UPDATED – (Radio Iowa) – The chairman of the Republican Party of Iowa says there’s no place for political violence in America. Iowa G-O-P chair Jeff Kaufmann spoke with Radio Iowa a few hours after former President Trump was shot in the ear and a person in the crowd at Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania was killed.

Kaufmann says he doesn’t know if plans for next week’s Republican National Convention will change, but he hopes not.

Kaufmann was in Mount Pleasant, giving a speech to Henry County Republicans Saturday afternoon and someone stopped Kaufmann as he walked to his car to break the news.

As Kaufmann drove home Saturday afternoon, Kaufmann says he thought of another presidential candidate whose family has lived through two assassinations. “Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. needs to have Secret Service protection before the stroke of midnight,” Kaufmann said. Kaufmann has been to innumerable political rallies — and gone through the metal detectors along with the rest of the crowd — and he says it’s hard to comprehend today’s events.

Iowa political leaders immediately began issuing statements on social media Saturday afternoon, calling for Iowans to pray for Trump, thanking the Secret Service for its response — and condemning the violence. Iowa Democratic Party chairman Rita Hart said gun violence is never acceptable and violence of any sort should never be perpetrated against people who are trying to participate in our democratic process.

The FBI early on Sunday (today) identified the suspected gunman as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. His motive for the shooting is not yet clear.

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Governor Kim Reynolds issued the following statement regarding the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania earlier this evening: “This assassination attempt on a former president, current nominee for president, and leader of the Republican Party marks a dark day in American history. Kevin and I are grateful that President Trump is safe and is doing well. We will continue to pray for him and his family, as well as those who were shot and the family of the individual who was killed.

“As President Trump showed when he walked off the stage, we will not cower to such terror. I will be in Milwaukee this week and will proudly stand with him and our party. America will get through this, together, and President Trump will lead us into the next four years.”

A statement from IDP Chair Rita Hart: “The news about Former President Donald Trump is extremely troubling. Gun violence is never acceptable and violence of any sort should never be perpetuated against people who are trying to participate in our democratic process. My thoughts are with the people who attended today’s rally and were forced to witness today’s events. I am thankful for the Secret Service and all of the brave men and women who fight to keep our nation safe every day.”

Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley’s post on X: Thank u secret service agents for ur selflessness& bravery

Iowa Senator Joni Ernst’s post on X: In the midst of chaos, Trump showed strength. Continuing to pray for him and our country. God bless America!

First district Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Davenport) on X: Tragic learning there’s one fatality and 2 injured in addition to Trump in Butler, PA. I pray for them & their families. I’m grateful for the Secret Service, LEO’s and first responders; thank you. Importantly, I absolutely condemn political violence. It is never acceptable! Solve differences at the ballot box.

Christina Bohannan of Iowa City, the Democratic nominee in Iowa’s first congressional district, on X: Praying for the safety of former President Trump and everyone who was at the rally. Violence has no place in our political system.

Second district Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (R-Marion) on X: Pray for President Trump.

Third district Congressman Zach Nunn (R-Bondurant) on X: Join Kelly and me in praying for President Trump, his family, and all attendees.

Lanon Baccam of Des Moines, the Democratic Party’s nominee in Iowa’s third congressional district, on X: Political violence is unacceptable. We cannot tolerate despicable acts like this. We must find a way to come back together as a country. I pray for President Trump and everyone affected at the rally today.

Fourth district Congressman Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) issued a written statement: “I join the American people in praying for President Trump and those in attendance at his rally. This violence is unacceptable and disgusting. I wish the President a speedy recovery.”

Ryan Melton of Nevada, the Democratic Party’s nominee in the fourth congressional district, on X: My thoughts and prayers are with Former President Trump, and I wish him the best in his recovery. I commend the Secret Service for their quick response, and wish the best for all rally attendees. There’s no place for any kind of violence in our political process.

DES MOINES, IA – On Saturday, State Auditor Rob Sand released the following statement in response to the political violence that erupted at a Trump campaign rally in Pennsylvania:

“Please join our family and all Iowans in praying for former president Donald Trump and anyone else impacted by this senseless act of violence. Political violence of any kind is unacceptable, and has no place in a democracy. Thankful for the quick action by secret service and law enforcement, who put their lives on the line each and every day in service of our country.”

(Griswold, Iowa) – A regular monthly meeting of the Griswold School District’s Board of Education will be held Monday, beginning at 5:30-p.m, in the Conference Room at the school. Some New Business items on the agenda include: Discussion w/regard to the relocation of the concession stand (Informational only – no action expected); The appointment of – District Business Manager/Treasurer, Board Secretary, District Attorney, and Affirmative Action Coordinator; and Approval of – Bakery, Dairy, Snow Removal, Warewash, Facility and Safety Grant bids.

