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House bill requires insurance coverage of biomarker tests

News

March 28th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – The Iowa House has passed a bill that would require health insurance plans to cover biomarker testing that can help doctors more effectively treat medical conditions. Republican Representative Brian Lohse, of Bondurant, says biomarker testing lets doctors avoid unnecessary and invasive tests and ineffective treatments.  “Such testing has proven itself vital in improving patient care when they have been diagnosed with cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, preeclampsia and many more,” Lohse says. “In doing so, patients benefit from more effective care.” Lohse says it also reduces costs.

“A study sponsored by CVS revealed that patients who underwent a proven, broad panel biomarket testing saved an average of $8500 per person per month, based on a single test that could only average between $1500 and $5000,” Lohse says. “That’s god for Iowa. That’s good for Iowans.” Democratic Representative Megan Srinivas, of Des Moines, who is also a physician, agrees. “This is a crucial bill that can really truly save lives here in Iowa,” Srinivas said. “It’ll save lives without actually costing any extra money which is also the beauty of this, so it’s a win win win all around.”

Republican Representative David Young of Van Meter also worked on the legislation. “I think this bill here, getting it through the finish line, can be very, very consequential in terms of outcomes for Iowans and their health,” Young said. “…Detecting these things early can really go a long way.”

The bill passed the House on a vote of 96 to one. It now goes to the Senate for consideration.

USDA Rural Development Announces $28.6 Million for Small Business, Higher Education and Clean Water in Rural Iowa

News

March 28th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

MASON CITY, Iowa, March 28, 2024 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director in Iowa Theresa Greenfield today (Thursday), announced that the Agency is investing $4,780,000 in 5 grants and $23,829,320 in 8 loans to projects in Iowa that promote rural small businesses, support higher education, and improve drinking water and sanitation infrastructure. She made the announcement while participating in the annual Ag Breakfast held at the North Iowa Events Center on the Cerro Gordo County fairgrounds.

The 13 investments in 11 projects were made through three different USDA programs.

Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Recipients: The Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant program provides zero-interest loans to local utilities organizations which in turn pass the funding through to local businesses.

Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program Recipients: USDA’s Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant program provides funding for clean and reliable drinking water systems, sanitary sewage disposal, sanitary solid waste disposal, and storm water drainage to households and businesses in eligible rural areas. In southwest Iowa….

  • The City of Elk Horn (IA) received a $2,739,000 loan to help improve the controlled discharge lagoon wastewater treatment facility. This project will replace aged components and remove accumulated sludge. This project will slipline and seal sewers and manholes to reduce infiltration and inflow. Once completed, the project will mitigate an imminent health and sanitation hazard, enable the city to meet wastewater standards, and promote the health of residents of this rural Shelby County community.
  • Harlan Municipal Utilities received a $2,644,000 loan to provide additional funding to improve the water system for the city of Harlan in Shelby County. This project will drill four new wells, construct four new well houses, install new raw water mains to connect the new wells to the existing distribution piping, and install new electrical conduit in the well field. The aged raw water transmission main currently limits available capacity to the treatment plant, which presents a health risk during periods of extended demand. Once completed, the project will provide adequate water supplies and will promote the health and safety of the residents of this rural community.
  • Regional Water, a rural water association based in Avoca, received a $4,324,000 loan to help expand water service. This project will construct 12.25 miles of rural potable water piping infrastructure to two housing developments under construction in rural Pottawattamie County. The project will promote the health and safety of residents, businesses, and visitors in this rural area.
  • The City of Randolph received a $351,000 loan to provide additional financing to help improve the sewer collection system, lift station, and sewer lagoon system for this city in rural Fremont County. This project will help reduce excessive infiltration and inflow levels that have caused hydraulic overload and discharges more frequent than allowed by permit. This project will help improve water service and promote the health and safety of community residents, businesses, and visitors.

SEARCH – Special Evaluation Assistance for Rural Communities and Households Grant Recipients: USDA’s SEARCH program helps very small, financially distressed rural communities with pre-development feasibility studies, design and technical assistance on proposed water and waste disposal projects. In western Iowa….

