(Radio Iowa) – The leaders of food assistance groups in Iowa say they’re seeing record numbers at the state’s food pantries. A network of 14 central Iowa food pantries served 30-thousand people in November — the highest number in the organization’s 50 year history. Blake Willadsen is a spokesman for the Des Moines Area Religious Council. “We’ve got a line out the door as we open and a line out the door as we close.” Di Daniels is a board member of SALUD!, a coalition that coordinates feeding programs in Storm Lake.

“COVID hit and it just blew us away and since then it feels like we are still operating in crisis mode,” Daniels says. “In talking to the different organizations, the different churches that are in this arena, our numbers have doubled and tripled.” Michelle Book, C-E-O of the Food Bank of Iowa, says since April of 2022, the amount of food it has distributed to food pantries in 55 counties has grown each month.

Food Bank of Iowa CEO Michelle Book on “Iowa Press” set on Dec. 6, 2024. (Iowa PBS photo)

“In the last two months, we’ve distributed 2.5 million pounds of food each month, in October and November,” Book says. “Those are record setting distributions for Food Bank of Iowa over the court of our our 42 year history.”

Book and Daniels made their comments during a weekend appearance on “Iowa Press” on Iowa P-B-S.

December 9, 2024 – The End Distracted Driving Iowa Coalition has launched a statewide campaign to advocate for a full hands-free driving law in Iowa. Supported by more than 25 organizations representing law enforcement, healthcare, labor, business, transportation, insurance, and state agencies, the coalition aims to make Iowa’s roads safer with the passage of legislation preventing drivers from using their phones while driving. Iowa’s current distracted driving law only prohibits texting while driving, but there have been efforts to strengthen the law and make it more comprehensive.

Coalition officials say Iowa urgently needs a hands-free driving law: Over the past decade, distracted driving crashes have increased by 43%, according to Iowa DOT’s crash data. Similar laws in states like Michigan, Ohio, Alabama, and Minnesota have proven effective, reducing crash rates significantly. For example, Michigan saw a 10.2% drop, while Minnesota experienced over a 30% reduction in crashes (CMT US Road Safety Report 2024).

The Coalitions says in Iowa, even a 10% reduction in distracted driving would prevent 1,000 crashes, 700 injuries, and six fatalities annually according to the CMT US Road Safety Report 2024. The Coalition is encouraging the legislature to take action. Iowans – they say – are frequently using their devices while driving—96% of residents report regularly seeing others driving with a cellphone in hand, according to the Governor’s Safety Traffic Bureau’s annual State Fair survey. The same survey found 85% of Iowans support a hands-free driving law. It’s time for Iowa to join 30 other states in adopting this crucial safety measure.

About the End Distracted Driving Iowa Coalition

The End Distracted Driving Iowa Coalition is a statewide group comprised of 25 organizations, including representatives from the business, law enforcement, healthcare, labor, transportation, and insurance sectors. The coalition’s mission is to reduce distracted driving by advocating for a comprehensive hands-free driving law in Iowa. By uniting diverse voices, the coalition aims to raise awareness, promote safer roads, and pass this critical legislation during the 2025 Iowa legislative session.

(Greenfield, Iowa) – The Adair County Sheriff’s Office reports two separate arrests took place last week. On Dec. 3rd, 44-year-old Donna Marie Ott, of Greenfield, was arrested on an Adair County warrant for Failure To Appear (In court) on an original charge of Driving While Barred. Ott was released Dec. 6th on her Own Recognizance, following an initial court appearance.

And, on Dec. 2nd, 53-year-old Trummer Lee Washington, of West Des Moines, was arrested on Adair County following a traffic stop for equipment violations. Washington was a passenger in the vehicle. He was charged with Violation of a No Contact Order that was issued in Dallas County, and for providing false information to law enforcement. Washington was released on a $300 bond after making an initial court appearance. Greenfield Police assisted with the arrest.

(Des Moines, Iowa) – This holiday season Iowans will gather with loved ones and it is a great time for an open discussion about the location of important documents which detail end-of-life plans. Officials with the Iowa Insurance Division (IID) say it’s never too early to create an end-of-life plan, which is a set of arrangements or decisions made in advance regarding the care, treatment, and personal affairs at the end of a person’s life. It typically involves preparing for the final stage of life in a way that aligns with the individual’s wishes, values, and goals. The discussion doesn’t have to divulge details you are not comfortable sharing, it just ensures the following information may be found in case of an emergency.

A will outlines how a person’s assets should be distributed after death. Trusts are legal arrangements that help manage how assets are distributed, potentially avoiding probate. A power of attorney designates someone to manage financial and legal affairs on your behalf if you cannot do so. All parties assigned to carry out these duties should have copies of these legal documents.

The IID encourages you to assemble a list of banking and financial accounts with the policy or account numbers, passwords, etc. Accounts should have updated beneficiaries or designate a payable-on-death designation. Consider consolidating financial accounts to one or two financial institutions. If using a licensed financial professional, ponder an introduction to those tasked with handling your affairs. Add trusted contacts to your financial accounts so that if there is a change in behavior or something seems suspect with the account, the contact may be notified.

