(Radio Iowa) – The Iowa Supreme Court has upheld the law that bans most abortions after the sixth week of a pregnancy. Four of the justices joined the majority ruling that removed the injunction that prevented the law from taking effect. Three justices opposed the move. The majority ruling says there’s no fundamental right to an abortion in Iowa’s Constitution and the court’s review of the historical record shows the right to an abortion is not rooted at all in our state’s history and tradition. Iowa Supreme Court Chief Justice Susan Christiansen wrote a dissent, saying the four justices who joined the majority decision relied heavily on the male-dominated history and traditions of the 1800s and she said the four justices had had ignored how far women’s rights have come since the Civil War era. Governor Reynolds is praising the decision, saying nothing is more worthy of the strongest defense than the unborn. Iowa Democratic Party chair Rita Hart says Republicans went too far with this abortion ban and voters will hold them accountable in November.

Maggie DeWitte is executive director of Pulse Life Advocates. She was the emcee for last Saturday’s statehouse rally to mark the anniversary of the U-S Supreme Court decision that overturned Roe v Wade — and set the new legal standard on which today’s (Friday’s) IOWA Supreme Court ruling is based. “Now we can turn the page to a new chapter of defending life right here in our own state of Iowa,” she said. DeWitte says slow and steady wins the race and the task now is to convince more Iowans abortion isn’t the answer. “We are exposing the extremism of the other side and speaking with moral confidence and it’s working. Sixty-six percent of Americans support placing legal limits on abortion,” DeWitte said. “Now, is that enough? No, but it is a step in the right direction.” DeWitte says other restrictions on abortion are needed. “None of us in the pro-life movement are going to stop until we have eliminated abortion in the state of Iowa,” she said.

Iowa Supreme Court Chief Justice Susan Christiansen wrote a strong dissent, saying the four justices who joined the majority decision relies “heavily on the male-dominated history and traditions of the 1800s, all the while ignoring how far women’s rights have come since the Civil War era. Mazie Stilwell of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Iowa spoke during an online event last (Thursday) night. “This case really does determine Iowans’ ability to control their own bodies, their own futures, their entire lives,” Stilwell said, “and so it’s hard to overstate how much is at stake in this ruling.” Stilwell says few people know they’re pregnant at six weeks.

“Taking an element of control over people’s lives, putting us in a position where whether it be politicians or judges are having more control over our bodies and our lives than we do,” Stilwell said, “and that’s a really scary moment to be in and we know that it’s not right.” Stilwell says polling in Iowa shows a majority of Iowans oppose the six week abortion ban. “It’s really nothing more than an unconstitutional power grab by those who are just obsessed with controlling us and making those deeply personal medical decisions for us,” Stilwell says.

After the U-S Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade, Governor Reynolds asked the Iowa Supreme Court to let a similar law she signed in 2018 take effect. A year ago, the Iowa Supreme Court deadlocked on the issue, so Reynolds called for a special legislative session last July to pass the same law again. It was immediately challenged in court. Iowa is among a dozen states that have a six week abortion ban. Iowa’s law does include exceptions in cases of rape, incest, fetal abnormality or to save the life of the mother. The law says women cannot be prosecuted for seeking or obtaining an abortion, but it will be up to the Board of Medicine to sanction Iowa doctors accused of violating the law.

The Iowa Board of Medicine approved general guidelines in February for when exceptions would be allowed. For instance, doctors must sign a certification that documents the reasons for abortions in cases of rape, incest or when fetal abnormalities are cited. Iowans for Health Liberty, a group representing some Iowa doctors, has said the rules are too vague when it and will force doctors to withhold care that until a woman’s health declines enough for treatment.

(Greenfield, Iowa) – The Adair County Board of Supervisors held their regular weekly meeting today (Friday), instead of Wednesday. During the brief session, the Board passed three Resolutions, including those for Fiscal Year 2025 Appropriations, as previously approved by the Board and Department Heads, and the Transfer of funds. Board Chair Jerry Walker explains…

They passed a Resolution to destroy certain records as allowed under the Code of Iowa, and as recommended by the Auditor Retention Guide. They then approved Fiscal Year 2025 hourly salary wages as passed in the previous Budget Hearing. A Fireworks Permit application for the Adair County Fair was approved, along with a six-month raise for the Adair County Treasurer’s Clerk. County Engineer Nick Kauffman provided the Board with an update on the Secondary Roads Department maintenance and activities.

