(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Cass County Board of Supervisors met in special session Tuesday morning, and held a public hearing on the proposed property taxes. Members of the public expressed interest in how to interpret the School, County and City Budget Year Statement to Owners and Taxpayers mailing sent as required by Iowa Code (24.2A).

The board explained that the mailing does not reflect the actual amount the taxpayer will pay for the coming fiscal year.

The hearing concluded with no action taken on the proposed taxes.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic School Board, during their Work Session, Wednesday evening, discussed the prospect for Summer Program & Summer School. Superintendent Dr. Beth Johnsen said she spoke with the District’s Principals, and decided they would NOT recommend Summer School for grades K-through-6, but it would likely be available for certain High School classes if the student needs them for credit recovery.

Dr. Johnsen said “School if ends on May 22^nd and we start-up Summer School, and they come in and let’s do the same thing. we’re not seeing any improvement or increase in their skill set from having that Summer School.” She says studies have shown students need that Summer break.

Having the break, she said, also puts less stress on parents who might otherwise have to adjust their routine to get their kids to Summer School for an hour of reading four-to five-days a week. Board member Josh McLaren said it doesn’t make sense to him, but he trusts those who have a better understanding of productive education, to make the right decision.

Atlantic High School

Dr. Johnson says the other reason for not holding Summer School, has to deal with funding, especially with regard to ESSER (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency [Pandemic] Relief) funds.

She said they would have their breakfast and lunch programs. School Board member Laura McLean said she’s frustrated by the idea there would be no Summer School, because they want to be able to support their staff and district leaders, but are getting mixed messages about the importance of those types of classes.

She said she is oriented towards those who need more support. Board President Kristy Pellett agreed. No action was taken on the recommendation to not hold Summer School, during Wednesday’s meeting, only discussion. Dr. Johnsen said she would take comments by the Board back to the District’s Principals, and have something for the regular meeting in April.

(Radio Iowa) – The Iowa House has passed a bill that would require health insurance plans to cover biomarker testing that can help doctors more effectively treat medical conditions. Republican Representative Brian Lohse, of Bondurant, says biomarker testing lets doctors avoid unnecessary and invasive tests and ineffective treatments.  “Such testing has proven itself vital in improving patient care when they have been diagnosed with cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, preeclampsia and many more,” Lohse says. “In doing so, patients benefit from more effective care.” Lohse says it also reduces costs.

“A study sponsored by CVS revealed that patients who underwent a proven, broad panel biomarket testing saved an average of $8500 per person per month, based on a single test that could only average between $1500 and $5000,” Lohse says. “That’s god for Iowa. That’s good for Iowans.” Democratic Representative Megan Srinivas, of Des Moines, who is also a physician, agrees. “This is a crucial bill that can really truly save lives here in Iowa,” Srinivas said. “It’ll save lives without actually costing any extra money which is also the beauty of this, so it’s a win win win all around.”

Republican Representative David Young of Van Meter also worked on the legislation. “I think this bill here, getting it through the finish line, can be very, very consequential in terms of outcomes for Iowans and their health,” Young said. “…Detecting these things early can really go a long way.”

The bill passed the House on a vote of 96 to one. It now goes to the Senate for consideration.

MASON CITY, Iowa, March 28, 2024 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director in Iowa Theresa Greenfield today (Thursday), announced that the Agency is investing $4,780,000 in 5 grants and $23,829,320 in 8 loans to projects in Iowa that promote rural small businesses, support higher education, and improve drinking water and sanitation infrastructure. She made the announcement while participating in the annual Ag Breakfast held at the North Iowa Events Center on the Cerro Gordo County fairgrounds.

The 13 investments in 11 projects were made through three different USDA programs.

Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Recipients: The Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant program provides zero-interest loans to local utilities organizations which in turn pass the funding through to local businesses.

Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program Recipients: USDA’s Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant program provides funding for clean and reliable drinking water systems, sanitary sewage disposal, sanitary solid waste disposal, and storm water drainage to households and businesses in eligible rural areas. In southwest Iowa….

