KJAN News can be heard at five minutes after every hour right after Fox News 24 hours a day!
Keep up-to-date with Fox News Radio, Radio Iowa, Brownfield & the Iowa Agribusiness Networks!
KJAN News can be heard at five minutes after every hour right after Fox News 24 hours a day!
Keep up-to-date with Fox News Radio, Radio Iowa, Brownfield & the Iowa Agribusiness Networks!
(Red Oak, Iowa) – Police in Red Oak arrested a man late Tuesday afternoon, on a drug charge. 21-year-old Tanner Ray Pierson, of Red Oak, was taken into custody at around 4-p.m., in the 1500 block of Tormey Street. Pierson was charged with possession of marijuana/2nd offense. He was taken to the Montgomery County Jail and held on a $1,000 bond.
(Radio Iowa) – State Treasurer Roby Smith says short term investing of unspent state funds has yielded over a BILLION dollars for the State of Iowa since he took office in January of 2023. “You’ve heard of purchasing power. This is investing power and so we invest it and we have received over $1 billion in the last two and a half years, which is a record amount,” Smith says. “We’re excited about that.”
Smith says a number of people in his office and outside money managers are investing pooled money the Iowa the Veterans Fund and the Road Use Tax Fund. That’s the fund where gas taxes are deposited and used to fix and build Iowa roads and bridges. Any investment earnings go back into those funds. The four BILLION dollars in the Taxpayer Relief Fund where state budget surpluses have been funneled for the past 14 years is also being invested.
“We do a ladder approach where we’ll do investing every month, but a certain amount, so every month it comes due, so you’re not sitting around and waiting for two years,” Smith says. “You’re just having them come due every 30 days.” Smith says the state has enough liquidity to pay its bills on time — meaning there’s money in the checking account, but money that’s not yet spent should be invested.
“If we know a school aid payment goes out the 18th of every month, we can put that money in a short term investment for a week,” Smith said. “Granted, it’s only a week, but if it’s on $100 million, $200 million that’s a lot of money you can bring in and then we move it back right before we have to send it out to the school districts and when you do that kind of investing, that’s what gets you these kind of returns.” The average return on investment has been around four-point-four percent.
“Records are made to be broken. We’re going to see what next year brings,” Smith says, “but what we do is keep the money safe, we keep it liquid, but we also get a competitive rate of return and we put that money to work for the taxpayers.”
State law for the past five decades has required this sort of short term investing. And the law says both state employees and outside financial experts are to handle the deals so it’s a diversified investment team.
(Sioux County, Iowa) – A collision between a semi and an SUV Tuesday afternoon in northwest Iowa, resulted in the death of one teen and another injured. The Iowa State Patrol says a 2007 Cadillac Escalade driven by a 17-year-old, stopped on Highway 18 west of Hull, but then pulled-out from the stop sign, and into the path of a semi that was traveling north on Highway 75. The crash happened at around 2:35-p.m.
After the semi struck the SUV, the Cadillac came to rest in the east ditch. The semi stopped in the middle of the intersection. A 17-year-in the SUV was transported to the Sioux Center Hospital and pronounced deceased. A second 17-year-old in the vehicle was transported to Hegg Memorial Health Center in Rock Valley, before being flown to Avera Hospital in Sioux Falls. The names of the teens were not immediately released. Both were from Rock Valley.
The driver of the semi, 53-year-old Michael Bembenek, of Rosholt, WI, was not injured.
KANSAS CITY- Southwest Iowa Transit Agency (SWITA) Driver Max Smelser was recognized as an Operator Champion during the 2025 Midwest Transit Conference in Kansas City. Officials with Atlantic, Iowa-based SWITA say Smelser has been a stalwart of the SWITA operator team for over 16 years. He is the Lead Driver for Pottawattamie County and is integral in keeping the Council Bluffs bus barn facility running smoothly.
Photo Caption: (Pictured L-R: Mark Lander, SWITA Transit Director; Max Smelser, SWITA Driver; Autumn Smelser, Max’s Wife; Kristen Templeton, SWITA Transit Coordinator.
The Midwest Transit Conference brings together transit professionals from across the states of Iowa, Missouri, and Nebraska every two years for training, networking, and recognition. The Operator Champion Awards are crafted to recognize operators across the Midwest region that provide exceptional service to their riders and agencies. The awards were handed out during the Breakfast of Transit Champions on Friday, September 5, 2025, at the Kansas City Downtown Marriott.
SWITA Transportation Director Mark Lander said, “Max is a true one-of-a-kind driver and team member. He does so much to keep operations running smoothly from the Council Bluffs facility and is always willing to help other drivers. We are very fortunate to have Max on the team, and he is very deserving of this recognition.”
Mike Ames, SWITA Driver of the Year, was also recognized during a slideshow at the event for his contributions this past year along with other top drivers from the region.
