(Radio Iowa) – Iowa Democrats are proposing changes that would dramatically simplify their Caucuses in 2024, as party leaders try to keep their caucuses first-in-the-nation. The Iowa Democratic Party suggests getting rid of all the complicated math, coin flips and other Caucus night rules that have been used for decades to figure out which presidential candidate won the Caucuses. Instead, the party proposes using mail-in ballots — the party is calling these “presidential preference cards” rather than “ballots” — in the weeks before the night of the Caucuses. The winner would be announced when the Caucus meetings begin in precincts throughout the state.

Iowa Democratic Party chairman Ross Wilburn says it means the party would be able to engage with more Iowa voters than ever before. There was delayed reporting of the Iowa Democratic Party’s Caucus results in 2020 and party leaders have made no secret they dislike caucuses and prefer primaries in states that have diverse populations and will be key battlegrounds in the General Election. Iowa Democrats are now competing with parties from 20 other states for early spots on the voting schedule for 2024.

The Iowa Republican Party’s Caucuses will be first in 2024. National G-O-P leaders have agreed on a schedule for caucuses and primaries that keeps Iowa at the front. Iowa Republicans have a different process for selecting a winner. The party essentially conducts a straw poll after people gather at precincts on Caucus Night.

(Radio Iowa) – State Climatologist, Justin Glisan, says the latest Climate Prediction Center outlook for June shows an elevated signal for below-average temperatures. “So typically during the warm season, and meteorological summer, which we’re in now, when we do see a cold signal that typically is coupled with a wetter signal, so we’ll just have to see how the month pans out,” he says, “but the expectation is, with these cooler temperatures, we’d get rainfall during the day more cloud cover at night.” Glisan says we’d see impacts on both sides for temperatures.

“Overnight lows would be a little warmer and our daytime highs would be a little cooler if that does come to fruition,” Glisan says. He says the indication now is things wouldn’t be cooler throughout the summer. Now if we look at June July and August in terms of temperature and precipitation as well we’re seeing an elevated signal for warmer temperatures and then for much of the state slightly elevated chances for drier than normal conditions,” according to Glisan. He says we normally see a drop in precipitation in July anyway. Glisan says there is one thing that could help keep the drought conditions from getting as bad as they did last summer.

“We are working with more subsoil moisture and that does act to keep temperatures slightly lower than normal so we do have a few things that are working to our benefit right now,” Glisan says. The drought conditions last year expanded from western Iowa into north-central and central Iowa as we moved deeper into summer.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The deadline is fast approaching to reserve your seat at the Iowa Insurance Division’s “Fraud fighters” forum. The forum – which includes a complimentary lunch – is set to take place June 14th from 11:30-a.m. until 2-p.m., at the Cass County Community Center, in Atlantic. There is No Charge to attend, but due to limited seating you must make your reservation by June 7th online, at IowaFraudFighters.gov. Your registration is being requested so organizers have enough meals on-hand to serve.

There are many different types of fraud perpetrated on Iowa’s citizens, especially older Iowans. Iowa Insurance Commissioner Doug Ommen says the Iowa Insurance Division, Iowa Attorney General’s Office and Senior Health Insurance Program (ShiP) have partnered together to bring to light the number and types of fraud that impact older Iowans.

The Fraud Fighters forums being held around the State, helps Iowans learn how to protect themselves and their loved ones from various scams. Some of those scams are weird and obvious, but the scammers that are often most successful, play on their victim’s emotions. That’s especially true when it comes to investment scams.

Ommen said people in the community are themselves, “Fraudfighters,” and helped to prevent potential victims of scams carryout the instructions they’ve been given, to pay for services and investments. One case here in Atlantic, involved an elderly woman who went to WalMart and attempted to wire someone she didn’t know, thousands of dollars to help out a person she thought was a younger relative. The clerk realized what was going on, and intervened by explaining the fraud, and asking the woman to call her relative to confirm the need for help. It turned out to be a scam. In some cases, victims are asked to purchase a large amount of green-dot or other types of gift cards.

Some of the scams start with a phone call, text message or e-mail, but more and more often they focus on cyber-scams and investment schemes. The scam are possible because just about everything you do on the web becomes an electronic trail, the information from which is sold as “Data mining.”

