(Radio Iowa) – A Creighton University index puts Iowa’s manufacturing sector in slightly positive territory, but Creighton economist Ernie Goss says the manufacturing and supply managers surveyed in Iowa and eight other states region indicate tariffs, inflation and slowing business activity continue to put stress on the region’s economy. Goss oversees the monthly survey and calculates a Mid-America Business Conditions Index. “Not good,” Goss said. “It’s moving sideways,” Goss said. Creighton’s Business Conditions Index for Iowa was rated highest in the region, while Missouri’s plummeted, according to Goss. The survey found declines in neighboring Nebraska and South Dakota as well. Goss says the region’s manufacturing sector seems to be holding up in the midst of major challenges.

“It could have been worse,” Goss said. “The negatives are getting less negative, I can say that.” Creighton’s regional survey indicates November production levels from manufacturers — including manufacturers in Iowa– were below what Goss calls growth neutral. “John Deere just announced that their sales are down, their profits are down and…that’s just emblematic of what’s going on across the region,” Goss said. Goss cites one of the supply managers surveyed, who said their business outlook has moved from positive to cautious. “The outlook is slower growth in the economy. Now does that mean a recession? Not at this point,” Goss said. “There is a recession for certain parts of the economy — that would be the rural areas heavily dependent on agriculture, that would be housing where we’re seeing a recession in certain parts of the country.”

Iowa’s overall housing market shows home prices and sales have been up in 2025, according to the Iowa Association of Realtors.

(Radio Iowa) – The University of Iowa is going to start a major bathroom improvement project this summer in one of its residence halls. U-I Vice President Rod Lehnertz says they are going to renovate the bathrooms on the six floors of Burge Hall. “It’s a 20-point-three million-dollar project and is part of student life and the housing and dining continued effort to keep our residence halls modernized,” Lehnertz says. He says the update continues other work that has been done to the residence hall.

“Burge Hall is a building that was built in 1957 and remains popular, and our second largest residence hall in the main campus, and the needs in this case, as has been done in other residence halls, is to modernize the restrooms into a pod system and also new plumbing,” he says. Lehnertz says the renovations will take several years as they will do the work in the summer. “To maximize the amount of work we can do when students are not on campus. So it would be completed in 26, 27 28, 29 and 30,” Lehnertz says.

The Board of Regents approved the designs and budget for project at their recent meeting.

(Des Moines, IA – Iowa DNR news release) – Iowa’s most popular deer hunting seasons start this weekend, when more than 100,000 hunters take to the timber for the long-awaited gun seasons. Iowa’s first gun season is Dec. 6-10. Second gun season is Dec. 13-21. While hunters are split about 50-50 to which season they hunt, the trend has been moving toward second season due to the flexibility of hunting two weekends. Hunters are expected to harvest 55,000 to 60,000 deer during these two seasons, which is 50-60 percent of Iowa’s total deer harvest. So far this fall, youth, disabled hunter, early muzzleloader and archery hunters have reported 28,600 deer through the harvest reporting system, which is three percent below the five-year average.

“We’ve had a strong harvest in Eastern Iowa, which has offset a lower deer harvest in Western, Central, Southern and Northwestern regions of the state,” said Jace Elliott, state deer biologist with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR). To date, the 2025 harvest is about exactly the same as the 2024 harvest at this point in the season. “We are getting reports of low deer numbers in Central and Western Iowa in the wake of severe hemorrhagic disease impacts from 2024 and 2023. Hunters are encouraged to reach out to our wildlife staff and conservation officers to discuss what they are seeing in the field.”

Weather-wise, the 10-day forecast calls for high temperatures from middle 30s to middle 20s, which means the snow is likely here for a while. “The cooler temperature generally leads to better harvest, but the snow can be tricky. We know that snowfall on opening day leads to a 10 percent increase in harvest for the season. Snow does make it easier to see deer, track deer and to see deer signs, which are all the right conditions for hunters to be successful,” Elliott said. “However, if the snow is too deep, it can lead to fewer deer harvested and that’s likely due to hunter behavior, not deer behavior,” he said.

The gun seasons have been traditionally associated with groups of hunters walking through the timber, pushing deer towards other members of the hunting group, but results of the 2024 deer hunter survey found that gun season hunters are divided evenly in how they pursue the deer. About half participate in traditional deer drives, while the other half prefer to hunt from stationary position. The deer hunter survey found that overall, 80 percent of respondents indicated they are satisfied with the overall deer hunting experience, citing the social aspect of the hunting groups and the opportunity to put deer meat in the freezer as two reasons they hunt.

Main beam antler measurement

Hunters are required to include the main beam antler measurement when reporting their deer harvest. “Main beam antler measurement allows us to estimate the percentage of yearling bucks as part of the harvest. There was a strong variation across Iowa where counties with lower deer densities and less deer habitat saw a higher rate of yearling bucks as a percentage of the buck harvest,” Elliott said.

