Thursday, January 26th, 2023
Winter Storm Watch for Monona County this weekend - .WINTER STORM WATCH IS IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY EVENING THROUGH SATURDAY AFTERNOON... * WHAT...Heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations of 4 to 8 inches possible. Here in Harlan, we could see 2 to 3 inches of snow. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph. * WHERE...Portions of west central Iowa and northeast Nebraska. * WHEN...From Friday evening through Saturday afternoon. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Widespread blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Areas of blowing and drifting snow could also occur.
ST. PATRICK’S CHURCH IN NEOLA INVITES YOU TO JOIN THEM SATURDAY, JANUARY 28TH FOR THEIR ANNUAL PARISH AUCTION, ”A WINTER WONDERLAND.” MASS WILL BEGIN AT 4 O’CLOCK, THE STALEY’S CHICKEN DINNER AND A RAFFLE WILL BEGIN AT 4:30 AND THE LIVE AUCTION WILL START AT 6. COST FOR DINNER IS 10-DOLLARS PER PERSON, $5 FOR THOSE 8 AND UNDER. COME AND ENJOY STALEY’S CHICKEN, MASHED POTATOES, COLE SLAW, GREEN BEANS, ROLLS AND DESSERTS!
The Irwin Community Building fundraiser will be held Sunday, January 29th, from 8 to noon at the Irwin Community Building. Enjoy biscuits and sausage gravy, scrambled eggs and ham, toast, orange juice and coffee, plus a bake sale, all for a free-will donation. The fundraiser helps with maintenance and expenses at the Community Building.
Shelby County Catholic School Pancake Breakfast and Open House will be held Sunday, January 29th, from 8:30 to 11:30 am. They will be serving pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage patties, coffee and juice. A free-will offering will be accepted. This event will be held in the Rosman Parish Center at 2005 College Place in Harlan.
Structure fire at 114 Blackhawk in Council Bluffs -
(1-26-23) – The Council Bluffs Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire at 114 Blackhawk Street a little before 9 pm, Wednesday night. During the response crews were given information that there was possibly a person trapped inside the home. Fire crews arrived finding smoke and fire coming from the house. Fire crews quickly made entry into the house to conduct search and rescue and fire extinguishment. During the search of the house a male was located and found to be deceased. Additionally a dog was also found deceased in the house. At this time the cause of the fire is under investigation by the Council Bluffs Fire Marshals Office and the identity of the deceased will be confirmed during an autopsy. Updates will be given as more information becomes available.
Governor Reynolds Announces $9 Million in Grants to Assist 23 Communities Advance Water Quality Infrastructure
(1-26-23) - Governor Reynolds announced that 23 communities have been awarded a total of $9 million in grants to advance water quality projects. Among those communities is Harlan, Farragut, Mondamin, Shenandoah and Treynor. The funding is made available through the Wastewater and Drinking Water Treatment Financial Assistance Program, which was created as a part of Senate File 512, the first legislation signed into law by Governor Reynolds in January 2018. The 2022 program received 60 applications requesting more than $24 million in water quality grants. A committee consisting of designees from the Iowa Finance Authority, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship judged the Wastewater and Drinking Water Financial Assistance Program applications based on the program’s priorities.Priorities for grant awards include: Disadvantaged communities; Projects that will significantly improve water quality in their watershed; Projects that use alternative wastewater treatment technologies; Communities with the highest sewer or water rates; Projects that use technology to address nutrient reduction; and projects to address improvements to drinking water source waters. The program receives a portion of the tax on metered water and had more than $9 million available for allocation in 2022. Grants will be awarded through the program on an annual basis through 2039. The Wastewater program has assisted a total of more than 50 communities through a total of nearly $18 million in water quality grants since the first awards were granted in 2019. The program is expected to have approximately $6 million in available funds in 2023 based on the portion of tax that will be allocated to the program.
Woodbine Carnegie Public Library to loan out telescope -
(1-26-23) - The Woodbine library recently purchased a Newtonian reflector telescope from the Omaha Astronomical Society to check out to patrons. Library Director Wendy Doyel said it would be next month before check-outs would start. Library staff members have to familiarize themselves with the use of the telescope and check-out policies have to be developed. The Newtonian reflector telescope uses two mirrors instead of the lenses that a refracting telescope uses. In a reflector telescope, light enters the front aperture and bounces off the back mirror, which has a very subtle parabolic curve to it. The light reflects forward to a mirror held suspended in the front by spider veins. That mirror is set at a 45 degree angle and sends the light to the eyepiece. The mirrors focus and magnify the image. At 24 mm, the telescope has 19 times magnification power. The 8 mm setting boosts that all the way up to 56 power.
House GOP to seek ban on some SNAP items -
(1-26-23) - (Radio Iowa) – A key Republican lawmaker says the Iowa House will not move forward with a proposal that would have prevented Iowans from using government food assistance to buy things like fresh meat, butter or flour. Representative Ann Meyer of Fort Dodge says they’ll instead rewrite the bill to try to bar SNAP recipients from buying candy and soda. “SNAP is Supplemental Nutrition Assistance. These are not nutritional items. The federal government has twice denied Maine’s request to prohibit food assistance benefits from being used to buy sugar-sweetened drinks or candy. The beverage industry successfully blocked attempts to include the prohibition in the 2018 Farm Bill, where the rules for what are commonly called food stamps are written. Iowa Hunger Coalition chair Luke Elzinga says he’s glad the severe restrictions on how poor Iowans may use food assistance are being removed, but he’s concerned about other parts of the bill, like asset limits which would make it hard for families with two vehicles to qualify for food assistance. “We think it’s a really misguided and harmful bill that would results in Iowans being kicked off the program,” he says. A public subcommittee hearing on the bill is scheduled for tomorrow at the Iowa Capitol.
