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Iowa Senate votes to get rid of gender balance requirement on state and local boards and commissions

News

February 21st, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – The Iowa Senate has voted to repeal a law that requires state and local boards and commissions to have an equal number of men and women. Iowa was the first state in the nation to pass a gender balance requirement and Governor Kim Reynolds is asking lawmakers to end it. Republican Senator Annette Sweeney of Iowa Falls says she never wants to learn she’s been selected as the token female on a board. “I want to be there because I earned it,” Sweeney said. “I want to be there because I’ve done my homework and I know why I’m on this board.”

Senator Chris Cournoyer, a Republican from Le Claire, says it’s insulting to have someone picked to serve on a board because of their gender rather than their qualifications.  “Women who have worked hard to earn their success should not have that success diminished by those that depend on a system that allows them to fall upward,” Cournoyer said.

Senator Herman Quirmbach of Ames was the only Democrat to support getting rid of the gender quota. Quirmbach says choosing people based on merit means some boards will wind up being majority female since more women than men are earning college degrees. “The rising generation of women are better educated and better prepared for public service, as a group, than their male cohort,” Quirmbach said.

Other Democrats argued the gender balance requirement should be retained. Senator Janet Petersen, a Democrat from Des Moines, says having an equal number of men and women on the same board means the discussion is balanced. “You know when we bring different perspectives to the table we’re safer, we’re healthier, we’re happier people,” Petersen said.

Senator Sarah Trone-Garriott, a Democrat from Waukee, says the gender balance requirement is needed because the world still isn’t fair. “Sometimes more qualified women don’t get leadership opportunities until that less qualified man is taken out of the equation,” Trone-Garriott said. Senate Democratic Leader Pam Jochum of Dubuque says the gender balance requirement gets more people involved in their communities. “Boards and commissions are that beginning foundation where we begin to build the bench for our future leaders,” Jochum said, “whether they are men or women.”

A federal judge recently ruled the gender balance requirement for the state commission that nominates judges was unconstitutional.

Exira-EHK Spartans boys basketball team ends their season in the semis

Sports

February 20th, 2024 by admin

The (19-5) Exira-EHK Spartans Boys basketball team ends their season with a 56-49 loss to the Woodbine Tigers in the semi-final round of the Class 1A-Region 8 Substate. The Tigers got their inside game working early in the game, as Tigers Sophomore Jax Pryor scored nine points in the first quarter but was held scoreless in second quarter, as the Spartans took a seven point lead into halftime with a score of 31-24. Tigers junior Carter Gruver scored 17 of his 23 points in the second half. The Tigers took the lead back late in the 4th quarter at 51-49 and knocked down six big key free throws down the stretch to secure the win for the Tigers.

The Spartans had three guys in double figures on the night. Senior Cash Emgarten, who led the Spartans in scoring with 15 points and junior Josh Nelson and senior Jackson Radcliff each had 10 points in the game.

The toughest part of this loss for the Spartans they will be graduating seven seniors from this years team. Spartan head coach Tony Santistaben had to say about coaching these seniors this season in the first year as head coach of the Spartans.

Spartan senior guard Aiden Flathers reflected on the game against Woodbine, but he was sure glad about winning the Rolling Valley Conference this year.

Flathers said he is going to miss the most about playing Spartans basketball.

This loss for the Spartans boys basketball team will end their season and they will finish their season with a 19-5 overall record. This win for the Woodbine Tigers will put them in the Regional Championship game this Saturday in the Class 1A-Substate 8 championship game against the Madrid Tigers in Carroll. Tipoff at 7:00 pm.

 

Quad Won, Hawkeyes Beat Michigan State

Sports

February 20th, 2024 by Asa Lucas

(hawkeyesports.com) EAST LANSING, Mich. – The University of Iowa men’s basketball team defeated Michigan State, 78-71, on Tuesday night at the Breslin Center. The Hawkeyes move to 16-11 on the season and 8-8 in Big Ten conference play.

Graduate Ben Krikke secured his third double-double of the season. Krikke scored 18 points shooting 7-of-11 (64%) from the field. Krikke set a season high in rebounds with 14. He was just one rebound shy of tying his career high.

Junior Payton Sandfort led all scorers with 22 points, his seventh time this season finishing with 20+ points. Sandfort knocked down two threes and pulled in six rebounds.

Senior Patrick McCaffery rounded out the Hawkeyes in double-digits with 14 points. McCaffery grabbed four rebounds while shooting 4-of-5 from the free-throw line.

After a back-and-forth beginning to the first half that featured nine ties and four lead changes the Hawkeyes jumped on the Spartans. A 15-1 Iowa run with just over six minutes remaining in the half started with the Hawkeyes down three and ended with them leading the Spartans by 11. Iowa shot 16-of-28 (57%) from the field in the first half with three players in double-digits. Iowa handed Michigan State their largest halftime deficit at home this season, leading the Spartans, 45-33, at the break.

