(Radio Iowa) – People were lined up to get into the Iowa State Fairgrounds Thursday as the event returned from the pandemic layoff.The fairgoers were anxious to get back to the familiar sights, sounds, and tastes of the fair. And everyone had the same opinion on the year without it — one woman saying it “was kind of a bummer.” Denny Reichardt of Corning says last year was “bad, but safe.” He and his wife Betsy had been to the Iowa State Fair for some 30 years straight before last year’s cancellation.

Reichardt says everyone appeared as anxious as they were to get in. He says they ended up waiting on Grand Avenue to get in and cars were backed up about a quarter-mile. They like to get to the fair early and on opening day. “Absolutely, we are first-dayers all along,” Denny says. Betsy was asked what her favorite thing is to do at the fair and she responded “Just look.”

ISF Grand Concourse

Denny says their strategy is to get there early and leave after lunch before things get too hot.

(Johnston, Iowa) – The Iowa Gold Star Military Museum, Johnston, Iowa, will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony dedicating its new Operation Desert Storm/Global War on Terror exhibit on Saturday, August 14 at 1 p.m. Iowa native Gen. (retired) Charles “Chuck” Horner will be  the featured speaker. The public is invited to attend this event.

The exhibit begins with Desert Shield/Desert Storm and transitions to the Global War on Terror operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. With more than 2,000 square feet of exhibit space, the new Desert Storm/Global War on Terror exhibit features numerous pieces of equipment and artifacts used for training and combat during these conflicts, including an AH-1S Cobra attack helicopter, an M113A2 Armored Personnel Carrier, an M1025 High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (“Humvee”), and a U.S. Marine Corps M1030B1 motorcycle. Display cases contain U.S. uniforms, weapons, and equipment used by Iowa veterans of both conflicts.

Examples of Iraqi-issued equipment and weapons obtained by Iowa military personnel are also on exhibit. The exhibit contains numerous artifacts from Iowans, including a uniform worn by Medal of Honor recipient Staff Sgt. Salvatore Giunta, a quick-feeding machine gun ammunition “Ironman Pack” constructed by Iowa Soldiers of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division in Afghanistan, and a Purple Heart medal awarded to 1st Lt. Sonya Brekke as a result of wounds sustained in an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attack in Iraq.

Featured aviation artifacts include military flight gear and support equipment, including an F-16C Fighting Falcon flight simulator that visitors can experience firsthand. The aviation section also features the story of Iowa native Gen. (retired) Chuck Horner’s role in coordinating the Allied air campaign for Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Horner, originally from Davenport and a University of Iowa graduate, commanded the U.S. Central Command Air Forces and led all U.S. and allied air operations during the conflict.

Prior to Desert Shield/Desert Storm, Horner flew more than 110 combat missions in Vietnam in the F-105 Thunderchief fighter-bomber. He retired from the Air Force in 1994 after 36 years of service. According to State of Iowa and Census Bureau statistics, more than 30,000 Iowans served on Active Duty, Reserve, or National Guard duty in support of Desert
Shield/Desert Storm and the Global War on Terror from 1990-1991 and 2001-2021. More than 100 Iowans were killed in action or died from injuries or illness during the conflicts.

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Established in 1985, the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum is the only federally-recognized repository for military artifacts in the state of Iowa. The mission of the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum is twofold: to preserve Iowa’s military history and honor the military service of all Iowans. The Iowa Gold Star Military Museum’s permanent exhibits tell the stories of Iowans who have served in defense of their state and nation, from the early settlement of the state through the Global War on Terror. The museum also contains one of the finest military small arms collections in the Midwest.

Additionally, an exhibit detailing the history of the Iowa State Patrol is also on display. The Iowa Gold Star Military Museum is located on Camp Dodge, 7105 NW 70th Avenue, Johnston, Iowa. Admission is free. Museum hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The museum is closed Sunday and Monday. Please use the NW 70th Ave. entrance, which is open 24 hours a day.

Photo identification is required for adults (age 16 and older) to gain admittance to Camp Dodge (a driver’s license is acceptable). Group tours are welcome and guided tours are available by appointment. For additional information or questions about this event or the IGSMM, contact the museum at 515-252-4531 or visit the museum website at www.goldstarmuseum.iowa.gov or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HonoringIowaVeterans/ .

(Radio Iowa) – A program that focuses on the many abilities of people with disabilities is holding its national competition this week, with an Iowa woman among the 30 contestants. Heidi Kriener is Ms. Wheelchair Iowa. She’s a teacher in the Turkey Valley Schools in both the ESL and TAG programs. Kriener says it’s a thrilling experience to be a part of this year’s Ms. Wheelchair America competition, even if it’s being held virtually.

