(Radio Iowa) – MidAmerican energy company says it plans to install six more aircraft detection systems to keep the red warning lights at the top of wind turbines off until they are needed. MidAmerican spokesman Geoff Greenwood says they started testing the system in 2023.”It has really gone well. It dramatically reduces the amount of lighting at the wind farms where we have this system installed, and we’ve gotten a lot of public compliments out of it. People notice it. They notice that the lights are off at night,” Greenwood says. They have 38 wind farms in 34 counties. The blinking red lights are required from dusk until dawn by the F-A-A so planes can see the wind turbines at night. Greenwood says the warning system is simple, and they’ve found it keeps the lights off 95 to 98 percent of the time.

“It’s a radar tower that keeps the lights off at night unless there’s an aircraft that approaches the area,” he says. “If the system detects an aircraft in the area, it turns the lights on. And as soon as that aircraft leaves, the lights go back off.” Greenwood says the lights are important in rural areas where there are small airports. “And the lights don’t go on if it’s a commercial aircraft flying over Iowa, you know, 30 to 50-thousand feet, whatever it is. So a commercial aircraft at its regular altitude, its regular cruising altitude, will not set these lights off,” Greenwood says. “What will set the lights off are the general aviation aircraft, the smaller aircraft that you see flying a lot lower.” Greenwood says they have to follow all the regulations for installation, but plan to eventually add the light control systems to all their wind farms.

“This started off as an experimental technology, but it’s really not an experimental technology anymore. It is a system that MidAmerican and other companies are adopting because we know it works and we get positive results from installing these systems and then positive feedback from the communities,” he says. A bill recently passed out of a subcommittee in the legislature would require the systems at new wind farms, and would require existing turbines to be upgraded by the start of 2028.

The first MidAmerican test systems were installed at the Eclipse and Morning Light wind farms in Adair, Audubon, Cass and Guthrie counties. MidAmerican installed systems at its Lundgren wind farm in Webster County and Wellsburg wind farm in Grundy County in mid 2025. MidAmerican plans to add aircraft detection technology to six wind farms this year, the Arbor Hill in Adair County; Diamond Trail in Iowa County; North English in Poweshiek County; Shenandoah Hills in Page and Fremont counties; Vienna in Marshall and Tama counties, and the Walnut wind farm in Pottawattamie County.

MidAmerican plans to add systems in 2027 to its Highland and O’Brien wind farms in O’Brien County.

(Radio Iowa) – Zach Lahn — a Republican running for governor — is raising concerns about the construction of data centers and he’s suggesting new tax zones for the facilities. “If you want to build a data center in Iowa, I’m going to charge you five times the property tax and it’s going to go lower the property taxes of people in the neighborhoods that you’re around,” Lahn said, drawing applause from the crowd.

Lahn hosted a campaign event last (Wednesday) night at a West Des Moines restaurant. Lahn told the crowd the current construction of two data centers near Cedar Rapids is a troubling site. “1400 acres of farmland has now had the topsoil ripped off. It looks like a military installation,” Lahn said. “…I have never in my life seen something built this fast.”

City officials say the data centers for Google and Q-T-S being built in an industrial park in southwest Cedar Rapids. Q-T-S — which operates data centers in the U-S and Europe — plans to spend 750 MILLION on its facility. The City of Cedar Rapids has approved property tax rebates to Q-T-S worth more than half a billion over 20 years. Lahn says that’s unacceptable, since the company has only pledged to create 30 full-time jobs once the seven buildings on the Cedar Rapids campus are operating.

“Here’s what Donald Trump would say about this: ‘We’re suckers.’ And as governor, we are not going to be suckers anymore. We’re done. We’re putting Iowa first,” Lahn said, to applause. “There’s an article in the paper in Cedar Rapids that said: ‘Well, they’re knocking on our doors. Do we want them to go somewhere else?’ Yes. Go.”

Industry analysts say Iowa has become an attractive location for data centers due to low construction costs and a stable power grid that provides affordable electric rates.

(Ames, Iowa) – A woman crossing a street in Ames was struck by a motorcycle Wednesday night. The Iowa State Patrol says 80-year-old Margaret Suzanne Olson, of Ames, was crossing Lincoln Way near S. Russell Avenue at around 8-p.m., when she was hit by a 2025 Kawasaki motorcycle, operated by 31-year-old Steven Javier Salazar, of Ames. The cycle was traveling westbound on Lincoln Way when the accident occurred.

Salazar was not injured. Olson was flown by helicopter to Mercy Hospital. A report on her condition was not released. Multiple agencies assisted at the scene. The report did not indicate if there were any charges filed in connection with the accident.

