(Radio Iowa) – Congressman Randy Feenstra says he’ll join other House Republicans to meet by phone this (Tuesday) morning to review the Trump Administration’s response to federal judges who ordered the government to pay SNAP benefits. The administration’s plan is to provide about half of the normal monthly payment to households that qualify for federal food assistance through SNAP.

“We’ve got to get SNAP benefits rolling again,” Feenstra said. “Trump said that, you know, we’re going to get partials done here. I’m saying, ‘Hey, let’s open the government.’ And hopefully we can get that done by Thursday.” The Trump Administration has said there will likely be delays until SNAP benefits are distributed electronically to debit cards SNAP recipients use to buy food. Just over four-and-a-half BILLION dollars in a U-S-D-A contingency fund will be used.

Iowa Congressman Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) toured the Food Bank of Iowa on Nov. 3, 2025. (RI photo)

“It’s shameful for government to have been shut down. It really is and it puts people in a pinch. We see that with the SNAP program. We see that with people getting furloughed or people not getting a paycheck right now, right?” Feenstra said. “It all comes down to we have to open the government. And it’s painful to see somebody that’s not going to have food or have food insecurity or go to bed tonight going: ‘Am I going to have enough dollars to buy groceries.'” Feenstra, who is running for governor, spoke to reporters yesterday (Monday) after a tour of the Food Bank of Iowa, which serves 700 organizations in 55 Iowa counties.

“It’s concerning that 10% of our population is worried about food and food insecurity and worried about poverty,” Feenstra said. “…We have to continue as a state looking at that and how we can continue to grow.”Feenstra’s campaign announced last yesterday (Monday) that an event will be held next Monday night in Feenstra’s hometown of Hull to formally kick-off his bid for governor.

(Atlantic, Iowa) –  The Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce says downtown Atlantic, which is listed as Travel Iowa’s number one Christmas destination, shines bright each year with nearly 200,000 lights spanning six blocks. It’s a scene straight out of a Hallmark movie, with twinkling streets, warm shop windows, and a community overflowing with holiday cheer. Chamber Executive Direcor Kelsey Beschorner says she looks forward to Christmas in Atlantic every year, because “It’s such a special time for our community. Families come from all over to experience the magic of our downtown, enjoy free holiday activities, and shop our fantastic locally owned businesses. It truly captures the spirit of the season in Atlantic.”

The Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce has announced Gregg Young of Atlantic is the presenting sponsor for this year’s Christmas festivities. Beschorner says “We’re thrilled to partner with Gregg Young of Atlantic to help bring this beloved tradition to life. Their support helps make each event even more memorable.”

The celebration begins this Saturday, November 8th with the Holiday Open House. Local retailers will open their doors for a festive preview of the season featuring treats, giveaways, and special promotions. For the ninth year, the Chamber will offer AtlantiCash at a discounted rate as part of the Holiday Promotion, sponsored by First Whitney Bank & Trust, Cappel’s Ace Hardware and Akin Building Centers. Kelsey Beschorner says “Last year $40,000 worth sold in just 45 minutes. Every dollar goes right back into local businesses, which is what makes this program so impactful.”

For one day only, on Saturday, November 8th, discounted AtlantiCash will be available from 9 AM to 12 PM (or while supplies last) at the Chamber. Packs of $100 in AtlantiCash will be sold for $80, with a limit of three packs per person.

The Annual Grand Lighting Ceremony, sponsored by Atlantic Municipal Utilities, takes place Thursday, November 20th at 5 PM at the Historic Rock Island Depot. Santa will make a special arrival at 5:30 PM to help light up downtown and visit with children in his cabin from 6 to 7:30 PM at City Park.

The Lighted Parade and Fireworks, one of Atlantic’s most cherished traditions, will be held Saturday, December 6th, starting at 6 PM. Parade entries can be submitted by filling out the form and emailing it to chamber@atlanticiowa.com. Pre-registration is encouraged but not required. The parade and fireworks are sponsored by A.M. Cohron & Son, NISHNANET, McDermott Roofing, and Rush, CPA & Associates.

Before the parade, families can visit Santa’s Cabin for hot chocolate, treats, and horse-drawn carriage rides from 3 to 5:30 PM, sponsored by Lloyd & Meredith, Roland Funeral Home, and Heritage House. Visit www.atlanticiowa.com for Santa’s full schedule. Santa’s Cabin is sponsored by the Atlantic Rotary Club, Farmhouse & Flowers, Coyote Will Wind, Heritage House, and Akin Building Centers.

The Angel of Christmas Award is another cherished tradition that recognizes a community member, or organization, who embodies the true spirit of giving during the holiday season. This heartwarming honor celebrates those who go above and beyond to spread kindness, joy, and generosity throughout the Atlantic area. Nominations are due to the Chamber by November 29th, and the award is proudly sponsored by Cass Health.

