(Radio Iowa) – A top official says Iowa was among three finalists for a very large aviation company’s expansion project that would have qualified for new state incentives under Iowa’s “Major Economic Growth Attraction” or MEGA program. Iowa Economic Development Authority Director Debi Durham says while that company chose another state for its expansion, the competition made it clear a thousand acre site next to the Eastern Iowa Airport would be prime property for an aviation-related project. “They’ve got all kinds of investments that they’ve been making in fuel farms and hangers,” Durham says, “and they even have plans for a third runway.” Durham says the other selling point is the property could provide direct access to the airport, which is just west of Interstate 380 on the south side of Cedar Rapids.

The state’s largest commercial airport is located in Des Moines, but Durham says the Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids has closer connections to companies that support the aerospace industry. “We do have Collins right there in the backyard and BAE,” Durham says, “but we also have a lot of suppliers.” Collins Aerospace employs about nine-thousand people in Iowa, most of whom work in its Cedar Rapids facility. B-A-E Systems has a manufacturing plant in Cedar Rapids that makes G-P-S systems for the military. Durham says those two main companies, along with aerospace industry suppliers nearby make up a “mini-cluster” and the site near the Eastern Iowa Airport could help grow that sector of the state’s economy.

Durham did not disclose which company was considering an expansion in Iowa, but Boeing recently announced a one BILLION dollar investment in South Carolina and JetZero selected North Carolina for its four BILLION dollar airplane manufacturing hub. Both investments would have qualified for Iowa’s new economic development incentive package for so-called MEGA projects.

DES MOINES, Iowa – Officials with the U-S Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa, today (Friday), said a man from Tulare, California, was sentenced Tuesday, December 2nd, to life in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

According to public court documents and evidence presented at trial, 40-year-old Brian Joaquin Alvarado was the leader of an extensive drug trafficking organization that sold large amounts of methamphetamine in the Des Moines area and transported firearms to California. Alvarado, who was serving a prison sentence in California, organized and coordinated shipments of methamphetamine and firearms with the assistance of at least five co-defendants, including his then 18-year-old son. In July 2025, following a two-day trial, a jury convicted Brian Joaquin Alvarado of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

The co-defendants were sentenced as follows:

20-year-old Brian Crimson Alvarado was sentenced to 100 months in federal prison, followed by a five-year term of supervised release, on November 5, 2025;
29-year-old Jose Martine Alejo Galan was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison, followed by a five-year term of supervised release, on February 27, 2025;
37-year-old Linda Roseanne Gonzalez Gayton was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison, followed by a five-year term of supervised release, on August 28, 2025;
25-year-old Gregory Paul Shiner was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison, followed by a five-year term of supervised release, on November 21, 2025; and
and 30-year-old Kassianne Kay Timm was sentenced to a time-served sentence, followed by a three-year term of supervised release, on December 18, 2024.

There is no parole in the federal system.

United States Attorney David C. Waterman of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Iowa Department of Public Safety – Division of Narcotics Enforcement and United States Postal Inspection Service and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jon Holscher.

DES MOINES – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Lake Restoration Program (LRP) are now accepting public comments on the newly released draft 2026 Lake Restoration Report and 2025 Plan, which includes completion of a project at Lake McKinley, in Union County. The report is available for review at www.iowadnr.gov/Lake-Restoration. It highlights restoration projects completed around the state in State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2025 and outlines plans for upcoming restoration projects.

The Lake Restoration Program works with communities and stakeholders across Iowa to improve water quality and recreational opportunities at publicly-owned lakes. Since the program’s creation in 2006, the Iowa legislature has invested over $176 million in the lake restoration program, with investments at 72 lakes in 55 counties statewide. The program averaged a 37 percent cost share to match LRP funds by other project partners in SFY2025 (local, federal, and other state funds).

Lakes are an important part of Iowa’s economy, accounting for $1.32 billion in annual spending. In 2024, Iowa’s lakes had more than $13.7 million visits statewide. More than 60 percent of Iowans visit a lake at least once per year, and on average, visitors spend an average of $36 on single day trips. Visitors consistently rank proximity to their work or home, quality of facilities, and water quality as their top reasons when choosing a lake to visit.

