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Influential lobbyist says personhood law is ultimate goal

News

July 12th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – A lobbyist for an influential evangelical Christian group says the Iowa Supreme Court ruling that upheld a six week abortion ban is a major milestone, but a complete ban on abortion is the ultimate goal. Chuck Hurley spoke this (Friday) afternoon at a summit hosted by The Family Leader.

Life at Conception or personhood bills have been introduced in the Iowa legislature, in other states and the U-S congress. Alabama and Arkansas have personhood amendments in their state constitutions. Democrats say a personhood law or constitutional amendment could outlaw in vitro fertilization, since Alabama’s Supreme Court recently ruled frozen embryos are children and those who destroy embryos could be held liable for wrongful death.

Learn to Hunt program opens registration for beginner fur harvesting workshops

Ag/Outdoor, News

July 12th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is offering a program to teach skills needed to trap furbearers to people with little to no trapping experience. The workshop will feature knowledge and skill building sessions with instructors that will teach the basics of trapping in Iowa. Jamie Cook, Iowa DNR Program Coordinator, says “For those interested in the tradition of trapping as a means of sourcing fur, this program provides the opportunity to gain the skills and the knowledge it takes to do it all yourself.”

Participants will learn basic strategies for trapping such as proper equipment, trap placement, trapping regulations and steps for preparing hides for trade. Participants are expected to dress appropriately for the weather as a significant portion of the class will be held outdoors. The workshops will take place on various dates and locations across the state. The course is designed for participants of all ages.  Space is limited so be sure to register right away.

For more information and to begin the registration process, visit the link below and search by Trapper Education Class event type:

https://license.gooutdoorsiowa.com/Event/EventsHome.aspx

The program is provided through a partnership with the Iowa DNR and Iowa Trappers Association. It is part of a national effort to recruit, retain and reactivate hunters, anglers and trappers due to the overall decline in hunting and outdoor recreation.

Timeline set for new gambling license applications

News

July 12th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio  Iowa) – The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission set the timeline today (Friday) for new license applications. The process includes a gambling market study and proposals to do that are due August 15th. Applications for those interested in getting a license are due one month later.

The commission will hear presentations on potential new casinos in October. The market study is due at the end of December with a public presentation in January. It’s anticipated the I-R-G-C will make a decision on awarding any new licenses in February.

A group in Linn County is proposing a casino in Cedar Rapids, but not other proposals have been made public.

Iowans need to take it easy outside with a steamy weekend ahead

News, Weather

July 12th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – Forecasters say an exceptionally hot and humid weekend is ahead and Iowans are warned not to overdo it if they’re working or playing outdoors. Carla Johnson, an infection prevention specialist with Van Diest Medical Center in Webster City, says falling victim to heat stroke can be very risky, so know the symptoms.

A person with heat stroke might also seem confused, and they may even pass out.

Another risk is heat exhaustion, which she says has a varied set of warning signs.

Seven southwest Iowa counties are under an excessive heat watch from Sunday afternoon through Monday night, as forecasters say heat indices may reach 112 degrees.

Iowa Department of Corrections and Iowa Prison Industries partner with Homes for Iowa to build five new homes for disaster impacted communities

News

July 12th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES – As part of a rapid response effort to provide much-needed housing to disaster impacted Iowans, Governor Kim Reynolds has directed the Iowa Department of Corrections, in collaboration with Iowa Prison Industries and Homes for Iowa, to construct five new homes for Iowa communities located in counties approved for FEMA Individual Assistance through a federal major disaster declaration.

The five new homes will offer spacious and modern living spaces for families in need. Each home measures 24×50 feet and includes three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The homes vary slightly in layout and color, providing a range of options to suit different preferences. In addition, requiring basements for the homes provides a crucial area of shelter during high-wind events, an essential feature for areas vulnerable to tornadoes.

“Homes for Iowa provides a turnkey solution for disaster impacted communities that want to expedite their rebuilding process,” stated Governor Reynolds. “Supporting displaced Iowans in getting back into homes in their communities is our highest priority.”

“We are committed to supporting Iowans as communities recover from these devastating natural disasters,” said DOC Director Dr. Beth Skinner. “These homes represent hope and a fresh start for families in need, and we are grateful for the partnership with Iowa Prison Industries and Homes for Iowa in making this possible.”