Radon tests recommended with high risk in Iowa -
(1-26-23) – (Radio Iowa) - A federal EPA report says Iowa’s soil has the nation’s worst concentration of radon, with about seven in every ten Iowa homes containing enough of the gas that action is needed. Liz Orton, outreach coordinator for the Iowa Cancer Consortium, says radon is invisible, tasteless and odorless — and it’s also radioactive. “Radon occurs naturally in the soil. It’s given off by radium and uranium,” Orton says. “Iowa has a large concentration of this and the reason that it’s harmful is because radon gas can get into your lungs and it can actually cause lung cancer. “Radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in Iowa, behind only tobacco use. The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services says radon results in about 400 deaths in the state every year. Orton recommends every Iowa homeowner invest in a radon test kit as radon levels in Iowa are almost seven times higher than the national average. Although radon is most-often found in basements, it can be present on any story of a home or building. January is Radon Action Month in Iowa. January is Radon Action Month in Iowa.
Tenure ban put on hold again -
(1-26-23) – A legislative proposal to prohibit Iowa’s public universities from offering tenure to faculty one again will be postponed. But not before one Republican state lawmaker warned a regent’s official about what he described Tuesday as conservative students feeling unwelcome on campuses. And another Republican state lawmaker, who has proposed banning tenure in the past, said he will not introduce another such proposal this year but will introduce a bill that takes a different approach in addressing his concerns with tenure. Representative Steve Holt, a Republican from Denison, had introduced legislation that would ban tenure and held a subcommittee hearing on it Wednesday at the Capitol. After hearing from multiple speakers who were all against the proposal, including a lobbyist who represents the state board that governs Iowa’s three public universities and works at the University of Iowa – Holt announced his intention to stop the bill from advancing. After the meeting, Holt detailed what he said were complaints from conservative students at the 3 Iowa universities. Holt also told lobbyists for the universities and business groups that he is “not deaf and stupid” to the concerns they raised with any proposal to ban tenure. He declined to move House File 48 forward. Roughly 42 percent of regent’s university faculty are tenured, and another 12 percent are on the track to tenure. Roughly six or seven tenured faculty are dismissed over a 10 year period.
Mother of missing Ryan Larsen files petition to have him declared dead -
(1-25-23) – (KETV) - The mother of Ryan Larsen, the LaVista boy who went missing in May 2021, filed a petition to have Ryan declared dead. In court filings obtained by KETV, Tammi Larsen lists the date of her son’s death as May 17th, the day he walked out of La Vista West Elementary School. Larsen said she intends to make a claim with Papillion-LaVista Community Schools over the apparent death of her son, and she needs a death certificate to proceed. Larsen alleges Ryan is dead due to the “negligence or wrongful act or omission” of the school, the Papillion-LaVista school district or its employees. In her petition, Larsen said that due to Ryan’s autism diagnosis and other medical conditions, Ryan was exposed to a specific peril or tragedy resulting in probable death under circumstances that may be proved by clear and convincing evidence. A hearing on the death petition is set for February in Sarpy County Court.
Page County Fatality -
(1-25-23) - One person died during the crash of a pickup truck, Monday afternoon. The Page County Sheriff’s office says on January 23, 2023 at approximately 3:54 PM, the PAGECOMM dispatch center was notified of a vehicle found in a ditch on the west side of E Avenue in the 2000 block. PAGECOMM dispatch center was also told of a male lying in the ditch near the vehicle possibly deceased. An accident investigation conducted by the Page County Sheriff’s Office showed that 25-year-old Levi Gary Glines-Racine, of Shenandoah, was driving a 2006 Chevy K1500 northbound on E Avenue approximately .6 mile north of Highway 2. The vehicle crossed the center line and continued into the west ditch, where it impacted a concrete culvert / north bank of the Creek. Glines-Racine was ejected from the vehicle, which fell back to the bottom of the creek. Glines-Racine was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Pottawattamie Conservation Foundation Presents $125,000 to Pottawattamie County Board -
(1-25-23) – The Pottawattamie Conservation Foundation presented an oversized check for $125,000 to the Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, January 17th. The presentation took place at the weekly County Board meeting, recognizing partial repayment of a recent Pottawattamie County Conservation acquisition of 93 acres of land adjacent to Hitchcock Nature Center. The Board of Supervisors approved the purchase in November, with the agreement. The Pottawattamie Conservation Foundation would commit $125,000 of its cash reserve towards the $1,175,000 investment. Doris Ferguson, the previous landowner, had expressed interest in selling to the county when she could no longer take care of the property. Upon her passing, the land was gifted to the Doris Ferguson Estate and the long-term vision was kept alive by her son, Mark Ferguson. Prior to approaching the Board of Supervisors for assistance, Pottawattamie County Conservation drafted a funding strategy to pay back land acquisition funds used by the Board for the acquisition. The strategy identified several partners, grants and internal funds to replenish the land fund for Pottawattamie County.
