(Radio Iowa) = Civil rights groups have filed a lawsuit seeking to block enforcement of an Iowa law that would let state officials arrest and deport immigrants who are in Iowa after previously being deported or denied entry to the country. The law is scheduled to take effect July 1st. Rita Bettis Austen is legal director for the American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa.

“It is truly impossible to overstate how terrible this law is, how poorly written it is, how bizarre it is and how extreme it is,” Bettis Austen says. Iowa police do not have the ability to accurately determine a person’s current immigration status, according to Bettis Austen.  “We’ve heard that from law enforcement across the state directly,” she says. Kate Melloy Goettel, legal director with the American Immigration Council, says the law is unconstitutional.

“The crux of this lawsuit is that it challenges the state’s ability to create its own immigration system,” she says, “flouting more than a century of law that leaves that authority to the federal government.” One of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit is a 68-year-old woman who has a green card and is living in Iowa today.  “She was deported to Mexico in 2005 and waited 17 years to be able to come back to the United States lawfully where her family resides,” Melloy Goettel says. “She has five kids and many grandchildren, most of whom live here in Iowa and she is under great stress and anxiety not knowing if she’s going to be prosecuted under this law.”

Rita Betis Austen. (photo from ACLU news conference)

Melloy Goettel says the law has no exceptions for people who have legal authority to be in the U-S now, but had been removed in the past. Erica Johnson, executive director of the Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice, says the law is creating fear among immigrant communities. “I think we can all agree that our immigration system needs improvement, but this law is no solution,” she says. “…It doesn’t matter now if they have authorization to be here, they can still be put in prison or deported at the border, often thousands of miles away from their home country.”

Governor Kim Reynolds says President Biden refuses to enforce immigration laws and she has a responsibility to protect the citizens of Iowa. Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird says states have to take matters into their own hands and she stands ready to defend the law in court.

The U-S Department of Justice announced late Thursday afternoon, that it also has sued the state to try to block the law from taking effect. A similar Texas law is on hold due to a federal lawsuit.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – Sheriff’s officials in Cass County have released a report on persons arrested from April 20th through May 7th, 2024:

• On May 7th, Deputies arrested 36-year-old Kisauo Stephen, of Council Bluffs, on a warrant for Failure to Appear. Kisauo was transported to the Cass County Jail where he was booked and held.
• On May 5th, 57-year-old Rex McDermott, of Elk Horn, was arrested for OWI/3rd Offense. McDermott was transported to the Cass County Jail where he was booked and held pending his later release on bond.
• On May 3rd, 2024, Cass County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 18-year-old Jace Siemer, of Omaha, NE, on the charges that include Speeding, No Valid Driver’s License and Failure to Yield to Emergency Vehicles.  Siemer was transported to the Cass County Jail where he was booked and held pending his later release on bond.
• There were two arrests May 1st in Cass County: Ashley Butler, 38, of Atlantic, was arrested for Disorderly Conduct.  She was transported to the Cass County Jail where she was booked and held pending her later release on her own recognizance; And, Shane Suhr, 33, of Anita, was arrested on a warrant for OWI 3rd Offense.   Suhr was transported to the Cass County Jail where he was booked and held pending his later release on bond.
• On April 26th, 2024, the Cass County Sheriff’s Office arrested Nicole Anaya, 43, of Atlantic, on a warrant for Driving While Revoked and Possession of a Controlled Substance – Marijuana.  Anaya was transported to the Cass County Jail where she was booked and held pending her later release on bond; and, Uriah Hardisty, 35, of Council Bluffs, was arrested on a warrant for Harassment 1st Degree.  Hardisty was transported to the Cass County Jail where he was booked and held pending his later release on his own recognizance.
• On April 23rd, Marion McGrew, 20, of Indianapolis, IN, was arrested in Cass County on a warrant for Violation of Probation.  McGrew was transported to the Cass County Jail where he was booked and held.
• And, on April 20th, 2024, the Cass County Sheriff’s Office arrested Johnathan Vannornam, 24, of Papillion, NE, on the charges of Possession of a Controlled Substance – Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.  Vannornam was transported to the Cass County Jail where he was booked and held pending his later release on his own recognizance.

(Red Oak, Iowa) – Police in Red Oak responded to the 700 block of W. Coolbaugh at around 2:15-p.m. today (Thursday), for a report of someone dumping furniture, where it was clearly marked that it was illegal to do so. After an investigation, Officers cited and released 67-year-old Debra Lynn Benson, of Red Oak, for littering. Red Oak Police were assisted in their investigation, by Deputies with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office.

ATLANTIC, IA— A kindergarten teacher at Washington Elementary School in Atlantic, is the recipient of a prestigious award.  During a special assembly of students, teachers and staff, Laurie Fell was presented with a $10,000 check from the Charles E. Lakin Foundation, recognizing Fell’s dedication and commitment to inspiring young learners. Ms. Fell was shocked and brought to tears by the announcement which was made by Jennifer Green, Corporate Secretary and Grants Manager for the Lakin Foundation.

