(Harlan, Iowa) – In an update to our previous report into a death investigation in Shelby County, the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office early Saturday morning said a man  and a woman have been arrested in connection with the incident. Winston “Joe” Leal was arrested Friday on a warrant for 1st Degree Murder – a Class A Felony, related to the death of 32-year old Theresa Kenkel, in Earling, on Thursday.

Kenkel was found after deputies made entry into her home, following a requested check on her welfare. Leal was being held in the Shelby County Jail without bond.

Authorities say a woman – Ashley McWilliams – was also arrested on a warrant connecting her to the incident. McWilliams is charged with Accessory after the fact – a Class D Felony. Her bond was set at $50,000.

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and the Council Bluffs Police Department in handling the investigation.

(Atlantic) The Atlantic Police Department, today (Friday), released a report on arrests or those who were cited, between July 13th and July 29th.

Two people were arrested July 21st for Sexual Exploitation of a Minor: 23-year-old Sam Ysam and 24-year-old Mym Attan, both of Atlantic, were both booked into the Cass County Jail.

Two people were arrested on Assault charges in Atlantic, July 26th. 32-year-old Patrica Myler, of Atlantic, was arrested for Assault, and 32-year-old K.C. Harper, of Atlantic, was arrested for Domestic Assault.

Three individuals were arrested in Atlantic for OWI/1st offense: 28-year-old Christopher Martin, of Atlantic, was arrested July 29th; On July 23rd, the A-PD arrested Taimichy Ichin, of Atlantic, for OWI, 1st Offense; and on July 23rd,  76-year-old David Anderson, of Atlantic, was arrested for OWI, 1st Offense.

An Atlantic man was arrested twice last month on Public Intoxication charges. 62-year-old Craig Lang was arrested July 18th and on the 25th.

And, a man from Elk Horn was arrested July 13th by Atlantic Police, for Theft in the 5th degree theft (Shoplifting). 30-year-old Asa Mckinney was cited into court and then released.

DES MOINES, IA — (From a Press release) –  Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) today announced a series of investments in the Perry community from Tyson Foods following months of advocacy and coordination efforts. Tyson’s commitments will provide direct support to local families, students, and first responders impacted by the company’s decision to wind down operations of its pork production plant in June 2024.

“Perry is a strong, tight-knit Iowa town that deserves accountability from its corporate partners. Businesses, like Tyson Foods, that serve rural communities have an obligation to honor the commitments they make,” said Rep. Nunn. “From day one, we’ve worked with the City of Perry and Dallas County leadership to ensure the community is receiving the support they need in a time of uncertainty. These investments are a step in the right direction, but there is still more work to be done. I will continue to partner with Perry’s local leaders and residents to advance new opportunities and sustain the community’s growth and success.”

As a result of Congressman Nunn’s continued engagement with city and county officials, as well as advocacy on behalf of local institutions, Tyson Foods has committed to the following immediate contributions:

• A $20,000 donation to the Perry food pantry, supporting approximately six months of critical food assistance for local families
• A truckload of Tyson products donated to the Iowa Food Bank, with priority access for the Perry community
• Meal carts for all three Perry schools, established in partnership with GenYouth
• A six-month supply of breakfast sandwiches to keep school carts fully stocked for students

“The Perry community is grateful for the energy and dedication Congressman Nunn has put forward to support us through the past two years,” said Perry City Administrator Sven Peterson. “Together, we will all continue to work as a team with Tyson Foods to support our community members with their needs and forge a path with Tyson Foods to find the highest and best use for the Perry Facility to ensure a stable future, not only for Perry and our residents, but for the state as a whole.”

“Congressman Nunn’s immediate and continued commitment to addressing the community’s concerns following the Tyson closure has been critical as Perry’s public services, schools, and economy work to recover from this devastating loss and repair the damage created by the ripple effect of losing nearly 1300 jobs,” said Greater Dallas County Development Alliance Executive Director Rachel Wacker. “His efforts to hold Tyson accountable and urge the company to be part of the solution are both essential and encouraging. Nunn’s advocacy has brought meaningful momentum to Perry’s economic recovery, with a clear focus on supporting the families and businesses that call Perry home.”

