(An Iowa Capital Dispatch report) -Drake University is honoring 100 years of Drake Stadium and preparing for another century of operations with a $6 million fundraising campaign, already kicked off with a grant from Prairie Meadows.

The Des Moines private university announced Thursday in a news release the launch of the Drake Stadium Centennial Campaign, which will raise funds for renovations to different aspects of the space, including its track, technology and more. The campaign received a $600,000 grant from Prairie Meadows this summer for the updates.

(Photo: Drake University has announced a fundraising campaign for its 100-year-old stadium. (Photo courtesy of Drake University)

“Drake Stadium is a place where legends compete and communities gather,” said Gary Palmer, president and CEO of Prairie Meadows. “We are proud to support its next chapter and help keep the Blue Oval shining bright.”

Both the track and field surfaces of the stadium are scheduled for replacement under the campaign, the release stated, as well as upgrades to lighting and the video and score boards. The release stated the campaign will also put donations toward updating the stadium press box and adding “two reversible long jump/triple jump and pole vault runways.”

Funds from the campaign will also go toward construction of a “permanent hospitality space” for guests coming to the university for events hosted at the stadium. According to the release, these enhancements will ensure the stadium meets different competition and broadcast standards and improves guest experiences.

First opened in 1925, the release stated the stadium hasn’t seen renovations since 2006. In addition to the annual track and field event the Drake Relays, the stadium has hosted multiple USA Track and Field Championships, NCAA Outdoor Championships and AAU Junior Olympics. It is also home to the Iowa High School Track and Field Championships, Drake football and other community events.
“Drake Stadium is more than just a facility—it’s a century of memories, records, and community pride,” Drake University President Marty Martin said in the release. “With the support of partners like Prairie Meadows and the commitment of our alumni and fans, we’re building the next 100 years of greatness.”

COUNCIL BLUFFS, IOWA – August 28, 2025 – Early this (Thursday) morning, the Council Bluffs Police Department responded to a report of a disturbance that resulted in the arrest of a local man on multiple charges, including attempted murder.

At approximately 1:34 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 2923 Ave. E following a report of a disturbance with multiple individuals screaming in the street. Upon arrival, officers observed a male, later identified as Daniel Smith (DOB 11.26.1975) involved in a physical altercation with a male and female. Smith was identified as the aggressor and probable cause was established that he assaulted the victims with the intent to cause serious injury and because of their ancestry.

The male and female victims were treated for laceration at the local hospitals for medical treatment.

Daniel Smith has been charged with:
• Attempt to Commit Murder
• Assault in Violation of Individual Rights with a Dangerous Weapon
• Domestic Abuse Assault, 1st Offense Causing Bodily Injury

All three individuals involved reside at the address where the incident took place. This incident was closed by arrest by Council Bluffs Police Uniform Division. The suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

(Radio Iowa) – With fake reports of shootings or “swatting” calls at Iowa State University on Monday, followed by the deadly mass shooting in Minneapolis on Wednesday, some college students may be finishing this first week of classes feeling anxious. Multiple campuses nationwide had swattings in recent days, and while there were none at the University of Iowa, UI senior Samantha Stewart tells KCRG-TV she’s nervous about looming violence on the Iowa City campus.

“I think about that kind of stuff on a daily basis,” Stewart says. “The T. Anne Cleary walkway is named after someone who died in a shooting. It’s absolutely something that worries me.” Cleary was one of the five victims of a 1991 shooting at the UI.

Radio Iowa file photo

Both Iowa and Iowa State have emergency alert systems to communicate with their campus communities about threats. The “Hawk Alerts” make some students feel more secure, and UI junior David Markusic says he’s comfortable on campus and in downtown Iowa City. “I try to live not worried, but obviously I understand that people should be worried,” Markusic says. “It’s a bad thing that’s happening, so I completely understand that.”

In the past week, at least 11 colleges and universities nationwide had swatting incidents. In the wake of the fake shooting calls elsewhere, UI graduate student Jack Bryson says he’d like more communication about swatting as a reminder for students to sign up for the alert system. “If the university could put out some form of mass email, just letting people know that this is happening and it’s something to be aware of,” Bryson says. “Make sure everyone is signed up for Hawk Alerts. It would be a great program to have.”

The Iowa Campus Safety team creates the Hawk Alerts, which send information about the affected location to the phones of students and employees to urge people to stay out of the area and keep safe.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – Officials with the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) today, released more information on a fatal, officer-involved shooting that took place Wednesday evening, in Council Bluffs.

Authorities say at approximately 5:35 p.m., Wednesday an Iowa State Patrol Trooper initiated a traffic stop of a vehicle near the 77-mile marker on Interstate 29. During the traffic stop, a male subject, later identified as 48-year-old Michael Broyles of Battlefield, Missouri, brandished a firearm and then fled. A short pursuit ensued involving the Iowa State Patrol, the Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office, and the Council Bluffs Police Department. At the conclusion of the pursuit, Broyles exited his vehicle with a firearm and ultimately fired at the responding officers. The officers returned fire, striking Broyles.

Law enforcement and EMS on scene provided medical care and transported Boyles to Mercy Hospital in Council Bluffs, where he was later pronounced deceased. The officers involved were uninjured and have been placed on critical incident leave in accordance with their departmental policies.

This is an ongoing investigation, and no further details will be released at this time. The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation is conducting the investigation into the shooting. Once the investigation is complete, the findings will be forwarded to the Pottawattamie County Attorney and the Iowa Attorney General’s Office for their review.