“We go on Zoom all day from 11 until 4 and we have workshops that are very informative, I’ve learned a lot so far,” Kriener says. “And then later, we’re able to have a social hour so we get to talk with the girls and meet them and hear their stories. It’s been a phenomenal experience. I’ve learned so much!”

Ms. Wheelchair Iowa Heidi Kriener

As this year’s Iowa titleholder, Kriener says her platform focuses on three words, “Everybody plays together.”

“What I’m hoping to go for is having more inclusive playgrounds in rural areas,” Kriener says. “We have them in bigger cities, but in rural areas, like where I live, I don’t feel we have anywhere for these kids to play. Being a teacher, I see a lot of schools that don’t have places for kids to play — on a playground.”

Kriener, who lives in Alpha, was born with spina bifida and has been in a wheelchair her entire life, but says she grew up in a household where she wasn’t allowed to use the word “can’t” and was able to try everything her brothers did. One of her biggest accomplishments is becoming a teacher, while in her spare time, she focuses on something you might not expect.

“My favorite activity is horseback riding. I own my own horse,” Kriener says. “I love to horseback ride and I know that’s hard for some people to comprehend. How does a person in a wheelchair get on a horse? There’s ways to do it.”

The final speeches from Kriener and the rest of the contestants will be webcast live starting at 5 PM/Central on Friday, with the crowning event at 5 PM on Saturday.

Sheriff’s officials in Adams County, Thursday (Today), said a traffic stop at around 11:24-p.m. Wednesday at Highway 34 and Ginko Avenue, resulted in an arrest. 26-year-old Cole Ray Aldrich was arrested for three counts of Driving Under Suspension. His bond was set at slightly more than $1,473. And, at around 9:50-p.m. Wednesday, Adams County Deputies conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle traveling 115 mph on Highway 25, toward Clearfield. The driver, Cedric Nelson, of Lenox, was arrested for OWI/1st offense, and Possession of dangerous weapons while under the influence. He was also cited for Speeding, and Open Container.

In other news, the Adams County Sheriff’s Office reports 36-year-old Joshua Andrew Fink, of Stanton, was arrested July 27th, on two counts of driving while suspended. He later posted bond, and was released.  On July 26th, Adams County Deputies arrested Terry Gordon Weeks on three active warrants for Failure to Appear. Weeks later posted a $4,000 bond and was released.

(Radio Iowa) – People flowed into the gates when they opened this (Thursday) morning as the Iowa State Fair returned after being canceled in 2020 by the pandemic. Fair C-E-O Gary Slater spoke at the opening ceremonies. “I can tell you it was a hard 14 months, but we weren’t sure we would be here today — but we are resilient, we are resourceful, and I can confidently say that we are back,” Slater says. Governor Kim Reynolds also spoke.”Yeaah, welcome back to the Iowa State Fair,” she says. The governor was cheered and told the crowd she has already taken several steps and is counting them to be sure she gets enough exercise to offset anything she eats. “I am tracking my way so I can eat the rest of the afternoon. It is a strategy that we all should be taking,” Reynolds says.

She spoke with Radio Iowa after the opening ceremonies and says she expects huge crowds during the 11-day run. “It’s so exciting, it’s just a tradition that families look forward to every year and generations of families,” according to Reynolds. “And it’s not just in Iowa, it’s all across the country and really around the world. People know about the Iowa State Fair and they really look forward to coming,” she says. Some critics says the State Fair brings too many maskless people together and risks the spread of COVID. “We did RAGBRAI and we did Hinterland that had thousands and thousands of people and I didn’t see a lot of masks there. We need to do it safely and responsibly — Iowans are doing that,” according to Reynolds.

Gov. Kim Reynolds at the 2021 Iowa State Fair

COVID case numbers have gone back up — as have hospitalizations — but Reynolds says this is not the same as the height of the pandemic. “You have to put it in context though of what we saw back in December and November when we actually peaked. At that time, probably 37 percent of our hospitalizations were COVID-related. And I actually had hospitals reaching out and saying we are on the brink and we are afraid if something would happen we wouldn’t have the capacity to take it.” Reynolds says the current infection rate is still well below the peak. “We’re not even at three percent right now — so yeah they’re rising — but the difference between then and now is we have a vaccine,” Reynolds says. “And the deal with the vaccine is that it prevents people for the most part being hospitalized or death. We are not seeing it correlate to the deaths like we did.”

She says that’s especially true among the elderly population.

(Radio Iowa) – The Dyersville area is getting a lot of national attention for tonight’s (Thursday) for the Major League baseball game, but Dyersville’s mayor James Heavens says the impact it has had on the state is a good thing. “I’m very impressed and very amazed that the people of Iowa — because I get around quite a bit in my business — are very aware of this game and I think they are very proud it as Iowans that it’s happening. It happens to be in Dyersville — but it is kind of an Iowa strong, Iowa cornfield type of thing,” Heavens says. He says he’s found that to be the case everywhere he goes in the state.