These critical investments are a direct result of community-focused advocacy to ensure Perry isn’t left behind in the wake of Tyson’s closure. Congressman Nunn remains actively engaged with local and county leaders to support both this short-term transition and long-term economic development.

(Radio Iowa) – State Climatologist Justin Glisan says the drought-busting rains of July pushed the month to near the very top of the state record book

He says it will be a July many people will remember for the big storms.

He says we were another big rain event away from the July record.

Glisan says the early dry months of the year kept 2025 from being another flood year like 1993.

Glisan says there were two main sources of moisture that led to ample July rain.

Glisan says he gets asked a lot about the so-called “corn sweat” where moisture comes off the 13 million acres of corn in Iowa. He says it is another source of water that leads to rain.

Glisan says the heat dome that set up around the third week of July led to heat indexes in the triple digits, but not record heat.

Glisan says that heat did spawn storms, including the derecho that barreled across the state.

(Radio Iowa) – Iowa native astronaut Peggy Whitson says her two main goals were met during the recent Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station. Whitson says she wanted to create not only a high-performing crew, but also one with bonds that would last a lifetime. During today’s (Friday) Axiom Space news conference to “debrief” the mission, she touted how the four-member crew performed more than 60 experiments while aboard the orbiting research lab that represented the scientific interests of more than 30 nations.

Whitson commanded the mission that included first-time astronauts from India, Hungary and Poland, three nations that haven’t sent a person into low-Earth orbit in four decades. In addition, it marked the first time astronauts from those nations conducted a mission together on the I-S-S.

The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying Whitson and crew lifted off from Kennedy Space Center in Florida on June 25th, and after 18 days docked at the space station, splashed down off the coast of southern California on July 15th.

Whitson, who grew up on a farm in southern Iowa near Beaconsfield, says even though they all came from much different places and followed varied paths, “we go farther when we go together.”

This is Whitson’s second mission for Axiom Space, a private Houston-based firm which aims to assemble its own space station in the next few years. She flew three previous missions for NASA before retiring from the agency in 2018. It was Whitson’s fifth mission to the I-S-S and she’s now amassed 695 days in space, the most of any American. At 65, she’s considered the United States’ most experienced astronaut.

(Radio Iowa) – As the U-S Department of Agriculture consolidates operations away from Washington D-C and into five new “hubs” across the country, Iowa was named among the early favorites for one of those locations — but it’s not going to happen. Kansas City is the final choice for the region, according to a memo from U-S Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins to her staff. Missouri Agriculture Director Chris Chinn says relocating U-S-D-A offices can benefit the people the agency serves. “We think it will be a great opportunity for the state of Missouri,” says Chinn. The process is to take place over the next few years. Along with Kansas City, the hubs are to be located in: Indianapolis, Indiana; Salt Lake City, Utah; Fort Collins, Colorado; and Raleigh, North Carolina.

The agency moved two research agencies to Kansas City in 2019: the Economic Research Service and the National Institute of Food and Ag. Chinn says having U-S-D-A personnel close to land-grant institutions and ag research has been positive. “They have the opportunity to travel out to those schools if they want to, to observe that research, to have those meeting opportunities,” says Chinn, “but more importantly, they know what agriculture needs because Kansas City, while it is an urban area, you don’t have to drive very far and you’re out in the country where you can see tractors, combines, hogs, cattle, the list goes on and on.” Iowa State University is a land-grant university.

The Rollins memo noted how Kansas City has a lower cost of living compared to Washington D.C., and she noted the U-S-D-A will continue to maintain critical agency service centers in locations like St. Louis. Robert Bonnie, a former U-S-D-A Under Secretary of Farm Production and Conservation, says strong relationships between the agency and land-grant universities are important, but he’s not sold on the hub plan. “I don’t think you get USDA closer to its constituents and stakeholders by dividing it up,” Bonnie says. “I actually think it’s served exactly the opposite purpose.” Bonnie says relocating the agency makes it more difficult for farmers and others to get information from the agency.

