(Radio Iowa) – Members of the public have debated a proposal to require more frequent income checks and a new asset test for Iowans receiving food stamps or health care coverage through Medicaid. Andres Reyes, the senior pastor of the First Baptist Church, spoke in favor of the bill during a public hearing at the Iowa Capitol.

“I believe that all people are made in the image of God and so all people have value, but that value is only realized by working for what they have,” Reyes said. “One of the greatest problems in America today is depression. The number one reason is because people do not work as hard as other generations. The only way to cure the problem is to hold others accountable for working for what they have. This bill does just that.”

Valerie Petersen, associate executive director of the Foodbank of Siouxland in Sioux City, said these changes will push vulnerable Iowans farther into poverty. “These are grandparents that are now choosing between medication and food. They’re hardworking laborers that are laid off during the winter. They’re single moms that work multiple jobs and then have to make the choice between feeding themselves and their children,” she said. “They’re kids that have no say in or ability to contribute to their family’s finances.”

Darla Chappell of St. Donatus — a small town near the Illinois border, said she used to work in a bank and saw people getting government assistance from more than one state. “Please vote yes on this bill to ensure our money goes where needed and not into the pockets of liars, cheaters and frauds,” she said.

Carlyn Crowe of the Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council said many Iowans with disabilities will lose Medicaid coverage because of the asset test for the entire household. “Should parents of a daughter who can’t walk have to sell their second car so their daughter can get a wheelchair or her sibling’s savings account be limited because she’s on Medicaid?” Crowe asked.

The bill passed the Senate two weeks ago with the support of all 34 Republicans and opposition from all 16 Democrats. It cleared a House Committee last week and is eligible for debate in the full House.

RED OAK, Iowa – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) today (Tuesday) announced she will host a Town Hall Meeting in Adair County. Senator Ernst looks forward to hearing from constituents in the area about the issues most important to them. The Town Hall Meeting is open to the public. Details:

Tuesday, April 11, 2023
Adair County Town Hall Meeting
7:45 AM
Warren Cultural Center
154 Public Square
Greenfield, IA 50849

DES MOINES, Iowa – The Iowa Department of Public Safety has announced the graduation of the 46th Basic Academy took place on Friday, March 31, 2023, at the Holiday Inn Airport Conference Center in Des Moines. The ceremony recognized a graduating class of 18 recruits who previously served as certified officers in law enforcement agencies across Iowa before entering the Academy on January 20, 2022. Lieutenant Matthew Struecker served as Camp Commander.

Conducted at Camp Dodge, the 10-week Academy training focused on completing law enforcement coursework on laws of arrest, search and seizure, defensive tactics, arrest techniques, precision driving, firearms, emergency management services, fair and impartial policing, criminal law, accident investigation, human relations, physical fitness, human trafficking, motor vehicle law, domestic violence, crisis intervention for mentally ill and several other courses in law enforcement.

48th DPS Certified Academy Graduating Class

The 48th Certified Academy graduates are assigned the following badge numbers, and will serve Iowans in their respective districts. In southwest Iowa, that includes:

• Lucas Darby #107- District 2
• Austin Little #263 – District 2
• Christopher Raymer #407 – District 13
• Jacob Riley #429 – District 13

(Click on the photos to enlarge)

Recruits who received special recognition for their performance include:

•    Lance Dietsch-Stanley Gerling Valedictorian Award: Cameron Theilen
•    Top Gun Award: Jacob Riley
•    Sergeant Jim Smith Meritorious Peer Leadership Award: Jesse Drahos
•    Distinguished Graduate Award: Lucas Darby
•    Earnest Baty, Jr. Physical Fitness Award: Nicholas Popp, Thomas Allen, Cameron Theilen

“We are extremely proud of these graduates and grateful to them for choosing to answer the call with the State of Iowa,” said Stephan K. Bayens, Commissioner of the Iowa Department of Public Safety. “At this point in history, I believe it is the most important time to be a law enforcement officer. There’s divisiveness, brokenness, and crime is on the rise. I cannot think of a more significant time for men and women to step up and bridge that gap, and I thank them for it,” Bayens added.

To view photos from the event, click here to visit the 48th Certified Academy Photo Album.

(Submitted by Atlantic FFA reporter Lily Johnson) – The Atlantic FFA Banquet was held on Monday, March 28th at the Atlantic High School. There were 172 members and guests were present at the event. The banquet started with the opening ceremonies, led by the 2022-2023 chapter officers. This year the officers include President Dylan Comes, Vice President Daniel Freund, Secretary Claire Pellet, Treasurer Jackson McLaren, Reporter Charli Goff, Sentinel DJ Sheppard, and Student Advisor Colton Rudy. 2022-23 Chapter President Dylan Comes said, “The 2022-2023 FFA year went extremely well. We competed in many contests, succeeded in most of those said contests, and grew not only as individuals, but as a chapter. I am super excited to see where the chapter goes in the future.”

