(Washington, D.C., January 6, 2026) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins has announced a new slate of presidential appointments to key positions at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Among those named was Starlyn Perdue, who was appointed State Executive Director for Farm Service Agency in Iowa.

Starlyn Perdue serves as State Executive Director for Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Iowa. A lifelong resident of southwest Iowa, Starlyn and her husband raise their sons on their family’s Century Farm. With a background in economic development, agricultural advocacy, and program administration, Starlyn is committed to strengthening Iowa’s rural economy through workforce training and business development. She remains deeply rooted in Iowa’s agricultural community and is a strong advocate for policies that support farmers and strengthen America’s rural economy.

Ag Secretary Rollins said in a news release: “Under President Trump’s leadership, USDA is building a powerhouse team of Presidential Appointees deeply committed to uplifting rural America and putting Farmers First. With strong experience in agriculture, public service, and national security, this team will protect family farms, expand opportunities, and proudly implement America First policies. I look forward to working together to deliver real results for the American people, particularly the farmers, ranchers, and producers who feed and fuel our nation.”

Others appointed by Sec. Rollins include:

• The Honorable Doug Hoelscher Appointed as Minister-Counselor at the International Food and Agriculture Organizations in Rome, Italy.
• Tate Bennett Appointed as Principal Deputy Chief of Staff
• Hailey Ghee Appointed as Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations
• Mireya Brogan Appointed as Chief of Staff for Risk Management Agency
• Troy Romero Appointed as State Director for Rural Development in Louisiana
• Chris Lyons Appointed as State Director for Rural Development in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island
• Dominic Restuccia Appointed as State Director for Rural Development in Michigan
• Travis Day Appointed as State Director for Rural Development in New Mexico
• Robert Sullivan Appointed as State Executive Director for Farm Service Agency in Connecticut
• Cory Atkins Appointed as State Executive Director for Farm Service Agency in Delaware
• Philip Cowee Appointed as State Executive Director for Farm Service Agency in Nevada
• Wilmer Stoneman III Appointed as State Executive Director for Farm Service Agency in Virginia
• Patrick Bell Appointed as State Executive Director for Farm Service Agency in Washington
• Kennon White Appointed to Assistant Chief South Region for Natural Resources Conservation Service

Read more, here: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDAOC/bulletins/402d41f

(Des Moines, IA) – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources, today (Tuesday), said nearly $350,000 in 50 percent cost-share grants were recently awarded to 105 Iowa rural fire departments to help their efforts to protect Iowan’s and their property from wildfires. The grants offer valuable funding assistance for wildfire suppression, personal protective and communications equipment. Requests were received from 180 fire departments totaling over $565,000 in requests, showing a great need across rural Iowa. Since 2021, more than 500 grants have been awarded resulting in an investment of more than $1,612,000 in wildland fire preparedness throughout the state.

In this area, the following fire departments will receive 2025 Volunteer Fire Assistance grants:

• Anita
• Atlantic
• Avoca
• Creston
• De Soto
• Early
• Glenwood
• Harlan
• Logan
• Manilla
• Oakland
• Prescott
• Shelby
• Shenandoah
• Sidney
• Woodbine, and
• Yale.

These grants are made possible through Iowa DNR Forestry, in cooperation with US Forest Service – State and Private Forestry. Jason Walker, fire supervisor with DNR Forestry, reminds all fire departments of the importance of submitting Wildland Fire Reports whenever they respond to a wildland fire or provide assistance to a prescribed or controlled wildland fire.

Departments returning these reports receive priority points when the Fire Assistance grant applications are scored. These wildland fire reports are compiled locally and nationally and are reported to Congress.

(Atlantic, IA) – The Cass County Board of Supervisors held a Special Meeting Tuesday morning, in Atlantic. During their session, the Board rescinded a motion set during their meeting on January 2^nd, which pertained to Medical Examiner (M/E) fees, and passed a Resolution setting 2026 Medical Examiner fees. Board Chair Steve Baier:

Supervisor Steve Green said the numbers came together after checking around the state for similar rates, and given the decline in the number of ME’s and ME Investigators.