The number of jobs that will come with the Kansas City move is unknown.

AMES, Iowa – The Iowa State Fair is quickly approaching and the anticipation of the annual Governor’s Charity Steer Show is building. The Iowa beef cattle industry is again partnering with the governor in this fundraising event to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa. Hundreds of fairgoers will attend the August 9 event, featuring youth, industry supporters, local celebrities, and of course, steers. Each steer is exhibited by a local youth representative and a guest celebrity selected by the sponsor of the steer. Twenty-five steers will be shown this year. Along with Gov. Kim Reynolds, there are other notable celebrities showing this year, ranging from industry favorites to college athletes. (See the complete list below).

Among the celebrities participating in the event, is Iowa Lt. Governor Chris Gearthart-Cournoyer). She will be showing the steer “Mickey,” exhibited by Kennedy Eischeid, of Manning. “Mickey” is sponsored by the Crawford County Cattlemen and Nor-AM Cold Storage.   The Governor’s Charity Steer Show is sponsored by the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA) and the Iowa Beef Industry Council (IBIC).

The Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer Show has been held since 1983 and has raised nearly $6 million for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa since the show’s inception. Last year, the show raised more than $568,000, the fourth year in a row that the fundraising record has been broken. Funds are raised through online donations, sponsorships, and an auction of steers following the show. All money raised benefits the three independent Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa, located in Des Moines, Iowa City, and Sioux City. These three houses have served over 55,000 families from all 50 states and 62 foreign countries. Families from all 99 counties in Iowa have benefited from the Ronald McDonald Houses of Iowa, too.

If you are interested in supporting the Governor’s Charity Steer Show, consider donating online or attending the show/auction to contribute. The Governor’s Charity Steer Show is being held in Pioneer Pavilion at the Iowa State Fair on Saturday, August 9, at 4:30 p.m. Then follow us to the Penningroth Center for the live auction, where additional funds are raised and records are broken. For additional information about the Governor’s Charity Steer Show or to donate, visit www.iowagovernorscharitysteershow.com.

2025 Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer Show Participants:

1. Sponsors: Iowa Beef Industry Council and Iowa Cattlemen’s Association

Celebrity: Governor Kim Reynolds

Exhibitor: Addison Brueggeman | Lake Park, IA

Steer: Scottie​

2. Sponsors: Crawford County Cattlemen and Nor-AM Cold Storage

    Celebrity: Lt. Governor Chris Gearhart Cournoyer

    Exhibitor: Kennedy Eischeid | Manning, IA

    Steer: Mickey​​​

3. Sponsor: Davis County Beef Promoters

Celebrity: Jon Nash, Executive Vice President, Cargill Food

Exhibitor: Ty Swaim | Drakesville, IA

Steer: Judge

​​4. Sponsors: Mahaska County Cattlemen & Friends

Celebrity: Buck Wehrbein, President, NCBA

Exhibitor: McLane Warren | New Sharon, IA

Steer: Merlin

​​​​5. Sponsors: Iowa Farm Bureau

Celebrity: Brian Feldpausch, Vice President, Iowa Farm Bureau

Exhibitor: Lucas Sheehan | Remsen, IA

Steer: Rocky

​​​6. Sponsor: Dee Zee, Inc. (The Quality Truck Accessory People)

Celebrity: Curtis D. Claeys, Iowa State Fair Board, President

Exhibitor: Evan Huberty | Mitchellville, IA

Steer: Furgy

​​​7. Sponsor: Iowa Bankers Association

Celebrity: Jeff Angelo, Host of the WHO Radio Morning Show

Exhibitor: Brenna Thie | Mediapolis, IA

Steer: ​Jimmy

​8. Sponsors: Volunteer Boards of Iowa Ronald McDonald House Charities

Celebrity: To be announced

Exhibitor: Chandler Ludwig | Elma, IA

Steer: Snoop Dog

​​9. Sponsors: Eastern Iowa Ronald McDonald House and Quad Cities McDonald’s

Celebrity: Matt Kroul, Former University of Iowa and NY Jets Football Player, Current Farmer and Owner at Kroul Farms