Accomplishments since the program’s inception include:

• 40 miles of shoreline protection to minimize erosion
• 7.7 million cubic yards of excess sediment removed (equivalent to over 513,000 dump trucks of material)
• 44 projects enhancing 14,000 acres of wetlands and shallow lakes
• Over 250 watershed best management practices (BMPs; e.g. ponds, grade stabilization structures, urban stormwater BMPs, and upland/stream restoration) implemented with program funds on public lands
• Over 700 BMPs constructed in priority watershed in concert with project partners (e.g. NRCS, SWCDs, US EPA Section 319, IDALS, Municipalities) to protect downstream lakes
• 60 infrastructure improvement projects (e.g. dam/spillway repairs, lake outlet water control structures, fish barriers) to preserve Iowa’s lakes for the next generation

Major projects completed in 2025 include: A $3.52 million investment in Three Mile Lake, (Union County); a $2.92 million investment at Casey Lake (located within Hickory Hills Park, Black Hawk County); a $987k investment at the Iowa Great Lakes to assess shoreline damage from the 2024 floods; and a $1.8 million investment at Prairie Rose Lake (Shelby County) and Green Valley Lake (Union County), for phosphorus inactivation treatments.

Major projects planned for 2026 include completion of the projects at Lake Keomah (Mahaska County), and McKinley Lake (Union County), shoreline stabilization projects at the Iowa Great Lakes to address flood damage, and beach restoration projects at Brushy Creek Lake (Webster County), Big Creek Lake (Polk County), and Hickory Grove Lake (Story County), to reduce bacteria concentrations at each of these beaches. Several large-scale shallow lake/wetland restoration projects are underway, including projects at East Twin Lake (Hancock County) and Little Storm Lake (Buena Vista County).

The DNR is accepting comments from Dec. 5th through Dec. 17th. Comments may be submitted via email to michelle.balmer@dnr.iowa.gov. or sent via mail to Michelle Balmer, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, 6200 Park Avenue, Suite 200, Des Moines, Iowa 50321.

(Radio Iowa) – Another weekend, another snowstorm. Iowans are bracing for moderate to heavy snowfall for the second consecutive Saturday. Last weekend’s pre-winter blast dumped more than 16 inches of snow on parts of Iowa, and in the midst of it, five state snowplows were rear-ended by motorists. Iowa D-O-T winter operations administrator Craig Bargfrede is pleading with drivers to be vigilant and go slow — or don’t go out. “People need to make sure that you’re back into the mindset of winter driving,” Bargfrede says. “Give us room, operate your vehicle very cautiously when operating around a snow plow. Remember, we travel at much slower speeds. We can make abrupt movements.”

Pictured: Still frame image from an IA DOT snowplow video showing the plow being hit from behind during a recent Dec. 2025 snowstorm

Lack of good visibility is often one of the serious challenges of wintertime driving, and he urges extreme caution as you approach a plow from behind. “Depending upon the type of snow,” he says, “we can kick up a cloud around us that at times can actually blind you from seeing that truck.” While no serious injuries were reported in last weekend’s plow-involved accidents, he says there’s no excuse for even one such collision.  “Please, please, please, we just can’t say enough about safety and operating your vehicle around a snow plow,” Bargfrede says. “Give us room. Be patient with us. Those men and women that are operating those plows, they’re a husband, they’re a wife, they’re a father, they’re a brother, and they’re just trying to do the best job available and get home to their family safely at the end of the day.”

Forecasters say the approaching system may drop three to seven inches of snow across much of the state starting Saturday afternoon, potentially impacting travel. Check road conditions at the D-O-T’s 5-1-1-ia-dot-org.

(Cedar Rapids, IA) — A trucking company based in Cedar Rapids has announced it will lay-off more than 300 employees across the U-S.

KCRG-TV reports CRST’s announcement comes after the freight-hauling company announced layoffs back in August. The company says it’s shifting about 100 trucks to other parts of its business. According to CRST’s website, approximately 200 trucks will be removed from their fleet of more than 4,300.

The company says the goal is to strengthen its ability to serve customers through solutions that drive the most value, reliability and long-term stability. CRST says the affected employees were given a 60-day notice on Wednesday.

The company says they are working with the affected employees to provide other driving opportunities within their fleets.

