(Radio Iowa) – The Linn County Board of Supervisors has unanimously voted for a temporary moratorium on new applications for large-scale solar projects. Last month, on a two-to-one vote, the Linn County Board approved rezoning land near Palo for construction of large solar fields that will connect to Alliant Energy’s power grid. The moratorium on any NEW applications for utility-scale solar projects in Linn County will last at least three months, but the Board of Supervisors could extend it for as a long as a year.
Officials say it will give staff time to examine Linn County ordinances regarding construction of large arrays of solar panels, like how far away they must be from neighbors. During a public forum on Wednesday, one man questioned whether the moratorium was merely a delaying tactic by opponents of solar projects. Another said once building begins, there’s no turning back and the county should take the time necessary to review its solar-related rules.
County officials say they will appoint a citizens’ committee of Linn County residents to review and make recommendations for the county’s solar ordinance.
(Radio Iowa) – U.S. House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy was on the Iowa campaign trail yesterday (Wednesday) with Zach Nunn, the G-O-P candidate in Iowa’s third congressional district. “I encouraged him to run two years ago. At the time, it wasn’t right for him, but now it the right time,” McCarthy says. “…When I look at the challenges that we have before this nation, I just understand that Iowans want to see a change.” Nunn, who has served in the U.S. Air Force and the Iowa National Guard, has been a vocal supporter of Ukraine. Nunn says the Biden Administration’s decision this week to send surface-to-air missiles to Ukraine should have happened long ago.
“Going forward, we need to have a strategy to be able to deter the Russians and help the Ukrainians, but handing over just…billions of dollars with no plan is not a plan for success.” A few Republican candidates have begun calling for an end to U.S. aid to Ukraine. McCarthy says if Republicans gain a majority in the U.S. House, they’ll push the Biden Administration for a plan to end the war.
“You don’t just throw aid. What is the plan to win? What is the plan to end this? And let’s see what it is. What do you need at this moment? And then there’s a check and balance,” McCarthy said. “You never give a blank check — ‘I’ll write anything,’ and you never give a blank check that: ‘I’ll just say no.'” McCarthy also blasts the idea of cancelling U.S. arm sales to Saudi Arabia, as some Democrats have proposed. McCarthy says it would harm relationships with allies if America fails to fulfill its promises.
Both McCarthy and Nunn say after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade, decisions about abortion policy should be made at the state, not federal level. Nunn already has voted for some abortion restrictions in Iowa as a member of the state legislature. “I think the court’s been very clear here under the 10th amendment, this is back to the states,” Nunn said. “…Not only the states have the responsibility to do…we really this needs to be a conversation with Iowans and we need to afford them the opportunity to have their voice heard.”
McCarthy echoes those sentiments. “Well, I’ve watched the Supreme Court decision and what the Supreme Court decision did in my decision is pushes it down to the states,” McCarthy said. “Let the states make that decision.”
McCarthy and Nunn made their comments during an interview with Radio Iowa before a campaign fundraiser in West Des Moines. Nunn is challenging Democratic Congresswoman Cindy Axne’s bid for a third term in the U.S. House.
(Radio Iowa) -The candidates in Iowa’s new second congressional district revived their strong disagreements over abortion policy during a joint T-V appearance last (Tuesday) night. Ashley Hinson, a Republican from Marion, is seeking a second term in the U.S. House. “I think it’s important we have some sort of conversation about how we protect life in this country,” Hinson says. “…It’s why I’ve supported a variety of pro-life policies.” Liz Mathis of Hiawatha is the Democrat running against Hinson.
“I will codify Roe when I get into Washington,” Mathis said. “I will also take government out of women’s health care decisions.” Both candidates said the situation at America’s southern border is dire. Mathis says new technology could help speed up asylum hearings. “I think the Biden Administration has failed at the border,” Mathis said. “When we look at pictures, it looks like chaos and so I believe that we need to hire more border patrol…They’re doing paperwork there and paperwork that is late is making people languish at the border.”
Hinson said the federal government should hire more agents for the border patrol rather than the I-R-S. “Let’s talk about technology,” Hinson said. “I’ve helped as a part of the Homeland Security Appropriations Committee to fund technology that allows us to use drones and specialty cameras to help monitor our southern border so we can stop these bad guys trying to make their way into our country.”
The candidates debated last (Wednesday) night in K-C-R-G T-V studios where both had worked in the past as on-air journalists. Television stations K-C-C-I in Des Moines and K-W-Q-C in the Quad Cities were co-sponsors. Hinson and Mathis will debate once more — next Tuesday, October 18th, on Iowa P-B-S.
(Atlantic, Iowa/updated) – The Atlantic School District’s Board of Education met this (Wednesday) evening in the High School Media Center. During their session, the Board received an iJag Program Update from iJAG Instructor Guy Somers.
Somers said also, he’s trying to build relationships with 9th and 10th graders to get them interested in what the program has to offer, and that “we will get our numbers up,” and that he’s “Excited about different things going on in the program that show growth individually for students.” That includes the Atlantic iJAG program’s first internship/apprenticeship, thanks to Camblin Mechanical.