(Radio Iowa) – A bill moving through the Iowa legislature will name a portion of U.S. Highway 30 in honor of one of the two Iowa National Guard soldiers killed in Syria late last year. “Staff Sergeant William Nathaniel Howard Highway” will be a five-mile stretch of Highway 30 that runs through Howard’s hometown of Marshalltown. Representative David Blom of Marshalltown is sponsoring the bill to make that happen.

“It feels like people move on and stop remembering in the way that they did during the time of the funeral,” Blom said, “so in naming this section of the highway that goes through Marshalltown, we want a way to consciously remember that we can pass through our country and we have a free country here because of the sacrifice of the people that have gone before us.” Blom and Howard were students in Marshalltown high school at the same time.

“His parents and my parents went to Israel together and so just a lot of close family connections. We’ve been constantly trying to make sure we’re still getting meals to them to let them know they’re still remembered and haven’t been forgotten,” Blom said. “It’s been really hard on the family. We’ve been working hard to make sure that we still support Adriana and Nate’s brother as well, just making sure that we have the whole community wrapping around in constant support.”

Blom’s bill has won unanimous support in the Houe Veterans Affairs Committee and is expected to gain full approval in the House and Senate before the 2026 legislative session ends. Members of Iowa’s congressional delegation have introduced federal legislation to name the community-based outpatient clinic in Marshalltown the “Staff Sergeant William Nathaniel Howard VA Clinic.”

The Iowa National Guard Heroes Commemoration Act also would name the V-A clinic in Des Moines in honor of Staff Sergeant Edgar Torres-Tovar.

(Des Moines, IA) – Officials with The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University, Wednesday, announced the death of Billie Lee Ray. The center says the former First Lady of Iowa passed away peacefully in her sleep Wednesday morning at the age of 97.

Her tenure as First Lady began when her husband, Robert D. Ray, was elected Governor of Iowa in 1968. Mrs. Ray held the title until 1983. She then continued her work in public service with various organizations including Terrace Hill Foundation, Iowa Friendship Force, the Cedar Rapids Symphony, the historic Brucemore in Cedar Rapids, the Red Cross, Easter Seals, United Way, Women in Business, Iowa Save Your Vision, Des Moines Civic Center, Blank Park Zoo Foundation, and Drake University.

Together, the Rays started CHARACTER COUNTS! in Iowa in 1997. It was renamed The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University in 2015. The Ray Center works to improve civility through character development and ethical leadership. That extends from early childhood to the corporate, community, and public service areas. Her husband, Robert D. Ray, passed away in 2018. Billie Ray is survived by her three daughters, eight grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

In a statement on the organization’s social media page, they announced “It is with deep sadness we share the passing of Billie Lee Ray, a dear friend, benefactor, alumni of Drake University, and former First Lady of Iowa. Together, Mrs. Ray, along with her late husband, former Governor Robert D. Ray, were champions of many causes—from children and education, to community development.

“Their legacy of leadership will live on through the efforts of The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University, as we continue to fulfill our mission to improve civility through character development and ethical leadership. We extend our deepest condolences to the Ray family and the many others whose lives were positively impacted by Billie Lee Ray.”

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, Wednesday evening issued this statement on the death of the former Iowa First Lady:

“Kevin and I are saddened to learn of the passing of former First Lady Billie Ray,” Gov. Reynolds said. “Billie set a remarkable example of grace, leadership, and service to others. Her work supporting education and community organizations helped shape opportunities for countless Iowans. In 1997, 14 years after Governor Robert Ray’s tenure, the two started what is known today as the The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University, which works to instill meaningful leadership and civil skills in young Iowans that grow along with them through their lives. Billie’s kindness and spirit will be remembered by all who knew her, and her impact on Iowa’s children, women, families, and communities will live on for generations to come. Kevin and I are keeping her family in our thoughts and prayers.” 

Mayor Clausen issues the Oath of Office to P&Z Commissioner Connie Briles.

(Atlantic, IA) – The Atlantic City Council, Wednesday evening, approved the appointment of Connie Briles to the City’s Planning and Zoning Commission.

Afterward they acted on adopting a resolution setting 5-p.m. April 1st, 2026, as the date of a public hearing for the City’s maximum property tax dollars, and the specific levies for submission to the Iowa Department of Management’s digital portal so the Cass County Auditor can send out property tax notices.

City Administrator John Lund said it’s an important first step in nailing down the FY 2027 Budget. He proposed lowering the property tax levy for FY27.

