(Radio Iowa) – The top Republican in the Iowa House says the legislature must update the state’s eminent domain laws in response to the Iowa Utilities Board decision to approve the route for the Summit Carbon Solutions pipeline. The board’s decision gives the company authority to force unwilling property owners to let the pipeline on their land. House Speaker Pat Grassley says landowner rights are one of the highest priorities for House Republicans and that’s why they passed two different bills on the topic — bills that died in the Republican-led Iowa Senate.

Grassley says House Republicans will seek feedback from Iowans on changes in the use of eminent domain in projects like the carbon pipeline. Two dozen other House Republicans — and seven Republicans who are state senators — have signed a joint statement, calling the Iowa Utilities Board decision a dark day for anyone who owns property in Iowa. The group says the board has crossed a line and the state’s proud tradition of clean government is being sullied.

Supporters of the pipeline say it will help Iowa-produced ethanol compete in low carbon fuel markets around the globe. In a written statement, Monte Shaw of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association said despite the overheated rhetoric of a few, the overwhelming majority of impacted landowners support this project. According to Summit’s C-E-O, 75 percent of Iowa landowners along the pipeline route have signed contracts to let the pipeline pass through their property.

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Here is the list of lawmakers who signed on to the statement: Senator Kevin Alons, Senator Jeff Taylor, Senator Dennis Guth, Senator David Rowley, Senator Sandy Salmon, Senator Cherielynn Westrich, Senator Lynn Evans, Representative Steven Bradley, Representative Ken Carlson, Representative Mark Cisneros, Representative Zach Dieken, Representative Dean Fisher, Representative Thomas Gerhold, Representative Cindy Golding, Representative Helena Hayes, Representative Steven Holt, Representative Thomas Jeneary, Representative Bradley Sherman, Representative Jeff Shipley, Representative Luana Stoltenberg, Representative Mark Thompson, Representative Anne Osmundson, Representative Brooke Boden, Representative Henry Stone, Representative Heather Hora, Representative Skyler Wheeler, Representative Eddie Andrews, Representative Dan Gehlbach, Representative Bob Henderson, Representative Bobby Kaufman, and Representative Charles Thomson.

(Radio Iowa) – Landowners who have refused to grant property easements for the proposed Summit Carbon Solutions pipeline say they’re outraged state regulators have given the project a green light — and considering their legal options. The Iowa Utilities Board announced today (Tuesday) that the project would get a construction permit if regulators in the Dakotas approve the pipeline route in their states. Jess Mazour of the Sierra Club’s Iowa chapter has been working with a coalition of landowners for the past three years.

“The Iowa Utilities Board voted 3-0 against Iowans and impacted landowners in favor of a dangerous and unpopular project that violates private property rights and the fact that IUB related this decision when a large portion of Summit’s route is underwater is shameful and callous,” Mazour said. “Iowa landowners are currently losing their homes and now get word they may be losing their farms.”

Sherri Webb and her siblings inherited Shelby County land from their grandmother. During the Iowa Utilities Board hearings last fall, she testified against the use of eminent domain to seize her family’s land for the project.  “I hope that the Iowa landowners now understand that absolutely none of their land is safe from being taken,” Webb said. “Will we give up? No. We will appeal and we will never give up.” Attorney Brian Jorde says the first step is a formal request that asks the Utilities Board to reconsider its decision, then a lawsuit could be filed in Iowa district court after that.

“They were handpicked, the three members of the IUB, to do this job,” Jorde says. “…Obviously disappointing, but I invite people to be more disappointed in Iowa’s politicians than Summit.” Jorde says Iowa politicians rolled out the red carpet for the pipeline developer. Governor Reynolds appointed two of the three members of the Iowa Utilities Board after it began reviewing Summit’s construction permit.

Wally Taylor, an attorney for the Sierra Club Iowa chapter, says regulators ignored evidence showing the project had no direct benefit to the public, but is designed to profit Summit and the ethanol plants it chooses to link to the pipeline.  “It isn’t like a train or an airplane where any passenger that buys a ticket can get on,” Taylor says.

The Iowa Utilibites Board decision stipulates that Summit must get approval from North Dakota for its pipeline route and underground storage location AND from South Dakota regulators for the route in that state. The approval process in South Dakota could stretch into 2026.

