DES MOINES – Governor Kim Reynolds and First Gentleman Kevin Reynolds invite Iowans and their families to join them for Christmas at Terrace Hill on Sunday, December 17, from 1-until 3-p.m. Guests are encouraged to explore the historic property and enjoy several activities including photos with Santa Claus and the first family, ornament decorating, carolers, Christmas cookies and a letter-writing station to send correspondence to deployed Iowa National Guard service members.  

At this year’s event, as an additional way to say “Thank You” to our men and women who are currently deployed, Terrace Hill will be collecting donations for deployed service members. A list of suggested items can be found here.  The event will conclude with Governor Reynolds reading No Company for Christmas, a story which centers around Terrace Hill and was written by local children’s author, Susan Maupin Schmid, with illustrations created by local artist, Tara Gartin.  

Tickets are $25 per individual or $50 per household + processing fees and must be purchased in advance. To purchase tickets, call our office at 515-281-7205 or click here.  Proceeds from the event benefit the Terrace Hill Partnership, the non-profit organization that supports necessary conservation and restoration projects at Terrace Hill. Last year’s event raised over $5,000 that went toward the upkeep of the 154-year-old building and grounds. 

(Radio Iowa) – North Dakota Doug Burgum has ended his presidential campaign.

Burgum did not meet the polling threshold for Wednesday’s debate for GOP candidates. Burgum, who did not qualify for the debate in November, either, said the Republican National Committee’s requirements are “nationalizing the primary process and taking the power of democracy away from the engaged, thoughtful citizens of Iowa and New Hampshire.”

North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum appeared on Iowa Press on Iowa PBS in October. (Iowa PBS photo)

Burgum did participate in the first two televised debates. He met the fundraising requirement for the first one by offering $20 gift cards to donors who gave at least $1 to his campaign. The Des Moines Register Iowa Poll in late October showed Burgum with three percent support here, behind former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, who has not campaigned in Iowa this year.

Burgum launched his campaign in June.

(Radio Iowa) – The 2023 Iowa Teacher of the Year teaches English language learners at Des Moines Hoover High School. Ann Mincks says Hoover is one of the state’s most diverse high schools in the state with around 25 percent of students who are English learners. Mincks plans to focus on English language efforts as she travels the state for the Iowa Department of Education in the next year.

“I will really be working to be an advocate for those students. In addition, I’ve really been exploring literacy practices,” she says. “So I will be discussing evidence based practices and how to improve literacy instruction throughout the state.” Mincks gives credits her colleagues and family for allowing her to receive the honor.

2023 Iowa Teacher of the Year Ann Mincks. (Dept. of Education photo)

“For me the really important thing is that it’s kind of shining a light on Des Moines Public Schools and the good work that we’re doing here,” Mincks says. “And in addition just kind of honoring my family and all they have given me.” Mincks says her mother, aunt, grandmother and her grandmother’s four sisters were all in education. Mincks has been teaching for 15 years at Des Moines Hoover High School.

The Iowa Department Education announced her as the teacher of the year at a ceremony at the school this (Monday) morning.

(Glenwood, Iowa) – Police in Glenwood report seven arrests took place over the past week. On Saturday (12/2): 43-year-old Barbara Riley, of Glenwood, was arrested on an Audubon County warrant. Riley was being held without bond; 36-year-old Michael Ramsey, of Big Sandy, TX, was arrested for OWI/1st offense. He posted a $1,000 bond and was released; and, 36-year-old Antwan Burton, of Omaha, was arrested Saturday in Glenwood, on an Omaha Police Department warrant. Burton was being held without bond in the Mills County Jail.

There were two arrests last Friday in Glenwood: 18-year-old Jayden Jensen, of Council Bluffs, was arrested on a Mills County warrant. Jensen posted a $1,000 bond and was released. And, 36-year-old Cameron Ford, of Omaha, was arrested for OWI/2nd offense. Ford posted a $2,000 bond before being released.

On Nov. 30th, Glenwood Police arrested 24-year-old Tyler Bascue, of Glenwood, of Possession of a Controlled Substance, and, Child Endangerment. He posted a $3,000 bond and was released. On the 27th, 28-year-old Elijah Fritz, of Glenwood, was arrested for Theft in the 5th Degree, Public Intoxication, and Interference with Official Acts. Bond was set at $900. Fritz was later released on his Own Recognizance.

Fritz had previously been arrested on Nov. 26th, for Public Intoxication. He posted a $300 bond and was released.