Following discussion and input from those attending the meeting, and approval of the Council, Mayor Rob Clausen issued an Order instructing the City Administrator to begin the search for a Parks and Recreation Department Director. Parks Commissioner Kevin Ferguson said the decision is a positive move in the right direction for the Parks and Rec Department.

John Lund said the Parks Director position had been eliminated in the late summer of 2023 to expand labor resources, elsewhere. He said the City is now in a position to pay for a Park’s Director, based on currently available data and revenue growth. The Parks Director will be paid for by released property tax resources.

In other business, the Atlantic City Council approved FY 2027 Budget – Compensation Adjustments. They also passed Resolutions “Approving Sunnyside Swimming Pool Fees and Applicability Provisions,” and “Amending the City of Atlantic Personnel Policy Handbook, Series 400, Code 401 to Provide a Health Insurance Waiver Incentive though a 401(a) Plan for Eligible Employees.”

The new Pool fee rates are: Daily admission to the Sunnyside pool, $7.00 per person; Seasonal group passes for up to five individuals are $145.00, and are not limited to family members; Individual season passes are now $100.00 per person; The punch pass is $50.00. Each Punch Pass shall include three (3) complimentary visits as part of the established pricing structure. Children ages two and under shall be admitted free of charge.  A daily admission rate of $3.00 will apply to young children ages 2 through 5, determined at the point of sale. The pool management team is authorized to offer day-pass gift certificates at the previous $5.00 rate for a limited holiday and Easter promotional period.

The Council also passed (after the required number of Readings), an Ordinance “Allowing Non-Iowa Residents to Be Hired and Employed as Part-Time and Reserve Officers for the City of Atlantic, Iowa.” Police Chief Devin Hogue spoke on how it affects potential applicants for Officer positions.

The Council’s next regular meeting was scheduled for March 4th, but it was changed to March 11th instead, so that Council members may attend Local Leaders Day at the State Capital in Des Moines.

Atlantic, Iowa – Cass County Auditor and Commission of Elections, Kathy Somers, Wednesday (Feb. 18th), announced the filing procedures and deadlines for candidates seeking office in the June 2, 2026 Primary Election and November 3, 2026 General Election. Somers says candidates must file an affidavit of candidacy and nomination petition with the required number of signatures during the appropriate filing period. Forms are available at the Cass County Auditor’s office, 5 W 7th Street, Atlantic, IA. Nomination petitions may be circulated prior to the filing period.

Primary Election Process (for Partisan Offices):

• Candidates who seek a partisan office and choose to run as a Republican or Democratic Party candidate must win the party’s Primary Election on June 2, 2026 to advance to the General Election ballot.

Primary Candidate Filing Dates:

• Federal and State Offices: February 23 – March 13, 2026 (5:00 p.m.). File with the Iowa Secretary of State’s office.
• Partisan County Offices: March 2 – March 20, 2026 (5:00 p.m.). File with the County Auditor’s office.

General Election Process (Including No-Party Candidates and Nonpartisan Offices):

• No-party candidates and candidates for nonpartisan offices file directly for placement on the November 3, 2026 General Election ballot.

General Election Filing Periods:

• Federal and State Offices (No-party candidates): February 23 – June 2, 2026 (5:00 p.m.). File with the Secretary of State’s office.
• Partisan County Offices (No-party candidates): March 2 – June 2, 2026 (5:00 p.m.). File with the County Auditor’s office.
• Township Offices: March 2 – June 2, 2026 (5:00 p.m.). File with the County Auditor’s office.
• County Ag Extension, Soil & Water and Hospital Trustees: No specified first date to file; the filing deadline is August 26, 2026 (5:00 p.m.). File with the County Auditor’s office.

Offices on the Primary Election and General Election Ballots:

• Partisan County Offices: County Supervisor (Districts 2 and 3), County Treasurer, County Recorder and County Attorney.
• State Offices: Governor/Lt. Governor, Secretary of State, Auditor of State, Treasurer of State, Secretary of Agriculture, Attorney General, State Senator District 9, and State Representative District 18.
• Federal Offices: U.S. Senator, U.S. Representative, District 3.

Offices Only on the General Election Ballot:

• Non-Partisan County Offices: County Agricultural Extension Council (elect 5), Soil & Water Conservation District Commissioner (elect 4), Hospital Trustee (elect 4).
• Township Offices: Edna Township Trustee (elect 2), Edna Township Clerk (elect 1), Union Township Trustee (elect 2), Union Township Clerk (elect 1).

