(Creston, Iowa) – The Creston Police Department reports 30-year-old Emily Dawn Christensen, of Creston, “was arrested at her residence”, Tuesday evening – cited, and then released on a Promise To Appear in Court – with regard to an incident where police say an animal was allowed to run at-large.

(A report from the Iowa Capital Dispatch) – A survey of the commercial horticulture food crops industry in Iowa showed direct specialty crop sales of more than $79 million in 2022 and even higher figures of economic output attributable to the industry.  The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship announced the results of the 2023 survey, Wednesday, and said it shows the local produce industry is “diverse, growing, and making a significant contribution to Iowa’s economy and agricultural identity.” The survey was sent to Iowa specialty crop producers who grow edible crops like vegetables, fruits, berries, nuts, honey, maple syrup, herbs, mushrooms and pumpkins.

According to a news release from IDALS, this is the first “comprehensive look” at the industry since 2015.  More than 850 specialty farmers participated in the survey, which found that a total of 11,650 acres of specialty crops were grown in 2023.  Sales from these farms had a statewide economic output of $66.5 million in 2023 and supported $29.9 million in labor.  Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig said the survey “confirms the economic strength of specialty crop producers.” Most of those farms are small, grow multiple products and sell directly to consumers. These farmers skew young with nearly 50% of respondents below the age of 35. The survey found the average age of Iowa specialty crop producers was 57.2 years, which is lower than the national average, 58.1 years, of producers in the U.S. according to the latest Census of Agriculture.

The majority of specialty farm producers responded that they also work-off farm jobs and 37% responded they work full-time jobs off the farm in addition to running the farm. The average farm size for these edible crops was 7.8 acres, though many farms are quite a bit smaller considering the median farm size was just 2.8 acres. The survey also found that just 4% of farms had crop insurance.  From 1989 to 2000, the number of specialty farms in Iowa declined from 1,400 farms to 938 farms, according to the survey results. The industry has since rebounded, with 1,680 farms counted in 2023. The results show the total number of sales of edible specialty crops increased by 73% from 2012 to 2022, with inflation-adjusted figures. The survey results show direct edible specialty crop sales amounted to $79 million in 2022.

Locally grown produce. (Photo by Cami Koons/Iowa Capital Dispatch)

In addition to growing on average 3.8 distinct specialty crops, farmers also diversify their operations with on-farm activities. Nearly 60% of surveyed farms participate in some form of agritourism, which they reported generated $6.6 million in income. Farmers also increase their sales with value-added products, or products that have been processed in some way, like canned vegetables or wine. The survey results show edible specialty crop farms sold an estimated $11.3 million in value-added products in 2023. Naig said he believes the Iowa edible specialty crop industry will continue to grow, especially with the expansion of the department’s marketing service, Choose Iowa. Naig said these farmers also help connect Iowans to their food sources.

“With the continued expansion of the Choose Iowa program, I believe this sector is well-positioned for even greater growth in the years ahead,” Naig said. “Horticulture food crops bring opportunities not just for established farms but also for beginning farmers who are shaping the future of our industry.”

Honey, peppers, apples, tomatoes and lettuce were the top edible specialty crops grown in Iowa. According to survey results, the number of honey producers in the state has “dramatically increased” as there were fewer than 200 producers in 1997 and there were 1,229 in 2022. The other top crops had between 400 and 550 producers each in 2022. Producers who sold through Community Supported Agriculture programs or at farmers markets were more likely to grow a higher variety of crops.

According to the release from IDALS, the report, which was produced primarily by the department and staff from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, will help lawmakers and department leaders to “better support specialty crop farmers and help them overcome challenges, seize new opportunities, and sustain growth.”

(Des Moines, Iowa) – Eighteen lakes across Iowa are gearing up to receive trout this fall. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) says they will release between 1,000 to 2,000 rainbow trout at each location as part of its cool weather trout program that brings trout to areas that cannot support them during the summer months. The fall community trout stockings are a great place to take kids to catch their first fish. A small hook with a night crawler or corn under a small bobber or small simple spinners such as a panther martin or Mepps is all you need to get in on the fun.

Bringing trout to cities and towns offers a “close to home” option for Iowans who might not travel to northeast Iowa to discover trout fishing. A family-friendly event is often paired with the stocking to help anglers have success and fun while fishing. Check the Iowa DNR Community Trout Stocking Schedule website to see which lakes are having events.

The popular program is supported by the sales of the trout fee. Anglers need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout. The daily limit is five trout per licensed angler with a possession limit of 10. Children age 15 or younger can fish for trout with a properly licensed adult, but they must limit their catch to one daily limit. The child can purchase a trout fee which will allow them to keep their own limit.

2025 Fall Community Trout Stocking Schedule:

Oct. 23, Ottumwa Park Pond, Ottumwa, 11 a.m.

Oct. 24, Prairie Park Fishery, Cedar Rapids, 10 a.m.

Oct. 24, Liberty Centre Pond, North Liberty, 10:30 a.m.

