyclones. Ashley, a sophomore and stats major, hit .260 on the year with nine homers and 31 RBI – both being second-most on the team. Minor was one of five Cyclones to draw 20 or more walks and she was hit by a pitch 15 times this year – a single-season program record.
Wardlow shined in her junior season, appearing in 49 contests and holding the third-highest batting average on the squad. The English education major played both second and designated player for Iowa State, providing a nice left-handed bat at the end of the order. Wardlow struck out just 13 times on the year, the lowest of all qualifying Cyclones. She finished with a .289 batting average with 35 hits and drove in seven runs.
The 2024 Academic All-District Softball Teams, selected by College Sports Communicators, recognize the nation’s top student-athletes for their combined performances on the court and in the classroom.

State, federal officials tout security for Iowa’s June 4 Primary Election

News

May 28th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – Iowa’s top election official says Iowans can be assured their votes in next Tuesday’s Primary Election will be counted accurately. Secretary of State Paul Pate hosted officials from key state and federal agencies today at the Iowa National Guard’s headquarters to discuss election security. “Our elections are safe, fair and secure,” Pate said.

Iowa uses paper ballots and Pate said that means the ballots can’t be hacked, plus every ballot tabulator is tested to make sure it’s functioning properly before every election. “Iowa’s vote tabulators are not connected to the internet,” Pate said. “The physical protection of each piece of voting equipment is accounted for in all 99 counties.”

Many Iowa counties have been hit with storm damage this spring, but polling sites are set in areas where tornadoes destroyed homes and businesses, according to Pate. “But there are other things involved, to be very candid,” Pate said. “People who are maybe voting absentee, making sure that they still have their ballot (after) the disruption in their homes, so they are working very closely with the folks in their counties to make sure that (the election) is run smoothly.”

John Benson, director of Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management, said state and federal experts will gather at the State Emergency Operations Center to monitor Primary Election day activity. “If something does happen, we’re already in a spot where we can effectively respond,” Benson said. “…Ultimately, we don’t want to have to do anything and it’s happened that way for the last many elections.”

About 10,000 Iowans have signed up to be precinct workers for Tuesday’s Primary. Cait Conley, who leads election security efforts in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, said the agency’s monitoring cybersecurity threats from foreign adversaries as well as physical threats to poll workers.

Eugene Kowel, Special Agent in Charge of FBI’s Omaha office, and Cait Conley, top election security official in U.S. Homeland Security Dept., joined Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate at a May 28, 2024 news conference in Johnston, Iowa. (RI photo)

“This is not who we are as a country,” said Conley, who flew to Iowa to participate in today’s news conference in Johnston, “As Americans, we are better than this and, as a veteran, I want to thank these brave and selfless election officials who stand steadfast in their commitment to the security and integrity of the American democratic process.”

Over the past three years, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has conducted cybersecurity assessments for election offices in each of Iowa’s 99 counties and Conley said every county auditor’s office in Iowa is now using a dot.gov website, which has a higher level of security. “I’ve had the privilege to spend time with chief election officials across the country and witness firsthand how tirelessly they and their teams work to ensure the citizens’ votes are counted as cast,” Conley said.

Eugene Kowel, the Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Omaha office, said election security is one of the agency’s highest priorities. He joined Iowa’s secretary of state at today’s news conference at Iowa National Guard headquarters.
“We urge anyone if they become aware of suspicious activity or activity of a violent nature to call local law enforcement or call the F-B-I,” Kowel said.

Precinct voting sites will open at 7 a.m. June 4 and close at 8 p.m. The Iowa Secretary of State’s website has a list of all the voting sites for the Primary. Mail-in ballots must be received by the local county auditor’s office by the time polls close at 8 p.m. in order to be counted.