Updates and event details can be found at www.atlanticiowa.com or on the Chamber’s Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat pages. Residents and visitors are encouraged to share the holiday spirit using #MyAtlanticIA on Facebook and Instagram (@AtlanticIowaFan). For additional information, contact the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce at chamber@atlanticiowa.com or 712-243-3017.

(Radio Iowa) – Republican Eddie Andrews says if he’s elected governor, he’d push to address water quality issues — but would maintain the state’s voluntary approach to controlling nitrogen contamination of Iowa waterways. “They call it kind of the bully pulpit for a reason. You can have a soft bully pulpit,” Andrews says. “…Everyone needs clean water — it is a basic human need, right? Republicans, Democrats, Libertarians, we all need clean water and once we understand the importance of that, I think we can make the case that it will be widely used.”

The voluntary Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy was adopted in 2013, to encourage farmers to take steps to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus runoff. Andrews is a state representative from Johnston, a Des Moines suburb. The Des Moines Water Works ran its nitrate removal plant for 110 days this summer and banned lawn watering. The utility’s officials say they took that step to ensure there would be enough drinking water for its 600-thousand customers. Andrews says it’s a statewide problem that requires a statewide discussion.

State Representative Eddie Andrews, a GOP candidate for governor, on the “Iowa Press” set at Iowa PBS. (Iowa PBS photo)

“You start with farmers who are doing their best to be good stewards of the land and to simultaneously increase their crops,” Andrews says, “so I think it’s going to take a sit down of all of us, all parties involved.” Andrews says it may require more use of cover crops and other styles of farming and he’s assembled a group of people to come up with a plan that he’d try to implement if elected. “We bring everyone to the table and talk about pros and cons, but really addressing why nitrates are in the water,” Andrews says.

Andrews made his comments during a recent appearance on the “Iowa Press” program on Iowa P-B-S.

(Radio Iowa) – Temperatures have already been dipping below freezing in several Iowa cities, prompting some of us to bring our space heaters out of storage to warm up our homes at night. Lieutenant John Nelsen, of the Sioux City Fire Rescue, says it’s a bad idea to leave those devices on 24-7.

“We definitely don’t recommend you leaving on the space heater, especially when you’re sleeping,” Nelsen says. “We encourage you to shut them off when you leave a room if you’re the last one in the room. You never know if you have a pet in there that could knock a blanket or something closer to the space heater that could potentially cause it to start a fire.”

Nelsen says to never run your space heater near combustibles, like newspapers or magazines. He suggests keeping at least a three-foot ring of clearance around the devices. Also, Nelsen says you shouldn’t be surprised if your smoke detector goes off as you switch on your space heater or furnace for the first time.

“Especially in the winter time, we start using those space heaters that have been stored all year, start kicking on furnaces,” Nelsen says. “We’re going to have our smoke detectors start chirping just because from the dust that’s accumulated on those appliances.”

He says it’s also important to snuff out any candles you have burning before heading to bed, noting, a few recent fire calls in Sioux City were due to unattended candles.

(Glenwood, Iowa) – The Glenwood Police Department reports two arrests so far this month: 35-year-old Amy Marie McConahay, of Glenwood, was arrested early Saturday morning, for: Possession of a Controlled Substance – 3rd or subsequent offense; Poss. of Marijuana-1st offense; Poss. of Drug Paraphernalia; Unlawful Poss. of a Prescription Drug, and OWI/1st offense. Her bond was set at $4,300 altogether.

And, late this (Monday) morning, Glenwood Police arrested 45-year-old Steven Dale Bascue, of Council Bluffs, for PCS-3rd or subsequent offense, and Theft in the 3rd Degree (Value >$750 but less than $1,500). His bond was set at $3,000.

(Creston, Iowa) – One person suffered unknown/possible injury during an accident late Friday morning, in Creston. Creston Police say the accident occurred at around 11:42-a.m. at the intersection of Adams and Elm Streets, when, according to the accident report,  75-year-old Deborah Blazek, of Corning, failed to yield the right-of-way from a stop sign. Her 2017 Chevy Suburban struck the a 2020 Chevy Equinox broadside. The Equinox was driven by 30-year-old Stephanie Haffner, of Clarinda.

The accident happened as Haffner’s vehicle was more than half-way through the intersection as it was traveling southbound on Elm Street and the Blazek SUV was traveling east on Adams. The collision caused the airbags on Haffner’s vehicle to deploy.

She complained of pain following the crash, but was not transported to the hospital. The accident caused a total of $6,500 damage, according to police. There were no citations issued.

