(Radio Iowa) – Iowa Congresswoman Ashley Hinson, a Republican from Marion, has proposed legislation she says will create better border control. Hinson it is in response to the recent action by President Joe Biden that she calls inadequate. “Iowans and Americans see this for what it is. It is a cheap election year ploy by President Biden,” she says. Hinson says the House Appropriations Committee legislation would expand beds in border detention facilities to about 50-thousand. Biden’s plan puts a cap on those seeking asylum. “This weak, watered-down executive order won’t do anything to protect Americans from the potentially dangerous illegal immigrants that are already in the U-S, or to actually secure the border. The proposed legislation would also end grant programs for sanctuary cities.

Hinson also talked about the importance of keeping up efforts to battle the Avian Flu, especially with the first case being reported in an Iowa dairy herd. “We know its effect on poultry we know that if milk is pasteurized it is safe but obviously Animal Health is a huge priority for me,” she says. Hinson says part of the battle is maintaining adequate funding. “In the Ag/F-D-A bill we have continued to prioritize making sure we have resources available to properly research and fund potential vaccine efforts and to step up those efforts across the board,” Hinson says.

Hinson made her comments during her weekly conference call with reporters.

(Red Oak, Iowa) – Sheriff’s Deputies in Montgomery County, Thursday evening, responded to an altercation at a residence east of Villisca, and ended-up arresting a man from Shelby County. When deputies arrived at 3153 110th Street at around 5:30-p.m., they arrested 57-year-old Rex Dean McDermott, of Elk Horn, for Criminal Mischief in the 2nd Degree – a Class D Felony, and on three-counts of Aggravated Assault while displaying a dangerous weapon – which are aggravated misdemeanors.

McDermott was transported to the Montgomery County Jail and held on a $5,000 bond.

Council Bluffs, IA) – Volunteers for local southwest Iowa fire departments went above and beyond in the aftermath of recent tornadoes that damaged homes and businesses in Pottawattamie County.  According to Jacob Nelson with the Minden Volunteer Fire Department, his colleagues immediately sprang into action checking on residents and their homes, ensuring safety, assisting with gas shut offs, and clearing streets among other duties. Several first responders did so even though their own homes were directly affected, according to Jacob Nelson with the Minden Fire Department.

“Our first responders -in the following hours, days, and weeks – put their lives on hold, taking time from work to assist in the daunting task of cleanup efforts and ensure our residents felt cared for,” he said. “We are so proud to call this our hometown.”

To recognize and support these efforts, the Iowa West Foundation board of directors approved a $10,000 grant to each volunteer fire department that aided in the disaster response. In addition to Minden, 10 other southwest Iowa departments responded including Avoca, Carson, Crescent, Lewis Township, McClelland, Neola, Oakland, Treynor, Underwood, and Walnut. IWF also awarded a $4,000 grant to Shelby County Volunteer Fire Department for their response in Shelby County.

“The Minden Fire Department is beyond grateful to all those who came from all over the county, state, and country to assist in clean-up efforts,” Nelson said. “The outpouring of support for our community is something magical and brings tears to our eyes. There are so many people, businesses, and entire communities to thank.”

Iowa West Foundation’s contribution to local fire department’s is in addition to its commitment of $50,000 to match donations to the Community Foundation for Western Iowa’s Southwest Iowa Disaster Relief fund.

“We’re fully committed to bolstering the immediate relief efforts in the affected regions and aiding those who have been impacted. Our dedication extends beyond the immediate crisis, as we remain steadfast in our commitment to stand by these communities and their residents throughout the rebuilding process,” said Brenda Mainwaring, President, and CEO of the Iowa West Foundation. “It’s inspiring to witness the outpouring of support from individuals rallying to assist their neighbors, and the Iowa West Foundation is privileged to play a role in supporting these commendable endeavors.”
About the Iowa West Foundation

The Iowa West Foundation is one of the largest private foundations in the Midwest. It has awarded more than $550 million to nonprofits and governmental agencies throughout southwest Iowa. Funding for the grants comes from investment earnings and the Iowa West Racing Association, which receives contractual fees from casino operators, Ameristar and Harrah’s. The Foundation targets resources into programs and projects that focus on belonging, financial stability, opportunity, and wellbeing.