View the full agenda below:

• Call Meeting to Order

• Reading of Mission Statement

• Approval of Agenda (D.R.)

• Public Input

• Superintendent’s Report:

1. Thank You Card(s) (I)
2. The Month in Review – Administration (I)
3. Board Learning Opportunities (I)

– Select July Recipient(s)

– IASB Convention

– Board Self-Evaluation

• Consent Agenda (D.R.)

Approval of Minutes

Approval of Financial Statements

Approval of Bills

4. Personnel

5. Gifts, Memorials, Bequests

Old Business

6. Board Policies – Second Reading (D.R.) – 900, 901, 902.1, 902.2, 902.3, 902.4, 902.5

New Business

7. Discussion On Concession Stand Relocation (I)

8. Approval Of Official Depositories For The District (D.R.)

9. Discussion On Exit Interview Results (I)

10. Appointment Of Business Manager / Treasurer (D.R.)

11. Appointment Of Board Secretary (D.R.)

12. Appointment Of District Attorney (D.R.)

13. Appointment Of Affirmative Action Coordinator (D.R.)

14. Approval Of Bakery Bids (D.R.)

15. Approval Of Trash Bids (D.R.)

16. Approval Of Dairy Bids (D.R.)

17. Approval Of Snow Removal Bids (D.R.)

18. Approval Of Warewash Bids (D.R.)

19. Approval Of Facility Bids (D.R.)

20. Approval Of Safety Grant Bids (D.R.)

21. Board Policies – First Reading (I) – 106.1, 106.1E1, 106.1R1, 106.1R2, 106.1R3, 106.1R4, 106.1R5, 200.4, 206.3, 206.4, 401.6, 402.3, 501.3, 501.9, 501.9R1, 501.14, 501.15, 502.6, 505.2, 603.1, 603.12, 607.2, 710.1, 801.3, 803.2, 903.1, 903.2, 903.3, 903.4, 903.5, 903.5R1, 905.3, Rescind 501.9E1, 501.10, 510.10R1

22. Annual Review Of Policies 505.5, 505.8, 711.3 and 711.5 (I)

• Adjourn

(D.R.) = Decision Required

(I.) = Informational

Final agenda will be posted in the Central Office no less than 24 hours before the meeting.

DAVENPORT, Iowa – A Davenport man was sentenced on Wednesday, July 10, 2024 to 137 months in federal prison, for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, Sylvester George Taylor Staples, 31, was found in possession of a firearm and 9.24 grams of cocaine base. Staples had multiple prior felony convictions, including a prior federal conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm. At sentencing, the Court also found Staples violated the terms of his federal supervised release and ordered to serve an additional 24 months of imprisonment.

After completing his term of imprisonment, Staples will be required to serve 3 years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Davenport Police Department.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic Area Chamber Ambassadors were hosted by the Bike Farm on Thursday, July 11th, 2024. The Ambassadors gathered to view Steve Anderson’s new building at the Bike Farm, a full-service bike shop, located just off the T-Bone bike trail.

At the Bike Farm, Anderson services all models of bicycles and have a large inventory of parts and accessories on hand. Steve has been working in bike maintenance since college, with his first job being at Bike World in Ames. Steve Anderson continued his love for bike maintenance by opening the Bike Farm 10 years ago. The bike farm has been remarkably busy with the anticipation of the upcoming 2024 RAGBRAI.

Anderson said “RAGBRAI gets people interested in pulling their bikes out of the garage. He currently has over fifty bikes in storage to work on or sell, but he says loves what he does.

Ambassador’s Pictured Left to Right: Alden Harriman, Dolly Bergmann, Chris Parks, Paula Leverence, Megan Sramek, Cara Anderson, Krysta Hanson, Anne Quist, Steve Anderson, Paige Harden, Gary Anderson, Julie Waters, Jeremy Butler, Elaine Otte, Jennifer McEntaffer, Jeff Christensen, Nina Welter, Bill Saluk, Janet Cappel, Scott Benett, Kathie Hockenberry, Kelsey Beschorner, DeeDee Kalny and Sue Liston.

While the bike farm typically focuses on maintenance and repair of bikes, there are used and new bikes available for sale. Steve takes immense pride in helping people find good bikes that fit their needs, working closely with a biking company in Ankeny and Waukee, to ensure he finds the best option for all levels of riders.

The Bike Farm is located at 55717 Olive Street in Atlantic. For more information about The Bike Farm and the services they provide, contact Steve Anderson at (712) 249-3930.

(Radio Iowa) – Three weeks out from devastating floods in Northwest Iowa, recovery continues. The Red Cross has been on the ground in affected areas since the beginning of the disaster and will continue to assist residents in finding some sort of relief in the face of horrible loss. American Red Cross Public Affairs Manager Kim Mailes says things have progressed beyond finding people a place to stay to continuing to help them recover.

