(Radio Iowa) – A Democrat has won Tuesday’s special election for a seat the Iowa Senate. Unofficial results show West Des Moines City Councilman Renee Hardman won with 73 percent of the vote. She will be the first black woman to serve in the Iowa Senate. The seat had been vacant since State Senator Claire Celsi’s death in October.

Senate Democratic Leader Janice Weiner notes this is the third special election this year for a state senate seat and Democrats have won all three. She says that shows Iowa voters want change.

Iowa G-O-P chairman Jeff Kaufmann says Tuesday’s election was in a very tough district for Republicans and the party is focused expanding the Republican majorities in the state legislature next year.

There will be 17 Democrats and 33 Republicans serving in the Iowa Senate in January — one vote short of a G-O-P supermajority. It means Republicans will need at least one Democrat to vote to confirm any people Governor Reynolds nominates for state government positions.

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Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart released the following statement regarding tonight’s State Senate District 16 special election results: “Renee Hardman crafted a well-run grassroots campaign focused on affordability, and Democrats across Iowa worked tirelessly to end 2025 with another 40-point victory to prevent a new Republican supermajority. Hardman has been a valued West Des Moines City Councilmember – working to cut taxes and improve public safety. She is ready to step up to take on an even larger role for our state.  Democrats will continue to focus on affordability, common sense, and a new direction for our state. With candidates committed to their communities like Renee, Democrats are offering a new direction for Iowa in 2026!”

(Atlantic, IA) – The Board of Supervisors in Cass County (IA) will hold their annual organizational meeting this Friday morning, in Atlantic. The meeting begins at 9-a.m. in the Supervisor’s Board Room at the Cass County Courthouse.

Among their first items of business, is to elect a permanent Chairperson and Vice-Chair, setting the schedule for 2026 Board meetings and the use of Zoom for electronic coverage of those meetings.

Other administrative matters include:

• Naming the official county newspapers
• Set mileage reimbursement rate
• Set medical examiner fees
• Set 2026 Holidays the Courthouse will be closed
• Set Christmas Eve hours for employees not covered by bargaining agreements
• Approve the County’s Investment Policy
• Authorize county officials to destroy records in their possession which have been on file for 10 or
  more years and are not required as permanent records
• Approve Resolution 2026-01, Livestock Facility Construction Evaluation and use of the Master Matrix
• Approve Resolution 2026-02, Authorization of County Auditor to Issue Warrants
• Approve Resolution 2026-03, Authorization for County Engineer to Close Secondary Roads
• Appointments to County Property and Employee Committees:
  • Cass County Farm
  • Courthouse Committee
  • Law Enforcement Negotiations
  • Secondary Roads Negotiations
  • Safety Committee
  • Wellness Committee
• Appointments to Cass County Committees:
  • Board of Health
  • Civil Service Commission
  • EMS (Emergency Medical Services) Advisory Council
  • Eminent Domain Compensation Commission
  • Cass County Environmental Control Agency (Landfill)
  • Conservation Board
  • E911 Services Board
  • Emergency Management Agency Commission
  • Environmental Control Agency (Landfill/Transfer Station)
  • Housing Commission
  • Local Food Policy Council
  • Medical Examiner, Deputies and Investigators
  • Public Safety Commission
  • Resource Enhancement Committee (REAP)
  • Cass County Tourism
  • Weed Commissioner
  • Zoning Board of Adjustment
  • Zoning Commission
• Appointments to Local and Regional Committees:
  • Airport Tall Structure Zoning Board of Adjustment
  • CADCO
  • East Nishnabotna Watershed Management Coalition
  • Fourth Judicial District Department of Correctional Services
  • Golden Hills R.C. & D.
  • Hungry Canyons Alliance (Rural Conservation and Development)
  • Juvenile Detention Center and Emergency Juvenile Services
  • Loess Hills Development and Conservation Authority
  • Nishna Valley Trails
  • Southern Iowa Regional Housing Authority (SIRHA)
  • Southlawn Memory Gardens
  • Southwest Iowa Coalition
  • SWIPCO Policy Council (includes SWITA)
  • SWIPCO Regional Planning Affiliation (RPA 13) Policy Committee
  • Thriving Families Alliance
  • West Central Community Action
  • Western Iowa Tourism
  • Zion Integrated Behavioral Health Services
• Appoint Weed Commissioner for 2026
• Discuss/Approve joining the National Association of Counties (NACo) in 2026
• Discuss/Approve the Iowa Department of Administrative Services lease of 601 Walnut Street
• Approve a letter of support for Cass Health’s grant application for a PET CT machine
• Report from Cass County Engineer Trent Wolken
• Reports of Supervisors and Committees
• Approve claims
• Adjournment

The order of agenda items may change based on when personnel are available and when time allows.

