(Radio Iowa) – Two employees at the state’s maximum security prison in Fort Madison were stabbed 16 days ago and state officials have announced two inmates have been charged with attempted murder. Twenty-nine-year-old Dennis Lawson and 23-year-old Anthony Bauer are being charged with possession of weapons in a correctional institution as well as attempted murder. Online records indicate Bauer, the 23-year-old, was sentenced to 50 years after a fatal shooting in Sioux City four years ago.

Lawson is classified by the Department of Corrections as a habitual offender, with a recent felony conviction in Woodbury County in 2021. According to the Iowa Department of Public Safety, the injured prison employees were treated at a local hospital and have been released, but the extent of their injuries and how long they were hospitalized have not been disclosed.

(Radio Iowa) – Forty people from 20 different countries took the oath of U.S. Citizenship today (Friday) in the Iowa Capitol. Governor Kim Reynolds offered her congratulations to the new citizens. “Each of you comes with your own story, your own journey and your own reasons for choosing America,” she said, “and today Iowa is proud to welcome you home.” About 250 people witnessed the ceremony, many snapping photos with their smart phones, some clutching American flags.

“Iowa has always been enriched by the hopes and hard work of immigrants, people who come here seeking a better life, who bring diverse experiences and a deep appreciation for the promise of freedom,” Reynolds said. “You remind all of us not to take our citizenship for granted, but to cherish it (and) to work to make our country even better for the generations to come.” Federal District Court Judge William Kelly presided over the ceremony.

40 people from 20 counties took the Oath of Citizenship today at the Iowa Capitol. (RI photo)

“I welcome you to American citizenship. I congratulate you and your families on this great moment in your lives,” Kelly said. “I rejoice with you in the enrichment that each of you brings to our great country.” Kelly told the new citizens he was a descendant of German and Irish citizens who settled in Iowa. “Today you bless us with your heritage and by that oath of allegiance, which you just took, you have become an American and those of who were born American should appreciate that you became a citizens today by choice, not chance. You did it legally, legitimately, without shortcuts. You worked hard.”

Kelley, who has taught a course at Drake University’s Law School, said his students didn’t do too well when he had them take the citizenship test that the 40 people who became citizens today (Friday) passed.”Thank you for putting in the work. Thank you for putting in the time,” Kelly said. “We’re going to be better because you’ve joined us.” Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate, who oversees Iowa elections, invited the new citizens to register to vote. “Registering to vote is the first step in engaging in our election process and upholding your duty to participate in and to strengthen our democracy,” Pate said.

Voter registration forms were at table was set up in the Iowa Capitol’s rotunda that was staffed with volunteers to help the new citizens figure out the process.

(Radio Iowa) – A new map from the U-S Drought Monitor shows almost half of Iowa is considered abnormally dry, while parts of three counties are now in moderate drought. Earlier this week, the state climatologist said Iowa’s in a snow drought, as January snowfall was about six inches below normal.

While months of dry weather triggered a drought resurgence in October, conditions in January improved slightly by comparison, as drought watches and moderate drought designations in eastern Iowa were removed. Still, there’s declining soil moisture, and January is typically Iowa’s driest month of the year.

The new drought map shows some 45-percent of the state’s abnormally dry, including much of eastern and southern Iowa along with a small patch in the northwest. That’s also where parts of Lyon, Sioux and Plymouth counties have fallen into moderate drought.

(Radio Iowa) – With the Super Bowl this Sunday, Iowans might be willing to wager on the outcome to make it a little more interesting. While five dollars between friends is likely harmless, the temptation to go bigger is strong for some, and that could be a sign of a larger problem. Chris Sekorski is an advanced practice social worker and substance use counselor at Emplify Health by Gundersen. He says gambling on pro sports has never been easier — or more hazardous.

“There had previously been a Supreme Court ruling that banned sports betting, and that was overturned in 2018, so that opened the floodgates,” Sekorski says. “Plus, really how much online gaming and online access has ballooned pretty much makes it available to everybody. Previously, where we had to go to a casino or go to Las Vegas, now we have all those things in the palm of our hand.”

The rapid proliferation of so many sports betting apps for smartphones has opened gambling to many millions of new customers nationwide. Sekorski says those apps offer easy access to what’s known as a dopamine loop, where there’s impulse, action, and reward.”It’s not only just winning that leads to dopamine spikes in your brain, but also near misses, and the anticipation of it,” he says. “So if a hundred times a day you’re spinning a wheel on your phone, you’re reinforcing that dopamine rush a hundred times a day, and it very much hastens the cycle of addictive behaviors.”

Sekorski says there are clear ways to determine if someone is sliding into addiction.”With a substance that you’re using, you would do larger amounts of the substance. With gambling, it’s betting larger and larger amounts as time goes on,” Sekorski says. “There’s actually also withdrawal symptoms where an individual feels very uncomfortable in their skin, very restless when they’re not gambling. There’s a preoccupation where they’re thinking about it all hours of the day.”

