(Radio Iowa) – D-O-T director Scott Marler told the Transportation Commission today (Tuesday) that traffic deaths are down so far this year. “Just yesterday we were we were about 11 below our five-year average,” Marler says. There were 132 traffic deaths through today (Tuesday). Marler says there were several deaths during the recent holiday.

“Tragically, we saw over the 4th holiday, we saw five fatalities in total over the holiday weekend,” Marler says. The new hands-free phone law went into effect on July 1st and Marler says that should help bring down traffic deaths. “We believe that this law will have a direct effect,” he says.

There have been more than 300 traffic deaths in the state in each of the last five years, with 2023 seeing the most in that period at 379. There 356 traffic deaths last year.

(Radio Iowa) – State officials are considering paying a private company to provide health care services in Iowa prisons. The agency has been facing staffing shortages, but a top administrator in the Iowa Department of Corrections said no final decisions have been made.

Todd Copley is president of AFSCME Council 61, the union that represents prison employees, including nurses and other health care workers. “The employees are already underpaid for what they do, what their expectations are,” Copley said. “Now a private company is going to come in, give them the first opportunity to apply for these jobs that are now going to be open, but at even lesser wage than what they’re already making.”

There are currently openings at the state prison in Newton for a nursing unit coordinator and a registered nurse

Copley said he’s been fielding lots of calls from prison workers. “They have every reason to be concerned,” Copley said.”Anytime the state says we’re just exploring options means that your job is on the line.”

The state employs nurses, dental hygienists, psychiatrists and other medical professionals to provide care for prison inmates. Paul Cornelius, chief of staff for the Iowa Department of Corrections, said in a written statement that “no immediate changes are planned for staff or services.” Cornelius said “seeking bids from private companies that would provide health care to inmates will help officials evaluate how to best meet long-term healthcare needs while continuing to provide high-quality care.”

The agency’s website currently lists job openings in state prisons for nine nurses, a P.A. and a physical therapist in state prisons.

(Reporting by Katarina Sostaric, Iowa Public Radio; additional reporting by Radio Iowa’s O. Kay Henderson)

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking informal comments on administrative rules related to game harvest reporting and landowner tenant registration. Executive Order 10 (EO10), signed by Governor Reynolds on January 10, 2023, requires all state agencies to identify which administrative rule chapters will be retained or rescinded. The EO10 process includes public engagement with the opportunity for input.

The Iowa DNR has reviewed chapter 571 Iowa Administrative Code (IAC) Chapter 95 (Game Harvest Reporting and Landowner-Tenant Registration). Based on the review, DNR has revised this chapter to modernize processes and improve clarity to customers on methods to report harvests. The public is invited to provide informal comments on the proposed rule changes. DNR will accept written comments through July 15, 2025. Written comments regarding the proposed rules should be submitted to: denise.roberg@dnr.iowa.gov. Comments should be made to specific portions of the rule.

After receiving and reviewing informal comments, the DNR will create a draft Regulatory Analysis and draft Notice of Intended Action.

Drafts of the rules, including a “clean” copy and a version showing revisions, can be found on the DNR webpage: www.iowadnr.gov/eo10.

(Johnston, Iowa) – Officials with the Iowa National Guard, today (Tuesday) announced the death of one of their soldiers. 19-year-old Specialist Marin Michael Rose, of Fort Madison, died July 2nd, 2025, following a traffic accident in rural Mt. Pleasant.

The Guard says “SPC Rose was a dedicated Soldier serving as a transportation driver with the 1133rd Transportation Company, Detachment 1, based in Iowa City. He joined the Iowa Army National Guard in 2023 and quickly became a beloved member of his unit, known for his work ethic, positive attitude, and deep commitment to his fellow Soldiers. Born on January 24, 2006, in Fort Madison, Marin was a 2024 graduate of Fort Madison High School where he played basketball and football and enthusiastically supported his friends in their activities. He was an avid Miami Dolphins and Iowa Hawkeyes fan, a passionate weather-watcher, and loved spending time with family, gaming, golfing, and going on long drives.”

Specialist Marin Michael Rose (IANG photo)

At the time of his passing, Marin was also a student at Southeastern Community College, continuing to pursue his dreams while serving his state and nation. “SPC Rose is survived by his parents, Greg Rose and Vickie Kautzky; siblings Austin, Nathan, Ryen, Bentley, and Emma; his girlfriend, Gracie Blind; and a large extended family of grandparents, nieces, nephews, and friends who cherished him dearly. He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, a stepsister, and his loyal German Shepherd, Rocky.”

Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 10, 2025, from 3:00–6:00 PM at King-Lynk Funeral Home & Crematory in Fort Madison. Funeral services will follow at 6:00 PM, officiated by Rev. Chad Savage. Military honors will be rendered by the Iowa Army Honor Guard.

