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Democrat Senate candidate Franken says fundraising shows people want change

News

February 2nd, 2022 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – Retired admiral Mike Franken says he raised more than 300-thousand dollars in January in his bid for the Democratic nomination for the U-S Senate. Franken says he has raised more than 750-thousand in individual donations since launching his campaign last October and says that is a sign Iowans are tired of the divisiveness in government and this country: “I see people wanting answers, they’re wanting action, they’re wanting us to get along better, so even within the family structure, people are getting along better. And that there’s more of a hope for the future in the state of Iowa. There’s also a sense in Iowa that we have lost some of that which has made us unique in the United States,” Franken says.

Franken is from Sioux County and has a home in Sioux City. He says both Democrats and Republicans need to find ways to compromise on issues like President Biden’s build back better bill, which recently failed without support from all Democrats in the Senate. But what I think Joe Biden will do now is back up. He’ll segment and I would hope the Republicans will come to the table and work to do something that is good for all Americans,” he says.

Retired Vice Admiral/Iowa Senate candidate, Mike Franken.

Franken says one of the things he likes in the bill is expanding the electrical grid. “Iowa is in great situation here to be central to having the most reliable, least expensive electricity in a carbon tax environment in the United States. That will be a huge boost to manufacturing in the state, Franken says. Franken served in various policy-making, strategy, and planning roles including Chief of Legislative Affairs for the Department of the Navy. He defends Biden, saying no one president has ever been responsible for a major swing in fuel prices and is optimistic inflation will come down and the economy will turn around this year.

“There’s supply chain problems that are significant causes to inflation. There are treaty manufacturing issues associated with the delivery of technical goods — there’s a host of issues,” Franken says. “There’s also a sense that the interest rates have been too low for too long.” Franken retired from military service as a three-star admiral in 2017.

Accident reported northwest of Atlantic

News

February 2nd, 2022 by Ric Hanson

Marne First Responders and Atlantic Fire & Rescue were dispatched to an accident just west of 590th (Highway 173), on Eastland Road. A call about a truck in the ditch came in at around 10:27-a.m.  According to dispatch reports, one person was injured and possibly trapped in the vehicle. Additional information was not immediately available.

Grassley says judicial temperament his top issue for Supreme Court nominee

News

February 2nd, 2022 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – As Senators prepare to review President Biden’s nominee to replace retiring U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley says Biden’s pledge to nominate a black woman is never going to be an issue for him. “What’s going to be an issue for me is, you know, what we call temperament, leaving their own views out of the decision making,” Grassley says. “That means basically that they’re going to look at the law and interpret the law the way congress wrote it.”

Grassley is the top Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee. He and the committee’s chairman met with President Biden at the White House yesterday (Tuesday) to discuss the process of filling the court vacancy this summer. Grassley says Biden’s potential nominees appear to have credentials that are common among the current justices. “On the list, obviously, are African Americans,” Grassley says. “But they also come from prestigious universities, law schools and that doesn’t automatically make them a justice on the Supreme Court, but that seems to be the tendency of the people we have on the Supreme Court.”

Grassley, as a freshman senator, voted to confirm Sandra Day O’Connor to the Supreme Court, fulling President Reagan’s 1980 campaign pledge to nominate a woman. “You can be just as qualified to be on the Supreme Court whether you’re black, brown, Asian, Native American, man or woman, anything else,” Grassley says. “You’re looking at what they do.” A few Republican senators have raised objections to Biden’s pledge to nominate a black woman, comparing it to affirmative action and saying it adds to the perception the court is a political institution. Grassley briefly talked with Biden yesterday (Tuesday) about the lack of competition in the cattle industry and promoted a bill he’s worked on with a bipartisan group of 16 senators.

“You get invited to the White House the first time under this administration and I’ve heard him speak about how he wants to increase competition in the marketplace,” Grassley says.  Grassley says Biden recalled conversations they’d had 25 years ago when both were Senators, working on a bill to address anti-competitive practices in the construction industry.

Adair County Supervisors news

News

February 2nd, 2022 by Ric Hanson

(Greenfield, Iowa) – The Adair County Board of Supervisors, Wednesday, received a report with regard to the Southern Iowa Trolley Annual report conducted by Gronewold, Bell and Khynn & Co., PC, in Atlantic. Supervisor Steve Shelley said the report was thorough and explained well.