Other employers who have active internships in the trades (engineering, manufacturing, and more), and are part of “Future Ready Iowa,” have been invited to be guest speakers at the Careers Day. A different employer will also be brought in every two weeks, to talk about what makes their business interesting as a career opportunity. Guest speakers are set-up to appear on Thursdays, with students performing community service on opposite weeks.
The students are only required to serve 15 hours of community service as part of the program, but Somers said they’ll do much more than that, because it’s part of the “Key to success.” iJAG stands for Iowa Jobs for America’s Graduates. The program for High School Juniors and Seniors connects businesses and education, to provide the most cost-effective dropout prevention and school career solutions. 22 Seniors were enrolled in the program during the 2021-22 school year. The Atlantic School Board approved participation in iJAG in April, 2021.
In his report to the Board, Superintendent Steve Barber said the District’s Certified Enrollment numbers that will be submitted to the State, are up from last year, and overall up by 100 students, over the past two-years.
The Pre-Kindergarten through fourth grade statewide voluntary preschool is four students less than one year ago (does not include IEP four-year-olds). The total number of school-aged students served in Atlantic is 1,517, an increase of 40.9. The figures also include 5.5 more E.L. students. In other business, the Atlantic School Board approved the resignations of: Shelby Briggs, Washington Paraeducator; Adam Smith, Middle School Wrestling Coach, and Trace Petersen, MS Track Coach. The also approved Superintendent Steve Barber’s contract recommendations for the following:
Matt Best, 9th Grade Girls Basketball Coach, & Ed Den Beste (Interim) 9th Grade Boys Basketball Coach
Michaelin Juhl, Junior Class and Prim Sponsor
Kelsey Haupert and Aaron Koontz, Volunteer Cheer Coaches
Dayna Nakashima, Interpreter/Transcriber
High School Assistant Principal/Activities Director Andy Mitchell submitted, and the Board approved, his recommendations for the Summer 2023 Sports Coaches: Weight Room Coordinator, Derek Hall; Head Softball, Terry Hinzmann; JV Softball, Molly O’Hara; 9th Grade Softball, Derek Handel; JV Baseball, Oran Perkins, and 9th Grade Baseball, Bodie Johnson.
The Board approved an application to the Iowa Dept. of Education’s School Budget Review Committee (SBRC), for a Modified Allowable Growth amount of $585,683.55 for a 2021-22 Special Education Deficit, which, if approved, would allow the District to receive that amount in additional spending authority. Last year, the deficit was $485,405.32. They also approved Scot Aden as the District’s Title IX/Equity Coordinator and related name change for related board policies. Josh Rasmussen had previously served in that capacity.
The Board approved a transfer of $2,000 to the Class of 2023 and $6,852.28 to the Class of 2024, from the Class of 2022 Activity Fund balance (The fund balance was $8,852.28 prior to the Board approved transfer). The Atlantic School Board approved Mr. Barber’s recommendation that they accept a $30,000 life insurance donation from the estate of Lillie Johnson, and to transfer those funds to the Atlantic School Foundation, according to the family’s wishes. Lillie Johnson’s son Steven, the executor of his mother’s will, contacted Mr. Barber last Spring informing him of the donation. The funds are to be used to support education scholarships for students who plan to attend a post-secondary school. The life insurance company had listed the School District as beneficiary, hence the need to transfer the funds.
In other School Board news, they approved a pay application in the amount of $201,777 for the Achievement Center roof capital improvements project, and a final payment of $21,868 for the High School south parking lot project, which closes out that project.
(Radio Iowa) – Frank Fritz, the Iowan who gained fame on the “American Pickers” TV show, suffered a massive stroke in July and court records indicate a judge has appointed a temporary guardian to oversee his care.
A judge has appointed a long-time friend of Fritz as a temporary guardian, to make decisions about Fritz’s personal affairs. The judge put a local bank in charge of the former reality TV star’s finances.
Fritz, who is 58, was found in his Davenport home in July and rushed to a hospital for treatment of a stroke. He is currently being cared for in a rehabilitation facility and a friend recently told the Quad City Times Fritz is getting better every single day.
American Pickers was launched on the History Channel in 2010 and quickly became a hit. Fritz’s departure from the program was announced in the middle of last year.
(Radio Iowa) – The C-E-O and manager of the Iowa State Fair is retiring. Gary Slater is a Missouri native who served as manager of the Missouri State Fair and the World Pork Expo before taking the top job at the Iowa State Fair 21 years ago. During his tenure, the Fair topped the one million attendance mark, saw multiple upgrades and changes to the buildings on the grounds, and led it through the pandemic cancellation in 2021.
Slater released a statement saying it has been “an honor of a lifetime to lead the Iowa State Fair.” Slater says his retirement comes with the Fair in a good place, having returned to pre-pandemic revenue levels, and he looks forward to spending more time with his family.