Before the check was presented, Green gave the kids a brief background on the Foundation and the award, which of course, began with Mr. Charles Lakin.

Laurie Fell with her “check” in-hand, and her family in attendance. Jennifer Green is on the far left.

Ms. Fell’s class at Washington Elementary

The Charles E. Lakin Foundation annually recognizes four local educators of rural districts within a 40-mile radius of Emerson, the hometown of the late Charles E. Lakin. This year, the foundation received a record setting 245 nominations, showcasing the exceptional educators serving our communities. Ms. Fell was nominated for the award by one of her former students.

In nominating her, the student highlighted Ms. Fell’s use of interactive, hands-on activities that made learning exciting for young learners. Reflecting on their time in Ms. Fell’s class, the nominator expressed how they now recognize the educational pieces embedded within the “games” they once played, thanks to her ability to seamlessly blend play and learning. Laurie Fell’s family was in attendance at the event to offer an additional element of surprise.

She asked Atlantic School District Superintendent Dr. Beth Johnsen later, how this all happened.

It happened because Ms. Fell fosters a love for learning for students of all ages.

(Radio Iowa) – A company in Wisconsin has acquired a business in New Hampton that’s a major supplier to America’s leading motorcycle manufacturer — Harley-Davidson. ATEK Metal Technologies employs 220 people in New Hampton. ATEK, a family-owned company, has specialized in complex aluminum castings used in the aerospace, trucking and defense industries. It’s being purchased by W-A-F — Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry — a 115-year-old company that’s also family-owned.

A low pressure mold at ATEK in New Hampton (photo courtesy of Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry)

-A-F makes components for a wide variety of products. According to a news release from W-A-F, the acquisition of the New Hampton company will deepen its reach into supplying products for the motorsports, transportation, agriculture and medical industries.

The C-E-O and co-owner of ATEK says it was not an easy decision to sell, but after meeting with W-A-F leadership, it was clear ATEK in New Hampton would be in good hands.

(Radio Iowa) – Republicans in Iowa’s U-S House delegation are denouncing President Biden’s decision to deny offensive weapons to Israel. Biden says the U-S will continue to supply defensive weapons to Israel, but not bombs and other weapons that could be used in an all-out assault on Rafah, a city in Gaza where an estimated one million people are living.

Congressman Zach Nunn says Israel is our strongest ally in the Middle East and the President must stop caving to extremists. Congresswoman Ashley Hinson says Israel has every right to defend itself against terrorists who seek to destroy it and withholding weapons from Israel is foolish and wrong. Congressman Randy Feenstra says Israel deserves our full and unwavering support.

The four Republicans who represent Iowa in the U-S House voted to reject a move to oust the Republican who’s been speaker of the House for the past six months. Only 10 Republicans joined a Georgia congresswoman’s bid to remove House Speaker Mike Johnson yesterday. Congresswoman Ashley Hinson of Marion says the episode was ridiculous and embarrassing. Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks of LeClaire says it was an unnecessary distraction from the work the House should be doing.

(Radio Iowa) – Truckers from across Iowa are asked to take part in a convoy for a western Iowa trucker whose body was found last month in a field. Mitchel Riesgraf, the Iowa Chairman of C-D-L Drivers Unlimited organized the event to remember David Schultz, who disappeared in late November. “This convoy is to add pressure that people want answers. There’s been a lot of rise around this subject and around David Schultz case. We just hope that people actually care about the men and women that serve this country and keep everything supplied so we all can live nice lives,” he says.

Truckers plan to drive a continuous loop along Highway 20 from Early to Rockwell City for five hours Friday starting at 3 p-m on the route that was last taken by Schultz. Riesgraf says he hopes Schultz’s family receives the answers they need. “Our hearts really go out to the Schultz family and all those directly affected.” Special prayers out there for those that were, you know, part of the search efforts,” Riesgraf says.

David Schultz

The state says a preliminary autopsy indicated no foul play in his Schultz’s death. Schultz’s family says a second autopsy is planned after his funeral on Friday morning in his hometown of Wall Lake.

(Red Oak, Iowa) – Montgomery County Memorial Hospital + Clinics (MCMH + Clinics) has been named one of the Best Hospitals for Emergency Care and Emergency Timeliness by the Women’s Choice Award®, America’s trusted referral source for the best in healthcare. The award signifies that MCMH + Clinics is in the top 5% in Emergency Care and top 9% in Emergency Timeliness and out of 4,642 U.S. hospitals offering emergency care services.

Emergency departments (ED) are an essential part of the healthcare system as they provide fast, life- saving care to millions each year. Unlike other hospital departments that interact with the same patient and families for an extended period, ED staff typically has one patient encounter, often when anxiety and fear is at its peak, making time of the essence. Delia Passi, founder and CEO of the Women’s Choice Award“Emergency departments can be very stressful environments, particularly for the elderly or a mother with a sick or injured child. When an emergency strikes, time becomes more precious than gold. The ER is a symphony of urgency, where every second counts and quick decisions can mean the difference between life and death. In this high-stakes environment, ‘Less is More’ isn’t just a catchy phrase – it’s a crucial strategy for saving lives and improving outcomes. That’s why we are recognizing those hospitals that have the shortest ER wait times and high recommendation scores for their exceptional commitment for timely care, when it matters most.”

