(Radio Iowa) – Cold, wet weather delayed farmers from getting into the fields this spring, but Iowa Ag Secretary Mike Naig, says they have been quickly working to catch up. “We had a significant week of progress last week on corn and soybean planting. You know, farmers are having to dodge some rain clouds this week but I think we will once again see a significant progress change in the in the planting progress,” Niag says. “And of course, it’s great to see the sunshine because once you get the seed in the ground, of course you want it to germinate and get up and we think conditions that are conducive to that.” 

You may have seen lights in the fields late into the night this past week as farmers kept planting after dark. “With technology and the equipment that we run today you know we can run long hours folks can run overnight where they didn’t used to be able to do that,” according to Naig. “So you know when the conditions are right we can get a lot of acres covered in a pretty short time.” Niag says it’s the time of year when many farmers put in lots of hours.

Working late, working overnight and you know getting just a few hours of sleep, that’s what we’ve got this year. The late start has kind of pushed people to have to do that,” he says. The U-S-D-A reported a 43-percent increase in corn planting last week and a 27 percent increase in bean planting. The numbers for this week will be released Monday.

(Radio Iowa) – It appears Iowa legislators will return to the Capitol next week to make final decisions on the state budget. The Senate’s budget committee met in public and in private for seven hours Wednesday to pass ten budget bills. Republican Senator Tom Costello of Imogene is leading negotiations with House Republicans on the bill that will provide funding for the state’s human services and public health agencies.

“We have an agreement, but not all the kinks are ironed out of it yet, so we are not solid on it yet,” Costello said, “so I can’t really say: ‘Yeah, we’ve got an agreement.'” Senator Amanda Ragan of Mason City says she and her fellow Democrats are in the dark when it comes to details in the health and human services budget.

“It’s one of the larger bills and larger budgets, so I think it’s critical that we have some opportunity to really examine it before we vote on it,” Ragan says. Senator Todd Taylor, a Democrat from Cedar Rapids, is raising the same concerns about the budget for the state’s court system. “This is about the worst process possible,” Taylor said. “Normally, we meet multiple hours, multiple weeks, multiple months throughout the session.”

Republican Senator Tim Kraayenbrink of Fort Dodge is chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. He says the marathon one-day meeting to review state budget plans was necessary. “This isn’t normal,” Kraayenbrink says. “The last several years haven’t been normal.” Republicans hold the majority of seats in the House and the Senate, so they determine what bills pass. Governor Reynolds and G-O-P leaders say details of the entire eight-point-two BILLION dollar state budget should be hammered out soon.

The governor continues to lobby for House passage of her state scholarship plan for private school students. Reynolds has begun endorsing Republican Primary candidates running against Republican House members who’ve said they oppose it.

(Emerson, Iowa) – A pursuit that began west of Red Oak Thursday night, ended near the Emerson Cemetery north of Emerson, and lead to the arrest of a man from Fremont County. According to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, 23-year-old Brandon Logan, of Sidney, was arrested around 8:45 p.m. Thursday. He faces numerous charges, including speed 25 miles per hour over the limit, and driving with a suspended, denied, or revoked license. Logan was also cited for speeding at 108 mph in a 55 mph zone, failure to carry financial liability, and failure to obey a traffic control device. His bond was set at $2,000.

The pursuit started when a deputy noticed a motorcycle traveling west on 200th Street near Evergreen Avenue at a high rate of speed. The chase that ensued went through Emerson, and back onto U.S. Highway 34, before ending in the 59,000 block of Highway 59.

The Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Mills County Sheriff’s Office and Montgomery County Communications.

(Dubuque County, Iowa) – A crash involving a semi tractor-trailer in eastern Iowa Friday morning, claimed the life of a from California. The Iowa State Patrol reports a 2016 Western Star tractor-trailer driven by 54-year-old David B. Attebery, of Rialto, CA, was northbound on Highway 151 south of Dubuque at around 9:40-a.m., when he failed to negotiate the sharp curve of on the ramp to Highway 61 northbound.

When the semi rolled over, Attebery was ejected from the cab and died at the scene. He was not wearing a seat belt. The accident remains under investigation. The Patrol was assisted at the scene by the Dubuque Police and Fire Departments, Iowa DOT Motor Vehicle Enforcement (MVA), and the DOT Highway Dept.

The semi involved was registered to a trucking company from Caldwell, Idaho.