• The City of Elk Horn (IA) received a $2,739,000 loan to help improve the controlled discharge lagoon wastewater treatment facility. This project will replace aged components and remove accumulated sludge. This project will slipline and seal sewers and manholes to reduce infiltration and inflow. Once completed, the project will mitigate an imminent health and sanitation hazard, enable the city to meet wastewater standards, and promote the health of residents of this rural Shelby County community.
• Harlan Municipal Utilities received a $2,644,000 loan to provide additional funding to improve the water system for the city of Harlan in Shelby County. This project will drill four new wells, construct four new well houses, install new raw water mains to connect the new wells to the existing distribution piping, and install new electrical conduit in the well field. The aged raw water transmission main currently limits available capacity to the treatment plant, which presents a health risk during periods of extended demand. Once completed, the project will provide adequate water supplies and will promote the health and safety of the residents of this rural community.
• Regional Water, a rural water association based in Avoca, received a $4,324,000 loan to help expand water service. This project will construct 12.25 miles of rural potable water piping infrastructure to two housing developments under construction in rural Pottawattamie County. The project will promote the health and safety of residents, businesses, and visitors in this rural area.
• The City of Randolph received a $351,000 loan to provide additional financing to help improve the sewer collection system, lift station, and sewer lagoon system for this city in rural Fremont County. This project will help reduce excessive infiltration and inflow levels that have caused hydraulic overload and discharges more frequent than allowed by permit. This project will help improve water service and promote the health and safety of community residents, businesses, and visitors.

SEARCH – Special Evaluation Assistance for Rural Communities and Households Grant Recipients: USDA’s SEARCH program helps very small, financially distressed rural communities with pre-development feasibility studies, design and technical assistance on proposed water and waste disposal projects. In western Iowa….

• The City of Castana received a $25,000 grant to help complete a water facility plan with options and recommendations prepared by professional engineers. The city’s water is discolored with high mineral content. Some water lines fill with sediment and block water service to customers. This project will promote the health and safety of residents, businesses, and visitors of this rural Monona County community.

(Radio Iowa) – A lifelong Iowan and author is releasing her second book showcasing the state’s many attractions. Sara Broers says her book, “Perfect Day Iowa,” details dozens of places to visit from Sioux City to the Quad Cities, to be entertained by a wide array of landmarks and events, as well as Iowa’s natural beauty. “I am passionate about telling the story of Iowa,” Broers says. “‘Perfect Day Iowa’ is a great way to get out and explore our home state. I’m an Iowa farm girl. I am an example of how you can live in rural America and still do some pretty amazing things because of how we all are connected.” This comes two years after Browers’ first book, “100 Things To Do In Iowa Before You Die.”

The new book is continuing on the original theme, but instead offers tips for day trips and weekend getaways. “It’s written as, how can you go somewhere and basically have a perfect day? What can you do in 24 hours?” Broers says. “I like that concept because that’s honestly something I’ve been doing for a long time, because that’s what I do as a travel blogger. I tell people where are the good places to go, things to experience, places to take a run, maybe ride your bike.” While the book does detail a host of great Iowa restaurants, she says there are likely a thousand more restaurants that should be in the book, that aren’t, as there just wasn’t space.

Broers says you can visit one place in Iowa during the spring and have a completely different experience by going to the same place in the fall or winter. “What I love about Iowa is we do have four seasons,” she says, “and we can experience something new every three to four months of the year.”

Broers is holding events in the coming weeks to promote the book in cities including: Mason City, Webster City, Corning, Charles City, Dyersville, Fort Dodge, Ackley, Marengo and Pella.

(Radio Iowa) – State Auditor Rob Sand says he’s concerned about the length of time the Iowa attorney general is spending on reviewing the practice of using the Crime Victims’ Compensation fund to pay for emergency contraception. Sand, a Democrat, expressed concern there’s been nothing released since Republican Attorney General Brenna Bird paused the policy when she took office in January of last year. “This is her decision on day one, to quit paying for emergency contraception for sexual assault survivors. And the word salad around that decision, and around what is going on, is nothing more than a way to reduce the clarity of that fact,” Sand says. Sand says he doesn’t understand why the payments were targeted for review.

