(Radio Iowa) – President Biden has approved federal disaster assistance for residents and businesses in four counties hit by Tuesday’s severe weather. Governor Kim Reynolds made the request yesterday (Thursday), noting over 200 homes had been severely damaged or destroyed in Adair, Montgomery, Polk and Story Counties. The state’s initial damage estimate is 11 million dollars.
In a written statement, Reynolds thanked Biden for expediting the assistance, which the governor says it critical to Iowa’s recovery process. Homeowners and renters in the four counties who were affected may seek federal assistance now to cover temporary housing, medical bills and other expenses.
U-S Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack has approved U-S-D-A disaster assistance for farmers in 29 counties that had damage from the tornadoes and severe weather that hit Iowa LAST month.
COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – A Council Bluffs man was sentenced May 21, 2024, to 84 months in federal prison for Conspiracy to Distribute 500 grams or more of a Mixture or Substance Containing a Detectable Amount of Methamphetamine.
According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencings, Alejandro Almaraz, 24, and three co-defendants, conspired to distribute methamphetamine in the Council Bluffs, Iowa and Omaha, Nebraska metro areas. This case involved the seizure of approximately 12 kilograms of methamphetamine. The seized methamphetamine was transported from Juarez, Mexico to the United States through El Paso, Texas.
After completing his term of imprisonment, Almaraz will be required to serve three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
Almaraz’s three co-defendants were sentenced earlier this year. Arnulfo Ibarra-Nunez, 57, was sentenced to 144 months in federal prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. Stacey Hernandez, 19, was sentenced to 72 months in federal prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. Manuel Gamez-Acosta, 25, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Southwest Iowa Narcotics Enforcement Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Council Bluffs Police Department.
DES MOINES – This (Friday) morning, Governor Reynolds spoke with U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack regarding the severe weather event in Iowa on April 26th, 2024, and her request on May 14, 2024, for USDA disaster assistance for impacted farmers.
Secretary Vilsack informed the Governor that USDA has determined that Iowa meets the requirements for an FSA Administrator’s Physical Loss Notification (APLN) which will open up federal emergency loan assistance for impacted Iowa farmers suffering from physical farm losses in the following counties: Adair, Adams, Audubon, Boone, Carroll, Cass, Clarke, Crawford, Dallas, Decatur, Fremont, Harrison, Jasper, Lucas, Madison, Marion, Mills, Monona, Montgomery, Page, Polk, Pottawattamie, Ringgold, Shelby, Story, Taylor, Union, Warren, and Wayne.
“I want to thank Secretary Vilsack for approving this much-needed federal disaster assistance for Iowa’s farmers whose property was damaged due to severe weather last month,” said Governor Reynolds. “This opens up federal loans and other emergency assistance programs that will help our farmers recover from their losses.
More information from USDA is expected in the coming days.
(Radio Iowa) – Tornado sirens wailed this (Friday) morning in several central and eastern Iowa counties as severe storms rolled across the state. In Hamilton County, southbound traffic is being detoured off of Interstate 35 due to several semis having been knocked over by powerful winds. Hamilton County Sheriff Doug Timmons says there were no serious injuries reported.
One of several semis along I-35, flipped by the strong winds. (Photo by Pat Powers, KQWC)
“About the 139 mile marker, which is the Kamrar exit, is currently closed,” Sheriff Timmons says. “We got multiple semis that are tipped over and we got powerlines across the road. We’re diverting traffic.” Timmons says there’s damage to buildings in the county that was either caused by a small tornado or strong straight-line winds. As yet, no tornadoes are confirmed in today’s storms.
MidAmerican Energy reported some 35-thousand customers statewide were without power at the peak this morning, while Alliant Energy had another 12-thousand customers in the dark.
The Atlantic Memorial Day service will be held Monday, May 27 at 10:00 am at the Atlantic Cemetery Field of Glory. Steve Livengood, local veteran who helps to coordinate those events, has announced that the flags that are normally raised on Friday and left through the weekend will not be raised until Monday morning.
