(Radio Iowa) –  A northwest Iowa lawmaker is urging his fellow Republicans to pressure G-O-P leaders to allow senate debate of a bill that addresses the Summit Carbon Solutions pipeline project. Republican Senator Lynn Evans of Aurelia is critical of the Iowa Utilities Commission decision that gives Summit eminent domain authority to seize tracts from land owners who don’t want the pipeline on their property.

“Private property rights are one of the things that make our country unique,” Evans says. “George Washington recognized the vital link between freedom and private property rights, believing they were inseparable. His belief solidified the idea that private property ownership is a fundamental aspect of American society.” Evans says it’s time for a public vote in the senate.

“This is not only a constitutional issue, it is simply the right thing to do for our property owners as many of them who are in objection to the use of eminent domain are generational land owners,” Evans said. “It means much more to them than just productivity. It’s part of their family, it’s part of their heritage and it’s part of their being.” Those remarks sparked a verbal skirmish between two other legislators.

Senator Jesse Green of Boone says he and other Republicans are having private conversations about what to do next and he suggests Senate Democrats are too focused on making public statements about the pipeline. “I get that you guys enjoy theatrics, the cameras, all that stuff,” Green said. Senator Tony Bisignano, a Democrat from Des Moines, says it’s not Democrats, but Republicans who have a super majority of seats in the senate that have the power to bring bills up for debate. “You’re on the run and you’re afraid, so you attack us,” Bisignano said.

Republicans and Democrats in the Iowa House have passed several bills over the past few years to address issues related to the pipeline, but none were considered in the Senate. There is a House-passed bill eligible for debate in the Senate this year, but an attached amendment makes significant changes to the bill.

(Radio Iowa) – It’s Prom season for Iowa high schoolers and the Iowa State Patrol is holding a series of educational talks at schools across the state, warning teens of the dangers they may encounter during the ritual of spring. Trooper Paul Gardner, who’s based in Fort Dodge, says teens need to know the consequences of drinking and driving. “According to MADD, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, 31% of teen fatality crashes are attributed to drunk driving, so we cannot say enough how important it is to make good decisions behind the wheel,” Gardner says.

“That goes for teen drivers but it also goes to passengers as well, riding with friends, make sure they’re making the safe decisions on who they’re riding with.” Prom night can be an evening of fond memories to long cherish, though Gardner says it can also be a road to tragedy, especially for relatively new, inexperienced drivers. “Teens are more prone to take risks, show off in front of others, and that can lead to some dangerous driving behaviors,” he says.

Simulated drunk driving crash in Cass County (2019) – part of the “Every 15 minutes” program (LifeFlight DesMoines Facebook page)

“What they need to realize is that there are real-world consequences for those who make bad decisions, like drunk driving, speeding, distracted, careless driving. It’s very important for parents and educators to have a serious talk with their students.”

Last year, 351 people were killed in crashes on Iowa’s roads, and Gardner says 55 of them were teens, and half of those involved speeding, drunk driving or both.

(Council Bluffs, Iowa) – Officials with the Council Bluffs Police Department report a school was placed in lockdown status this (Tuesday) morning, following an alleged threat of violence. Authorities says 10:22-a.m., Council Bluffs Police Officers responded to the Franklin Elementary Elementary School, for a report by 39-year-old Joyce Sweeney, of Council Bluffs, that a third party was on their way to “shoot up the school.” Officers were on scene within minutes. School staff followed their lockdown procedures preventing access into the school. Nearby schools were advised to go into lockdown as a precaution.

Council Bluffs PD Shield

After an investigation, it was determined the threat was not credible, and Sweeney was charged with Providing False Information. Providing False Information is a simple misdemeanor, punishable by 30 days in jail or a fine. Sweeny was banned from the school for the rest of the school year.

All schools were released from lockdown within 25 minutes of the start of the incident.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – Defying Prohibition, farmers-turned-entrepreneurs, used their hog houses, barns and basements for moonshine operations. The story told by author Ann Hanigan Kotz takes you through early 20th century history in Iowa beyond Templeton Rye. The program will be held Sunday, April 27 beginning at 2 pm at the American Legion Memorial Building.