Iowa carried that momentum into the second half and extended their lead to 16 points in the first minute of the second half. The Spartans refused to go away, but the Hawkeyes had a response for every Michigan State run. Michigan State was able to cut the lead to five points with 2:30 remaining but Iowa would score the next five points to push their lead back to ten points. Krikke, Perkins and Sandfort combined to score 25 of the team’s 33 points in the second half.

Iowa finished the game shooting 28-of-55 (50.9%) from the field and 4-of-13 (30.8%) from deep. The Hawkeyes shot 18-of-23 from the free throw line (78.3%).

UP NEXT
The Hawkeyes continue on the road, traveling to Champaign on Saturday to face No. 12 Illinois at 1:15 p.m. (CT) at the State Farm Center.

High School Girl’s Regional Championship Scores Feb. 20th

Sports

February 20th, 2024 by Asa Lucas

Class 4A

Region 1 – Clear Creek Amana 68, Keokuk 35
Region 2 – Waverly-Shell Rock 43, Western Dubuque 37
Region 3 – Bishop Heelan 50, Winterset 21
Region 4 – Dallas-Center Grimes 58, Pella 45
Region 5 – North Polk 49, Maquoketa 42
Region 6 – Gilbert 60, Xavier 57
Region 7 – Sioux Center 61, Humboldt 45
Region 8 – Lewis Central 53, Norwalk 49

Class 5A

Region 1 – Johnston 93, Sioux City West 51
Region 2 – Davenport North 53, Cedar Rapids Washington 40
Region 3 – Dowling Catholic 73, Des Moines Roosevelt 26
Region 4 – Waukee 83, Iowa City West 58
Region 5 – Ankeny Centennial 53, Sioux City East 25
Region 6 – Pleasant Valley 52, Waukee Northwest 43
Region 7 – Cedar Falls 45, Prairie 35
Region 8 – Valley 39, Ankeny 36

Tuesday High School Boy’s Basketball District Championship Scores

Sports

February 20th, 2024 by Asa Lucas

Class 1A: Substate 1
District 1 – North Union 58 St. Edmond, 39
District 2 – South O’Brien 57 MMCRU, 44

Class 1A: Substate 7
District 13 – Lynnville-Sully, 60 ACGC, 46
District 14 – Bedford 36  East Mills, 34

Class 1A: Substate 8
District 15 – Madrid 55  Coon Rapids-Bayard, 41
District 16 – Woodbine 56  Exira-EHK, 49

Class 2A: Substate 6
District 11 – Kuemper Catholic 54 South Central, Calhoun, 53
District 12 – Grundy Center 77 Aplington-Parkersburg, 63

Class 2A: Substate 7
District 13 – Treynor 73 Van Meter, 63
District 14 –  Grand View Christian 68 Des Moines, Christian, 47

Class 2A: Substate 8
District 15 -Underwood 61 East Sac County, 51
District 16 -South Hamilton 65 Pleasantville, 57

Shelby County Supervisors approve Compensation Board recommendations & future election pay

News

February 20th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Harlan, Iowa) – The Shelby County Board of Supervisors met Tuesday morning (Feb. 20, 2024) during a regular session, at the courthouse, in Harlan. According to the meeting minutes provided by Auditor Mark Maxwell:

Ruthann Grimsley was present as a Compensation Board representative to represent the Shelby County Compensation Board for their recommendation to the County Supervisors. The Compensation Board recommended a 1% increase in salary for the Sherriff. A 4% raise plus $1500.00 for the Board of Supervisors Chairperson and 4% for the other Supervisors. It was recommended by the Compensation Board County Attorney, Treasurer, Recorder and Auditor be increased by 4%. Also an additional $2000 to attempt to equalize pay with like population sized counties in Iowa for the Recorder, Treasurer and Auditor. As in the past the employee longevity scale was approved for elected officials also. The Board approved the recommend compensation as presented.

Representatives from the Harlan, Elk Horn and Irwin library boards were present to thank the Supervisors for Shelby Counties contributions from the Rural Basic Fund. A minimum levy amount is required by Iowa Code. Amanda Brewer from the Harlan Library was present to inform the Board of Supervisors that foot traffic has increased over 30% in the last year and checkouts by a similar amount. New improvements to the exterior of the Harlan Library are also being considered. Paulette Madson of the Elk Horn Community Library was also present to report to the Supervisors. The Elk Horn Library holds many after school programs and reading programs for local children as well as adult activities that permit children to attend with an adult. Local organizations lend support to the Elk Horn Library also.