*******
SWITA transportation is accessible to everyone in the eight-county region, including the disabled and elderly. SWITA offers several transportation options including work routes, medical trips, student transportation, taxi service in six communities, and special trips. SWITA vehicles are equipped with wheelchair accessibility and one personal attendant rides free.
SWIPCO is an equal opportunity employer, provider, and lender.
(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Cass County Auditor’s Office said two candidates had filed nomination papers Tuesday (Today) to run for the City Council in Griswold. Two seats are open on the Council for the November 4th election. The latest filings were from Troy Nicklaus and Jesse Doty.
As previously reported, these candidates have filed nomination papers for election (or re-election, as noted), for City offices in Cass County.
The deadline for candidates to file their nomination papers is 5-p.m.Thursday, September 18th.
(Radio Iowa) – The Iowa Transportation Commission approved funding today (Tuesday) for roadway improvements to help two major businesses planned in Perry. The D-O-T’s Deb Arp says the money is from the Revitalize Iowa’s Sound Economy or RISE fund. Part of the money is for the proposed Perry sausage plant. “J-B-S U-S-A will invest 135 million dollars toward a new 150-thousand square foot sausage manufacturing facility, creating 250 jobs and up to 500 jobs within five years,” Arp says. The other company wants to build in the Perry Industrial Park.
“The Italian company A-D-R group will invest nearly 15 million dollars toward a 54-thousand square foot facility that will serve as its A-D-R Axles U-S-A North American headquarters and production facility, creating 35 new jobs which may double within five years,” she says. Arp says the RISE request falls under the categories that help improve access to businesses, and allow for the immediate creation of new jobs.
“In total, the rise eligible project cost of both components for the city of Perry’s application is six-million-836-thousand-19 dollars. Based on the capital investment, job creation commitments and potential for future job creation, staff recommends the Commission award arise grant of four-million-825-thousand-266 dollars from the city share of the RISE fund,” Arp says.
She says this represents Rise support for 71 percent of the projects. The proposed Perry sausage plant has also received 12 million dollars in tax benefits from the Iowa Economic Development Authority board. The A-D-R plant was also awarded state tax benefits for the promise of creating new jobs. Arp says both companies plan to break ground soon and be operational by the end of 2026.
The Transportation Commission also approved funding for roadways to an area in Spencer where businesses could relocate after the flooding of 2024. The D-O-T’s Deb Arp says multiple businesses have expressed interest in relocating after the flooding. She says Spencer does not have many industrial lots and over the next five years the city will have very limited capital to invest in development.
“These rise roadways will open up ten lots and 52 acres for development, and this application meets the requirements of the proposed Business Relocation and Job Retention Local Development Program as presented,” Arp says. The estimated cost of the project is around one-point-one million dollars. “The recommendation then is the RISE grant of 833-thousand-125 dollars from the city share of the RISE Fund, or of the 70 percent of the total rise eligible project costs, whichever is less,” she says.
Design of the roadway is expected to be complete by January 2026 and construction is expected to be complete by November of 2026.
September 9, 2025 (DES MOINES) – A panel of industry judges recently selected the proposed Council Bluffs housing development Spin Lofts as the winner of the Iowa Finance Authority’s (IFA) third annual Innovation in Housing Pitch Competition, held at the HousingIowa Conference in Cedar Rapids last week. Led by Iowa-based developer Arch Icon, the project will now advance in the Federal Housing Tax Credit Innovation Set-Aside application process. It’s eligible for up to $10 million in federal tax credits over ten years to support its development.
“The success of our annual Housing Innovation Competition is a testament to the vision and creativity driving Iowa’s housing sector, as well as the strong commitment of developers, communities and partners,” said IFA and Iowa Economic Development Authority Director Debi Durham. “I extend my congratulations to all of the finalists for their outstanding proposals, my gratitude to the judges for their thoughtful deliberation and my excitement for seeing Spin Lofts become a reality.”
The Iowa Housing Tax Credit Innovation Set-Aside called for creative proposals from developers for housing projects serving special populations or using innovative construction, financing or operations, unique partnerships or other innovations which otherwise may not be feasible through the 9% Federal Housing Tax Credit round. Three finalists were selected to pitch and one winner was chosen.
“We are honored to be selected as this year’s winner,” said Darin Smith, Co-Founder of Arch Icon Development. “Spin Lofts represents the kind of project we believe in, one that’s rooted in community partnerships, focused on the people who need housing the most and designed to make a lasting difference in Council Bluffs. With the support of IFA and our partners, we look forward to bringing this vision to life.”
