(Radio Iowa) –  Repeated Mississippi River flooding is threatening prehistoric burial mounds that comprise Iowa’s only national monument, and the U-S Army Corps of Engineers is looking for public input on plans to protect the area. Kim Warshaw, the Corps’ project manager, says the Effigy Mounds National Monument in Harpers Ferry is being placed at risk by the lock-and-dam system, climate change, land use changes and altered hydrology.

Warshaw says shoreline erosion is causing “irreparable and unacceptable damage” to the ancient mounds, believed to have been built during the first millennium. The Corps is looking to use river sand and rock to stabilize the shoreline to ensure the rare mounds aren’t lost forever.

Marching Bear mounds at Effigy Mounds. (National Park Service photo)

(Red Oak, Iowa) – An accident Sunday night on the east side of Red Oak claimed the life of a man from Stanton. The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Wednesday night, reported 21-year-old Jacob Brenner Helberg died at the scene of the crash at 200th Street and J Avenue. The accident happened at around 11:45-p.m. Sunday. Authorities say Helberg was unresponsive and trapped in a 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor, when rescue crews and deputies arrived on the scene.

Due to the severity of the crash, medical personnel had to extract Helberg from the vehicle in order to try and save him. The cause of the accident remains under investigation.

(Radio Iowa) – The host of an Iowa event that will feature six of the candidates running for the G-O-P’s next presidential nomination says the race is wide open. Bob Vander Plaats — president and C-E-O of The Family Leader — has hosted Donald Trump at two of the group’s previous summits in 2013 and 2015.

“I think the former president has a 20-30 percent self-inflicted ceiling,” Vander Plaats says. “I think that’s going to be his top, which means there’s 70-80% of people still willing to be moved. I think people are intrigued by DeSantis, by Scott, by Haley, by Ramaswamy, by Pence. There’s a lot of them — Asa Hutchinson. There’s a very good field there.” The candidates Vander Plaats just mentioned are the six who’ll speak tomorrow (Friday) at the Family Leadership Summit he’s hosting in Des Moines.

Trump turned down an invitation to join the group. Vander Plaats, an influential leader in the evangelical Christian movement, endorsed Republicans Mike Huckabee, Rick Santorum and Ted Cruz prior to their victories in the last three competitive Iowa Caucuses. Vander Plaats says he’s concerned about having Trump as the G-O-P’s presidential nominee in 2024.

“You can thank him for all the good things that he’s done and he’s done a lot of good things, but I’m too concerned that America has made up their mind on the former president and they’re kind of exhausted about all the issues of the past when they want to have a compelling vision that will win for the future.”

The Family Leader’s Bob Vander Plaats on “Iowa Press” set (RI file photo)

This week Vander Plaats has said it was not very smart for Trump to go after Governor Kim Reynolds for remaining neutral and not endorsing a candidate before the Iowa Caucuses. To avoid the 2016 scenario that saw Trump emerge from a field of 16 Republican candidates, Vander Plaats says he’s encouraged this cycle’s dozen or so candidates to evaluate their chances and step aside if it’s not their time.

“Being a former accounting teacher, I understand the power of division and so the more candidates that are in, the more likely it is that Trump will be the nominee,” Vander Plaats says. “…Whenever I have a chance to visit with them, most of them will tell me God has called them to run for president and then I use scripture and I say:’God also tells us in scripture that there’s wisdom in a host of counselors’ and so if your counselors aren’t approving that call, then you need to make a tough decision.”

Vander Plaats made his comments during a recent appearance on Iowa Press on Iowa P-B-S.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic Community School District’s new Superintendent spoke with the School Board Wednesday evening. Wednesday marked the seventh full day on the job Dr. Beth Johnson officially took over for former Superintendent Steve Barber on July 1st.

ACSD Superintendent Dr. Beth Johnson

Dr. Beth Johnson said all the people she’s met so far, “have been wonderful.” She said on her agenda, she’s trying to set-it up so that it addresses the three Board Priorities: Academic Excellence; Team Culture, and District Operations.

Dr. Johnson said one of the things she is working on with administrators, is the security and safety practices and protocols for the district. “One example,” she said, “Is to add or upgrade some new security cameras at Washington Elementary. They’re very old. They’re antiquated…”  Last year, a Safety Audit of the District’s facilities was conducted, which resulted in the exploration of getting new cameras and monitoring systems.

New ACSD School Business Official/Board Secretary Lisa Jones spoke about the people she works with and the district’s financial situation. Jones said July is the start of the new fiscal year. She’s been reviewing the district’s financials from the past three months, and what she’s seen so far is “really good.”

