(Radio Iowa) – The choice is in for a new specialty license plate for education. The Iowa Department of Education announced today (Monday) that a design by 16-year-old sophomore Erin Cho of Ames High School was chosen in the contest to pick the new education plate. Cho’s design features the state bird, the American goldfinch, shown as a teacher and students perched on school books.

A sample of the new Education license plate designed by Ames High student Erin Cho. (Dept of Ed photo)

The first ever contest saw art teachers submit more than 100 license plate designs from students that were then narrowed down to 16 semifinalists.

The license plate will be available through the D-O-T this summer.

(Radio Iowa) – Governor Kim Reynolds has appointed a new chair of the Iowa Utilities Commission. In April of 2023, Reynolds appointed Eric Helland to lead the commission as it reviewed — and ultimately approved — a construction permit for the Summit Carbon Solutions pipeline. Reynolds had nominated Helland to another term as commission chairman, but the Republican-led Iowa Senate never voted on his leadership appointment.

Reynolds has now appointed Sarah Martz, who’s been on the commission for the past two years, to be its chair. Reynolds says Martz, who worked for Alliant Energy for over a decade, has the background to lead the commission as it navigates increased demand for electricity.

Iowa Utilities Commissioner Sarah Martz has been appointed chair of the three-member panel. (Iowa Utilities Commission photo)

Last week, the Iowa Senate overwhelmingly voted to confirm Joshua Byrnes to serve another term on the Iowa Utilities Commission. Helland, the former commission chairman, will remain a member of the panel through April 30th of 2029.

(Radio Iowa) – Several Iowa business groups are urging Governor Kim Reynolds to veto a bill that would set new rules for pharmacy benefit managers — the companies that negotiate drug prices for insurance companies. The groups say the bill adds “massive costs” for patients and their Iowa employers, primarily through a new dispensing fee for each prescription. Nicole Crain is president of the Iowa Association of Business and Industry.

“The cost will be approximately $169 per insured Iowan per year,” Crain said, “which adds about $340 million to private sector health plans statewide.” Lawmakers in Iowa and elsewhere have been responding to independent pharmacists who say P-B-M reimbursements to them are lower than the actual cost of medications and P-B-Ms try to steer patients to chain pharmacies. Crain says Iowa business groups were hoping the state legislature would narrow the bill’s focus.

“The business community understands the proponents desire to help small independent pharmacies,” Crain said, “but there’s so much more in this legislation besides the support ot small independent pharmacies.” If the bill becomes law, P-B-Ms will be required to pay a dispensing fee of over 10 dollars per prescription to in-state pharmacies. That includes all of the state’s independent pharmacies as well as Hy-Vee pharmacies. The business coalition estimates that will yield 66 million dollars a year for Hy-Vee. Crain says other elements of the bill escalate costs, too.

“This bill, unless the governor vetoes it, is scheduled to go into effect on July 1,” Crain said. “We would encourage all individuals to contact the governor and urge her to veto this legislation as it will raise your pharmacy costs at a time when Iowa businesses and their employees are facing increased costs from inflation and challenges with tariffs and trade.” The Iowa Association of Business and Industry, the Iowa Bankers Association, the National Federation of Independent Business and the Iowa Business Council say the bill is believed to be the most expensive health care mandate in Iowa history.

During House debate last week, Representative Jeff Cooling of Cedar Rapids unsuccessfully tried to make the dispensing fee optional, arguing that additional costs will drive patients to use large pharmacies. “When a pharmacy just down the road, possibly, doesn’t have to charge or make the person filling their prescription pay that,” Cooling said. Supporters of the bill say without that dispensing fee, the closure of independent pharmacies will accelerate. The Iowa Pharmacy Association says 31 Iowa pharmacies closed last year and all 31 said it was due to P-B-M practices.

Eleven other states require P-B-Ms to provide a minimum reimbursement to independent pharmacies. The proposed 10-dollar-and-68 dispensing fee in the bill for Iowa pharmacies would NOT be paid to C-V-S, Walgreens, Walmart or Costco pharmacies which operate in multiple states.