(Guthrie Center, Iowa) – A man from Stuart was injured during a single-vehicle, rollover accident early Friday morning (Oct. 31st). According to the Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office, 21-year-old Jadon Wilson was traveling eastbound on White Pole Road near the intersection with Quail Avenue, when the SUV he was driving left the road on the south side and made contact with the ditch.

The vehicle drove in the ditch for a short distance before it rolled over before it came to rest overturned. The accident happened at around 12:50-a.m., Friday. Wilson suffered suspected serious/incapacitating injuries, and was transported by Stuart EMS to Mercy One.

The SUV – a 2018 Jeep Compass – was totaled in the crash. Wilson was cited for Failure to Maintain Control.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic Rotary Club would like to remind Veterans that the annual Rotary Salute to Veterans will be Tuesday, November 11th, at the Cass County Community Center, (805 West 10th Street, Atlantic, Iowa) beginning at 11:45 AM. Speaking will be Specialist Colton Rudy with the Iowa National Guard.

All that have served and are still serving in the military are invited to the annual Salute to Veterans lunch. Spouses/significant others of veterans are also welcome.

Please RSVP by November 7th to Dolly Bergmann at 712-249-9275.

The Rotary says “We look forward to honoring those who have served our country.”

DES MOINES – State Treasurer Roby Smith is celebrating the upcoming holiday season with an ISave 529 Winter Giveaway you will not want to miss! Running through December 31, ISave 529 is giving away a $5,290 contribution to one lucky winner. “This giveaway is a great way to encourage families to start saving for education,” said Treasurer Smith. “Iowans from Allamakee County to the City of Harrisburg and everywhere in-between should visit ISave529.com/contest throughout the holiday season and register a child in their life.”

Iowans can register to win a $5,290 ISave 529 contribution at ISave529.com/contest. It takes about 60 seconds to register and could give a child in your life the gift of education. Participants can also earn additional giveaway entries by setting up automatic investments, adding a successor, setting up automatic yearly increases and opening a new ISave 529 account for a beneficiary. For more information on how to earn additional entries, see the Official Rules.

Connect with ISave 529 on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn to stay informed of updates and news.

More About ISave 529:
ISave 529 is Iowa’s direct-sold 529 plan administered by State Treasurer Roby Smith. With the plan, people can save for future educational expenses for themselves, children, grandchildren or more, and Iowa taxpayers can deduct up to $5,800 in contributions per beneficiary account from their state income taxes in 2025. An ISave 529 account can be opened with as little as $25, and anyone – parents, grandparents, even friends – can contribute. The plan offers a variety of investment options and is easy to manage online at ISave529.com or through the READYSAVE 529 app.

To learn how you can open an ISave 529 account, visit ISave529.com. For more information about the plan, read the Program Description.

(Radio Iowa) – Food pantries around the state say there’s been a surge in demand as federal SNAP benefits are delayed. Craig Gordy is with the Oskaloosa Food Pantry, where they gave away almost five-thousand pounds of food over a two day period.  “Normally, we give about 300 or 400 pounds, so people are stocking up because they know SNAP is not coming,” Gordy said. Gordy says his food pantry is limited on how much food they can purchase from the Food Bank of Iowa and he appreciates the governor’s recent move to try to spur donations to the food bank.

“We do have several farmers in the area that have donated whole hogs. They process it and bring it here,” Gordy said. “We have others that grow garden goods that they grow extra.” Democrats is in the Iowa legislature say the State of Iowa should take immediate action to assist the nearly 270-thousand Iowans who did not receive monthly SNAP benefits on Saturday. Senate Democratic Leader Janice Weiner of Iowa City says she’s glad Governor Reynolds committed a million dollars in state funds to match donations to Iowa’s six food banks — but that’s not enough to replace the 42 MILLION dollars in federal funds tied up due to the government shutdown.

(Photo courtesy of Des Moines Area Religious Council food pantry)

“This program has not ever lapsed since the original version was put in place during the Great Depression,” Weiner said. Weiner says Governor Reynolds has the authority to access 107 MILLION dollars in interest earned from investing federal pandemic relief payments to the state. “I think we ought to use those at this point, simply as a stop gap, until such time as the funds that should be flowing from the federal government start to flow,” Weiner says. Two federal judges have ordered the Trump Administration to dip into contingency funds to make this month’s SNAP payments. The U-S Treasury Secretary said this weekend payments might be made on Wednesday, but officials have to figure out the process. Weiner says the once-a-month payments are critical. “There are a variety of different chunks of Iowans who are on SNAP. There are 100,000 kids who get fed by SNAP; 47% are households with someone with a disability,” she said.

Nearly a third of SNAP households in Iowa are headed by a person over the age of 65.