Oct. 25, East Lake Park Pond, Mount Pleasant, 10 a.m.

Oct. 25, Wilson Lake, Donnellson, Noon

Oct. 25, Lake of the Hills, Davenport, 10 a.m.

Oct. 27, Triumph Park East & West, Waukee, Noon

Oct. 27, Terra Lake, Johnston, Noon

Oct. 29, Big Lake, Council Bluffs, 3 p.m.

Oct. 29, Moorland Pond, Fort Dodge, Noon

Oct. 29, Sand Lake, Marshalltown, Noon

Oct. 30, North Prairie Lake, Cedar Falls, 11:30 a.m.

Oct. 30, Heritage Pond, Dubuque, 11 a.m.

Oct. 31, Lake Petocka, Bondurant, Noon

Nov. 1, Stolley Pond, Spencer, 1 p.m.

Nov. 3, Ada Hayden Heritage Park Lake, Ames, Noon

Nov. 3, Bacon Creek, Sioux City, 1:30 p.m.

Nov. 26, Blue Pit, Mason City, 11 a.m.

Find more information about trout fishing in community lakes on the DNR trout fishing webpage.

(Clarinda, Iowa)  – The Southwest Iowa Band Jamboree was held this past Saturday (Oct. 4th), in Clarinda. Atlantic Community School District Director of Bands, Jarrod O’Donnell, said the Atlantic Middle School Band placed 1st in the Class I middle School Division, and the High School Band placed 2nd in Class 3A. (See photos submitted by Mr. O’Donnell, below).

Lewis Central High School’s band was named best overall band of the 70th annual jamboree, winning first place in both the Class 4-A parade and field competitions. Lewis Central was also honored for the best drum line, horn line and color guard.

View the complete results here: 68e1e36becf79.pdf.

(Radio Iowa) – The Iowa Supreme Court heard arguments Wednesday in a case asking them to stop the practice of charging court appointed lawyer fees when charges are dismissed. Alex Kornya is a lawyer working with the Iowa A-C-L-U on the case. “We essentially said that there is no statute in the Iowa code that would allow for these debts to be assessed a position with which the state in fact did not disagree,” Kornya says. “The state’s position was that prior case law of the court would justify this, but we all agreed that there’s nothing in the Iowa Code that would allow for these types of debts to be assessed.”

The Iowa Supreme Court heard arguments on a similar case back in 2020, but one justice recused himself from the case and it ended with a 3-3 decision and no change. Kornya says those who end up being charged the fees can end up being thousands of dollars in debt. “By and large, the lions share of the debt that we were talking about only applies to some criminal defendants, specifically people who do not have the money to hire their own attorney,” he says. He says Iowa is one of the few states that charges full legal fees instead of a flat rate.

The justices of the Iowa Supreme Court. Chief Justice Susan Christensen is in the middle of first row. (Iowa Judicial Branch photo)

Kornya says the debt puts a burden on the people who often end up unable to pay. “Between 2017 and 2021, statistics published by the Judicial Branch to the Iowa legislature shows that the collection rate was between one and two percent, which is effectively zero,” Kornya says.

The justices raised several questions about procedures and precedents during the arguments. They will make a ruling at a later date.

(Buena Vista County, Iowa) – A crash Wednesday night northwest of Storm Lake resulted in two people being sent to the hospital. According to the Iowa State Patrol, a 1995 Ford van driven by 46-year-ol Jay Lockwood, of Rembrandt, was traveling westbound on Highway 3 at around 8:55-p.m., at the same time a 2009 Freightliner semi tractor-trailer driven by 37-year-old Fidel Rodriguez, of Algona, was traveling eastbound. For reasons unknown, Lockwood attempted to overtake a semi tractor trailer that was attempting to make a left-hand turn to travel south on County Road M-31. The van and semi collided head-on in the eastbound lane.

The van came to rest in the middle of Highway 3, and the semi came to rest on its passenger side, blocking the roadway. Lockwood had to be extricated from his vehicle. He was flown by helicopter to Sanfor Medical Center. The Patrol says he was not wearing a seat belt. Rodriguez – who was wearing a seat belt – was transported by Alta Rescue to the Buena Vista Regional Medical Center. The crash remains under investigation.

(Red Oak, Iowa) – The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office reports a man was arrested following a traffic stop at 130th and C Avenue, early this (Thursday) morning. Upon further investigation, 41-year-old Kirby David Stoneking, of Red Oak, was taken into custody at around 12:50-a.m., for OWI/1st offense. Stoneking was transported to the Montgomery County Jail and held on a $1,000 bond.

(Mitchellville, Iowa) – Two people were injured in a fiery crash Wednesday night on Interstate 80 in Polk County. The crash resulted in the Interstate being closed for hours. The Iowa State Patrol reports the crash happened at around 7:38-p.m. when a 2008 KIA Sorento traveling west on I-80 near Mitchellville entered the median at a crossover, and struck the cable barrier. The vehicle then continued into the eastbound lanes, where it struck a Kenworth semi head-on. Both vehicles left the roadway and became fully engulfed in flames.

