(Radio Iowa) – The Iowa Department of Transportation is taking public input on the plan to develop a network of electric vehicle charging stations across the state. The D-O-T’s Stuart Anderson says the state will get 50 million in federal dollars over five years for what’s called the program called the National Electric Vehicle infrastructure program.  “Part of the requirements to use that funding is that each state develop an infrastructure deployment plan. And that plan was intended to look at where the corridors are in the state that are a priority for installing electric vehicle charging infrastructure,” Anderson says. The state can only use the funds in areas that are designated as alternative fuel corridors.

“That would include our major interstates, so it’s all of Interstate 80, all of Interstate 35, Interstate 29, and also Interstate 380, those are designated quarters right now,” Anderson says. “And so the law requires that a charging infrastructure be built out on those corridors to minimum levels of service, which generally means charging infrastructure, at least every 50 miles.” He says once that system is fully built out, then the funds can be used to expand charging infrastructure elsewhere across the state. Anderson says the charging stations will require a relatively significant amount of electricity.

“That means there needs to be lots of coordination with utilities across the state. So, we’ve already begun having meetings with some of the utilities, and that will continue over the next several weeks and month or two, to get their input as well in that end of this process,” he says. Some businesses have already installed electric vehicle charging stations, and Anderson says the charges can be anywhere that meets the guidelines. “Funding can only be used on charging infrastructure that’s within one mile of those interstate corridors. So that’ll be a constraint to locations,” according to Anderson. “In addition, it needs to be what we call D-C fast charging or level three.”

Level three is the fastest method of charging, and level one is the slowest. Anderson encourages anyone with comments on the proposal to let them know. He says the comments will have the most impact if they are given before June 24th. “We’ve established a website for this program,” he says. “And there’s a link to that survey on that website. In addition, people can sign up for a distribution list to get more information in the future. The website is www.iowadot.gov/iowaevplan.”

Anderson says they will continue to accept comments after June 24th, but will start working on the proposal. The plan is due August 1st, and then it has to be reviewed and approved at the federal level. Anderson says they expect federal approval will be done by September 30th — and then they can start the process to identify the locations and a process for procuring them. He says every state has money from the federal government for this type of plan — and that means there is demand for the equipment — so it could take one year or more to get everything installed.

(Radio Iowa) – The three Republicans currently serving in the U.S. House are offering a General Election message focused on President Biden and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Congressman Randy Feenstra, a Republican from Hull, addressed delegates at the Iowa Republican Party’s state convention on Saturday. “Hold this administration accountable and take back this country from the liberal progressives,” Feenstra said. Ryan Melton of Nevada is the Democratic Party’s nominee in the fourth congressional district. Congresswoman Ashley Hinson, a Republican from Marion, is running for re-election in the new second district. Hinson mentioned Pelosi four times in her convention speech.

“You all know it. I’m going to have another tough race because I am Nancy Pelosi’s worst nightmare,” Hinson says. “Well, let me tell you this. We are going to send not only three Republicans back from Iowa, but four and we are going to be a strong voice for Iowa values in congress.” Hinson faces Democrat Liz Mathis of Hiawatha in the November election. Republican Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks of Ottumwa says the atmosphere is ripe for a red tsunami for Republicans in November.

“You know Ronald Reagan famously said socialism only works in two places — heaven where they don’t need it and hell where they already have it,” Miller-Meeks said, “and in my lifetime I haven’t seen things go to hell in a handbasket faster with any administration than this one.” Democrat Christina Bohannan of Iowa City is running against Miller-Meeks in Iowa’s new first congressional district. Miller-Meeks, Hinson and Feenstra did not mention the Democrats who’re running against them. Iowa Democrats hold their state convention Saturday.

