STORM LAKE, Iowa (story from the IOWA CAPITAL DISPATCH) – A northwest Iowa nurse convicted of stealing more than $115,000 worth of property from a home-health patient has agreed to surrender her license.

Earlier this year, the Iowa Board of Nursing charged Clay County Nurse Shari Lee Bents of Royal with committing an act that might adversely affect a patient’s welfare; committing an act that causes physical, emotional or financial injury to a patient; possessing or administering controlled substances without lawful authority; soliciting, borrowing, or misappropriating money or property from a patient, and being convicted of an offense that directly relates to the duties and responsibilities of the profession.

According to the board, from April 2024 to October 2024, Bents was employed by Stay In Home Care & Medical Staffing in the Storm Lake area. On Oct. 24, 2024, she was charged with first-degree theft and ongoing criminal conduct. Prosecutors alleged Bents took more than $115,000 worth of coins and jewelry from a Stay In Home Care patient and then pawned the items. On Feb. 15, 2025, Bents agreed to plead guilty to a charge of felony dependent adult abuse and the charges of theft and ongoing criminal conduct were dismissed.

The board alleges Bents admitted to an Iowa Department of Health and Human Services worker that she stole items from her patient on three separate occasions and that she administered morphine to the patient outside of her scope of practice as a caregiver. Bents’ recent agreement to surrender her license has little practical effect, as she already is incarcerated at the Iowa Correctional Institute for Women where she is serving a five-year sentence on the dependent adult abuse charge.

Iowa Board of Nursing records indicate the board granted Bents a practical nurse’s license in September 2024, months after she first began working at Stay In Home Care. Bents — whose full name is listed in some board records as “Shari-Bents” — faced charges of theft twice in 2016 and twice in 2017. In each of the four cases, the charges were later dismissed.

Other Iowa-licensed nurses recently sanctioned by the board include (in southwest Iowa):

Linda Jay of Clarinda, a licensed practical nurse who in 2024 was charged by the board with committing an act that might adversely affect a patient’s welfare and with failing to properly assess or report a patient’s change in condition. The board alleged that in 2023, while working at a long-term care facility, Jay failed to notify a physician of a patient’s change in condition, and that in February 2024, Jay failed to document a patient’s condition and improperly administered blood pressure medication.

The case was resolved with a $300 civil penalty and Jay agreeing to complete 30 hours of educational training. The board now says Jay recently agreed to surrender her license as part of this same disciplinary case, although the board has yet to make public any records related to that decision.

LeAnn McVay of Fontanelle, a licensed practical nurse who was working at an unspecified long-term care facility in Avoca between 2022 and 2024 when her employer allegedly received complaints she was dismissing residents’ requests for pain-control medications as drug-seeking behavior. The board alleges an investigation also revealed McVay “communicated unprofessionally with a resident’s family member and with colleagues,” including one incident in which she “threw a bag of feed connectors” at a colleague. The board charged McVay with engaging in behavior that is contradictory to professional decorum. As part of a settlement agreement on the disciplinary charge, McVay agreed to accept a warning from the board.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 28, 2025 – E.A. Sween Company, an Eden Prairie, Minn. establishment, is recalling approximately 127,887 pounds of a pulled pork sandwich product that may be contaminated with pieces of plastic, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The barbecue pulled pork sandwich items were produced on various dates between January 13, 2025, and October 15, 2025. The following products are subject to recall [view labels]:

• 5.5-oz. paper wrapped “Deli EXPRESS BBQ PULLED PORK on a sesame bun” sandwiches.  

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 2451” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to retail locations nationwide, including the Department of Defense.

The problem was discovered after the establishment received multiple complaints from consumers finding pieces of plastic in the barbecue pulled pork sandwich product. E.A. Sween Company determined that the plastic originated from the gallon plastic barbecue bottles used in production. There have been no confirmed reports of injury due to consumption of this product. Anyone concerned about an injury should contact a healthcare provider.

FSIS is concerned that some products may be in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

Adam Steen, a Republican candidate for governor, says the state should take control of the Des Moines School District. The district’s superintendent was arrested by immigration agents a month ago and has been charged with falsely claiming to be a U-S citizen on the paperwork he filled out to be paid by the district. He’s also been charged with illegally possessing guns found in his home and a school vehicle.

