(Radio Iowa) – The number of state beach advisories for E. coli hit a record this year as the D-N-R continues a project to learn more about it. Dan Kendall manages the D-N-R’s summer beach monitoring program. “I have crews out, usually about 15 weeks out of the year, sampling beaches in an effort to be protective of public health.” Those samples include testing for E. coli, a large family of bacteria. Most strains are harmless. They live in the guts of warm-blooded animals, including people, geese and cattle. But some escape into the environment through feces and make people sick with stomach cramps and diarrhea. Kendall says high concentrations of E. coli in water also indicate other harmful microbes may be present.  “So, as the numbers go up, the risk of getting a gastrointestinal-type illness at the beach goes up,” Kendall says.

The D-N-R issued 151 “Swimming Not Recommended” advisories this for state beaches because of E. coli. D-N-R natural resource biologist Jason Palmer was out recently trying to find out why long-term data shows some state beaches test high for E. coli time and time again.  “We’re doing some sand sampling and some water sampling, kind of at the same time so that we can see what’s happening both in the terrestrial portion of the beach, as well as what’s occurring in the swimming water where people often times are recreating,” he says. Data at lakes around Iowa show beaches tend to be E. coli hot spots – specifically within five to six feet from the water’s edge. Farther out, E. coli levels drop off. New research also shows some E. coli strains can do pretty well outside an animal gut.

“E. coli bacteria can actually persist in the environment for very long periods of time, and in some cases, have been shown to replicate in the right conditions,” he says. Palmer says E. coli can thrive in wet sand right below the surface. It gives the bacteria a moist structure to grow on and a stable temperature with protection from direct sunlight. Another piece of this project uses pumps that put lake water through a series of medical-grade filters trying to figure out if there are viruses and other pathogens at the beach. Palmer’s team will ship these filters and some sand samples to a federal lab in Wisconsin. There, scientists will look for the genetic material of harmful microbes and clues to where they came from. “Canadian geese, dog, tracers to look for human waste and also tracers to look for things that might occur in the agricultural environment, like swine or cattle or poultry,” Palmer says.

Palmer and field technicians have collected data from Big Creek, Backbone, Clear Lake and MacBride since 2023. And he’s hoping that results will be available to share next year. By understanding the dynamics of E. coli at state beaches, Palmer says the D-N-R can better communicate risks to the public and find solutions.

(Radio Iowa) – A monthly survey of bank C-E-Os in rural areas of Iowa and other Midwest states indicates the region’s economy has dipped to its lowest level since May of 2020. Creighton University economist Ernie Goss conducts the survey and issues a Mid-America Mainstreet Index each month. “It was not good news for the month of October and certainly looking ahead, the outlook is also negative for these bank CEOs in looking at the farm economy,” Goss said. Goss says a firm majority of the bankers indicated President Trump’s approach to trade with China is about right, but nearly 85 percent of the bankers surveyed support emergency federal payments to farmers due to the financial hit of trade losses.

“Some of the bankers said, ‘Well, we’d like to see higher grain prices, for example, than getting that support,’ but nonetheless there was support for that, but again that’s not going to make up for the downturn in what we’re seeing in lower grain prices througout the region,” Goss said. “…We’re seeing below break even income, cash flow for farmers that depend heavily on grain, that is.” Goss says there may be one bright spot in the survey, about farm loans.

“Delinquency rates are very low right now especially given the weakness in farm income. In other words, the farmers have been judicious about borrowing and the lenders have been judicious about lending,” Goss said, “…On the flip side of that farm equipment sales have really been suffering in the region.” Goss says farm equipment sales have dropped for 26 straight months. That’s a hit to Iowa where Deere and Company has been laying off workers and scaling back production. Goss says due to rising costs for fertilizer and other expenses, there’s been an increase in the amount farmers are borrowing. “I expect that to continue to move higher and, of course raising the risk out there,” Goss said, “and we’ve seen a lot of volatility in the farm outlook and obviously that’s a real issue going forward.”

Goss says the value of farmland is holding up much better than farm income. The rural bankers surveyed expect farmland prices to decline by three to four percent in the next 12 months, according to Goss.

(Greenfield, Iowa) – The Adair County Board of Supervisors, today (Wednesday), held their regular weekly meeting in the Greenfield Courthouse Board Room. The Board acted to approve a handful of agenda items, including a Liquor license renewal. Board Chair Nathan Baier and Auditor Mandy Berg…

They approved also, an appointment to the Adair Tourism Council.

The Board approved a Grandstand concrete bid of $204,000 from Calibur Concrete Contractors, out of Adair. Nathan Baier explained…

In other business, the Adair County Supervisors authorized Board Chair Baier to sign three Right-Of-Way Contracts for the W9 (Lincoln Township) Culvert Project. County Engineer Nick Kauffman said the project will likley be sent out for bids in November, after the harvest wraps-up.