(Glenwood, Iowa) – The Mills County Sheriff’s Office reports three recent arrests. At around 3:45-a.m. Sunday (May 18), 29-year-old Ariel Esquivel, of Omaha, was arrested at The Play House on Bunge Avenue in Council Bluffs, on a charge of Sex Abuse by force/3rd Degree. Bond was set at $10,000.

Early Saturday morning, 34-year-old Caleb Mark Morse, of Tabor, was arrested in Pacific Junction, for OWI/1st offense. (Bond $1,000). And, at around 7:45-p.m. on Wednesday, May 14th, 18-year-old Kayla Mershon Streight, of Hastings, was arrested in Malvern, on a warrant for Harassment of an Official or Public Employee, and False Report – 911 call. She was being held without bond in the Mills County Jail, until seen by a Judge.

(Radio Iowa) – A northwest Iowa Republican who’s a state senator has formed an exploratory committee as he considers running for one of Iowa’s four seats in the U-S House of Representatives. Lynn Evans of Aurelia — a Buena Vista University professor who’s a retired superintendent — is serving his first term in the Iowa Senate. His decision to assess a run for congress comes after fourth district Congressman Randy Feenstra announced he’s running for governor in 2026. Evans says Washington is out of touch with everyday Iowans and he’d provide true conservative representation in the U-S House. Evans is chairman of the Iowa Senate Education Committee. He was among the 12 Republicans who forced Senate G-O-P leadership to allow last week’s vote on a carbon pipeline bill.

Democrat Ryan Melton of Webster City says he will run for a third time in the fourth congressional district. In Iowa’s first congressional district, Republican David Pautsch of Davenport plans to challenge Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks again in 2026. Pautsch, founder of the Quad Cities Prayer Breakfast, ran a low budget primary campaign against Miller-Meeks in 2024 and finished with 44 percent of the vote.

Second District Congresswoman Ashley Hinson, a Republican from Marion, is running for reelection and Democrat Kevin Techau, a former U-S attorney, has announced he’s running in the second district. In the third district — currently represented by Republican Zach Nunn of Bondurant — there’s a Democratic Primary between former Iowa House Minority Leader Jennifer Konfrst) and State Senator Sarah Trone Garriott.

(Radio Iowa) – Iowa Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks attended Pope Leo’s Inauguration Mass in Rome. Miller-Meeks was part of a bipartisan delegation of 14 U-S House members at the Vatican this weekend. Miller-Meeks says it was an incredible honor to witness the first mass of the first American Pope. Miller-Meeks says it was a moment of faith, unity and deep significance for Catholics like her across the world.

Miller-Meeks has served on the parish council of the St. Mary of the Visitation parish in Ottumwa.

(Greenfield, Iowa) – The Adair County Sheriff’s Office reports three arrests occurred over the past week. At around 3:10-a.m. Saturday, 42-year-old Wade David Harris, of Stuart, was arrested in Stuart for OWI/1st offense. Harris’ vehicle was pulled over for speeding. Before it came to a stop, his pickup went over a curb on Adair Street and onto the grass, where it knocked-over a wooden post. An investigation determined Harris had consumed about a half-dozen beers prior to the traffic stop. Field Sobriety test results showed a Breath Alcohol level in excess of the legal .08-percent. Harris was released from the Adair County Jail later that day, on a $1,000 bond.

There were two arrests in Adair County on May 15th: 55-year-old Ronald Edward Smith, of Des Moines, turned himself-in on a Department of Corrections warrant out of Polk County for Violation of Parole, and was being held without bond; And, 40-year-old Christopher Coy Edwin Chaney, of Des Moines (& formerly of Fontanelle), was arrested at the Polk County Jail, on an Adair County warrant for Violation of a No Contact/Protective Order – Contempt of Court. Chaney was being held without bond in the Adair County Jail, until making an initial court appearance.

(Creston, Iowa) – The Creston Police Department says there were no injuries following a collision Sunday afternoon. The accident at Clark and Walnut Streets happened at around 4:15-p.m., as vehicles driven by 22-year-old Damien Beard, of Creston, and 62-year-old Michelle Jones, of Afton, were traveling in opposite directions. Authorities say Beard was driving a 2009 Chevy Express passenger van with two passengers on-board, eastbound on Clark, and came to the intersection with Walnut Street, where there was a Yield sign.