Many bootleggers were drawn into the business to support their families. There may be humorous stories of dodging the ever-present federal regulators, but the murder of a pastor in Sioux City takes you to the dark and dangerous side. Local federal agents constantly worked to find and destroy stills and inventory. Kotz grew up in Carroll County and has done much research to give a broad picture of the bootlegging business. A novel, Moonshine by Moonlight, is based on her research.

Atlantic Rock Island Society Enterprise (ARISE) sponsors the program. There is no fee and the building is handicapped accessible.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Cass County Grow Another Row Committee is hosting a free event at Mollett Park (1020 E. 3rd Street Place, in Atlantic) on Tuesday, April 29^th at 5:30 pm.   “Spring into Growing” is a chance for local residents to learn about spring gardening in small spaces. Participants can plant greens and herbs in pots to keep on their porches or patios. This free educational gardening event will help participants learn how to plant, care for, and harvest early-season plants to enjoy this spring.

Participants are welcome to bring their own pots; otherwise, pots can be provided. The Grow Another Row Committee will provide seeds and soil. Extra pots will be available if needed, and attendees can also plant an extra pot to donate to the local food pantry. We’ll be planting lettuce, spinach, and herbs including basil, oregano, cilantro, and dill. Learn about seeds and planting tips for pots, raised beds, and other small food gardening spaces. Bring your own gloves and diggers if you have them, or we will have extras.

Container gardening is a way for people to enjoy the benefits of gardening. Shown here is an example of an herb and vegetable garden.

To get to Mollett Park, follow Mulberry Street north until it curves east (3rd St. Place), and proceed to the end of the cul-de-sac. All ages are welcome. There is no cost to attend due to local sponsorships. A “Seed” mix (trail mix) snack will be provided, along with a water cooler.

If you are interested in attending, registration is strongly encouraged by Monday, April 28. This will ensure that we have enough supplies. Please register by contacting Kate Olson at the Cass County Extension Office by email at keolson@iastate.edu or by phone at 712-243-1132.

(Radio Iowa) – The legislature has sent the governor a bill to let schools assemble “safety assessment teams” that could share information about students who might pose a threat. Senator Dan Dawson of Council Bluffs says people from the local, county and state offices could be part of these teams. “To try to identify potential problems sooner,” Dawson said, “and get the needed intervention.” Local police, juvenile court officials, mental health counselors and social workers could be part these teams alongside school officials. The bill also would let state agencies and schools share information on students they believe may pose a threat to others.

Republican Representative Henry Stone of Forest City says collaboration among educators, law enforcement and social service professionals is already happening, but there are some hurdles now to sharing information. “Threats directed toward the safety of our children at school are on the rise across the country,” Stone said. “…All this bill does is if a school chooses to participate, it will give that school a tool that they can utilize to break that communication barrier.”

Stone says schools must still adhere to laws that prohibit the disclosure of sensitive health information and student education records. The Iowa Department of Public Safety proposed the legislation, which is headed to the governor for approval. The bill cleared the Senate unanimously a month ago and the House gave it unanimously approval yesterday (Monday).

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Cass County Board of Supervisors held a Special Meeting and Public Hearing this (Tuesday, April 22nd) morning. The hearing was with regard to the proposed Fiscal Year 2025-26 Cass County Budget. Afterward, the Board acted on passing a Resolution setting the Compensation Schedule for Elected Officials in FY 25-26. The vote was 4-to 1, with Supervisor Richter voting No. And, they passed a Resolution adopting the Fy25-26 Cass County Budget, along with the Certification of Taxes. The vote was once again 4-1, with Richter voting No.

Cass County BOS 4-2-25

In other business, the Cass County Supervisors passed a Resolution for the Secondary Roads Dept. 5-year Construction Program, and they acted on the appointment of Caleb Smith as a Cass County Sheriff’s Department Reserve Deputy, with a wage of $1.00 per year. Cass County Chief Deputy Spencer Walton…

The Board approved the appointment as requested.