Homes for Iowa not only provides affordable, energy-efficient homes to enhance communities across the state but also offers invaluable opportunities for incarcerated individuals. Participants in the program gain hands-on experience in construction, developing skills that are critical for their successful reentry into society. This training helps reduce recidivism by providing meaningful employment opportunities upon release, thereby contributing positively to the community and economy.

This initiative underscores our commitment to community resilience and ensuring safe, affordable housing for all Iowans.

Communities interested in purchasing homes can go to homesforia.com to learn more about the process and submit an order form online.

Travel Information for Hy-Vee INDYCAR Race Weekend

News, Sports

July 12th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

NEWTON, Iowa – July 12, 2024 – The racing season is now underway at the Iowa Speedway! We would like to ask for your assistance during race weekends. The Hy-Vee INDYCAR Race Weekend is July 12 – 14, with attendance expected to be approximately 25,000 – 30,000 on Saturday and Sunday. Below are some traffic information and travel tips provided by the Iowa State Patrol for individuals traveling in Central Iowa while the race events are happening.

  • The Iowa State Patrol, Iowa Department of Transportation, Newton Police Department, Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, and Iowa Speedway officials will be working in conjunction with traffic control and parking companies to erect signs, sign boards, and cones to clearly mark travel routes for fans attending the races.
  • Please leave for the track early, factoring in potential minor traffic delays near the Speedway. Arriving ahead of time remains the most effective strategy to alleviate congestion on the roads.
  • Please be aware of ongoing construction projects that may impact your travel plans, including the closure of a section of Highway 14 between Newton and Monroe, as well as Jasper County Road F-48 that is shut down for construction west of Newton.
  • Following the races, exit ramps in both east- and westbound directions at the 168 interchange (exit 168) will be temporarily closed. Additionally, post-event traffic on Iowa Speedway Drive at S 13th St. E. will be directed to ensure a safe and efficient flow of vehicles out of the area.
  • Parking lots open at noon on Friday, July 12, 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 13, and 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, July 14.

As part of their dedication to a safe and pleasant race experience, the Iowa DOT asks motorists to kindly adhere to all traffic regulations, ensure seat belt usage for all passengers, and arrange for a designated driver when necessary.

Great Lakes sees drop in July 4th tourists due to high water

Ag/Outdoor, News

July 12th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – Tourism is down in the Iowa Great Lakes after heavy rains and high water forced the implementation of issue boating restrictions. The Executive Director of Vacation Okoboji , Kylie Zankowski, says summer business is important to the area.

Zankowski estimates flooding has decreased tourism by 40 to 60 percent.

Zankowski says some hotel occupancy was cut in half during the Independence Day holiday. Juli Redig has been coming to the Iowa Great Lakes from Minnesota since she was the age of her grandchildren. And they saw very few boats on the water during a visit to Arnolds Park due to a five mile and hour speed limit put in place to preserve the shoreline.

Redig says she’s still making the most of her family’s vacation. They brought their pontoon boat to enjoy the water slowly. Zankowski she says there’s hope as water levels and quality continue to improve. She says the Arnolds Park amusement area and other attractions, along with the food, and entertainment give tourists other options.

(story contributed by Sheila Brummer, Iowa Public Radio)

Iowa lawmaker gets called up to pitch again in the minor league

News, Sports

July 12th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – A 44-year-old from Sioux City has won his second start after being asked to return as a pitcher for Sioux City’s minor league baseball team. J.D. Scholter (SHOHL-ten), a state representative who works as a paralegal, has played pro-baseball for teams in seven countries, including a four-year stretch for the Sioux City Explorers. The hometown crowd gave him a standing ovation as he left the mound last Saturday.

When he left the team in 2007, Scholten told the manager to call if they ever needed a pitcher in an emergency. Scholten got the call last Saturday as he was volunteering at a music festival in Sioux City.

Scholten made it in time, threw 100 pitches in six and a half innings and the team won that game. Scholten admits he had shaky start though, giving up a run in the first inning and then escaping a bases loaded jam.

The Explorers won that game 11-to-two and won again last (Thursday) night in Fargo. Scholten threw again for the first six innings, allowing one run in the fourth inning striking out three and leaving with the score tied. Scholten pitched in a pro league in the Netherlands last year and added a new pitch to his rotation.