Crawford County News -
(1-25-23) – (Denison Bulletin) – Officer Groth with the Denison Police Department investigated a two-vehicle accident that happened on Ridge Road and North 26th Street about 5:15 pm, Friday, January 20th. 31 year old Jacqueline Cuevas of Denison was driving a black 2018 Chevy Tahoe westbound on Ridge Road. She claims that a white 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme was sliding through the intersection and struck her vehicle. 23 year old Martin Lopez of Schleswig was the driver of the other vehicle. He claims that Cuevas slid through the intersection and struck his vehicle. The diagram that accompanied the report was a mixture of both drivers’ opinions. Lopez had just purchased his vehicle that day and did not have insurance. The Oldsmobile received $2,500 damage to the middle passenger side. The Tahoe received $7,500 damage to the front passenger side corner. Lopez was cited for failure to provide proof of financial liability – accident.
On January 22nd, at 1:17 in the morning, 41 year old Burgess Jovon Martin of Charter Oak was arrested for Operating a Motor Vehicle while Intoxicated – 1st offense – and additionally cited for driving on the wrong side of the roadway. The location of the offense was in the 1200 block of Broadway in Denison.
At 2:20 am, on January 22nd, Deputy Miller with the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office investigated a report of a subject who was drunk at a residence in the 1000 block of Deloit Boulevard. The subject would not give over his keys. The sheriff’s office received another call in reference to this subject. Law enforcement took the car keys so the subject could not drive.
And at 11:52 am, on Sunday, January 22nd, Assistant Chief Peters with the Denison Police Department investigated a two-vehicle accident that happened on South 16th Street in Denison. 33 year old Gabriela Anaya of Denison was driving a silver 2019 Nissan westbound on Broadway at the intersection of 16th Street. 40 year old Philip Samuel Sharon of Denison was driving a red 2002 Chevy S-10 pickup northbound on 16th Street at the same intersection. The intersection is posted for a four way stop. Sharon was most of the way through the intersection when Anaya struck the pickup in the right rear side. Anaya stated that she did not see the other vehicle until the impact. Sharon received a possible injury but was not transported. His pickup received $6,000 damage to the rear passenger side. Anaya was not injured. Her vehicle received $5,000 damage to the front middle. Anaya was cited for failure to possess a valid license while operating a motor vehicle and failure to obey a stop sign right of way
Threat of Terrorism at Fort Dodge St. Edmond School -
(1-25-23) – The Fort Dodge Police Department reports that around 6:30 Tuesday morning, January 24th, members of the Department began to investigate information that had been received concerning a potential threat involving the use of a firearm by a student on the campus of the Saint Edmond school. Members of the Patrol Division as well as the Criminal Investigations Division and Webster County Attorney’s office responded to the school to investigate the threat. The student who is suspected of making the reported threat was quickly apprehended. Following the initial investigation and based on information received, there is no credible evidence to suggest that a firearm ever was in the possession of the student in question, nor did a firearm ever make it onto the saint Edmond School property. At this time there is no reason to believe that the physical safety of any student or staff was ever in danger. In response to this threat a sixteen year old male student has been detained by law enforcement officials and held on charges of Harassment 1st Degree – an aggravated misdemeanor and Threat of Terrorism – a class D felony.
New State campaign to focus on education about fake pills and fentanyl -
(1-25-23) – (Radio Iowa) – The state is launching an advertising campaign targeting children, teens and parents to educate them about the deadly dangers of counterfeit pills and fentanyl. State Medical Director Robert Kruse says the two-fold messaging is designed to reach children as young as five years old, middle and high schoolers, as well as adults. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that’s 50 times stronger then heroin. It only takes 2 milligrams of fentanyl to be deadly. Doctor Kruse says it’s essential that parents talk with their kids about these potential killers. More young Iowans are trying the pills, believing they will help them feel better, sleep better, study more effectively or reduce social anxiety, which he says makes them especially dangerous. A report from the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services found 205 people died in Iowa last year from opioid overdoses. Last October, the Department of Health and Human Services announced a program to provide the opioid reversal medication, Naloxone, in schools across Iowa so they can respond to students, staff, or visitors who may be having an opioid overdose,
Structure Fire in Red Oak being investigated –
(12-25-23) – A home in rural Red Oak was destroyed by fire Monday evening. The Red Oak Fire Department received a call around 7 pm Monday from the property owner at 2439 Aspen Avenue stating he was advised that the unoccupied structure had burned down. By the time firefighters from Red Oak and Emerson arrived on scene, the house was a complete loss. The incident remains under investigation.
Deadline Reminder for Shelby and Harrison County Spring Grant Programs -
(1-13-23) - The Shelby and Harrison County Community Foundation reminds Shelby and Harrison County nonprofits that the deadline to apply for grant funds is Wednesday, February 1. Applications are currently being accepted online for the spring grant cycle with approximately $130,000 available to support Shelby County nonprofit organizations and community projects and $130,000 available to support Harrison County nonprofit organizations and community projects. Full application details, a fact sheet, and a link to the application form can be found online by selecting Shelby County or Harrison County under County Listing at www.swiowafoundations.org. Applications will only be accepted through the online system.
Master Gardener Program sign up going on through February 9th -
SIGN UP TODAY FOR SHELBY COUNTY EXTENSION’S MASTER GARDENER TRAINING! IOWANS WISHING TO COMPLETE MASTER GARDNER TRAINING MAY COMPLETE THE 10 WEEK TRAINING, PARTICIPATE IN ONLINE LEARNING MODULES AND ATTEND AT LEAST 4 IN-PERSON TRAINING SESSIONS ORGANIZED BY THE COUNTY OFFICE. AFTER THAT, PUT YOUR KNOWLEDGE TO WORK WITH A 40 HOUR INTERNSHIP IN YOUR COUNTY. SIGN UP BY FEBRUARY 9TH. CLASS FEE IS $150 FOR MASTER GARDENER OR $550 FOR PROHORT. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 755-3104 AND SIGN UP TODAY.
