(Radio Iowa) – The four Iowans who’ll be serving in the U.S. House next year all back California Congressman Kevin McCarthy’s bid for House Speaker. A few conservative House Republicans say they won’t vote for McCarthy and their opposition currently blocks his ability to win the speakership next month. Congresswoman Ashley Hinson of Marion says McCarthy put in the work to secure a G-O-P majority in the House and he’ll ensure House Republicans deliver on their campaign promises.

“I think he’s going to be a really good speaker,” Hinson says. “He has done an incredible job of helping our conference unite, not only to be the check on the Biden Administration and fire Nancy Pelosi, but unite behind an agenda that we want to deliver and execute on, starting on January 3rd, so I’m hopeful we’re able to get moving on that as quickly as possible, get through some of the drama of the leadership elections and get down to business.” Hinson, who’ll be representing Iowa’s new second congressional district next year, made her comments on “Iowa Press” on Iowa P-B-S. Iowa Congressman-elect Zach Nunn of Bondurant, just elected to represent Iowa’s new third district, says McCarthy is a pragmatic leader who has his vote.

“I strongly support a Speaker McCarthy,” Nunn says. “I want someone who’s going to hold D.C. accountable.” McCarthy has been making promises to pick up conservatives’ votes, like promising to put a Republican congresswoman back on House committees and removing some high-profile Democrats from others next year. Nunn applauds those moves. “I salute him on those fronts and being speaker, you know, whether you’re Speaker Pelosi (who is stepping down as House Democrats’ leader) or a potential Speaker-elect here in McCarthy, it’s a hard job,” Nunn says. “What has resonated with me is the ‘one team, one fight’ mentality of the leadership. I think that’s how we’re going to do the best work for the American people.”

Nunn made his comments during an interview with Radio Iowa. First district Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks of Le Claire and fourth district Congressman Randy Feenstra of Hull are also backing McCarthy for speaker. A few weeks ago, about three dozen House Republicans did not support nominating McCarthy as House Speaker next year — but none were from Iowa.

The Board of Supervisors of Shelby County, Iowa, met Tuesday morning (Dec. 20, 2022), in Harlan. According to the minutes provided by Auditor Mark Maxwell, the Board opened bidding for an auction for the cash rent of the Shelby County Solid Waste Farm ground. Board Chair Steve Kenkel opened the bidding at $250/acre. The bidders present began bidding, with the final bid at $ 260.00 /acre which was submitted by Brandon Weis. The bid was for the 108 acres of farm ground at the solid waste site, for the 2023 crop season. The successful bidder will sign the agreement to include payment of one fourth of the lime plus fall fertilizer costs. The agreement will be placed in front of the Solid Waste Board for their approval.

Bidding in an auction was also held for the cash rent of the County Farm ground. Again, Kenkel opened the bidding at $250/ acre. Maxwell said there were at least two bidders present with the final bid at $360.00/acre which was submitted by Brandon Weis, for the 146 acres of farm ground at the County Farm site and The Board asked the Auditor to collect funds amounting to 5% of the total rent plus include payment of one fourth of the lime plus fall fertilizer costs.

In other business:

• Brent Scheve from The Agency was present to update the Supervisors with Insurance policies for 2023. The increase in premiums for this Decembers payment was noted to be an unbudgeted increase. The industry as a whole is seeing rising rates.
• Rod Baxter representing the Compensation Board presented the recommendations of the Compensation Board regarding salaries for elected officials. This year the Compensation Board recommends a 7.5% increase for elected officials excepting the Sheriff who’s salary is guided by Iowa code. The Shelby County Sheriffs salary was recommended to be increased by 16%. No further action was taken.
• Shelby County Auditor, Mark Maxwell, notified the Supervisors that a recent ICAP inspection and insurance review were completed at the Courthouse. Recommendations that were suggested were a distracted driving policy, proof of insurance for all private vehicles used on County time as well as fire extinguisher and emergency exit lighting inspections.

The Supervisors then considered permitting official Shelby County signatures on a multi county agreement/waiver and consent to enter into an agreement with other counties for joint representation and Common interests. A motion to that effect passed unanimously. The Supervisors were presented with the yearly ISAC Wellness agreement allowing Shelby County health insurance covered employees to participate and earn cash awards for participation in the program. That motion also passed unanimously.