“We need to make sure we’re doing everything we can to protect our students,” Steen says. “The Ian Roberts situation is a travesty and the fact that he was hired into that position as a criminal illegal alien is something that we need to pay very close attention to.” Steen says having the state oversee the Des Moines district would be similar to President Trump’s order sending National Guard troops to L.A. and D.C. — cities that are being led by Democrats.

“He’s going in there and he’s taking action,” Steen says. “In my administration, I would take action and ensure our children are safe and that our families are safe.” The state auditor’s office is conducting a re-audit of the district and investigating the process the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners used to grant Roberts a professional administrator’s license in 2023 when he became superintendent of Iowa’s largest school district. State Auditor Rob Sand says he had to wait for legal requests from someone within the school district before he could launch those investigations. Steen says Sand — a Democrat who’s running for governor — should have gotten involved as soon as he learned of Roberts’ arrest.

Adam Steen on the “Iowa Press” set at Iowa PBS on Oct. 24, 2025. (Iowa PBS photo)

“Do your job, get involved and make sure that we understand what’s going on,” Steen says. “The school district just put another top administrator on leave with no detail on why they did that…Everybody needs to dig in and figure out what’s going on.” Steen says state funding of the district should be withheld until a forensic audit has been completed.

“Make sure that money is going to appropriate places,” Steen said, “otherwise our children are at risk and that’s what the most important thing is.” Steen made his comments during a recent appearance on Iowa Press on Iowa P-B-S. Before announcing this summer that he’d run for governor, Steen served five years as director of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services — the H-R agency for state government.

October 27, 2025 (DES MOINES, IA) — Gov. Kim Reynolds and the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) today (Monday) announced $490,000 in Empower Rural Iowa grants supporting 16 communities across the state. The funding will help expand housing, strengthen child care and encourage business and community growth.

Rural Innovation: Housing 2.0

Six communities each received $50,000 to increase and improve housing. In addition to projects in Fairfield, Keosauqua and Red Oak, grants were awarded to:

• Decorah: Winneshiek County Development and Tourism, in collaboration with Decorah Jobs and the city, plans 18 to 24 energy-efficient homes on a 3.5-acre infill site. Compact designs will cluster around shared green spaces and parking, creating much-needed workforce housing for moderate-income households.
• Kalona: The city will continue a summer program where students build or renovate homes while gaining hands-on job skills and creating affordable housing. In partnership with schools and local contractors, the project will also produce a tool kit to help other rural communities replicate the model.
• Spencer: Northwest Iowa Corridor Habitat for Humanity will add storm-ready garages and carports — featuring safe rooms and backup power — to modular homes built by inmates at the Newton Correctional Facility. The project strengthens access to affordable, resilient housing.

Rural Housing Readiness Assessment

Grants of $20,000 were awarded to the cities of Forest City, Imogene, Lake Mills, Manchester and West Burlington, as well as the Clarion Development Alliance. These communities will partner with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach to assess housing needs and guide local development strategies.

Rural Child Care Planning

Grants of $20,000 were awarded to Little Smiles & Company, Adair; the city of Lake Park; and Mahaska Health, Oskaloosa. Working with the national nonprofit First Children’s Finance, recipients will analyze local data and identify solutions to meet specific child care needs.

Rural BOOST

Additionally, the City of Manning received a $10,000 grant through the Rural Building Ownership and Organization by Strengthening Teams (BOOST) program, which helps community and business leaders plan for next-step growth. Manning will work with a BOOST team of experts to explore new uses for a former nursing home — the community’s only vacant downtown building — and implement recommendations.

About Empower Rural Iowa grants:

Administered by IEDA’s Center for Rural Revitalization, Empower Rural Iowa grants are funded through an appropriation from the Iowa Legislature for the Governor’s Empower Rural Iowa initiative. Applicants are required to provide matching funds and are evaluated on economic need, partnerships, project readiness and alignment with strategic goals.

Programs support Iowa communities with fewer than 20,000 residents that are not adjacent to cities of 40,000 or more.

To learn more about Empower Rural Iowa programs, eligibility requirements or upcoming grant opportunities, visit the Center for Rural Revitalization webpage.