Shelby County Extension and Outreach offering Annie’s Project -
(1-13-23) – Shelby County Extension and Outreach will be offering Annie’s Project. Annie’s Project is the agricultural business education program that empowers farm women who want to be even more knowledgeable about their agricultural enterprises. Course participants will learn effective strategies to make good decisions in the five key risk management areas of financial, human resources, legal, marketing and production. Annie’s Project creates a comfortable and supportive learning environment focused on the best farm business management practices. Sign up deadline is February 16th with the six week classes starting on Thursday, February 23rd at 6 pm. For more information, contact Paulette Madsen at 755-3104.
Upcoming events -
Need a ride? Southwest Iowa Transit Authority - SWITA - is now available online - swita.com. Through the website you can schedule a ride, setup your student's transportation for the upcoming school year, schedule medical transportation, schedule work routes for you employees, schedule a special trip, check rates and make payments on your account.
A Soup and Learn will be held at 6 pm, Thursday, February 2nd, at Hansen House Senior Living in Harlan. The program will be presented by Mindy Shaffer, Director of Hansen House. To register, contact Mindy at 833-870-5182.
The Congregational United Church of Christ in Harlan presents Nicole Bianchi, keynote speaker and author of the book, "Small Brave Moves: Learn Why Little Acts of Bravery are the Key to Life-Changing Leadership." This presentation will take place at the Congregational United Church of Christ in Harlan on the 2nd, from 11:30 to 12:30 pm with a book signing to follow. Tickets for the event are $15 each which includes lunch catered by Main Street Catering. For tickets call Jeff Branstetter at 402-616-6086 or text jbranstetter@harlannet.com.
Local Food Workshop to be held -
(1-18-23) – A local food workshop will be held from 1 to 4 pm, Saturday, February 4th, at the Cass County Community Center in Atlantic. The workshop is for anyone who sells or is interested in selling foods including produce, meat, eggs, honey, jams, jellies, syrups, salsas, baked goods, prepared food, including food trucks and more. Speakers and information on various topics including food safety and business licensing, how to sell food at farmers markets, grocery stores and more. This is a free workshop. No registration is required but RSVP’s are appreciated to Golden Hills RC&D Local Foods coordinator @ Jamie.fowler@goldenhillsrcd.org.
The Shelby County Cattlemen Annual Banquet will be held Saturday, February 4th at St. Mary's Parish Hall in Panama. Social hour will start at 5 pm with a New York Strip Steak Dinner at 6. Trophy and scholarship fund auction to follow. Doors open at 5 pm. The cost is $20 per person. Tickets are available at the door or from any board member.
Private Pesticide Continuing Instruction Course -
(12-13-22) – Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Shelby County Office, will be offering two opportunities to attend the Private Pesticide Applicator Continuing Instruction Course, led by Extension Field Agronomist, Mike Witt. The first session is scheduled for February 7th at 9:30 am at the Therkildsen Center in Harlan. The course will be offered again on February 7th at 6:30 pm at the Therkildsen Center in Harlan. Preregistration is not required. The course will run for approximately 2 ½ hours including check-in and breaks. The registration fee is $30. To obtain additional information, contact the Shelby County Extension office at 755-3104. The course will fulfill 2022-23 recertification requirements for private pesticide applicators. Topics to be covered include:
Personal protective equipment
Safe handling
Storage of pesticides
Pests, pest management and pesticides.
Myrtue Medical Center's 2023 Blood Analysis Screenings will be held February 7th through the 17th from 6:45 to 10:45 am at the Myrtue Medical Center Lab Department Clinic Entrance in Harlan. Appointments are required by calling 755-4288 from 8 to 4 pm. Walk-ins or add-ons to services will not be available the day of service.
The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce and Industry is hosting its 2023 Annual Awards Banquet on Friday, February 17th, at the Harlan Golf and Country Club. This year's theme is "Run for the Roses." Doors open at 5 pm, networking and cash bar at 5:30. At 6 pm, the meal will be served. After dinner, it's game time: 50/50 Heads or Tails and Generational Trivia, followed by the awards ceremony. During this time, the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce and Industry will unveil award winners for 2022 Citizen/Volunteer of the Year, 2022 Non-Profit of the Year, 2022 New Chamber Member of the Year and 2022 Business of the Year. In keeping with tradition, they will hold a live auction, immediately after the awards ceremony. Silent auction items will be available for bidding throughout the evening. Cost to attend this year's Chamber annual banquet will be $40 per person; tables of 8 are $320. To purchase your tickets, call the Chamber office at 755-2114 or e-mail Carol by Friday, February 10th.
The next legislative coffee will be held Saturday, February 18th, starting at 10 am. The event will be hosted and sponsored by Shelby County Farm Bureau at 908 6th Street in Harlan.
Understanding Your Grief is a support and education program for adults who have experienced the death of a loved one. These grief classes will be held Tuesdays - February 21st and 28th and March 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th from 9:30 to 11 am in the Myrtue Medical Center Board Room. Registration is required by February 15th. Call Cathy Jensen at 755-4424. This class is provided at no cost.
Join the Shelby County Historical Museum and the Danish Windmill for Trivia Night! The event will take place at the Shelby County Historical Museum in Harlan starting at 7 pm on Friday, February 24th. Grab a friend and test your knowledge of Danish Culture, American history and of course, Shelby County history. Teams are encouraged, but not required. Snacks, prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place and a fun n ight out will be provided. The event is free and open to the public.