The flags will be raised to half-mast Monday morning at 7:00 am and lowered and stored at 5:00 pm. The service will feature canon fire to begin, the Atlantic High School Band and keynote speaker Ryan Graham. If you can’t make it to the service, KJAN TV will provide live streaming video.
(Radio Iowa) – The Waterloo Visiting Nurses Association will be closing its doors at the end of the month after almost a century of work in Black Hawk County and beyond. Executive director Annett Burke says like many nonprofit health organizations, the Waterloo Visiting Nurses Association has seen diminishing private donations and minimal Medicare reimbursement. “With all of that, it has all combined into the perfect storm in that we are just no longer able to provide services and still cover the overhead.” Burke says staffing has become a major issue.
“It’s very difficult to get and retain nurses and nurses aids,” says. “They are the ones who are the meat of the industry.” The non-profit in Waterloo has provided a variety of services, like nutrition classes, blood pressure checks and immunization clinics.
There are other Visiting Nurses Associations still operating in the state in places like Council Bluffs, Iowa City and Dubuque.
(Des Moines, Iowa) – Thousands of Iowans will be camping and building campfires this Memorial Day weekend and throughout the summer. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) encourages campers to buy firewood from where they will burn it instead of bringing it from home. Tivon Feeley, DNR Forest Health Forester, says “Moving unseasoned firewood around the state can threaten the health of our forests by spreading insects like emerald ash borer (EAB), oak wilt, and other pests that live in firewood.”
Plenty of firewood is available locally to your favorite state or county park. Ask a park ranger or campground host where you can get local firewood. Make sure you burn all of your firewood at your campsite and not leave it or transport to a new area.
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship requires all firewood sold or acquired in Iowa to have the county and state of harvest location on the label of packages and the delivery ticket for bulk firewood.
Learn more about the importance of using local or certified heat-treated firewood at www.dontmovefirewood.org/.
(Griswold, Iowa) – The Griswold School Board, during their meeting Monday evening (May 20th), acted on approving staff resignations and new hires.
That’s Griswold Superintendent Dave Henrichs, who said also, the School Board took action on the District’s TLC positions.
In other business, the Griswold School Board approved the purchase through Griswold Communications, of a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phone system, and, a contract for internet content monitoring
Henrichs said “The Board approved a couple of fundraisers” for football cheer leading.
The Board held a rather lengthy discussion, with regard to a COPS Grant, as it relates to a School Resource Officer (SRO).
Henrichs said they were able to find a partner, but after further research found that it is a three-year grant, however “year four” is a sustainability piece, which requires the districts to take on the entire cost. The Griswold School Board opted not to commit to that right now, and decided they would not be applying for the grant, at this time.
The Board set Activities passes for the next school year, but since Griswold belongs to the Corner Conference, and the Principles in the Conference are the executive decision making committee, Conference by-laws state its members will charge the same amount for admission prices. That amount won’t be known though, until the Corner Conference Boards this coming week, but Henrichs says the range is expected to be between five-and seven-dollars per event.
By not charging Griswold students a fee to attend home events, Henrichs said they try to encourage participation, and that it can be expensive for families, so that’s why they opted out of a fee for homes games, to encourage families to attend home events.
In other business, the Griswold School Board approved: Continuation of an agreement with the City of Griswold, with regard to sharing of personnel and/or equipment; A Social Worker Services agreement with the AEA, and, an ELL (English Language Learner) agreement with the AEA, whereby the agency to provide virtual support and services.
(Des Moines, Iowa) – The Memorial Day weekend marking the unofficial beginning to Iowa’s boating season is days away and boaters across the state are busy preparing their watercraft for the holiday. Susan Stocker, boating law administrator and education coordinator for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, said Memorial Day weekend is often the first time on the water for many boaters and they should take time to review Iowa boating laws and plan to have patience at the ramp and on the water. Stocker said “Recent heavy rain across the state will reduce water clarity and add flood debris to the rivers and larger reservoirs. Boaters will need to use caution and watch for obstacles, including debris floating just under the surface.” She said “Regardless of the weather forecast, it will be busy on the water.”
