(Radio Iowa) – The Midwestern economy is headed toward recession — soon, according to the latest projection from Creighton University and its monthly survey of business leaders in Iowa and eight other states. Creighton economist Ernie Goss says the overall Business Conditions Index rose slightly for the region into the positive growth category, but Iowa’s economy is still showing negative growth.

The hiring trends for the Midwest during September were “not good,” Goss says, though the figures were up slightly from August.

The Midwest’s regional manufacturing economy has weakened from earlier in the year, Goss says, and it’s weakened from the same period last year, while inflation remains troublesome.

According to U.S. International Trade Association data, Iowa’s manufacturing exports expanded from just over nine-billion dollars for the first seven months of 2022 to ten-billion for the same period in 2023.

Ernie Goss

That’s a growth rate of better than nine-percent. For the first seven months of each year, the state’s leading manufacturing export, machinery, soared by almost 24-percent between 2022 to 2023. On the zero-to-100 scale where 50 is growth neutral, Goss says Iowa’s Business Conditions Index for September rose to a weak 48.5, up slightly from 47.9 in August.

(Radio Iowa) – The years of waiting are over and the big race is coming to the Iowa Speedway in Newton. NASCAR senior vice president, Ben Kennedy made the announcement outside the Iowa Capitol.

He says the race will be highly anticipated.

Governor Reynolds was also on hand for the announcement.

The cup series is the highest level of racing for NASCAR and the governor says the race is equivalent to the the Major League baseball game held at the Field of Dreams near Dyersville.

NASCAR Cup announcement-(RI-photo)

The race is expected to have a 100 million dollar impact on the area. NASCAR hall of Famer Rusty Wallace, spearheaded the effort to get the track built in Newton in 2006 and also designed it.

NASCAR racer Brad Keslowski was also on hand for the announcement. He has raced and won at the Iowa Speedway.

Fans can put down a 25 dollar deposit for tickets to next year’s race on the Iowa Speedway website.

(Council Bluffs, Iowa) – In advance of the upcoming Veterans Day holiday, Pottawattamie County announced that its Veterans Service Office, and primary signage for the Pottawattamie County Jail and Sheriff’s Office, will soon be illuminated green. The display from November 6th through the 12th is part of Operation Green Light for Veterans, a nationwide effort uniting counties to support military veterans. The initiative, led by the National Association of Counties (NACo), raises awareness around the unique challenges faced by many veterans and the resources available at the county, state, and federal levels to assist veterans and their families. The announcement came during today’s (Tuesday’s) meeting of the Pott. County Board of Supervisors.

“With designation as a Green Light for Veterans County, Pottawattamie County hereby declares from October through Veterans Day, November 11th, 2023, as a time to salute and honor the service and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform transitioning from Active Service,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman Brian Shea.

County Board of Supervisors, County Veterans Service Office staff, and attendees of the Supervisor’s meeting who have served. (Photo/story submitted)

Now in its second year, Operation Green Light is spearheaded by NACo and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers, building upon successful efforts by the New York State Association of Counties and the NYS County Veteran Service Officers’ Association in 2021. In 2022, over 300 counties participated in Operation Green Light.

“For centuries, men and women have stepped forward offering Courage, Bravery, and Sacrifice to protect the freedoms we as a people, we as Americans cherish, no matter the cost, asking nothing in return for their Commitment to protect the innocent and uphold our Nations Values,” said Peggy Becker, Pottawattamie County Veterans Service Office Administrator. “In the words of John Fitzgerald Kennedy ’As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.’ It is important for us as a community to recognize, honor, and celebrate those that chose to serve others,” said Becker. “We want to make sure that our veterans know that we are grateful for their service and for their families sacrifices. Operation Greenlight is a way for every business and every individual citizen to say, ‘I see you’ and show their support and simply say Thank You!”

In addition to lighting county buildings, bridges, and other meaningful landmarks, residents, businesses, and other organizations are encouraged to participate by simply changing one light bulb in their home to a green bulb. This can be an exterior light that neighbors and passersby see, or an interior light that sparks a conversation with friends. By shining a green light, we let our veterans know that they are seen, appreciated, and supported.