Download a full list of the Empower Rural Iowa award recipients.

(Radio Iowa) – November will arrive Saturday, and as colder weather looms, many Iowans like to dream of warmer climates. It’s projected nearly 22-million Americans will take a cruise next year, what would be the fourth straight year of record cruise passenger numbers. Brian Ortner, at Triple-A-Iowa, says especially when winter arrives, folks in snowy states head south.

“The top destination is the Caribbean. That’s definitely where people are going,” Ortner says. “More than 70% of folks are choosing that as their destination, with Alaska, which typically isn’t your winter cruise destination. It’s more of your summer cruise destination, and then the Mediterranean is another one.” The cruise passenger projection for next year marks an increase of nearly five percent from 2025. Ortner points to three main reasons for the boost in cruise popularity.

“Affordability would be one. Accessibility would be two, and then you know where we live, weather is probably three,” Ortner says. “If you can get to the Caribbean in the middle of December or January, it’s not a bad place to be.” Years ago, most cruises ran seven or 14 days, but there are many more options now, including three-day get-aways, that can make short jaunts much more appealing.

“It’s all in one. You’re getting on the ship, your food’s taken care of, your drinks are taken care of, most of your entertainment’s taken care of,” Ortner says. “You pack a bag, you go and you’re there. Convenience is a big, big part.” Almost half of American cruise passengers travel as couples, 20% cruise with children, about 7% sail solo, and the remainder explore the seas in larger groups. As far as their ages…

“Fifty-five and over is probably the largest sector and then, now, with the growth of newer boats and things like that, family cruises are growing in popularity as well,” Ortner says. “Same destinations, just different amenities based on your age and your need for your family or your travel plans.”

According to Triple-A studies, 90 percent of U.S. cruise passengers rate their experience as good or very good, and 91 percent have cruised more than once.

(Radio Iowa) – Members of Iowa’s congressional delegation are rejecting one avenue for ending the federal government shutdown. There are 53 Republicans in the Senate — more than enough to pass the House plan to temporarily keep the federal government running, but the U.S. Senate’s so-called “filibuster” rule requires at least 60 senators to agree to let the bill be debated. First District Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks says getting rid of that rule means Democrats could exploit it if they have a majority of seats in the Senate in the future. “They want us to break the filibuster. Why? Because they want to make Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico states. They want to pack the Supreme Court,” Miller-Meeks said. “We cannot let them do that.”

In 2021, three House Democrats proposed a bill to add four justices to the U.S. Supreme Court. Second District Congresswoman Ashley Hinson, who’s running for the U-S Senate, opposes expanding the Supreme Court and predicts D.C. and Puerto Rico would send four more Democrats to the U.S. Senate if they become states. “I think that’s a very scary prospect and so what I’m focused on is making sure that we do get the government back open and we have had bipartisan support to do that,” Hinson said, “so I think we will get there.” Neither of the Iowa Republicans who serve in the U.S. Senate have called for getting rid of the 60-vote filibuster rule and taking a vote to end the government shutdown.

(Radio Iowa: photo)

Jim Carlin, a Republican who’s running for the U-S Senate, says it’s time for Republicans to consider using the so-called the nuclear option and bypass the 60-vote requirement. “I don’t know if we’re quite there yet, but that is something I personally would be looking at, considering,” Carlin said, “and honestly I’d be willing to do it.” Carlin has a response to Republicans who oppose setting aside the 60-vote filibuster rule because of fears Democrats could use it to pass things Republicans oppose in the future. “But that shouldn’t keep you from doing the right thing,” Carlin said. “If you have the majority and there’s no reasonable outcome that’s palatable that serves the interests of the American people, then you have to play a little rough.”

Carlin, who is a lawyer from Sergeant Bluff, is a former state legislator.

(Greenfield, Iowa) – The Adair County Sheriff’s Office reports two arrests occurred late last week. Thursday morning, 40-year-old Erik Brandon McKinney, of Merrillville, IN, was arrested by the Iowa State Patrol on Interstate 80 in Adair County. McKinney was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance-Marijuana/3rd or subsequent offense, following a traffic stop for speeding. He admitted to having a THC vape pen and a marijuana joint inside his vehicle. During a probable cause search of the vehicle, the vape pen and joint were found in an ash tray, and a small plastic bag containing a substance resembling cocaine was found in a shoulder bag on the passenger side seat of the SUV. McKinney was transported to the Adair County Jail and released about an hour later on his Own Recognizance.