(Lewis) One person was injured Tuesday morning in Cass County, during a collision east of Lewis between a semi tractor-trailer and a passenger vehicle. The crash happened a little after 8-a.m. the intersection of Highway 71 and Oxford Road.

Authorities says the driver of the vehicle was transported by Cass EMS to Cass Health, in Atlantic. The accident happened when the vehicle that was traveling west on Oxford Road pulled out from a stop sign, and into the path of the northbound semi.

Following the collision, the semi ended up in the west ditch, while the other vehicle came to rest in the center of the roadway. No names have been released.

Crews with the Cumberland and Massena Fire Departments, Lewis Fire Department, Cass EMS, and the Cass County Sheriff’s Office responded and assisted at the scene.

(Glenwood, Iowa) – The Mills County Sheriff’s Office has released a report on arrests that took place from April 15th through the 20th.

• Sunday afternoon (April 20), 21-year-ol Justin Adre Coates, of Hastings, was arrested in Hastings, for Driving Under Suspension. (Bond $300)
• Early Saturday morning, 33-year-old Zachary Dale Fly, of Aurora, MO, was arrested on I-29 near Pacific Junction, for Possession of Marijuana/1st offense. (Bond $1,000)
• Thursday morning (April 17), 48-year-old Patrick Bryan Lynam, of Omaha, was arrested by Mills County Deputies, for Theft in the 2nd Degree (an amount greater that $1,500 but less than $10,000). (Bond $5,000)
• On April 16th, 52-year-old Joseph Michael Lewis, of Plattsmouth, NE, was arrested in Emerson, for Possession of a Controlled Substance, 3rd or subsequent offense. (Bond $1,000); and, 31-year-old Devon D. Walker, of Chicago, Il, was arrested in Emerson, on an Out-of-County/State warrant.
• And, on April 15th, 56-year-old Kasey Clark Anderson, of Malvern, was arrested in Hastings, for Driving While Barred. (Bond $2,000)

Des Moines – The Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) Board of Directors recently awarded $25,000 to the City of Sioux City to support the creation of the state’s first Homeless Court Program (HCP). The program, funded through IFA’s Emergency and Innovative Housing Fund, is designed to help individuals experiencing homelessness resolve legal barriers that prevent them from securing stable housing and employment.

HCPs bring together courts, local shelters, service agencies, prosecutors and public defenders to provide a community-based alternative to the traditional courtroom. The program allows participants to resolve outstanding misdemeanor offenses, infractions, and warrants by working with a case manager from a local supportive services agency who will work directly with the person experiencing homelessness to develop an individualized self-sufficiency plan and secure supportive services specific to their needs. If the participant successfully completes the program, court cases may be dismissed and fines and fees that were unlikely to be collected may be removed, reducing barriers to housing and employment. The HCP model builds trust, promotes community engagement and enhances overall public health and safety.

“The Homeless Court Program is a powerful initiative that fosters collaboration across the community in an effort to end the cycle of homelessness,” said IFA Director Debi Durham. “This investment will support those in need and strengthen the services provided by the City of Sioux City.”

Since 2001, the American Bar Association Commission on Homelessness and Poverty has helped establish similar programs in more than 70 jurisdictions nationwide, and they will provide technical assistance for the Sioux City program. The Sioux City HCP will be the first HCP implemented in the state of Iowa.

“The creation of the Sioux City Homeless Court Program is an important step in breaking down legal barriers that prevent individuals from achieving stable housing and jobs,” said Jill Wanderscheid, Neighborhood Services Manager. “With 206 households, consisting of 286 individuals, currently on the Sioux City’s Coordinated Entry list waiting for housing resources, this program will play a crucial role in addressing homelessness in our community.”

The IFA Board of Directors established the Emergency and Innovative Housing Fund in 2024 to effectively respond to emergency housing needs related to natural disasters or other housing crises within Iowa and to participate in creative and innovative initiatives related to supporting affordable housing. The IFA Board annually evaluates the Fund’s balance and approves additional funding deposits each year as part of the agency’s fiscal year budgeting process.