(Radio Iowa) – The University of Iowa is debating whether to renew its lease on the Macbride Nature Recreation Area, which hosts thousands of students each year for wildlife camps, research projects and educational opportunities.

A special university committee estimates it would cost nearly $15 million to make upgrades to cell phone service and repave the roads. Connie Mutel is a writer and conservationist with previous ties to the university and thinks the estimated costs are overblown. “I don’t think that they need to spend large amounts of money to install that cell phone coverage and pay for it every year. And in terms of Wi-Fi coverage, I have no understanding why they feel that would be required,” Mutel says.

Mutel says she thinks the report exaggerated some of the costs. “The press for complete technological connections with that area kind of astounded me. Field biologists, field scientists, are used to doing research in remote locations –way more remote than anything in Iowa,” she says.

The report was submitted to university president Barbara Wilson, but the University has not said when a decision may be made..

(Radio Iowa) – A prayer service was held in Greenfield Wednesday afternoon to mark the minute it took for a powerful tornado to rip through the community. Four people were killed. Over 200 homes and about 30 businesses were destroyed or heavily damaged. Greenfield Chamber of Commerce director Stacie Eshelman says some people lost their business AND their home. “I think the mental toll of all of this is what’s the hardest to overcome,” she said. Eshelman’s house was among those hit.

“I still had some walls standing, but the east side of my house was completely destroyed and it was just enough damage that the rest of it had to be torn down,” Eshelman said. About 100 building permits for new homes have been filed in the year since the disaster. “We feel like that’s a great accomplishment, but at the same time we have a long way to go to be fully back to where we were,” Eshelman said, “and we already had a shortage.”

Greenfield’s hospital — the only hospital in Adair County — was critically damaged and patients were evacuated. The hospital reopened six months later. “We had just so many small businesses that had to completely rebuild everything that they had built over the years,” Eshelman says. Eshelman says rebuilding is only part of the recovery. “This is a little bigger than a lot of us have ever had to deal with,” Eshelman says. “…It was really important just to bring people to together so they could share what they’d been through, if they wanted to, and talk that out either with people who had had a similar experience or people that were maybe not in the area but were just absolutely there to support us and lift us up.”

None of the five churches in Greenfield were damaged by the tornado. “They really became the place where people could come together and get support,” Eshelman says, “and they’re still doing that a year later.” The Catholic church in Greenfield hosted a breakfast yesterday (Wednesday), the Lutheran church hosted a lunch and all the church bells in Greenfield were rung 60 times Wednesday afternoon to represent the 60 seconds it took for the tornado to pass through the community. That was followed by a moment of silence. “Just to remember the loss of the four people we lost in our community,” Eshelman said, “but also for the people that suffered so much that day.”

Wind speeds in the Greenfield tornado reached 185 miles an hour. It first touched down in Page County, then stayed on the ground for nearly 44 miles, causing an estimated 31 MILLION dollars in damage.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic City Council met this (Wednesday) and acted to pass (approve) several matters, including those pertaining to certain streets (as follows):

• Closing 6th Street between Poplar and Chestnut from 3:30-until 7-p.m. every Thursday, from June 5th through Sept. 25th, for “Produce in the Park” (PIP), at the downtown Atlantic City Park. Chestnut Street will NOT be closed for the events, except on August 7th, when a firetruck will hold water games for PIP from 4-until 6:45-p.m.; The Order also allows a “Produce in the Park” banner to be stretched above Chestnut Street from late May through mid-October.
• The Atlantic City Council passed by a majority vote, the second reading of an Ordinance for a proposed 4-way Stop Sign at 29th and Palm Streets. The 1st reading was passed by the Council during their meeting May 7th.
• The 2nd reading of an amended Ordinance which calls for No Parking on 10th Street from Locust to the east alley to the north side of the road, also passed.

However, the Second Reading of an Ordinance that would have reduced the speed limit on Chestnut Street from 29th to the southern City Limits, from 35-mph to 25-mph, was tabled, and sent back to the Community Protection Committee for further review and clarification. And, the Council failed to receive a Second on a motion to pass the Second reading of an amended Ordinance reducing the speed limit on 29th Street between Palm St. and the 700 block of W. 29th, from 50-mph to 35-mph. The matter therefore died, and did not move forward for a vote. They passed the Second Reading of an amended Ordinance which reduces the speed limit on 22nd St. between Palm and Chestnut, to 35-mph.