The Fraudfighters forum in Atlantic will take place at the Cass County Community Center, located at 805 W. 10th St. in Atlantic, on June 14th.

According to AARP, in 2021, Americans 50 and older lost nearly $3 billion in cybercrimes – a 62% increase from 2020. For people 60 and older, tech support scams, investment fraud, grandparent scams and romance scams were the major drivers of these losses. Ommen says “Seniors have long been the targets of scammers, and the isolation and separation of the past two years just put them at more risk,” said Iowa Insurance Commissioner Doug Ommen. “Scammers are incredibly sophisticated and bold in their attempts. Anyone can become a victim. We want to help protect Iowa’s seniors from these scams.”

Iowans are encouraged to visit www.IowaFraudFighters.gov to learn about common scams and discover tips and tools to prevent fraud.

(Red Oak, Iowa) – Three men were arrested Friday evening, in Red Oak, following a report of fighting and arguing in the intersection of Broadway and Nuckols Streets. According to Red Oak Police, at around 9:15-p.m., 39-year-old Keith Andre Smith, 64-year-old Robert Ernest McMartin, and 32-year-old Codey Thomas Thramer, all of Red Oak, were arrested on simple misdemeanor charges of Disorderly Conduct – Fighting. Their bonds in the Montgomery County Jail was set at $300 each.

At around 6:40-p.m., Friday, Red Oak Police arrested 24-year-old Skylar Lee Bingham, of Red Oak, for Domestic Abuse Assault/1st offense. Bingham was taken into custody in the 200 block of N. 2nd Street. He was being held in the Montgomery County Jail on a $300 cash bond.

And, at around 6:26-p.m. Friday, 66-year-old Sheryl Lee Franzen, of Red Oak, was arrested in the 400 block of E. Reed Street, for Theft in the 5th Degree, following an incident at an ice cream shop. Franzen was being held on a $300 cash bond in the Montgomery County Jail.

(Des Moines, Iowa) – Officials with the Iowa Department of Public Safety, Friday, reported that a former Iowa sheriff’s deputy is facing charges after asking a female driver to show him her breasts during a traffic stop. Klint Bentley, a former Buchanan County sheriff’s deputy, stopped a vehicle for speeding in February.

Authorities say Bentley allegedly asked the female driver to show him her breasts and implied he would withhold issuing a citation if she did, the DPS reported. According to court documents, Bentley asked the female, “What’s in it for me?” Bentley continued to solicit nude photos of her via text message after the traffic stop concluded, according to the DPS.

On Feb. 8, Bentley was terminated from the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office. Bentley is charged with extortion, non-felonious misconduct in office and accepting a bribe.

ATLANTIC, IA – Produce in the Park Market Manager Brigham Hoegh reports Thursday’s opening day for the market in the downtown Atlantic City Park, saw record attendance. Increased market attendance is expected to continue throughout the season given the number of vendors, variety of food trucks, and unique weekly themes and attractions. For example, the June 9 market will feature strawberries—and lots of strawberry products—as well as a taco truck and bounce house.

Strawberries will be everywhere at Produce in the Park June 9. Fresh strawberries will be sold by both Bridgewater Farm and Brun Ko Farm, the Guest Chef will be handing out free strawberry pie samples and recipes, and Sue’s Country Garden will be selling strawberry—and strawberry rhubarb—jams, as well as strawberry pastry bars. Kringleman Pastries will be at the park with strawberry kringle and strawberry cupcakes, Atlas Atlantic Cinema will have fresh-squeezed strawberry lemonade, and Matilda Dawn Creations will be selling strawberry-themed greeting cards. Additional strawberry-themed
activities are expected.

In addition to strawberries, the June 9 farmers market features Zemog’s Cocina taco truck, live music by Sarah Selders, and the Nishna Valley Family YMCA’s bounce houses and more activities for kids. County Conservation, Atlantic Parks and Recreation, Cass County Master Gardeners, and RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program) will be at the park with information and activities. Senior Life Solutions and Cass County PROSPER are the June 9 “Self-Care Summer” organization.

