The downturn in the agriculture economy continues to impact the state with the latest evidence another drop in the price of farmland in the annual Iowa State University Extension survey. Wendong Zhang conducts the survey. “Essentially a five-point-nine percent decline. It’s the first time that the Iowa farmland values have been declining for three years in a row since the 1980’s farm crisis,” Zhang says.

The average price of an acre of farmland fell to $7,183. The three years of falling prices come after the peak in 2013 when it took $8,713 to buy an acre of land. Zhang says one key factor is driving the downward trend. “Mainly the weak commodity prices, the low corn and soybean prices. And this time the livestock margins are no longer that strong either,” Zhang explains. He says none of the 99 counties were exempt from the drop.

“No county saw an increase this time– all counties dropped — ranging from a two percent decline in the southern-central to a nine percent in western-central,” Zhang says. Zhang says the drop in farmland prices will likely slow, but won’t end immediately. “The next year or two we will probably see modest declines at the state level — although we’re already seeing some promising signs that south-central and north-central Iowa, are seeing some growth in land values over the last quarter. So, there might be some bounce back, ” Zhang says. But he says it could take three years for the whole state to turn things back around.

The three-year drop in value causes some to think history might be repeating itself. “A lot of people are now concerned about whether we will see a replay of the 1980s farm crisis,” Zhang says. “I think the probability is probably low.” He says landowners were saw some very good earning years between 2003 and 2013 to help their bottom line, which puts them in better position to handle the latest declines. And he says greater lending restrictions have also kept landowners from getting in over their heads.

“And you have much greater and hopefully stronger coverage from crop insurance. So I think overall the factors are better suited to weather the storm. I think people who are over-leveraged or bought too much machinery, they need to watch the working capita,” Zhang says.

The most expensive farmland was in eastern Iowa’s Scott County at $10,335 dollars an acre. Two counties in northwest Iowa were right behind, with O’Brien County at $10, 194 dollars and Sioux County at $10,066 dollars an acre. The least expensive farmland was in Decatur County in south-central Iowa at $3,443 dollars.

Find out more at: www.card.iastate.edu/farmland/

(Radio Iowa)

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A former Drake University student has sued the university claiming it discriminated against him by failing to consider his allegations of sexual assault by a female student but believing her allegations against him.

The case centers on a night of drinking in October 2015. The university determined the male student made his allegations against the woman in retaliation for her complaint. But the man’s lawsuit, filed this month, says the university never investigated his claims.

The lawsuit alleges violations of John Doe’s constitutional due process rights and federal sex discrimination laws. The university says it disagrees with his depictions of the facts and will prove its commitment to fairness. It’s among several recent lawsuits claiming federal guidance pushing aggressive pursuit of campus sexual assaults has resulted in bias against men.

Council Bluffs Police are investigating a home invasion that reportedly took place at around 9:17-a.m. today (Tuesday), at 310 Parkwild Drive. Initial information received by officers was that a white male, armed with a hand gun, had forced entry into the residence with the home owner inside the residence in an upstairs bedroom. The home owner gave information that he had weapons inside his residence that the suspect might be able to gain access to.

Person of interest in the burglary

With that information the Council Bluffs PD’s Emergency Services Teams was called out for entry into the residence. A short time later we were able to find that the home owner was not in the residence and that he had received information about the break in from his home security system.

With the new information, Officers on scene entered the residence along with a K-9 unit and searched the residence and found the residence to be unoccupied. Officers did find evidence that there was forced entry into the residence but at the time of this release nothing had been found missing. Photos were taken of damage done to the residence.

The only suspect information at this time is a white male in his 20’s wearing a red and white hat. If you have any information about the incident please call Crime Stoppers at 712-328-7867.

The Page County Sheriff’s Office says no injuries were reported after a 2007 Hummer H3 backed into a Clarinda School bus, last Thursday night (Dec. 8th). No students were onboard the bus at the time.