Police in Glenwood report the arrest today (Friday), of 29-year-old Timothy Jennings, from Glenwood. Jennings was arrested for Possession of a controlled substance 3rd degree and Possession of drug paraphernalia. His cash/surety bond was set at $2,300.

May 20, 2022 (DES MOINES, IA) – Today, the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) Board approved awards for three companies, which will assist in the creation of 163 jobs and result in over $106 million in new capital investment for the state. These projects are located in Armstrong/Estherville, Dyersville and Le Mars. The board also approved innovation funding in support of six startups located in Ankeny, Bettendorf, Clive, Coralville, Prole and Tabor.

Awards for expansion/job creation went to :

• moveero to expand operations in Armstrong and Estherville – moveero, Inc., founded in 1967, manufactures hubs, spindles and wheels for the off-highway market of agricultural, construction and mining equipment with customers in North and South America. The company plans to expand their capabilities and equipment at the Armstrong and Estherville locations. The project is expected to create 11 jobs incented at a qualifying wage of $19.05 per hour. The company was awarded tax benefits through the High Quality Jobs (HQJ) program for this $9.6 million capital investment.
• Ancient Brands Milling to increase capacity in Dyersville – Ancient Brands Milling is a leading North American manufacturer of organic and non-GMO puffed grains for market-recognizable brands and co-manufacturers of cereal, granola, energy bars and plant-based alternatives. The company plans to increase its product capacity in Dyersville with the construction of a 92,000 square foot facility. The project represents a $26.5 million capital investment and is expected to create 17 jobs incented at a qualifying wage of $22.63 per hour. The board awarded the company tax benefits through the HQJ program.
•  Wells Enterprises to add product lines in Le Mars – Founded in Le Mars in 1913, Wells Enterprises, Inc. manufactures frozen treat brands such as Blue Bunny, Bomb Pop and Halo Top found in grocery, convenience and club stores throughout the U.S. The company plans to add new product lines and upgrade equipment at their facility. The board awarded this $70 million capital investment project tax benefits through the HQJ program. The project is expected to create 135 jobs, of which 82 are incented at a qualifying wage of $23.94 per hour.

Awards made to six startups include:

• Axis-U of Ankeny, which developed an online pre-apprenticeship training platform that helps Iowa employers connect to job seekers. After starting with the healthcare industry, the company is now committed to serving manufacturing companies with their CAD, CNC and welding apprenticeship programs. The company was awarded a $25,000 Proof of Commercial Relevance loan for market analysis, product refinement, key personnel and equipment.
• Bettendorf’s Learning Couture created a web-based Customizing Learning Platform that supports professional learning for teachers. It engages teachers in self-reflection and growth, allowing for teachers and leaders to monitor growth patterns over time in both teacher practices and student outcomes. The company was awarded a $25,000 Proof of Commercial Relevance loan for IP development and evaluation, market analysis, proof of concept work, product refinement, and marketing planning and entry activities.
• Clive-based Groov, Inc. is a software as a service (SaaS) company for residential land developers that organizes all land development data in one place. The company was awarded a $100,000 Demonstration Fund loan for market analysis and key personnel.
• ProCircular, doing business in Coralville, is a cybersecurity and compliance firm that is launching an interactive, virtual version of their table-top cybersecurity escape room game. The company was awarded a $250,000 Innovation Acceleration Propel Fund loan for IP development and evaluation, market and competitive analysis, proof of concept work, product refinement, market planning and entry activities, and key personnel.
• Located in Prole, Aronson Woodworks is an artisanal, craft furniture manufacturer that utilizes recycled lumber from diseased ash trees to create hand-crafted furniture specializing in the application of the patented Claize^TM finish. The company was awarded a $250,000 Innovation Acceleration Propel Fund loan for key personnel and equipment.
• Hellcat Technologies in Tabor developed the Hellcat Office Command and Hellcat Field Command applications to optimize management efficiencies and data accuracy by digitizing paperwork and communications in the office and field. The integrated, cloud-based software platform allows for all levels of the telecom construction industry to seamlessly manage projects in real-time. The company was awarded a $25,000 Proof of Commercial Relevance loan for product refinement and market planning and entry activities.

Award recommendations for these funds are made by the Technology Commercialization Committee to the IEDA Board for approval.