Next Meeting: Tuesday, January 20, 2026

(Corning, IA) – The Adams County Sheriff’s Office reports the arrest last week of 44-year-old Adriane Contreras, of Lamoni. He was taken into custody at around 2:26-a.m. on Dec. 24th, following a traffic stop at Highway 34 and Mulberry Avenue. Contreras was charged with OWI/1st offense, Possession of a Controlled Substance (both Serious Misdemeanors), and a Class-D Felony charge of Possession of Contraband within a Correctional Facility. He posted a $2,500 cash or surety bond – with 10% acceptable – and is scheduled to appear in court for a Preliminary Hearing on January 5th.

And, on Christmas Day, 45-year-old Raul Rangel, of Creston, was arrested on an active Adams County warrant for Failure To Appear on an original charge of Driving While Barred. He posted a $2,000 cash-only bond, and is set to appear in court on January 6th.

(Radio Iowa) – If you’ll be making a New Year’s resolution tomorrow (Wednesday) night, you may need to genuinely focus on making the change in order to keep the pledge. Alison Phillips, a psychology professor at Iowa State University, says our approach to making resolutions usually sets us up for failure.

“I’ve seen two different statistics, one is that 80% of resolutions fail by the second week in February,” Phillips says. “The other is a bit less depressing and that’s 40% of us are still hanging on after four months. Either way, long-term efforts at changing our behavior generally fail.” Phillips, who studies behavior change and habit formation, says to focus on how to make changes that will lead to creating a better version of yourself.

“This is important because behaviors that do stick around are those that become part of our self-identity, it’s how we see ourselves,” Phillips says. “They’re usually things that we’re proud of, that we’re good at, and they make us feel like we’re competent at something.” Zero in on things you can become good at and that you see yourself doing and take pride in, she says, as those are the kinds of things people won’t give up on.

“Habits form as you repeat them in a stable context,” Phillips says. “Pick a time that’s pretty regular that you could do it and that will help you form a habit more quickly. Also, pick something that you relatively enjoy. You might not like exercise at all but pick something that you hate the least and that you would be proud of yourself to do.” If better physical fitness is your target, Phillips says it’s important to aim for specific goals that focus on behavior and not on certain outcomes, like a number on the scale.

“If you prefer bicycling to running, by all means, go for the bike,” Phillips says, “even if it’s in the gym and the stationary bike isn’t awesome, maybe try a spin class until the weather is nicer.” Everyone fails, she says, so plan ahead and rehearse how you will cope when you run into barriers. Also, social support is important, so in addition to having a workout buddy, make sure your family is on board, too, and will encourage you as you create new, positive habits.

(Radio Iowa) – The woman who has led the state’s economic development efforts for the past 14 years says she will stay in the role until Governor Kim Reynolds leaves office on January 12th of 2027. Iowa Economic Development Authority Director Debi Durham is drawing up a to-list for the next 13 months.  “Of course when you work with Governor Reynolds, you know that we’re going to all run to the finish line,” Durham said. Durham intends to spend a lot of time on the road.

“And start telling our story to site selectors and others to say: ‘We’re here. We’re ready for development,'” Durham said, “and that’s where I’m going to kind of focus my time this next year, is beginning to get that story out in a little broader context.” Durham had been president of the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce for 17 years when Governor Terry Branstad appointed her to lead the Iowa Department of Economic Development in 2011. She oversaw its conversion to a public-private partnership and renamed as the Iowa Economic Development Authority. Reynolds appointed her to two more terms in the role and no other current state agency director has been in the job longer than Durham. Durham also been director of the Iowa Finance Authority since 2019.

Reynolds fired the Iowa Finance Authority’s director after he was accused of sexual misconduct and Durham to lead the agency, which provides grants and financing for first time homebuyers as well as for housing projects and drinking water systems.

DES MOINES, Iowa [KCCI] — Iowa is expected to see under 300 fatalities from car crashes in 2025 — the lowest number of deaths in a century. According to ISP Sgt. Alex Dinkla, if the number of fatalities on Iowa’s roads are less than 261 through the end of this year, it will be the lowest number ever recorded in state history. The State began keeping statistics in 1925.

As of Monday, 259 Iowans had died this year from crashes. That’s down from 344 in 2024, 375 in 2023, and 334 in 2022. In 1970, there were a record 912 fatal crashes in Iowa. The decline in deaths since then, have been attributed to much improved vehicle safety features, such as crumple zones and air bags. In-vehicle technology that alerts a driver to lane departure is another safety feature.

