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Iowa ag secretary: Bird flu case in Texas dairy worker not a cause for alarm

Ag/Outdoor, News

April 9th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – Iowa agriculture officials are closely monitoring new developments with highly pathogenic avian influenza in the country. The U-S-D-A reported dairy cattle in Texas and Kansas tested positive for the virus last month. Earlier, avian flu was confined to domestic poultry and other bird species. Iowa Ag Secretary Mike Naig says other confirmed cases have been reported in Idaho, MIchigan and Ohio.

“What happens is, you’ve got cows that start to go off feed,” Naig says. “They might run a fever, their milk production drops, and that’s how folks started to realize and pick up that they had a problem. So, that certainly affects the health of dairy herds and the profitability of dairy, but, the good news is, those dairy cattle recover, just like you and I get over the flu.”

Last weekend, the Centers for Disease Control issued a health alert to inform clinicians, state health departments and the public of a case of avian influenza in a person who had contact with dairy cows presumed to be infected with the virus. Though the case was confirmed in a farm worker in Texas, Naig says the public should not be alarmed.

“There’s only ever been two confirmed cases of high path avian influenza in humans,” he says. “One was in Colorado a few years ago, related to a poultry site. And, the second one now is a dairy worker, a worker at one of these positive sites who had a lot of contact with those cattle and milk. So you can understand why that might have happened, but there is no indication that it moves from person to person.” Naig adds, the avian flu doesn’t constitute a food safety issue.

“As long as you are drinking pasteurized milk,” Naig says, “the milk that you and I buy at the grocery store, or that kids are drinking at school during a lunch hour, that is pasteurized. That kills any viruses and bacteria that are of concern, that’s where I can say this is not a food safety issue, but one that we are watching very closely, trying to anticipate how we can stay ahead of it here in the state of Iowa.”

More information regarding avian influenza is available on the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s website.

Gov Reynolds says landmark season should impact Lisa Bluder’s pay

News, Sports

April 9th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – Governor Kim Reynolds says Iowa women’s basketball coach Lisa Bluder has done a phenomenal job and her pay should reflect that.

Reynolds, though, is not suggesting what Bluder’s salary should be. Fran McCaffrey’s been coach of the men’s team at Iowa for 13 seasons and his annual salary this year is about three-point-two MILLION. Bluder, in her 24th season as the Iowa women’s coach, is earning 310-thousand dollars worth of bonuses due to her team’s run in this year’s N-C-Double-A tournament. That’s on top of her one-point-four MILLION dollar salary for this season.

Governor Reynolds spoke with reporters outside her Iowa Capitol office on April 9, 2024. (RI photo)

Iowa’s governor says the Hawkeye women have changed the landscape of women’s sports, capped by a championship game that was the most-watched basketball game since 2019 — surpassing college men’s basketball and N-B-A games over the past five seasons.

While speaking with reporters earlier today (Tuesday), Reynolds praised National Player of the Year Caitlin Clark and her Hawkeye teammates.

Reynolds played six-on-six girl’s basketball for Interstate 35 and graduated from the high school in Truro in 1977. Bluder graduated from high school two years later after playing six-on-six basketball at Linn-Mar. Bluder went on to be a three-year starter for the University of Northern Iowa women’s basketball team.

Hawkeyes Finish 7th, Kent Ties for 9th at Calusa Cup

Sports

April 9th, 2024 by admin

Naples, Fla. – The University of Iowa men’s golf team concluded the final round of the Calusa Cup on Tuesday afternoon at Calusa Pines Golf Club. The Hawkeyes finished 7th as a team, just five shots off 5th place. Iowa was 28-over par (293/298/301 = 892) after 56-holes. Freshman Noah Kent was the low scorer for Iowa at 2-over par (71/73/74) tying for 9th.

Kent shot 2-over (38) on the front nine before carding 36 (E) on the back nine for a final round 74 (+2). Kent eagled a par five with a putt that came from off the green. Just 10 players eagled throughout the tournament.