Kauffman also updated the Board on Secondary Roads Department Maintenance and activities.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – (**Updated w/1 item) Members of the Atlantic Community School District’s Board of Education will hold a Special Meeting this evening in the Washington Elementary School Lunchroom, beginning at 6:30-p.m., and following a Town Hall meeting in the same location that begins at 5:30-p.m. During the Town Hall meeting (One of a series of such informational gatherings), the public is invited to learn more about the proposed bond revenue measure that will be on the ballot for the Nov. 4th City/School Election. School officials have said if approved the voters, the bonds would be used to “improve our schools and provide students with more resources.” A presentation about the three measures on the November 4 ballot and the projects that are possible if each is approved by voters will be be provided, and time will be available for community members to ask questions.

**Prior to the Action items, the Board will receive a English Learner (EL) program presentation by the ELL staff.

During the Special Meeting, the Atlantic School Board will act on approving:

A. An Employee Handbook Change.

B. A Hot Well (equipment) Bid for [the] Nutrition Program from Wilson Restaurant Supply (in Cedar Falls).

C. An FFA Out of State, overnight trip.

Consent agenda items include:

• FCCLA Fundraising: Selling Jam from Nov. 1st thru Dec. 1st.
• The hiring of the following personnel:
  • Matt Jacobsen, Substitute Bus Driver
  • Marcella Peck, Preschool Bus Monitor
  • Felicity Swanson, Spec. Ed Para (replacing Lynnae Grandin)
  • Volunteer Coaches for Winter Sports.

And they will act on approving the resignation of Makenna Askeland, Middle School Softball Asst. Coach. Following the Special Board meeting, the Atlantic School Board will move into a Work Session, during which they will review the 2024-25 Fiscal Year.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The “Strong as Steele” Foundation is set to hold their 2nd Annual Night of Giving, Feb. 14, 2026 at the Atlantic Golf and Country Club. The night includes cocktails, dinner, a live auction and entertainment by a magician. The cost to attend is $100 per person, or $200 per couple.

Steele McLaren was in a horrible accident in October of 2020 and suffered a severe traumatic brain injury. Today Steele is working full-time, lives on his own, very independent and has now created the Strong as Steele Foundation. The Foundation would not have been possible, organizers say, without the help and support from the individuals and businesses in our own community and the surrounding communities nationwide. The support allowed Steele to heal and recover with non-traditional medical plans and procedures that were not covered by insurance and now has allowed him to give back.

The Strong As Steele Foundation a 501c3 organization, has been created to return favors we received. The Strong As Steele Foundation is dedicated to providing monetary donations to the communities that have supported us. In addition, our mission is to help relieve the burden of individuals facing similar medical and life challenges as our founder, Steele, by offering financial assistance and resources. In the year 2025, The Strong as Steele Foundations donated over $30,000 to several individuals who have had life altering circumstances such as accidents, cancer, illnesses and the foundation as has also donated to local and county wide fire departments.

The schedule of activities during the fundraising event on February 14th is as follows:

• 5:00pm Cocktail
• 5:30 Dinner
• 6:30 Live auction
• 7:30 Magician

If you have any questions about the event or if you would like to attend, please contact Dustin McLaren at 712-249-2567 or Jess Ellis 712-254-0708. If you cannot make the event you can donate through the Venmo account or send your donation to the Strong As Steele Foundation, 1301 Poplar Street, Atlantic, IA 50022.

The Strong As Steele Foundation board consists of 7 members and a key supporter:

Steele McLaren, Chairman
Tom McLaren, President
Garrett McLaren, Vice President
Stacey Pellett, Treasurer
Jess Ellis, Secretary
Dustin McLaren, Member
Sheryl Dusenberry, Member
Sharon Crane, Key Supporter

Those wanting to know more about the Strong As Steele Foundation, please visit the Strong As Steele Foundation Facebook or Tom McLaren at 712-249-7120. You can also check out our website at https://strongassteelefoundation.godaddysites.com/

DES MOINES, Iowa – As the 2025 City-School Election approaches, Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate and members of Iowa’s election security team are reinforcing Iowa’s election security with voters. Thanks to numerous safeguards in place to protect the integrity of Iowa elections, Iowa remains a top-ranked state for election administration. Iowa has also received numerous awards in relation to election administration from the National Association of Secretaries of State and the Election Assistance Commission. Secretary Pate credits the success of Iowa’s election processes to the state’s layered approach to election security and robust partnerships at the local, state, and federal levels. In his press release, Pate said…

Secretary Pate and Iowa’s election security team meet on a regular basis to prepare for the upcoming election. The team includes the Iowa Department of Public Safety, Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, Iowa Department of Management, Division of Information Technology, the Iowa National Guard, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Iowa’s 99 county auditors and thousands of local election officials and poll workers. Members of Iowa’s election security team are now reminding Iowans of their roles in securing Iowa elections.

