1134 AM CDT Sat Mar 14 2026

…BLIZZARD CONDITIONS SUNDAY INTO MONDAY MORNING…

A significant winter storm will impact parts of the Upper Midwest this weekend, mainly from Sunday through Monday morning. Widespread snow will fall across Iowa with higher amounts of 6+ inches possible north and east. Winds will gust 55-65+ mph, resulting in significant drifting of snow and visibility reductions. Travel will become very dangerous, if not impossible at times across parts of northern and eastern Iowa. Precipitation will begin as rain on Sunday morning and
transition to a wintry mix, which may produce a light glaze of ice, before transitioning fully to snow.

Crawford-Carroll-Audubon-Guthrie-Dallas-Cass-Adair-Madison Counties:

…BLIZZARD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM SUNDAY TO 7 AM CDT MONDAY…

* WHAT…Blizzard conditions expected. Total snow accumulations between 2 and 4 inches. Winds gusting as high as 55 to 65 mph.

* IMPACTS…Plan on slippery road conditions. Widespread blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous
conditions could impact the Monday morning commute. Strong winds could cause tree damage and result in power outages.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

Travel should be restricted to emergencies only. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle. For the latest travel conditions, check the Iowa 511 app, www.511ia.org, or dial 511.

Sac-Crawford-Carroll-Audubon-Guthrie-Dallas-Cass-Adair-Madison-Adams-Union-Taylor-Ringgold Counties….

…HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM SUNDAY TO 4 AM CDT MONDAY…

Monona-Harrison-Shelby-Pottawattamie-Mills-Montgomery-Fremont-
Page Counties: HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM SUNDAY TO 1 AM CDT MONDAY.

* WHAT…North winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 55-65 mph possible.

* IMPACTS…Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Power outages are possible. Travel will be difficult, especiallyfor high profile vehicles. With snowfall, white-out conditions are expected at times.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

Remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows. Watch for falling debris and tree limbs. Use caution if you must drive.

Monona-Shelby Counties….

…WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM TO 9 PM CDT SUNDAY…

* WHAT…Strong winds with snow expected to cause periods of whiteout conditions. Visibility will drop below a quarter mile at times. Total snow accumulations up to three inches. Winds gusting 55 to 65 mph, a few gusts to 70 mph possible.

* IMPACTS…Blowing snow will significantly reduce visibility. Plan on slippery road conditions. Very strong winds may cause damage to trees and isolated to scattered power outages.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

Harrison-Pottawattamie-Mills-Montgomery-Page Counties…

…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM TO 9 PM CDT SUNDAY…

* WHAT…Very strong winds with periods of snow will lead to greatly reduced visibility. Occasional whiteout conditions possible with visibility below a quarter mile. Total snow accumulations up to two inches. Winds gusting 55 to 65 mph, a few gusts to 70 mph possible.

* IMPACTS…Blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. Slippery roads possible. Very strong winds may cause damage to trees and isolated to scattered power outages.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by
calling 5 1 1.

(Des Moines) Griswold Republican Representative Tom Moore is seeking re-election to the Iowa House for District 18. Moore submitted his nomination papers and affidavit of candidacy March 9^th.

Moore represents District 18, which includes Cass County, Montgomery County, and most of Page Counties. He’s served in the Iowa legislature for more than 10-years.

A former educator, Tom Moore taught history and physical education and coached for 33 years at Grinnell and Griswold Community Schools.  He followed that career with 8 years as Assistant Manager of the Southwest Iowa Egg Cooperative.

(Altoona, IA – March 13th) – Officials with the Iowa Economic Development & Finance Authority, say seven tourism organizations were honored Friday with “You Rock” Geode Awards. The awards were presented during the 2026 Iowa Tourism Conference at Prairie Meadows in Altoona.

For the second year, the Iowa Tourism Office recognized tourism organizations or businesses for going above and beyond and providing an example of excellence to their peers or other industry partners. These organizations or professionals have demonstrated dedication, creativity and positivity in their actions and have changed their destination for the positive.

The 2026 Geode winners:

1. The Shrine of the Grotto of the Redemption, West Bend
2. Promoting Appanoose & Centerville Together (PACT)
3. Think Iowa City
4. Madison County Tourism
5. Pottawattamie County Conservation 
6. Meet in Marshalltown
7. Reiman Gardens, Ames

The complete list of 2026 Iowa Tourism Awards recipients:

Outstanding Marketing Collaboration: Second State Brewing Co., Cedar Falls Tourism and Gateway River Park

Recognizes exceptional collaborations between destination marketing organizations, local businesses and/or other industry partners that result in a strategic and impactful marketing campaign or project.