Luke Wolken, Shelby County Environmental Health Director, presented his quarterly department report to the Supervisors, highlighting that his office is currently very busy with passports. Wolken also reported that Shelby County is one of five counties statewide that is eligible for approximately $50,000.00 in well plugging, and well rehabilitation projects.

The Supervisors were then told by Auditor Maxwell that the annex building is in the process of being repaired from a water line burst on the interior of the building. A claim has been filed with the County insurer and repairs are being made. The air conditioning unit at the Courthouse is scheduled to be delivered in March and installed in the April/May time. The Auditor then asked the Supervisors to consider and recommended approval of the following resolution:

Resolution 2024-16; A Resolution to establish future Election Official Pay in Shelby County

Whereas the Shelby County Board of Supervisors is responsible for establishing the rate of compensation and compensation for Election officials nominated by the Shelby County auditor to perform election duties as required by Iowa Code. Whereas changes have not been made in election officials pay for a period of six years and achieving the expected election efficiencies expected of Shelby County election officials that the County has enjoyed in the past is desired to continue. Now be it resolved that the County Auditor will be authorized to pay election officials as certified by said officials by claim or through the County payroll, as applicable to comply with reporting regulations for payment of election officials as follows:

*Precinct officials $12.00/Hour

*Precinct Chairperson and Co Chairperson $14.00/Hour

*Election Night Runners $60.00 per election

Be it further resolved that the above listed positions including be paid mileage at the current mileage reimbursement rate for all travel incurred to perform the above listed services. The resolution passed as presented.

The following resolution was then considered: Resolution 2024-17; A Resolution to Permit Home Working Reimbursements for the Shelby County Supervisors

Whereas the Shelby County Supervisors are elected officials and mandated by Iowa Code to fulfill their duties as County Supervisors. Whereas evolving technology allows for home office and cell phone use to fulfill the duties of County Supervisor. Whereas County Supervisors are currently reimbursed for travel expenses and mileage reimbursement from the county for completing their obligations. Whereas County Supervisors have added personal expenses with cellphones and home office expenses including computers, internet connections and office supplies that Shelby County does not currently provide. Currently no reimbursement program exists for home office work in Shelby County. Therefore be it resolved by the Shelby County Board of Supervisors declare that with receipts presented to the County Auditor’s office by County Supervisors for home office supplies, internet connections, and cellphone billings may be reimbursed up to $100.00 a month from the General Fund if receipts for the expenses are submitted to the Shelby County Auditor’s office within 60 days of the dated expense. The Resolution passed as presented.

Discussion on the budget for fiscal year 2025 was then held. Exploring the many avenues to the budget completion were discussed. The next regular meeting will be used to set the required dates, notices and postings while staying in compliance were discussed. The Board will be advised of the options before any final dates are set.

USDA Rural Development Invests $29 Million to Expand Business Opportunities, Hospital Access and Water Sanitation in Rural Iowa

News

February 20th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa, Feb. 20, 2024 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director in Iowa Theresa Greenfield today announced that the Agency is investing $29,318,797 in 10 rural Iowa projects to expand business opportunities and hospital access and to support waste water sanitation planning.

“From hospitals to fire stations to supporting small businesses, USDA is investing in rural Iowa,” said Director Greenfield. “Under the leadership of President Biden, Vice President Harris, and Secretary Vilsack, USDA is working with local leaders to build and grow their communities.”

The 10 investments were made through several USDA Rural development programs. Locally….

City of Red Oak received a $30,000 grant from the Water and Waste Disposal Predevelopment Planning Grants program to develop a proposal for sewer improvements. This project will provide a plan, in coordination with engineers, which includes alternatives and recommendations to meet the rehabilitation needs of the city’s waste disposal system. Once completed, this project will support much-needed sewer upgrades to safeguard human health throughout this rural community in Montgomery County.

Four Project Awards From the Rural Business Development Grants program.

Four Project Investments From the Community Facilities Direct Loans and Grants program, including…

City of Audubon in Audubon County received a $2,800,000 loan to build a fire station. This project will construct an 11,700 square foot pre-engineered metal building with four apparatus bays, workspace for staff, and equipment and supply storage areas. Once completed, the project will allow fire and rescue vehicles direct access to the main highway to minimize response times during emergencies and promote the safety of residents and travelers.

Supreme Court considers Sioux City case involving the right to call a lawyer

News

February 20th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – The Iowa Supreme Court is considering a Sioux City case involving the right to talk to a lawyer when you are taken into custody.