The Board of Supervisors in Shelby County set January 10th at 9:00 AM, as the date and time for a public hearing regarding the consideration and possible passage of a resolution officially establishing an EMS (emergency medical services) Advisory Council in Shelby County and charging this Council with duties and recommendations to the Board of Supervisors.  A hearing date was considered, for the first reading of Ordinance 2023-1, an ordinance for engaging in the sale of stream mitigation credits in accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 23A.  The Board ultimately voted on holding the hearing during their Jan. 10, 2023 meeting, beginning at 9-a.m.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – At its second annual grant celebration event, the Cass County Community Foundation honored 35 nonprofit organizations and community projects that received grants throughout the past year. These honorees included grant recipients from both Spring and Fall 2022 grant cycles who were awarded a collective sum of $170,155. Throughout 2022, the Foundation received a total of 50 grant applications from community organizations, with more than $325,000 requested. As a part of its two grant cycles, the Cass County Community Foundation awarded $170,155 to 44 of these 50 applications. (Click on the images to enlarge)

Spring 2022 Grant Recipients:

Fall 2022 Grant Recipients:

Board Chair Kristi Burg said “In 2022, we’ve been able to fund a wide array of projects and programs. Grants were awarded to support construction and renovation, recreational opportunities, and many more projects that will have a positive effect on our community members—both young and old. We’re proud of the impact of the Foundation, and we’re glad to have this opportunity to celebrate the important work of these organizations throughout Cass County.”

Each year, the Cass County Community Foundation holds two grant cycles with the objective of funding projects that will have a lasting impact in the county. Iowa Foundations Director Sunni Kamp said “Since the Foundation was established in 1998, it has infused more than $2.6 million in grants and scholarships to support organizations and individuals across the county. This speaks to the generous, philanthropic spirit of our communities. With the support of our donors, charitable funds allocated through the community foundation, and our participation in the County Endowment Fund Program, we can continue to invest valuable resources back into projects and initiatives throughout Cass County.”

The Cass County Community Foundation is an affiliate of the Omaha Community Foundation, which meets National Standards for Community Foundations, and is one of nine county members of the Community Foundations of Southwest Iowa. Each year it receives funds from the State of Iowa County Endowment Fund Program for endowment building and grantmaking throughout the county. The spring cycle of grants is made possible through the County Endowment Fund Program and is funded by a percentage of the state’s commercial gaming tax revenue, which is distributed annually to participating community foundations associated with counties without a state-issued gaming license.

The Foundation’s fall grant cycle is made possible through the generosity of donors to the Cass County Community Foundation. The Foundation works with individuals, families, businesses, and organizations to create permanent and expendable funds that address changing, vital community needs and interests. Gifts to permanently endowed funds through the Cass County Community Foundation may be eligible to receive a 25% Endow Iowa Tax Credit.

Advisory board members of the Cass County Community Foundation are Chair, Kristi Burg of Massena; Vice Chair, Gaylord Schelling of Atlantic; Secretary/Treasurer, Sue Hunt of Atlantic; Sandy Bierbaum of Griswold; Justin D. Hockenberry of Anita; and Mike Tibken of Anita.

(Audubon, Iowa) – At its second annual grant celebration event, the Audubon County Community Foundation honored 11 nonprofit organizations and community projects that received grants throughout the past year. These honorees included grant recipients from both Spring and Fall 2022 grant cycles who were awarded a collective sum of $186,985. Throughout 2022, the Foundation received a total of 19 grant applications from community organizations, with more than $400,000 requested. As a part of its two grant cycles, the Audubon County Community Foundation awarded $186,985 to 14 of these 19 applications. (Click on images to enlarge)

Foundation Board Chair Steven B. Hansen said “In 2022, we’ve been able to fund a wide array of projects and programs. Grants were awarded to support construction and renovation, recreational opportunities, and many more projects that will have a positive effect on our community members—both young and old. We’re proud of the impact of the Foundation, and we’re glad to have this opportunity to celebrate the important work of these organizations throughout Audubon County.” Each year, the Audubon County Community Foundation holds two grant cycles with the objective of funding projects that will have a lasting impact in the county.

Pictured are Foundation board members and representatives of Audubon County organizations who received grants from the Audubon County Community Foundation. (1st Row Left to Right); Amy Madsen – Friendship Home; Jessica Andersen – Friendship Home; Megan Wagner – Audubon County Community Foundation Board Member, Secretary/Treasurer; Jolene Burns – Audubon County Hospital Foundation Board; Gina Benton – Audubon County Community Foundation Board Member; (2nd Row); Steven B. Hansen – Audubon County Community Foundation Board Member, Chair; Donna Olson – Audubon County Community Foundation Board Member; Daniel Bierbrodt – Audubon County Hospital Foundation, Audubon Recreation Foundation; Pat Kaiser – Audubon County Community Foundation Board Member, Vice Chair; Sara Slater – Albert the Bull Committee; Janet Collins – Audubon County Historical Society; Cindy Carter – Audubon County Historical Society; (3rd Row); Doug Olsen – Audubon Recreation Foundation; Dennis Carter – Audubon County Historical Society; Greg Jensen – Audubon County Agricultural Society; Bob Blomme, DVM – Audubon County Community Foundation Board Member; Trey Kellner – Audubon Recreation Foundation

Iowa Foundations Director Sunni Kamp said “Since the Foundation was established in 1997, it has infused more than $2.8 million in grants and scholarships to support organizations and individuals across the county. This speaks to the generous, philanthropic spirit of our communities. With the support of our donors, charitable funds allocated through the community foundation, and our participation in the County Endowment Fund Program, we can continue to invest valuable resources back into projects and initiatives throughout Audubon County.”