A study done in 2021 for the Iowa Department of Public Health found only 167 Iowans received treatment for problem gambling intervention. That was less than one-percent of the estimated more than 18-thousand adult Iowans who met the criteria for having a gambling disorder. In addition to the warning signs mentioned earlier, Sekorski says there are other definite signals the problem is worsening, like falling deeper into debt.

“And then there’s behaviors where you’re lying to people about your gambling, you’re chasing your losses, where you’ve lost money, and you’re almost compulsively trying again and again to win that money back,” he says. “There’s also pretty frequently borrowing, taking out loans, asking money from friends, those types of things.”

Help is available in Iowa by calling 1-800-BETS-OFF, or at the state’s problem gambling website, 1800BETSOFF.org.

(Atlantic, IA) – Officials with the Atlantic Police Department report two arrests took place between January 30th and Feb. 1st, and two people were cited.

On Feb. 1st, 24-yearold Ricky Pankonen, of Atlantic, was arrested for OWI/1st offense. He was booked into the Cass County Jail; And, on Jan. 30th, 28-year-old Nathaniel Riesberg, of Atlantic, was arrested for OWI/2nd offense. Riesberg was also cited for Failure to Maintain Control, Use of an electronic device, and Failure to provide proof of financial liability insurance-accident related.

On Feb. 2nd, 27-year-old Sidney Redler, of Atlantic, was cited by Atlantic Police for Possession of drug paraphernalia, Driving while license suspended, no financial liability, and Failure to Maintain registration; On Jan. 231st, 51-year-old Cherese Smith, of Atlantic, was cited in court for Theft in the 5th Degree (shoplifting).

Both women were released with their respective citations.

ATLANTIC, IA — Iowa 3rd District Republican Representative Zach Nunn, Friday (Feb. 6th), announced a $2.5 million federal investment to support construction of a new child development center in Atlantic—expanding access to high-quality critical child care, creating jobs, and strengthening long-term economic growth across Cass County and Southwest Iowa. Rep. Nunn announced the funding at the Heritage House in Atlantic alongside local leaders, families, and Vision Atlantic—the non-profit organization receiving the federal funding. Representative Nunn said “This $2.5 million investment is a win for families, workers, and small businesses—and a powerful example of what happens when a community comes together to build its future. By expanding access to high-quality child care, we’re helping parents stay in the workforce, supporting employers as they grow, and ensuring Atlantic continues moving forward with confidence and opportunity.”

Nunn secured the funding through the Community Project Funding (CPF) process. The award, administered through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development Community Facilities Grant program, will support construction of a new, large-scale child development center in Atlantic. Once complete, the center is expected to serve 300 children ages 0 to 7, including two preschool classrooms, and employ approximately 100 people. The Childcare Resource and Referral has designated Cass County as a child care desert, and the new facility will help meet growing demand from working families and local employers across the region.

Photo from the Press Conference in Atlantic (Courtesy Congressman Nunn’s office)

Vision Atlantic Board President Christina Bateman said “We are incredibly grateful to Congressman Zach Nunn for securing $2.5 million in Community Project Funding for the Lakin Foundation Child Development Center of Atlantic. This community-changing investment will open doors for nearly 300 children and give working parents the peace of mind that comes from knowing their children are safe, loved, and learning every day. Congressman Nunn’s commitment makes this new childcare center possible, strengthening families, the workforce, and the future of Atlantic and the greater Southwest Iowa region.”

State and local leaders emphasized the broader economic impact the project will have on rural communities. Glen Smith, Under Secretary of Agriculture for Rural Development Nominee, said “In my eight-year capacity as a President Trump nominee, Senate confirmed Director of the Farm Credit Administration, I’ve had the opportunity to travel extensively throughout this country in rural America, visiting hundreds of rural communities like Atlantic. “Almost all have similar challenges of affordable housing and offering quality of life amenities that attract economic development.  But this community is doing something about it with Vision Atlantic, and with the help of Congressman Zach Nunn and his staff, is developing a model that could be replicated throughout the country.”

“To say that this is a huge announcement is an understatement,” said State Sen. Tom Shipley (R-09). “The opportunities that this facility will provide for lots of kids and their families are tremendous. But it’s not just those people who benefit. It’s all the employers in the area who need resources for their employees to have a safe and nurturing environment for their kids. That leads to more productive employees who are looking for long-term work. Thank you, Rep. Nunn and USDA Rural Development, for making Southwest Iowa the best place to raise a family.”

“This $2.5 million investment is a game-changer for western Iowa families, showcasing exactly what can be achieved when federal and local partners work in tandem,” said State Rep. Tom Moore (R-Griswold). “I am grateful to Congressman Zach Nunn for his leadership in championing this funding through the federal appropriations process. By leveraging this public-private partnership, we are ensuring that these resources directly enhance the quality of life and economic opportunities for youth, families, and businesses in Southwest Iowa for years to come.”

