DES MOINES – Auditor of state Rob Sand today (Monday) held a news conference with Des Moines Independent Community School District Superintendent Dr. Ian Roberts to tout the success of Des Moines Public Schools’ food rescue program as participants in the Auditor’s Public Innovations and Efficiencies (PIE) program. Auditor Sand also announced winners across the state of Iowa. (See the list below)

“Food rescue is exactly the kind of innovation we had in mind when we first created the PIE program four years ago,” said Sand in advance of the event. “Where compassion and innovation meet lies efficiency, and I’m proud that we get to present our first 2023 award to the folks at Des Moines Independent Community School District—they’ve gone above and beyond to reduce waste and improve support for the most vulnerable members of the communities they serve.”

Sand created the PIE program in 2019 to encourage public entities across Iowa to think outside the box and spark innovative ideas to save public funds. The PIE program checklist provides local leaders with tools to collaborate and share their concepts, known as PIE recipes, via the Auditor of State’s website.

“While food rescue is just one of the items on our checklist of PIE recipes, it’s one worth sharing far and wide,” said Sand, noting that during a time of higher costs for families, many struggle to make ends meet—even grappling with food insecurity. Sand continued, “PIE provides local leaders with an easy, streamlined sharing process—that’s why each year, we’ve seen more engagement than the last.”

The PIE program has proven so successful that the Mississippi State Auditor, a Republican, copied the program for use in his own state—even using the same name. “The appeal of PIE is that everybody likes good government—Republican, Democratic, or independent. Good government shouldn’t have partisan blinders,” said Sand. Sand will hand-deliver a pie to officials in each community at a later date.
2023 PIE Award Recipients
Counties
Largest County: Polk
Smallest County: Ringgold
Best Performing County, Overall: Fayette
Best Performing Counties, Awarded Within Categories of Size: Johnson, Fayette, Clayton, Montgomery, Pocahontas
Most Improved County: Polk
Cities
Largest City: Cedar Rapids
Smallest City: Beaconsfield
Best Performing City, Overall: Cedar Rapids
Best Performing Cities, Awarded Within Categories of Size: Cedar Rapids, Guttenberg, Alleman & Grand Mount (TIE), Plainfield, Garden Grove
School Districts
Largest School District: Des Moines Public Schools
Smallest School District: Olin Community Schools
Best Performing School District, Overall: Iowa City Community Schools
Best Performing 4A School District: Iowa City Community Schools
Runner-Up Best Performing 4A School District: Des Moines Public Schools
Best Performing 3A School District: Greene County Community Schools
Runner-Up Best Performing 3A School District: Okoboji Community Schools
Best Performing 2A School District: North Cedar Community Schools
Runner-Up Best Performing 2A School District: Bedford Community Schools
Best Performing 1A School District: Hamburg Community Schools
Runner-Up Best Performing 1A School District: Olin Community Schools
Most Improved School District: Norwalk Community Schools.

OMAHA, Nebraska (Oct. 2, 2023) – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), will conduct a national test of the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) on Wednesday, Oct. 4.* This is inclusive of Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA). A test alert will be sent to all wireless phones.

Wireless providers want to ensure the public is aware, and know that there is no imminent danger and no action is needed. Beginning at approximately 1:20 p.m. Wednesday, cell towers will broadcast the test for approximately 30 minutes. During this time, WEA-compatible wireless phones that are switched on, within range of an active cell tower and whose wireless provider participates in WEA, should receive the test message.

The test message will state: “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.” Phones with the main menu set to Spanish will display: “ESTA ES UNA PRUEBA del Sistema Nacional de Alerta de Emergencia. No se necesita acción.”

Cell phone customers are encouraged to have their phones turned on and available at the time of the test, so you know what to expect in an emergency. There is no charge to receive the message. There are four alert categories sent through WEA:

• National Alerts are a special class of alerts only sent during a national emergency.
• Imminent Threat Alerts include natural or human-made disasters, extreme weather, active shooters and other threatening emergencies that are current or emerging.
• Public Safety Alerts contain information about a threat that may not be imminent or after an imminent threat has occurred.
• AMBER Alerts are urgent bulletins issued in child-abduction cases. An AMBER Alert instantly enables the entire community to assist in the search for and safe recovery of the child.

This will be the third national test, and the second test to all wireless phones. The most recent test was conducted in 2018. More information is available at fema.gov.

*In case the Oct. 4 test is postponed due to widespread severe weather or other significant events, the backup testing date is Oct. 11.

ATLANTIC, IA – The Atlantic Trojans will host Former Vice President Mike Pence for the coin toss Friday, October 6th, during the Varsity Football pre-game at the Trojan Bowl. Superintendent Dr. Beth Johnson said “To have a former Vice President choose our district is an honor. We have great community pride and facilities to showcase at the game and I’m sure we will have a few additional visitors and media in attendance.”

Pence will arrive prior to the game to greet attendees and will then be escorted to the field for the coin toss. The game will continue in traditional fashion, and according to the Pence staff, the former Vice President will also be available to meet attendees following the pre-game activities.