The Fun China Luncheon will be held Wednesday, April 26th from 11:30 to 12:30 at the Harlan Golf and Country Club. They are looking for individuals, groups and businesses to decorate tables. If interested call the Chamber office at 755-2114.
ST. PATRICK’S CHURCH IN NEOLA INVITES YOU TO JOIN THEM SATURDAY, JANUARY 28TH FOR THEIR ANNUAL PARISH AUCTION, ”A WINTER WONDERLAND.” MASS WILL BEGIN AT 4 O’CLOCK, THE STALEY’S CHICKEN DINNER AND A RAFFLE WILL BEGIN AT 4:30 AND THE LIVE AUCTION WILL START AT 6. COST FOR DINNER IS 10-DOLLARS PER PERSON, $5 FOR THOSE 8 AND UNDER. COME AND ENJOY STALEY’S CHICKEN, MASHED POTATOES, COLE SLAW, GREEN BEANS, ROLLS AND DESSERTS!
The Irwin Community Building fundraiser will be held Sunday, January 29th, from 8 to noon at the Irwin Community Building. Enjoy biscuits and sausage gravy, scrambled eggs and ham, toast, orange juice and coffee, plus a bake sale, all for a free-will donation. The fundraiser helps with maintenance and expenses at the Community Building.
Shelby County Catholic School Pancake Breakfast and Open House will be held Sunday, January 29th, from 8:30 to 11:30 am. They will be serving pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage patties, coffee and juice. A free-will offering will be accepted. This event will be held in the Rosman Parish Center at 2005 College Place in Harlan.
Structure fire at 114 Blackhawk in Council Bluffs -
(1-26-23) – The Council Bluffs Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire at 114 Blackhawk Street a little before 9 pm, Wednesday night. During the response crews were given information that there was possibly a person trapped inside the home. Fire crews arrived finding smoke and fire coming from the house. Fire crews quickly made entry into the house to conduct search and rescue and fire extinguishment. During the search of the house a male was located and found to be deceased. Additionally a dog was also found deceased in the house. At this time the cause of the fire is under investigation by the Council Bluffs Fire Marshals Office and the identity of the deceased will be confirmed during an autopsy. Updates will be given as more information becomes available.
Governor Reynolds Announces $9 Million in Grants to Assist 23 Communities Advance Water Quality Infrastructure
(1-26-23) - Governor Reynolds announced that 23 communities have been awarded a total of $9 million in grants to advance water quality projects. Among those communities is Harlan, Farragut, Mondamin, Shenandoah and Treynor. The funding is made available through the Wastewater and Drinking Water Treatment Financial Assistance Program, which was created as a part of Senate File 512, the first legislation signed into law by Governor Reynolds in January 2018. The 2022 program received 60 applications requesting more than $24 million in water quality grants. A committee consisting of designees from the Iowa Finance Authority, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship judged the Wastewater and Drinking Water Financial Assistance Program applications based on the program’s priorities.Priorities for grant awards include: Disadvantaged communities; Projects that will significantly improve water quality in their watershed; Projects that use alternative wastewater treatment technologies; Communities with the highest sewer or water rates; Projects that use technology to address nutrient reduction; and projects to address improvements to drinking water source waters. The program receives a portion of the tax on metered water and had more than $9 million available for allocation in 2022. Grants will be awarded through the program on an annual basis through 2039. The Wastewater program has assisted a total of more than 50 communities through a total of nearly $18 million in water quality grants since the first awards were granted in 2019. The program is expected to have approximately $6 million in available funds in 2023 based on the portion of tax that will be allocated to the program.
Woodbine Carnegie Public Library to loan out telescope -
(1-26-23) - The Woodbine library recently purchased a Newtonian reflector telescope from the Omaha Astronomical Society to check out to patrons. Library Director Wendy Doyel said it would be next month before check-outs would start. Library staff members have to familiarize themselves with the use of the telescope and check-out policies have to be developed. The Newtonian reflector telescope uses two mirrors instead of the lenses that a refracting telescope uses. In a reflector telescope, light enters the front aperture and bounces off the back mirror, which has a very subtle parabolic curve to it. The light reflects forward to a mirror held suspended in the front by spider veins. That mirror is set at a 45 degree angle and sends the light to the eyepiece. The mirrors focus and magnify the image. At 24 mm, the telescope has 19 times magnification power. The 8 mm setting boosts that all the way up to 56 power.
House GOP to seek ban on some SNAP items -
(1-26-23) - (Radio Iowa) – A key Republican lawmaker says the Iowa House will not move forward with a proposal that would have prevented Iowans from using government food assistance to buy things like fresh meat, butter or flour. Representative Ann Meyer of Fort Dodge says they’ll instead rewrite the bill to try to bar SNAP recipients from buying candy and soda. “SNAP is Supplemental Nutrition Assistance. These are not nutritional items. The federal government has twice denied Maine’s request to prohibit food assistance benefits from being used to buy sugar-sweetened drinks or candy. The beverage industry successfully blocked attempts to include the prohibition in the 2018 Farm Bill, where the rules for what are commonly called food stamps are written. Iowa Hunger Coalition chair Luke Elzinga says he’s glad the severe restrictions on how poor Iowans may use food assistance are being removed, but he’s concerned about other parts of the bill, like asset limits which would make it hard for families with two vehicles to qualify for food assistance. “We think it’s a really misguided and harmful bill that would results in Iowans being kicked off the program,” he says. A public subcommittee hearing on the bill is scheduled for tomorrow at the Iowa Capitol.