In other business, the Atlantic City Council decided to sent back to the Community Protection Committee for further review and recommendation, with regard to the use of fireworks, that’s because on Monday (May 19th), Governor Kim Reynolds signed into law Senate File 303, which prevents Iowa cities and counties from prohibiting or limiting the use of fireworks on July 3, 4 and Dec. 31.

The Council passed a Resolution authorizing the bid letting for 2025 concrete street improvement projects. City Engineer Dave Sturm said those projects include North Chestnut Street (State Street to the Schildberg parking lot, and State Street (from Locust to Chestnut).

Sturm explained in a little more detail what the project entails.

The Atlantic City Council approved setting June 4^th as the date for a public hearing and passage of an amended ordinance pertaining to City Elections.

(Guthrie Center, Iowa) –  Sheriff’s officials in Guthrie County, today (Wednesday) released information about a rollover accident that occurred last weekend. Authorities report 69-year-old Joan Anderson, of Guthrie Center, was driving a 2015 Ford Explorer SUV northbound on Maple Avenue at around 2:10-p.m. Saturday, when she turned the corner with 245th Street, too sharply.

The SUV’s passenger side front tire dipped into a deep washout, causing the vehicle to slowly roll over into the ditch. Anderson – who was wearing her seat belt – was extricated from the vehicle by non-mechanical means. She suffered suspected minor/non-incapacitating injuries, and was transported by Panora EMS to the Guthrie County Hospital.

The SUV sustained $15,000 damage, and was declared a total loss. No citations were issued.

(Radio Iowa) – A coalition of over 100 ag groups is expressing concern about a soon-to-be-released federal report on how chemicals and other factors may be contributing to rising levels of childhood diseases. The “Make America Healthy Again” or MAHA report will come from the agency lead by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., who said yesterday (Tuesday) there’s not a word in the draft he’s seen that should worry the American farmer. Scott Henry of Nevada, a fourth generation Iowa farmer, suggests that’s hard to believe because Kennedy has compared farmers to terrorists in the past.

“From my perspective, I hope that the people writing the report have actually come to a farm,” he says. Last year as a presidential candidate, Kennedy said toxic chemicals like glyphosate — the main ingredient in Roundup — are contaminating the U-S food supply. Henry says the impact of anti-agricultural activists like Kennedy could be severe if farmers are no longer allowed to use Roundup to control weeds. “We care about keeping our soils, our water and the staple food we create for the American consumer safe and affordable,” Henry said.

Henry says it’s scary that science may not drive future decision making about Roundup, which has been approved for use by the E-P-A for decades. Without Roundup, Henry and other farmers say yields will drop and costs will rise. “The biggest thing that I want to make clear today is that if the MAHA commission’s report drives future policy decisions, food prices will go up and instead of making America healthy again, we’ll making America hungry again.” Modern Ag Alliance executive director Elizabeth Burns-Thompson says while the report hasn’t been issued yet, the ag community wants to get their concerns about Kennedy on the record now.

“Frankly what he’s talked about not only through the campaign trail, but during his time as secretary continuing to draw attention and speculation around pesticides broadly and specifically certain chemistries,” Burns-Thompson said. In 2020, Kennedy said the company that makes Roundup is the enemy of every admirable American value. Yesterday (Tuesday), during a U-S Senate hearing, Kennedy said the Trump Administration will not do anything that would put farmers out of business.

The Make America Healthy Again report is due to be released tomorrow (Thursday). During an event last week, one of Kennedy’s top advisors said the report won’t forbid the use of farm chemicals, but many of the leading herbicides and pesticides used in the U-S have been phased out or banned in every other country in the world and the report will offer policies to solve the issue of toxins in the environment.

Atlantic, IA — Officials with Cass Health have announced that Physician Assistant Max Starlin is the newest recipient of the Cass Health Spirit of Volunteerism Award. This award was established to recognize the volunteer efforts of Cass Health employees in their communities.

Starlin and his wife Jordan have been members of Griswold Fire & Rescue for five years. He serves as a firefighter, and she serves as an EMT. Their commitment to Griswold Fire & Rescue includes monthly meetings, trainings, ongoing education, fundraising, and responding to calls.