The opening ceremony was followed by a welcome to members and guests, and was given by President Dylan Comes. A reflection was then said by Daniel Freund. Following that, dinner was held for members and guests. Wiota Steakhouse provided the Brisket and the sides for the FFA members and guests. At the conclusion of dinner, two guest speakers spoke to the audience. The first was Chad Comes, the Father of FFA President Dylan Comes. Mr. Comes talked about how FFA is a great program and how it can impact your future greatly if you put in the effort. The next speaker was Southwest District FFA President, George Martin. Martin talked about getting outside your comfort zone and realizing the many great opportunities and life lessons FFA can bring to you that will be valuable in yours and other people’s futures. Claire Pellet gave the secretary’s report and the treasurer’s report was given by Jackson McLaren.

Following the guest speakers, awards were given out. First were those recognized for earning 10,000 FFA points throughout their time as a member. These points are earned through getting involved with our chapter. The more activities and events a member participates in, the more points they earn. Those recognized for reaching 10,000 points included Dylan Comes, Brett Dreager, Daniel Freund and Jackson McLaren. The next award was the Academic Achievement Award. This award is given to those who have been a part of the Atlantic FFA chapter for three years, and have maintained a 3.5 GPA throughout all those years. Those who received the Academic Achievement Award included Rio Johnson, Dylan Comes, and Daniel Freund.

After the Academic Achievement Award came the Star Greenhand, Star Ag Placement, Star Ag Business, and Star of Ag Production Awards. The Star Greenhand is awarded to a freshman who the chapter officers feel was the most involved with the chapter in the past year. This year there were two outstanding Greenhand members so the award was given to Lauren Comes and Lily Johnson. The next award, Star Ag Placement, is an award given to a member that has done an exceptional job in their employment, whether that be in or out of agriculture. This award was received by Jackson McLaren.

This year, the new officers for the 2022-2023 term elected four members to receive the Atlantic FFA Leadership Award, which is given in appreciation to those who have shown leadership through their years in FFA. These 4 members who received the award include Brett Dreager, Callee Pellet, DJ Sheppard, and Colton Becker. Officers also elected 2 individuals to receive the Honorary Chapter Farmer award, which is given to people who have played a large role in helping the Atlantic FFA chapter and the activities they do. Those that accepted this award include Rod Deter and Jeremiah Thompson.

2023-24 Officers:
Left to Right Back Row
Colton Rudy, Roth Denbeste, Wyatt Simons, Lily Johnson
Click to enlarge the image Left to Right Front Row:
Claire Pellet, Charli Goff, Lola Comes.

This year, 16 members were given the Discovery Degree. The Discovery Degree is awarded to members who are finishing their 8th grade year of schooling, and have been involved in FFA for one year. Those that have been involved for one year of high school Ag, received the Greenhand Degree, which was given to 28 members. Next came 16 members who were Chapter FFA degrees, which are given to members who have been involved in FFA for 2 years since being in high school, or members who have been in FFA for three years including their 8th grade year.

The banquet concluded with the installation of new chapter officers. For the upcoming 2023-2024 year, the new officers include the following: Colton Rudy as President, Lola Comes as Vice President, Claire Pellett as Secretary, Roth Denbeste as Treasurer, Lily Johnson as Reporter, Wyatt Simons as Sentinel, and Charli Goff as Student Advisor. 2023-2024 President Colton Rudy said “The 2023 Atlantic FFA Banquet was a remarkable experience, marking the end of a very successful year for our chapter and the beginning of a new year. I am honored to lead the chapter into the new FFA year, which will hopefully be filled with chapter growth and new memories to be made.”

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Cass County Board of Supervisors, today (Tuesday) voted to approve an amendment to the County 5-year Construction Plan, by moving a bridge project to the current fiscal year. The bridge, #250, is on 710th Street, in the Cumberland area. County Engineer Trent Wolken made the request.

The Board also approved a resolution approving the Cass County Secondary Roads 5-year Construction Program for FY 24-through FY 29, minus the amendment with regard to Bridge 250, which was in the original plan. Wolken also provided an update on the Secondary Roads Department’s activities.

The Board heard a lengthy presentation on the FY 2022 Annual Cass County Audit, from a representative with Gronewold, Bell, Kyhnn & Company, P.C. auditors, and recommended changes to certain procedures. Supervisor Steve Green…

In other business, the Supervisors discussed and acted on a Resolution approving the allocation of ARPA Funds to temporarily expand the role of the Cass County Wellness Coordinator, in order to address local public health priorities and assist in long-term pandemic recovery efforts. They approved $70,000 allocated for a temporary, full-time wellness coordinator, payable in FY 2023-through FY 2025.

In addition, they approved the tax sale of a county-held certificate, and the abatement or compromise of tax for the certificate. And, changes in County Employee benefits, effective July 1, 2023. The changes include:

1. Leave ISAC and elect a stand-alone health insurance plan with Wellmark, saving the county approximately $143,000 from the current premiums. The partial self-fund claims should be between $200,000 and $300,000.
2. Pay to keep the wellness program (approximately $20,000-$25,000), EAP program (approximately $4,000-$5,000) and Accident & Dismemberment Plan (approximately $10,000-$12,000).