Supervisor Jodie Hoadley took a moment to commend Kauffman’s crews, the numerous contractors who came in from all around the area, and Sheriff’s Department personnel, who really stepped-up and responded quickly, in the aftermath of the devastating May 21st tornado, which packed Doppler radar estimated winds of as much as 318-mph.

Sheriff Jeff Vandewater told the Board a Sheriff’s Department Tahoe was declared a total loss, and debris hung up on the communications tower has been removed, but at least one of the microwave communications dishes were damaged. Crews are not allowed to climb the tower to make repairs, because inspectors say it’s currently not safe to do so.

(Des Moines, Iowa) – The Iowa Supreme Court today (Friday), voted to uphold the State’s six-week ban on abortions. Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart made the following statement following the Court’s decision: “Today Iowa women have been stripped of reproductive rights that they have maintained for more than 50 years. We’ve already seen the effects that these new and extreme abortion bans have on states like Alabama – where IVF is in jeopardy – and in Texas, where women have been forced to miscarry in lobby restrooms because hospitals refused to help them while they’re experiencing medical emergencies.  It’s obvious Kim Reynolds and Iowa Republicans do not trust women to make their own decisions regarding their own medical care or for doctors to use their best judgment while treating their patients.  Republicans went too far with this abortion ban, and Iowa voters will hold them accountable this November.”

DES MOINES – Gov. Kim Reynolds and Republican leaders released the following statements in response to the Iowa Supreme Court ordering the district court to dissolve the injunction on Iowa’s Fetal Heartbeat Law:

Gov. Kim Reynolds:  “There is no right more sacred than life, and nothing more worthy of our strongest defense than the innocent unborn. Iowa voters have spoken clearly through their elected representatives, both in 2018 when the original heartbeat bill was passed and signed into law, and again in 2023 when it passed by an even larger margin. I’m glad that the Iowa Supreme Court has upheld the will of the people of Iowa.

“As the heartbeat bill finally becomes law, we are deeply committed to supporting women in planning for motherhood, and promoting fatherhood and its importance in parenting. We will continue to develop policies that encourage strong families, which includes promoting adoption and protecting in vitro fertilization (IVF). Families are the cornerstone of society, and it’s what will keep the foundation of our state and country strong for generations to come.”

Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver:  “Today’s decision marks a step in the right direction for the protection of life. While litigation continues, I appreciate the clarity the Supreme Court has provided on this issue. I am optimistic the common-sense law passed again last year to protect life at the sound of a heartbeat with exceptions for rape, incest, and life of the mother will be found constitutional.”

House Speaker Pat Grassley:

“This ruling is a victory in the fight to protect unborn children in Iowa.  The Legislature is elected by the people, and for too long, the courts have stood in the way of Iowans having their voices heard on this matter.  “We are a pro-life and pro-family state. In Iowa, we respect both the life of the unborn child and the life of the mother. While out-of-touch, far-left political groups fight for abortion up until the day of birth, we will continue to fight for common sense policies that promote and protect life.  “We will continue to promote strong families in all that we do in the Iowa House. We must build on the work we’ve already done to expand access to affordable child care, extend postpartum coverage on Medicaid, and improve our foster care and adoption systems.”

(Creston, Iowa) – Two people under the legal age were detained and then cited, early today (Friday), for the possession and/or purchase of alcohol by a person 18/19/20-1st offense. The Creston Police Department reports 20-year-old Nathaniel Glenn Butler, and 18-year-old Jaden L. Ingram, both of Creston, were arrested at 1211 N. Poplar Street, in Creston, at around 1:50-a.m.

Butler and Ingram were issued their citations and a promise to appear in court.

As distrust in election integrity rises nationwide, Christy McCormick with the U.S. Election Assistance Commission said the agency is working with local election officials to combat misinformation about election security, check that voting systems are working correctly and ensure they are prepared for Nov. 5. The Iowa Capital Dispatch reports McCormick spoke at the Iowa State Association of County Auditors summer conference in Des Moines Thursday, going over resources available through the EAC to local and state officials. In the lead-up to the 2024 general election, McCormick said election officials are facing new challenges with public perception.

