(Greenfield, Iowa) – The Adair County Board of Supervisors will hold a Special Session 1-p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7th, to consider a request for an Administrative Recount of Precinct 5GF, following Tuesday’s General Election. The request will be presented by Adair County Auditor Mandy Berg.

In a social media post, the Auditor’s Office explained, “We had a successful election with one minor hiccup….We had one issue at our Greenfield precinct, 5GF, with a ballot jam in the tabulator. Our precinct election official and the voter noticed immediately that the ballot was not successfully cast and that our tabulator count did not increase, due to the jam. The precinct followed their backup procedures and our office was notified immediately.

“Auditor Berg was able to verify that the count on the precinct tabulator did not include the one voter’s ballot. This was re-verified at the end of the night because of the checks and balances we have in place, showing that 414 ballots were counted and 415 ballots cast. As a result, we will be requesting an administrative recount for that precinct ensuring that the final results include all voted ballots.”

Following the request, Thursday, the Board will act on approving or denying the recount, as explained.

DES MOINES) – The Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) Board of Directors today (Wednesday) awarded a total of $554,596 to a total of ten Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) providers in Cedar Rapids, Council Bluffs, Des Moines, Davenport, Iowa City and Waterloo.  The Operating Deficit Relief Grant to Council Bluffs amounts to $50,000 for New Visions Homeless Services.

PSH is an evidence-based, minimal-barrier housing intervention for persons experiencing homelessness designed to support individuals with complex, multi-occurring conditions. Qualifying households are provided permanent affordable housing with access to case management and support services. It not only improves the housing stability and overall quality of life of Iowans but also generates significant savings for public systems, reducing costs associated with emergency room visits, incarcerations and health care services.

The IFA Board of Directors created the Iowa PSH Fund for the purpose of supporting the operational stability of Iowa’s nonprofit PSH providers, helping to ensure the housing stability of the individuals and families served in those rental units and reducing their risk of returning to homelessness.

“Permanent Supportive Housing has demonstrated long-term benefits in housing stability, employment, mental and physical health and school attendance,” said IFA Director Debi Durham. “By investing in the operational needs of our PSH providers, we are not only investing in the well-being of Iowans, but also strengthening our communities.” 

The Iowa PSH Fund offers two categories of assistance for eligible providers:

PSH Operating Deficit Relief Grant
Eligible applicants can request up to $50,000 to cover operational deficits incurred during the prior fiscal year. The maximum award will be the lesser of $50,000 or the actual operating deficit.

PSH Operating Expense Grant 
A one-time grant of up to $25,000 may be awarded for each completed Federal Housing Tax Credit PSH project, while National Housing Trust Fund PSH projects may receive up to $50,000.

This funding aims to reinforce the essential work of PSH providers, ensuring they can continue to offer vital support to those in need throughout Iowa.

The list of awards is available here.

EARLVILLE, Iowa – On October 13, 2024, a fatality motor vehicle collision occurred on U.S. Highway 20 near the 287 mile marker (Earlville) in Delaware County.  A preliminary investigation by the Iowa State Patrol revealed a 2014 Chevrolet Impala occupied by three adult males was eastbound on Highway 20, east of the Earlville Interchange, when for an indeterminate reason, the vehicle crossed the median and continued eastbound in the westbound lanes for over one mile.

The Chevrolet ultimately collided head-on with a 2018 Freightliner Straight-Truck, resulting in both vehicles becoming fully engulfed in flame. The occupants of the Chevrolet were pronounced deceased on the scene, while the operator of the Freightliner sustained minor injuries.  The occupants of the vehicles involved in the fatality motor vehicle collision have now been positively identified.

The driver of the 2014 Chevrolet Impala was identified as Tijuan Devell White, 50, of Robbinsdale, Minnesota. The front seat passenger was identified as Tyrese Devell Johnson, 21, of Minneapolis, Minnesota. The rear seat passenger was identified as Augustine T. Monboe, 38, of Robbinsdale, Minnesota.

The driver of the 2018 Freightliner Straight-Truck was identified as Ricky Charles Bergfeld, 62, of Peosta, Iowa.