(Radio Iowa) – Twin brothers from northwest Iowa will appear on tonight’s (Tuesday) episode of “America’s Got Talent,” displaying their abilities in the building of intricate patterns with dominos — and then letting them tumble. Alex Koops of Sioux Center says he and his brother Derek grew up watching the show, so it’s a thrill to be featured guests. Koops says they’ve gained some celebrity status after winning the FOX Network’s “Domino Masters” in 2022.

“There are a lot of kids that loved watching us, come up and tell us about how much they loved our domino topples,” Koops says. “That also led into library programs so that was really cool. We could set up a demonstration. A lot of people came and watched those, a lot of kids, so it was cool showing off.” The twins have just shy of 200-thousand followers on YouTube with 45-million views, and close to 60-thousand followers on TikTok.

For tonight’s show, Koops says they flew to L-A in April and spent a week there. They had one full day to set up their topple for the recording of the episode. Because their setup was extensive, theirs was the first act to go, but it won’t necessarily be the first act that is broadcast tonight. Koops says the setup was a unique experience for them.  “The cool thing about it was, I think the last hour we spent building was when the audience started coming back, so we had probably like two- or 3,000 people just watching us build,” he says.

“Just that was for sure a different experience and then during the topple, I think it was the most we’ve ever performed in front of two- or 3,000 people.” The only interaction they had with the celebrity judges was during the interview before and after the topple. Off stage, the twins enjoyed mingling with other contestants and really enjoyed interacting with the host, Terry Crews.  “We didn’t have quite as much time as we were given on ‘Domino Masters’ for this audition and it’s just the two of us, so it’s not quite as spectacular as maybe those fields, but I’m still really proud of what we came up with,” Koops says, “so I think everyone will enjoy it.”

The brothers could not disclose whether they get to move on in the competition. “America’s Got Talent” airs at 7 p-m on N-B-C.

(Radio Iowa) – A central Iowa company is receiving state incentives to expand its business. Iowa Economic Development Authority spokesperson, Kanan Kappelman says the company acquired 80 acres of land for the project in Boone County. “M-G Biologics is a biopharmaceutical company. They manufacture and distribute animal treatments, which include plasma, antibody products, and anti-venom. So they’re they’re planning on making a five million dollar capital investment,” she says.

The project involves two buildings, including a 20-thousand-square-foot multi-level facility for research, manufacturing and office space.. The other building will be used to treat animals. “The company is going to construct a six-thousand square foot animal care facility,” she says. Kappelman says there will be a small addition to the company’s workforce. “This project involves eight new jobs and the Iowa Economic Development Board awarded the company 231-thousand dollars in tax benefits,” Kappelman says.

The jobs will pay more than 31 dollars an hour.

(Radio Iowa) – A southeast Iowa woman has been charged with murder in connection to a house fire that took place early Sunday morning. Authorities say fire crews were dispatched to a residence in Ottumwa based on the report of a heavy fire. Two people were in the home at the time of the blaze. One person was able to escape but 59-year-old Ernest Wilson of Ottumwa died.

31-year-old Ashley Lankford of Ottumwa was arrested and charged with first-degree murder, first-degree arson, attempted murder, first-degree criminal mischief, and animal abuse. Lankford is currently in the Wapello County Jail. Her bond has been set at one million dollars. The fire remains under investigation.

ATLANTIC, IOWA – June 25, 2024 – If you travel on Interstate 29 or I-680 north of Council Bluffs, the Iowa Department of Transportation intends to close I-29 from 25th Street at the north edge of Council Bluffs to the I-29/880 interchange near Loveland later tonight. In addition, the portion of I-680 west of I-29 located in Iowa will also be closed.

Those roadways were originally announced to close around 11 a.m. However, Iowa DOT staff are working to keep the roads in the Council Bluffs area open as long as possible. We are closely monitoring the rising flood water levels on the Missouri River in addition to the latest weather forecasts. Timing of road closures will depend on river levels. For the latest travel information visit 511ia.org.

The Iowa DOT reminds travelers to never enter a water-covered roadway. Do not move or travel around barricades or fencing as they are placed there for your safety. Turn around and don’t drown.

The latest traveler information is available anytime through the 511 system. Visit 511ia.org; call 511 (within Iowa) or 800-288-1047 (nationwide); stay connected with 511 on Facebook or Twitter (find links at https://iowadot.gov/511/511-social-media-sites); or download the free app to your mobile device.