The Board discussed, but took no action on, American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) proposal requests and uses, including those pertaining to the Greenfield Municipal Airport water line project, MATURA and the Wallace Center. Board Chair Matt Wedemeyer suggested they provided matching funds along with GMU (Greenfield Municipal Utilities) and the City, of up to $50,000 for the airport water line project.

Supervisor John Twombly said the City of Greenfield needs to do something also, about the condtion of the Aviation Museum’s restroom facilities at the airport.

Supervisor Jodie Hoadley suggested the MATURA Neighborhood Center could also use some help to

Following the ARPA discussion, the Board held a public hearing on a FY22 Budget Amendment, during which there were no comments. The hearing was closed and the Supervisors then voted to approved the Amendment Resolution as proposed and subsequent publishing.On a related note, the approved an FY22 Appropriations Resolution. County Auditor Mandy Berg discussed the proposed FY 23 Maximum Tax Levy, based on an increase in property valuations.

The board then set the time and date for a public hearing on the proposed levy as 9:15-a.m., February 23rd. Adair County Engineer Nick Kauffman presented the 2022 Bridge Ratings Revised Resolution, with regard to special haul vehicles.

He said one of the bridges from 20-ton maximum capacity to 9-tons. Kauffman presented also, a report on his department’s maintenance work and activities. The Board closed their meeting with a FY 23 Budget Work Session, during which no action was taken.

Iowa Character Awards program is seeking nominees

News

February 2nd, 2022 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – Nominations are now being taken for the 2022 Iowa Character Awards. Program coordinator Hilary Ortman says the awards salute the positive deeds and attitudes of Iowans in their communities. “Since 2005, the Ray Center and Drake University has recognized more than 150 Iowans for showing good character,” Ortman says. “Nominations are open now at Iowa Character Awards-dot-org. People can nominate anyone in their community from an adult citizen, youth citizen, educator of character, school of character, an athletic team or organization, a business or a nonprofit.”

Ortman says they plan to honor the recipients this summer with an event at Prairie Meadows Events Center in Altoona, as well as in a special broadcast. “They’re honored at our 2022 Iowa Character Awards Banquet and that’s going to be held on Friday, July 29th,” Ortman says. “They’re also recognized in our partnership with Fox KDSM-17 out of Des Moines. They are very supportive of our work and actually travel the state to do video interviews with our recipients what will air during a one-hour, prime time television special.”

That broadcast is often picked up in other markets, including Sioux City and the Cedar Rapids/Waterloo areas. The nomination form is based on the Six Pillars of Character: Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, and Citizenship. The deadline for entries is May 3rd.

More info. at iowacharacterawards.org

Robbins Land & Cattle, LLC Named Region III ESAP Winner

Ag/Outdoor, News

February 2nd, 2022 by Ric Hanson

(Ames, Iowa) – Officials with the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, Tuesday, said Robbins Land & Cattle, of Scranton, is among one of six regional honorees of the Environmental Stewardship Award Program, organized by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA). Justin and Lacie Robbins, owners of Robbins Land & Cattle, LLC, received Region III honors at the 2022 Cattle Industry Convention, in Houston, TX.

The Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP) annually recognizes the outstanding stewardship practices and conservation achievements of U.S. cattle producers. Regional winners are commended for their commitment to protecting the environment and improving fish and wildlife habitats while operating profitable cattle operations. Robbins Land & Cattle, LLC received the Region III ESAP award for the following efforts:

The ICA says Robbins Land & Cattle, LLC, which runs along the North Raccoon River, is committed to improving the land and natural resources. For nearly two decades, Justin Robbins has dedicated a lot of time and energy to enhancing his farming operation. From rebuilding and implementing farm ponds on pasture ground to establishing cover crops on a large portion of his row crop acres, Justin strives to “leave the land better today” than how he found it yesterday.

Photo credit goes to the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association for Robbins Land & Cattle.JPG and Baxter Communications for ESAP2021-R3-IA_0679.

For instance, Justin Robbins first incorporated cover crops in 2013. He primarily seeded cover crops on harvested corn acres, but now works to establish cover crops on at least 50 percent of his farming operation. “Building soil health is the long game,” Justin says. Cover crops benefit soil structures in generating nitrogen, reducing erosion, supporting earthworms, and suppressing weeds. Additionally, cover crops provide another forage source. In utilizing cover crops and other corn residue, Justin has slashed feed costs, which can quickly add up when feeding 200 registered Angus cows.

