DES MOINES – Today (Tuesday), Gov. Reynolds and four other governors sent a letter to the Department of Defense requesting the withdraw of vaccine mandate directives to National Guard members that are in Title 32 duty status.

The Governor’s office says the U.S. Supreme Court has for decades affirmed that the National Guard is under the command and control of the Governor of each state until those members are called up to active-duty status under Title 10. Therefore, Gov. Reynolds is requesting the federal government abide by the law, allowing her to retain authority over the Iowa National Guard members and allow them personal choice without penalization of their status with the National Guard.

“The federal government continues to overreach further into the lives of Americans and especially those serving our country and protecting our very freedoms,” said Gov. Reynolds. “These are the very men and women who have selflessly devoted their lives to protecting us and responding to major disasters and times of crisis at the drop of a hat to provide peace and comfort, and now the federal government is giving them an ultimatum to get the vaccine or be separated from serving their country. It’s unconscionable to think the government will go so far as to strip these honorable men and women of the nation’s top duties if they don’t comply. They protect the very freedoms that the federal government apparently doesn’t believe they too deserve.”

The letter was sent to Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III by Governor Mark Gordon, Wyoming; Governor Mike Dunleavy, Alaska; Governor Kim Reynolds, Iowa; Governor Tate Reeves, Mississippi; and Governor Pete Ricketts, Nebraska. The deadline for U.S. National Guard members to be vaccinated was Dec. 2.

According to reports, nearly 50,000 military members across all branches refuse to get vaccinated at this time.

(Radio Iowa) – Two juvenile suspects have been arrested after separate online threats led to some Sioux City schools being placed on lock-down Tuesday. A 14-year-old girl was taken into custody after a threat against Sioux City East High School after allegedly posted a picture of a gun and stating she was headed to the school. Police say she had created a fake profile on Snapchat and made the post to alarm people, but had no plan to carry out the threat. She’s been charged with Class D felony counts of terrorism threats and harassment.

In an unrelated incident, a 15-year-old oby was identified and taken into custody for making a threat against Sioux City West High School. The Woodbury County Attorney’s Office is considering charged against the boy. Because of the threats, a middle school and Bishop Heelan Catholic High School were also locked down as authorities investigated.

Sioux City Police say students and staff at all the schools were safe in their buildings.

Officials with the Harlan Police Department, Tuesday, said five arrests took place over the past week. On Monday (12/13), 48-year-old Hector Casanova Cantu, of Manilla, was arrested for Driving While Barred. Last Friday, 27-year-old Jack Andrew Brown, of Omaha, was arrested for OWI, Carrying Weapons, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, no proof of insurance, and failure to display license plate.

On December 9th, 49-year-old Christopher James Petersen and 28-year-old Kevin James Kesselberg, both of Harlan, were arrested for Criminal Mischief, Reckless Driving, and stopping where prohibited. And, 46-year-old Weston Jon Gustafson, of Harlan, was arrested Dec. 9th, on an active Shelby County warrant.

(Des Moines, Iowa) – The Iowa DNR is asking for your help in learning more about the secretive Gray Fox species.

Gray fox were listed as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need in Iowa in 2015 based on a decline in the gray fox population observed over the past 25 years. Similar trends have been noted in several other Midwestern states. The gray fox is smaller than coyotes and red foxes. Adult gray foxes typically weigh 10 – 12 lbs. They are mostly gray with patches of reddish, tan fur down the side of their neck and body. A distinct black line extends down the top of their tail. Their face also has distinct black and white markings.

The gray fox population decline in Iowa is correlated with increases in the population of coyotes, raccoons, and bobcats. Increasing coyote and bobcat populations may affect gray fox populations through competition and predation. Raccoons may impact gray fox populations through the spread of disease, particularly canine distemper virus.

Small Gray Fox

Canine distemper is common in raccoons, and gray fox are highly susceptible to this lethal disease. Changes in our forests habitat may also contribute to lower gray fox numbers. Mature, even-aged forests don’t support the prey base needed for gray fox. However, the cause or causes of the decrease in the Iowa gray fox population is unknown. A combination of these factors, as well as potential other unknown factors, may have contributed to their decline.

The Iowa Dept. of Natural Resources wildlife staff monitors the gray fox population in Iowa through surveys and harvest annually. For example, the Iowa Bowhunter Observation Survey began in 2004, and currently provides annual data upon which to base population trend analysis. Bowhunters record the amount of time they spend in the field, and the number of gray fox (along with other species of wildlife) they see during each hunt outing.

The bowhunter observation survey allows us to standardize the number of sightings based on the amount of time or effort spent bowhunting, resulting in an index that provides insight into trends in furbearer populations such as gray fox. The Iowa Dept. of Natural Resources wildlife research staff are initiating efforts to conduct a pilot study to monitor and gather information on gray foxes, so we can begin the process of understanding the causes of their population decline. Due to their already low numbers, you can help out the DNR by providing them with gray fox locations!