Mailes says at the beginning of operations, 14 shelters were opened, they recorded four-thousand overnight stays, served 30-thousand meals and supported 11 emergency operation centers. He says the Red Cross now operates two emergency shelters but still serve more than 14-hundred meals each day. The Red Cross also records damage assessments in a database and shares it with FEMA.

That’s when The Red Cross contacts people that have been recorded in the database and meets with them individually to determine their needs. Quite often it’s assistance with replacing furniture, clothing, medicines, etc., and once the Red Cross completes 85% disaster assessment, they start providing financial assistance. Financial assistance is in addition to anything received from other organizations such as an insurance settlement or FEMA payout and is not based on income.

Mailes says people who might have been missed during the assessment phase can call the Red Cross and an assessment crew will be dispatched to their location. That number is 1-800-Red-Cross (1-800-733-2767).

(Atlantic, Iowa) – Southwest Iowa Transit Agency (SWITA) will be celebrating Ride Transit Week July 15 th through the
19th and encourages the public to find out more about public transit in the region and take a ride on SWITA.

Public transit gets Americans to work, to education, to healthcare, and more. It also helps job creation, alleviates traffic congestion, and reduces emissions. In 2023 Americans traveled 36.87 billion miles on public transit during 7.11 billion trips. 6 billion gallons of gasoline are saved each year by using public transportation and a 5-to-1 economic return is produced by long-term investment in public transit.

SWITA officials say they are proud to be part of that public transit equation right here in eight Iowa counties. SWITA has continued to support record public transit ridership in the region year-over-year with 520,000 rides in fiscal year 2023 and anticipating a total of over 550,000 for fiscal year 2024. SWITA’s ride services include taxis in six communities, medical transportation, student transportation, workforce transportation, and special/charter trips. SWITA vehicles are equipped with wheelchair accessibility and one personal attendant rides free.

SWITA will be celebrating Ride Transit Week with many offerings, highlighted by an appearance on Thursday, July 18th at Produce in the Park in Atlantic City Park. Stop by and see the SWITA crew for fun, prizes, and information. Mini SWITA buses will be hidden throughout the park for visitors to find and return to the SWITA table for a prize. Other activities will include kids’ handprint painting on a flag, a chance to check out a SWITA bus, information available about services and how to sign up, and other fun and giveaways.

Seven area communities have already issued or will be issuing Mayoral Proclamations supporting Ride Transit Week: Atlantic, Council Bluffs, Glenwood, Harlan, Missouri Valley, Red Oak, and Shenandoah. SWITA operates a taxi service in six of those communities and the Special Transit Service (STS) in Council Bluffs.

SWITA has earned major honors for its service this year. SWITA was named the Iowa Department of Transportation’s Regional Transit System of the Year and received the FTA Region 7 Rural Transit Systems Award of Excellence.

To find out more about SWITA and the services offered you can browse SWITA.com or call 800-842- 8065 or 712-243-2518. Follow us on Facebook for regular updates as well. SWITA services are open to the public. Help SWITA celebrate Ride Transit Week July 15-19, 2024!

(Radio Iowa) – A lobbyist for an influential evangelical Christian group says the Iowa Supreme Court ruling that upheld a six week abortion ban is a major milestone, but a complete ban on abortion is the ultimate goal. Chuck Hurley spoke this (Friday) afternoon at a summit hosted by The Family Leader.

Life at Conception or personhood bills have been introduced in the Iowa legislature, in other states and the U-S congress. Alabama and Arkansas have personhood amendments in their state constitutions. Democrats say a personhood law or constitutional amendment could outlaw in vitro fertilization, since Alabama’s Supreme Court recently ruled frozen embryos are children and those who destroy embryos could be held liable for wrongful death.

DES MOINES – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is offering a program to teach skills needed to trap furbearers to people with little to no trapping experience. The workshop will feature knowledge and skill building sessions with instructors that will teach the basics of trapping in Iowa. Jamie Cook, Iowa DNR Program Coordinator, says “For those interested in the tradition of trapping as a means of sourcing fur, this program provides the opportunity to gain the skills and the knowledge it takes to do it all yourself.”

Participants will learn basic strategies for trapping such as proper equipment, trap placement, trapping regulations and steps for preparing hides for trade. Participants are expected to dress appropriately for the weather as a significant portion of the class will be held outdoors. The workshops will take place on various dates and locations across the state. The course is designed for participants of all ages.  Space is limited so be sure to register right away.

For more information and to begin the registration process, visit the link below and search by Trapper Education Class event type:

https://license.gooutdoorsiowa.com/Event/EventsHome.aspx

The program is provided through a partnership with the Iowa DNR and Iowa Trappers Association. It is part of a national effort to recruit, retain and reactivate hunters, anglers and trappers due to the overall decline in hunting and outdoor recreation.