The Board then discussed an Executive Assistant to the Board position. Once again, here’s Board Chair Steve Baier….

The successful applicant would take some the of load off of County Auditor Kathy Somers, who also serves as the Board Secretary and administrator for the Board. Supervisor Steve Green…

If there are no applicants with the preferred skill set, the position will not be filled. The Board approved moving forward with advertising for the position. The Cass County Supervisors’ next, Regular meeting, takes place at 9-a.m., on January 20^th.

(Radio Iowa) – After significant damage to a soon-to-close school building in northwest Iowa, classes for elementary students in the Harris-Lake Park School District have been moved to other facilities. The boiler system in Harris-Lake Park Elementary malfunctioned Friday, causing steam, water and electrical damage in areas of the building. A new elementary school in the district is set to open within eight weeks. Students in all grades haven’t been in school so far this week, but classes resume tomorrow (Wednesday).

Preschool and kindergarten classes will be held at the Presbyterian Church in Lake Park and ALL classes for first through 12th graders will be held in the district’s building for middle school and high school students.

The building that’s been abandoned was built in the 1970s and school officials say its boiler system was not up to par and needed constant fixes. The building did not have air conditioning either.

(Radio Iowa) – Two suspects arrested in connection with a burglary and fire-related damage at the Lyon County Courthouse in Rock Rapids have been returned to Iowa. Court documents say 39-year-old Brandon High Pipe of Rapid City, South Dakota, and 18-year-old Luciano Sanchez of Denver, Colorado, face multiple charges, including burglary, criminal mischief, conspiracy, and reckless use of fire, stemming from the December 16th incident.

Investigators say the pair caused more than ten-thousand dollars in damage. County officials report no evidence that sensitive records or computer systems were compromised. However, the County Treasurer says 45 out-of-state driver’s licenses awaiting destruction and nearly $3,900 in checks tied to motor vehicle transactions were affected, and staff are contacting residents.

Both men are being held in the Lyon County Jail. They’re due in court January 20th, with bond set at 25-thousand dollars each.

(Glenwood, IA) – The Glenwood Police Department reports three recent arrests:

On Monday, Jan. 5th, 44-year-old Luke Ahrens Jensen, of Glenwood, was arrested for Driving Under Suspension (Bond $300).

On Saturday, Jan. 3rd, 48-year-old Shayleigh Marshall Julich Howard, of Glenwood, was arrested for Driving while license is denied or revoked – OWI related (Bond $1,000).

And on Friday, Jan. 2nd, 60-year-old Rickey Alan Brammer, of Malvern, was arrested in Glenwood for Theft in the 5th Degree (Bond $300).

(Radio Iowa) – Grinnell College is marking the loss of its oldest alumna. Just living to 111 is a rare accomplishment, but Edith Renfrow Smith was known for much more. The granddaughter of slaves, she was the first black woman to graduate from Grinnell College — in 1937 — with a major in psychology and a minor in economics. Renfrow Smith worked for the University of Chicago, and taught in the Chicago school system for more than two decades.

Edith Renfrow Smith (Grinnell College photo)

At age 108, she was designated a “super ager” in a Northwestern University study for her remarkable memory and longevity, and in 2024, Grinnell College opened a new dormitory in her honor, Renfrow Hall.

Grinnell College President Anne Harris released a statement saying Renfrow Smith was the college’s most inspiring and beloved alumni, who will be remembered for her “perseverance, her brilliance, and her belief that we can do better.” Renfrow Smith died January 2nd in Chicago.

(Atlantic, IA) — The Healthy Cass County Coalition is inviting community members, organizations, and local leaders to attend the Coalition’s upcoming meeting, “Cancer in Cass County: Learning the Facts and Taking Action Together.” The meeting takes place beginning at noon, on Monday, January 12th, at the Cass County Community Center.