Radon tests recommended with high risk in Iowa -
(1-26-23) – (Radio Iowa) - A federal EPA report says Iowa’s soil has the nation’s worst concentration of radon, with about seven in every ten Iowa homes containing enough of the gas that action is needed. Liz Orton, outreach coordinator for the Iowa Cancer Consortium, says radon is invisible, tasteless and odorless — and it’s also radioactive. “Radon occurs naturally in the soil. It’s given off by radium and uranium,” Orton says. “Iowa has a large concentration of this and the reason that it’s harmful is because radon gas can get into your lungs and it can actually cause lung cancer. “Radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in Iowa, behind only tobacco use. The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services says radon results in about 400 deaths in the state every year. Orton recommends every Iowa homeowner invest in a radon test kit as radon levels in Iowa are almost seven times higher than the national average. Although radon is most-often found in basements, it can be present on any story of a home or building. January is Radon Action Month in Iowa. January is Radon Action Month in Iowa.
Tenure ban put on hold again -
(1-26-23) – A legislative proposal to prohibit Iowa’s public universities from offering tenure to faculty one again will be postponed. But not before one Republican state lawmaker warned a regent’s official about what he described Tuesday as conservative students feeling unwelcome on campuses. And another Republican state lawmaker, who has proposed banning tenure in the past, said he will not introduce another such proposal this year but will introduce a bill that takes a different approach in addressing his concerns with tenure. Representative Steve Holt, a Republican from Denison, had introduced legislation that would ban tenure and held a subcommittee hearing on it Wednesday at the Capitol. After hearing from multiple speakers who were all against the proposal, including a lobbyist who represents the state board that governs Iowa’s three public universities and works at the University of Iowa – Holt announced his intention to stop the bill from advancing. After the meeting, Holt detailed what he said were complaints from conservative students at the 3 Iowa universities. Holt also told lobbyists for the universities and business groups that he is “not deaf and stupid” to the concerns they raised with any proposal to ban tenure. He declined to move House File 48 forward. Roughly 42 percent of regent’s university faculty are tenured, and another 12 percent are on the track to tenure. Roughly six or seven tenured faculty are dismissed over a 10 year period.
Mother of missing Ryan Larsen files petition to have him declared dead -
(1-25-23) – (KETV) - The mother of Ryan Larsen, the LaVista boy who went missing in May 2021, filed a petition to have Ryan declared dead. In court filings obtained by KETV, Tammi Larsen lists the date of her son’s death as May 17th, the day he walked out of La Vista West Elementary School. Larsen said she intends to make a claim with Papillion-LaVista Community Schools over the apparent death of her son, and she needs a death certificate to proceed. Larsen alleges Ryan is dead due to the “negligence or wrongful act or omission” of the school, the Papillion-LaVista school district or its employees. In her petition, Larsen said that due to Ryan’s autism diagnosis and other medical conditions, Ryan was exposed to a specific peril or tragedy resulting in probable death under circumstances that may be proved by clear and convincing evidence. A hearing on the death petition is set for February in Sarpy County Court.
Page County Fatality -
(1-25-23) - One person died during the crash of a pickup truck, Monday afternoon. The Page County Sheriff’s office says on January 23, 2023 at approximately 3:54 PM, the PAGECOMM dispatch center was notified of a vehicle found in a ditch on the west side of E Avenue in the 2000 block. PAGECOMM dispatch center was also told of a male lying in the ditch near the vehicle possibly deceased. An accident investigation conducted by the Page County Sheriff’s Office showed that 25-year-old Levi Gary Glines-Racine, of Shenandoah, was driving a 2006 Chevy K1500 northbound on E Avenue approximately .6 mile north of Highway 2. The vehicle crossed the center line and continued into the west ditch, where it impacted a concrete culvert / north bank of the Creek. Glines-Racine was ejected from the vehicle, which fell back to the bottom of the creek. Glines-Racine was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Pottawattamie Conservation Foundation Presents $125,000 to Pottawattamie County Board -
(1-25-23) – The Pottawattamie Conservation Foundation presented an oversized check for $125,000 to the Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, January 17th. The presentation took place at the weekly County Board meeting, recognizing partial repayment of a recent Pottawattamie County Conservation acquisition of 93 acres of land adjacent to Hitchcock Nature Center. The Board of Supervisors approved the purchase in November, with the agreement. The Pottawattamie Conservation Foundation would commit $125,000 of its cash reserve towards the $1,175,000 investment. Doris Ferguson, the previous landowner, had expressed interest in selling to the county when she could no longer take care of the property. Upon her passing, the land was gifted to the Doris Ferguson Estate and the long-term vision was kept alive by her son, Mark Ferguson. Prior to approaching the Board of Supervisors for assistance, Pottawattamie County Conservation drafted a funding strategy to pay back land acquisition funds used by the Board for the acquisition. The strategy identified several partners, grants and internal funds to replenish the land fund for Pottawattamie County.
Crawford County News -
(1-25-23) – (Denison Bulletin) – Officer Groth with the Denison Police Department investigated a two-vehicle accident that happened on Ridge Road and North 26th Street about 5:15 pm, Friday, January 20th. 31 year old Jacqueline Cuevas of Denison was driving a black 2018 Chevy Tahoe westbound on Ridge Road. She claims that a white 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme was sliding through the intersection and struck her vehicle. 23 year old Martin Lopez of Schleswig was the driver of the other vehicle. He claims that Cuevas slid through the intersection and struck his vehicle. The diagram that accompanied the report was a mixture of both drivers’ opinions. Lopez had just purchased his vehicle that day and did not have insurance. The Oldsmobile received $2,500 damage to the middle passenger side. The Tahoe received $7,500 damage to the front passenger side corner. Lopez was cited for failure to provide proof of financial liability – accident.