The case involves Faron Starr who was taken into custody in 2022 after a stabbing and the alleged theft of guns in a separate break-in. The district court ruled his confession was inadmissible after police refused to let him make a call during questioning. During oral arguments before the Supreme Court Monday evening,

Prosecutor Thomas Ogden told the justices officers didn’t allow Starr’s call as the guns were missing. “We’re talking here about a delay and the delay is justified by the officers making an effort to locate the firearms. I think that if it became clear to them that that effort was not going to bear fruit then the statute would direct them to permit the phone call,” he says. He says there are exceptions for such instances.

Chief Justice Susan Christensen asked how this case was different from other cases. “In your typical shooting law enforcement probably doesn’t have reason to believe that the gun has been abandoned in an area where it represents a threat to public safety,” Ogden says. He says they didn’t know if the guns were left where a child or someone else could get them.

Faron Starr. (Woodbury Cty Jail photo)

Starr’s Attorney Lucas Taylor says his client’s rights were violated. “This case is about police misconduct period. This is not a case about the safety application to the public safety exception,” Taylor says. Taylor says it was six hours before Starr was apprehended. He says there is a very narrow public safety exception, and cited an example of where the exception might be used.

“A situation where we have a suspect who was witnessed with a firearm, who then leads law enforcement on a pursuit that lasts a matter of minutes. And then that suspect is apprehended without a firearm, leading to strong circumstantial evidence that firearm was discarded haphazardly, and where that firearm might be just laying out in public view,” Taylor says. Starr pled not guilty and the case is pending the ruling by the Supreme Court.

The justices will consider the oral arguments and make a ruling at a later day. Starr is currently in jail on an unrelated murder charge.

Report: Cancer cases are rising in Iowa while cancer deaths fall

News

February 20th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – A new report estimates 21,000 Iowans will be diagnosed with cancer this year, an increase from last year, while the projected number of Iowans who will die from cancer this year is falling. Iowa Cancer Registry director Mary Charlton, a professor of epidemiology at the University of Iowa, says they’re focusing on raising awareness about alcohol-related cancers in this year’s report.

“We’ve seen estimates that only about 40% of the general public know that alcohol is a carcinogen and a risk factor for cancer,” Charlton says. “In Iowa, we rank fourth among all the states in our rates of alcohol-related cancers and we also rank fourth in binge drinking.” While drinking any alcohol can increase one’s cancer risk, she says heavy drinking and binge drinking pose the greatest risks.

For the second straight year, national rankings show Iowa has the second highest rate of new cancer cases in the county, behind only Kentucky. Smoking is a key risk factor and Kentucky’s smoking rate has fallen while Iowa’s rate is rising. Charlton says several other cancers are contributing to the rankings.

Iowa Cancer Registry graphic

“Breast cancer is one of the biggest drivers of our higher rate. Iowa has the ninth highest incidence rate of breast cancer and it’s rising faster here than in most other states,” Charlton says. “Prostate cancer is another one. We have the fourth highest incidence rate among black males and the seventh highest rate among white males, and rates are rising faster here than most other states.”

The report finds Iowa’s cancer mortality rates are dropping slowly, while the state’s number of cancer cases is rising, thanks in large part to early detection screenings and treatments.

“We estimate there’ll be 21,000 new cancers diagnosed among Iowans this year, and that’s an increase of 200 from last year,” Charlton says, “and we estimate that there will be approximately 6,100 cancer deaths among Iowans this year, which is a decrease of 100 from last year.”

Since the registry’s annual report was first published in 1973, Charlton says the number of cancer survivors has grown, with nearly 169-thousand Iowans now having a history of cancer. The most prevalent types of cancer in Iowa are staying steady.

“No, it hasn’t changed from last year. It’s still breast, prostate, lung and colorectal making up roughly half of all cancer cases in Iowa,” Charlton says. “If you add melanoma, that’s the fifth highest, that’s well over half of our cases. In terms of cancer deaths, lung cancer continues to be the most common cause of cancer deaths, accounting for nearly one out of every four cancer deaths in Iowa.”

The annual report allows doctors and researchers to focus on how to prevent and treat cancer, she says, and it provides Iowans with the knowledge they need to get advance screening and improve survival rates across the board.

See the full report here: https://shri.public-health.uiowa.edu/

Drake men host Belmont Wednesday night

Sports

February 20th, 2024 by Asa Lucas

The Drake men take a share of the Missouri Valley Conference lead into Wednesday night’s game at home against Belmont. The Bulldogs are 13-3 in the Valley but one of those losses was an 87-65 pounding at Belmont in early January that was not as close as the final score.

That’s Drake coach Darian DeVries. Belmont center Malik Dia poured in 32 points in the first meeting and standout Bruins guard Ja’Kobi Gillespie missed the game due to injury. Gillespie averages more than 17 points per game.

The Bulldogs have won six of their last seven games and as several young players gain experience the Bulldogs are building more depth.

Belmont is part of a three-way tie for fourth in the Valley race at 9-7.