Some of Scholten’s pitches during the two games this past week have been clocked at 87 miles an hour.

Portable classrooms sought for Spencer, Rock Valley

News

July 12th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – State officials say ensuring schools start the fall semester in two flood-stricken northwest Iowa cities is a priority. Iowa Department of Education director McKenzie Snow says public school districts in Spencer and Rock Valley and the Rock Valley Christian School are dealing with extensive damage. “Lost curriculum and instructional items, electronic learning devices, school buses and vans, (Career and Technical Education) program equipment,” she said, “and educational enrichment spaces and materials that range from playgrounds to gyms to libraries and band rooms.”

Snow said some progress has been made, but her agency has been involved in finding portable classrooms in other school districts that can be transferred to Spencer and Rock Valley.) “We are also focused on transportation needed to best serve all students,” Snow said, “especially students who have been displaced or students who are experiencing homelessness.” Governor Kim Reynolds says the first day of school is just around the corner — and the goal is to get kids in a classroom for in-person instruction.

Last year, more than two-thousand students were enrolled in Spencer and the public schools in Rock Valley had just under a thousand students. There were 236 students enrolled in Rock Valley Christian School for the 2023/24 school year.

Head of AMA talks to Iowa physicians about worrisome scarcity of rural doctors

News

July 12th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – The president of the American Medical Association is in Iowa today (Friday) to address the state’s top doctors about key healthcare issues, including Iowa’s worsening shortage of rural physicians. Dr. Bruce Scott is an otolaryngologist and head and neck surgery specialist with a private practice in Louisville, Kentucky. Scott says one of his priorities as A-M-A president is to seek out ways to turn around the exodus of experienced doctors from our nation’s rural areas. “In Iowa right now, 97 out of your 99 counties are partially or entirely designated as Health Professional Shortage Areas,” Scott says. “Iowa actually ranks 45th in the nation in terms of availability of physicians and the patient-physician relationship.”

Scott is speaking before members of the Iowa Medical Society in Des Moines, and says he’s seeing similar problems in Kentucky. In an interview with Radio Iowa, Scott says rural Iowa physicians are retiring in droves and they’re not being replaced by new doctors due to the lower wages, increased administrative burdens, and the rising cost of practice in rural areas. “We need to work to get the physicians who are currently practicing to want to continue practice,” Scott says, “and then we need to work on the other end to get more people into medical schools, into residency and convince them to stay in the rural areas.”

It’s a nationwide problem, as Scott says forecasts show the country will be short 83-thousand doctors in the next decade. He says only four or five percent of today’s medical students identify as being from a rural area. “Medical student debt is huge and sometimes students in rural areas don’t have the financial means,” Scott says. “So one of the things that I know the Iowa Medical Society is pushing for is increased funding for the Rural Physician Loan Repayment Program, so we particularly need more residency programs in rural areas.”

Studies find 80-percent of graduating residents stay within 80 miles of the hospital where they did their residency. Besides medical doctors to address our physical ills, Iowa is also lacking in -mental- health professionals. Beyond incentives for those who pursue degree programs, Scott says licensing and regulatory changes could bring more people into service, but progress is slow. “The American Medical Association actually convinced the federal government to pass what was called parody rules over 10 years ago,” Scott says, “and yet, many insurance companies still do not provide adequate coverage for mental health benefits, partially, I believe, because the federal government never put any teeth into the requirements.”

Dr. Bruce Scott (AMA photo)

The Federal Trade Commission issued a report this week about the negative impact pharmacy benefit managers, or P-B-Ms, are having on the accessibility and affordability of prescription drugs. Health care professionals in the state blame P-B-Ms for driving many small-town Iowa pharmacies out of business, and Scott agrees. “I think the PBMs pose a real problem. They are basically an invisible entity that sucks a lot of dollars out of the healthcare system, and I think that they should be largely eliminated or at least largely regulated,” Scott says. “Not only has it been an impact upon the small pharmacies, it’s been an impact on the patient’s pocketbook.”

He says these companies routinely keep rebates that should go to the patients, or that result in higher prices for prescriptions. The Iowa Medical Society, established in 1850, is the largest and oldest statewide professional association for Iowa physicians representing more than 5,000 members.