The DNR is asking for information on any sightings or recent trail cam images (within the last 6 Months) of gray foxes that are alive. Just send an email or call Dave Hoffman or Vince Evelsizer with location information such as GPS coordinates or Twp,Rge,Sec. Dropping and sending a pin works great too.

Dave Hoffman – Iowa DNR Wildlife Phone: 641-425-0737; Email: david.hoffman@dnr.iowa.gov

Vince Evelsizer – Iowa DNR Wildlife Phone: 641-231-1522  Email: vince.evelsizer@dnr.iowa.gov

If you find a dead gray fox (roadkill, trapped, hunted, other) that’s in decent condition, we’d be interested in having the carcass for further examination/necropsy. Please contact Rachel Ruden (Iowa DNR Vet) or Vince Evelsizer if you do have one.  Rachel Ruden – Iowa DNR Wildlife Veterinarian Phone: 515-823-8544; Email: Rachel.ruden@dnr.iowa.gov

(Des Moines, Iowa) – Officials with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources report Snowy Owls are making their way into the state, looking for food on their way south. You can observe the winged wonders, but please, give them space so they can hunt undisturbed. If your presence changes the behavior of an owl (Ex: it flies or looks right at you) you’re too close and you may be causing undue stress. Do not approach an owl unless it is obviously injured or struggling to fly, and always consult a licensed wildlife rehabilitator before intervening.

Snowy Owls breed in the open landscapes of the Arctic Tundra. During summers with abundant food (particularly lemmings), many young are produced, and the following winter, many of those young owls disperse south into the US to look for winter prey. When large numbers of owls move south in winter it’s called an irruption. Although it’s not a large irruption year, at least a dozen snowy owls have been seen in Iowa so far this season, with many arriving in the last two weeks. Unlike other owls, Snowy Owls are active during the day (diurnal) and can be spotted in open areas, like agricultural fields and airports, looking for food. Snowy Owls are sit-and-wait predators and often sit in one spot for hours at a time. They commonly perch on wooden fence posts and telephone poles, or find a spot to sit on the ground.

Although some people may worry that Snowy Owls will be susceptible to heat stress in an unseasonably warm Iowa winter, there is little evidence to suggest that a few days of temperatures in the 70s will be too much for the birds to handle. In their breeding range, days in the 50s are common and Snowy Owls have been observed surviving the winter as far South as Florida where average daily highs are in the upper 60s all winter long. More pressing threats are human-related (Ex: collisions with vehicles and power lines).

The DNR is interested in learning more about Snowy Owls wintering in Iowa and the threats they face, so if you happen to find a dead Snowy Owl, please report it to Iowa DNR’s Avian Ecologist Anna Buckardt Thomas (anna.buckardt@dnr.iowa.gov, 515-823-3945) and/or the State Wildlife Veterinarian Dr. Rachel Ruden (rachel.ruden@dnr.iowa.gov, 515-823-8544).

If it is safe to do so, you may retrieve dead owls using gloves and a garbage bag. Keep in a cool place but avoid freezing until you can turn over to a wildlife biologist or conservation officer. Remember, unless you are transferring to the Iowa DNR or other permitted entity, it is illegal to be in possession of a migratory bird carcass under federal law.

(Radio Iowa) – Iowa State University Extension’s annual farmland survey released today (Tuesday) shows a surge in the estimated value of farmland that hasn’t been seen in a decade. Wendong Zhang oversees the survey and spoke about the results. “The statewide average as of November 2021, is up 29 percent,” he says. Zhang is an associate professor of economics at I-S-U, and says the average price is a first in some 80 years of surveys.

“The nominal land values as reported –nine-thousand-751 dollars — as the record high since we have recorded data in 1941. So, the nominal land values in Iowa reach the highest that we have ever seen,” Zhang says. Zhang says the nominal value is higher than the 2013 land value peak — but when adjusted for inflation — it would be an increase of 21 percent. He says the values took off after a few drops and steady numbers the last few years.

“The last time we have seen the land value changes increase close to or higher than 30 percent was in 2011,” according. “In 2011 we saw slightly higher than 31 percent. Before that, we’d have to go to the 1970s.” The top-quality farmland increased 30 percent, the middle went up 27 percent and the low quality increased by 26 percent. He says the price of corn and soybeans was a big driver in the prices.

“The factor that is noted by most respondents is higher commodity prices. When you are thinking about the corn prices and the soybeans prices, they’re substantially higher. At least 20 if not 20 to 40 percent higher,” he says. Zhang says competitive bidding for land in the central part of the state and the northern area helped drive up prices. He says the northern area land is desired for livestock production. Zhang says this year’s harvest also helped the values.

“We are getting stronger than expected yields despite the weather challenges early in the growing season. We are actually seeing fairly phenomenal crop yields this year for both corn and soybeans. So that helps improve your per bushel prices. The prices are higher and the yields are better than expected,” Zhang says. He says federal pandemic payments factored into the mix as well.