Klosterman Named CSC Academic All-District

Sports

May 28th, 2024 by admin

IOWA CITY, Iowa – University of Iowa softball student-athlete Brylee Klosterman has earned College Sports Communicators Academic All-District honors, the association announced on Tuesday.
The North Liberty, Iowa, native graduated with a degree in Enterprise Leadership with a minor in Sports and Recreation Management. Klosterman is a two-time academic all-district honoree.
On the field in 2024, Klosterman made 32 starts and appeared in 34 games for the Hawkeyes. She finished the season with a .975 fielding percentage recording just one error in 40 chances. Klosterman had a .315 on-base percentage was a perfect 5-for-5 on stolen base attempts.
To be eligible for the award, nominees must have a 3.50 GPA and completed one full calendar year at their current institution and is at least a sophomore academically and athletically. Nominees must also be a starter or important reserve to the team and participated in at least 50 percent of the team’s contests.
Klosterman advances to the CSC Academic All-America ballot. The Academic All-America teams will be announced on May 18th.

CYCLONES ADD FOUR TRANSFERS TO ROSTER

Sports

May 28th, 2024 by admin

AMES, Iowa – Iowa State head football coach Matt Campbell announced today the addition of four transfers to the Cyclone roster for the 2024 season.

The additions include defensive back Matthew Bess (6-0, 170, Tomball, Texas [Memorial/Blinn JC]), wide receiver Eli Green (5-11, 185, Farmington, Minn. [Farmington/North Dakota State]), offensive lineman Jalen Travis (6-9, 315, Minneapolis, Minn. [DeLaSalle/Princeton]) and defensive back Ryan Robinson Jr. (5-11, 180, New Orleans, La. [Edna Karr/LSU]).

Bess played in eight games for Blinn as a reserve defensive back as a freshman, compiling eight tackles for the Buccaneers. He was able to showcase himself during spring practices and picked the Cyclones over an offer from Utah. The Tomball, Texas, native has three seasons of eligibility remaining.

Green led North Dakota State with 1,197 all-purpose yards and 877 receiving yards (23rd nationally) last season. He was second on the team with 45 receptions, including three for touchdowns. An all-around threat offensively, Green ranked ninth nationally averaging 19.5 yards per catch and averaged 10.7 yards on 11 rushes.

In NDSU’s four NCAA playoff games in 2023, Green pulled in 17 receptions for 368 yards and two touchdowns. He had career bests of five receptions in playoff games against South Dakota and Montana. In the win against the Coyotes, Green caught a career-long 48-yard pass and finished with 116 receiving yards.

The redshirt junior completed two seasons on the field with the Bison with 51 receptions for 969 yards and four touchdown catches. He has two seasons of eligibility remaining.

Travis joins the Cyclones after playing in 25 games as a member of Princeton’s offensive line and twice earning All-Ivy League honors. The Tigers’ offensive unit ranked among the top two in passing offense and scoring offense in 2021 and 2022, winning the Ivy League title during Travis’ first season on the field.

Travis was the male collegiate recipient of the prestigious 2024 Athletes For A Better World Coach Wooden Citizenship Cup, presented annually to six distinguished athletes for any sport – male/female high school, male/female intercollegiate and male/female professional – who best display character, teamwork and citizenship.

His freshman season in 2020 was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic and he has one season of eligibility remaining.

Robinson Jr. joined LSU’s program in 2023 as a preferred walk-on over several other Division I scholarship offers. He played in four games for the Tigers as a true freshman in 2023 before redshirting. The New Orleans product was a key special teams’ performer for LSU and compiled three total tackles in his four games.

 He was a three-star defensive back at Edna Karr High School and was the No. 28 player in Louisiana by 247Sports. Robinson Jr. has four seasons of eligibility remaining.

USDA Rural Development Helps Homeowners, Businesses and Communities Impacted by Recent Disasters to Access Resources

News

May 28th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa, May 28, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development will provide Agency resources at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster recovery centers in the towns of Minden, Harlan, Greenfield, and Mount Ayr, areas hit hard by recent severe storms and tornadoes. The Agency offers information to individuals and organizations seeking grants and loans to help homeowners, businesses, and communities in rural areas damaged by severe storms and tornadoes in Iowa on April 26-27, 2024, map, and May 21, 2024, map.

USDA encourages homeowners with storm damage in all eligible counties to register with FEMA. Start an application for FEMA assistance at https://www.disasterassistance.gov/

USDA resources include Rural Development’s disaster assistance fact sheet for Iowa, resource guide, and webpage.

