(Radio Iowa) – The owner of a pair of small food markets in southwest Iowa is opening two sets of refrigerated lockers in nearby communities that no longer have grocery stores. Theo Ramsey, who runs Ramsey’s Market, with grocery stores in Lenox and Manning, is now offering the locker service in Shelby and Walnut. Ramsey says it’s a simple system. “Folks would shop online and if they get in their order by 5 PM, we guarantee it the next day by 5 PM, usually much earlier,” Ramsey says. “Folks would get a notification when we deliver their stuff to the locker, punch in the code, pop open the doors, grab their stuff and go home.”

Each of the outlets has 30 lockers, 15 refrigerated and 15 for frozen foods. For people who plan ahead a little, he says it’s a cost-effective, convenient way to get your groceries. “We have delivery fees as low as free for orders of $100 or more, and then if it’s $90, there’s a $1 fee, if it’s $80, a $2 fee and so on,” Ramsey says. “It’s also a membership service similar to Amazon Prime where you have a membership monthly or an annual membership.” Ramsey is calling the new venture “Fresh Out of the Box,” and he anticipates it will quickly become very popular.

It’s not just about the groceries, he says, but it’s also about keeping people in their rural communities and helping those towns continue to grow. “Rural grocery stores have been closing at an alarming rate and we looked around and thought what could we do to help,” Ramsey says. “We’ve been working on this for about three years. It’s bringing convenience back to communities that have lost their grocery stores. It is a safe, socially-distanced way to shop.”

The lockers are part of a pilot program funded through Iowa Economic Development Authority’s rural initiative program. Ramsey was awarded a Catalyst Grant of $100,000 and an Empower Rural Iowa grant of $20,000 to kick start the estimated $1.9 million project.

Red Oak Police report two arrests late Tuesday. Authorities say a little after 10-p.m., 22-year-old Michael Wade Hamilton, of Red Oak, was arrested on an active Montgomery County warrant for Harassment in the 2nd Degree. He was being held in the Montgomery County Jail on $1,000 bond. And, at around 7:30-p.m. Tuesday, 64-year-old Marcia Elaine Lehman, of Griswold, was arrested on an active warrant for 3rd Degree Harassment. She was being held in the Montgomery County Jail on a $300 bond.

(Radio Iowa) – Davenport Mayor Mike Matson says the level of gun violence in his city is escalating and he’s asking for state and federal assistance. “But ultimately our community must be willing to take a hard look,” Matson says. “What can you do to prevent this violence?” Davenport Police say at least 80 shots were fired early Sunday morning in a Davenport parking ramp. Windows at the nearby Figge Art Museum were blown out, but none of the witnesses police interviewed would identify those involved. Davenport Pastor Stephen Echols of Davenport’s Peace Group says hush mode needs to end.

“After while, we’re not going to be able to walk down the street because there’s going to be so much craziness going on,” Echols said. “We have to make a stand. We have to get sick and tired of this stuff.” Echols says it’s time for a unified community response. “We march against police brutality. We get so enraged in that, but when are we going to get enraged about our 14-year-old men and women dying?” he asked.

Reverend Melvin Grimes, chair of community relations for the local N-Double-A-C-P chapter, says the level of gun violence in Davenport makes no sense. “I don’t want to have to do any more funerals,” he said. “I’m tired of writing condolences to parents who have lost children and young people who are part of this violence and victims of this violence.” Grimes says standing behind a gun is the coward’s way of resolving disagreements.  “It does not solve anything,” Grimes said, “and it doesn’t make you any more of a man or a woman if you’re going to hide behind a pistol if you have a disagreement.”

Davenport’s mayor has assembled an anti-violence task force that will meet for the first time next week. Davenport’s police department investigated 279 incidents last year in which gun shots were reported — an all-time high — and the pace has continued this year. In one Davenport homicide last year, nearly 100 shots were fired from nine different guns.

