(Radio Iowa) -Forty-eight Iowa small business owners are in Washington, D.C. to speak with lawmakers as part of the Goldman Sachs Small Business Summit. Brandon Dahms is co-owner and partner of Innovative Manufacturing and Engineering in Des Moines.

“You know, there’s a lot of businesses that are pretty excited about 2026. We have a lot of growth opportunity. But there’s a lot of challenges that are coming our way with the uncertainty with government shutdown, with tariffs,” he says. Dahms says they hope by talking with their lawmakers they can get them to address that uncertainty.

“We’re just looking for overall clarity and stability moving forward on knowing that 2026 can’t have the growth opportunity that we’re having and our customers need to see the stability as well,” he says. Dahms says they can also talk with lawmakers about other issues that impact small businesses. He says being able to match benefits to get good employees is one issue.

“I’ve lost employees due to not being able to compete against large corporations through their benefits package,” he says, “and is there something that can be done for small business owners to be able to get a more affordable healthcare package and benefits to compete against the yeah, larger businesses that have a larger buying pool?”

The Iowans are part of a group of two-thousand nationwide business owners attending the event.

(Creston, Iowa) – A collision Wednesday afternoon (Oct. 29) in Creston, caused a police-estimated $8,000 damage, but no one was injured. According to Creston Police, the accident happened a little 12-p.m. at the intersection of Highway 34 and Elm Street, when the driver of a 2026 Nissan Rogue SUV, 19-year-old Zoey Lynn Shelley, of Diagonal, failed to yield as she left a stop sign heading south on Elm Street.

Her SUV was struck a 2011 Buick that was traveling west on Highway 34, and driven by a 17-year-old female from Creston. The Buick became disabled from the collision and was towed from the scene. The SUV was able to be driven away.

Creston Police cited Zoey Shelley for Failure To Yield the Right of Way.

CLIVE, IOWA — The Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA), in partnership with Fareway Stores, Inc., delivered $20,000 worth of ground pork to six regional food banks across Iowa and western Nebraska this week as part of an ongoing effort to fight food insecurity and support local communities. The donations equal more than 9,500 lbs. of ground pork and will provide more than 38,000 servings of valuable protein to people in need. (Photos: IPPA donation of ground pork to the Food Bank for the Heartland, in Omaha)

The organization said in a new release, the deliveries took place October 28–29 to the Food Bank of Iowa in Des Moines, River Bend Food Bank in Davenport,, Northeast Iowa Food Bank in Waterloo, HACAP Food Reservoir in Hiawatha, Food Bank of Siouxland in Sioux City, and the Food Bank for the Heartland in Omaha. The donations were made possible through funds raised at IPPA’s annual BBQ & Brew at the Ballpark event, held earlier this year.

“This effort is about more than just delivering pork. It’s also about caring for our neighbors,” said Aaron Juergens, an Iowa pig farmer from Carroll who serves as president of the Iowa Pork Producers Association. “Through the We Care principles, Iowa pig farmers are committed to supporting people, animals, and the communities we call home. Working with partners like Fareway and our state’s food banks allows us to help ensure families have access to nutritious, high-quality protein.”

Fareway, a long-time partner in community giving efforts, provided the resources to deliver the ground pork to the donation centers. “Fareway is proud to partner with Iowa’s pig farmers and the Iowa Pork Producers Association to help fight food insecurity across our state,” said Jeff Cook, VP of retail market operations at Fareway Stores, Inc. “Providing ground pork to local food banks aligns with our long-standing commitment to supporting Iowa agriculture and strengthening the communities we serve. Together, we can make a meaningful difference for families in need.”

According to the Iowa Food Bank Association, donations of protein are among the most valuable contributions to food pantries across the state. “Protein donations like this make a tremendous difference for the families we serve,” said Linda Gorkow, executive director of the Iowa Food Bank Association. “We’re grateful to the Iowa Pork Producers Association and Fareway for their generosity and partnership. Their support helps ensure that Iowans facing food insecurity can put nutritious meals on their tables.”

The effort is part of IPPA’s ongoing Pork in the Pantry initiative, which encourages county pork producer organizations and partners to donate pork products to local food pantries throughout the year. “Fighting hunger is one of the most meaningful ways we can live out our We Care commitment,” Juergens said. “We’re proud to see Iowa’s pig farmers stepping up again and again to make sure no one goes hungry.”

(Radio Iowa) – State prison officials are evaluating the cost of installing air conditioning in the state prison in Mount Pleasant. Steve Dick — the financial manager for the Iowa Department of Corrections — says the agency’s officials have discussed the project with Governor Reynolds’ staff. “We have put forth a study at Mount Pleasant for the air conditioning and the feedback we got when we met with the governor’s office was pretty positive with that,” Dick says, “so we’re hopeful that will be possibly put forward.”