Starlin received two separate nominations. The first stated, “His willingness to drop everything and assist during emergencies is a testament to his selflessness and courage. He inspires others through his work ethic and willingness to help, whether it’s during training sessions or in emergency calls.”

The second nominator wrote, “As if being a health care provider was not enough to take up most of Max’s days, he finds the time to give back to our community by protecting our homes and farms from fires and responding to search and rescue calls. They can be called out at any time for mutual aid to neighboring fire and rescue departments … and they undergo rescue training that includes responding to motor vehicle accidents, extrication, ice rescue, ropes and grain bins. Fires or accidents can result in tragic events, and only if something happens to us, a loved one or a neighbor do we think about how fortunate we are to have our fire and rescue departments and the people who volunteer their time to train and respond like Max Starlin.”

Starlin responded, “I don’t expect to be recognized as a volunteer. It’s nice, but I don’t do it for those reasons. I volunteer because I grew up in the Griswold community, and now it’s my turn to give back. Jordan and I talked about it for years, and we finally got to a point in our life a few years ago where we felt settled and like it was the right time for us to start into our training and volunteering,” said Starlin.

Max Starlin is the newest recipient of the Cass Health Spirit of Volunteerism Award

As to what he loves about his volunteer role, Starlin said, ”it’s the camaraderie. It’s a brotherhood/sisterhood where you make friends, and you form deep bonds, often with people that you never thought you would. You work in challenging situations and circumstances you would otherwise not be in, and it takes a lot of trust to work together. It’s really rewarding,” he said.

As part of the Spirit of Volunteerism Award, the winner receives a $250 check to donate to the non-profit organization of their choosing. Starlin chose Griswold Fire & Rescue and presented the check to Fire Chief JC Wyman at their May meeting.

DES MOINES – Officials with the Iowa Department of Corrections said today (Wednesday), 27-year-old Dyrrel Malik Thornton-Culbertson, who was convicted of Burglary 3rd Degree, Robbery 2nd Degree, Habitual Offender (Property), and Conspiracy/Commit Forcible Felony in Union County, failed to report back to the Fort Des Moines Re-Entry Facility as required on Tuesday, May 20.

Thornton-Culbertson is a 6-foot 2-inch tall, 192-pound Black male. He was admitted to the work release facility on Feb. 7, 2025. Persons with information on Thornton-Culbertson’s whereabouts should contact local police.

Dyrrel Malik Thornton-Culbertson

For more information on the state’s work release program, please see Iowa Code 904.901-904.910.

JOHNSTON, Iowa (May 16, 2025) – The Iowa National Guard will host a statewide Command Retreat on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at Camp Dodge, bringing together leaders from across the state to honor Memorial Day, recognize exceptional service members, and celebrate two major milestones: the 250th Birthday of the United States Army and the 40th Anniversary of the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum.

The retreat will include formal remarks from Major General Stephen Osborn, the Adjutant General of Iowa, and other senior military leaders. The ceremony will provide a moment of reflection and unity, honoring the values of service, sacrifice,
and leadership that define the Guard’s mission.

In addition to recognizing top-performing service members from the past year, the event will commemorate the U.S. Army’s 250 years of service to the nation. This significant milestone celebrates the Army’s enduring legacy and reaffirms the Iowa
Army National Guard’s commitment to protecting both state and country.

Following the Command Retreat, the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum will host a 40th Anniversary Open House from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. in the Education Center. Free and open to the public, the open house will feature:

• Living History Detachment members in period uniforms from the Revolutionary War through present day
• Guided tours and access to extensive exhibit galleries chronicling Iowa’s military heritage from 1803 to today
• Opportunities to engage with museum staff, volunteers, and board members
• Complimentary refreshments

Visitor Information:
All guests should enter Camp Dodge through the main gate located at 7105 NW 70th Avenue, Johnston, Iowa. A valid photo ID is required for individuals 16 years and older.

(Glenwood, Iowa) – Officials with the Glenwood Police Department report the arrest on Tuesday (May 20), of 34-year-old  Katie Christie, of Glenwood. Christie was arrested on a Mills County Warrant. She posted bond and was released.