“There’s a new interest in elections and every part of the election process that we never used to see back, you know, 10, 15 years ago,” McCormick said. “There’s a lot more scrutiny on election officials now, every single move that they make is being watched. So they have to be careful, they have to be as perfect as they possibly can. … They’re under a lot of stress, so we’re trying to provide them with resources, trying to get new election officials up to speed.”

The commission, created through the 2002 Help America Vote Act, is the federal government body dedicated to overseeing and providing resources on election administration to officials throughout the country, including ensuring voting systems meet federal guidelines, certifying voting equipment and maintaining the National Mail Voter Registration Form.

In Iowa, the EAC official spoke about resources through the commission available to county auditors and local election offices ahead Nov. 5. For example, McCormick said, Iowa uses the voluntary EAC program for testing and certifying voting systems. Other resources are available to ensure election systems are secure, she said, like the Field Services Program bringing EAC staff to test machines and conduct manufacturer audits, and a “learning lab” launched to train new election officials.

The EAC also works with states and Congress on HAVA grants, federal funding for election security efforts distributed to states. Congress approved $55 for these grants in 2024, a compromise reached between the Democrat-controlled Senate’s proposal of $75 million and the Republican-controlled House proposal of zero dollars. The most recent appropriation falls below the $75 million approved in fiscal years 2023 and 2022.

U.S. Election Assistance Commissioner Christy McCormick spoke at the Iowa State Association of County Auditors summer conference in Des Moines June 27, 2024 about federal resources available to local election officials. (Photo by Robin Opsahl/Iowa Capital Dispatch)

According to EAC data compiled in 2023, Iowa has received more than $46 million in federal funds for election security and maintenance since 2003.

McCormick said the EAC is also working with local and state election officials on safety precautions, including trainings with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service on how to respond to potentially hazardous mail, or how to take private information off online search engines to prevent stalking or doxxing.

Though elections officials are facing more attention because of heightened concerns about integrity, McCormick encouraged people with questions and concerns to be in contact with their local election offices. One of the best ways to learn about how the election process works is to get involved, she said, encouraging people to become poll workers and to vote.

Officials are preparing for an “interesting” election season, she said, but that the EAC is working with officials on how to respond to situations where problems do arise, encouraging transparency on processes like auditing and recounts, as well as making contingency plans in case emergencies arise on Election Day.

MASON CITY, Iowa [KCCI-TV] — Thursday marked 29 years of searching for answers in the disappearance of Iowa news anchor Jodi Huisentruit. It was also the final day for a $100,000 reward offered by a private investigator, for information that leads to her remains. Earlier this year, private investigator Steve Ridge upped his reward for information from $50,000 to $100,000.

Jodi Huisentruit (file photo)

Huisentruit was reported missing in 1995 after she never showed up for work in Mason City. Investigators believe she was kidnapped. Huisentruit was legally declared dead six years later.

(Iowa Capital Dispatch) – Two more reports of avian flu in Sioux County dairy herds were announced on Thursday, marking the 13th report of bird flu in dairy cattle herds in Iowa for June.  Sioux County’s problems with bird flu continue as these two recent reports leave the county with 12 reports of cattle herds and one chicken flock infected with the virus. These two most recent cases of bird flu infected a 980-cow herd and one with 2,500 cattle. Cows generally recover from the virus within two weeks. The virus is typically deadly to poultry and flocks are culled to prevent spread of the infection.

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship announced new rules for dairy cattle in exhibitions on Tuesday in hopes of limiting the spread of the disease.  Also on Tuesday, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced four states – Nebraska, Kansas, New Mexico and Texas – would voluntarily test for bird flu in bulk milk tanks at dairies. Pasteurization kills the virus, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and the agency is urging people to avoid drinking raw milk.

Outside of Sioux County, Sac, Plymouth, Cherokee and O’Brien counties have each had one report of bird flu.

(Radio Iowa) – The governor is extending the disaster proclamation for Sioux, Cherokee, and Sac counties for a full month due to confirmed cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza in all three counties. State veterinarian Dr. Jeff Kaisand says state and federal teams are working closely to trace how the 11 recent bird flu outbreaks in dairy cattle herds in northwest Iowa may be linked to things like dairy workers, feed, delivery trucks, or wild birds flying through the area. “We are trying as hard as we can right now to identify — with producers’ cooperation — what those connections are and it may not just be one thing,” Kaisand says. “That’s why it’s very important that producers put biosecurity plans in place on their farm and looking at how they are connected to the outside world.”