(Greenfield, Iowa) The Adair County Sheriff’s Office reports six recent arrests:

• 57-year-old Donald Duane Worth, of Lewis, was arrested Saturday evening at the City Park, in Adair. Worth was taken into custody by Adair Police, on an Adair County warrant for Violation of Probation. He was released from custody Sunday, on a $1,000 cash or surety bond.
• Friday night, Stuart Police arrested 34-year-old Joshua Wade Lute, of Pomona, KS, for OWI/1st offense, after a Stuart Police cruiser was nearly hit by Lute’s 2019 Dodge Ram pickup. The incident occurred while the pickup was traveling south in the northbound lane of travel in the 200 block of S. Division Street, in Stuart. Lute was released that same night on a $1,000 cash or surety bond.
• Also arrested Friday night, was 30-year-old Robert Richard Howell, of Ann Arbor, MI., He was pulled over by Adair Police at around 9:25-p.m. on I-80 eastbound, after authorities were asked to be on the lookout for a gold KIA Rio, with Colorado license plates. State Radio advised the vehicle contained a missing juvenile, and a male armed with a gun. The officer followed the vehicle and waited for backup to arrive before conducting a traffic stop. With the help of a Stuart Police Officer and two Adair County Sheriff’s Deputies, the driver of the vehicle (Howell), and a teenage female passenger, were ordered out of the car. Howell was taken into custody for: Possession of a Controlled Substance/Marijuana – 1st offense; Poss. of Drug Paraphernalia, and Poss. of Cannabidiol/1st offense. A Colt BB gun was found under the passenger seat. Howell was being held in the Adair County Jail on a $1,000 cash or surety bond.
• At around 12:15-a.m. Friday, Stuart Police arrested 61-year-old Annette Lee Murphy, of Casey, for Poss. of a Controlled Substance/3rd or greater offense – Marijuana; Poss. of Meth/3rd or subsequent offense, and Poss. of Paraphernalia. She was released a couple of hours later, on a $10,300 cash or surety bond.
• Thursday afternoon, Adair County Deputies arrested 36-year-old David Spencer Reeves, of Des Moines, on an Adair County warrant for Violation of Probation. Reeves was being held without bon in the Adair County Jail.
• And, 44-year-old Joshua Joel Christensen, of Greenfield, was arrested June 5th on Highway 92 near Kent Avenue, following a traffic stop on a vehicle whose driver failed to dim his headlights, and speeding 84 in a 55 zone. Tests showed his breath alcohol content at .110%. He was later released with a citation.

(Glenwood, Iowa) – The Mills County Sheriff’s Office has issued a report on recent arrests:

At around 12:23-a.m. Sunday, 22-year-old Maria Fernanda Forces, of Omaha, NE, was arrested for OWI/1st Offense, and Possession of Controlled Substance – Bond: $2,000; and, at around 11-a.m., 41-year-old John Robert Washburn, of Hastings, IA, was arrested for Theft in the 2nd Degree (Bond: $5,000)

There were three separate arrests Saturday, in Mills County:

• 27-year-old Pablo Fabela, of Emporia, KS, was arrested a little after 11:30-p.m., for Possession of a Controlled Substance (Bond $1,000)
• Brent William Michael, age 46, of Malvern, was arrested at around 11-p.m. for Driving Under Suspension (Bond: $300).
• and, 46-year-old Christa Angel Brown, of Omaha, NE, was arrested following a traffic stop on I-29 at mm 39, Saturday afternoon. She was taken into custody under the authority of anut of County/State Warrant and held without bond in the Mills County Jail.

(Greenfield, Iowa) – The Adair County Board of Supervisors plan to meet 9-a.m. Tuesday (June 14), in their Boardroom at the Adair County Courthouse in Greenfield. The meeting will begin with a canvass of the June 7, 2022 Primary Election. Afterward, Auditor Mandy Berg will discuss Mileage rates, and County Engineer Nick Kauffman will present a Federal-Aid SWAP funding agreement for Board Chair Matt Wedemeyer to sign.

Kauffman will also discuss his departmental budget, and present his regular Maintenance and Activities report.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Cass County Board of Supervisors have a full plate of items to digest during their meeting Tuesday at 9-a.m. Their session takes place in their courthouse Boardroom, and via Zoom. Action items on their agenda include…

ARPA (Covid relief) funding requests from the following (Organization/presenter):

• The Atlantic Hawks R/C (remote control) Club – Dave Highfill
• Cold Springs State Park – Micah Lee
• A Resolution on approving previously discussed funds for the Cass County Drone Team and County Fire Departments.
• A Resolution (2022-30) for a Standard Agreement (re: ARPA Funds)

The Supervisors will also discuss with Treasurer Tracey J. Marshall, a new employee (or employees) for her office, and a petition to suspend abatement of taxes. They will also discuss, and possibly act on: The continuation of Zoom meetings; a Wellness Coordinator Contract and Invoice; and, the appointment of a Massena Township Clerk and Washington Township Trustee and Clerk.