An investigation determined 43-year old Christina Ann Landess, of rural Clarinda, was backing east out of a driveway at 2183 T Avenue, or about a mile south of Highway 71, when her vehicle struck the passenger side of a 2014 Bluebird bus driven by 65-year old Kenneth Lee Wagonor, of Clarinda, as the bus was traveling southbound on T Avenue. Landess said she didn’t see the bus because of a large tree near the end of the driveway that obstructed her view.

The Hummer sustained $1,500 damage. Damage to the bus was estimated at $6,000. No citations have been issued as a result of the investigation.

The U-S Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa reports two California men were sentenced Monday to a combined 55-years in prison for Conspiring to Distribute Methamphetamine in the Southern District of Iowa and elsewhere. Senior United States District Court Judge James E. Gritzner sentenced 33-year old Manuel Espinoza, of Pico Rivera, California, to 240 months (20-years) of imprisonment for Conspiring to Distribute Methamphetamine, and to 120 months (10-years) of imprisonment for being a Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm, with the sentences to run concurrently (at the same time). Espinoza was also sentenced to five years of supervised release to follow the term of imprisonment.

23-year old Jose Luis Tizoc, a resident of San Diego, California, was also sentenced by  Judge to 300 months (25-years) of imprisonment for Conspiring to Distribute Methamphetamine, and five years of supervised release to follow the term of imprisonment.

A jury convicted the men at trial on June 27th, 2016, finding them guilty on all counts charged, being Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and Prohibited Persons in Possession of a Firearm. The case was the result of a large-scale investigation by law enforcement of methamphetamine trafficking that occurred in the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro area for approximately one year.

Beginning at least as early as November of 2014, and continuing through September of 2015, Espinoza and Tizoc conspired with multiple other individuals to distribute at least 4.5 kilograms of methamphetamine in the area. Other defendants who pled guilty for Conspiring to Distribute Methamphetamine and have been sentenced by Judge Gritzner, include:
• Salvador Nunez Trejo, 120 months (10-years) of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release;
• Jessica Moreno, 35 months (2.9-years) of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release;
• Jaime Castillo Gomez, 168 months (14-years) of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release;
• Kristopher Hatch, 151 months (12.6-years) of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release;
• Jane Song, 60 months (5-years) of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release;
• Grant M. Carman, 120 months (10-years) of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release; and,
• Greg M. Price, 120 months (10-years) of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Greater Omaha Safe Streets Task Force and the Southwest Iowa Narcotics Enforcement Task Force. This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

Adair County Sheriff Jeff Vandewater is reporting numerous arrests took place over the past week. On Dec. 4^th, 31-year old Barrett Martin Driskill and 41-year old Mandi Lea Stowers, both of Blockton, were arrested on drug, theft and trespassing charges. Their arrests took place following an incident at 1720 Pamle Park Road, during which property damage amounted to between $500 and $1,000. The pair alleged tried to steal a windmill from the property, and in the process damaged the machine.

Driskill and Stowers each faces charges that include Criminal Mischief in the 3^rd Degree, Theft in the 3^rd Degree and Trespass causing damage or injury. Driskill was later released on $2,000 bond. During the booking process at the Adair County Jail, drugs were found on Mandi Stowers. The woman was being held in the Adair County Jail on the charges mentioned, in addition to a Possession of methamphetamine charge, due to drugs being found on her during the booking process. Her total bond was set at $7,000.

On Dec. 5^th, 30-year old Michael Wayne Edwards, of Casey, was arrested by an Iowa State Patrol trooper on Interstate 80 in Adair County, for Possession of a Controlled Substance. Edwards was also charged with a traffic violation, with an OWI charge pending.  Edwards was later released on $1,000 bond.