During the event the district asks that attendees respect any additional security personnel, media and visitors and allow more time for parking, ticket lines, seating, and concession activity. Students and community members are encouraged to wear the color pink for the Pink Out event in support of the October Breast Cancer Awareness month.

According to school administrators, Activity Director Andy Mitchell was contacted earlier this month by the former Vice President’s staff to arrange the visit. “It’s not every day you get a call to discuss a guest of this caliber and host the former Vice President of our country,” Mitchell said. “We want to present our district and community in the most positive light during their visit here and we are excited to give our students the opportunity to be a part of the experience.”

(Glenwood, Iowa) – The Mills County Sheriff’s Office reports five arrests from the past week. There were three separate arrests on September 27th:

28-year-old Zacheriah James Moulter, of Glenwood, was arrested for Possession of Controlled Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Bond: $1,300; 32-year-old Tyriel Luc Gordon, of Kearney, NE, was arrested on a warrant for 2 counts of Theft 1st – Bond: $10,000; and, Reginald L. Croom, SR., of Omaha, NE, was arrested for Simulated Public Intoxication. – Bond: $300.00

On the 28th, Mills County Deputies arrested 41-year-old Dustin Eugene Kalkas, of Shenandoah, on a warrant for Violation of Probation – Bond: $10,000; and, 31-year-old Ryan Lee Fabian, of Omaha, NE, was arrested for: OWI 1st offense; Interference with Official Acts; Speeding; Open Container, and Reckless Driving – Bond: $2,200.

The dental director of one of the state’s community health centers says Iowa is seeing a critical gap in dentists who will take patients with Medicaid coverage. Dr. Ashley Huber (HYOO-ber), of the Siouxland Community Health Center in Sioux City, says for the past 18 months, her clinic has been restricting new patients to only children, and it’s hard when they have to turn people away, especially those who are in pain.

(As above) Huber says, “We have patients that come up to our front desk in tears, and they’re like, ‘I just can’t do it, I can’t take it anymore.’” The Iowa Dental Association says dental Medicaid rates have been stagnant for more than 20 years, making it difficult for patients and for dentists. The shortage of dentists who treat Medicaid patients is a widespread issue, but Huber says it’s even more noticeable in western Iowa.

(As above) “It becomes an issue where a patient gets so infected that they end up in the ER,” Huber says, “and they end up with this giant hospital bill, or the state ends up with a giant hospital bill.” Huber says Medicaid doesn’t pay enough to cover overhead costs.

(Siouxland Community Healthcare photo)

She believes a strategically structured increase in reimbursement rates for Iowa Medicaid would be one solution to draw dentists back into the provider pool. She also sees a need for more dental assistants.
(Sheila Brummer, Iowa Public Radio)

An eastern Iowa school district is closed today (Monday) after an online threat. Radio Iowa’s Dar Danielson reports.

The Cedar Rapids Community School District sent a message to parents and students it was closing all schools after becoming aware of a social media threat made by an unidentified person. The district says the closure is for the safety of all students and staff and they have been working with the Cedar Rapids Police, state public safety and the F-B-I to investigate the situation. No other details about the threat were released.

(Guthrie Center, Iowa) – The Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office reports two recent vehicle-vs. deer accidents. Both incidents happened Sept. 27th. The first occurred at around 7:55-a.m., when a 2019 Toyota Camry driven by 34-year-old Brooke Sparks, of Waukee, struck a deer on Highway 141 at Hickory Avenue. Sparks told authorities when the deer came out of the south ditch and onto the road, she was couldn’t see it until it was too late. Fog played a role in the collision. Sparks was not hurt. Damage to her car was estimated at $5,000.

The second accident happened at around 8:08-p.m. on Sept. 27th. A 2010 Jeep Liberty driven by 57-year-old Loni Sue Anderson, of Shelby, was northbound on Highway 25 when it hit a deer in the road. Anderson wasn’t hurt, but her SUV sustained $4,000 damage.

RED OAK, Iowa – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Ranking Member of the Senate Small Business Committee, today announced her Small Business of the Week: Lisle Corporation of Page County. Throughout this Congress, Ranking Member Ernst plans to recognize a small business in every one of Iowa’s 99 counties. 

“The team at Lisle Corporation has a reputation for manufacturing excellence. The fact that many of their products are still made at the expanded site of their original Clarinda factory, built in 1903, is a testament to their ability to innovate while staying true to their roots,” said Ranking Member Ernst. “I’m proud to commend Mary Landhuis for her strong leadership as president of Lisle Corporation. I can’t think of a better way to kick off National Women’s Small Business Month than recognizing a woman-led company in southwestern Iowa.”

Lisle Corporation was founded by C.A. Lisle in Clarinda, Iowa. The company got its start in 1903 as a manufacturer of horse-powered water well drilling machines, and in the 120 years since, has expanded to become a manufacturer and marketer of specialty automotive products. Now, Lisle Corporation is known for its mechanic’s creepers, lubrication, and tire products, among their 700 specialty automotive tools. The company is led by third, fourth, fifth, and sixth generation family members, many of whom have received awards for their contributions to the manufacturing industry and the Page County community.