Exhibitor: Tyler Lukavsky | Washington, IA

Steer: Thunder

​​10. Sponsors: Central Iowa Ronald McDonald Houses and Des Moines Area Independent Owner Operators

Celebrity: Jackie Schmillen, Director of Public Affairs of the Iowa National Guard and

overall Hype Person for all great things happening in Central Iowa

Exhibitor: Asher Henson | Martensdale, IA

Steer: Colt

​11. Sponsors: Siouxland Ronald McDonald House and Siouxland Area McDonald’s Operators

Celebrity: Dan Venteicher, Iowa Dairy Farmer

Exhibitor: Merritt Moss | Hull, IA

Steer: Big Red

​​12. Sponsor: Friends of Floyd County

Celebrity: Nick Fox, UNI Wrestler

Exhibitor: Chet Brunner | Rockford, IA

Steer: Clifford

​​13. Sponsor: Monroe County Cattlemen & Supporters

Celebrity: Tork Whistler, BarnTalk Podcast Host

Exhibitor: Ty Haywood | Albia, IA

Steer: This’ll Do

14. Sponsor: Iowa County Beef Supporters

Celebrity: Casey Manser, Iowa SIDS Foundation Executive Director

Exhibitor: Elery Hinrichsen | Williamsburg, IA

Steer: Mack​

​15. Sponsors: Foster and Evelyn Barkema Charitable Trust and Friends of Franklin County Cattlemen

Celebrity: JayJay Goodvin, Chief Explorer of the Iowa Gallivant

Exhibitor: Tate Lundt | Rockwell, IA

Steer: Pablo

​16. Sponsor: Iowa Junior Hereford Association

Celebrity: Brenna Bird, Iowa Attorney General

Exhibitor: Logan Keppler | Indianola, IA

Steer: ​Buddy

​17. Sponsors: Benton County Cattlemen and Local Supporters

Celebrity: Mike Naig, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture

Exhibitor: Jack Wayson | Mount Auburn, IA

Steer: Bond “007”

​​​18. Sponsor: Iowa Corn Promotion Board

Celebrity: Ralph Lents, Iowa Corn Promotion Board President

Exhibitor: Tucker Freimuth | Lytton, IA

Steer: Burt Reynolds

​19. Sponsor: Johnson County Cattlemen & Reeve Farms

Celebrity: Jess Settles, Iowa Hawkeye Basketball Great, Basketball TV Analyst, Farmer

Exhibitor: Reece Meyer | Solon, IA

Steer: Whiskey​

​20. Sponsors: Jackson County Cattlemen and Friends of Jackson County

Celebrity: Jason Brantley, VP of Production Systems, John Deere

Exhibitor: Anna Cota | Bellevue, IA

Steer: Prince

​​21. Sponsors: Iowa Veterinary Medical Association and ISU College of Veterinary Medicine

Celebrity: Dr. Dan Grooms, Iowa Veterinary Medical Association &

ISU College of Veterinary Medicine

Exhibitor: Matt Elbert | Rock Rapids, IA

Steer: Trice​

​22. Sponsor: District 20 Cattlemen’s Associations

Celebrity: Dr. Gene W. Hoy, Former Head Vet of the Iowa State Fair

Animal Learning Center & area vet

Exhibitor: Hailey Pedrick | Ollie, IA

Steer: All On Red

​23. Sponsor: Iowa Premium, A National Beef Company

Celebrity: To be determined

Exhibitor: Bryce Schwenneker | Adel, IA

Steer: Dale

​​24. Sponsor: ServiTech, Inc.