On January 22nd, at 1:17 in the morning, 41 year old Burgess Jovon Martin of Charter Oak was arrested for Operating a Motor Vehicle while Intoxicated – 1st offense – and additionally cited for driving on the wrong side of the roadway. The location of the offense was in the 1200 block of Broadway in Denison.
At 2:20 am, on January 22nd, Deputy Miller with the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office investigated a report of a subject who was drunk at a residence in the 1000 block of Deloit Boulevard. The subject would not give over his keys. The sheriff’s office received another call in reference to this subject. Law enforcement took the car keys so the subject could not drive.
And at 11:52 am, on Sunday, January 22nd, Assistant Chief Peters with the Denison Police Department investigated a two-vehicle accident that happened on South 16th Street in Denison. 33 year old Gabriela Anaya of Denison was driving a silver 2019 Nissan westbound on Broadway at the intersection of 16th Street. 40 year old Philip Samuel Sharon of Denison was driving a red 2002 Chevy S-10 pickup northbound on 16th Street at the same intersection. The intersection is posted for a four way stop. Sharon was most of the way through the intersection when Anaya struck the pickup in the right rear side. Anaya stated that she did not see the other vehicle until the impact. Sharon received a possible injury but was not transported. His pickup received $6,000 damage to the rear passenger side. Anaya was not injured. Her vehicle received $5,000 damage to the front middle. Anaya was cited for failure to possess a valid license while operating a motor vehicle and failure to obey a stop sign right of way
Threat of Terrorism at Fort Dodge St. Edmond School -
(1-25-23) – The Fort Dodge Police Department reports that around 6:30 Tuesday morning, January 24th, members of the Department began to investigate information that had been received concerning a potential threat involving the use of a firearm by a student on the campus of the Saint Edmond school. Members of the Patrol Division as well as the Criminal Investigations Division and Webster County Attorney’s office responded to the school to investigate the threat. The student who is suspected of making the reported threat was quickly apprehended. Following the initial investigation and based on information received, there is no credible evidence to suggest that a firearm ever was in the possession of the student in question, nor did a firearm ever make it onto the saint Edmond School property. At this time there is no reason to believe that the physical safety of any student or staff was ever in danger. In response to this threat a sixteen year old male student has been detained by law enforcement officials and held on charges of Harassment 1st Degree – an aggravated misdemeanor and Threat of Terrorism – a class D felony.
New State campaign to focus on education about fake pills and fentanyl -
(1-25-23) – (Radio Iowa) – The state is launching an advertising campaign targeting children, teens and parents to educate them about the deadly dangers of counterfeit pills and fentanyl. State Medical Director Robert Kruse says the two-fold messaging is designed to reach children as young as five years old, middle and high schoolers, as well as adults. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that’s 50 times stronger then heroin. It only takes 2 milligrams of fentanyl to be deadly. Doctor Kruse says it’s essential that parents talk with their kids about these potential killers. More young Iowans are trying the pills, believing they will help them feel better, sleep better, study more effectively or reduce social anxiety, which he says makes them especially dangerous. A report from the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services found 205 people died in Iowa last year from opioid overdoses. Last October, the Department of Health and Human Services announced a program to provide the opioid reversal medication, Naloxone, in schools across Iowa so they can respond to students, staff, or visitors who may be having an opioid overdose,
Structure Fire in Red Oak being investigated –
(12-25-23) – A home in rural Red Oak was destroyed by fire Monday evening. The Red Oak Fire Department received a call around 7 pm Monday from the property owner at 2439 Aspen Avenue stating he was advised that the unoccupied structure had burned down. By the time firefighters from Red Oak and Emerson arrived on scene, the house was a complete loss. The incident remains under investigation.
Deadline Reminder for Shelby and Harrison County Spring Grant Programs -
(1-13-23) - The Shelby and Harrison County Community Foundation reminds Shelby and Harrison County nonprofits that the deadline to apply for grant funds is Wednesday, February 1. Applications are currently being accepted online for the spring grant cycle with approximately $130,000 available to support Shelby County nonprofit organizations and community projects and $130,000 available to support Harrison County nonprofit organizations and community projects. Full application details, a fact sheet, and a link to the application form can be found online by selecting Shelby County or Harrison County under County Listing at www.swiowafoundations.org. Applications will only be accepted through the online system.
Master Gardener Program sign up going on through February 9th -
SIGN UP TODAY FOR SHELBY COUNTY EXTENSION’S MASTER GARDENER TRAINING! IOWANS WISHING TO COMPLETE MASTER GARDNER TRAINING MAY COMPLETE THE 10 WEEK TRAINING, PARTICIPATE IN ONLINE LEARNING MODULES AND ATTEND AT LEAST 4 IN-PERSON TRAINING SESSIONS ORGANIZED BY THE COUNTY OFFICE. AFTER THAT, PUT YOUR KNOWLEDGE TO WORK WITH A 40 HOUR INTERNSHIP IN YOUR COUNTY. SIGN UP BY FEBRUARY 9TH. CLASS FEE IS $150 FOR MASTER GARDENER OR $550 FOR PROHORT. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 755-3104 AND SIGN UP TODAY.