(Radio Iowa) – Republican Governor Kim Reynolds has approved a new law that forbids groups like political parties, unions and campaign organizations from having paid staff or volunteers collect and mail absentee ballots for voters. There are also new restrictions as to which Iowans may help another Iowan return their absentee ballot to the county auditor’s office. House Speaker Pat Grassley says voters support the election law changes Republicans have made.

“Here in the House we’ve been in the majority for 10 years and we’ve done things like voter ID — maintained the majority,” Grassley says, “just last summer, before the Election, (we) passed further election integrity measures.” Democrats opposed these new restrictions. Senate Minority Leader Zach Wahls of Coralville says the new law is based on false claims about the 2020 election.

“It continues to be the case of Donald Trump lying to his party,” Wahls says, “and Republican leaders repeating that lie…to try to advance that narrative across the United States.” Governor Reynolds approved seven separate budget bills yesterday (Tuesday) as well.

One bill provides a 21 million dollar spending boost to the state prison system. The move comes after two Anamosa prison employees were beaten to death in the prison infirmary. Two inmates have been charged with their murders. The bill she approved for education-related spending provides a small budget increase for the 15 area community colleges, but no additional money for the three pubic universities.

(Radio Iowa) – Iowa’s governor has signed a law that forbids teaching that the United States is systemically or fundamentally racist or sexist. The ban applies to public schools, colleges and universities as well as government agencies that have diversity training. The bill does not mention a concept called “critical race theory” — but in a written statement Governor Kim Reynolds did — and Reynolds said she was glad to sign the bill and promote learning rather than the discriminatory indoctrination she says is embedded in critical race theory.

Opponents of the new law is very similar to an executive order President Trump issued on the topic and may stifle productive discussions about racism and sexism.

MINBURN—The city of Minburn has issued a precautionary bottled water advisory after the town lost pressure Monday following a water main break. Residents should use an alternate source of water for drinking until notified that the water is safe to drink.

Use bottled water for infants. Do not give the water to infants less than six months old or use it to make infant formula. The water may have levels of manganese above the health advisory level, which may affect their learning and behavior.

For older children and adults, the city and DNR recommend using bottled water for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth or preparing food. Tap water can safely be used for bathing and similar uses. Do not boil the water as it may increase manganese levels.

Pregnant women and those with specific health concerns may want to check with their doctors.

The pressure loss affected the entire town. While repairing the first leak, contractors found another leak. As they complete repairs Tuesday, water lines will be disinfected and flushed. Then the city will collect four water samples, collecting another four samples the following day. When both sets of samples show no bacteria are present, the city will lift the drinking water advisory.

Contact City Councilman Joe Stuetelberg at 515-419-1183 or the Water Supply Operator, Mitch Johnson, at 515-669-1103 for more information.

(Radio Iowa) – There’s a promise of some relief for the 66-thousand Iowans who are now living with the most common cause of dementia. Lauren Livingston, communications director for the Iowa chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, says there’s much optimism as the F-D-A on Monday approved a drug for treating the disease, which she calls “historic” and the beginning of a completely new future.

“The science and research that went into it and behind it and all the data that came from it really shows that this drug does help people, especially in the mild cognitive impairment and early stages of Alzheimer’s to slow the progression of the disease,” Livingston says. “It gives them back more time with their families, doing the things they love.” The drug aducanumab is being produced by Biogen and she says there’s an important distinction, it’s a treatment for Alzheimer’s and not a cure.

“There are several other drugs on the market that help with some of the symptoms of the disease but this is the first one that actually changes the disease and slows the progression,” Livingston says. “It doesn’t reverse the disease but it does slow down the progression so someone’s not advancing through that early, middle and late stages quite as fast.” This is billed as the first drug that slows Alzheimer’s disease, and she says the drug addresses the disease in a way that has never been done before, compared to currently approved drugs.

“It’s the first treatment that we’ve had in 20 years, so it’s a huge day,” Livingston says. “It’s going to lead to that second, third, fourth and ultimately, a cure. So, it’s really a step in the right direction. It’s going to invigorate more research into other treatments that are in the pipeline and I think we’re going to see more treatments coming out much sooner than another 20 years from now.” It is anticipated that the drug will be made widely available in the very near future.

