(Radio Iowa) – A bill recently signed into law by the governor establishes state oversight of speed cameras that generate tickets for cities and counties. Department of Transportation director, Scott Marler says the law covers new requests for speed cameras and the ones that are already in place. “Of the approximately 25 communities that have installed these speed cameras the law requires that they submit some information to the D-O-T by July 1st,” he says. Marler says the D-O-T is required to have the reviews of the existing cameras done by October 1st.

“And the focus is on public safety of course and so the department will be reviewing against that criteria,” Marler says. The law also says fines from traffic camera tickets must be used on law enforcement expenses.

Marler made his comments during the recent state Transportation Commission meeting.

(Radio Iowa) – The Federal Emergency Management Agency has opened temporary Disaster Recovery Centers in two western Iowa counties where residents are recovering from LAST months’s tornadoes. One site is at the Chamber of Commerce office in Harlan. The other is in the parking lot of Minden’s fire station. Storm victims in the eight counties declared presidential disaster areas may still call or go online to seek federal disaster assistance, but FEMA spokesman John Mills says this is for those who want an in-person option.

“A lot of people want to sit down with someone and talk and we’re working with each household on a case by case basis, that’s why we’ve opened these temporary recovery centers in Pottawattamie and Shelby Counties, to give people that option if they want to sit down with FEMA and talk about the variety of assistance that may be available for them.”

On May 14th, President Biden declared Clarke, Harrison, Mills, Polk, Pottawattamie, Ringgold, Shelby and Union Counties major disaster areas. Residents in those counties with storm damage could qualify for federal grants to cover temporary housing costs and home repairs. Businesses impacted by the April 26th storms may be eligible for low interest loans from the Small Business Administration. Mills says you do not have to live in either Pottawattamie or Shelby County to visit with FEMA staff in Minden or Harlan.

“Everyone’s exact situation is unique — different family sizes, different levels of damage, different needs,” Mills says, “and that’s why we’re working with everyone one on one.” FEMA and Small Business Administration staff will be at the two western Iowa sites from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, although both may be closed on Memorial Day.

Governor Reynolds hopes to submit damage assessments to the White House yet today (Thursday) in order to get FEMA and S-B-A assistance for storm victims in some of the counties she declared STATE disaster areas on Tuesday night. Wills says FEMA staff have been helping with damage assessments in Greenfield and elsewhere.

“We’re in close communication with the state and ready to support requests we may get from the state for technical assistance and other needs as recovery continues in the hard hit areas,” Wills says. Governor Reynolds says surveyors are compiling damage reports from rural areas from this week’s storms, in hopes of qualifying for U-S-D-A assistance to farmers and livestock producers. Reynolds is seeking storm-related aid from the U-S-D-A for the April 26th tornadoes as well.

(Corning, Iowa) — Sheriff’s officials in Adams County, Wednesday afternoon, released the name of a woman who died, when her vehicle was blown-off Highway 148 near Joshua Tree Avenue, during Tuesday’s violent storms and tornadoes. Authorities say 46-year-old Monica Zamarron died at the scene. Her body was found after emergency crews responded to the scene at around 3:30 p.m. Tuesday. Monica Zamarron was an employee of the Southwest Iowa Egg Co-Op.

Hers daughter set up a Go Fund Me to help with funeral costs. Click here to donate.

(Red Oak, Iowa) – Montgomery County Emergency Management Director Brian Hamman said late Wednesday night, that initial damage assessments of private residential structures have been completed revealing a total of (28) residential structures impacted by yesterday’s tornadoes in Montgomery County, including (4) identified structures within the City of Red Oak.
• 3 – Destroyed
• 5 – Major Damage
• 11 – Minor Damage
• 9 – Affected Damage

Hamman says “While these numbers only capture residential structures, many private outbuildings, grain bins, vehicles, recreational trailers, and other property have also been significantly damaged and/or destroyed. An estimated dollar amount of private losses is not available currently.

“Damage assessment continues to both city owned and county owned property and equipment, however early estimates have already identified well over $2,000,000 in losses. Power outages are still impacting a large portion of Southwest Iowa REC customers. Information is being shared on their Facebook page as available. The Stanton Viking Center and Community Room is open for charging electronics, locker rooms and showers.

“Any residents with immediate unmet needs are encouraged to contact Montgomery County EMA at 712-623-3749 to help facilitate the appropriate service and supplies as needed. No immediate needs have been identified however we are working with the Southwest Iowa Community Foundation to set up a donation location for those wanting to help support those
impacted within Montgomery County, more information to be shared when available.

CURRENT ROAD CLOSURES:
• J Ave between 210th x 230th due to flash flooding and culvert damage.
• Hacklebarney Park – Closed until further notice.