While much is being learned about the virus and how it spreads, Kaisand says many new questions continue to emerge. “For weeks, the virus can be found in the milk of cows, so any type of contact with infected milk, whether it’s a cow going through a milking parlor, any contact with milk,” Kaisand says, “so we do know there’s cow-to-cow transmission and movements of cows from an infected farm to another farm can carry the virus.” Starting July First, the state will require all dairy exhibitors to complete bird flu testing within seven days of moving to an exhibition, like at county fairs, to minimize the potential spread of the virus. Researchers are puzzled by cases where there’s been no movement of cattle from farm-to-farm and bio-security measures were followed, yet the virus has spread.

“What’s circulating in dairies has been found in what’s called pari-domestic birds, starlings and grackles,” Kaisand says. “It’s not as of yet — and it may be because we haven’t tested enough wild birds — but it’s not been found in the migratory birds, so whether that’s a pathway, we’re also not sure.”

The governor’s extension of the disaster proclamation for the three counties through July 26th allows state resources to be used to help with tracking and monitoring, rapid detection, containment, disposal, and disinfection.

(Radio Iowa) – A coalition of local economic development, municipal and business leaders in Perry have worked together for several months to help the city prepare for today’s (Friday) closing of the Tyson plant. Perry City manager Sven Peterson says their efforts until now have focused on helping the workers. “We’re going to be moving into a strategic planning process that will be very action focused to be able to really have a very accountable and mindful process for us to move forward as a community together,” he says. Peterson says they now want to find a way to keep the workers in Perry.

“From closing day on we’re really going to be focusing on the next phase of repair of kind of making sure that we can do as much as we possibly can to replace those jobs that were lost,” he says. Peterson says the plant has some 13-hundred employees and it is estimated that 800 live in Perry and there are 300 kids in the school system with parents at the plant. Peterson says part of the effort is to get another business into town with jobs for those workers.

“We’ve been working pretty heavily with Tyson trying to get them as many contacts as possible that might be interested in the Tyson facility,” Peterson says. “But then we’ve also been really pushing and advertising our industrial park on the east side of town.” He says the industrial park has some opportunities for business. Peterson says they are not going to let the closing get the community down.

“We could kind of take this as a major blow to the community or look at it as an opportunity. And we’ve definitely had our fair share of difficult situations in the past, but in the end we have never backed down from a challenge and you know, we’ve always come out stronger as a result,” Peterson says. While they have know about the closing for months, they now have to deal with the reality of it. He says the emotions vary widely.

“Overall, I think everybody is in a different stage, whether it’s specific employees losing their jobs, other business owners in the community, wondering maybe how it might affect their business. But overall, I think it’s kind of just a, yep, this is happening and we’re going to be moving forward and we’re going to be able to be maintaining ourselves in a strong, resilient manner moving forward,” he says.

Peterson is a Perry native and says they have gotten a lot of help from the state and officials in nearby cities and counties in trying to deal with the closing.

(Radio Iowa) – Governor Kim Reynolds believes the burgeoning market for hemp-infused candies, drinks and other products is taking advantage of the 2018 Farm Bill’s hemp provision. “I had issues with this bill from the beginning. It was never designed to do that, it was the intent of the hemp bill. It was actually another commodity for our farmers. That was actually the intent,” Reynolds says. New regulations on these products begin in July that only allow people who are 21 and older to buy the hemp infused items. And the state will restrict the potency of these products to four milligrams of T-H-C per serving or ten milligrams per container.

Reynolds visited Alcohol & Drug Dependency Services of Southeast Iowa in Keokuk, and says the state regulations address the issues that the Farm Bill didn’t. “It didn’t deal with minors and their access to T-H-C. This mixing T-H-C with alcohol. That’s a dangerous combination. I’m at a recovery center and we want to make sure people are informed,” she says.

Two Iowa companies which make the hemp infused products are suing the state over the new regulations. The lawsuit says the regulations would criminalize 80 percent of their current inventories. Neither company sells products that mix T-H-C and alcohol.