In 2020, Robbins Land & Cattle, LLC started to sell their naturally raised, homegrown beef through an online store. The couple saw the value-added opportunity as a way to share their story of environmental stewardship with their community and local customers. One year after opening their online store, Robbins Land & Cattle, LLC saw tremendous growth, doubling its sales despite a global health pandemic.

Robbins Land & Cattle will now compete for national honors. The national ESAP recipient will be announced in late July.

Shelby County Sheriff’s report, 2/2/22

News

February 2nd, 2022 by Ric Hanson

(Harlan, Iowa) – The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office today (Wednesday), released a report on arrests beginning on January 14th and ending on the 30th.

1-14-22: Gloryana Grayce Erlemeier, age 22, Harlan, IA. Erlemeier was arrested following a traffic stop on Linden Rd.  Erlemeier was transported to the Shelby County Jail and charged with Theft 2nd, Child Endangerment, Possession of Controlled Substance, and Permitting Unauthorized Person to Drive.

1-16-22: Kristina Marie Namanny, age 40, Harlan, IA. Namanny was arrested following a traffic stop on Willow St.  Namanny was transported to the Shelby County Jail and charged with Driving While License is Suspended.

1-17-22: Nicole Sunnybrook Rains, age 33, Council Bluffs, IA was arrested following a traffic stop on 12th St.  Rains was transported to the Shelby County Jail and charged with Driving while License Denied or Revoked, and Failure to Provide Proof of Insurance Liability; Nathaniel Lee Gangwer, age 21, Atlantic, IA was arrested following a traffic stop at Hwy 59 and Hwy 44.  Gangwer was transported to the Shelby County Jail and charged with Driving While License is Suspended.

1-21-22: Jill Marie Arkfeld, age 44, Defiance, IA was arrested following a traffic stop in Defiance.  Arkfeld was transported to the Shelby County Jail and charged with Driving While License is Suspended.

1-22-22: Cory Robert Kyle, age 34, Avoca, IA was arrested following a traffic stop on Oak Rd. Kyle was transported to the Shelby County Jail and charged with Driving While Barred; Justin Andrew Dickinson, age 24, Harlan, IA was arrested on several Shelby County Warrants.  Dickinson has been charged with Eluding, Prohibited Acts, Child Endangerment, Speeding, Reckless Driving, Driving While License is Suspended, and Theft 2nd.

1-24-22: Cirstie Ann Crippen, age 28, Harlan, IA was arrested following a traffic stop on Hwy 59. Crippen was transported to the Shelby County Jail and charged with Child Endangerment, OWI 1st, and Reckless Driving.

1-26-22: Douglas Gene Barten, age 60, Audubon, IA was arrested following a traffic stop in Elk Horn. Barten was transported to the Shelby County Jail and charged with Driving while Revoked and Failure to Provide Proof of Insurance Liability SR not on file.

1-30-22: Aaron Michael Payne, age 33, Bellevue, NE was arrested following a traffic stop on Hwy 59.  Payne was transported to the Shelby County Jail and charged with OWI 1st, and Speeding; Joshua Gerald Schmitz, age 41, Avoca, IA was arrested on a Shelby County Warrant.  Schmitz was transported to the Shelby County Jail and charged with Assault on Persons in Certain Occupations-Bodily Injury, and OWI 1st.

Note: “Criminal charges are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.”

Creston Police report, 2/2/22: 2 arrests; 1 break-in

News

February 2nd, 2022 by Ric Hanson

The Creston Police Department says two people were arrested on separate charges, Tuesday. 23-year-old Maxim R. Kozlov, of Shannon City, was arrested at the Union County Law Enforcement Center on a Dept. of Corrections warrant for an original charge of Indecent Exposure. Kozlov was later released on his own recognizance. And, 31-year-old Brooke Marie Carter, of Creston, was arrested at her residence, Tuesday evening, on a charge of Theft in the 5th Degree. The charge stems from an incident at the Creston Dollar General Store. Carter was released on a citation.

Authorities said also, a woman reporting someone broke into her parents’ home in Creston, while they were away on vacation. Multiple items valued at $267, were missing.