On Dec. 9^th, Greenfield Police arrested 21-year old James Leslie Smith, Jr., and 21-year old Samuel Joseph Miller, both of Stuart, along with 19-year old Brandon Charles Hegg-McLaughlin, of Indianola. All three men were charged with Theft in the 4^th degree and Interference with Official Acts. Hegg-McLaughlin faces and additional, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia charge (2 glass smoking devices). The charges stem from the theft of  a guitar, laptop computer and a lava lamp, and knowingly providing false information to peace officers. All three were later released from custody on $1,000 bond, each.

On Dec. 10^th, 32-year old Tyler Duane Warner, of Fontanelle, was arrested by Adair County Deputies on a charge of Serious Domestic Assault. He was later released on $1,000 bond. And, on Dec. 4^th, 43-year old Burt Lynn Brown, of Celina, TX, was arrested in Adair County by an Iowa State Patrol Trooper. Brown faces charges of OWI/1^st offense, Theft in the 2^nd Degree, and Providing False ID, after he was pulled over for speeding on I-80.

A routine check showed the vehicle’s Oklahoma license plate was expired. When Brown was questioned by the Trooper, he presented an expired driver’s license from Texas. The driver’s license showed the name of another man. His actions being suspicious, Brown was placed under arrest. While at the Adair County Jail, the Trooper found other identification cards Brown had in his possession. Many of those ID’s were from persons who are deceased. Brown said one of the ID’s was from a friend who worked at the same dealership as Brown, in Texas.  The other ID’s he said, were keepsakes, including one belonging to his deceased father. Brown was being held in the Adair County Jail on $5,000 bond.

The Cass County Sheriff’s Office reports three people have been arrested on drug charges. On December 4th, 27-year old Brittiny Christina Marie Sampson, of Atlantic, and 29-year old Jeremy Michael Clark, of Harlan, were arrested in Cass County on felony charges of Possession with Intent to Deliver/Methamphetamine. Clark was also charged with Possession of Oxycodone, while Sampson was additionally charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Both were taken to the Cass County Jail. Sampson was subsequently charged with Probation Violation and remains held at the Cass County Jail on $60,000 bond; Clark remains held on $50,000 bond.

On December 7th, 32-year old Miles Blake Cooley, of Anita, was arrested on a Cass County Sheriff’s Office warrant for Possession of Marijuana 1^st Offense. Cooley was taken to the Cass County Jail and released later that day on $500 bond.

In other news, the Sheriff’s Office reports 65-year old Clinton Franklin Humbert, of Cumberland, was arrested Dec. 5th, on a charge of Simple Assault. Humbert was taken to the Cass County Jail and released later that day on $300 bond. 38-year old John Michael Blake, of Omaha, was arrested Dec. 7th, on an Atlantic Police Department warrant for felony Theft in the 2^nd Degree. Blake was taken to the Cass County Jail where he remains held on $5,000 bond.

On December 12th, Cass County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 27-year old Joshua James Dyer, of Elk Horn, on a District Court warrant for Probation Violation. Dyer was taken to the Cass County Jail and released the following day on his own recognizance. Also on the 12th, 39-year old Cody Michael Ewing, of Atlantic, was arrested on a charge of Driving While Barred. Ewing was taken to the Cass County Jail and released the following day on his own recognizance.

The state has launched a public-private effort to raise two million dollars to expand community broadband planning throughout Iowa. Iowa’s Chief Information Officer, Bob Von Wolffradt, says the state has been involved in many efforts to increase broadband access across the state, including the “Connect Every Acre” initiative that provided tax incentives.”Which is moving very, very quickly and we hope to publish the projects that were funded under that tax incentive in the next six months or so, so all the citizens can see it,” Wolffradt says.

Governor Terry Branstad says this new initiative is designed to build on the progress made with the state investment. “We want to also encourage the private sector to invest in this. And we are very hopeful that we will have foundations and individuals who recognize how important this is that will contribute from the private sector in this as well,” Branstad says.