Jones said she’s “happy” there have been no surprises she’s encountered since she took over for former SBO/Board Sec. Sarah Sheeder on July 1st. The financial reports must be closed-out and submitted to the State by Sept. 15th. Jones said also, Auditors are coming at the end of next month, as previously scheduled, to review the 2022-23 financial report. She she’s pleased with the people she works with in the main office, who have a great work ethic. Jones added, “I’m just excited to be here.”

During the Action Item portion of the Board’s agenda, Board Vice-President Kristy Pellett administered the Oath of Office to Lisa Jones, and she was officially appointed to the aforementioned positions.

SBO/Board Sec. Lisa Jones is swore-in by Board VP Kristy Pellett

During their meeting, the ACSD Board, Wednesday, discussed their Legislative Priorities, four of which must be submitted by August 11th.

Their initial discussion focused on three top priorities: Student Achievement; School Safety; and Mental Health. The priorities will be discussed further during the Board’s regular meeting in August.

In other business, the Board approved the issuing of contracts, during the Consent Agenda portion of their meeting. Contracts were approved for Laurie Fell, Washington Elem.Teacher; Jordan Zarbano, HS Custodian; Jennifer Weisenborn, WA Elem. PE Teacher; Julie Van Maanen, Schuler Title 1 Teacher, and Steve Andersen, Transportation  Director.

(Radio Iowa) – Athletes from the three state colleges in Iowa will be the companion sculptures to the Iowa State Fair butter cow this year. Fair spokesperson, Mindy Williamson, says the three have each forged a legacy at their schools.

Putting Caitlin Clark in with the butter cow may be the only way to cool her off — as she has also become a national figure after leading the Hawkeye women to the runner-up finish in the national championship game.

Jack Trice was the first African-American athlete at Iowa State, and he died from injuries he received during a football game in 1923.

Kurt Warner is another Iowan who gained national fame after going from sacking butter and other groceries to become an N-F-L Hall of Famer.

Sarah Pratt of West Des Moines took over sculpting the butter cow in 2006 after serving as an apprentice to Norma Lyons for 15 years. Williams says visitors to the State Fair in August will get to see the athlete’s sculptures.

Sarah-Pratt-butter-cow.-)Iowa-State-Fair-photo)

Williamson says they always look for an Iowa connection for companion sculptures, and then can branch out to famous events. The 40th anniversary of Neil Armstrong walking on the moon for example, was the companion sculpture in 2009.

The athletes and butter cow will be on display when the 2023 Iowa State Fair opens on August 10th.

(Radio Iowa) –  The American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa and two abortion providers have filed a lawsuit challenging the fetal heartbeat bill the Iowa legislature passed Tuesday in a special session. A Planned Parenthood official says hundreds of Iowans will be impacted when the governor signs the bill Friday, because it immediately goes into effect. The law bars doctors from performing abortions after an ultrasound detects cardiac activity, which happens around the sixth week of a pregnancy.

ACLU of Iowa legal director Rita Bettis Austen (RI file photo)

The same groups filed a lawsuit that blocked a similar law passed in 2018 from taking effect. Doctors say the policy is a functional ban on abortions in Iowa, since many women don’t realize they’re pregnant at six weeks, and those who do get early confirmation of a pregnancy face waiting periods and other hurdles in scheduling an abortion.

Governor Reynolds says the voices of Iowans and their elected representatives cannot be ignored any longer and justice for the unborn should not be delayed.

(Glenwood, Iowa) – The Glenwood Police Department reports two people were arrested on separate warrants, recently. Today (Wednesday), 52-year-old Shantel Baker, of Glenwood, was arrested on a warrant out of Polk County. Her cash or surety bond was set at $2,000.

And, on Tuesday, 36-year-old Alexander Slater, of Glenwood, was arrested on a Mills County warrant. Bond was set at $2,000. Slater posted bond, and was released.

(Red Oak, Iowa) – Officials with the Montgomery County Memorial Hospital (MCMH), Wednesday, announced the acquisition of the Methodist Physicians Clinic located in the Physician Center on the MCMH Medical Campus, as of July 17, 2023. With the transition of new ownership under MCMH, Methodist Physicians Clinic will now be commonly known as Red Oak Family Medicine (ROFM).