Gary Slater near the end of the 2022 Iowa State Fair. (RI photo)
Council Bluffs, Iowa – Officials in Pottawattamie County, today (Wednesday) unveiled a modern logo system that represents the storied history of residents and communities Pottawattamie County serves. The announcement comes after several logos and images were used to identify county departments and services. From Conservation to Public Health, colors and branding varied greatly. Most departments will now share the same brand image as Pottawattamie County, providing what county leaders say is much needed clarity. County Supervisor Justin Schultz says the “…announcement measures excitement beyond words. Sharing a common operating picture of the future will greatly clarify what we do for our residents. This takes Pottawattamie County to the next level.”
Modern-day Pottawattamie County evolved out of the Pottawattamie Purchase of 1847. It was named after the Native American tribe Potawatomi, that once possessed the Iowa Territory. Potawatomi is a Native American term meaning “Keepers of the Council Fires,” or “Makers of Fire.” Pottawattamie County is paying tribute to its history with the new brand. Along with a large P, the logo features a feather transitioning to a flame with the new county slogan “Find Your Fire.” The tribe has given its official approval of both. County Supervisors Chairman Tim Wichman says “Not only is the new slogan a reference to our great history, but to our bright future as well. We feel ‘Find Your Fire’ can also describe finding your passion. No matter what that is, we’re confident you can find it in Pottawattamie County.”
The transition for Pottawattamie County includes updating brand imaging on the county website, multiple department websites, and county owned social media channels. Signage and county vehicles will also be appropriately marked, though completing those changes will take time. “This is going to be a process, but a fun one,” said Schultz. “Our logo is the work of creativity at its best. It’s an image that instantly speaks to you and draws your attention, leaving you curious for more.”
Digital presentations, letterhead, email signatures and business cards will also reflect Pottawattamie County’s new branding. The official county seal will continue to be used in official county business, but residents should become familiar with the new brand system. “A brand is so much more than a logo, it’s an identity,” said Wichman. “With a shared image across multiple departments, our residents will easily recognize who we are and the services we provide. It’s a big deal.”
Pottawattamie County also announced plans to consolidate its online presence. Along with separate branding, several departments owned independent websites. The process to move content from those websites to the county website pottcounty-ia.gov may take months to complete, but the Board of Supervisors believes that offering a centralized location for residents to find information on all county related services is an important step. “The County is listening, and we believe that finding information about county government and services should not be a complicated process,” said Schultz. “Centralizing our resources and providing a user-friendly website will help simplify the experience and provide more effective routes for us to communicate with our residents.”
The new county slogan was created through a county employee submittal contest. Committees consisting of up to two members of the Board of Supervisors, and several employees, played an active role in deciding appropriate steps in the transition and selecting the final logo design created by Right Idea Media & Creative in Council Bluffs.
MARILYN HOLDREN, 95, of Avoca, died Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2022 at Avoca Specialty Care. Graveside services for MARILYN HOLDREN will be held 11-a.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022, in the Harlan Cemetery. Pauley-Jones Funeral Home in Harlan has the arrangements.
Visitation at the funeral home, is on Saturday, from 10-until 11-a.m.
(Radio Iowa) – The corn and bean harvest moved ahead quickly last week. The U-S-D-A report shows the beans in the bin went from 26 percent two weeks to 55 percent last week. The bean harvest had been one day behind the five-year average, but is now nine days ahead of that mark. The amount of corn pulled from the fields more than doubled from 11 percent two weeks ago, to 23 percent this past week.
The corn harvest is three days behind average. The corn condition rose slightly to 63 percent good to excellent.
(Radio Iowa) – A new report finds poll worker pay for the 2020 Primary and General Elections in at least one dozen counties was either not approved by the county’s board of supervisors or was higher than authorized. The review was launched after news reports that Scott County’s auditor had approved paying precinct election workers 15 dollars an hour. That exceeded the 10 dollar an hour rate approved by the Scott County Board of Supervisors. State Auditor Rob Sand’s office reviewed poll worker pay in Scott County and 15 other counties. The report cites seven counties for either paying poll workers more than had been approved by the county’s board of supervisors or providing something like unapproved small bonuses for working during a pandemic. Five of the 16 counties had no documentation of board of supervisors approval of election workers’ pay.
The state auditor’s report also indicates eight counties had discrepancies in calculating the number of hours or mileage reimbursements for poll workers in 2020. There’s a link to the 22 page report at Radio Iowa dot com. Under state law, temporary election workers are technically temporary STATE employees being paid by the counties. The state auditor’s report recommends that the secretary of state’s office develop new procedures to monitor poll worker pay. NONE of the discrepancies from 2020 that are cited in the report are subject to new fines the legislature approved in 2021 for election-related infractions.
Among the Counties in the state auditor’s review, was: Adams, Black Hawk, Boone, Cerro Gordo, Clayton, Des Moines, Dickinson, Harrison, Howard, Linn, Louisa, Polk, Pottawattamie, Poweshiek, Ringgold and Scott.
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