“Her consistent use of the word audit has led to questions. So let’s be abundantly clear here. The Attorney General has never asked us to audit payments for sexual assault survivors for emergency contraception,” Sand says. “We are not performing any such audit and there is no third party performing any such audit. There is no audit going on here. There might be an internal review.”

Sand says he doesn’t understand what the Attorney General is doing this.

(Radio Iowa) – A former Republican leader in the U-S House who’s now a leading critic of former President Donald Trump spoke to a crowd at Drake University’s last (Wednesday) night. Liz Cheney says the U-S Supreme Court should reject Trump’s claims that as president he had legal immunity and let him stand trial on federal election conspiracy charges.  “It cannot be the case that a president of the United States can attempt to overturn an election and seize power and that our justice system is incapable of holding a trial, of holding him to account before the next election,” Cheney said.

In 2021, Cheney was the third ranking Republican in the U-S House when she voted to impeach Trump and the following year she lost her bid for reelection to a fellow Republican. Cheney has said she’ll travel the country this year, especially in swing states, to campaign against Trump. “I certainly have policy disagreements with the Biden Administration. I know the nation can survive bad policy. We can’t survive a president who is willing to torch the Constitution,” Cheney said, to cheers.

Cheney told the crowd in Des Moines that defeating Trump in 2024 isn’t the end goal, however. “It’s going to be necessary for all of us to decide we’re not going to just be bystanders,” Cheney says. “I can talk about what I’m going to do, but I think it’s much more important to talk about what we all have to do.”

Iowa G-O-P chairman Jeff Kaufmann says Cheney has done nothing but tear at the fabric of the party and alienate G-O-P voters.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic Community School District’s Board of Education held the first of two hearings on both the 2024-25 Proposed District Budget, as published, and the proposed 2024-25 School Calendar.

During the Budget Hearing, only one Atlantic resident, Barbara Stensvad spoke in opposition to the proposed budget. Stensvad said she’s lived in Atlantic for nearly 35 years, and owns two properties, including a B&B. “I consented, however many decades ago, to have my taxes increased for the building of [the High School]. I also agreed to have my taxes increased for our new quarter-of-a million dollar fire engine, so I’m not always ‘anti-tax.”

She said however, “I significantly protest an increase in ANY of this property tax, starting for the Fiscal Year of July 1, 2024. My property taxes have already been escalating over the decade. I feel that there are already too many taxes burdening the residents of Atlantic: The State Sales Tax; The Local Option Sales Tax; The Lodging Tax; The Department of Transportation Tax; Fuel Taxes; Utility Taxes; Storm Water Tax; Employment Tax; Death and Inheritance Taxes.”

Stansvad said “Once taxes are instituted, they are always increasing and never retired. The policy of ‘Tax and Spend’ must stop. The rational of living within your means must be observed.” She concluded by saying, “It’s saddens me that nobody else is here” (to voice their concerns and opinions).

Atlantic resident Barbara Stensvad objects to the proposed ACSD Budget.

Board President Kristy Pellett reminded patrons of the District that there will be a second hearing on the Budget before it is passed.

There were no public comments during a hearing on the school calendar. Following the hearings, the Atlantic School Board went into a Work Session, during which they heard from District Maintenance Director, Russell Peck, with regard to Summer Projects. The Board discussed Summer Programs, and heard information with regard to the District’s Management, SAVE, PPEL and Debt Service Funds, and their respective functions.

Director of Finance/Board Secretary Lisa Jones reported that, as a result of a 2.5% increase for schools approved Wednesday by the Iowa Legislature, the District’s Property Tax asking (Levy) will be down slightly from the previously published rate of $12.92538/$1,000 assessed valuation. The new proposed rate is $12.91524/$1,000, a difference of $5,700.

The Board’s next REGULAR meeting is at 5:30-p.m. on April 10th, in the High School Media Center.