“Operation Green Light is a gesture of support and appreciation for the public service of our veterans,” said NACo Executive Director Matthew Chase. “With hundreds of counties coming together to light everything from bridges to courthouses, we know veterans across the country will see and feel the gratitude we all feel for their service and sacrifices.” Counties and residents across the country are sharing their participation on social media using the hashtag #OperationGreenLight.

For more information on Operation Green Light, click here.

(Radio Iowa) – The hearing for the Summit carbon pipeline is underway again today (Tuesday). State regulators has originally expected the hearing to wrap up in September, but testimony and questioning has taken longer than expected. The Iowa Utilities Board has landowners listed to testify through Thursday, and if things stay to that schedule, the Summit hearing could wrap up them.

In another pipeline permit case, Navigator is asking regulators to suspend the process for its carbon pipeline in Iowa until the company can get approval for the project from Illinois regulators. The proposed pipeline route includes around 810 miles in Iowa.

(Carroll, Iowa) – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will host a public meeting at 5 p.m., Oct. 5, in the lower level of the Swan Lake Conservation Education Center, 22676 Swan Lake Trail Drive, to discuss proposed largemouth bass regulation changes at Swan Lake, in Carroll County.

The Iowa DNR is proposing to remove the 16-inch minimum length limit for largemouth bass and replace it with the statewide minimum length limit of 15 inches.  No changes to the bag limit are proposed.

Any person with special requirements such as those related to mobility or hearing impairments who wishes to participate in the public meeting should promptly contact the DNR or ADA Coordinator at 515-725-8200, Relay Iowa TTY Service 800-735-7942, or Webmaster@dnr.iowa.gov to advise of specific needs.

October 3, 2023 (Des Moines, IA) – Today, the Iowa Energy Center (IEC) Board awarded nearly $1.6 million in grants to six projects through the IEC Grant Program. The competitive funding opportunity enables eligible applicants to pursue projects that align with one of the key focus areas of the Iowa Energy Plan and provide a benefit to Iowa ratepayers. The program is funded by gas and eectric utilities across the state.

The IEC Grant Program received 34 pre-applications totaling nearly $10 million in funding requests. Eleven projects, requesting over $2.5 million, completed a full application. An IEC Board committee reviewed and scored applications based on alignment with the Iowa Energy Plan, the ratepayer benefit, project goals, programmatic capabilities and collaboration efforts, among other criteria.

The IEC is managed by the Iowa Economic Development Authority and overseen by a governor-appointed board comprised of representatives from academia, state government and utilities. For more information on the IEC Grant Program, visit iowaeda.com/energygrants.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Cass County Board of Supervisors, during their meeting today (Tuesday), set Oct. 24th, 2023, as the date for a Public Hearing on Budget Amendments for the Fiscal Year 2023-2024. The hearing will occur during the Board’s regularly scheduled session. Board Chair Steve Baier and Supervisor Steve Green explained the reason for the amendments.

Much of the changes pertain to spending authority, and where those dollars will be going. The Supervisors discussed capital project priorities and a schedule to develop a CIP (Capital Improvement Plan). Steve Baier said there have been discussions among the Board, and individual committees have met to mull over what should be done. Supervisor Steve Green said the County began setting aside money they knew would be needed for capital projects five-or six-years ago, but then the pandemic threw a wrench in plans, with regard to the supply chain and the cost of materials needed to begin those projects. He said “Hopefully they’re going to come down a little bit. At least materials-wise.”

He said a schedule to shoot for and take care of some of the issues, should be written down for the current Board or future Boards to tackle. Supervisor Mark O’Brien said some talks with regard to priorities for Secondary Roads Department needs have begun, but that the scope needs to be narrowed down a bit more, especially as it pertains to the conditions of the County Maintenance Sheds. There are also issues with the courthouse and other county property that need to be addressed. The Board hopes to have the focus of the CIP narrowed down to “need,” not “want,” by October 31st, along with cost estimates, if possible. Discussions on the FY-2024-25 Budget are expected to begin in early November.

In other business, Cass County Engineer Trent Wolken updated the Supervisors on three bridge projects.