Products expected at the park on June 9 include early season produce (such as rhubarb, spinach, asparagus, and green onions), lots of local meats (beef, pork, and lamb), farm-fresh eggs, honey, goatmilk soaps, candles, jewelry, wood crafts, plants for home gardens, and more.

Produce in the Park June 9 Summary:
Time: 4:30-6:30 PM
Location: Atlantic City Park (10 W. 7th Street, Atlantic, IA 50022)
Free Live Music: Sarah Selders
Food Truck: Zemog’s Cocina
Theme: Strawberries! Fresh strawberries from Brun Ko Farm and Bridgewater Farm; free samples of
strawberry pie from the Guest Chef; strawberry kringle and cupcakes from the Kringleman; strawberry
jam and strawberry pastry bars from Sue’s Country Garden; strawberry lemonade from Atlantic Atlas
Cinema; strawberry-greeting cards from Matilda Dawn Creations; and more!
Free drawing: 1 dozen farm-fresh eggs from Brun Ko Farm. (Sponsored by the Cass County Local Food
Policy Council.)
Fun for Kids: Bounce house and more activities by Nishna Valley Family YMCA.
Self-Care Summer Organizations: Senior Life Solutions, Cass County PROSPER
Visiting organizations: Cass County Conservation, Atlantic Parks and Recreation, Cass County Master
Gardeners, RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program)
Payment methods accepted: All vendors accept cash. Many accept credit card and Venmo. All qualifying
food vendors accept SNAP/EBT (also known as food stamps). All fresh produce vendors both accept and
distribute Double Up Food Bucks (coupons given for SNAP/EBT purchases of fresh produce).

Produce in the Park June 2022 farmers markets are sponsored by the Atlantic Community Promotion Commission, the Nishna Valley Family YMCA, Cass County Tourism, Cass Health, First Whitney Bank and Trust, the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce, and Deter Motor Co. For updates on Produce in the Park, follow Produce in the Park on Facebook
(www.facebook.com/ProduceInThePark) or Instagram (www.instagram.com/produceintheparkatlanticia/), or visit the Produce in the Park website to sign up for the e-newsletter at www.produceintheparkatlanticiowa.com.

(Johnston, Iowa) – Officials with the Iowa Army National Guard said late Friday, that Spc. Eden M. Montang, who joined the Iowa Army National Guard in August 2019, was one of the two victims killed in the deadly shooting at Cornerstone Church in Ames, Iowa, on June 2, 2022. Montang served as a mortuary affairs specialist with Detachment 1, Headquarters Support Company, 248th Aviation Support Battalion in Boone, Iowa.

The Story County Sheriff identified the shooter as Sgt. Johnathan L. Whitlatch, also a member of the Iowa Army National Guard. Whitlatch joined the Iowa Army National Guard in September 2015 and served as a human resources specialist with Detachment 1, Headquarters Support Company, 248th Aviation Support Battalion in Boone, Iowa. Prior to that, he was an infantryman with the 168th Infantry in Corning, Johnston and Shenandoah, Iowa. 

Neither Soldier was in an active duty status at the time of the shooting. The Iowa National Guard will provide casualty assistance to the family members of both Soldiers. “We are devastated by this tragic news,” said Maj. Gen. Ben Corell, adjutant general of the Iowa National Guard, “Our hearts are with all who are impacted, including the victims’ families, Ames, Iowa State and Cornerstone Church communities, friends, and fellow service members. While working to support those affected, we will continue to cooperate with law enforcement as the investigation continues.”

The Guard says it “is committed to the safety and wellbeing of our service members and our local communities. Our chaplains, Soldier Family Readiness professionals and behavioral health professionals have been engaged to assist service members and families processing this tragic news.”

(Radio Iowa) – Governor Kim Reynolds says last (Thursday) night’s shooting in Ames shows places where large groups gather need to develop plans to deal with an active shooter situation. Two female members of the largest church in Ames — both Iowa State students — were shot to death in the church parking lot last (Thursday) night by a man who’d been charged with harassing one of the victims.

