(Radio Iowa) – October is recognized as “Pork Month” and Iowa Pork Producers Association executive director Pat McGonegle points to the economic study they commissioned to show the impact of the pork industry on the state. “We do it with a third party so it kind of pulls some of the bias out of it…one of the key things that we found in it is the Iowa pork industry — both direct and indirect impact — equates to about 140-thousand jobs in the state of Iowa,” McGonegle says.

McGonegle says the direct and indirect economic impact is estimated at six BILLION dollars. And he says the pork industry provides a market for Iowa grain. “We’ll consume about 24 percent of the corn that’s produced in the state and about 22 or 23 percent of the soybeans that are produced are consumed on pig farms,” he says. Consumption of pork products has steadily increased during the past few decades, and according to McGonegle, one bright spot lies with the export of U-S pork products. He says Iowa exports about 26 percent of the hogs produced to 100 countries. “And it’s everything from pork chops to pig’s feet and everything in-between. And so, all of those things add value, not just to the producer — but to the entire network that it takes to bring pork products to consumers.”

McGonegle says whether the pork industry continues to expand within the state will depend on input costs, such as higher grain prices, and higher costs for building materials.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – Many residents of Atlantic (& possibly elsewhere in the County) received phone calls Friday morning, threatening the call recipient with arrest if the person did not return the original call.

If you receive this type of call…simply hang-up. If you received a voice mail, do not return the call. The phone call appear to originate out of Poland. KJAN contacted to the Iowa Attorney General’s Office and received a response we’ve heard about this, and other phone scams:

“There are several variations of law enforcement or government imposter calls and they are often made to get you to give them your personal information or pay a supposed fine. In one version of this scam the caller tries to convince you that your Social Security number has been suspended because of suspicious activity or because it’s connected to a serious crime. They will often give a badge, case number and officer’s name to convince you it is a legitimate call. They may even supply a phone number. We recommend you do not call them back.

In other scenarios police imposters claim there’s an outstanding warrant for an unpaid traffic ticket, missed jury duty or other violation and threaten immediate arrest if the fine isn’t paid. Sometimes they demand your credit card number or suggest you pay in gift cards. Police neither give advance warning of arrests nor solicit money for unpaid fines. If you really owe, you’ll be mailed a court summons or other official notification you can verify. They would never demand payment in the form of gift cards.

To avoid these calls our office recommends, if you are able, to use your caller ID to screen your phones calls. Scammers can use computer programs that “spoof” or mask their real phone number.  You should answer only those calls whose number you recognize. This will indicate to the source of the call that they have not reached a valid number. Usually, the caller gives up at some point, looking for more fertile ground.”

Allamakee County, Iowa – Officials with the Iowa Department of Public Safety, Friday, said that on Thursday, October 14, at 11:30 p.m., Iowa State Patrol Trooper Ted Benda was assisting the Clayton County Sheriff’s Office with a call for service.  While responding, Trooper Benda was involved in a single vehicle collision on Highway 51 approximately 6 miles north of Postville.  He was airlifted to Gunderson Lutheran Hospital in La Crosse, Wisconsin where he remains in critical condition.

The accident remains under investigation. Additional information will be released at a later time.

(Anita, Iowa) – The Atlantic Chamber Ambassadors were hosted by Kaycee Anstey, owner of Market on Main, on Thursday October 14th, 2021. The Ambassadors joined Kaycee in celebrating the opening of her home décor store located at 764 Main Street in Anita.

Kaycee has always enjoyed crafting, decorating, and repurposing furniture, but it wasn’t until a space opened in downtown Anita, that she pursued her passion full time. Kaycee officially opened her doors in March of this year and has since hosted seasonal open houses where she features 23 vendors with an assortment of different items including: rugs, antiques, candles, jewelry, and everything in between.

Kaycee looks forward to “going all out” for Christmas during Anita’s Christmas walk with Christmas trees and “all the Christmas lights”. Kaycee’s main goal is to offer items and gift-wrapping services that customers may otherwise seek when going to the city to holiday shop.

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Market on Main is located at 764 Main Street in Anita; Hours are Wednesday-Saturday from 11:00AM-6:00PM; For more information contact (712) 249-2499 or visit the Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/mrktonmain

Des Moines,  Iowa – The Iowa Department of Public Health, Friday, released new COVID-19 data that shows positive tests continue to decline and hospitalizations are once again in decline after an increase on Wednesday. Officials reported 7,389 positive tests in the last seven days, down from 7,713 at last report on Monday. The state’s 14-day positivity rate dropped to 8.8%, down from 9.2% at last report on Monday. Those under 18 make up the largest percentage of positive tests in the last 7 days, at 22%. However, those under 18 make up only 2% of those hospitalized.

IDPH reports 575 patients in Iowa with COVID-19. That’s down from 598 on Wednesday. Of those hospitalized with COVID-19, 77.3% are unvaccinated and 80.3% of those listed in intensive care with the virus are unvaccinated. There have been 3,563,074 vaccine doses administered in Iowa. IDPH reports 66.9% of all Iowans 18 and older are fully vaccinated and 69.3% of those 12 and older have had at least one vaccine dose.