In January, Governor Reynolds will submit a state budget plan to the legislature and prison officials are suggesting the project be part of next year’s infrastructure spending that’s financed with gambling taxes. Dick says prison officials are updating the estimated cost of installing air conditioning in the Mount Pleasant prison, plus how much utility costs will rise once the A-C is running.

“Not just the upfront of what it would cost to do the project, but also want are we looking at as far as ongoing costs,” Dick says. The Iowa Department of Corrections website shows there are about a thousand inmates inside the Mount Pleasant facility today (Wednesday). A recent study by the National Bureau of Economic Research found a 20 percent jump in violent incidents inside un-air conditioned prisons during heat waves.

Last spring a federal judge ruled it’s unconstitutional for the State of Texas to house inmates in prisons that lack air conditioning and the inmates who sued the state can take their case to trial in March. The Texas legislature is considering a plan to install air conditioning in all of that state’s prisons by 2032.

(Harlan, Iowa) – A man convicted in the murder of a woman from Shelby County was sentenced today (Wednesday), to a maximum of 50-years in prison. 34-year-old Winston Joseph Leal will get credit for time already served (89 days) in connection with the death in late July, of 32-year-old Theresa Kenkel, of Earling. Her body was found when Deputies went to conduct a requested welfare check on her at her residence.

Leal was originally charged with First-Degree Murder in Kenkel’s death, but plead guilty to a lesser charge of Second-Degree Murder. His accomplice, 35-year-old Ashley McWilliams, was charged with Accessory After the Fact. She plead guilty and is scheduled to be sentenced on November 17th.

RED OAK, Iowa — The Montgomery County Memorial Hospital + Clinics (MCMH + Clinics) Board of Trustees have announced a planned leadership transition following the retirement announcement of current Chief Executive Officer, Ron Kloewer. In a press release, officials said at its October 29, 2025 meeting, the MCMH + Clinics Board formally accepted Mr. Kloewer’s retirement and approved a transition plan to ensure stability and continued success for the organization.

Current Chief Operating Officer, Michael O’Neal, will assume the role of CEO after a series of steps are completed from a formal succession plan that was presented to the Board. The MCMH Board of Trustees has instructed its Chairman and Executive Committee to bring transition documents to the November meeting at which time the Board intends to formally appoint Mr. O’Neal as CEO Elect. A transition timeline will be provided to the Trustees at the November meeting.

Mr. O’Neal joined MCMH in November 2021 after serving as CEO of George C. Grape Community Hospital in Hamburg, Iowa, for 13 years. His career also includes leadership roles in healthcare administration as Chief Information Officer at Thayer County Health Services in Hebron, Nebraska, for 10 years, service as a United States Marine, and work as a Nebraska State Trooper. He holds an MBA, is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives, and is known for his collaborative leadership style and commitment to rural healthcare. Since joining MCMH in 2021, Mr. O’Neal has served with distinction and meets all the necessary qualifications to be CEO of MCMH.

Ron Kloewer

Mr. Kloewer’s history with MCMH began in 1987 when he oversaw the construction of the “new” hospital facility, a project that shaped the foundation for patient care for decades to come. In 1992, he joined MCMH full time as Director of Campus Development, leading the addition of the “Doctors Office” building and many other facility expansions and upgrades over the years. He also held the positions of Chief Information Officer and Chief Operating Officer before becoming CEO in 2021.

Mr. Kloewer has been a steady and trusted presence at MCMH + Clinics for almost 40 years, guiding the organization through significant growth, technological advancements, and evolving models of care. His knowledge of the organization runs deep and his unique combination of technical expertise and strategic vision has helped modernize facilities, expand services, and strengthen the hospital’s role as a cornerstone for Montgomery County and a beacon of health for so many.

Most importantly, he has shown a steadfast dedication to people. Both those who rely on MCMH + Clinics for care, and those who make that care possible. Throughout his career, Mr. Kloewer has championed the health and well-being of the community while recognizing that the hospital’s greatest strength lies in its staff. He has invested in their growth, fostered a culture of collaboration, and built partnerships that strengthen both the organization and the communities it serves. Mr. Kloewer will serve as CEO Emeritus until his official retirement in June 2026, providing guidance and support to ensure a smooth transition.

Since becoming CEO in 2021, Mr. Kloewer has prioritized rebuilding community trust, strengthening the hospital’s operations, and ensuring a thoughtful leadership succession plan to guide MCMH into the future. “Serving others has always been at the heart of my work,” Kloewer said. “It has been the privilege of my career, and the honor of my life, to serve the people of Montgomery County and beyond, and to work alongside the incredible staff and providers who give their all every day. Together with our dedicated Board, we have faced challenges, celebrated successes, and built something truly special. As I prepare for retirement, I feel confident leaving this organization in the capable hands of Mike O’Neal and our exceptional leadership team, knowing they will continue to grow, innovate, and provide outstanding care for generations to come.”

“Ron has been a mentor to me and to so many others,” said O’Neal. “He has an extraordinary ability to combine operational knowledge with a deep understanding of what this hospital means to our community. I am grateful for his trust and look forward to building on the strong foundation he has created.”