  • The City of Castana received a $25,000 grant to help complete a water facility plan with options and recommendations prepared by professional engineers. The city’s water is discolored with high mineral content. Some water lines fill with sediment and block water service to customers. This project will promote the health and safety of residents, businesses, and visitors of this rural Monona County community.

Heartbeat Today 3-28-2024

Heartbeat Today, Podcasts

March 28th, 2024 by Jim Field

Jim Field visits with Cass County Master Gardener Judy Kennedy about the Memorial Grant program.

Play

Posted County Grain Prices 3/28/2024

Ag/Outdoor

March 28th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

Cass County: Corn $4.08 Beans $11.42
Adair County: Corn $4.05 Beans $11.45
Adams County: Corn $4.05 Beans $11.41
Audubon County: Corn $4.07 Beans $11.44
East Pottawattamie County: Corn $4.11 Beans $11.42
Guthrie County: Corn $4.10 Beans $11.46
Montgomery County: Corn $4.10 Beans $11.44
Shelby County: Corn $4.11 Beans $11.42

Oats $3.06 (Same in all counties)

New book details dozens of ways to have a ‘perfect day’ in Iowa

News

March 28th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – A lifelong Iowan and author is releasing her second book showcasing the state’s many attractions. Sara Broers says her book, “Perfect Day Iowa,” details dozens of places to visit from Sioux City to the Quad Cities, to be entertained by a wide array of landmarks and events, as well as Iowa’s natural beauty. “I am passionate about telling the story of Iowa,” Broers says. “‘Perfect Day Iowa’ is a great way to get out and explore our home state. I’m an Iowa farm girl. I am an example of how you can live in rural America and still do some pretty amazing things because of how we all are connected.” This comes two years after Browers’ first book, “100 Things To Do In Iowa Before You Die.”

The new book is continuing on the original theme, but instead offers tips for day trips and weekend getaways. “It’s written as, how can you go somewhere and basically have a perfect day? What can you do in 24 hours?” Broers says. “I like that concept because that’s honestly something I’ve been doing for a long time, because that’s what I do as a travel blogger. I tell people where are the good places to go, things to experience, places to take a run, maybe ride your bike.” While the book does detail a host of great Iowa restaurants, she says there are likely a thousand more restaurants that should be in the book, that aren’t, as there just wasn’t space.

Broers says you can visit one place in Iowa during the spring and have a completely different experience by going to the same place in the fall or winter. “What I love about Iowa is we do have four seasons,” she says, “and we can experience something new every three to four months of the year.”

Broers is holding events in the coming weeks to promote the book in cities including: Mason City, Webster City, Corning, Charles City, Dyersville, Fort Dodge, Ackley, Marengo and Pella.

State Auditor questions AG review of Crime Victims fund use

News

March 28th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – State Auditor Rob Sand says he’s concerned about the length of time the Iowa attorney general is spending on reviewing the practice of using the Crime Victims’ Compensation fund to pay for emergency contraception. Sand, a Democrat, expressed concern there’s been nothing released since Republican Attorney General Brenna Bird paused the policy when she took office in January of last year. “This is her decision on day one, to quit paying for emergency contraception for sexual assault survivors. And the word salad around that decision, and around what is going on, is nothing more than a way to reduce the clarity of that fact,” Sand says. Sand says he doesn’t understand why the payments were targeted for review.

“Her consistent use of the word audit has led to questions. So let’s be abundantly clear here. The Attorney General has never asked us to audit payments for sexual assault survivors for emergency contraception,” Sand says. “We are not performing any such audit and there is no third party performing any such audit. There is no audit going on here. There might be an internal review.”

Sand says he doesn’t understand what the Attorney General is doing this.