There are virus outbreaks in 26 of Iowa’s long-term care facilities, down from 29 on Wednesday. IDPH releases new COVID-19 data each Monday Wednesday and Friday.

(Radio Iowa) – An unusual challenge for runners that will double as a welcome home celebration for returning Iowa National Guard soldiers is planned for next weekend. American Legion Post 91 in Estherville is hosting its 4th annual Estherville Warrior Ruck on October 23rd. The race will start and end at the Iowa National Guard Armory in Estherville. Post Commander Perry Russell explains a ruck march. “It’s what the military uses to move troops from one point to another on foot,” Russell says. “You put all your gear in a pack and you move however many miles you need to move to do whatever the next objective is, and we’re making it kind of a race, a 10K race.”

That 10-K race is both on and off-road, while a shorter race will be all on-road. Several military members will be taking part in the ruck march, while civilians will need to outfit themselves properly. “You do have to provide your own backpack and your own weight. What we consider heavy is 20 pounds,” Russell says. “If you have 20 pounds in, you’re eligible to win the award if you come in first place on the 10K or the two-and-a-half mile.”

Russell hopes there’s a good turnout from runners and spectators. “We haven’t done a welcome home for our unit. They came home from being deployed. We’re hoping people come out just to say ‘thanks’ and ‘welcome home’,” Russell says. “Also, we want people to participate so they can preregister online on the American Legion Post 91’s Facebook page, for Estherville.”

The event will start at 9 a.m. Pre-registration is $25, and $30 on the day of the ruck. A group of 3 or more is $20 each. All proceeds will help support local veterans and their families.

DES MOINES – Today (Friday), Governor Kim Reynolds, the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) announced that the application window for the new Butchery Innovation and Revitalization program will open on October 18, 2021.  The program was established and passed by the Iowa legislature during the 2021 legislative session. The intent of the program is to strengthen Iowa’s food supply chain and rural development. Grants of up to $50,000 will be awarded to eligible businesses, with a total of $750,000 available through the program in the current fiscal year.

“During the pandemic, it was evident that our small-scale meat processors were instrumental in helping to meet the consumer demand,” said Gov. Reynolds. “This program is the key to unlocking greater potential for those facilities by providing the resources needed to expand their processing capacity and help alleviate disruptions in the supply chain. This investment also will serve as a catalyst for jobs, rural revitalization and innovation.”

“Increasing the capacity of our small-scale meat processors will further strengthen Iowa’s economy and the food supply chain by helping livestock producers and providing more opportunities for consumers,” said Debi Durham, executive director of the IEDA and Iowa Finance Authority.  “One of the biggest challenges faced by Iowa’s small-scale meat lockers is a lack of access to capital, which prevents them from making investments in their businesses,” said Mike Naig, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture. “I’m excited to see this program roll out and know it will make a significant difference for locker owners, livestock producers, consumers, and our rural communities.”

Businesses applying for the grant program must meet all requirements outlined in House File 857 and in the administrative rules. Requirements include that a business must be:

• Incorporated or authorized to do business in Iowa
• Employ less than fifty (50) individuals
• An establishment that holds a current license from IDALS OR an establishment that documents it is actively working with IDALS to obtain a license (per IDALS/Meat and Poultry Inspection Service, Iowa Code section 189A)
• A copy of the draft application, application FAQs and checklist are available online at www.iowaeda.com/grow/butchery-innovation-revitalization/.

For additional program information, please contact Brad Frisvold at businessfinance@iowaeda.com.

More area, and State news, from Ric Hanson.

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(UPDATED) A restaurant in Shelby County was named this year’s Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin in the state, as selected by the Iowa Pork Producers Association. Richard Buman, co-owner of Victoria Station in Harlan, says he’s bowled over by the win.

Buman and his wife, Angela, purchased Victoria Station a year and a half ago. It’s a former railway depot where a restaurant has been in business since the late 1970s.

Richard and Angela Buman with their tenderloin. (IPPA photo.)

Buman said the past 19 months have been challenging with COVID-19 but he’s staying positive during the pandemic.

As for the award-winning tenderloin, he says they hand cut the meat and do the tenderizing there in the restaurant.

This is the 19th year for the contest, put on by the Iowa Pork Producers Association. Last year’s winner was the Prairie Moon Restaurant in Prairieburg. Victoria Station will receive $500, a plaque and a banner to display for the honor. This year’s runner-up is also from Shelby County and a past contest winner.  Larsen’s Pub in Elk Horn, which holds the 2007 title, again earned high ratings from a panel of judges and will receive $250 and a plaque from IPPA.

There were 5,928 nominations received this year for 526 different eateries across Iowa.

(Creston, Iowa) – The Creston Police Department reports one arrest, and an incident of vehicle theft. Authorities say 58-year-old Scott Richard Phipps, of Creston, was arrested Thursday afternoon in the 300 block of N. Pine Street. Phipps was charged with Domestic Abuse Assault – 2nd Offense. He was being held in the Union County Jail without bond, until seen by judge.

And, a man residing in the 600 block of Livingston Street, in Creston, reported to Police Thursday evening, that someone had stolen his red, 2008 Buick Lucerne CXL. The car was valued at $6,000.