“This is one of the most innovative initiatives in the country,” said Mark Shelburne, Senior Policy Advisor at Novogradac Consulting. “To not only encourage groundbreaking housing concepts but to showcase them in a live pitch competition raises the bar for how states can foster creative solutions. Iowa is leading the way and Spin Lofts is a powerful example of what’s possible.”
| Spin Lofts |
| Arch Icon Development Corporation and Lutheran Family Services’ winning proposal, Spin Lofts, is a collaborative, mission-driven affordable housing development in Council Bluffs. The project will transform a long-vacant, city-owned lot into high-quality, permanently affordable rental homes for a diverse population, including individuals and families experiencing homelessness, and members of the local workforce.
Rooted in strong public, private, nonprofit and philanthropic partnerships, Spin Lofts is designed to address urgent housing needs in Southwest Iowa while supporting neighborhood revitalization. With Lutheran Family Services serving as the long-term nonprofit operator and Arch Icon as the experienced development partner, Spin Lofts aims to serve as a flexible, scalable model for equitable housing development grounded in community engagement and cross-sector collaboration. The pitch competition judges included: Jana Daisy, Iowa Department of Health and Human Services; Julie Robison, Institute for Design Research and Outreach, Iowa State University; Luis Rico-Gutierrez, Dean, Iowa State University College of Design; Mark Shelburne, Novogradac Consulting, LLP and Jennifer Schwartz, Director of Tax and Housing Advocacy, National Council of State Housing Agencies. |
DES MOINES—In a report issued today (Tuesday), the Iowa Attorney General’s Office has concluded that the August 15, 2025, fatal shooting of Feglys Antonio Campos Arriba by a Denison Police officer was legally justified.
The Attorney General’s conclusion was based on a review and investigation by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation. The investigation found that on August 15, 2025, at approximately 11:20 p.m., Denison Police Department was contacted about a person sleeping in Washington Park after park hours. Sergeant Alan Romero responded to the area and found Feglys Antonio Campos Arriba sitting under a blanket in the bandshell stage. The two had a civil conversation in Spanish in which Campos Arriba was given the choice to leave or be arrested for trespassing. Campos Arriba chose to be placed under arrest and stood up, placing his hands behind his back.
When Romero began to apply handcuffs, Campos Arriba turned to face him and began advancing on him. Romero took a step back to create space between them, but Campos Arriba continued to advance, not complying to commands to put his hands behind his back. Officer Romero then fired his taser, but it had negligible effect. Campos Arriba continued, chasing the officer off the stage.
When Campos Arriba took up a fighting stance, Officer Romero unsuccessfully attempted to take him to the ground. Campos Arriba wrapped his arms around Romero and bit into the officer’s left ear, tearing off a large chunk of flesh. Romero disengaged and began to run from Campos Arriba, but Campos Arriba chased him. Officer Romero then shot Campos Arriba in the chest. Campos Arriba continued to charge, and Officer Romero fired three more shots. Campos Ariba fell to the ground and was no longer a threat. Campos Arriba died from his injuries.
The Denison Police Department had been in contact with Campos Arriba the day before and had told him that he could not camp in Washington Park. The investigation also revealed that Campos Arriba had been in the United States on a temporary work visa from Cuba, which had expired in July 2025.
The report is issued under the Attorney General’s independent authority under Iowa Code section 13.12 to investigate or prosecute conduct of law enforcement that results in death.
(Radio Iowa) – The University of Northern Iowa’s Army R-O-T-C program has won a reprieve from a shut down order. The Pentagon announced in July that the Reserve Officer Training Corps program at U-N-would be deactivated after the 2026 spring semester — part of a nationwide plan to reduce the military’s civilian workforce by 12 percent. U-N-I has been notified the plan has been revised and R-O-T-C cadets will continue to be able to complete all four years of their training on the Cedar Falls campus. However, the unit will become an extension of the University of Iowa’s R-O-T-C program.
Major Jess Haugaard of the Iowa National Guard, UNI President Mark Nook and Brenda Bass, Dean of the College of Social & Behavioral Sciences, sign memorandum of understanding supporting UNI’s Army ROTC program on Sept. 9, 2025. (UNI photo)
R-O-T-C detachments at the University of Dubuque and Buena Vista University in Storm Lake were also notified this summer that they must close down. Buena Vista’s R-O-T-C program has operated for the past 15 years. The R-O-T-C program at the University of Dubuque was closed down in 1991, but reactivated in 2004.
(Iowa DNR News; Des Moines, IA) – Iowa state parks have set Saturday, Sept. 27 as annual Volunteer Day, when Iowans are invited to lend a hand at several state parks and forests hosting volunteer events. Join park staff to help care for Iowa’s natural areas, freshen up campgrounds and facilities, and spend time outdoors.
Clean-up efforts will be unique for each park depending on needs, and may include litter pick-up, staining or painting buildings, removing invasive species, rebuilding picnic tables, harvesting prairie seeds and more. The state parks and forests participating include:
Citizens interested in volunteering can find complete details on times, meeting locations and activities at https://www.iowadnr.gov/places-go/state-parks/statewide-volunteer-day
Facebook
Twitter
YouTube
RSS