“Biogen, the maker of the drug, has been ramping things up in expectation that hopefully it would be approved,” Livingston says. “We don’t know yet the cost or the process to get it but we really encourage anyone who is interested in trying to get access to the drug to talk to their health care provider.” Alzheimer’s is a progressive, degenerative and fatal brain disease. While 66,000 Iowans are now diagnosed with it, by 2025, that number is expected to grow to 74,000.

(Radio Iowa) – An Iowan shown on video leading a crowd of rioters behind the U-S Senate on January 6th is asking to be released from prison as he awaits his trial. Forty-one-year-old Doug Jensen of Des Moines is pleading not guilty to charges related to his alleged involvement in the attack on the U-S Capitol, including entering a restricted building with a knife.

Jensen’s attorney says his client now feels duped by conspiracy theories and realizes his confrontation with a Capitol Police officer was — in a word – “silly.”

The lawyer says Jensen now believes he was misled by then-President Trump and fed a “pack of lies” on social media. A judge has set Jensen’s bond hearing for June 24th and Jensen’s attorney plans to play parts of a two-hour interview with Jensen in court and have Jensen’s wife testify .

The Adair County Board of Supervisors will meet in a regular session beginning 9-a.m. Wednesday, at the courthouse Courtroom in Greenfield. On their agenda, is County Attorney Melissa Larson, who will lead more discussion on Solar Panels. The Board last month, passed a Solar Panel/Solar Farm Ordinance, that includes a cap of 400 total acres of utility-scale solar energy development in the county. The ordinance covers setbacks from occupied residences and non-participating parcels, along with road right-of-ways and limits on placement near a public airport.

In other business, the Board will act on approving: Sheriff Training Expenses, and, Homestead and Military Disallowances. The will receive an update on COVID-19 and an American Rescue Plan Act Award Contract. County Engineer Nick Kauffman will present an award Resolution to be signed for the G-61 County Line Grading (a joint Cass-Adair County project), and he’ll have a report on his departmental activities and maintenance matters.

The public will be allowed to attend the meeting, but attendance will be limited to 21 people, to allow for social distancing. Those who wish to listen and/or speak, but who cannot attend in-person, may call-in just before the meeting starts, so names can be obtained for the public record. Call 605-313-6157, and use access code 526272# when prompted.

(Radio Iowa) – The outgoing leader of Democrats in the Iowa House says he isn’t backing away from politics and is likely to run for re-election in 2022. Representative Todd Prichard of Charles City has been House Minority Leader for three years and House Democrats meet Monday to select his successor. “I’m stepping down but not stepping back in any measure. I’ve got a lot of fight left in me and I’m going to continue to find ways to serve,” Prichard says. “…I care too much about my home state.”

Prichard will serve out the remainder of his current term and, at this point, is planning on seeking reelection to the House. Prichard isn’t ruling out a run for another office, but has made no moves in that direction. Prichard briefly ran for governor in 2017. “I’ve been down that road years ago…but I was asked this question a few months ago (and) you don’t rule things out,” Prichard said. “…I view myself as a public servant and try to offer or work in ways that I can be most useful.”

Todd Prichard – Official portrait.

Prichard says it’s time for the state to tackle big issues, like water quality, and address the core issues that are driving an increase in gun violence in places like his hometown of Davenport. Prichard issued a written statement last week to announce he was stepping aside as a House floor leader. Today (Tuesday), during an online news conference organized by the Iowa Capitol Press Association, Prichard answered questions about his decision.”After three years and trying to juggle a career in the Army Reserve and my small businesses and my commitment to my family, it’s time to kind of step back and…take my professional life out of overdrive so I can focus on a few other things,” he said.

Forty-one Democrats are serving in the Iowa House and Prichard says there are good leaders among them who can carry House Democrats forward, but he’s not publicly endorsing a successor.