Senior Mac McClear tied Kent for the low round of the day at 2-over. McClear had three birdies in the final round, tying sophomore Hogan Hansen and freshman Max Tjoa, for a team high. McClear finished the tournament at 8-over par to tie for 22nd.

Junior Ian Meyer placed 26th at 9-over par.

Florida won the tournament at 3-under par. Scotty Kennon of Wake Forest won the individual medalist at 6-under par.

HAWKEYE NOTABLES

Iowa led the field with 162 pars as a team.
Noah Kent was one of 10 players to record an eagle.
Kent led the field in pars with 39.
Kent’s par four average of 4.03 (+1) tied for fifth in the field.

UP NEXT

The Hawkeyes return to Iowa City where they host the Hawkeye Invitational at Finkbine Golf Course April 13-14.

NAIA bans transgender athletes from taking part in women’s sports

Sports

April 9th, 2024 by admin

The Council of Presidents of the colleges and universities of the N-A-I-A has voted unanimously to ban transgender athletes from participating in women’s sports competitions. Corey Westra is the commissioner of the Great Plains Athletic Conference, which includes Iowa N-A-I-A schools Morningside, Briar Cliff and Dordt Universities, along with Northwestern College. He says the decision was made after a lot of examination.

 

(as said)”Two years of work in study group at our Council of Presidents level in the N-A-I-A. Our National Council of Presidents is our governing body,” Westra says. Westra has been the co-director of the N-A-I-A national tournaments for women’s basketball and volleyball that have been held in Sioux City the last several years.

 

(as said)”When you look at the N-A-I-A as a whole, you know, it’s a decision that’s about fairness in competition and this is an organization the N-A-I-A that has been committed and worked very, very hard to promote and grow women’s sports,” Westra says. “That goes back over 40 years back to Title Nine, the N-A-I-A was at the forefront of having women’s sports and having a championship opportunity for women’s sports.” Westra says the new policy expands to cover regular season sports.

 

(as said)”The prior policy only dealt in championship competition and it wasn’t encompassing of maybe where we are today on this particular issue of transgender athletes participating,” he says. Westra says he supports the decision as a lot of though went into it.

 

(as said)”It’s a decision that was wise. It was a decision that I think was done with tremendous deliberation,” he says, “this was not a ‘hey we’re gonna just throw something on the table and vote on it,’ not at all. I think you can look at it from many angles, and at the end of the day, I think it’s better to have a clear policy than to not.” The policy takes effect with the start of the 2024-2025 fall ports season in August.

Montgomery County resident updates Supervisors on proposed CO2 pipeline status

News

April 9th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Red Oak, Iowa) – A rural Montgomery County woman, today (Tuesday), provided an update for the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors, with regard to efforts by Summit Carbon Solutions to obtain a route for a carbon capture pipeline through the County. Jan Norris from West township read the following statement to the Board:

“Summit has filed 14 new Phase II dockets routes using a different LLC name, SCS Carbon Transport.The new 30 mile Adams/Montgomery county docket number is HLP-2024-0006. A couple years ago, the county filed an objection to eminent domain on the original Summit docket. If you are still opposed to eminent domain, please file an objection to this new docket number.

“This afternoon (Tuesday), the Senate Ways & Means subcommittee will be holding a hearing on a bill that would create a declaratory order and also, importantly, help for appeal bonds. I certainly hope our senator, who appears to have land in the new corridor, will support the bill. PHMSA’s new draft regulations are now open to public comments. Anyone wanting to participate can sign up to share their concerns. On May 7, the IUB will be holding a public hearing on Restoration of Agricultural Lands During & After Pipeline Construction. I would assume our inspector Snyder & Associates will be in attendance.

“In an April 1 article about CO2 pipelines, North Dakota Dept of Mineral Resources Director, said, “We’ve got to overcome this (Not in my backyard) attitude. We are going to need everything we can get, from… any place that will send it, if we want that extra 10 billion barrels of oil,” Does that sound like sequestration to you?