Statewide, yearling bucks made up roughly 40 percent of the total buck harvest.

(Radio Iowa) – A man accused of breaking in and staying in State Auditor Rob Sand’s home while Sand and his family were out of town for Thanksgiving has been charged with burglary. When Sand and his family returned home Sunday, Des Moines Police say the man refused to leave, claimed the house was his and was wearing clothes he’d found in house. Sand, who is running for governor, told The Des Moines Register his family is safe and the prompt assistance of law enforcement is one more thing for which our family is thankful.

Jeffrey Moffett

Court documents describe the man who was arrested as homeless and indicate 41-year-old Jeffrey Moffett broke into the house on Friday. Two police officers were injured during Moffett’s arrest and he’s been charged with interference with official acts as well as second degree burglary.

(Atlantic, IA) – The Cass County Board of Supervisors held a regular session this (Tuesday) morning, in Atlantic. During their meeting, the Board passed a resolution/agreement to abate taxes and penalties with the City of Atlantic, with regard to three specific parcels. The Board also set 9:05-a.m. December 16th, as the date and time for public hearings on applications from Karen Davis, Kelly Wise and Tony Snyder, for zoning changes to their respective properties. The hearings will take place in order of their place on the agenda, therefore timing for the second and third hearings will take place consecutively, following the first hearing.

Davis requests a change from Suburban Residential to General Agriculture, for her property at 59708 Yankton Road, for a proposed dog breeding facility. Kelly Wise requests a change from General Ag to Business, for his proposed commercial storage facility with a fence and gates, at 67726 White Pole Road. And, Tony Snyder requests a zoning change from General Ag to Light Industrial for his property at 54148 Boston Road.

Still-frame image from the Cass County BOS mtg. 12-2-25 via Zoom Workplace

In other business, the Cass County Supervisors received a presentation from Ryan Berven, with regard to renewal of FY 2027 Cass County Employee Benefits. No action was taken on a renewal at this time.

They acted on allowing/disallowing (on an individual basis, and as presented) Family Farm Credits, as presented and recommended by the Cass County Treasurer’s Office, for taxes collectible in FY26-27. Their final order of business, was to acknowledge receipt of the EMS Advisory Board, with regard to an EMS levy, as required under the Code of Iowa. Supervisor’s Board Chair Steve Baier on the Advisory Board’s recommendation.

The Supervisor’s accepted the recommendation as received.

(Radio Iowa) – This is Giving Tuesday, a vital day for Iowa non-profits to pull in much-needed donations before the end of the year, and it’s also an ideal time for Iowans to max out their charitable contributions for the 2025 tax year. Donna Dostal is president and C-E-O of SHARE Iowa and the Community Foundation for Western Iowa, which serves a host of non-profits in nine western Iowa counties. Dostal says she’s confident this will be a good day for giving — and receiving.

“I am absolutely an optimist and so I think people understand that times are tough, times are very difficult for the nonprofits that are doing the work,” Dostal says. “Every day, our lives are touched by nonprofits. So when we think of things from a place of abundance rather than scarcity, it’s very important to realize that even the smallest gift can make an impact.” There is legitimate concern about online giving, as mirror websites that look nearly identical to the real thing can dupe well-meaning donors.

“ShareIowa.org is the best place that you can go. It’s very safe, very secure. Everything is monitored by the Community Foundation and by the SHARE platform,” Dostal says, “and all of the nonprofits that are registered on SHARE Iowa are legitimate, 501-C3 organizations that we have vetted.” There are 17 nationally-accredited community foundations in Iowa. Find the one nearest to you by visiting Iowa Council of Foundations-dot-org. Dostal says it’s easy to find a charity that’s worth your support.

“You can search for organizations that touch your heart and do the things that you really want to see happen in your community. You can also search geographically and look at nonprofits that are doing work in Page County or Fremont County or Mills County,” Dostal says. “The money goes directly to them. It doesn’t come through us at the Community Foundation. Gifts go directly to the non-profits that you’re supporting.” The SHARE Iowa portal generated more than one-and-a-half million dollars for western Iowa non-profits on Giving Tuesday of 2024, and Dostal remains hopeful that mark can be beaten today.

(Atlantic, IA) – Atlantic’s annual Lighted Parade, presented by NISHNANET, will fill the City’s downtown area with holiday cheer this Saturday, December 6th, starting at 6-p.m. Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kelsey Beschorner says “The Lighted Parade has really become a hallmark of the holiday season in Atlantic. Every year we’re amazed by the imagination and effort that go into the displays. It’s a joyful way for families to kick off December together.”

Due to the growing crowd size in recent years, the Chamber is implementing a no-throw policy again this year. No items, including candy, may be thrown or handed out by floats or walking participants at any point along the parade route or sidewalks. This change helps ensure the safety of the large number of spectators lining Chestnut Street. Beschorner said “Our priority is making sure everyone can enjoy the parade safely. With the growing number of spectators, this adjustment helps keep the streets clear and ensures the event runs smoothly. We’re thrilled to see the parade continue to grow, and this step helps us maintain a safe, festive environment for everyone.”