Jones was driving a 2015 Chevy Equinox west on Clark Street, and approached the same section controlled by a Yield sign. Both vehicles proceeded into the intersection, where Beard attempted to turn north onto Walnut. Jones’ vehicle struck the van on the right rear, causing a total of $2,000 damage. No citations were issued.

(Atlantic, Iowa) — All this month (May, 2025), Cass Health’s Senior Life Solutions program recognizes “Mental Health Awareness Month,” by embracing the theme, “Turn Awareness into Action.” Mental health is vital at every stage of life, and we are dedicated to supporting older adults and their caregivers in our rural communities as they navigate mental health challenges. As mental health is being spotlighted, Senior Life Solutions (SLS) aims to address the unique mental health needs of older adults in our community by encouraging everyone to:

• Challenge Misconceptions: Mental health struggles are not a normal part of aging. They’re treatable, and with the right support, older adults can thrive.
• Share Stories: By sharing personal experiences, we can break down stigma and inspire others to seek help. Stories of resilience and recovery create a powerful ripple effect.
• Support Caregivers: Caregivers are essential to older adults’ well-being. This month, we’re highlighting tips and resources to help caregivers prioritize their own mental health.
• Foster Connection: Small actions, like checking in with a loved one or initiating a simple conversation, can make a big difference in someone’s day.

SLS Program Director Karmen Roland, RN, says “Mental health awareness is just the beginning. Turning awareness into action means recognizing the signs of mental health challenges, supporting caregivers, and ensuring older adults in our rural communities feel valued and connected. Together, we can build stronger, more supportive environments for everyone.”

Cass Health invites you to join us in honoring Mental Health Awareness Month by taking action:

• Learn about the signs of depression and anxiety in older adults.
• Reach out to a caregiver or older adult in your life.
• Explore the resources we offer to support mental well-being in our community.
• If you’re taking steps to improve your mental health but are still struggling or are not sure where to start on your mental health journey, we encourage you to connect with your healthcare provider or reach out to a member of our team today.

Senior Life Solutions is an outpatient program designed to meet the unique needs of older adults experiencing depression and/or anxiety related to life changes that are often associated with aging or a chronic diagnosis. If you or someone you know is struggling with a decline in their mental health, SLS is here to help. Whether through their program, or another service, the SLS team works to identify and address the emotional needs of those in our community and provide support.

For more information or if you or someone you know could benefit from this program, call Senior Life Solutions at 712-250-8100.

(Lewis, Iowa) – The warmer weather is giving people the itch to, get outside and have fun. The Cass County Conservation Department has several things you can do, to get back to nature. Naturalist Lora Kanning says their kayak and paddle-boarding programs this Memorial Day weekend, are one way you can get some fresh air and stay cool.

Paddle-boarding, she said, provides a core workout for your hips and thighs.

The Conservation Department will provide you with a life jacket for the 45-minutes you’ll be on the paddle-board, if you don’t have one. Since paddle-boarding is mostly done on calm water, if the wind is strong, the event may be canceled. Lora Kanning said registration for the paddle-boarding and kayak spots are done online, at mycountyparks.com. Kayaks are available in the sit-in or sit-on-top versions. The programs for both are designed to be introductory, for those who have never experienced paddle-boards or kayaks. Children must be 16-years-of-age or older, and paddlers must weight less than 250-pounds. For the kayaks, users must weigh less than 395-pounds.

Paddle Boarding

The Cass County Conservation Board is also hosting a “Movie in the Park” this Friday, and again the weekend of Labor Day, both at Cold Springs State Park.

The movie “Dog Man” is about when a dog and a police officer are injured together on the job, a life-saving surgery changes the course of history. Half dog, half man, Dog Man is sworn to protect and serve as he doggedly pursues his arch-nemesis: the feline supervillain Petey the Cat. The movies begin at dark, or generally around 9-p.m. You do not have to be a registered camper to attend the showing, and in the event of rain, the movie will be rescheduled.

For more information, call 712-769-2372.