The Audubon County Community Foundation is an affiliate of the Omaha Community Foundation, which meets National Standards for Community Foundations, and is one of nine county members of the Community Foundations of Southwest Iowa. Each year it receives funds from the State of Iowa County Endowment Fund Program for endowment building and grantmaking throughout the county. The spring cycle of grants is made possible through the County Endowment Fund Program and is funded by a percentage of the state’s commercial gaming tax revenue, which is distributed annually to participating community foundations associated with counties without a state-issued gaming license.

The Foundation’s fall grant cycle is made possible through the generosity of donors to the Audubon County Community Foundation. The Foundation works with individuals, families, businesses, and organizations to create permanent and expendable funds that address changing, vital community needs and interests. Gifts to permanently endowed funds through the Audubon County Community Foundation may be eligible to receive a 25% Endow Iowa Tax Credit.

Advisory board members of the Audubon County Community Foundation are Chair, Steven B. Hansen of Audubon; Vice Chair, Pat Kaiser of Audubon; Secretary/Treasurer, Megan Wagner of Audubon; Gina Benton of Exira; Dr. Bob Blomme, DVM of Audubon; Travis Nelson of Exira; and Donna Olson of Kimballton.

(Radio Iowa) – The holidays are a time for families to come together, but friction can sometimes develop that will ruin the festive atmosphere if the wrong conversational subjects are broached. University of Iowa professor and psychologist Michele Williams says the old adage about not discussing politics and religion holds true, but there are other topics to avoid, too. She suggests using a technique called LARA, which stands for Listen, Affirm, Respond and Ask questions. “When someone says something that triggers you emotionally, you tend to jump in and you fight back, you might be defensive,” Williams says. “If you slow down, with methods from dialogue like LARA, it helps you.”

You may want to skip chatting with your aunt or uncle about things like inflation, gasoline prices or even vaccines, as they can be hot-button issues. Williams says we tend to talk too much and listen too little, so she suggests striving to have a dialogue, not a debate. “Often, you’ve probably seen this, too, you see an argument and both people seem to be saying the same thing because they’re not actually listening to the other side,” Williams says. “They’re responding so quickly that they never know that there are points where they agree and information that could improve both of their thinking.”

Subjects that are not usually prone to prompt conflict include food, sports, art, or even just the kids. Williams says to try and keep positive feelings front and center during holiday gatherings.  “You could do that by having pictures, mementos, wear a piece of jewelry that the other person had given you as a child, things around you that are kind of touchstones,” she says, “to remember that this conversation is with someone you love and the reason you’re coming together as a family is to really celebrate those relationships.”

Williams is a UI professor of management and entrepreneurship in the Tippie College of Business and she’s a psychologist who specializes in management communications and relationships.

(Radio Iowa) – The U.S. Senate has confirmed the appointment of a northeast Iowa native to a key role in the U-S Department of Agriculture. Alexis Taylor is now the Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs in the U-S-D-A. During a confirmation hearing in late September, Taylor told senators she’d work to remove trade barriers and ensure countries adhere to science-based regulations. Taylor also said she expects to work on the international food crisis created by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Taylor grew up on a farm near Holy Cross and earned a political science degree from Iowa State University in 2005. She served in the Army Reserves and did a tour of duty in Iraq. Taylor, who was appointed director of the Oregon Department of Agriculture in 2016, previously worked in the U-S-D-A, overseeing the Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services division.

(Corning, Iowa) – The Adams County Sheriff’s Office has released a report on arrests and incidents that took place from Dec. 12th through the 19th. Authorities say on Monday, Dec. 19th, the Sheriff’ Office received a report about a hit and run that occurred on Highway 148 and 6th Street, in Corning, and a person had been injured. The male subject was transported by Adams County Ambulance to CHI in Corning. On Wednesday, Dec. 21st, Deputies arrested 38-year-old Tara Squibbs, of Corning, following an investigation into Monday’s incident. Squibbs was booked into the Adams County Jail, on charges  that include: Failure to Provide Aid or Information; Death or Personal Injuries; Leaving the scene of an accident; 3 counts of Driving While Suspended; Criminal Mischief in the 2nd Degree, and Proof of Financial Liability – Accident (related).