“Iowa’s election process is designed to ensure that voters can participate with confidence in a system that is safe and secure. Our department is committed to our role in supporting the integrity and security of each election,” said John Benson, Director of the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. “Intelligence and law enforcement communities at all levels of government have been tasked with ensuring our elections are safe and secure,” Iowa Department of Public Safety Commissioner Stephan Bayens said. “Iowans respect and actively exercise their right to vote and do so with civility and integrity. We take our responsibility to protect this right seriously and will be aggressive in deterring any criminal effort to compromise our system of government.”

“In support of this year’s election, the Department of Management, Division of Information Technology will be monitoring cyberthreats. The State of Iowa Security Operations Center will provide 24-hour-a-day cyberthreat monitoring and heightened support during this year’s elections,” said Shane Dwyer, State of Iowa Chief Information Security Officer.

Iowa’s City-School Elections are Tuesday, November 4. Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. For more information on finding your polling place or to vote early absentee, visit voterready.iowa.gov.

(Red Oak, Iowa) – An SUV was struck by a car early Tuesday afternoon in Red Oak, but neither driver was injured. According to Red Oak Police, a 2015 KIA driven by a 17-year-old female from Red Oak, was pulling-out from Maple Street onto North Broadway Street a little after 1-p.m., at the same time a 2020 Nissan Murano driven by 75-year-old Shirley DeWitt, of Red Oak, was traveling on N. Broadway. The car broadsided the SUV, causing a total of $8,000 damage. The SUV was disabled in the crash and was towed from the scene.

Red Oak Police cited the 17-year-old for Failure to Yield upon entering a through Highway.

(Clarinda, Iowa) – The office of Page County Attorney James L. Varley, Tuesday, released a report on the outcome of court cases prosecuted during the week of Sept. 29, 2025.

The report says 51-year-old Brian Keith Huseman, of Coin, Iowa, appeared with counsel and pled guilty to Count I: Possession with Intent to Deliver Methamphetamine and Count II: Possession with Intent to Deliver Marijuana. The Defendant was sentenced to 10 years of incarceration and fined $1,000 on Count I and 5 years of incarceration and a $1,025 fine for Count II. The terms of incarceration shall run concurrently with each other. Both terms of incarceration and the fines were suspended, and the Defendant was placed on probation for 3 years. As a condition of probation, the defendant was ordered to obtain a drug/alcohol evaluation and follow through with any recommendations, as well as reside at the Residential Correctional Facility until maximum benefits have been achieved. The Defendant was ordered to pay court costs, surcharges and court-appointed attorney fees.

49-year-old Jeremy Todd McAllister, Shenandoah, Iowa, appeared by counsel and pled guilty to Serious Assault. The defendant was granted a deferred judgment for a period of one year and placed on probation. The defendant was ordered to pay court costs, surcharges, victim restitution and court-appointed attorney fees.

Page County Courthouse

35-year-old Travis Christopher Tompkins, of Bedford, Iowa, appeared by counsel and pled guilty to Possession of a Controlled Substance, Cannabidiol- 1st Offense. The defendant was sentenced to 2 days of incarceration and fined $430. The defendant was ordered to pay court costs, surcharges and court-appointed attorney fees.

And, Varley says 20-year-old Mark K. Whitehill, of Shenandoah, appeared with counsel and pled guilty to Count I: Criminal Mischief-1st Degree; Count II: Operate Vehicle Without Owner’s Consent: and Count III: Operating While Under the Influence-1st Offense. The Defendant was granted a deferred judgment on counts I and III and placed on probation for 2 years. As a condition of probation, the defendant was ordered to obtain a drug/alcohol evaluation, attend and successfully complete the Drinking Driver’s School and pay all restitution ordered. With respect to Count II, the defendant was fined $855 which was suspended. The defendant was ordered to pay court costs, surcharges, victim restitution and court-appointed attorney fees.

(Radio Iowa) – State Auditor Rob Sand, a Democrat who’s running for governor, held a town hall meeting in his hometown of Decorah last (Tuesday) night. It was the 100th and final stop on a tour of the state he launched at the end of June. During a recent Radio Iowa interview, Sand said many of the Iowans he’s met during the tour are fed up with politics. “The primary problem that we have right now is partisanship by which I mean the idea that we would judge an idea based on who said it’s good or who said it’s bad. ‘Oh, they like that idea? Then it must be terrible,'” Sand said. “This is the kind of nonsense that I think is destroying our state. It’s destroying our country.”

Crowd at a Sand campaign stop in Decorah on Oct. 21, 2025. (Photo from his campaign Facebook page)

Sand says the tour has been invigorating. “When you feel like things aren’t going well, you roll up your sleeves and you get to work,” Sand said, “and that feels better.” Sand was first elected State Auditor in 2018 and reelected in 2022. He is the only Democrat currently serving in statewide elected office. Sand began this year with over eight MILLION dollars in his campaign account.

Republicans have criticized Sand for accepting four MILLION dollars in contributions from his inlaws, who own a major agribusiness and have previously donated to Republican Governors Terry Branstad and Kim Reynolds, who is not seeking reelection in 2026.