Shelby County Extension and Outreach offering Annie’s Project -
(1-13-23) – Shelby County Extension and Outreach will be offering Annie’s Project. Annie’s Project is the agricultural business education program that empowers farm women who want to be even more knowledgeable about their agricultural enterprises. Course participants will learn effective strategies to make good decisions in the five key risk management areas of financial, human resources, legal, marketing and production. Annie’s Project creates a comfortable and supportive learning environment focused on the best farm business management practices. Sign up deadline is February 16th with the six week classes starting on Thursday, February 23rd at 6 pm. For more information, contact Paulette Madsen at 755-3104.
Upcoming events -
Need a ride? Southwest Iowa Transit Authority - SWITA - is now available online - swita.com. Through the website you can schedule a ride, setup your student's transportation for the upcoming school year, schedule medical transportation, schedule work routes for you employees, schedule a special trip, check rates and make payments on your account.
A Soup and Learn will be held at 6 pm, Thursday, February 2nd, at Hansen House Senior Living in Harlan. The program will be presented by Mindy Shaffer, Director of Hansen House. To register, contact Mindy at 833-870-5182.
The Congregational United Church of Christ in Harlan presents Nicole Bianchi, keynote speaker and author of the book, "Small Brave Moves: Learn Why Little Acts of Bravery are the Key to Life-Changing Leadership." This presentation will take place at the Congregational United Church of Christ in Harlan on the 2nd, from 11:30 to 12:30 pm with a book signing to follow. Tickets for the event are $15 each which includes lunch catered by Main Street Catering. For tickets call Jeff Branstetter at 402-616-6086 or text jbranstetter@harlannet.com.
Local Food Workshop to be held -
(1-18-23) – A local food workshop will be held from 1 to 4 pm, Saturday, February 4th, at the Cass County Community Center in Atlantic. The workshop is for anyone who sells or is interested in selling foods including produce, meat, eggs, honey, jams, jellies, syrups, salsas, baked goods, prepared food, including food trucks and more. Speakers and information on various topics including food safety and business licensing, how to sell food at farmers markets, grocery stores and more. This is a free workshop. No registration is required but RSVP’s are appreciated to Golden Hills RC&D Local Foods coordinator @ Jamie.fowler@goldenhillsrcd.org.
The Shelby County Cattlemen Annual Banquet will be held Saturday, February 4th at St. Mary's Parish Hall in Panama. Social hour will start at 5 pm with a New York Strip Steak Dinner at 6. Trophy and scholarship fund auction to follow. Doors open at 5 pm. The cost is $20 per person. Tickets are available at the door or from any board member.
Private Pesticide Continuing Instruction Course -
(12-13-22) – Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Shelby County Office, will be offering two opportunities to attend the Private Pesticide Applicator Continuing Instruction Course, led by Extension Field Agronomist, Mike Witt. The first session is scheduled for February 7th at 9:30 am at the Therkildsen Center in Harlan. The course will be offered again on February 7th at 6:30 pm at the Therkildsen Center in Harlan. Preregistration is not required. The course will run for approximately 2 ½ hours including check-in and breaks. The registration fee is $30. To obtain additional information, contact the Shelby County Extension office at 755-3104. The course will fulfill 2022-23 recertification requirements for private pesticide applicators. Topics to be covered include:
Personal protective equipment
Safe handling
Storage of pesticides
Pests, pest management and pesticides.
Myrtue Medical Center's 2023 Blood Analysis Screenings will be held February 7th through the 17th from 6:45 to 10:45 am at the Myrtue Medical Center Lab Department Clinic Entrance in Harlan. Appointments are required by calling 755-4288 from 8 to 4 pm. Walk-ins or add-ons to services will not be available the day of service.
The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce and Industry is hosting its 2023 Annual Awards Banquet on Friday, February 17th, at the Harlan Golf and Country Club. This year's theme is "Run for the Roses." Doors open at 5 pm, networking and cash bar at 5:30. At 6 pm, the meal will be served. After dinner, it's game time: 50/50 Heads or Tails and Generational Trivia, followed by the awards ceremony. During this time, the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce and Industry will unveil award winners for 2022 Citizen/Volunteer of the Year, 2022 Non-Profit of the Year, 2022 New Chamber Member of the Year and 2022 Business of the Year. In keeping with tradition, they will hold a live auction, immediately after the awards ceremony. Silent auction items will be available for bidding throughout the evening. Cost to attend this year's Chamber annual banquet will be $40 per person; tables of 8 are $320. To purchase your tickets, call the Chamber office at 755-2114 or e-mail Carol by Friday, February 10th.
The next legislative coffee will be held Saturday, February 18th, starting at 10 am. The event will be hosted and sponsored by Shelby County Farm Bureau at 908 6th Street in Harlan.
Understanding Your Grief is a support and education program for adults who have experienced the death of a loved one. These grief classes will be held Tuesdays - February 21st and 28th and March 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th from 9:30 to 11 am in the Myrtue Medical Center Board Room. Registration is required by February 15th. Call Cathy Jensen at 755-4424. This class is provided at no cost.
Join the Shelby County Historical Museum and the Danish Windmill for Trivia Night! The event will take place at the Shelby County Historical Museum in Harlan starting at 7 pm on Friday, February 24th. Grab a friend and test your knowledge of Danish Culture, American history and of course, Shelby County history. Teams are encouraged, but not required. Snacks, prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place and a fun n ight out will be provided. The event is free and open to the public.
The Fun China Luncheon will be held Wednesday, April 26th from 11:30 to 12:30 at the Harlan Golf and Country Club. They are looking for individuals, groups and businesses to decorate tables. If interested call the Chamber office at 755-2114.
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