Patients will continue to receive the same high quality care in the current clinic location of 1400 Senate Avenue, Ste. 108. Red Oak Family Medicine providers will remain as the same friendly faces of Dr. William Butz, Dr. Brian Couse, Dr. Warren Hayes, Claudia Balta, PA-C, Liz Johnson, ARNP, as well as the nurses and all of the support staff in the clinic.

Ron Kloewer, MCMH CEO stated, “With great respect for the providers, the nurses, and all of the staff at Red Oak Family Medicine, this is a big announcement. This is a great opportunity for the clinic, our organization, and the patients that we will continue to provide high quality services for. I am grateful for this opportunity and look forward to the future success that it will bring.”

Red Oak Family Medicine physician, Dr. William Butz states, “For many decades, the Methodist Physicians Clinic has enjoyed a great relationship with MCMH. We have a common purpose, to take care of the needs of our patients, and we will continue to do just that as we move forward as Red Oak Family Medicine.”

To schedule an appointment with Red Oak Family Medicine, call 712-623-7250.

In compliance with the Rural Health Clinic (RHC) regulations, the official name of Red Oak Family Medicine is Red Oak Medical Clinic, RHC; Family Medicine.

A total of 8 facades in downtown Glenwood will be rehabilitated under the CDBG-DTR program for façade rehabilitation.

Glenwood, Iowa – The city of Glenwood was just awarded $521,526 through a grant from the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Downtown Revitalization program. The City’s application was written by Southwest Iowa Planning Council (SWIPCO), which will also administer the project once underway. This grant will revitalize a total of 8 facades in the downtown area of Glenwood.

“The City of Glenwood is excited to partner with IEDA, SWIPCO, Curtis Architecture, and the property owners involved in the Downtown Revitalization project,” stated Amber Farnan, City Administrator for the City of Glenwood. “We know that this project will only enhance the charm and beauty already found in our historic downtown square.”

Downtown Revitalization Community Development Block Grants were started in Iowa in 2012 to help preserve and restore downtown buildings for economic development. Since 2012, SWIPCO has assisted with a total of seven Downtown Revitalization projects in the Southwest Iowa region. The CDBG grant will cover 50% of the project costs, the city covers 25% of the project costs, and the building owners cover the remaining 25%. This will be the city of Glenwood’s first Downtown Revitalization project.

“Glenwood has a downtown full of beautiful historic buildings that, like other downtowns, has seen some disinvestment,” stated SWIPCO Community Development Lead Planner Dani Briggs. “This project will work to reduce the blighted areas, highlight the historic architecture, and promote future investment in the downtown area.”

Construction is estimated to be started by April 2024 and should be completed by April 2025. The scope of work on this project includes tuckpointing, window and door replacement or rehab, painting, removing slip coverings, etc.

SWIPCO routinely provides grant writing and administration services to its member communities in Cass, Fremont, Harrison, Mills, Montgomery, Page, Pottawattamie, and Shelby Counties and has brought over $129 million in grants to the region in the last year alone.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Cass County (IA) Sheriff’s Office reports seven arrests took place from June 21st through July 7th. Most recently…

On Friday, July 7th: Cass County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 32-year-old Grace Thomsen, of Elk Horn, on warrants for Fraudulent Practice 1st Degree, Theft 1st Degree and Tampering with Records.  Thomsen turned herself in to the Cass County Jail where she was booked and held until her later release on bond; 44-year-old Anthony Karns, of Wiota, was arrested Friday on a warrant for Assault Causing Serious Injury.  Karns turned himself in to the Cass County Jail where he was booked and held pending his later release on bond.

On July 3rd, 2023, 64-year-old Randall Krogh, of Atlantic, was arrested for OWI/1st Offense.  Krogh was transported to the Cass County Jail where he was booked and held pending his later release on his own recognizance.

On June 30th, Deputies in Cass County arrested 18-year-old Naomi Grubbs, of Adair, on a warrant for Theft 5th Degree.  Grubbs was picked up and transported to the Cass County Jail where she was booked and held pending her later release on bond.

On June 27th, 43-year-old Sonia Jaramillo, of Atlantic, was arrested on a warrant for Violation of Probation.  Jaramillo was transported to the Cass County Jail where she was booked and held pending her later release on her own recognizance.

On June 26th, 34-year-old April Medina, of Atlantic, was arrested on two counts of Forgery.  Medina was booked and held at the Cass County Jail on the Forgery and additional, unrelated charges.

And, on June 21st, Cass County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 74-year-old Michael Hansen, of Griswold, for OWI/1st Offense.  Hanson was transported to the Cass County Jail where he was booked and held pending his later release on his own recognizance.