“Those will benefit the farmers and provide at least an additional 15 to 16 BILLION dollars more into the ag economy in general,” Zhang says. All counties saw an increase — and for the ninth consecutive year — Scott and Decatur Counties reported the highest and lowest land values. Scott County saw a 30 percent increase to 13-thousand-852 dollars an acre. Decatur County increased 31-point-five percent five-thousand-62 dollars and acre. Clayton and Allamakee Counties reported the largest percentage increase, 36-point-four percent.

The smallest percentage increase was 23-point-two percent in Keokuk County.

(Radio Iowa) – The former medical director in the Iowa Department of Public Health who resigned this fall is now working in Virginia. Caitlyn Pedati — the state epidemiologist and medical director for the Iowa Department of Public Health — resigned in October. Axios was first to report Pedati started a new job last Friday in the Virginia Department of Health, as district director for Virginia Beach. Pedati is quoted in a news release from the City of Virginia Beach as saying she’s excited to return to her home state. Pedati grew up in northern Virgina. According to Axios, Pedati’s annual salary is 75-thousand dollars less than what she had been paid by the State of Iowa. Pedati frequently spoke at the news conferences Governor Kim Reynolds held early in the pandemic and the governor gave Pedati a significant pay boost in mid-2020.

The acting director of the Iowa Department of Public Health said in October that there would be a nationwide search for a new medical director, but no one has been hired yet for the position.

(Radio Iowa) – An investigation is underway into a fire that gutted a downtown Malvern business Monday night. Agencies from four southwest Iowa counties responded to the fire at Mulholland Grocery. Mills County Emergency Management Coordinator Larry Hurst says the county’s communications center received a call shortly after 5:30 p.m. from a store employee reporting a fire in the back of the building.

After establishing a command center upon arrival, Hurst says Malvern firefighters realized they needed help from surrounding agencies.

Twenty-nine area agencies responded to the scene, including 22 fire departments, three rescue units, two emergency management agencies and Mills County Sheriff’s Office. Hurst says securing adequate water supplies was a major challenge.

Hurst says firefighters brought the fire under control at around 11 p.m., but Malvern’s unit stayed at the scene until early Tuesday morning extinguishing hot spots. Malvern says the Mulholland building is a total loss, and some adjoining businesses suffered damage.

Hurst says he’s proud of not only the “all hands on deck” approach to the fire from various agencies, but also the Malvern community’s response.

An investigator from the State Fire Marshal’s Office will be continuing with an investigation into the cause of the fire.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Cass County Board of Supervisors, today (Tuesday), approved a request from a family, for the spreading of cremains of a person whose urn was shallow buried on property that’s changed hands in ownership. The urn – with the top of the container less than three-feet below the surface, in section 17 of Bear Grove Township was disinterred when the property was sold, and the family has asked permission of the new property owner to scattered those cremains. The owner graciously agreed to allow the family to proceed.

Board Chair Steve Baier said Iowa Code allows for the spreading of ashes on PRIVATE PROPERTY. Prior to the Board’s approval, Baier read the Resolution as written.

The Board heard a brief report from County Engineer Trent Wolken, who said Secondary Roads Department personnel have been conducting additional “grub clearing,” and are hauling dirt to the culvert on Indian Creek Road, in an attempt to get as much done this week as possible, and getting the contractor ready for dirt.

He said also, an offer has been extended to and accepted by a candidate who had applied and was interviewed for an open position in the Secondary Roads Department. Wolken will have their name on the agenda for approval by the Board. There were 13 applicants for the job and six candidates interviewed. The interviews concluded Monday.

The Cass County Supervisors tabled action on the establishment of an abatement plan for property improvements to certain classes of property in the non-incorporated portion of the County, while additional research on such matters is conducted.

They passed a Resolution pertaining to $1-million in General Obligation Capital Loan Notes (Series 2022A and 2022B), in authorizing a form of Loan Agreement, providing for the issuance and levying of a tax to pay for the Notes, along with approval of the Tax Exemption Certificate.

And, the Board set January 11, 2022 as the date for a public hearing on an amendment of the Fiscal Year 2021-22 Cass County Budget.

(Anita, Iowa) – The CAM School Board met Monday evening at the High School, in Anita. They current Board retired and adjourned after some old business.

That’s CAM Superintendent Paul Croghan, who said they welcomed Todd McKee who had previously served on the Board and was re-elected, along with new Board member Cara Murphy. The new Board then gavelled-into session, with the election of officers and other administrative matters.

Lindsay Jahde was re-appointed as Board Secretary/Treasurer. Paul Croghan said also, the Board approved two staff contracts, Monday evening.

(He said contracts were approved for Jenni Follman – Junior High Girl’s Basketbal, and Trent Golz for Junior High Wrestling.)

There were no resignations to come before the Board. In other business, the Board approved the disposal, through an online auction system, of Bus #9, which has a leaking diesel fuel tank, as well the lease of eight International buses from Hogland for the next school year.

The Board also approved a bid of $29,000 for the repair of locker rooms at the high school. And they discussed the district’s facilities and the (failed) Nov. 2nd bond referendum results.