Recent F-C-C and Census data shows access to advanced, fixed broadband service is available to about one-third of Iowa, coupled with a state broadband adoption rate of just 75 percent. Connected Nation President and C-E-O, Tom Ferree, says the state is leading the push across the country to improve broadband access. “Iowa is actually being recognized as an archtype in how to use local data to inform where infrastructure investments need to go — so that they make the wisest choices in those limited resources,” Ferree says.

Ferree says the money from the new initiative will continue helping communities determine what they need to do to improve broadband access. “It is in support of our connected program where we actually engage at the local level to take data and form action plans that will meet the unique circumstances of each community as it pertains to broadband deployment in the institutions and the various sectors that make up that community’s livelihood,” according to Ferree.

Governor Branstad says the “Connected Communities” under the Connect Iowa program have seen the benefits of the plan. He cites the town of Bloomfield as an example of a community that in the 1980’s was worried about its future. “It looked pretty bleak,” Branstad says. “Today it’s a robust growing community in the southern tier of our state and it is an example of what can be done when people work together. And it is one of those connected communities. And we’re encouraging other communities to do like they’ve done, and Woodbine and West Des Moines, and many other communities in our state.”

Branstad says there’s also the possibility of some federal dollars from the new administration to help with broadband access. You can find out more about the Connected Community Engagement program at: connectedcommunity.org.

(Radio Iowa)

The Atlantic Community School District’s Board of Education will hold their regular monthly meeting Wednesday evening in the High School Media Center, beginning at 5:30-p.m. On their agenda, in addition to regular business and reports, is a Special Presentation from FFA Director Eric Miller, with regard to the FFA National Conference Trip, and, continued discussion with regard to the search for a Superintendent to succeed retiring Superintendent Dr. Michael Amstein.

Prior to adjourning, the Board will enter into a closed session to discuss the purchase or sale of real estate. According to reports, Atlantic Developer Don Sonntag and businessman Bob Camblin will ask the Board (during the public comment period), to accept, at no cost, the deed to the old YMCA building at 14th and Olive. Their hope is that the school will use the building to train people in the Trades industry, including welding, mechanics, HVAC and other skills, which are experiencing a labor shortage.

The building is in need of a new roof and mold abatement. Other modifications and renovations would bring the cost of making the structure viable, to about $500,000.

A public hearing will be held Wednesday morning at the courthouse in Atlantic, with regard to a proposed development agreement between Cass County and Elite Octane, LLC, the company that wants to build an ethanol plant on the northern edge of Atlantic. The hearing takes place at the 9-a.m., during the Cass County Board of Supervisor’s meeting that begins at 8:30-a.m. in their boardroom at the courthouse.

Last Wednesday, the Board said the hearing would be contingent upon lawyers for both the County and Elite Octane reaching an agreement on the County’s financial obligation to help make the plant possible. On Friday, Nick Bowdish (B’oh-dish), President and CEO of N Bowdish Company, LLC, issued a press release saying their new proposal provides for new infrastructure to be completed in Cass County that will be paid for entirely by property taxes generated by Elite Octane.  Bowdish said at the completion of the proposed project, Cass County will have an additional two and a half miles of newly paved roads that should help facilitate development of the area surrounding the proposed plant.

The proposal says…based on a full assessment of $32-million…an annual tax payment of just under than $911, 500 would be made from Elite Octane to the County. It assumes 15-years of tax payments amounting to more than $13.6-million. If the assessment exceeds $32-million over the 15-years, Cass County would rebate 100% of the incremental tax payment dollars that Elite Octane incurs, if more than $911,497. If at any time during the fifteen years the actual assessment is less than $32,000,000, Elite Octane would be be held to a minimum assessment of $32,000,000.

The annual tax payments would begin on Sept. 1st, 2020, and by March 1st, 2021 would cover the debt payment Cass County incurs on infrastructure improvements intended specifically for the ethanol plant project. The annual Cass County debt payment for the infrastructure is estimated at $430,000 per year.

Prior to the public hearing, the Board will discuss the latest proposal. After the hearing, they’re expected to act on a Resolution approving the Development Agreement with Elite Octane.