For additional information regarding election for county offices, contact the Cass County Auditor’s Office at 712-243-4570.
For information regarding state and federal offices, contact the Iowa Secretary of State’s office, or visit their official website, sos.iowa.gov.

(Radio Iowa) – The Sioux City Honey Association unveiled more detailed plans Tuesday on its major expansion of processing operations. Association director of growth Aimee Sandman says the plan includes three phases in the next five years, starting with the renovation of a warehouse they purchased. “So we’ll be upgrading the warehouse with our new racking system that will accommodate our business and then update the corporate office. The warehouse will feature 200-thousand square feet of finished goods warehouse space for us and 26-thousand square feet of modern office,” she says..

The renovation will being in January of next year and is expected to be completed by the end of the year. The new warehouse will include six new jobs. The second phase is the construction of a new processing facility near the refurbished warehouse and then all employees will move to that location. The final phase adds more storage for increased production. “Phase three will include a new raw honey warehouse to support our continued membership growth. So this year we increased our membership by 15 percent which is about seven million additional pounds of U-S honey that will be coming into the Sioux City area for us to process,” Sandman says. The Sioux Honey Association has been in Sioux City since 1921.

Association president Kevin Hueser says other states tried to get them to relocate, but local and the state incentives were provided to keep them in Iowa. “At the end of the day, the existing warehouse gave Iowa a tremendous advantage, but also the city of Sioux City, state of Iowa stepped up,” he says. “Working with those communities as well as some of the local contractors that are willing to work with us on a on a build to suit and a lease back. I’m not really concerned. Our financing situation is in good shape and we’ve we’ve had a tremendous amount of support.”

The company currently employees 89 workers and expects to add 40 new jobs by the time the project is completed. Sioux Honey gets raw honey from around 200 beekeepers and produces 35 million pounds of honey annually, which is about 25 percent of the nation’s supply.

(Atlantic, IA) – There will be no jury trial next week for a former Cass County daycare provider charged in the death of a child in her care. According to online court records, a plea agreement was reached in the case against Alison Elaine Dorsey, with sentencing set for Feb. 26th. According to court documents, Dorsey is pleading guilty to involuntary manslaughter and child endangerment causing death.

In her plea deal, Dorsey wrote that while she was caring for 11-week old Luka Hodges, she picked him up. She said was being fussy and wouldn’t eat, so she rocked him in her arms harder than she should have.  Dorsey said she regrets her actions unintentionally caused the infant’s death. The charges she will plead guilty to carry maximums of five years and two years in prison, respectively.

Dorsey’s trial was previously set to take place Feb. 24th in Cass County District Court. It was to have been her third trial. The first in Atlantic ended ended in a hung jury/mistrial. The second, held June, 2023 in Pottawattamie County, resulted in a conviction for second-degree murder and child endangerment resulting in death, but the verdict was overturned by the Iowa Supreme Court because they said, it was improperly moved from Cass to Pott. County. It was reset and scheduled to take place in Atlantic

Dorsey, who ran a daycare center in Massena, will appear before a judge at 9:30-a.m., Feb. 26th to enter her plea and receive her sentence.

(Radio Iowa) – Iowa Congressman Randy Feenstra says a deal is near that would allow fuel with a blend of up to 15 percent ethanol and 85 percent gasoline to be sold year round. Feenstra is one of the leaders of the House Rural Domestic Energy Council that was set up in January when the year-round E-15 policy was stripped from a budget bill. The group met today (Wednesday).

“This is full on, year round E15 and we worked with the small, midsized and large refiners,” Feenstra says. “We worked with all the biofuels folks. We believe we’ve got something that works for all farmers…We’ve got to get it across the finish line.” House Republican leaders gave the group until February 25th to submit a bill for a vote on the House floor. E-P-A concerns about smog during the summer months have prevented the nationwide sale of E-15 from June 1st to September 15th, but the policy has been suspended in Iowa and other Midwest states.

National media outlets like Politico report the proposal that would end the long effort to authorize E-15 sales nationwide all year long would limit the number of ethanol blending exemptions granted to small oil refineries and prevent those operations from passing along the waiver to another refinery. Feenstra says President Trump’s statement — in Iowa last month — that he’d sign the year-round E-15 legislation was extremely helpful in negotiations.

“Agriculture’s the backbone of this state and we have to make sure we’re helping our farmers and that means opening new markets,” Feenstra said. “We don’t want handouts. We want new markets.” A majority of the fuel sold at U-S gas stations has 10 percent ethanol. The executive director of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association says expanding E-15 sales would create brand new market demand for ethanol.