Employees will pay a new rate of $400 per month for the family plan, and $100 for the individual plan. And, the Supervisors in Cass County received a report from Cass County Community Services Director/Judicial Mental Health Advocate, Debbie Schuler.

(Red Oak, Iowa) – The Montgomery County Board of Supervisors, today (Tuesday), approved requests for ARPA Fund projects from the Sheriff’s, EMA and Auditor’s Departments. The Board approved $28,000 for the purchase of Tasers for the Law Enforcement Center. Sheriff Jon Spunaugle explained his department’s current supply of stun guns are aging-out, and at least a couple have stopped working, even though they were never used and sat on a shelf.

The $28,000 will include an additional 18 extra cartridges to keep the devices charged and ready to use.

The Supervisors also approved a request for Motorola radio reprogramming, from Montgomery County Emergency Management Director Brian Hamman, in the amount of $25,000.

The request does not involve the purchase of any new hardware. And, the Board approved Unisyn Voterscanners for Auditor/Elections Commissioner Jill Ozuna, in the amount of $54,347.

In other business, the Board approved the renewal of Delta Dental Insurance, the rate for which hasn’t changed from last year. And, they approved moving their April 18th Board Meeting from 8:30-a.m. to 5:30-p.m., on that date only, for the purpose of a public hearing.

(Creston, Iowa) – A Union County man was injured during a single-vehicle accident March 28th on Townline Street, near the High School in Creston. The Union County Law Enforcement Center took a report of the accident, after which a responding Creston Police Officer arriving on the scene found a 2015 Ford Fusion SUV, on its top on the road. The vehicle was resting against an Alliant Energy utility pole, which had snapped as a result of the crash.

The driver, 43-year-old Ryan Ray Rinehart, of Creston, was transported by to the hospital in Creston by Medic1 Ambulance, and then by helicopter to a hospital in Des Moines. Authorities say Rinehart showed no signs of alcohol or drug impairment, so it’s unclear what caused the crash. Damage to the vehicle and utility pole amounted to $19,500 altogether. No citations were issued.

(Creston, Iowa) – A man from Creston reported to Police Monday morning, that his 2019 H&H flatbed trailer was stolen from near his residence in the 500 block of S. Vine Street. The trailer was valued at $2,000. It was found at around 11:46-a.m. on Quail Avenue, in Afton.

(Creston, Iowa) – Police in Creston say no injuries were reported following a collision Monday evening at the intersection of Sumner and Adams Streets. Authorities say a 2000 Dodge Durango SUV driven by 36-year-old Shaun D. Lott, of Creston, was traveling south in the inside lane or Sumner/Highway 25, and passing through a green light at the intersection. A 2019 Chevy Malibu driven by 25-year-old Bridgette M. Ahrens, of Evansdale, was traveling north on Sumner/Hwy 25.

Ahrens proceeded to turn left onto Adams Street, when her car was struck by the SUV. Lott told police he didn’t have time to stop when he saw the car turning in front of him. Ahrens said she didn’t see the approaching SUV prior to making the turn and didn’t have time to stop. The collision happened at around 5:10-p.m.

Damage from the accident amounted to $7,000. No citations were issued.

(Radio Iowa) – State climatologist Justin Glisan says snow in March made for a split in temperatures in the state. “We had across the state if you look at temperatures, near normal conditions in eastern Iowa, and then slightly cooler conditions as we move northwest where we had more snowpack,” Glisan says, “so the statewide average temperature came in right about 34 degrees, and that’s about two and a half degrees below average.”There wasn’t enough snowfall though to help March hit its average for precipitation. “About one and a half inches of snow liquid equivalent and then rainfall and that’s about a half inch below average,” he says.

Glisan says the long-term outlook as we start April shows the potential for more rain.”For the month of April, we’re looking at an elevated signal for wetter conditions across basically much of the eastern three quarters of the state — equal chances along the western border. Temperature wise, no clear guidance there,” he says. “Slightly elevated for cooler conditions across northern Iowa and then E-C (equal chances) for the rest of the state.”

Glisan says there’s a short-term indication of drier conditions in April — which would help farmers itching to get into the fields.

(Atlantic, Iowa/KJAN) – The month of March in Atlantic came to a close with weather stats averaging lower than normal. High average High for the month in Atlantic (as recorded here at KJAN), was 47.8-degrees, which was cooler the norm of 48.3. The average Low for March 2023 in Atlantic was 22.6-degrees, which came in a little less than 4-degrees below normal. The warmest day of the month was on the 31st, at 75-degrees. The coldest morning was on the 18th, when the thermometer bottomed-out at 8-degrees.

And, precipitation for the month amounted to 1.01-inches (including rain, melted snow and mixed precip.), compared to the norm of 2.38-inches. We received a total of 6-inches of snow, with the greatest amounts occurring March 8th & 9th.