“Summit will be required to hold public information meetings for the new routes. If they follow the spring schedule, that the IUB denied, we might expect our local meeting to be as early as the first week of June. But some of you might know better. I found it notable that on March 28 Bremer County filed a letter giving notice to Summit of their hazardous liquid pipeline ordinance. THEY are not backing down.

“Once again, I urge you hold discussion on the pipeline issue. All 5 members of this body should be allowed to participate, and including public input would be even better. I apologize for having to be here so often, but there are potentially 154 homes in Montgomery Co who don’t get to pass. We deserve better.”

Drake introduces Ben McCollum as its new basketball coach

Sports

April 9th, 2024 by admin

New Drake basketball coach Ben McCollum hopes to take the program to the next level. After 15 years and four division-two national championships at Northwest Missouri State the Storm Lake native takes over a Bulldog program that enjoyed six straight seasons of 20-wins or more and three trips to the NCAA Tournament under former coach Darian DeVries.

 

McCollum hopes to build on the success enjoyed under DeVries.

 

McCollum interviewed for the Drake job six years ago when DeVries was hired.

 

McCollum feels the Drake job was the right fit for him and his family.

 

McCollum’s first chore is to rebuild the roster. More than a half dozen players from last year’s team are in the transfer portal.

 

McCollum on the challenge of moving to division one.

 

McCollum hopes to have his staff in place in about a week.

Danish Windmill to hold “It Takes a Village” daycare fundraiser April 14th

News

April 9th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Elk Horn, Iowa) – The Danish Windmill,a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organizations, is continuing its “It Takes A Village” fundraiser, on Sunday April 14. All tour admissions generated on Sunday will be donated to local daycare facility, Kids in the Village. General admission is $5.00 / person ages 13 and up. Tour the windmill for a good cause. View our new exhibits and see the windmill in action.

Windmill Manager Shaun Sayres says “We’ve partnered with local businesses to ensure food options for each Sunday. This Sunday will feature Norse Horse Tavern, open 11-2 serving breakfast sandwiches and Danish hotdogs. Come enjoy a Spring day in the Danish Villages and help support a vital organization.

We will have additional fundraising days on Sunday April 21, and Sunday April 28.” Additional details are forthcoming.

Iowa corner Deshaun Lee talks spring drills

Sports

April 9th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

Iowa corner Deshaun Lee hopes the experience he gained last season helps take his game to another level. Lee was inserted into the lineup due to an injury and started six games as a red shirt freshman.

Lee says the focus during spring drill is about skill development.

Lee says Iowa’s offense under new offensive coordinator Tim Lester looks a lot different.

The Hawkeyes close out spring drills with an open practice on April 20th.

Nunn Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Incentivize Adoption of Siblings

News

April 9th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES — U.S. Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) introduced bipartisan legislation to incentivize the adoption of siblings. The Fight for Siblings Act, which is co-led by U.S. Representative Don Davis (NC-01), will double the federal adoption tax credit for families that adopt siblings.

“Family is everything to Iowans, and I want to make sure that I’m doing everything in my power to help Iowans who are willing to open their home to disadvantaged children,” said Rep. Nunn. “When we began fostering and ultimately adopted Jayna and Aliya, we knew it was incredibly important to keep them together as sisters. Now, I’m fighting to ensure every sibling in the foster system or awaiting adoption can stay together forever.”

Nothing is more important than providing children with a safe, loving environment to grow and learn. In April 2023, Rep. Nunn and his wife adopted two sisters into their family. His firsthand experience with the shortcomings of the foster and adoption process is the foundation for his passion to help other children find their forever homes. According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, there are 4,144 Iowa children in foster care and 1,004 Iowa children awaiting adoption.

“It’s important to ensure that low- and middle-income parents have the same opportunities as others when it comes to adopting children,” said Rep. Davis. “Our legislation aims to level the playing field and guarantee equal access to adoption for all families willing to provide caring and loving homes to children.”