Each float will feature a holiday theme, lighting, and music. Awards will be given for Best Overall, Best Holiday Spirit, and the Twinkle Twinkle Award, sponsored by NISHNANET. Fireworks will launch the evening’s Christmas magic over the Rock Island Depot beginning at 6 PM. The Lighted Parade & Fireworks are sponsored by NISHNANET, A.M. Cohron & Son, McDermott Roofing, and Rush, CPA & Associates. Before the parade, families are invited to join Santa and the Pancake Man at the Nishna Valley Family YMCA beginning at 9 AM for Pancakes with Santa and other fun activities. Santa will be in his Cabin in City Park from 3 PM to 5:30 PM, where free carriage rides will also be available. Pancakes with Santa is sponsored by Akin Building Center–Atlantic, Smith Land Service, Atlantic Dental Center, Sonntag Development, and Nishna Valley Dental.

Those wishing to participate in the Lighted Parade can find a registration form at www.atlanticiowa.com. Line-up begins at 5 PM at 6th & Walnut Street, with judging at 5:30 PM. Registration is encouraged but not required.Capture the Christmas magic using #MyAtlanticIA and share your photos on the Atlantic Area Chamber’s Facebook or Instagram pages. Contact the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce with any questions at chamber@atlanticiowa.com or 712-243-3017. Christmas in Atlantic is presented by Gregg Young of Atlantic.

Pick up a Christmas brochure from area retail businesses, ‘like’ the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce on Facebook, or follow on Instagram (@AtlanticIowaFan) to stay up to date on Christmas in Atlantic. A full schedule of activities and a printable brochure can be found at www.atlanticiowa.com.

(An IOWA CAPITAL DISPATCH report) – Four Republican states have agreed to help the Trump administration gain access to state driver’s license data through a nationwide law enforcement computer network as part of the administration’s hunt for alleged non-citizen voters. The Trump administration said as recently as October that federal officials wanted to obtain driver’s license records through the network. The commitment from officials in Florida, Indiana, Iowa and Ohio comes as part of a settlement agreement filed on Friday in a federal lawsuit. The lawsuit was originally brought by the states last year alleging the Biden administration wasn’t doing enough to help states verify voter eligibility. The settlement, between the states and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, requires the federal department to continue its development of a powerful citizenship verification program known as SAVE. Earlier this year, federal officials repurposed SAVE into a program capable of scanning millions of state voter records for instances of non-citizen registered voters.

In return, the states have agreed to support Homeland Security’s efforts to access the National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System, an obscure computer network that typically allows law enforcement agencies to search driver’s license records across state lines. Nlets — as the system is known — lets police officers easily look up the driving records of out-of-state motorists. The Trump administration and some Republican election officials have promoted the changes to SAVE as a useful tool to identify potential noncitizen voters, and Indiana had already agreed to provide voter records. Critics, including some Democrats, say the Trump administration is building a massive database of U.S. residents that President Donald Trump or a future president could use for spying or targeting political enemies.

Stateline reported last week, before the settlement agreement was filed in court, that Homeland Security publicly confirmed it wants to connect Nlets to SAVE. A notice published Oct. 31 in the Federal Register said driver’s licenses are the most widely used form of identification, and that by working with states and national agencies, including Nlets, “SAVE will use driver’s license and state identification card numbers to check and confirm identity information.” A federal official also previously told a virtual meeting of state election officials in May that Homeland Security was seeking “to avoid having to connect to 50 state databases” and wanted a “simpler solution,” such as Nlets, according to government records published by the transparency group American Oversight. The new settlement lays out the timeline for how the Trump administration could acquire the four states’ records.

Within 90 days of the execution of the agreement, the four states may provide Homeland Security with 1,000 randomly selected driver’s license records from their state for verification as part of a quality improvement process for SAVE. The agreement could pave the way for Republican officials in other states to provide access to license data. Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate, a Republican, said in a statement to Stateline that the settlement agreement provides another layer of election integrity and protection as officials seek to ensure only eligible voters are registered. He didn’t directly address questions about Nlets access.

Two weeks before the Nov. 5, 2024, election, Pate issued guidance to Iowa county auditors to challenge the ballots of 2,176 registered voters who were identified by the secretary of state’s office as potential non-citizens. In March, Pate said his office gained access to the SAVE database and found 277 of those people were confirmed to not have U.S. citizenship — just under 12% of the individuals identified as potential non-citizens.

(Creston, IA) – Police in Creston arrested a man Monday on an outstanding warrant for Eluding. Authorities report 45-year-old Johnnie Todd Lovell, of Creston, was arrested in the 400 block of N. Walnut Street. He was transported to the Union County Jail, posted a $1,000 cash or surety bond, and was released.