(Radio Iowa) – A proposed amendment to Iowa’s Constitution on the subject of abortion isn’t eligible for the Iowa ballot until the 2024 election at the earliest, but the campaigns for and against it have already begun. In 2018, the Iowa Supreme Court ruled that under the state’s constitution, Iowa women have a fundamental right to an abortion. Earlier this month, at a gathering of 12-hundred Christian conservatives, Chuck Hurley of The Family Leader praised Republicans legislators for proposing an amendment to nullify that ruling and asked the crowd to take a look at a card they’d been given. “Please, please, study this card and then go to the website that is on the card,” Hurley says. “…It has resources like (church) bulletin inserts, more of these cards and then a video.” The Family Leader, Iowa Right to Life and other organizations have formed a coalition to lobby legislators to advance the proposed amendment again in 2023 or 2024 so it can be put to a statewide vote.

“We can turn the tide and win and defeat Planned Parenthood and the abortion lobby and protect unborn children in Iowa,” Hurley said. Jamie Burch Elliott is Iowa director of public affairs for Planned Parenthood North Central States. She says Planned Parenthood is building a coalition of organizations that will oppose the amendment. Burch Elliott points to the increasing number of unintended pregnancies and abortions in Iowa after G-O-P lawmakers moved to shut Planned Parenthood out the government program that provides birth control to poor women. She expects that to be one of many factors in the upcoming debate.

“But what we’re working on now is a statewide strategy to educate and inform Iowa voters,” she says, “and then mobilize them to take action.” A Des Moines Register Iowa Poll taken this spring found about a third of those surveyed support the proposed amendment, but the poll also shows the amendment is favored by 55 percent of Republicans and opposed by 82 percent of Democrats.

“It’s important to keep that in mind,” she says. “It also means that it’s going to be a long, tough and expensive fight.” In 2020, Louisiana voters passed an amendment that’s similar to the one being proposed in Iowa, stating that if Roe v Wade is overturned, their state’s constitution does not secure the right to an abortion. Also last year, Colorado voters rejected an amendment to ban abortions after the 22nd week of a pregnancy.

(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.