Board Chair Steve Baier added that DOT crews are making progress on the Highway 92 bridge. Trent Wolken also reported on the Secondary Roads Department maintenance and activities.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic Police Department has released a report on arrests and persons cited, from Sept. 20th through Oct. 1st.  Most recently…

On Oct. 1st, 60-year-old James Baker, of Atlantic, was arrested for Domestic Abuse Assault, and 43-year-old Kary Puas, of Atlantic, was arrested for Public Intoxication.

On Sept. 30th, 34-year-old Brett Pryor, of Atlantic, was arrested for Public Intox., Interference with official acts, and Possession of/or Carrying of Dangerous Weapons while under the influence.

The previous day (Sept. 29), Atlantic Police arrested 33-year-old Tyler Mills, of Atlantic, on a Cass County warrant for Harassment in the 2nd Degree, and, 30-year-old Deion Fleming, of Atlantic, was arrested on a Cass County warrant for Violation of Probation.

On the 28th, 64-year-old Tamra York, of Atlantic, was cited into court on a shoplifting charge (5th Degree Theft), and released. On the 26th, 27-year old Saul Vazquez Cendejas, of Atlantic, was cited into court for Driving while license denied or revoked. He was then released.

Atlantic Police arrested 42-year-old Sepio Ruben, of Atlantic, on Sept. 25th, for Public Intox. and Interference with officials acts; And, 26-year-old Brittany Asay, of Atlantic, was cited for shoplifting, and released.

Two people were arrested in Atlantic on Sept. 23rd: 23-year-old John James, of Atlantic, was arrested on a Cass County warrant for Failure to Appear. And, 34-year-old Edward Davenport, of Atlantic, was arrested for Interference with officials acts.

On the 22nd of Sept., 26-year-old Jazlyn Visek, of Atlantic, was cited for Theft in the 5th.

On the 21st, 23-year-old Mblos Phillip, of Atlantic, was arrested for Public Intox.; And 61-year-old Craig Lang, of Atlantic, was cited for Theft in the 5th.

And, on Sept. 20th, Atlantic Police arrested 58-year-old Terry Lambrecht, of Atlantic, for Harassment in the 1st Degree, and Poss. of/or Carrying of Dangerous Weapons while under the influence.

(Omaha/Council Bluffs)  – Officials with the Omaha Parks and Recreation Department say the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge linking Council Bluffs and Omaha, will close on Monday, October 9th, for a 5-year maintenance inspection operation. The bridge is expected to be closed at least through Wednesday, October 18th. Parks & Recreation says the inspection is essential for the safety of the public.

Bob Kerrey Pedestrian bridge; Photo credit: Omaha Convention & Visitors Bureau

(Radio Iowa) – Members of the U-S House and Senate now have some 42 days to reach an agreement on spending or they’ll face yet another shutdown of the federal government, what Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley says would be an embarrassment. The temporary deal, known as a continuing resolution, was passed over the weekend “in the nick of time,” Grassley says, with only a few hours to spare.  “Congress needs to stop playing chicken with government funding,” Grassley says. “Government shutdowns bring terrible uncertainty, not just for federal employees, but for Americans who depend on basic government services to be up and running.”

Grassley, a Republican, says it costs a lot of money to shut down the government and even more to open it back up, creating a no-win scenario. There’s now a reprieve, but Grassley says he’s not entirely confident the 45-day extension will be sufficient. “If we can’t work together in a bipartisan way to get that done, we’ll be faced with the prospect of another embarrassing shutdown in mid-November,” Grassley says, “then Congress will be forced to eat its Thanksgiving turkey with a slice of humble pie on the side.”

Senator Grassley. (photo from Senate Budget Committee hearing)

Last week’s death of California Senator Dianne Feinstein means Grassley — at age 90 — is now the oldest serving member of the Senate — and House. He was asked if it changes his perspective, or brings an added sense of responsibility as the eldest statesman. “My perspective on serving the people of Iowa hasn’t changed since I was 47 years old and a new member of the United States Senate, or 43 years later, being the most senior member of the Senate and the senior member of the United States Senate by age.

He says “No, it doesn’t change my perspective at all the only thing I can say is, the alternative wouldn’t be as good.”