(Radio Iowa) – Iowa Republican Chuck Grassley has formally declared his bid for reelection to the U.S. Senate, submitting more than nine-thousand petition signatures to qualify for the June Primary ballot. Surrounded by campaign staff and volunteers, Grassley gave a speech in the Iowa Secretary of State’s office, emphasizing his 40 year tenure in the Senate.  “It’s not about Chuck Grassley,” Grassley said. “It’s about serving the people of Iowa, about being the senior member of the United States Senate, to work for the people of Iowa in a stronger position.”

The most senior member of the U.S. Senate today is a Vermont Democrat who’s not seeking reelection. That means Grassley — who’s been a Senator since 1981 — would gain that top seniority spot next January if he’s reelected in November. “Being chairman of the Judiciary Committee if we’re in the majority,” Grassley said. “Being the president pro tem of the United States Senate if we’re in the majority.”

Grassley, who is 88 years old, is seeking an eighth six-year term. Grassley says the political environment is leaning in Republicans’ favor.  “If the election were held today, we’d take control of both the Senate and the House,” Grassley told reporters. “Eight months ahead, to make sure that happens, is just to keep up the hard work.” The key issues for the 2022 election aren’t going away, according to Grassley. “Whether it’s Afghanistan, inflation, open borders, parental rights — you know, things of that nature, crime, energy policy — those things,” Grassley said. “I don’t want to say about the bad handling of Ukraine because I think it takes time to come to the conclusion of where we are there, but we probably know that the bad handling of Afghanistan probably emboldened people like Putin to do what he’s doing.”

Abby Finkenauer of Cedar Rapids, one of the Democrats running for the U.S. Senate, has been criticizing Grassley’s long tenure in office and has pledged to exit the Senate after 12 years if she is elected in 2022 and reelected in 2028. Retired Admiral Mike Franken, western Iowa physician Glenn Hurst and veterans advocate Bob Krause have also announced they’re running for the Iowa Democratic Party’s U.S. Senate nomination.

A pursuit was reported this morning in Adair County. According to scanner traffic, an Adair County Sheriff’s Deputy was in pursuit of a black Dodge Charger, eastbound from Orient, at around 10-a.m. At last report, the suspect vehicle was apparently on I-80 near mile marker 102, in Dallas County.

And, we understand a collision between a car and a semi took place north of Harlan at around 10:10-a.m.  The crash occurred at the intersection of Highway 59 and Shelby County Road F-32. Both vehicles ended-up in the ditch.

Additional details on these incidents are currently not available. If we receive any updates, we’ll pass them along on this post.

(Des Moines, IA) The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH), in collaboration with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), recognizes March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM).

Throughout March, a wide range of stakeholders, including public health organizations, prevention and treatment providers, advocacy groups and gambling operators work collaboratively to let people know that hope and help exist for problem gambling. Groups nationwide will hold conferences, air Public Service Announcements, provide counselor training, host health screening days and implement social media campaigns to increase public awareness of problem gambling and the availability of prevention, treatment and recovery services.

The PGAM theme for this year is “Awareness +Action” and participants are encouraged to use the hashtag #PGAM2022 on social media platforms.

Problem gambling is defined as all gambling behavior patterns that compromise, disrupt or damage personal, family or vocational pursuits. Approximately 2 million U.S. adults (1% of the population) are estimated to meet criteria for severe problem gambling. Another 4-6 million (2-3%) meet the criteria for mild or moderate problem gambling.

The Office of Problem Gambling at IDPH raises awareness about the availability of gambling prevention and treatment services offered statewide. “Iowans who are impacted by problem gambling are encouraged to visit Your Life Iowa to learn more or to connect with a qualified professional. Help and hope are only a call, text, or chat away,” said Katie Bee, Project Director of the Office of Problem Gambling at the Iowa Department of Public Health.

If you have questions you’d like answered, support and assistance is available through Live Chat, by calling 1-800-BETS OFF, or by texting (855) 895-8398.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic Chamber Ambassadors were hosted by Cass/Atlantic Development Corporation on Thursday, March 3rd, 2022, to welcome the new Executive Assistant, Gwen Weirich. Gwen joined the CADCO team in January of 2022 and says that Jen McEntaffer, Executive Director, has been great to work with and has been eager to share her knowledge and passion for economic development. Gwen oversees many aspects of the office and enjoys being the friendly face welcoming community members and businesses owners into the office.

Cass/Atlantic Development Corporation directs economic development initiatives, facilitates community cooperation, and assists organizations of their pursuit of local development efforts to enhance the Cass County quality of life. CADCO is currently focusing on creating additional housing & childcare opportunities in Cass County. Cass/Atlantic Development is located at 14 West 6th Street. Contact 712-243-2022 for more information or visit http://www.atlanticiowa.com/cadco/