The investigation determined that Tijuan White sustained a gunshot wound prior to colliding with Bergfeld’s truck. No evidence was located that indicated the gunshot came from outside White’s vehicle. Due to extensive fire damage to White’s vehicle, the manner of death remains undetermined.

The investigation remains ongoing by the Iowa Department of Public Safety’s Division of Criminal Investigation, the Iowa State Patrol, the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office and the Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner.

WEBSTER CITY, Iowa – Officials with the Iowa Department of Public Safety today (Wednesday) said “Following a joint investigation by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and the Webster City Police Department, Gunner Jones, 26, of Webster City, Iowa, has been charged with first degree murder in connection with the April 16, 2023, death of a 10-month-old infant.”

According to the report, on April 16, 2023, at approximately 1:45 a.m., Webster City officers and emergency personnel responded to a 911 call reporting an unresponsive infant at a residence in Webster City. The infant was transported to Van Diest Medical Center and later transferred to Blank Children’s Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased later that morning.

Gunnar Jones

The investigation and medical examinations revealed injuries consistent with child abuse, leading authorities to rule the death a homicide. Evidence gathered during the investigation led authorities to believe that Gunner Jones had access to the infant and caused the fatal injuries.

This is an ongoing investigation. No additional information will be released at this time.

JONES – Complaint_Redacted

November 6, 2024 (DES MOINES) — The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) today (Wednesday) awarded $930,808 in Main Street Iowa Challenge Grants to 10 communities around the state. The grants help redevelop or rehabilitate underused buildings as a way to stimulate economic growth and further investment in Iowa’s historic main streets.

Projects include:

• Transforming two vacant historic buildings in downtown Keokuk into first-floor commercial space and upper-story housing.
• Rehabilitating a historic gas station along Lincoln Highway in Woodbine to accommodate a one-stop hub for real estate services.
• Enhancing the facades of five historic storefronts, including the thriving Lansing Hardware Hank retail business in Lansing, to create a cohesive look and elevate the visual appeal of the entire block.

Debi Durham Director of IEDA and the Iowa Finance Authority says “Challenge Grants help us preserve rich historic character while breathing new life into our traditional downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts. New businesses and residents are drawn to energized main streets, which radiates outward to grow local economies across the state.” The grants are administered through IEDA’s Iowa Downtown Resource Center and Main Street Iowa programs. The funding will be distributed in the form of matching grants to the selected Main Street programs. The estimated total cost of these 10 projects is more than $3.3 million.

Since the first Challenge Grants were awarded in 2002, more than $15.5 million in funds have leveraged more than $70.5 million in further investment. See the full list of grantees and their projects, below:

(Radio Iowa) – Iowans have overwhelmingly approved two amendments to the Iowa Constitution. In mid-2017, when Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds took over in the middle of Terry Branstad’s sixth term as governor, some questioned whether the new governor had the authority to appoint a new lieutenant governor. The amendment makes it clear all future governors in similar circumstances would have that power.

The other amendment deals with elections. it says only citizens of the United States can vote in Iowa elections. The Iowa Constitution, as originally written, said every citizen of the U-S may vote in state elections. That amendment also says 17 year olds can vote in Primaries if they’ll be 18 on the day of the General Election. That’s already state law.

Iowa Capital Dispatch (image)

Both amendments will become part of the Iowa constitution in a few weeks when state officials sign off on vote totals in the official canvas of votes.

(Red Oak, Iowa) – An Absentee ballot worker in Montgomery County is questioning why he was removed from the absentee and special voter precinct board Tuesday night. Joey Norris spoke before the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors during their meeting this (Wednesday) morning after he was asked to leave the counting area Tuesday.

Norris said he believes he was chosen by Auditor Jill Ozuna for those attributes during the primary audit, to work during the general election.

Norris said “There was a a lot of focus on getting done with the count early,” and that he was asked to leave without just cause, by Auditor Ozuna.

He said his questions were treated with “disdain.” Norris’ father James Norris said his son is experienced and knowledgeable in the ballot auditing process, and in following the rules.