Innovation in Marketing: Catch Des Moines

Recognizes a destination marketing organization or tourism business that has demonstrated innovation and creativity in marketing.

Outstanding Niche Marketing: Greater Burlington Convention & Visitors Bureau

Recognizes outstanding tourism campaigns by a destination marketing organization or tourism business that effectively targets a specific, well-defined audience.

Outstanding Marketing Campaign (marketing budget less than $50,000)

The Avenues of Ingersoll & Grand, Des Moines

Outstanding Marketing Campaign (marketing budget greater than $50,000)

Blank Park Zoo, Des Moines

Champion of Iowa Tourism: Max Leonida and Paola Maria Savoia — Astarox Productions, Oskaloosa

Recognizes an individual or organization not traditionally part of the tourism industry that nevertheless made an extraordinary contribution to the Iowa tourism industry in the last year.

Iowa Tourism Legacy Award (three winners): Josh Dansdill, Northeast Iowa RC&D; Larry Obermeyer, Sioux City Railroad Museum and Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center; Bob and Ruth Kehl, Elite Casino Resorts

Presented to an individual or individuals who have worked in the tourism industry for a minimum of 10 years and whose contributions significantly and measurably impacted tourism in Iowa.

People’s Choice Award: Reiman Gardens, Ames.

(Council Bluffs, IA) – Officials with the Council Bluffs Police Department said Friday (March 13h) an arrest warrant has been issued for a suspect in a cutting incident that occurred Thursday evening. A Pottawattamie County warrant was
issued for 43-year-old Christopher D. Harper, of Omaha, NE, charging him with one count of Willful Injury – Causing Serious Injury, a Class “C” Felony. Anyone with information on HARPER’S whereabouts is encouraged to call 911.

The public is reminded that the charges are not evidence against the defendants, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Original story:

Police in Council Bluffs are investigation a cutting incident that occurred Wednesday evening, and resulted in one-person being treated at a local hospital.

Authorities say a little after 5-p.m., Officers in Council Bluffs along with rescue personnel responded to a report of a cutting in the 10 block of Bluff Street. Investigating officers learned that a male riding a bicycle cut in front of a vehicle, which resulted in the male and the driver exchanging words. A passenger in the vehicle, 45-year-old Alan Vanheusen, of Council Bluffs, exited the vehicle. He and an unidentified male suspect began fighting.

During the fight, Vanheusen was cut on the right leg by the male suspect, who then fled the area and has yet to be located by
officers, as of the latest report. Vanheusen was being treated for non-life-threatening injuries at the hospital. The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone who witnessed this incident or has information that could assist in this investigation is encouraged to contact the Council Bluffs Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division at 712-328- 4728 or to remain anonymous, they may call CrimeStoppers at 712-328-7867. On-line tips can be submitted at: https://www.councilbluffs-ia.gov/FormCenter/Police-Department-2/Online-CrimeStoppers-Tip-70.

DES MOINES, Iowa – The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (Iowa HHS) was notified by the Illinois Department of Public Health that an Illinois resident with confirmed measles traveled to Iowa during their infectious period. Iowa HHS is notifying the public of potential exposure locations. As of March 5, a total of 1,281 confirmed measles cases have been reported in the United States in 2026. Of these, 1,191 (93)% were unvaccinated. In Iowa, nine measles cases were identified in 2025. To date, no measles cases have been identified among Iowa residents in 2026.

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that is spread through the air when an infectious person coughs, sneezes, or breathes, and can stay in the air for up to two hours after a person with measles leaves the room. Iowa and Illinois health officials have identified a location visited by the individual while contagious, where the public might have been exposed to measles. Anyone who visited the following location within the listed timeframe should closely monitor for symptoms of measles (e.g., fever, cough, red/watery eyes, runny nose, and a rash). Anyone born in or after 1957 who visited the following locations and is unvaccinated or unsure of their immune status is at higher risk. If you think you have been exposed to measles and have symptoms, call your medical provider or nearest emergency room ahead of time and tell them that you have been exposed to measles and have symptoms before arriving.

Measles exposure locations, dates, and times:

Location: 

Comfort Inn and Suites

2100 Swan Lake Blvd, Independence, IA 50644

Date/Time:

Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at 5:30pm through Thursday, March 5, 2026 at 9:00am

“With ongoing measles transmission in the United States, Iowans should make sure they’ve received a measles-containing vaccine and should consider an accelerated measles vaccination schedule for their children,” said Dr. Robert Kruse, State Medical Director.

