Iowa Senator Joni Ernst says it’s time for the U.S. to provide more long range weapons to Ukraine.

In June, the U.S. shipped artillery rockets to Ukraine. Ernst supports sending more advanced guided missiles that can go longer distances.

President Biden released a billion dollars worth of military hardware to Ukraine this week. Ernst says without longer-range missiles, the war will drag on for years — and much of Ukraine will be destroyed.

Ukraine has been pushing for a shipment of U.S. missiles that can fly as high as 160-thousand feet and hit targets up to 190 miles away. President Biden has said the U.S. does not intend to provide Ukraine with weapons that could reach into Russian territory. Ernst says that’s risk averse and it’s time to take a more aggressive stance against Russia.

Russian forces occupy about 20 percent of Ukraine territory today, according to Ernst, and she says they’ll continue inching forward without a change in tactics. Ernst, a Republican who was in the Iowa National Guard, does not support sending U.S. troops into Ukraine, but has voted to provide the money so the U.S. remains the main supplier of weapons for Ukraine’s military.

ATLANTIC, IA – Produce in the Park is celebrating National Farmers Market Week Thursday, August 11, with one-dollar coupons for all kids age 12 and under who complete a farmers market scavenger hunt.

Coupons can be spent with any vendor at the park on August 11, including food trucks Little Green Trailer and Hungry Spartan Pizza. Little Green Trailer serves a variety of BBQ dishes along with Tropical Sno. Hungry Spartan Pizza will be serving single slices with various toppings, including special Double Cheeseburger.

Produce in the Park is funding the coupons to draw attention to the many benefits farmers markets provide communities. According to the Farmers Market Coalition, “For every dollar of nutrition
incentives spent on farm direct purchases, such as at a farmers market, it is estimated to result in a contribution of up to 3 dollars to the U.S. economy.” Farmers markets also spur entrepreneurship by serving as business incubators with low barriers to entry, and markets can increase produce consumption—a win for health.

Fresh, local produce at park this week includes tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, sweet corn, onions,
garlic, eggplant, peppers, and more. As always, customers will enjoy free live music, games, and other
activities. Vendors will also be selling local meat (chicken, beef, pork, and lamb), honey, farm-fresh eggs, popcorn, fresh-squeezed lemonade, pastries and desserts, and a variety of beauty products and crafts.

The Creston Police Department reports an arrest early Wednesday. At 12:14 a.m. Officers arrested 43-year-old Lela Ann Churchwell of Creston at her residence. She was charged with Public Intoxication 1st Offense and Interference with Official Acts and taken to the Clarke County Jail and held on $600 cash or surety bond.