USDA Rural Development has 11 offices across the state to serve the 1.3 million Iowans living in rural communities and areas. Office locations include a state office in Des Moines, along with area offices in Albia, Atlantic, Humboldt, Indianola, Iowa Falls, Le Mars, Mount Pleasant, Storm Lake, Tipton and Waverly.

To learn more about investment resources for rural areas in Iowa, call (515) 284-4663 or visit www.rd.usda.gov/ia. If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.

FEMA Disaster recovery center locations in Iowa

Hours of operation: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

Adair County – Greenfield City Hall

202 S. 1st Street

Greenfield, Iowa 50849

Ringgold County – United Baptist Presbyterian Church

2343 US Highway 169

Mount Ayr, Iowa 50854

Pottawattamie County – Minden Fire Department

207 Main Street

Minden, Iowa 51553

Shelby County – Shelby County Chamber of Commerce

1901 Hawkeye Ave. Suite 101

Harlan, Iowa 51537

Forestry experts available to help landowners assess storm damage

Ag/Outdoor, News

May 28th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Iowa DNR) – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has forestry experts available to help landowners impacted by recent storms with forest storm damage assessments and forest recovery plans. Lindsey Barney, district forester for 11 counties in southern and southwest Iowa for the Iowa DNR, said the phone calls are just beginning as the cleanup progresses.

“These storms have caused significant damage across the state. When the landowners are ready, we will be here to help them assess the impact to their timber,” she said. There is a map and contact information for the local district foresters online at https://www.iowadnr.gov/Conservation/Forestry/Forestry-Landowner-Assistance

Fawning season is here, deer are on the move

Ag/Outdoor, News

May 28th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Iowa DNR News) – Fawning season traditionally begins during the last week of May, peaks in the first couple of weeks of June, before gradually tapering off. And that means deer are on the move. Does are secretive about the birthing process and will venture out from normal use areas looking for a secluded spot to deliver this year’s crop of fawns in peace, said Jim Coffey, forest wildlife research biologist with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR). “This seclusion process is a driving force in protection for the lanky, wavering fawn. Fawns will be left alone while the doe returns only to nurse. This is normal deer behavior,” he said.

“The doe searches out an isolated location where she feels safe and, on occasion, those places may leave us scratching our heads wondering what the doe was thinking. But she chose that location because it made sense to her,” Coffey said. “The worst thing someone can do at this stage is to ‘rescue’ the fawn. Mom is likely nearby and watching you. Leave it be, or if you did handle the fawn, return it to where you found it and walk away.”

With the recent flooding and saturated soils, many areas near river bottoms are not available for fawning, pushing deer to higher elevations. These spots can be anything from open hayfield to a field terrace to the flowerbed in the backyard. The Iowa DNR will not be rehabilitating or comingling fawns with other deer to avoid the potential of spreading chronic wasting disease – or other disease – to new areas. This emphasizes the point of leaving ‘abandoned” fawns be.

The spindly legged newborn fawn is designed with a few survival tools built in –its spots are cryptic camouflage that emulates the sunlight spots projected onto leaf litter of the forest floor and its lack of movement the first two weeks helps to reduce scent patterns. This combination is its best chance at survival until it is capable to following the doe.

Fawning season also coincides with an increase in deer vehicle collisions. “There is a lot of movement this time of year that relates to the social structure of deer. The doe is on the move looking for the safe isolated place to have the fawns.  Additional movement comes from last year’s fawns that are now isolated teenagers starting to venture out to find new space. These yearlings have to make their own decisions for the first time, encounter other adult deer and build new social structures,” Coffey said. “This movement behavior can occur during all times of the day. Once it settles out, the active movement time will return to dawn and dusk.

“The key to remember is that for the next month deer may not be acting like we think deer should act, stay alert while driving at any time of the day.” Drivers are reminded to drive defensively, avoid distractions, slow down, and provide safe distance between vehicles. Don’t veer for deer. If a driver does hit a deer, drivers can get a salvage tag for the meat by calling either the local conservation officer or local law enforcement agency. The salvage tag is free and is required to legally possess the meat. Salvaging requires that the entire deer be removed from the roadway.