(Radio Iowa) – Two private citizens and the Iowa Freedom of Information Council are asking the legislature to investigate Davenport’s refusal to provide information about settlements with three city employees. Davenport is suing to prevent the State Auditor from getting access to documents related to the nearly two-million dollars worth of settlements agreed to before the Davenport City Council met in public to approve the payouts. Michael Meloy is an attorney for a Davenport man who’s also being sued by the city over his attempt to obtain public records.

“Something doesn’t smell right here, ladies and gentlemen,” he said. “Why is the city fighting so hard to keep these matters from the public eye?” This past fall, the city attorney signed off on settlements with two city employees in September and another settlement in October for the city administrator. All are related to alleged workplace harassment, but the settlements were not announced by the city until late November.

Iowa Freedom of Information Council executive director Randy Evans says these details should trouble every Iowa citizen — and every legislator. “In the city election in November, Davenport voters reelected the incumbent mayor and two incumbent members of the city council,” Evans says. “We will never know if the results of that election would have been different had voters know before they went to the polls that their city council had supposedly consented to these $2 million in lucrative settlements.”

David Sidran, of Davenport, is being sued by the city for asking for a document written by the city administrator that’s related to her settlement. “I just had the audacity to legally request a document and I was sued by the city where I live,” he said.

Members of the House Oversight Committee say these alleged violations of Iowa’s open meetings and open records law are horrific, disgusting and disturbing and the panel will decide later whether to launch an investigation. A spokesperson for the City of Davenport declined to comment.

(Iowa Capital Dispatch) – A fertilizer spill this month in southwest Iowa killed nearly all the fish in a 60-mile stretch of river with an estimated death toll of more than 750,000, according to Iowa and Missouri conservation officers.  That is the biggest fish kill in Iowa in at least a decade and the fifth-largest on record, according to state data. And it could have been worse: Fish populations were likely smaller than normal when the spill happened because of cold water temperatures and low river flows.

The spill originated at NEW Cooperative in Red Oak, where a valve that either malfunctioned or was not properly closed leaked about 265,000 gallons of liquid nitrogen fertilizer, most of which went into the nearby East Nishnabotna River. The leak happened on a weekend from March 9 to 11 in an area where the fertilizer is distributed to customers of the farmers’ co-op. That area is not required by state rules to have barriers that would prevent a leak from reaching the river. The result was a widespread annihilation of aquatic life.

A DNR investigation found dead or dying fish for 50 miles of river — beyond where the East and West Nishnabotnas meet — all the way to the Missouri border. There were also numerous dead frogs, snakes, mussels and earthworms. The DNR will return in late spring to note whether the fertilizer killed turtles that had buried themselves in the river bottom for winter. Their bloated carcasses will float to the river surface.

The carnage continued into Missouri, where the unified Nishnabotna River flows for about 10 miles before it meets the Missouri River. Matt Combes, a science unit supervisor for the Missouri Department of Conservation, said there was “a near total fish kill” in that state. The department surveyed one bank of the river for about two miles and counted nearly 4,000 dead fish. It will use that sample to estimate the total number of fish that were killed, which will likely be in the tens of thousands. The department is continuing to monitor the Missouri and Nishnabotna rivers for additional effects from the contamination. It’s possible NEW Cooperative will face sanctions in both states.

NEW Cooperative spill

The size of the fish kill in Iowa was estimated to be about 749,000, said Chris Larson, a fisheries supervisor for the DNR. Small fish such as minnows and chubs account for the vast majority of those fish, but among them were also about 7,700 channel catfish that anglers target.

Those who are responsible for fish kills typically pay restitution to the state based on the number and types of fish that die. Larson said a total restitution amount has not yet been solidified, but that the estimated value of the small fish is about $85,000. The value of the catfish would be about $115,000. Those two figures combined would be the largest valuation for a documented Iowa fish kill, according to DNR data.

Others that have caused recent fish kills have typically paid fish restitutions and a fines of up to $10,000 — the maximum the DNR can order administratively. The department has the option to seek higher penalties in district court.