(Radio Iowa) – The Iowa Utilities Board has unanimously approved the proposed route for the Summit Carbon Solutions pipeline, but the company must meet other requirements before construction may begin. All three members of the Iowa Utilities Board agree the public benefits of the project outweigh the private and public costs. That clears the way for Summit to — eventually — use eminent domain authority to force landowners who’ve resisted the project to let the pipeline through their property. The board’s order includes some major caveats before Summit would get to start construction, however.

Summit must get approval from South and North Dakota regulators for its pipeline route in those states, plus approval in North Dakota for the underground site where carbon is to be shipped and stored. In addition, Summit cannot connect the pipeline to ethanol plants in Minnesota and Nebraska until officials in those states OK those moves. The Iowa Utilities Board order requires Summit to get 100 million dollars worth of liability insurance to cover any damages related to construction, operation and maintenance of the pipeline.

Summit Carbon Solutions pipeline route runs 688 miles, through 29 Iowa counties. According to a news release from the company, 75 percent of landowners along the route have signed voluntary easements and the Iowa Utilities Board decision is a significant milestone for the project.

(Iowa HHS News) – Iowa joins a list of several other states with individuals who have become sick, some in critical condition, after consuming Diamond Shruumz-brand products purchased through a retail store in eastern Iowa. Earlier this month, the FDA issued a warning to consumers about these products:

• Consumers should not eat, sell, or serve any flavor of Diamond Shruumz-brand Chocolate Bars, Cones, or Gummies, and should discard them.
• Consumers should check their homes and discard these products if found.
• These products may appeal to children and teenagers. Parents and caregivers should consider discussing the information in this advisory with their children and take extra care to avoid these products being consumed by younger people.
• Retailers should not sell or distribute any flavor of Diamond Shruumz-brand Chocolate Bars, Cones, or Gummies, and should hold the product in a secure location until additional instructions can be provided on how to return or safely dispose of the product.
• If you become ill after consuming these products, please contact your healthcare provider and/or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Let them know you have recently consumed the Diamond Shruumz-brand Chocolate Bars, Cones, and/or Gummies.
• Healthcare providers should report these illnesses to their local health department and/or the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

The individuals in Iowa each reported consuming one of the following Diamond Shruumz-brand products: cookies, cream chocolate bars, and fruit cereal-flavored bars.

Iowa HHS officials recommend individuals do not purchase or consume these products and if they have any of these products, that they dispose of them. These products are considered dietary supplements and are not regulated by the State of Iowa and cannot be recalled by the state. These products are commonly available for purchase at consumable hemp retailers as well as tobacco and vape shops.

Iowa HHS is investigating these instances and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has an ongoing investigation related to these events. The FDA also stated that they had been in conversations about with the firm about a possible voluntary recall, but these discussions are still ongoing. Any Iowan experiencing severe symptoms should visit the emergency room.

(Radio Iowa) – Residents in Clay, Emmet, Lyon, Plymouth, and Sioux Counties may apply for federal aid through FEMA and businesses swamped by floodwaters may be eligible for low interest loans from the Small Business Administration. A levee on the Little Sioux River broke in western Iowa shortly before five this (Tuesday) morning, forcing the evacuation of the small towns of Rodney and Smithland. An emergency shelter has been set up in Onawa. Clean up has begun in other areas of northwest Iowa where floodwaters are receding.

Cheri Gacke of Rock Valley says this is the second time she’s had to recover from a flood, as her home was flooded a decade ago. She plans to move. “I hope the city comes up with something that’s going to fix this town because our town’s going to die otherwise, I think,” Gacke says. “(We) can’t keep doing this every few years.”

Five hundred homes in Rock Valley are damaged or destroyed after the Rock River crested five feet higher than it did in 2014. Volunteers are helping residents like Gacke sift through their belongings and haul debris to the curb. “Thank everyone for their help,” Gacke says. “They’re so compassion and sharing and willing to work.”

As previously mentioned, the Iowa D-O-T closed Interstate 29 north of Council Bluffs (effective 11-a.m. Tuesday). The timing will be determined by how fast the Missouri River rises in that area. Highway 20 between Moville and Correctionville is closed due to flooding.

(Reporting by Sheila Brummer, Iowa Public Radio; Woody Gottburg, KSCJ, Sioux City and Radio Iowa’s O. Kay Henderson)