The methodology for Best Hospitals for Emergency Care and Emergency Timeliness awards is unique in that it combines Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey recommendation results with process of care measures focused on time patients spent in the emergency department , including: Emergency Care:  Average time patients spent in the ED before leaving from the visit  Average time patients spent in the ED before admitted to the hospital as an inpatient Emergency Timeliness:

• Total Time Spent in the Emergency Department
• Percent of Emergency Patients Who Left Without Being Seen

The awards are especially significant given that long waits and high crowding can negatively impact patient outcomes, including patients leaving without receiving medical treatment, longer overall length of hospital stay and an increase in mortality rates. MCMH + Clinics is one of 606 award recipients representing the hospitals that have met the highest standards for emergency care and timeliness in the U.S. by the Women’s Choice Award.

Krystalle Fada, MCMH + Clinics Chief Nurse Executive, expresses her gratitude and community commitment, “Winning the Women’s Choice Award for Emergency Care and Emergency Timeliness is a testament to our unwavering commitment to providing exceptional healthcare services. This recognition underscores our dedication to prioritizing timely and compassionate emergency care, ensuring that patient’s feel safe, respected, and empowered during their healthcare journey. It serves as a reaffirmation of our mission to deliver excellence in emergency services, fostering trust and confidence within the communities we serve.”

In August of 2023 MCMH + Clinics announced its decision to bring all Emergency Department providers under its direct employment. In a significant move, the hospital on boarded six new providers, comprising of medical doctors and advanced practice providers. This move assembles an eight-member team of experienced emergency medicine providers. These providers are seamlessly integrated into the MCMH Medical staff, embodying a dedication to providing top-tier care to our patients. Under the leadership of Dr. Angela Kerchner, Medical Director of Inpatient & Emergency Medicine, the newly formed team comprises both familiar faces and new faces, all of who bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the ED.

CEO Ron Kloewer “We are thrilled about the addition of MCMH employed providers in our Emergency Department. Dr. Kerchner has done a wonderful job assembling a team of dedicated physicians and advanced practice providers. This marks an important step in our continued commitment to our patients and community.”

The Women’s Choice Award for Best Hospitals™ is a trusted referral source and coveted credential that identifies the nation’s best hospitals based on robust criteria that includes relevant clinical performance, patient satisfaction and appropriate accreditation’s. The Best Hospitals demonstrate exceptional ratings, providing the highest level of care and commitment to their patients’ health and well-being. The Women’s Choice Award is the only designation that takes into consideration the preferences of women when selecting a hospital. Visit http://www.womenschoiceaward.com/ to learn more.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S./Iowa 3rd District Representative Zach Nunn, Wednesday, a introduced bipartisan legislation to bolster safety at schools within our communities. The Safe Schools and Communities Act, which is co-led by U.S. Representative Eric Sorensen (IL-17), would provide competitive grants to public schools to prevent human trafficking, improve drug abuse awareness, reduce gang activity, and end violence within our communities.

“As a dad of six, nothing is more important than keeping our kids safe,” said Rep. Nunn. “Dangerous drugs, human trafficking, and violence are pouring over our Southern Border into our communities, and there’s no doubt that the solution to this crisis starts with securing our border. At the same time, we can also protect our kids and save lives with commonsense solutions that address rising crime in our communities.”

Gangs are a serious, persistent problem and public concern over violent juvenile behavior has intensified in recent years, especially regarding safety at schools. Gang-involved youth are more likely to engage in substance abuse and experience a wide range of potentially long-term consequences including school dropout, teen parenthood, family problems, and unstable employment. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, it’s common for crimes like human trafficking and drug use to relate to gang activity.

“The Safe Schools and Communities Act gives educators the tools they need to keep our kids safe from drugs and violence,” said Rep. Sorensen. “Too many of our neighbors across Central and Northwestern Illinois have an empty seat at their dinner table because they lost a loved one to fentanyl. I am proud to introduce this bipartisan bill with Congressman Nunn to promote fentanyl awareness, prevent drug abuse, and keep our communities safe.”

More than 70,000 drug overdose deaths in 2021 were attributed to synthetic opioids other than methadone—primarily fentanyl. Fentanyl poisoning is now the leading cause of death for Americans between the ages of 18-45.

After drug dealing, human trafficking is the second-largest criminal industry in the world, generating $32 billion each year. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, approximately 83% of human trafficking victims are U.S. citizens. In Iowa alone, it is estimated that there are 320 trafficking victims at any given time.

The bipartisan Safe Schools and Communities Act would authorize the U.S. Department of Education to award competitive grants to public schools for the development and implementation of training and curriculum to:

• Prevent human trafficking
• Promote fentanyl awareness
• Reduce gang activity and violence.

Text of the bill can be found here.