In addition to vehicle improvements, officials say the Iowa DOT is always looking to improve roadways and address some of the biggest causes behind crashes, by adding edge and center line rumble strips to alert drivers their vehicle is drifting out of the lane of travel. Signage and road markings are being upgraded, too. Paint markings are being widened from 4-to 6-inches for better visibility. The DOT says work is also being done to make intersections safer, such as changing them to roundabouts or diverging diamonds.

The laws surrounding driving in Iowa have changed significantly over the last century. Wearing a seat belt and increasing the drinking age to 21 became law in 1986. Iowa’s Move Over law expanded to require pulling over and slowing down for all vehicles with flashing lights in 2018.

As we’ve mentioned, Hands-free legislation, which makes it illegal for drivers to manipulate electronic devices like phones with more than a single touch while driving, took effect in July. Starting Jan. 1, law enforcement will be able to issue tickets and fines for drivers caught using their phones.

But even with all of these changes, officials say there’s still room for improvement, whether it comes in the form of changing interchanges or writing tickets.

GRIMES, Iowa – Dec. 30, 2025 – If you drive on Interstate 80/I-35 between the Southwest Mixmaster and Iowa 141 you need to be aware of overnight road closures that may slow down your trip, according to the Iowa Department of Transportation’s Grimes Construction office. Northbound I-80/I-35 will be closed to traffic from 10 p.m. until 4 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 4, Monday, Jan. 5 and Tuesday, Jan. 6, weather permitting. The University Avenue on-ramp will open on the morning of Tuesday, Jan. 6. When I-80/I-35 is closed, you will follow a marked detour route that uses I-235, 100th Street, NW Urbandale Drive, and I-80/I-35.

The Iowa DOT reminds motorists to drive with caution, obey the posted speed limit and other signs in the work area, and be aware that traffic fines for moving violations are at least double in work zones. As in all work zones, drivers should stay alert, allow ample space between vehicles, and wear seat belts.

The latest traveler information is available anytime through the 511 system. Visit 511ia.org; call 511 (within Iowa) or 800-288-1047 (nationwide).

(Adel, IA) – The Dallas County Sheriff’s Office reports a woman from Casey was arrested Sunday on assault, and other charges. Authorities say 65-year-old Rhonda Jo Miller was arrested for: Assault On Persons In Certain occupations; Interference With Official Acts; Possession Of Controlled Substance-Marijuana; Possession Of Controlled Substance-Methamphetamine; Possession Of Drug Paraphernalia, and Operating While Under The Influence. Her total bond was set at $9,600.

Rhonda Jo Miller (Dallas County Jail photo)

Miller’s preliminary hearing is set for January 7, 2026.

(Des Moines, IA – Iowa DNR) – Iowa state parks and forests invite you to join in on a First Day Hike.  More than 40 locations are offering either a guided hike with park staff or a suggested hike to explore on your own.  Kick off the new year outdoors, surrounded by the quiet beauty of nature in winter, and experience spectacular views, beautiful settings and the cultural treasures offered by Iowa’s state parks and forests.

Locally, First Day Hikes are being held at:

• Lake Anita State Park (Anita): Hikes ranging from 1/3 of a mile to 4 3/8 miles are available. We will start at the east end of the beach parking lot. We will start out as a group and split up depending on how long everyone wants to walk. Friends of Lake Anita will provide snacks and drinks.
• Prairie Rose State Park (Harlan): Hike the 2-mile grass path around the east side of Prairie Rose Lake. The hike is pretty easy, with just a couple of hills. The Friends of Prairie Rose State Park usually provides hot cocoa and popcorn following the hike.
• Spring Brook State Park (Guthrie Center): Celebrate 100 Years of Springbrook State Park. Join park staff for a 2-mile hike to the highest point in the park, stopping at geologically and historically significant sites along the way and looking for signs of wildlife activity. Warm up with hot chocolate and cookies afterwards! Please dress for weather. There may be areas with ice or snow on trails.
• Waubonsie State Park (Hamburg): Noon – shelter open for potluck/refreshments. Hike starts at 1:00 PM; Meeting Location:Wa-Shawtee Lodge; The Hike will be approximately two miles long on a moderate route through the woods and prairies of Waubonsie State Park and nearby Wildlife Management areas.  Park staff will select a route that best fits weather and snowpack conditions during the week of the hike.  Wildlife viewing and landscape overlooks are abundant on our hikes.  The Friends of Waubonsie will serve lunch from noon through the beginning of the hike, and Wa-Shawtee Lodge will remain open for an hour after the hike for participants to warm up. The trails are mostly compacted dirt, with some intermittent steep sections and rolling terrain.

Find a First Day Hike near you!