Friday evening, Police in Adair arrested 18-year-old Lynden Jorden Wollman, of Aberdeen, SD, for Possession of a Controlled Substance/Marijuana-1st offense, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (a grinder used to grind marijuana). His arrest occurred in the parking lot of a motel in Adair, after an Adair Police Officer on routine patrol saw three men acting suspicious. The smell of marijuana emitted from the vehicle when the officer approached. Wollman admitted the marijuana was his. He was taken to the Adair County Jail and later released on a $1,300 cash or surety bond.

(Atlantic, Iowa)  – Officials with Vision Atlantic said Monday (today), Gregg Young of Atlantic, through its community impact program Gregg Young Cares, has generously donated $25,000 to Vision Atlantic in support of the nonprofit’s transformative development project, which includes a new housing development, child development center, and YMCA expansion. Matt Miller, General Manager of Gregg Young of Atlantic, helped spearhead the initiative to ensure Gregg Young’s support was directed toward Vision Atlantic’s efforts.

“This isn’t just where I work. It’s where I live, and where I’m raising my family,” shared Matt Miller, who has served as General Manager at Gregg Young of Atlantic for nearly three years. “Our donation is a reflection of the commitment we feel to this community. Through the Gregg Young Cares initiative, we’re proud to play a part in building a stronger future for Atlantic.”

Vision Atlantic officials say the contribution from Gregg Young of Atlantic aligns with the program’s mission to support impactful, community-led initiatives across the Midwest, and that “With Matt’s deep ties to Atlantic and his leadership at the local dealership, he recognized the Vision Atlantic project as a meaningful opportunity to give back.”

Pictured: Gregg Young employees and Vision Atlantic volunteers.

Vision Atlantic, through extensive research and surveying of the community and surrounding region, identified three areas that will help increase Atlantic’s population: expanded childcare, quality housing and quality of life amenities. Infrastructure for the 142 mixed-unit Camblin Hills housing development and 300 capacity child development center is almost complete, with construction of 48 homes currently underway. Construction of the child development center and YMCA expansion is slated to begin early 2026.

Vision Atlantic has a fundraising goal of $39 million, which will be used to construct the YMCA expansion and child development center. To date, they have raised $26.5 million of that goal, thanks to an $8.6 million lead grant from the Charles E. Lakin Foundation and significant support from local donors. In addition to their grant support, the Lakin Foundation has created a separate investment fund of $23 million that will be used to construct homes in the Camblin Hills housing development. The capital will be used as a line of credit, and as the dollars are paid back, the Foundation will donate up to 5% of the interest paid back to Vision Atlantic, who will use those dollars to operate the child development center.

Vision Atlantic’s Project Committee is actively working to secure the remaining $12.5 million needed to meet their fundraising goal. If you are interested in helping transform Atlantic, whether it’s through monetary donations or acts of volunteerism, please contact Vision Atlantic at visionatlanticiowa@gmail.com. Visit www.visionatlantic.org and follow on Facebook for behind-the-scenes access to project updates and in-depth information of the project scope.

Vision Atlantic is a 501(c)(3) non-profit whose mission is to empower growth, enhance lives, and build a thriving community together through the economic development of Atlantic, Iowa.

(Red Oak, Iowa) – The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office today (Monday), released information about a fatality crash that occurred Thursday night. Authorities say 28-year-old Alexis Ramsdell, of Shenandoah, died from injuries she suffered in the crash that occurred at around 10:40-p.m., in the 2700 block of Highway 48. Deputies located an SUV at the scene that had sustained severe but apparently functional damage. Ramsdell had been ejected from the vehicle and later pronounced deceased at the Montgomery County Memorial Hospital.

Authorities determined she was not wearing a seat belt, and her vehicle had been speeding prior to the crash.

Agencies assisting at the scene included: The Montgomery County Communications Center; Red Oak Police; Red Oak Fire and Rescue; The Montgomery County Emergency Management Agency, and Deputies with the Page County Sheriff’s Office.