Plan pays IA farmers to reduce excess nitrogen use

Ag/Outdoor

March 28th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Iowa New Service) – A farm group is helping Iowa agriculture producers find ways to reduce the amount of nitrogen they use on their crops.  Excess nitrates can wind up in ground and surface water, and cause health problems.  Practical Farmers of Iowa is encouraging farmers to find just the right amount of nitrogen they need for their crops – while avoiding applying too much, which the group says is common.

PFI’s Field Crops Viability Coordinator – Chelsea Ferrie – said thanks to federal grants and private funding, the group will pay farmers up to $35 for every acre that has a lower than normal yield if they didn’t apply enough nitrogen. “No cost to the farmer, either,” said Ferrie. “We’re trying to help incentivize them. This is something that farmers want to do – I mean, they want to be good stewards of the land – but also, that they need to have a profitable farm.”

The application period for the program is open through the end of April.  To help them reach the right nitrogen balance, Ferrie said PFI will help farmers on the front end of the process, too – so they aren’t left guessing how much to apply.  “Talk through what your typical fertilizer plan is, and what your reduction plan would be,” said Ferrie. “Then you would implement this year, going into the spring and into the season.”

Farmers have relied on nitrogen-based fertilizers for generations – but when applied in excess, nitrates run off into ground and surface water, posing health concerns for animals and people.

Skyscan Forecast for Atlantic & the Nishna Valley: Thursday, March 28, 2024

Weather

March 28th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

Today: Sunny, with a high near 60. Calm wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph this morning.
Tonight: Increasing clouds, with a low around 40.
Friday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 66. South wind 10 to 20 mph.
Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 55.
Sat. Night: A 30% chance of showers after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 35.
Sunday: A 40% chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 57.
Monday: Showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 52. Breezy.

Wednesday’s High in Atlantic was 38. The Low was, 19. Last year on this date, the High in Atlantic was 51 and the Low was 21. The all-time Record High in Atlantic on March 28th, was 84 in 1910 & 1986. The Record Low was 11 in 1898. Sunrise today: 7:10. Sunset tonight: 7:40.

In Des Moines, Liz Cheney says country can’t survive 2nd Trump term

News

March 28th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – A former Republican leader in the U-S House who’s now a leading critic of former President Donald Trump spoke to a crowd at Drake University’s last (Wednesday) night. Liz Cheney says the U-S Supreme Court should reject Trump’s claims that as president he had legal immunity and let him stand trial on federal election conspiracy charges.  “It cannot be the case that a president of the United States can attempt to overturn an election and seize power and that our justice system is incapable of holding a trial, of holding him to account before the next election,” Cheney said.

In 2021, Cheney was the third ranking Republican in the U-S House when she voted to impeach Trump and the following year she lost her bid for reelection to a fellow Republican. Cheney has said she’ll travel the country this year, especially in swing states, to campaign against Trump. “I certainly have policy disagreements with the Biden Administration. I know the nation can survive bad policy. We can’t survive a president who is willing to torch the Constitution,” Cheney said, to cheers.

Cheney told the crowd in Des Moines that defeating Trump in 2024 isn’t the end goal, however. “It’s going to be necessary for all of us to decide we’re not going to just be bystanders,” Cheney says. “I can talk about what I’m going to do, but I think it’s much more important to talk about what we all have to do.”

Iowa G-O-P chairman Jeff Kaufmann says Cheney has done nothing but tear at the fabric of the party and alienate G-O-P voters.

Audubon Wheeler Boys Golf preview

Sports

March 28th, 2024 by Seth Tiegs

The Audubon Wheelers boys golf team is off to to fresh start this season. The Wheelers have 11 high schoolers out and are coached by Gary Burton.

Coach Burton says early part of the season has been going well but hopes the team dials back before the next meet.

Coach Burton talked how successful the Wheeler’s were last year.

Coach Burton complimented a couple of freshman on the team, who worked hard over the offseason.

Coach Burton talked about what the senior’s have meant to the wheeler’s golf program.

The Wheelers next golf meet will be Friday April 5th as they will host the AHSTW Vikings in a Western Iowa Conference meet at the Audubon Golf & Country Club. That meet will get underway at 4:00 p.m.