Cass County currently ranks number one in Iowa for new cancer incidence rates, making education, prevention, and early detection a critical priority for the community. During this meeting, Cass Health will present local cancer data, share information on screening efforts, and discuss community strategies that can help address cancer risk and improve health outcomes across the county. Cass Health Cancer Action Plan Team Chair Ann McCurdy says “While the statistics are concerning, we know that we have a community willing to take action. By understanding local cancer trends, promoting prevention strategies, and encouraging screenings, we can work together to make an impact on cancer in Cass County.”

The discussion will focus on what the data tells us about cancer in Cass County and how individuals, families, businesses, and organizations can play a role in prevention and early detection. Topics will include the importance of screenings, healthy lifestyle behaviors linked to cancer prevention, and ways community partnerships can support long-term impact.

Healthy Cass County meetings are open to the public and designed to foster collaboration among community members, service providers, schools, businesses, and local organizations. Attendees are encouraged to join the conversation, ask questions, and explore opportunities to work together to reduce cancer risk in Cass County. Community members are encouraged to attend and share their perspectives. Attendees are also welcome to extend this invitation to others who promote, produce, or sell locally sourced food, as food access and nutrition play an important role in cancer prevention and overall health. For more information, to sign up for Healthy Cass County updates, or to get involved, please contact Grace McAfee at mcage@casshealth.org or call 712-250-8170.

**********

About the Healthy Cass Coalition: The Healthy Cass Coalition is dedicated to improving the health and wellness of Cass County residents by fostering community collaboration and supporting local initiatives. Through partnerships and community engagement, the coalition addresses key issues like food security, mental wellness, and overall public health.

(AVOCA, IA) – Officials with the City of Avoca, Monday (Jan. 5th), announced the hiring of Shawnna Silvius as the new City Administrator in Avoca, following a comprehensive recruitment and interview process. Silvius brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in municipal management, community and economic development, strategic planning, and organizational leadership. Most recently, she served two terms as Mayor of Red Oak, where she led a transformation of city operations by modernizing systems, improving internal processes, strengthening fiscal management, and enhancing collaboration across departments. These efforts resulted in improved service delivery, stronger staff leadership, and increased community trust in local government.

Prior to her service as mayor, Silvius served as Executive Director of the Montgomery County Development Corporation, where she re-established a county-wide economic development organization and led multi-community initiatives in housing, broadband, childcare, workforce development, and business growth. She has also worked at the regional level with the Omaha–Council Bluffs Metropolitan Area Planning Agency, contributing to large-scale federal grant projects and small business financing programs.

Shawn Silvius (City of Avoca photo)

Shawnna Silvius holds a Master’s degree in Organizational Management with a focus on Economic Development and Entrepreneurship and maintains multiple professional certifications, including Certified Professional Community & Economic Developer, Certified Grant Administrator, and Certified Elected Municipal Official. As City Administrator, she will oversee daily city operations, collaborate with department heads, and support the City Council in advancing strategic goals, capital improvement planning, and community engagement efforts that enhance quality of life in Avoca.

Silvius will begin her employment in mid January 2026. The City of Avoca proudly welcomes her and looks forward to the positive impact her leadership and service will have on the community for years to come.

(Glenwood, IA) – The Mills County Sheriff’s Office reports three separate arrests took place last week:

• On Dec. 29th, 30-year-old Malik Ammons-Keyes, of Omaha, was arrested in Glenwood, for Failure to Appear (in court). Bond was set at $2,000.
• On Jan. 1st, 54-year-old John Martin Roberson, of Henderson, was arrested in Henderson, for OWI/1st offense, and, 36-year-old Cody Clark Gorham, of Pacific Junction, was arrested in Glenwood, for Violation of a No Contract Order-Domestic related. Gorham was being held without bond in the Mills County Jail. Roberson’s bond was set at $1,000.