(Clarinda, IA) – Page County Attorney, James L. Varley’s office, Thursday (12/4) released reports on the outcome of court cases held the week of Nov. 10, 2025, in the Iowa District Court for Page County.

26-year-old Robert Shawn Griffin, of Fort Madison, Iowa, pled guilty to Assault on Persons Engaged in Certain Occupations. He was sentenced to 2 years of incarceration which will run consecutive to the sentence the defendant is currently serving. Griffin was also ordered to pay court costs, court-appointed attorney fees and a fine of $855, suspended.

47-year-old Joseph Allen Hensley, of Shenandoah, pled guilty to Operating While Intoxicated (OWI)- 1st Offense. He was sentenced to 2 days of incarceration and fined $1,250. Hensley was given credit for time served for attending and completing the Drinking Driver’s School and obtaining a drug/alcohol evaluation. He was ordered to pay court costs, surcharges and court-appointed attorney fees.

48-year-old Frank Kephart, of Westboro, Missouri, pled guilty in Page County District Court, to Possession of Controlled Substance, Marijuana-1st Offense. He was fined $420 and ordered to pay court costs, surcharges and court-appointed attorney fees.

21-year-old Brandon Eugene Lamb, of Clarinda, pled guilty to Possession of a Controlled Substance, THC-1st Offense. Lamb was fined $420 and ordered to pay court costs, surcharges and court-appointed attorney fees.

31-year-old Bryson Sean McAlpin, of Clarinda, pled guilty to a charge of OWI-1st Offense. He was sentenced to 30 days of incarceration, with all but 2 days suspended. McAlpin is allowed to do the 48-hour Jail Diversion Program in lieu of the 2 days in jail. He was placed on probation for 9 months and was ordered to obtain a drug/alcohol evaluation and follow through with any recommendations. McAlpin must also pay a fine of $1,250, court costs and surcharges.

37-year-old Elizabeth Marie Merriett, of Council Bluffs, admitted in Page County District Court, to violating the terms and conditions of probation. She was found to be in willful contempt of court and sentenced to 90 days of incarceration.

40-year-old Kristin Ann Miller, of Clarinda, pled guilty to OWI-2nd Offense. She was sentenced to 180 days in jail, with all but 7 days suspended and placed on probation for 12 months. As a condition of probation, Miller is to obtain a drug/alcohol evaluation and complete the Drinking Driver’s School. She was ordered to pay a fine of $1,875, court costs, surcharges and court-appointed attorney fees; Miller also admitted to violating the terms and conditions of probation. Her deferred judgment was revoked, and she was sentenced to 180 days in jail, with all but 7 days suspended. The sentence will run concurrently to the aforementioned case.

20-year-old Edwin Munoz Morales, of Maryville, MO., pled guilty to OWI-1st Offense. He was granted a deferred judgment and placed on probation for 1 year. As a condition of probation, Morales was ordered to obtain a Substance Abuse Evaluation and complete the 12-hour Drinking Driver’s Course. He was also ordered to pay a fine in the amount of $1,250, court costs, surcharges and court-appointed attorney fees.

And, 38-year-old Tanner Jay Parker, of Braddyville, pled guilty in Page County District Court, to OWI-1st Offense. He was sentenced to 30 days in jail, with all but 2 days suspended and placed on probation for 1 year. As a condition of his probation, Parker must obtain a Substance Abuse Evaluation and complete the 12-hour Drinking Driver’s Course. A $1,250 fine was imposed, and the defendant was ordered to pay court costs, surcharges and court-appointed attorney fees.

All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

(Creston, IA) – Officials with the Creston Police Department report two people were arrested on separate charges, Thursday (Dec. 4):

• 26-year-old Noah Alexander Young, of Creston, was arrested at around 7:40-p.m., for Theft in the 3rd Degree. Young was being held in the Union County Jail on a $2,000 bond.
• 40-year-old Michael John Quigley, of Creston, was arrested at around 8:40-p.m., Thursday, on a charge of Domestic Abuse Assault/3rd or Subsequent Offense. Quigley was being held without bond in the Union County Jail until seen by Judge.