Under federal law, foster care agencies are required to strive to find temporary placements in the same home for foster siblings. When placed together, siblings are ultimately provided with a sense of stability that positively impacts their transition and long-term well-being. “A family should not be discouraged to foster and adopt because of cost,” said Mary Beth O’Neill, President and CEO of Four Oaks. “This legislation will allow more siblings to stay together through the adoption process. This, in turn, will provide consistency and stability for not just the children and families supported by Four Oaks in Iowa, but foster and adoptive families all across the country. We are grateful for Representative Nunn’s Fight for Siblings Act. His advocacy efforts will drive positive outcomes for children throughout the nation.”

Adoption fees and related expenses are high which makes it difficult to adopt more than one child at a time. According to the HHS, independent adoptions as of June, 2023 range from $25,000 to $45,000. Adoptions from a private agency range from $30,000 to $60,000. These costs can be prohibitive to families seeking to adopt siblings, unintentionally forcing the separation of siblings.

“When most people think about adoption from foster care, they often envision heartwarming pictures of families proudly standing outside a courthouse with a sign that reads, ‘After X days in foster care, I’ve joined my forever family.’ While these moments are certainly worth celebrating, it’s important to acknowledge that adoption from foster care can also be a bittersweet experience, marked by the loss and trauma that these children have experienced,” said Traci Schermerhorn, President and CEO of Foster Squad. “The Foster SQUAD is committed to supporting foster families as they navigate the next phase of their journey, and we’re excited to get behind the Fight for Siblings Act, which aims to alleviate some of the financial burden on these families so they can focus on providing the love and care that these children need.”

The bipartisan Fight for Siblings Act would double the federal adoption tax credit for families who adopt two or more siblings within the same fiscal year.

Rep. Nunn introduced the bipartisan bill at a press conference in Ankeny on Tuesday with representatives from Four Oaks and the Foster Squad. Text of the bill can be found here.

Gov. Reynolds Signs Foreign Ownership of Land Bill into Law

Ag/Outdoor, News

April 9th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – Governor Kim Reynolds has signed a bill into law that gives Iowa’s attorney general subpoena power to investigate agland purchases and ensure foreigners and foreign governments are not investing in Iowa farmland. “Important legislation to secure Iowa farmland from adversaries of the United States,” Reynolds said this morning.

For decades it has been illegal for a foreign citizen for own more than 320 acres of Iowa farm ground, but Reynolds says foreigners could be using a loophole by investing in limited liability companies that buy agland. The new law requires agland purchase reports filed with the state to include more information about ownership structures. “When Iowa speaks, the country listens and with this bill our message is unmistakable: American soil belongs in American hands,” Reynolds said.

Under current law, foreign entities caught owning more than 320 acres of Iowa farmland can be fined $2000. The new law raises that fine to 25% of the assessed value of the land. “Together, these policies ensure that Iowa can continue to deter hostile nations from attempting to undermine or co-opt the agricultural dominance that Iowa farm families have worked so
hard to build,” Reynolds said.

Governor Kim Reynolds signed SF2204 into law in ceremony in Iowa Capitol rotunda on April 9, 2024. (RI photo)

A huge crowd of legislators and ag group leaders gathered in the Iowa Capitol rotunda for today’s bill signing ceremony. Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird said Iowa has had a good law since 1979 to ban foreign ownership of large tracts of Iowa farmland and this update makes it better.

“We know how important it is to protect our farm ground here in Iowa and I really appreciate the governor and the legislature for giving our office the tools that we need to get to the bottom of a situation if we think a foreign government might own some farm ground,” Bird said. “Call our office. We’ll investigate it and we appreciate the tools that we need to make sure that everybody is following the law.”

Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig said it’s landmark legislation to keep farm ground in the hands of Iowans. “With strengthened enforcement, deterrence and disclosure tools being implemented with this legislation, Iowa’s prohibition on foreign ownership of farm ground will continue to be the gold standard for this type of legislation in other states,” Naig said.

National estimates indicate foreigners own millions of acres of farmland, roughly equal to the size of Ohio.