In other business, the Board is expecting to hear an April & May report from General Assistance/Mental Health Coordinator Deb Schuler. The Cass County Supervisors will also canvass the results of the June 7, 2022 Primary Election.

(Zoom link)

(Atlantic, Iowa) – Since its founding in 1975, Southwest Iowa Planning Council (SWIPCO), which also operates Southwest Iowa Transit Agency (SWITA), has earned a reputation for being an outstanding community partner and transit provider in the region. Now, the organization’s efforts are being recognized statewide. Communications Coordinator C.J. Petersen reports SWIPCO will be recognized as the 2022 Organization of Character by the Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University, which annually recognizes Iowans who show the Six Pillars of Charcter Counts: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and good citizenship. Since 2005, the Ray Center has recognized more than 150 Iowans for showing good character.

Hilary Ortmann, Associate Director for The Ray Center, said “The Ray Center is proud to recognize SWIPCO with a 2022 Iowa Character Award. SWIPCO’s commitment to improve the lives of southwest Iowans through innovation and collaborative partnerships demonstrates their commitment to showing good character.” 

In honoring SWIPCO, the Ray Center noted SWITA transit professionals’ support of volunteers and stakeholders including Cass County Wellness Program Coordinator Brigham Hoegh, the City of Atlantic, and the local Food Policy Council to deliver meals to homebound community members at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic—all while continuing to operate as the sole public transit provider in southwest Iowa. Over a period of 40 weeks between spring 2020 and summer 2021, SWITA drivers and volunteers supplied food approximately 2,800 times. “When the rest of the world shut down, SWITA buses kept running,” said Transit Director Mark Lander. “Our drivers stepped up and helped get the job done.”

SWIPCO was also recognized based on its support for the southwest Iowa towns devastated by 2019 floods, which caused billions of dollars in property damage. SWIPCO’s efforts brought a combined $90 million grant package to the region, resulting in the region’s largest investment in new homebuilding in at least a generation. SWIPCO Executive Director John McCurdy said “I do not know of a more caring and devoted staff who work hard every day as a team to help our neighbors in southwest Iowa. This award is a wonderful recognition of that shared spirit of service, and we’re humbled to be recognized in this way.”

The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center provides character and leadership development strategies to improve civility and develop ethical leaders throughout the world. As the global home to Character Counts, The Ray Center utilizes public awareness and programming grounded in research to advance two programs, Character Counts and Excellence with Integrity. The 2022 Iowans of Character awards will be presented at a ceremony on July 29th.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – Officials with the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce report “Coca-Cola Days 2022” will be held September 23rd & 24th in Atlantic. The event is the second largest collectors’ show in the United States and includes a tailgate barbecue open to the public, a Show, Swap & Sell, Coca-Cola themed raffle and many more activities for all ages. New this year, the tailgate barbecue and Show, Swap & Sell will be held at the Cass County Fairgrounds. Bailey Smith, Executive Director at the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce, says “With it being the 30th Anniversary of Coca-Cola Days, we wanted to make it a larger celebration and needed more space to do so. We’re excited to share what our plans are for the day as the event gets closer.”

Left to Right: Kathie Hockenberry, Bailey Smith, Ray Paullin, Dolly Bergmann and Kelsey Beschorner (Photo courtesy The Chamber)

T-Shirts for the 2022 Coca-Cola Days celebration are now available for $20 at the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce, 102 Chestnut Street, from 8 AM – 5 PM, Monday – Friday. The T-shirts are a District Tee with a soft, polyester and cotton blend. T-shirts can be shipped for an additional fee. For more information on Coca-Cola Days, please visit www.atlanticiowa.com, call the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce at 712-243-3017, email chamber@atlanticiowa.com, or pick up a brochure at the Chamber office.

Coca-Cola Days is sponsored by Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling Company and the Atlantic Community Promotion Commission.