(Creston, Iowa) – Two women were injured when the SUV they were in was struck by a semi tractor-trailer in Creston, Wednesday afternoon. According to Creston Police, the SUV, driven by 51-year-old Lorraine Murphy, of Creston, was traveling south on Osage Street at around 12:35-p.m., when the semi, driven by 65-year-old David Travis, of Creston, pulled out of the Creston Co-Op parking lot and making a left-hand turn, when the front bumper of the semi struck the SUV on the passenger side. The impact caused the front and side airbags in the SUV to be deployed.

Murphy, and her passenger, 77-year-old Sharon Ann Cooper, of Creston, were transported to the hospital in Creston by Medic 1, for treatment of what were described as minor injuries. David Travis was not injured in the collision. Damage to the vehicles amounted to a total of $18,500.  (Photos from the Creston Fire Department Facebook page)

(Des Moines, Iowa) – Officials with the Montgomery County ISU Extension and Outreach office report Brian and Mary Carlson, of Montgomery County, were inducted into the 2025 Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the 4-H Exhibits Building at the Iowa State Fair on Sunday, Aug. 17. Ninety-two Iowa counties participated this year and selected 122 inductees for their outstanding service and dedication to 4-H. Inductees or their surviving family members were presented a certificate by the Iowa 4H Foundation President, Don Timmins, and State 4-H Program Leader, Mitchell Hoyer, as they were introduced on stage.

Brian and Mary Carlson have always tried to lead by example. Mary serves as a static superintendent and has for 30+ years. Brian and Mary served as 4-H leaders when their four children were participating in 4-H. Brian held several woodworking workshops for the club, as well as helping 4-H members with their projects. Brian served on the Fair board. Brian and Mary are usually helping on the fairgrounds before, during and after the fair. Most evenings you can find them in the Grandstands concession stand working with many other fair supporters. Mary has announced for the livestock auction for the last few years. Brian and Mary have always tried to help and encourage our future leaders through 4-H.

Photo courtesy Katie Hart, Montgomery Co. Extension

Counties select inductees for their exceptional work in contributing to the lives of 4-H members and the overall 4-H program. Many inductees serve as club leaders, youth mentors, fair superintendents or fair board members, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach county council members, county youth council members, fair judges, financial supporters, chaperones or ISU Extension and Outreach staff members. The inductees have demonstrated dedication, encouragement, commitment and guidance to Iowa’s 4-H’ers through the years.

“We are honored to recognize these special individuals, for their advocacy and dedication to the Iowa 4-H program,” shared Iowa 4-H Foundation Executive Director, Emily Saveraid. “This is a great way to honor the volunteers and staff across the state of Iowa that generously give their time and talents to foster positive partnerships with our 4-H youth,” said Tillie Good, Iowa 4-H staff and volunteer development manager.

The Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame was initiated in 2002 to help commemorate the 100th anniversary of 4-H. A summary of previous honorees was on display at the 2022 Iowa State Fair in the 4-H Exhibits Building. These summaries are also available at the Iowa 4-H Foundation office in the Extension 4-H Youth Building at Iowa State University. Information about previous inductees to the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame also is available on the Iowa 4-H Foundation website, organized by year and by county. Go to www.iowa4hfoundation.org/ and under the heading “What We Do” select “Recognizing Service” then “Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame.”

(Radio Iowa) – A local business owner with plans to renovate a 77-year-old building in downtown Algona is getting a $100,000 state grant for the project, along with $100,000 in matching funds from the City of Algona. Luke Arrowood already uses the basement of the former State Hotel Building for his “Active Aging” business. “We needed to do something with the building before it was too late,” Arrowood said.

Photo of former State Hotel in Algona that’s undergoing renovation. (City of Algona photo)

Arrowood’s plan is to create retail space in the front of the building for West River Meats, which currently sells beef, pork and beef tallow from a location in Rutland. A studio apartment will be in the back. “Algona’s first A.D.A. compliant apartment for downtown living,” Arrowood said. A wall in the middle of the building will be opened, to create activity space. “My goal is to have it more geared toward kids and more like obstacle-like course things,” Arrowood said. “The main level will be more functional fitness, the basement is more just like a commercial like gym.”

July of 2027 is the target date for completion of phase one of the project. The building’s exterior will be restored and other infrastructure will lay the groundwork for second floor apartments to be developed later.

(Radio Iowa) – A retail chain that’s been a shopping mall staple for ear piercing and jewelry purchases is closing nearly 300 stores nationwide, including three in Iowa. Claire’s has filed for bankruptcy for the second time since 2018. A list submitted to the bankruptcy court indicates the Claire’s stores in North Grand Mall in Ames and Merle Hay Mall in Des Moines as well as the Icing store in Jordan Creek Towne Center in West Des Moines will be closed. The company’s seven other stores in Iowa will remain open. They’re in Altoona, Burlington, Cedar Falls, Cedar Rapids, Coralville, Davenport and Dubuque. However, the company has indicated if it can’t find a buyer, it will have to close hundreds more stores.

Claire’s stores that will remain open include those in: Westland Mall in Burlington; Kennedy Mall in Dubuque; Lindale Mall in Cedar Rapids; College Square in Cedar Falls; Coral Ridge Mall in Coralville; The Outlets of Des Moines – Altoona, and NorthPark Mall in Davenport.