(Radio Iowa) – After nearly 34 years, the city of Sheldon is finally connected to a water system that serves northwest Iowa, South Dakota and Minnesota. Troy Larson is executive director of the Lewis and Clark Regional Water system. “Exciting news of the community of Sheldon that on the 19th of December, 2023 we can mark that as their long wait finally over,” Larson says. “They are now officially connected…and receiving Lewis and Clark water.”

What became the Lewis and Clark Regional Water System was discussed in the late 1980s and incorporated in January of 1990. It wasn’t authorized by Congress until July of 2000. The first water started flowing over 11 years ago and Sheldon is the 18th water system to be connected. Larson says the benefits are significant.

“Improved quality of life, economic development vitality for years to come,” he says, “I mean, this has just been a godsend for the other 17 members that have been connected, especially with this drought.” Rock Rapids, Sioux Center, and Hull have been connected to the system one by one over the last five years.

It is anticipated that Madison, South Dakota, will be connected by mid-2024 and Sibley, Iowa, will be the last to join — in the spring or summer of 2025

(Radio Iowa) – The Administrator of the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission is leaving the job in January. Commission Chair Daryl Olsen of Audubon spoke about it during a special meeting today (Tuesday). “On November 19th regrettably the Commission received and accepted Brian Ohorilko letter of resignation effective at the end of the working day on January 2nd 2024,” he says.

Ohorilko has been the administrator for 12 years overseeing the state’s gambling industry. He served 20 years total with Racing and Gaming.”Brian has served our commission and the industry well and with great integrity we appreciate his 20 years of public service to the state and wish him well as returns to the private sector,” he says.

Ohorilko has not yet revealed what his next position will be. The Commission appointed Deputy Director Tina Eick (eye-k) to serve as interim administrator. Chair Olsen indicated they would expect to appoint a new administrator in January.

(Radio Iowa) – Iowa Department of Health and Human Services Director Kelly Garcia says the state is still evaluating offering additional federal food assistance to low-income kids during the summer.

“We believe in feeding kids, period, full stop. But there are a lot of operational details we’re needing to plan for because Congress didn’t lay out a full package of how to operationalize this program,” Garcia says. The deadline to apply is January first. Garcia says the fact that the state hasn’t decided yet shouldn’t be taken as a sign that it won’t participate.

Democratic State Senator Sarah Trone Garriott Sarah Trone Garriott says she wants the state to join the program. “We want to make sure that our state has that opportunity, and if there’s anything we can do to assist in making sure that can happen. If that means talking with federal folks, whatever assistance we can provide-because it’s going to help a lot of kids,” she says.

The Summer EBT program would give families about $40 each month in the summer for kids who are eligible for free or reduced-price school lunch. It’s meant to help ensure kids get enough to eat when they’re not in school.

DES MOINES — U.S. Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) today (Tuesday) announced that he has nominated four remarkable young Iowans to the U.S. service academies. After completing a rigorous nomination process, four young people have been selected to receive nominations to continue their education at U.S. service academies.

“As a 20-year member of our country’s military, one of the highest honors I have is the opportunity to nominate young Iowans to attend one of the U.S. Service Academies,” said Rep. Nunn. “My experience in the military has been transformative, and I’m grateful to be able to help other young people have the same experience. Each of these young men have shown commitment to our country and service over self through a challenging, competitive nomination process. I am proud to nominate them to represent Iowa at a Service Academy.”

The following individuals from Iowa’s Third District will receive a nomination to a U.S. Service Academy:

• Colton Manock, Polk City
• Tobin McArthur, Atlantic 
• Aidan Murphy, Chariton
• Mitchell Swarthout, Mount Ayr

Nominees completed a rigorous application process conducted by a selection panel including Iowa veterans and community leaders. The U.S. service academies will inform the final nominees regarding their admission decision over the coming months.

(Red Oak, Iowa) – The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office reports the arrest at around 11:45-a.m., Monday, of 40-year-old Gordan Leroy Curnin III, of Red Oak. Curnin was taken into custody on a warrant for Violation of Parole. He was being held without bond in the Montgomery County Jail.