The Iowa National Guard extends its deepest condolences to SPC Rose’s family, friends, and fellow Soldiers. We honor his life, his service, and his lasting impact on those who knew him. A memorial has been established in Marin’s name, and online condolences may be shared at www.kinglynk.com.

(Iowa DNR News) -Iowa’s 2024 estimated pheasant harvest was the second highest in nearly two decades, coming in at more than 460,000 roosters last fall, surpassed only by the 2023 harvest of 590,000. This is the best back to back pheasant harvest years since 2007. Only South Dakota had more pheasants harvested last year. The 2024 August pheasant survey showed a population decline of 14 percent from 2023, likely due to ill-timed spring flooding across northwestern Iowa. “The roadside counts were confirmed in the small game harvest hunter survey, but overall we had a really good fall and are looking forward to this year’s August roadside survey to see where the bird numbers are ahead of the 2025 season,” said Todd Bogenschutz, upland wildlife biologist with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

The statewide August roadside survey is conducted by Iowa DNR staff between Aug. 1-15, who drive 225, 30-mile routes on gravel roads at dawn on mornings with heavy dew. Hen pheasants will move their broods to the edge of the gravel road to dry off before they begin feeding, which makes them easier to count. Bogenschutz estimated more than 77,400 hunters pursued pheasants in Iowa last fall, down from 83,600 in 2023. Iowa’s quail hunters harvested 27,500 birds or 2,700 fewer than last year. Iowa’s rabbit and squirrel harvest both increased over 2023; rabbits by 13 percent to an estimated 77,000, squirrels by 32 percent, to more than 124,300. Iowa mourning dove hunters harvested an estimated 143,000 doves, down from the 195,000 in 2023.

A century of pheasant hunting

The Iowa DNR and Pheasants Forever are celebrating 100 years of pheasant hunting in the Hawkeye State. The first season was held Oct. 20-22, 1925, when 13 counties in north central Iowa were opened to pheasant hunting. Hunters were allowed a three-rooster limit, for a half-day of hunting. An estimated 75,000 hunters participated. Hunters can commemorate the 100^th anniversary by purchasing a hard card featuring Iowa Pheasants Forever Print of the Year when they purchase their 2025 hunting and fishing licenses.

Information on places to hunt, the August roadside survey results and more is available online by clicking the 100 Years of Pheasant Hunting link at www.iowadnr.gov/pheasantsurvey.

(Radio Iowa) – The Iowa Department of Transportation is using a high-tech truck to patch potholes on busy interstates. Highway Division Administrator Tony Gustafson tells the Transportation Commission the truck allows one person to safely do the job. “Normally when we do patching, it’s at least a two person operation and our employees are out on the pavement exposed to the environment. Here this is a controlled environment in the cab of a truck,” he says. Gustafson says the Dura Patch truck is like a rolling video game.

The DOT Dura Patch truck filling a pothole. (DOT photo)

“It’s just that one person with a joystick that controls everything on just one joystick,” he says. “There’s like half a dozen buttons on the joystick where they can control all the setting out of the emulsion, putting out the rock chips and covering it to protect it, protect traffic from the emulsion. So it’s all one operation, so it’s really slick.” Gustafson says they plan to eventually purchase two more trucks. ” The cost of this patching truck was just over 300-thousand dollars, so it’s equivalent to a fully decked out snowplow,” he says This truck has been operating on the interstate roadways in District 4, which is in the southwest corner of the state.

Gustafson says it has been a hit with employees. “They really enjoy the dura patcher, there’s nothing but positive comments, they can fill the holes twice as fast with less people,” he says. Gustafson says the two new trucks would operate in District 1 in central Iowa, and District 5 in southeast Iowa.

(Glenwood, Iowa) – Police in Glenwood report two people were arrested recently on drug charges. 27-year-old Halee Forbey, of Council Bluffs, was arrested Sunday for: OWI 1st; 2 counts of Possession of a controlled substance; Possession of a dangerous weapon and possession Drug paraphernalia. Bond was set at $4,300.

And, on July 7th, 43-year-old Jamie Opalia, of Glenwood, was arrested for: Violation of a controlled substance; Gathering; Keeping premises for controlled substances; Possession of a controlled substance; Methamphetamine; possession of a controlled substance/Marijuana, and possession of Drug paraphernalia. Bond was set at $19,300.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – Cass County’s next Mobile Food Pantry distribution will take place on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, with two locations available:

• Atlantic – Cass County Fairgrounds (1000 Fair Ave.), from 4-until 6-p.m.
• Massena – East side of Massena’s City Park, from 4:30-until 5-p.m.

Mobile food pantries are hosted by community partners across Cass County to help meet the needs of local residents. These traveling pantries provide a one-day food distribution directly to families. The service is free of charge, open to anyone in need, and requires no documentation. Each vehicle may pick up food for up to two households.