“This wasn’t at a school, but we need to work with churches. I think we’re going to have to work with different organizations that host large groups to make sure that they have a plan in place and that they’re looking for early warning signs,” Reynolds says. Last week, after 19 students and two teachers were shot to death in a Texas school, Reynolds highlighted the Iowa law that requires schools to have active shooter response plans and conduct yearly drills. The governor today is emphasizing those are the kind of guidelines churches and other large venues in Iowa need to follow.

“It’s important that you not only have a plan, but you also practice it,” Reynolds said, “because when you’re in that situation, it’s not easy, you know. It’s hard to react.” Democrats like Iowa Congresswoman Cindy Axne say it’s time to address gun violence and enact measures like the ones President Biden outlined in a national address last (Thursday) night. Reynolds, who opposes new gun restrictions, says a lot of things have contributed to the spike in shootings.

“It’s the breakdown of the family. It’s the isolation. It’s two years of COVID,” Reynolds says. “It’s just making sure that we can address mental health and provide the services. I’m proud of the work we’ve done in Iowa. We need to continue to work on that.” Reynolds says the shooting in Ames appears to have been a targeted attack and mental health may have played a role.

“My heart grieves for the families of the two victims,” Reynolds says, “just a senseless attack on two people getting ready to go into their place of worship.” Reynolds made her comments to reporters after a campaign event in Grinnell.

(Radio Iowa) – Hundreds gathered this (Friday) morning for a prayer service at the Cornerstone Church in Ames where two women were shot and killed last (Thursday) night. Terry Montang told the congregation his daughter, Eden, was a person of faith.

“She died for her faith,” he said, pausing to gather himself before he added, his voice breaking: “I’m proud to have been her father.” The church’s lead pastor says the shooting happened just as a summer program for Iowa State students was to begin inside the church. Eden Montang and Vivian Flores were I-S-U students and the pastor says both had been active in the church’s youth ministry.

(Reporting by Iowa Public Radio’s Grant Gerlock)

(Radio Iowa) – Story County Sheriff Paul Fitzgerald says the murder and suicide outside an Ames church Thursday was a targeted domestic situation. Fitzgerald in a news conference this (Friday) morning says 33-year-old Johnathan Lee Witlatch of Boone shot and killed 22-year-old Eden Montang and 21-year-old Vivian Flores outside the Cornerstone Church with a nine-millimeter handgun. “Whitlatch fired several rounds, and within a matter of seconds Eden Montang and Vivian Flores were fatally injured from the gunfire,” he says.

The sheriff says a third woman escaped and then Whitlach shot himself. The two women were I-S-U students, on their way to a bible study. Fitzgerald says Whitlach and Montang had recently broken up a relationship. “On May 31st, 2022, Whitlatch, was charged by the Ames Police Department and ultimately arrested in Boone County for harassment third-degree and impersonating a public official. Both of these charges were directly related to Eden” Fitzgerald says. “Whitlatch posted bond on these charges and was scheduled to have an initial appearance on June 10th.”

Story County Sheriff Paul Fitzgerald addresses the press (6/3/22)

Fitzgerald did not yet know the hometowns of the two women who were killed. He says they are also trying to determine if Whitlach followed them to the church. “Right now, there are certain points that we’re going to have find out through the investigation as we’re doing this. What we know is the three women were in the parking lot going to go into the church, the suspect pulled up in his pickup and got out. And then the chaos began,” according to Fitzgerald.

Fitzgerald says Whitlach was focused on Montang and didn’t have any intention of shooting others in the church. “He went right into action when he got there from all indications — I think that’s pretty evident that he was there for that purpose,” Fitzgerald says. The sheriff believes there was a no-contact order against Whitlach. Fitzgerald says they will dig deeper into what may’ve led to the shooting. “We’ll be looking into social media on Facebook. We’ll be doing interviews with others at the church, people who know them, that man knew what kind of relationship they had and what happened in that aspect. There’s a whole host of things that we need to still complete in order to bring a full understanding as to what happened and why,” he says.

Fitzgerald says deputies arrived four minutes after the 9-11 calls about the shooting and everything was already over. He says there were some 80 people in the church at the time, and it could have been worse had Whitlach entered the church.