On Dec 18th, Adams County Deputies initiated a traffic stop at around 12:42-a.m., on the driver of a vehicle who failed to maintain his lane at Quincy and 10th Streets, in Corning. Upon further investigation, Lincoln Alan Calvin, of Lenox, was arrested for OWI/1st offense. His BAC registered .218. Calvin was also cited for Open Container.

On Dec. 17th, Adams County Deputies arrested 50-year-old Jamie Calkins, of Corning, for OWI/1st offense, following a traffic stop at Chestnut Avenue and 160th Street. Calkins later posted a$ 1,000 bond and was released. On Dec. 16th, Deputies in Adams County responded to a reported incident of Assault at the Corning Hy-Vee store. An investigation resulted in the arrest of 52-year-old Rhonda Thompson, of Corning, on charges that include Assault Causing Bodily/Mental Illness, and Harassment in the 2nd Degree/Hate Crime. Thompson was being held in the Adams County Jail on a $3,000 cash-only bond.

And, on Dec. 12th, Kelley Malone, of Corning, was arrested for Driving While Suspended. She was also cited for Fraudulent Use of Registration, and Failure to Provide Proof of Financial Liability. She was released on her Own Recognizance, pending a court appearance.

**”Any potential criminal charges identified above are merely allegations, and any defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.”

(Radio Iowa) – An orchestra from Ukraine will be performing in Iowa next year. The Lviv National Philharmonic Orchestra will be touring in the United States — and David Stuart, board chairman of the Ames International Orchestra Festival Association, says they’re booked for March 3rd in Ames.

“We appreciate not only what they’re going by going through, but what they are doing to responding to that by going out in the rest of the world and performing concerts as ambassadors from the Ukraine,” Stuart says. Two months after Russia started its offensive in Ukraine, the orchestra had just finished performing “Prayer for Ukraine” at an outdoor concert in Lviv when air raid sirens went off. The video of that moment was widely shared online.

Stuart says one way of preserving culture is performing music and the orchestra from Lviv is doing that in the midst of war.   “I think artists of all sorts — musicians, orchestras, actors, actresses, opera companies — go perform when they can,” Stuart says, “in spite of the difficulties in what may be going on around them.” One of the pieces the Lviv orchestra will perform in Ames is from Dvorak’s New World Symphony, which many believe has a connection to a small northeast Iowa town.

“Rumors, so to speak, are he did a lot of work on that symphony when he was in Spillville,” Stuart says. The Lviv orchestra’s concert in Ames will be held March 3rd in C.Y. Stephens Auditorium on the Iowa State University campus. Tickets went on sale Wednesday.

(Radio Iowa) – Gas prices continue to fall in Iowa, with the price for regular unleaded well below three dollars in most Iowa cities. According to Triple A, the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline was two-86 ($2.86) on Wednesday. That’s a nickle below the average price in the middle of last week and 17 cents lower than it was a year ago. Diesel prices are also declining in Iowa, down to an average of four-dollars-and-33 cents a gallon ($4.33). While that’s 16 cents lower than last Wednesday, it is still 23 percent higher than a year ago.

According to the Iowa Department of Agriculture, propane and heating oil prices dropped in the past week, too.

(Radio Iowa) – A federal agency called the Horse Racing Integrity and Safety Authority is set to take over the over the regulation of drug testing for thoroughbred horses in January. Iowa Racing and Gaming Administrator, Brian Ohorilkoh  says that will impact Iowa’s only horse track at in Altoona.

“The intent is for uniformity across the country. It’s something that some states view it favorably — many states do not — but what we do know is that there will definitely be some changes in terms of how racing is regulated,” he says, “not only at Prairie Meadows, but at every racetrack throughout the country. ” The federal government has assessed Iowa a fee of more than one million dollars for these services. If the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission picks up and conduct the tasks outlined in the different federal regulations, the state will receive a credit of approximately 400-thousand dollars. That leaves around 650-thousand dollar that the race track and horse industry have to figure out a way to pay.

“And that, you know, at this point is really kind of the major factor in terms of how those fees will be paid, who will pay for them and how that those payments will trickle down and impact the rest of the industry in terms of number of people that are able to continue to participate number of starters per race,” Ohorilkoh says. He says Prairie Meadows already pays the state a fee — but it includes more than horse racing.

“The regulatory fees currently for Prairie Meadows are just north of a million dollars. And that includes the regulation of casino gambling, sports betting, thoroughbred racing and quarter horse racing,” Ohorilkoh says. Regulators and the groups involved in horse racing have has some discussion on the issue, and Ohorilkoh says that will continue.

“We’re working towards compliance and in trying to determine what will everyone will play and how it will be paid for,” he says. The I-R-G-C has hired a company that is conducting a study of the horse racing industry. Ohorilkoh says the potential impact of the federal regulation is one of the things included in the study. It will also look at things like the scheduling of races and the marketing of the track and how to maximize its benefits.