Celebrity: Ryan Hassebrook, ServiTech President & CEO

Exhibitor: Henry McCollom | Colo, IA

Steer: Joe

25. Sponsor: Iowa Angus Association

Celebrity: Mark McCully, CEO American Angus Association

Exhibitor: Isabella Gotto | Dyersville, IA

Steer: Duke

(Creston, Iowa) – The Union County Sheriff’s Office says one person was injured late Thursday night during a single-vehicle rollover accident northwest of Kent. Authorities say 21-year-old James Joel Villarreal, of Lenox, was traveling north on Highway 25 in a 2015 Chrysler 200-S, and had attempted to turn east at the T-intersection, onto 240th Street. Villarreal told deputies he made the turn too at around 45-to 55-mph, causing his car to enter the north ditch, where it rolled onto its top.  The accident happened at around 11-p.m.

Villarreal was wearing a seat belt. He complained of head pain and requested to be checked-out by medics. He suffered what were described as suspected minor/non-incapacitating injuries and was transported by EMS ambulance to the hospital in Creston. No citations were issued. The car sustained $10,000 damage, and was declared a total loss.

(Red Oak, Iowa) – The Red Oak Police Department says two people were arrested on separate charges, Thursday afternoon. Authorities say 36-year-old Bryceton Lee Flathers, of Red Oak, was arrested at around 1:15-p.m. in the 900 block of N. 4th Street, on charges of Burglary in the 1st Degree, and Assault causing bodily injury. Flathers was being held in the Montgomery County Jail on a $25,000 bond.

And, 63-year-old Linda Sue Moran, of Denison, was arrested at around 2:20-p.m. Thursday, in the 100 block of W. Coolbaugh Street, in Red Oak. She was charged with Public Intoxication. Moran was being held on a $300 bond in the Montgomery County Jail.

(A report by the Iowa Capital Dispatch) – The state of Iowa’s Annual Sales Tax Holiday is today (Friday) and tomorrow (Saturday), during which some clothing items will be free of sales tax for 48 hours, but critics argue the narrow scope and minimal exemption time makes it an inefficient solution for tax relief and economic growth. The annual tax holiday in Iowa is applicable to clothing items — specifically “any article of wearing apparel and typical footwear intended to be worn on or about the human body.”

Any individual clothing item under $100 that fits this definition, with several exceptions, purchased after 12:01 a.m. on Aug. 1 until midnight on Aug. 2, will be free of Iowa’s 7% state sales tax. All businesses open during that time are required to participate. The tax relief program began in 2000 and was spearheaded by former state Rep. Mike Cormack, a Republican legislator from Fort Dodge. However, critics at Institution on Taxation and Economic Policy argue this method is an inefficient vehicle for providing tax relief or generating substantial economic activity while providing “significant downsides.”

“Sales tax holidays are ineffective and gimmicky,” said Miles Trinidad, ITEP state analyst, in a press release. “While policymakers often tout them as helping families save money for essential goods, these holidays fall far short of lessening the regressive nature of sales taxes on the low and moderate income households who feel these taxes the most while also depriving states of revenue, being easily exploitable, and creating administrative headaches.”

ITEP estimates the amount of lost revenue for 2025 will be equal to $1.3 billion across states and localities. They argue this will “ultimately have to be made up elsewhere either through painful spending cuts or increasing other taxes.”

Critics at The Tax Foundation argued in a press release that sales tax holidays:

• Do not “promote significant economic growth or increase consumer spending” but rather shifts the timing of regular purchases.
• Are not an efficient response to inflation that encourages spending during a limited timeframe when supply chains “are already strained.”
• “Create complexities for tax code compliance, efficient labor allocation and inventory management.”
• Are not effective in providing tax relief to lower-income individuals because they give “large savings to higher-income groups as well.”

The Tax Foundation also argues that the popularity of these holidays is in part due to corporate lobbying to secure “free advertising for what is effectively a 4 to 7 percent discount.” They added these holidays create a space for politicians to “pick political favorites in the process of selecting eligible products” and the narrow list of goods can become an “unholy matrimony of central economic planning and corporate lobbying.”

Currently, 19 states have or will hold tax holidays. States like Oklahoma and West Virginia also exempt clothing items during their state’s tax holiday whereas states like Massachusetts, Nevada and Alaska are less restrictive in what types of products are eligible.