(Lewis, Iowa) – The Cass County Conservation Board held a 120 Hours Outdoor Challenge all year long in 2021. The program ran from January 1, 2021 through Jan. 1, 2022. During that time frame, Cass County residents were encouraged to get out and explore the natural features the county has to offer, and more. People were encouraged everyone to explore Nature by hiking, birding, walking, but also through meditation or sitting in spots outside, because, they say, “Everything you do outside counts!” Studies that show the benefits to spending around 2-to 3-hours outside per week include lower stress levels, decreased blood pressure, and a boost to your mental health.

Individuals who reached milestones of 30, 60, 90, and/or 120 hours were entered into drawings for prizes over the course of the year. In order to be entered for prizes, a photo of your tracker were due on the check-in dates of May 1, September 1, and Jan 1, 2022. All three check-ins must be completed for the grand prize! Naturalist Lora Kanning says they were excited to see everyone check in and complete the challenge. She says there were more than 30 children participating in the Challenge, so there were separate prizes for them.

(Pictured Emily K accepting for Zac, and Clara K. on the right) Courtesy Lora Kanning

Kanning says “Emma B. was our first winner, reaching our May check-in. Michelle A. was our September check-in. Debbie S. was our 60 hour check-in winner. The children’s drawing winner was Jacob R.” The final listed of winners who completed the Challenge include: The Childrens – Will K. They also drew three prizes with all of the participants who completed the challenge: Monica B., Kelly M., Clara K.

Kanning says “Our grand prize winner of $200 in outdoor gear donated by Nishna Valley YMCA, was Zac K. Cass County Conservation Board would like to thank our partners who donated to the challenge: Nishna Valley YMCA, Brown’s Shoe Fit Atlantic, Jazzersize Atlantic, Anita Wellness Center, and the Bike Farm.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic Chamber Ambassadors were introduced to new staff members of Allen Place at the Rock Island Depot on Thursday, May 19th, 2022. The Ambassadors met the new Executive Director, Doug Hanigar, who was born in Texas and raised in Oklahoma. He and his wife and children moved to Atlantic in late December 2021. Doug was previously working in administration at a 320-bed facility in Oklahoma and has enjoyed working with staff and residents in a small, more personal setting.

Melinda Hunnicutt was born and raised in Audubon, Iowa and has worked in long term care since she was 14 years old. Melinda has worked in many positions within the long-term care communities such as an Environment Aid, CNA, and Kitchen Aid. At 32 years old, Melinda decided to go back to school to become a nurse. Melinda has been a nurse for 10 years and has recently celebrated her one year of employment at Allen Place.

Photo courtesy the Atlantic Chamber.

Allen Place provides services such as housekeeping, laundry, meal service, and activities in a vibrant community for residents on a short or long-term basis. Allen Place prides themselves on 24/7 care specific to the needs of each resident while providing a secure, comforting, and fun environment.

For more information about Allen Place call 712-264-5584 or visit https://www.enlivant.com/communities/iowa/allen-place-atlantic

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic Chamber Ambassadors were hosted by Atlantic Ag & Auto Carquest on Wednesday, May 18th, 2022. The Ambassadors joined the business in celebrating the opening of the parts store located at 716 W 7th Street in Atlantic. The Chamber says Randy Eden has been in the parts & service industry for over 35 years and has always had a dream of “opening a parts store on the highway.”

photo courtesy the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce.

With the dream in mind, Eden, along with the Watts family, took on the large task of completely renovating the building that was once home to the Salvation Army. Through another Carquest location, the business was able to build a large inventory. With the help of Randy’s team of dedicated individuals, the business was able to officially open their doors April 18th.

Atlantic Ag & Auto Carquest specializes in auto replacement parts along with replacement parts for agriculture equipment including hydraulic hoses and fittings. Randy and his team strive to have high-quality parts on hand to get the customer back up and running with the shortest down time as possible. Atlantic Ag & Auto Carquest is open Monday-Friday 6AM-6PM and Saturday 6AM-1PM.

Atlantic Ag & Auto Carquest is located at 716 W 7th Street in Atlantic. For more information, call 712-254-7373 or visit their Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/atlanticagandauto

(Radio Iowa) – Iowa’s unemployment rate dropped again in April. Iowa Workforce Development reports initial unemployment claims fell to five-thousand-290 (5,290) last month — the lowest monthly number since 1973. That led to a drop in the April unemployment rate to three percent, down from three-point-three percent in March. The total number of working Iowans increased by 10-thousand in April compared to March — and that’s 45-thousand-100 more than April one year ago.

Manufacturing added 11-hundred jobs — the most of any sector for the month — and the fifth consecutive gain for the sector.