Updated: Massena location moved to City Park due to road construction!

Atlantic, Massena, and Anita are all hosting mobile food pantries in October. These will be the last mobile food pantry distributions for 2023. A mobile pantry is a traveling food pantry that delivers food directly to families in need for a one-day distribution. People from surrounding towns and communities are welcome. Mobile food pantries are available free of charge. Anyone in need is welcome, and no documentation is required. Each car can take food for up to two households at a time. Both Atlantic and Massena will be distributing the same food products. If supplies run low in Massena, families will be directed to Atlantic. Please note- the location for the Massena distribution has been moved to the Massena City Park due to road construction!  Full details about the October Mobile Pantries are listed below:

Atlantic Mobile Food Pantry- Wednesday, October 11

Time: 4-6 p.m.

Location: Cass County Community Center (805 W. 10^th St., Atlantic, IA 50022)- enter from 10^th street near the tennis courts and follow signs

 Massena Mobile Food Pantry- Wednesday, October 11

Where: Updated Location!! Due to construction on Clarke Avenue the Mobile Food Pantry will be distributing boxes in the Massena City Park!

Time: 4:30-5:00 p.m.

 Anita Mobile Food Pantry- Wednesday, October 18

Where: Anita Food Pantry (208 Chestnut Street, Anita IA 50020)

Time: 4:00-6:00 PM

Mobile pantry dates, times, and locations are subject to change. For the latest information on mobile pantries in Anita and Atlantic, visit https://foodbankheartland.org/food-resources/find-food/. For the latest information on Massena pantries, call (712) 779-3447. For information on upcoming events and local food, farmers markets, and food access activities, follow the Cass County Local Food Policy Council’s Facebook page @CassCountyLocalFood.

Des Moines, IA – The U-S Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa reports that on September 29, 2023, Thein Maung, 47, of Ottumwa, was sentenced to twelve years in prison after pleading guilty to forty-nine fraud- and tax-related charges. Phyo Mi, 21, of Ottumwa, was sentenced to nine years in prison after a jury convicted her of sixteen fraud-related charges. In all, Maung and Mi’s fraud resulted in nearly $4 million in losses to the Internal Revenue Service, Iowa Workforce Development, and numerous Iowa citizens.

According to public court documents and evidence presented at trial, for several years, Maung and Mi ran a fraudulent tax-preparation business out of their family’s Ottumwa home. In exchange for a cash fee, Maung and Mi would prepare and file their customers’ tax returns. Maung and Mi primarily catered to immigrants and refugees who worked at meat-packing facilities in Iowa and who had little or no ability to read, write, or speak English.

Without their customers’ knowledge or approval, Maung and Mi included fraudulent items on their customers’ federal tax returns, like false claims for residential energy credits, business-expense deductions, or moving-expense deductions for members of the United States Armed Forces. The effect of Maung and Mi including fraudulent items on the tax documents was to increase the refunds their clients received and increase Maung and Mi’s customer base. In all, from 2018 to 2022, Maung and Mi caused over 1600 tax returns to be filed from their residence. Those returns claimed over $3.5 million in fraudulent residential energy credits.

It is estimated that from 2018 to 2022, Maung and Mi received over $200,000 in cash fees from their customers. In addition, on their customers’ returns, Maung and Mi sometimes directed that portions of the fraudulent refunds be sent to financial institution accounts accessible to Maung and Mi. As a result, Maung and Mi obtained nearly $50,000 in fraudulent tax refunds. Maung and Mi also offered to help customers with applying for unemployment benefits from Iowa Workforce Development. Without their customers’ knowledge or approval, Maung and Mi submitted materials to Iowa Workforce Development directing that their customers’ benefits payments be sent to financial institution accounts that Maung and Mi had access to. Maung and Mi obtained nearly $70,000 in fraudulent unemployment insurance benefits payments be sent from Iowa Workforce Development to their accounts, instead of to eligible claimants.

At sentencing, Chief United States District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose described Maung and Mi’s fraud as being elaborate and extensive, involving layers of subterfuge, and victimizing hundreds of vulnerable immigrants and refugees with little education and limited English fluency. Following their prison terms, Maung and Mi will be on supervised release for three years. There is no parole in the federal system.

“This sentence should send a strong message to any return preparers who are looking to cheat innocent taxpayers and the U.S. government that a prison cell awaits them,” said Special Agent in Charge Thomas F. Murdock, IRS Criminal Investigation (CI), St. Louis Field Office. “Maung and Mi preyed on people who were vulnerable. CI special agents do not take this kind of fraud lightly. Our law enforcement partners worked diligently to help us bring these two to justice.”

United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The investigation was conducted by Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation and the Ottumwa Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kyle Essley and Laura Roan prosecuted the case.