Governor’s bill cuts duration of unemployment benefits to 16 weeks

News

February 2nd, 2022 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – The governor’s bill that would reduce the maximum time Iowans can receive unemployment benefits from 26 weeks to 16 has cleared its first hurdle in the Iowa House. People getting unemployment checks would have to accept a lower-paying job more quickly or lose their benefits if the bill becomes law. J.D. Davis, a lobbyist for the Iowa Association of Business and Industry, says the focus is on re-employment.

“Unemployment benefits are something that takes a person from work to work,” Davis says. “…Getting people back to work sooner that are in the workforce already is a goal worth pursuing.” Molly Severn, the governor’s legislative liaison, says the bill is a priority for Reynolds. “Our state cannot afford to have employable Iowans on the sidelines of our economy for an extended amount of time,” she says.

Labor unions oppose the bill. Felicia Hinton, the North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters, says it’s offensive for Governor Reynolds to suggest the safety net has become a hammock and propose a 40 percent reduction in unemployment benefits. “In no way is this a hammock that people are laying back, barely getting any of the money that they were making on a weekly basis,” Hinton says. The bill also calls for delaying payment of the first week of unemployment benefits.

Mike Gronstal, a lobbyist for the Iowa State Building and Construction Trades Union, says that’s a serious attack on the industry. “The vast majority of building trade workers are laid off once a year,” Gronstal says. “This bill reaches into the pockets of tens of thousands of Iowans and takes $300-$400 out of their pockets.”

Two issues unrelated to unemployment are attached to the bill, and would provide additional liability protection to doctors and trucking companies.

Public praise, complaints about GOP tax plans in House and Senate

News

February 2nd, 2022 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – Two forums at the Iowa Capitol have given business groups and advocates for outdoor recreation the opportunity to lobby for their preferred tax changes, but the hearings also highlighted the differences in the three plans Governor Kim Reynolds and her fellow Republicans in the House and Senate have unveiled. Americans for Prosperity state director Drew Klein was among the first to address SENATORS at a public hearing late yesterday (Tuesday).

“No secret there are some competing interests. There are some competing bills,” Klein says. “We do know and have confidence that what you guys are going to come up with working across the rotunda and with the governor’s office is going to put us in a competitive position.” Lobbyists from several business groups cheered the corporate income tax break in the Senate G-O-P’s plan. House Republicans didn’t include that in their plan. Dustin Miller of the Iowa Chamber Alliance urged Republicans working on the HOUSE bill to keep an open mind.

“We’re one of the highest states from the top line rate on the corporate side. That impacts our attraction for investment,” Miller says. “When we’re trying to attract business and investment from other states, we’re not even on the playing field and we don’t know it with some site selectors.”Among the three plans, Senate Republicans are the only ones to propose a sales tax maneuver that will finally put money in the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund. Anna Gray of the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation hailed the move.

“We believe that the trust is an immense opportunity to immediately invest in water quality, agricultural conservation, outdoor recreation, trails and the quality of life assets that make Iowa an attractive place to live and work.” Some people spoke at both hearings. Victoria Sinclair, a lobbyist for Iowans for Tax Relief, noted the House G-O-P’s plan largely mirrors the governor’s proposal.

“We applaud the governor’s leadership in rolling out a bold plan that significantly reduces income taxes for all Iowans,” Sinclair said. “And we commend House leadership for including her individual income tax reduction proposal within this legislation.” Sinclair told SENATE Republicans their plan was bold, yet thoughtful. “This bill proposes the largest tax cut in Iowa history and it doesn’t stop there,” Sinclair said. “…It also provides the first mechanism, to our knowledge, for eliminating the individual income tax in Iowa.”

A few speakers questioned the tax-cutting goals Republicans are advancing. Mike Owen, deputy director of Common Good Iowa, says public services will be slashed if the tax cuts go into effect. “These are the services that make Iowa a good place to live, work and run a business,” Owen said. “If we invest in things that restore opportunity and quality of life in this state, if we build on our strengths and stop tearing them down, we have a chance.” Tom Chapman of the Iowa Catholic Conference asked lawmakers to consider raising the earned income tax credit, to ease the tax burden for low income workers and he quoted remarks Pope Francis made Monday to Italian tax officials.

“The pope said taxation should always safeguard the dignity of the poor and the least who also risk being trodden underfoot by the powerful,” Chapman said. Peter Hird of the Iowa Federation of Labor says union members are concerned about tax fairness. “We want to make sure that working class Iowans are getting these tax breaks and not wealthy corporations and we just want to make sure that we’re helping people out along the way.”