“When they find out I am from Dyersville — not even knowing I am the mayor — they’ll comment,”Oh you got the big game up there, we’ll be watching that.’ That kind of warms your heart,” he says. Heavens has been mayor in two different stints totaling 14 years. He says the movie site is something unique. “You know when you go out to the Field of Dreams it’s like everybody’s barriers around them drop. I mean you can go up to somebody and say ‘Hey where are you from,’…and they say we really like Dyersville. And they’ll tell you their whole life story, it’s like all of their defenses drop when they are out there and it’s like one big neighborhood almost,” Heavens says. Heavens says it is good to see the movie site back in the national spotlight, which he said had kind of dropped off until new owners took over with improvement plans.

“For many years the Field of Dreams was kind of just there,” according to Heavens, “it wasn’t a big economic engine for the city or the county. But it did attract 60-thousand visitors per year,” he says. Heavens will watch the game on T-V outside with others. “They offered a couple of tickets to the mayor and the city council and I elected to not take one because there’s a lot of people who really, really wanted to go to that game. And if they can take my seat — so much the better,” Heavens says. Heavens says they’ve spruced up the city and filled what few potholes they have to prepare for all the visitors — but they don’t have to worry about much else.

“This is Major League Baseball’s party here, and we want to help them host that as best as we can — and I think we do a good job of that. You know we have a toy show here in the fall, we like company and we like people to come and see us,” Heavens says. Heavens hopes ML-B will continue holding games at the Field of Dreams movie site and he would especially be interested in seeing one between the Cubs and Cardinals.

(Shenandoah, Iowa) – Police in Shenandoah reports one person was arrested Wednesday evening in connection with the alleged theft of a vehicle. Authorities say 41-year-old Amber Sue Grantz, of Stanton, was arrested late Wednesday evening for Operating [a vehicle] without the owners consent–an aggravated misdemeanor.

Grantz was arrested at around 11 p.m. She was being held in the Page County Jail on $2,000 bond.

Another phone scam is being reported in Atlantic. According to the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce, someone stating they are with the “Federal Reserve” is calling some businesses and/or residents, stating that there is a suspicious transaction in your bank account, that needs immediate action. The current number being used is 909-638-2878. The Chamber says to ignore that phone call, and don’t give out any banking information.

Connections Area Agency on Aging is offering a “Stress-Busting Program for Family Caregivers.” The Program is designed to improve the quality of life of family caregivers and help caregivers manage their stress and cope better with their lives. It consists of nine weekly 90-minute sessions. The program is conducted in a small group setting with two trained group facilitators. Participants are provided with many resources including a handbook covering class material.

The Stress-Busting Program teaches you:

• The impact of stress on your health and how it relates to caregiving.
• How to deal with stress through relaxation techniques and problem solving.
• How to care for yourself while providing better care for your loved one.

Caregivers who have completed the program report feeling significantly lower stress, depression, and anxiety and are able to enjoy a better quality of life. They have also experienced improvement in their ability to relax, manage stress and feel better about themselves. Choose between classes that meet starting, September 21, 2021 through November 16, 2021 either on Tuesday afternoons 1:30-3:00 p.m. or Tuesday evenings 6:30-8:00 p.m.

For more info: contact Jan Schnack, Family Caregiver Community Engagement Specialist at 800.432.9209 extension 8116 or JSchnack@connectionsaaa.org

Connections Area Agency on Aging Family Caregiver Program supports people who care for their parents, spouses, or others aged 60+ by providing information, resources, and support.

A male juvenile passenger in a pickup truck involved in a collision Wednesday in Page County, was transported to the hospital after complaining of pain. The accident happened on a gravel road a little after Noon on Wednesday, about four-miles east of Shenandoah. The Page County Sheriff’s office reports an investigation determined 16-year-old Benjamin Roger Labrum, of Riverton, was driving a 1994 Ford Ranger pickup northbound in the 2000 block of on F Avenue, and was slowing to turn into the driveway located at 2037 F Avenue.

A 1991 Ford Crown Victoria driven by 15-year-old Blake Dellas Herold, of Shenandoah, was also traveling  northbound on F Avenue, behind Labrum’s pickup. Due to gravel dust kicked-up by Labrum’s pickup, Herold did not see for Ranger slowing for the turn. The car struck the rear driver’s side of pickup. Both vehicles came to rest in the roadway. Damage from the collision amounted to $5,000.

Herold was cited for Following to Closely. The juvenile passenger in Labrums vehicle was transported to Shenandoah Medical Center by Shenandoah Ambulance Service.