Special Announcement: The Healthy Kids Iowa program will be present at the Atlantic Mobile Pantry on July 9 to provide additional food assistance for families with children, helping to support kids’ nutrition during the summer months. To participate in this program, go through the regular mobile pantry line first.

People from surrounding towns and communities are welcome and encouraged to attend. For more information, contact Grace McAfee, Community Wellness Coordinator, at (712) 250-8170 or mcage@casshealth.org.

Upcoming Mobile Pantries:

Atlantic 2025 Mobile Food Pantries
Where: Cass County Fairgrounds (1000 Fair Ave., Atlantic, IA 50022)
2025 Dates: July 9, September 10, October 8
Time: 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Anita 2025 Mobile Food Pantries
Where: Anita Food Pantry (208 Chestnut St. Anita, IA 50020)
2025 Dates: July 16, October 15
Time: 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm

Griswold 2025 Mobile Food Pantries
Where: Central Church of Christ (51 Harrison St. Griswold, IA 51535)
2025 Dates: August 2 (Healthy Kids Iowa)
Time: 10:00 am – 11:30 am

Massena 2025 Mobile Food Pantries
Where: East Side of Massena’s City Park
2025 Dates: July 9, September 10, October 8
Time: 4:30 pm – 5:00 pm

(Iowa Capital Dispatch) – The University of Northern Iowa will begin offering in-state tuition to students from Iowa’s six border states this fall, with the university’s foundation finding seed money for the program after Gov. Kim Reynolds removed its funding from the proposed state budget. The Cedar Falls university announced the launch of its Neighboring State Rate Tuesday (July 8) — a plan that will allow new students from Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wisconsin to pay greatly reduced tuition compared to their out-of-state peers. Tuition for these students, pending Iowa Board of Regents approval at the end of the month, will be set at $10,201 for the fall — a rate matching the one approved for in-state, undergraduate students.

“This is an exciting development for students and their families across the region,” UNI President Mark Nook said in a statement. “We anticipate that UNI’s Neighboring State Rate will attract even more talented students to our campus to take advantage of the wide variety of academic programs we offer, at an even more affordable price. Funding to the tune of $1.5 million for the new tuition rate program was included in education appropriations legislation passed this spring, but Reynolds line-item vetoed the allocation before signing the bill into law. In her veto letter, Reynolds cited questions about how current students would fall under the tuition change and the “expectation of ongoing funding” as reasons for striking out the appropriation. UNI originally requested $3 million in one-time funding for the program, she said in the letter, but later changed the ask to $1.5 million with the hope of future state funding.

(Photo by Brooklyn Draisey/Iowa Capital Dispatch)

University spokesperson Pete Moris said in an interview the UNI Foundation, the university’s fundraising branch, will provide $1.5 million to start the program this year, filling the gap left by lowered tuition rates. Students will pay around $12,000 less annually through the new tuition program than they would with traditional nonresident rates, he said. After the veto, Moris said university staff and leadership believed the program should still get started as soon as possible, as it will take longer than the month and some change before school starts to see its full impact. “We really need a full recruiting cycle to put this into play and to start spreading that message into those six states and getting the word out,” Moris said.

There are currently 467 students attending UNI from Iowa’s contiguous states, Moris said, with almost 75% of the group hailing from Illinois or Minnesota. South Dakota has the smallest representation of the group, with only six students. South Dakota has a statewide nonresident tuition program of its own with 10 states, Iowa included. Nonresident undergraduate students who don’t qualify for the UNI program will pay $22,359 for the 2025-2026 academic year, a 3% increase from last year. This rate, as well as rates for all other groups of students at UNI, are the lowest in the state for public universities.

“We really think that this is something that’s going to be a benefit from the state of Iowa in terms of attracting new folks to the state to help meet some of our workforce needs, but also for UNI,” Moris said. “The students from different places we have adds to the vibrancy of our campus and the experience for our students.”

(Red Oak, Iowa) – The Montgomery County Board of Supervisors held their regular weekly meeting this (Tuesday) morning, at the courthouse in Red Oak. During the short session, County Engineer Karen Albert provided the Board with her regular, Secondary Roads Department report.

In other, regular business, the Board approved: claims payable for July 9th (in an amount slightly more than $586,017); the Sheriff’s report of fees for June 30th ($4,668.59); the Recorder’s report of fees ($17,425.35); and, the Treasurer’s semi-annual ending fund balance for June 30, 2025, of slightly more than $12,460,558.

MC BOS mtg 7-8-25

During their next regular meeting, on July 15th, the Montgomery County Supervisors are expected to discuss bids for the G Avenue culvert project, and set the date for a Fiscal Year 26 Budget Amendment, among other matters.