(Radio Iowa) – An emergency physician is urging Iowa parents and anyone else buying gifts for children this holiday season to closely follow the labeling and to only purchase toys, crafts and sporting goods that are age appropriate. Dr. Benjamin Orozco, with Emplify Health by Gundersen, says pay close attention to the packaging for age recommendations, but he stresses, that shouldn’t be the only deciding factor. “When you’re shopping for a toy, you need to consider all the kids in the house, not just the recipient of that toy,” Orozco says. “Disasters are rare, but there are about a dozen kids a year in the United States that die from a toy, and maybe 250,000 kids who get injured in some way by toys.” It’s crucial to use common sense when buying gifts for children, he says, especially if there are younger siblings in the house.

“We know that the most vulnerable for the catastrophic injuries from choking and ingestion are kids four and under, especially that toddler range where they’re going to be putting things into their mouth,” Orozco says, “and that accounts, unfortunately, for a few deaths every year from choking on a small piece or wrapping or a piece of a toy.” The hazards are different for older children and teenagers, and a full complement of safety gear is a must for many purchases. “Scooters account for most significant injuries. Think of your broken wrists, your bumps, bruises, but also sometimes significant head injuries,” Orozco says. “My advice is to put the safety equipment right with the toy. When you buy a scooter, it should come with a helmet and any other safety equipment that you want used with that item.”

He says agencies like the Consumer Product Safety Commission do a great job of keeping dangerous toys off the shelves, but occasionally, something will slip through. “There were some very powerful magnets that came out, they’re fun, teenagers can use them. They would stick together and if a small child ingested two of them, they could stick together and pin pieces of the intestine together, and their intestines would actually burst as a result of that,” Orozco says. “It’s really rare that something like that makes it onto the market before the dangers are recognized, but it does happen.” Some new toys are still coated with hazardous lead-based paint, typically items being imported from other countries, so beware. Orozco encourages the purchasing of games, balls, and other activity-related toys that get kids outside to play, to stimulate their minds and their bodies.

Emplify Health by Gundersen has clinics in Calmar, Decorah, Fayette, Lansing, Postville and Waukon, and a hospital in West Union.

(Radio Iowa) – The first of two Iowa gun seasons for deer opens Saturday. D-N-R state deer biologist Jace Elliott says harvest numbers started out down for the early youth, archery and muzzleloader seasons due to warm weather. “Luckily, things cooled down in the second-half of October. Conditions across the state stayed really nice for deer harvest throughout November, and we ended up catching up as a statewide harvest to exactly where we were at this point last year,” Elliott says. Elliott says the deer population in some areas is still recovering from a couple of bad years for disease. “Much of central, western and southern Iowa counties have experienced severe hemorrhagic disease in 2023 and 2024,” Elliott says. “Fortunately, we got a a break from it across the state this year. But we are still hearing from a lot of folks in those counties, the numbers are still quite a bit lower than they were prior to those outbreaks.”

Elliott says the colder weather can be a benefit for hunters as it keeps the meat cold and ensures that deer are active. “There seems to be a certain point at which it also increases your movement. Especially when we have some snow on the ground that’s going to keep deer on their feet longer during daylight hours, they still have the same calorie requirements to fulfill, and so they’re going to have to be a lot more active to meet those energy needs in order to to survive,” he says. “Cold weather and snow is good for deer movement. It’s good for observing deer. It’s good for tracking wounded deer. So hunters should definitely be excited about the conditions we have coming up over the next week or two,” he says.

Elliott says the first gun season had been the most popular for many years, but there’s been a shift. “Everybody wanted to get that first crack. Over the years, we’ve seen a lot more of a shift into gun two, and over the last few years we have almost an even split,” he says. “And it really comes down to the weather during gun one. I think a lot of people make last minute calls on whether they’re going to buy a gun one or gun two tag, and over the last few years it’s been very even.”

Elliott says there are no regulation changes this year, but there are still some restrictions for western Iowa. “For hunters in Western Iowa, make sure that you’re aware whether or not your county has buck only requirement for gun one. Most of the far Western counties along the Missouri River would be included all the way up to Lyon County there in the northwest,” he says. “So just read the regulations and make sure that you understand what you can and cannot harvest during gun one, even if your tag says any deer.”

The first gun season runs through December 10th and the second gun season starts December 13th and runs through the 21st. Hunters are expected to harvest between 55 to 60-thousand deer during the two guns seasons