“Folks, days like today don’t just happen. They take neighbors working with neighbors, local leaders, non-profits, businesses, and donors. Some giving a little, some giving a lot, all pulling in the same direction,” said Rob Clausen, Mayor of Atlantic, Iowa. “We also know how hard it is to get anything done in Washington these days, especially for rural Iowa, and that’s why we’re so thankful to have Congressman Zach Nunn in our corner. He knows communities like Atlantic, he understands our needs, and knows how to roll up his sleeves and get things done. Because of that hard work and this $2.5 million Community Project Funding Grant, the Lakin Foundation Child Development Center is going to make a real lasting difference for our kids, our families, and our future. This is what teamwork looks like, and we couldn’t be more grateful!”

The child development center is projected to increase the local tax base by more than $48 million, helping strengthen the region’s long-term economic outlook while expanding access to essential services for families. The project has received support from more than 100 local businesses, community leaders, state and local officials, regional partners, and residents, underscoring its broad impact and importance to Southwest Iowa.

(Radio Iowa) – A spokesman for the Iowa State Patrol says now is the time to put together a game plan if you are going to attending or hosting a party this Super Bowl weekend. Trooper Paul Gardner says there’s one key thing any party plan needs. “Their best game plan is going to have a sober designated driver on hand, and that designated driver is going to be your most valuable player in this game,” he says. Sergeant Gardner says the State Patrol’s game plan is to be out on the roadways looking for four things.

“Seat belts, impaired driving, distracted driving, and excessive speed. So those are four areas that we typically emphasize to keep our crashes down this weekend,” he says. “Impaired driving will be the focus due to the higher presence of alcoholic beverages that will be served at many of the Super Bowl parties.” He says planning ahead so you or your friends are not leaving the party impaired is a winning strategy for everyone. “Drunk driving is a contributing factor in about one third of our traffic fatalities statewide on our roadways. And last year we experienced a record 100-year low in traffic deaths,” Gardner says. “So we want to continue that downward trend in fatality crashes. So whether you’re rooting for the Seahawks or the Patriots this year, please celebrate responsibly.”

Trooper Gardner says any driver caught over the legal limit will likely face jail time and have their driver’s license revoked.

(Radio Iowa) – A reality T-V show star and entrepreneur will make two appearances in Iowa next week. Craig Conover is a founding cast member on “Southern Charm,” which launched on Bravo in 2013, following the lives of several young professionals in Charleston, South Carolina. Conover says he’s thrilled to be making his first trip to Iowa for the Des Moines Home and Garden Show.  “We’ll have a nice fireside chat on the stage where I’ll tell you a little bit more about my life and whatever the moderator wants to ask me, and how I was able to start my business and some tips for small businesses and entrepreneurship, and some fun behind-the-scenes stuff for the show,” Conover says. “Then we always do a question-and-answer session with the audience and they can ask me whatever they want. I’m an open book.”

Sewing is an atypical avocation for most men, but Conover loves it. It’s why he launched Sewing Down South in 2019, which features Southern-inspired pillows, home décor, lifestyle, and apparel collections — all of which he designs. “I grew up with home ec class still in schools, which was awesome, so I learned to cook and garden and sew, and I just found it incredibly therapeutic,” Conover says. “So as I started to make throw pillows, our business grew into other areas of the home. Eight small family businesses go into each one of our pillows that are made, and we sew everything in the Carolinas.” Conover is one of only two original cast members who’s still on “Southern Charm,” which is now in its 11th season with more than 160 episodes. He attributes the program’s longevity to the South Carolina community where it’s based.

“I think the city of Charleston is its own character and one of our biggest cast members,” Conover says. “People who have visited Charleston love to watch it on their television screens, or who have lived there or who want to visit one day, so I think Charleston itself and all the history. It’s just a beautiful city.” Conover’s birthday is next week and he’s accomplished much in his 38 years. When asked about his goals for the -next- 38 years, he says philanthropy is what makes him the happiest. “I’ve traveled a lot all over the world and seen a lot of different levels of living,” Conover says. “I was talking to an actor friend last night, actually, and he said, ‘Maybe one day we’ll feed a million people together.’ So it’s really just trying to figure out a way to most efficiently turn my personal success into that where I can help as many people as possible.”

Conover is to appear next Friday and Saturday (Feb 13 and 14) at the Des Moines Home and Garden Show at the Iowa Events Center. The show runs February 12th through the 15th.

DesMoinesHomeAndGardenShow.com
https://www.sewingdownsouth.com/

(Creston, IA) – The Creston Police Department reports a woman was arrested on drug charges, Thursday afternoon. 56-year-old Donna Jean Kimball, of Creston, was arrested at N. Cherry and Irving Streets, at around 1:30-p.m. Kimball was charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Possession of Controlled Substance Methamphetamine. She was taken to Union County Jail and later released after posting $1,300 cash or surety bond.

And, at around 7:20-p.m., Thursday, Creston Police arrested 18-year-old Adrian Michael Lillie, of Creston. He was charged with Driving While Barred. Officers cited Lillie and released him from the scene on a Promise to Appear in court.