Board Chair Kevin Cabbage added, “Ron’s leadership has been instrumental in creating the MCMH + Clinics we know today. He has led with integrity, vision, and a genuine care for the people we serve. The Board is confident that Mike will carry forward this same commitment while bringing new energy and ideas to guide us into the future.”

To honor this significant milestone, MCMH will host a Celebration of Leadership on Friday, March 13, 2026, at the Wilson Performing Arts Center. The community is invited to gather to celebrate Mr. Kloewer’s remarkable career, wish him well in retirement, and welcome Mr. O’Neal into the CEO role. More details about the event will be shared in the coming months.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The November session of Healthy U will be presented by Christina Bettini, the RSVP Volunteer Coordinator in Cass County through Volunteer Iowa. Beth Spieker, Cass Health’s Director of Community and Guest Relations will also present about volunteering opportunities at Cass Health. This presentation will be on Thursday, November 20, at noon in Conference Room 2.

Bettini connects individuals aged 55 or better with local organizations for volunteer opportunities. Some opportunities in Cass County include driving Cass Health patients, Pen Pals with schools in the county, helping with events at the YMCA, rocking babies at the Ann Wickman Center, and many others. Christina loves connecting with folks in the area to find individualized meaningful engagement within their communities.

Spieker has been the coordinator of the Cass Health Auxiliary since 2021, which offers multiple volunteer opportunities including the Cass Health Gift Shop, transportation services, assisting with fundraisers, and more. Space is limited! A free boxed lunch is provided for all attendees, so reservations are required. Call 712-243-7479 to reserve your seat. For more information about Healthy U, visit casshealth.org/healthyu.

(Radio Iowa) – Trick-or-treating is going to stay on Halloween night this year in Des Moines and the surrounding suburbs, ending a long tradition. Kids were sent out the night before Halloween on “Beggars’ Night” starting in the late 1930’s after concerns arose about safety. Clive Mayor John Edwards says people liked it when conditions required a return to the traditional approach last year. “There had been concerns over time about Beggars’ Night and the timing of it. And with what happened last year with the weather – and it was moved to Halloween – that seemed to be a success for many of the communities,” Edwards says.

Edwards says they did a metro-wide survey of residents following the change last year. “We sent the survey out, got the data back, and found out that the majority of those people in the communities wanted to have trick-or-treating on Halloween as it has occurred in a lot of other communities outside of the Des Moines metro,” he says.

He says the Halloween got twice as many votes for trick-or-treating compared to Beggars’ Night. Edwards says while trick-or-treating will move to Halloween night, he believes the tradition of kids telling corny jokes before they get candy will live on.

(Radio Iowa) – President Trump’s approach to trade is being debated on the Iowa campaign trail. Republican Congresswoman Ashley Hinson points to a potential deal with China later this week and Josh Turek  — a Democrat running for the U.S. Senate — says Trump’s tariffs and the decision to import Argentine beef are causing a “farmageddon” in rural Iowa. “Our farmers are the very best in the world here in Iowa,” Turek said. “We’ve got a long history of feeding the world, doing it better than anybody else and it is due to these chaotic tariffs that we’re seeing our farmers having an inability to make a living for themselves. They want markets, not handouts.”

Congressman Zach Nunn and U.S. Senator Joni Ernst — both Republicans — have sent a letter to Trump Administration officials, calling for swift, coordinated action to restore access to foreign soybean markets. Congresswoman Hinson — who’s running for the U-S Senate — did not sign the letter. Hinson says Trump’s trip to China this week shows his commitment to American farmers. “It’s great to see things moving in the right direction for our soybean farmers, promising news when China’s potentially agreeing to buy substantial amounts of our soybeans,” Hinson said. “And as we wait for more details on that deal, I will continue working with the administration to expand market access for our Iowa farmers and secure new trade deals.”

Republican Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks sent a letter to President Trump and the U-S ag secretary, warning any trade deal with China must have strong enforcement mechanisms to sanction bad actors. During Trump’s first term, he negotiated a deal in which China promised to buy 200 billion dollars worth of U-S exports. While the deal ended trade tensions between the two countries, China only bought 58 percent of the U-S goods and commodities it had promised to buy.

(Clarinda, Iowa) – The Page County Attorney’s Office announced today (Wednesday, Oct. 29), that a jury for Page County District Court, Tuesday, found 47-year-old Jan Michael Elder was guilty on a Possession of Methamphetamine charge. Elder was acquitted of one count of Domestic Abuse Assault, Causing Bodily injury. The verdicts were returned by the jury after a one-day trial and a little over one hour of deliberations.

Jan Elder

Elder is currently free on bond and is awaiting a sentencing date. He faces up to 12 months of incarceration and a fine of up to $2,560.00.

The case was investigated by the Shenandoah Police Department and prosecuted by the Page County Attorney’s Office.