This article provided by By Sonya Sellmeyer, Consumer Advocacy Officer for the Iowa Insurance Division

Outline information on life insurance policies, and if they are paid up. If assistance is needed in locating a policy after a loved one has passed you may use the free National Insurance Commissioners Life Insurance Policy locator service. Advance directives include a living will and a durable power of attorney for health care.  A living will is a document that specifies the types of medical treatments and life-sustaining measures a person wishes to receive or avoid in case they become unable to communicate their wishes.  A durable power of attorney for health care appoints someone to make medical decisions on behalf of the person if they are incapacitated (e.g., in a coma or terminal illness).

If there is a long-term care policy, know how the premiums are paid, and the requirements for benefits to start.  Request a designee on the policy who receives a notice if a premium is not paid. Discuss palliative care and hospice preferences for pain management and comfort care. Funeral and burial preferences should be communicated in writing.  Include any specific wishes or instructions, and if your loved one wants to be an organ and tissue donor.  Communicate any prepaid funeral policies.

Having discussions about the location of these documents and future legacy planning does not require someone sharing more about their finances than they desire.  It is about knowing where documents are kept and being able to assist with the care of a loved one when needed.  These conversations create transparency and understanding with everyone involved.

DES MOINES, Iowa — One person was killed and two others were injured early Monday morning in a West Des Moines crash. According to KCCI, the crash happened around 6:10 a.m. on Interstate 35 northbound at Mills Civic Parkway (Exit 70). Two inside lanes of northbound 1-35 were blocked for more than an hour as crews worked at the crash site.

West Des Moines police confirmed the fatality to KCCI around 7:15 a.m. No other information was immediately available.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – Officials with Vision Atlantic say Rolling Hills Bank & Trust has donated $500,000 to Vision Atlantic’s transformative project, which will bring a housing development, new childcare center, and YMCA expansion to Atlantic. Keith Honke, President of Rolling Hills Bank & Trust said in a press release, Monday (today), “Rolling Hills Bank & Trust is very proud to be a supporter of the Vision Atlantic project. Rolling Hills Bank has a long history of giving back to the communities we serve. We have 12 banking locations located in Iowa, Minnesota, and Wyoming. We are proud to be a supporter of this project that will benefit the Atlantic community in many ways.”

As we’ve previously mentioned, Vision Atlantic, through extensive research and surveying of the community and surrounding region, identified three areas that will help increase Atlantic’s population: expanded childcare, quality housing and quality of life amenities. Construction of the 144 mixed unit housing development, 300 capacity child development center and expansion of the current YMCA facility is slated to begin late spring of 2025. Infrastructure work for the housing development and child development center is currently underway.

With substantial monetary support from the Charles E. Lakin Foundation and local donors, $18.8 million has been raised in the past 12 months, 62% of a $30 million goal. In addition to the Lakin Foundation’s $8.6 million grant, Vision Atlantic has also received an additional $23 million from the Foundation, which will act as a line of credit and help Vision Atlantic construct homes in the Camblin Hills Housing Development. As the dollars are paid back each year, the Foundation will donate 5% of the interest paid back to Vision Atlantic, which will be used to help operate the child development center. The $23 million is not part of Vision Atlantic’s $30 million fundraising goal.

Pictured: Vision Atlantic Board of Directors Christina Bateman, Nick Hunt, Debbie Waterbury and Melissa Ihnen. Rolling Hills Bank & Trust President Keith Honke and Atlantic branch employees. (photo submitted)

Vision Atlantic’s Project Committee is actively working to secure the remaining $11.5 million needed to meet the fundraising goal. If you are interested in helping transform Atlantic, whether it’s through monetary donations or acts of volunteerism, please contact Vision Atlantic at visionatlanticiowa@gmail.com. Follow Vision Atlantic on Facebook for behind-the-scenes access to project updates or visit www.visionatlantic.org.

Vision Atlantic is a 501(c)(3) non-profit whose mission is to empower growth, enhance lives, and build a thriving community together through the economic development of Atlantic, Iowa.

DES MOINES, Iowa – State Treasurer Roby Smith is celebrating the holidays with an ISave 529 giveaway. “Visit ISave529.com before December 31 and register to win a $5,290 ISave 529 contribution,” Smith said. “It’s the perfect gift that can ensure your child’s dreams are as unique as they are.”

Family and friends can contribute to the account, making it a great gift-giving option during the holidays. “Investing in a child’s education will last a lifetime,” continued Smith. “Whether they become a doctor, teacher or artist, a solid education is the foundation of their success. Saving and contributing to an ISave 529 account could be one of the most important gifts of all; the gift of education.”

ISave 529 provides families a tax-advantaged way to save for education. Iowa taxpayers saving with the Plan can deduct up to $5,500 in contributions per Beneficiary account from their 2024 state income taxes. Additionally, earnings grow federally tax-deferred and qualified withdrawals are tax free. Qualified withdrawals can be used to pay for tuition, room and board, books, computers, supplies and other education-related expenses at any eligible education institution in the U.S. or abroad, including two- and four-year colleges, apprenticeship programs and trade schools. Funds can also be used for K-12 tuition, rolled into a Roth IRA or qualified student loan repayments.

Learn more at ISave529.com. Follow ISave 529 on Facebook, Instagram and X for current events and updates. For additional details about ISave 529, read the Program Description.