One way boaters can stay on the water is by inspecting their vessels prior to heading to the lake. Stocker says “There are a few simple things boaters can do to have a safe weekend on the water and topping that list is to have a designated boat operator who abstains from alcohol. Operators will also need to watch their speed and be on the lookout for others.” She said boaters should make sure lifejackets are in good condition and the right size for each person onboard. Check the fire extinguisher, boat and trailer lights, whistle, and throwable floatation.
Boaters are reminded about the requirement that drain plugs and other water draining devices must be removed and/or remain open during transport to avoid spreading invasive species. Anglers leaving with fish are recommended to put them on ice, whether in a cooler, a bucket or a live well (plug must still be removed and/or opened). Operators can brush up on rules and regulations, by taking the DNR boating safety course. Iowa law requires any person 12-17 years old, who will operate a motorboat over ten horsepower or a personal watercraft, to successfully complete the education program. It is available online at http://www.iowadnr.gov/Things-to-Do/Boating/Boater-Education. Stocker reminds everyone on board that they need a properly fitted lifejacket. Safety officials also urge you to wear it. “It is similar to seat belts on the road. You won’t have time to grab it and put it on, when facing an emergency situation,” she said.
Iowa has more than 211,000 registered boats.
Boating safety Tips
Alcohol and boating don’t mix. Wind, sun, glare and heat can enhance the effects of alcohol hindering the operator’s ability to make decisions.
Check for open ramps or water hazards before heading out.
Before leaving the house, check the trailer lights, wheel bearings and the hitch.
Make sure there is a current fire extinguisher and horn/whistle, a wearable life jacket for everyone and a USCG approved throwable device onboard.
File a float plan with a friend, including your destination, expected time of return and type of boat.
Wear your lifejacket – it floats, you don’t.
Inflatable lifejackets are light weight, comfortable and USCG approved. Wear it.
Take a boater education course. It has valuable information and many insurance companies will offer a discount on boat insurance.
Top two safety violations in Iowa are having inadequate life jackets and operating too fast and too close to other vessels.
(Des Moines, Iowa) – Iowa’s state parks and forests are gearing up for a busy Memorial Day weekend, the traditional start of the outdoor summer recreation season. Sherry Arntzen, chief of the DNR’s State Parks, Forests and Preserves Bureau, says “Park visitors are excited to get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather after a long winter inside. Our parks offer a variety of activities for all enthusiasts from hiking the trails to picnicking, fishing and swimming. There’s something for everyone while enjoying the outdoors.”
Campers are urged to plan ahead when visiting Iowa state parks and forests for Memorial Day weekend. Most electrical and full hookup sites in busy parks are already reserved, so campers may want to consider non-electric sites or at “hidden gem” parks a little further away from home. Additionally, Iowa state parks and forests offer around 950 non-reservable sites available on a first-come, first-served basis, with most people choosing to stay Thursday through the weekend.
Park visitors can help take care of the parks by cleaning up trash after themselves, and carrying out what they brought in. Please park vehicles in designated parking lots and not along roadways. If visiting beaches, be aware that most swimming areas do not have a lifeguard on duty, and pets must be kept off beaches and be on a leash.
Arntzen says “We hope that campers enjoy their time and make memories while staying in our parks and recreational areas, and do so safely and return again.”
Tips
Keep track of the weather and have a plan in case of severe weather
Pack bug spray, sun screen and a basic first-aid kit
Check the registration kiosk for activities in the area
Don’t burn trash
Don’t bring fireworks
Be a good neighbor. Observe quiet hours and pick up after yourself
Henrichs said “The Board approved a couple of fundraisers” for football cheer leading.
She said boaters should make sure lifejackets are in good condition and the right size for each person onboard. Check the fire extinguisher, boat and trailer lights, whistle, and throwable floatation.
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