He said his son’s removal feels like retribution against the Norris family (for their opposition to the Summit Carbon Solutions carbon capture pipeline), and that he “takes that personally.”

Board policy does not require them to respond to public comments made following the public’s opportunity to speak. In other business, the Montgomery Board of Supervisors set a canvass of the Nov. 5^th votes to take place during their regular meeting that begins at 8:30-a.m. On November 12^th. And, the Board received a regular weekly report from County Engineer Karen Albert.

She said also they are working on plans for projects in their 5-year construction program.

And, the Montgomery County Supervisors passed a Resolution abating the taxes on land owned by the City of Elliott.

UPDATE: Bailey Smith says “Due to unforeseen circumstances with shipping of the AtlantiCash, we have to move the date!!” AtlantiCash is now expected to be available on Saturday, NOVEMBER 30TH.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce encourages you to get a kick start to your holiday shopping, and purchase discount AtlantiCash, presented by First Whitney Bank & Trust, NOVEMBER 30TH only, at the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce. Bailey Smith, Executive Director at the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce said “This is one of our favorite events of the year. AtlantiCash is money that has to be spent at local businesses, so not only does it boost Local Option Sales Tax, but it also supports all of our incredible businesses who have so much to offer this holiday season. Last year, we sold $40,000 in 45 minutes, so the goal is to sell another $40,000 this year.”

From 9 AM – 12 PM Saturday, November 30TH only, AtlantiCash will be available in packs of $100 for $80, a 20% discount. Shoppers can purchase up to three packs. Payment must be made at time of purchase in the form of cash or check only. There is a first-come, first-purchased basis with only a limited amount of AtlantiCash available. Purchase will not be allowed before Saturday and bundles cannot be reserved for later pickup. To sweeten the deal of discount AtlantiCash, the Atlantic Area Chamber’s latest custom Christmas ornaments will be available at a discount when you purchase AtlantiCash. On Saturday only, you can purchase an ornament one for $12 or a bundle of three for $35.

The Holiday Open House will also be taking place that Saturday, beginning when retailers open. Businesses will be offering a holiday sneak peek as well as treats, giveaways and special promotions. For a list of participating retailers, visit www.atlanticiowa.com. Discount AtlantiCash and the Holiday Open House are brought to you by First Whitney Bank & Trust, Cappel’s Ace Hardware, Rush CPA & Associates and Property Connection Real Estate.

Pick up your Christmas brochure from area retail businesses, ‘like’ the Chamber on Facebook or follow on Instagram to find dates and details to celebrate Christmas in Atlantic. You can find a complete list of activities and a printable version of the brochure at www.atlanticiowa.com.

Capture the Christmas magic with #MyAtlanticIA and post to the Atlantic Area Chamber’s Facebook page or Instagram (AtlanticIowaFan). Contact the Atlantic Area Chamber with any questions at chamber@atlanticiowa.com or call 712-243-3017. Christmas in Atlantic is presented by Gregg Young of Atlantic.

GUTHRIE COUNTY, Iowa — Guthrie County residents, Tuesday, voted down the new tax to fund emergency medical services and declare EMS an essential service. The Public Measure garnered 53.9% of the 60% approval needed for it to pass. Guthrie County was among a dozen across Iowa to ask for voters’ approval to fund countywide emergency medical services. The ballot measure asked for 75 cents per $1,000 dollars of assessed value on all taxable property in Guthrie County. It would have raised more than $750,000 a year.

Senate File 615, signed into law by Gov. Kim Reynolds in June 2021, provides the framework for counties to deem the service essential. It allows them to create a referendum to raise property taxes to fund EMS.

(Photo and logo provided to the Iowa Capital Dispatch, courtesy City of Stuart EMS)

As we’ve mentioned, the EMS measure passed in Cass County, with 76.4% of the vote. Page County voters failed to pass the EMS measure, with a 50.6% vote. In Sac County, the EMS initiative received 74.2% of the vote. Taylor County voters failed to approve their EMS initiative. It fell short of the 60% majority by 3.4%, or 56.6% yes to 43.4% no.