While the routine measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine schedule is one dose at 12–15 months and a second dose at 4–6 years, Iowans should consider:

• An early extra dose of MMR between 6 and 11 months of age (“dose 0”); this dose does NOT count toward the routine series

• The first routine dose (dose 1) can be given after 12 months of age, at least 28 days after dose 0

• The second routine dose (dose 2) can be given at least 28 days after dose 1, instead of waiting until age 4–6 years

For the latest information on measles in Iowa, visit the Iowa HHS Center for Acute Disease Epidemiology disease information page. This page is updated weekly, on Fridays, with current case counts and public health guidance.  Iowa HHS will issue a press release when there is a confirmed public exposure that may pose a risk to others. When possible, individuals identified as close contacts will also be notified directly by public health officials.

(Radio Iowa) The Iowa Supreme Court has ordered re-sentencing for a Dallas County man who was required to buy a house to avoid jail time. Christopher Hidlebaugh agreed to a plea deal for failing to comply with the sex offender registry rules that would give him a suspended sentence if he bought a house. He had 70 days before the sentencing, but couldn’t buy a house, and was sentenced to prison.

Hidlebaugh appealed, saying his efforts to buy the house should be considered in the sentencing. The Iowa Supreme Court agreed, saying fairness demands that the court conduct an inquiry to determine whether Hidlebaugh willfully failed to satisfy the obligation to buy a house before it sentences him to prison.

FORT MADISON, Iowa – Officials with the Iowa Department of Corrections, Friday (Today) reported that a man serving time in prison for crimes out of Pottawattamie County, died last month due to natural causes. 82-year-old Thomas M. Kane was pronounced dead at 10:17 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 27, 2026.

His sentence began on Jan. 27, 1981.

(Radio Iowa) – Republican Zach Lahn of Belle Plaine — a candidate for governor — has submitted petition signatures from over 61-hundred Iowans to qualify for the June 2nd Primary ballot.  “We were the last people to get into the race and so spinning up a field team like that that can handle crossing the whole state was a feat,” Lahn said. “I’m just really thankful for the people on the team.” Lahn, a businessman and farmer who worked for Americans for Prosperity in other states, has run campaigns, too, but this is the first time he’s put his own name on the ballot. “What I see is that Iowans are maybe getting tired of the typical politics and, as a matter of fact, I’m tired of the typical politics,” Lahn said. “I think that throughout this campaign we’ve been doing things a little bit differently.”

Campaign finance records from 2025 indicate Congressman Randy Feenstra is the fundraising leader in the G-O-P race for governor and Feenstra is now spending at least a million dollars on campaign ads. Lahn says he has an outsider message that he’ll soon deliver in ads on radio, T-V and other media. “We fully intend to compete on both the grassroots level and on the media level,” Lahn said. “To me this is about the different vision for the state of Iowa moving forward that keeps our kids here, that saves our family farms, that makes education — including public education — number one in the nation and helps stop the cancer crisis in our state.” Lahn has been endorsed by the Make America Healthy Again PAC and he says the Republican Party’s nominee for governor has to be willing to address the systemic issues in agriculture.

“We have to be willing to confront the elephant in the room and that is that we’ve been lied to for a long time by large agricultural companies about the safety of their products,” Lahn said. “I think this is a bipartisan issue, I truly do, but also I am a conservative. I’m not ashamed to be a conservative. I’m proud to be a conservative, but I also think these issues are so important that we can’t ignore them anymore.” Lahn is the fourth of the five G-O-P candidates who’ve been campaigning for governor to submit his nominating paperwork for the June Primary.

The Republican and Democratic Party Primary Elections coming-up June 2nd.

(Radio Iowa) – The Story County Sheriff’s Office has made an arrest in an animal neglect case. Sixty-nine-year-old Joseph Keller of rural Roland has been charged with five counts of animal neglect including three serious misdemeanors and two simple misdemeanors. The investigation by Story County sheriffs deputies, Story County Animal Control and the Animal Rescue League started last month. During the investigation, authorities observed multiple Samoyed dogs being housed outdoors without adequate shelter, bedding or access to water.

Due to the outdoor temperatures at the time, water bowls were found to be frozen. A total of 33 Samoyed dogs were removed from the property on February 12th and transported to the Animal Rescue League where they underwent veterinary evaluations and are currently receiving care. Keller was booked into the Story County Jail in Nevada on the charges filed this week.