(Des Moines, IA) – Dec. 30, 2025 – Iowa farmers and other private landowners invested millions in conservation practices to help treat natural resource issues on their lands last year, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Officials with the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service said Monday, through four major Farm Bill conservation programs offered in Iowa, the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), and Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), Iowa farmers contracted with NRCS to address natural resource concerns such as soil erosion and water quality on about 258,000 private land acres in fiscal year 2025 (FY25).

Overall, NRCS obligated $75.3 million in conservation practice funding to Iowa farmers in FY25 through 1,337 Farm Bill program contracts. Farmers and other USDA customers can sign up for Farm Bill conservation programs on a continuous basis, and most are funded through three- to five-year contracts.

State Conservationist Jon Hubbert says Iowa farmers, contractors, agribusiness companies, and state and local government agencies should be congratulated for the work they accomplished alongside NRCS in 2025. “Iowa is unique in the way we partner with so many others to implement conservation plans, practices and programs,” he said. “It’s great to see the continued interest in conservation here in Iowa. Working together with Iowa landowners, we can help them meet their conservation goals.”

The most popular conservation practices in Iowa, by number of contracts with Iowa NRCS throughout 2025, include:

• Grazing Management
• Cover Crop
• Fence (to support grazing management)
• Brush Management
• Watering Facility (to support grazing management)

Program Breakdown

ACEP: NRCS helps landowners, land trusts, and other entities protect, restore, and enhance wetlands, grasslands, and working farms through conservation easements. During FY25, NRCS obligated about $6.9 million through three new easements that will cover 523 acres. Included in ACEP funding is more than $1 million in stewardship activities on existing easements, which could include prescribed burns, tree removal, or controlling invasive species. There are 1,722 federally funded easements in Iowa across 197,000 acres.

CSP: Through CSP, NRCS helps farmers build a customized plan to meet their conservation goals and needs. Iowa NRCS obligated $21 million through new and renewed CSP contracts during the past year to 320 landowners who signed five-year contracts, covering about 142,000 acres.

Statewide leaders in CSP:

• Jackson County led the state for the third consecutive year with 30 new and renewed CSP contracts, totaling 6,878 acres, with an obligation of nearly $1.5 million.
• Jones County was next with 24 contracts, covering 17,467 acres and an obligation of $2.6 million.
• Winneshiek County had the third most CSP contracts with 22, covering 6,638 acres, obligating more than $1 million.

EQIP: Iowa NRCS contracted about 43 percent of new federal conservation funding through EQIP – a voluntary program that promotes agricultural production and environmental quality, where farmers can choose from a conservation list developed at the county level to treat local resource issues. Through EQIP, NRCS obligated $32.2 million covering 65,658 acres through 467 contracts.

Statewide leaders in EQIP:

• Lucas County led the state with 18 new EQIP contracts that will help treat resource concerns on 2,553 acres at an obligation of nearly $1.4 million.
• Wapello County was second in Iowa with 16 contracts that will cover 5,450 acres for total obligation of nearly $1.7 million.
• Wayne County had the third most EQIP contracts with 15, covering 2,541 acres, obligating $708,978.

Statewide EQIP highlights:

• Through the Mississippi River Basin Healthy Watersheds Initiative (MRBI), Iowa NRCS obligated more than $4.6 million, covering 15,840 acres through 50 new contracts. The goal of MRBI is for landowners to adopt practices that will minimize the contributions of nitrogen and phosphorus to surface waters within the Mississippi River basin.
• Iowa NRCS obligated more than $5 million through 276 program contracts, covering about 10,500 acres, to fund wildlife habitat practices statewide. Some of the practices include conservation cover, brush management, tree/shrub establishment, wetland restoration, and wildlife habitat planting.
• Through the National Water Quality Initiative (NWQI), Iowa NRCS obligated nearly $1.5 million through 19 contracts covering 3,658 acres. Through NWQI, NRCS provides targeted funding to treat water quality problems in small watersheds.

RCPP: Iowa NRCS provided more than $15 million to Iowans in 2025 through RCPP projects that will treat resource concerns on more than 50,000 acres. NRCS assisted producers through 13 partnership agreements and 547 contracts. For the four RCPP Alternative Funding Arrangement (AFA) projects, a conservation partner directed the project, taking the lead in conservation planning and contracting.

Disaster Recovery

NRCS also helped several Iowa communities recover from recent flooding and damaging high winds through with assistance through the Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program. NRCS funding exceeded $1.4 million to assist the Cities of Pleasant Hill, Johnston, and Spencer, and Polk and Webster Counties by helping with debris clearing and removal and stream bank protection.

For more information, please visit nrcs.usda.gov or contact your local USDA Service Center. Detailed Iowa NRCS program results and information are available at https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/sites/default/files/2025-12/2025At-A-Glance.pdf or https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/resources/data-and-reports/rca-data-viewer.