The driver of the KIA, 66-year-old Leslie Ann Ambrosino, of West Des Moines, and the driver of the semi, 27-year-old Kiloile Siogue, of Carbon Cliff, IL, were injured. Ambrosino was transported to Methodist Hospital by Micthellville Fire. Siogue was taken to Lutheran Hospital by Bondurant Fire. Both drivers were wearing their seat belts.

Crews with the Bondurant, Colfax, Altoona, Baxter, Mitchellville and Mingo Fire Departments, along with Jasper County Sheriff’s Deputies, assisted at the scene. (Photos via the Iowa State Patrol’s Facebook page)

(Radio Iowa) – The governor’s budget office has released a brief report to close the books on the state fiscal year that ended in June – and it shows state tax collections dropped significantly. Republicans say the eight percent drop in state tax revenue was expected after Governor Reynolds approved five tax cuts over a six year period. The state’s individual income tax dropped to a single rate of three-point-eight percent this past January.

Total tax revenue for the state budget year that ended in June was far less than a panel of experts had predicted in March. Democrats like House Minority Leader Brian Meyer of Des Moines say the state is in a fiscal death spiral. “We are in serious trouble,” Meyer says. “I’m not sure the Republican leadership and the governor fully understand what is about to happen.”

Republican lawmakers say they’ve kept the state budget lean over the past few years and built up enough state reserves to tide the state over until the tax cuts spur economic activity — and tax collections rise. Meyer says that strategy will fail Iowans. “We have reserves that eventually will run out,” Meyer said. “I don’t think the economy’s getting any better, I don’t think the ag economy’s getting any better and it’s going to be a very difficult couple of years.”

Senator Janet Petersen of Des Moines is the top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee. “We knew at the end of the last legislative session that Republicans were taking Iowans on a deficit spending trip really with no end in sight,” Petersen says, “and the picture has gotten worse, not better.”

Senate Majority Leader Mike Klimesh says Republicans have carefully budgeted to ensure the state is is a strong fiscal position. He says the state has healthy reserves that will withstand changing situations. The Iowa Department of Revenue released a spreadsheet yesterday (Wednesday) with a list of tax receipts during the last state budget year. The non-partisan Legislative Services Agency released a more detailed report last week.

NEXT week, a three-member panel of financial experts will meet and issue a new prediction of state tax revenue.

[UPDATED] (Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic School District’s Board of Education held a regular board meeting this (Wednesday) evening (Oct. 8^th), at the Middle School. During their session, the Board approved all but two Open Enrollment Applications, and three resignations: Middle School Wrestling Head Coach Todd Killion and MS Asst. Wrestling Coach Oran Perkins, as well as Junior Class and Prom Sponsor, Mallory Kirchhoff.

They also approved numerous Recommendations to Hire, including the following:

• Harley Hester & Kinnick Juhl, Special Education Paras (replacement positions)
• Jeremia Robinette, Grounds Supervisor (replacing Brett Johnson)
• Tyler Mitchell, HS Robotics Sponsor (replacing Andy Mitchell/Stacey Schmidt)
• Lexi Trotter, HS Girls Wrestling Asst Coach (replacing Lillian Cox)
• Derek Handel, MS Boys/Girls Basketball Coach (replacing Trace Petersen)
• Chase Roller, MS Boys Wrestling Head Coach (replacing Todd Killion)
• Caleb Smith, MS Boys Wrestling Asst Coach (replacing Oran Perkins)
• Ben Anderson, HS Boys Soccer Coach (replacing Mark Anderson)

The Board reviewed and discussed several policies with updates, including Early Retirement Options. Superintendent Dr. Beth Johnsen said the policy would only pertain to those employees who are qualified to take, and apply for, Early Retirement. Board member Kristy Pellett asked if the District’s Management Fund was good enough to budget for Early Retirement offering. Director of Finance Lisa Jones said the same fund pays for the District’s property/auto, casualty and workman’s comp insurance, which the State has a new mandate for, with regard to carryover costs.

Jones said the district’s management balance has stayed fairly low, and there is enough to cover if there is a claim.

Kristy Pellet said Early Retirement can serve as a management tool for staff reduction and to save money in the General Fund if needed, and/or as a means of appreciation for staff years of service to the District.

Lisa Jones said the district does “Have a cushion” to allow some staff Early Retirement, but the Board took no action on who Early Retirement would be offered to, and the stipulations attached to any plan that is offered. The matter will be brought back as a discussion item at a later Board meeting.

Prior to  their regular meeting, the Atlantic School Board held a Town Hall meeting to provide community members with a tour of the Middle School Facilities, and information with regard to upcoming district projects. The Board will hold another Town Hall meeting with regard to the November 4^th Bond Measures, on Oct. 16^th in the High School Commons, beginning at 6-p.m.