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For Tesla’s futuristic new Cybertruck, a fourth recall

Posted on by Sam Parsons

DETROIT (AP) — Tesla is recalling its futuristic new Cybertruck pickup for the fourth time in the U.S. to fix problems with trim pieces that can come loose and front windshield wipers that can fail.

Tesla has recalled the stainless steel-clad Cybertruck four times since it went on sale Nov. 30.

The new recalls, announced in documents posted Tuesday by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, each affect more than 11,000 trucks.

The company says in the documents that the front windshield wiper motor controller can stop working because it’s getting too much electrical current. A wiper that fails can cut visibility, increasing the risk of a crash. The Austin, Texas, company says it knows of no crashes or injuries caused by the problem.

Tesla will replace the wiper motor at no cost to owners, who will be notified by letter on Aug. 18.

In the other recall, a trim piece along the truck bed can come loose and fly off, creating a hazard for other motorists.

Tesla says in documents that the trim piece is installed with adhesive, and that may not have been done properly at the factory.

The company will replace or rework the trim piece so it stays on. Owners will be notified by letter also on Aug. 18.

State Ag Department to require Avian Influenza testing before dairy shows

Posted on by Sam Parsons

By Dar Danielson (Radio Iowa)

The state Ag Department plans to require Avian Influenza tests for dairy cattle before shows.

The order goes into effect on July 1st and will require dairy exhibitors to complete testing for Bird Flu within seven days of moving to the exhibition. Iowa Ag Secretary Mike Naig says in a statement the state wants to strike a balance between allowing 4H, FFA, and dairy exhibitors the opportunity to show their animals, while also requiring additional testing to protect livestock and minimize the potential spread of the virus.

There have been 11 confirmed cases of Avian Influenza in Iowa dairy herds as of Tuesday (6/25). A majority of the positive cases have been in Sioux County.

Mahaska County Conservation Hosting B.A.R.K. Rangers Kickoff Event This Weekend

Posted on by Sam Parsons

OSKALOOSA — Mahaska County Conservation is starting a new program called B.A.R.K. Rangers, a program to encourage people to take their dogs on hikes in county parks. This program is related to the National Park System’s B.A.R.K. Ranger program, but they are using county parks since Iowa does not have any national parks with this program.  Program participants can earn certificates by completing activities with their dog and they can even purchase special B.A.R.K. Ranger swag. They have special dog tags for participants to purchase!

To start the program, there will be a kick-off B.A.R.K. Ranger event at the Environmental Learning Center on Saturday, June 29 beginning at 10:30 am.  There will be a few guest speakers. Valinn McReynolds, MCCB Volunteer, will talk about this new dog program and Nathan Peterson, veterinarian from Mahaska Vet Clinic, will share information about keeping your dog safe outdoors. There will also be door prizes, photos by Wag On Pet Photography, and a park scavenger hunt that participants can do with their dogs to earn a B.A.R.K. Ranger certificate. Dogs are welcome to come and participate with their owners! Note: all dogs must be on leash.

If you have questions, contact our office at (641)673-9327 or email decook@mahaskacountyia.gov.

Open Enrollment Deadline to be Reinstated Next Week

Posted on by Sam Parsons

DES MOINES — The state legislature’s decision to reinstate a deadline for open enrollment in Iowa schools will take effect next week.

The open enrollment deadline will be March 1st of each year, starting next Monday. This was the same deadline that had been eliminated in June 2022.

Open enrollment is still available for all students now through June 30. Anyone wanting to open enroll in a local school district must submit their documentation by the end of the week. You may contact your local school district to see when the last day their offices will be open to file documentation.

Music record labels sue AI song-generators Suno and Udio for copyright infringement

Posted on by Sam Parsons

BOSTON (AP) — Big record companies are suing artificial intelligence song-generators Suno and Udio for copyright infringement, alleging that the AI music startups are exploiting the recorded works of artists from Chuck Berry to Mariah Carey.

The Recording Industry Association of America announced the lawsuits Monday brought by labels including Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group and Warner Records.

One case was filed in federal court in Boston against Suno AI, and the other in New York against Uncharted Labs, the developer of Udio AI.

Suno AI CEO Mikey Shulman said in an emailed statement that the technology is “designed to generate completely new outputs, not to memorize and regurgitate pre-existing content” and doesn’t allow users to reference specific artists.

Shulman said his Cambridge, Massachusetts-based startup tried to explain this to labels “but instead of entertaining a good faith discussion, they’ve reverted to their old lawyer-led playbook.”

Udio didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment.

RIAA Chairman and CEO Mitch Glazier said in a written statement that the music industry is already collaborating with responsible AI developers but said that “unlicensed services like Suno and Udio that claim it’s ‘fair’ to copy an artist’s life’s work and exploit it for their own profit without consent or pay set back the promise of genuinely innovative AI for us all.”

AI has been a heated topic of conversation in the music industry, with debates ranging from the creative possibilities of the new technology to concerns around its legality. In March, Tennessee became the first U.S. state to pass legislation to protect songwriters, performers and other music industry professionals against the potential dangers of artificial intelligence. Supporters said the goal is to ensure that AI tools cannot replicate an artist’s voice without their consent.

The following month, over 200 artists signed an open letter submitted by the Artist Rights Alliance non-profit calling on artificial intelligence tech companies, developers, platforms, digital music services and platforms to stop using AI to infringe upon and devalue the rights of human artists.

Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report

Posted on by Sam Parsons

DES MOINES — Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig commented on the Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. The report is released weekly April through November. Additionally, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship provides a weather summary each week during this time.

“Northwest Iowa is experiencing historic flooding not seen since 1993. While the forecast is showing a reprieve from additional rainfall, those downstream need to be prepared as this water heads south,” said Secretary Naig. “Our hearts go out to all the Iowans affected by this devastating flooding. We do not yet know the full picture of damage to homes, businesses, farms, crops, livestock, communities and public infrastructure, but we know that it is likely to be substantial and costly. Iowans are resilient and we will get through this together, but this recovery will certainly take some time and require considerable resources.”

The weekly report is also available on the USDA’s website at nass.usda.gov.

Crop Report
Northwest Iowa farmers received substantial rainfall with flood conditions while some Southeast Iowa farmers had minimal precipitation.  Statewide there were 3.9 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending June 23, 2024, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Spraying and other field activities were limited in some areas due to wet field conditions.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 1 percent very short, 8 percent short, 74 percent adequate and 17 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 1 percent very short, 11 percent short, 71 percent adequate and 17 percent surplus. Excessive rain fell in northwest Iowa with over 50 percent of the area reported with surplus topsoil and subsoil moisture.

Corn emergence neared completion. Corn condition rated 77 percent good to excellent. Soybeans emerged reached 95 percent. Seven percent of soybean crop was blooming, 1 day behind last year but 2 days ahead of the 5-year average.  Soybean condition rated 74 percent good to excellent. Eighty-six percent of the oat crop was headed or beyond, 6 days ahead of the average. Twenty-eight percent of oats were turning color, 9 days ahead of the average. Oat condition rated 73 percent good to excellent.

Ninety-five percent of the State’s first cutting of alfalfa hay has been completed, 6 days ahead of last year. Hay condition rated 78 percent good to excellent. Pasture condition decreased two percentage points to 73 percent good to excellent. Feedlots remain muddy due to excess rainfall.

Mahaska County Community Foundation Awards Over $120,000 in Grants for 2024

Posted on by Sam Parsons

OSKALOOSA, Iowa — The Mahaska County Community Foundation (MCCF) announces it is awarding more than $120,000 in grants to local nonprofit organizations for 2024. The grants, available to 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving Mahaska County, aim to support a variety of community improvement projects.

The MCCF recently awarded grants to a variety of projects aimed at enhancing the whole Mahaska County community.

  • Mahaska County Conservation was granted $25,000 for a new playground at the Environmental Learning Center.

  • The City of Leighton received $20,000 to expand and improve their community center.

  • The City of New Sharon received $20,000 to support Eastside Park improvements.

  • Friends of the Auditorium received $13,000 to support technology upgrades of the light and sound equipment at the George Daily Auditorium.

  • The Oskaloosa Community School District received $10,000 for equipment for Spirit Cafe.

  • The Mahaska County YMCA received $8,000 to enhance 24/7 access to fitness opportunities.

  • The Eddyville Community Foundation, in cooperation with the Southern Iowa Fair, received $9,150 to improve the 4H and FFA Sale Ring.

  • Mahaska FutureView was awarded $7,500 to support marketing and communications for the community.

  • The Mahaska Community Recreation Foundation was awarded $6,350 for new mural paintings on the trail tunnels along the recreational trail.

  • Fine Arts & Cultural Events of Mahaska County was granted $1,000 for safety equipment for the sculpture studio.

These grants, totaling over $120,000, exemplify MCCF’s commitment to fostering a vibrant and resilient Mahaska County.

“We have two types of grants,” said MCCF board member Madonna Bowie. “One is our standard grant, typically under $20,000, and the other is a city challenge grant that can be up to $25,000 for specific improvement projects.” The challenge grant must have a city or county partner signing on to the project.

One of the most significant grants this year is a $25,000 award to the Environmental Learning Center for a new playground. “The playground at the Conservation Center is a big deal,” Bowie noted. “It’s a project that has garnered a lot of community support and additional funding from other local entities.”

Another notable recipient is the town of Leighton, which received $20,000 to expand its community center. “They’re making a patio and a pergola to create a more user-friendly space for the community,” Bowie explained.

The MCCF grants are part of a broader effort to support community projects across Mahaska County. These grants are funded through state gambling collections allocated to counties without casinos. “The funds need to be used in a nonprofit way to benefit the county,” said Bowie. “We look at the impact on the community, the support the project has, and the creativity of the initiative.”

Partnership is a cornerstone of the Mahaska County Community Foundation (MCCF) and its grant evaluation process. “One of the things we look at with the George Daily Trust and MCCF is how much support there is in the community,” said Bowie. Projects backed by organizations like the Golden Goose Club, which has substantial community involvement and financial contributions, gain significant leverage with MCCF in grant considerations. This broad-based support, including in-kind donations and contributions from multiple entities, demonstrates a project’s viability and community impact. Bowie emphasized that this collaborative approach not only strengthens grant applications but also maximizes the positive effects on Mahaska County. “When we evaluate if the Golden Goose Club supported it, there’s your leverage,” she noted, underscoring the importance of combined efforts in community development.

Bowie emphasized the importance of community involvement in the foundation’s work. “If anyone is interested in becoming part of the board or donating, they can contact any of the board members listed on our website,” she said. “This is a wonderful way to leave a donation that continually benefits the community.”

Looking to the future, the Mahaska County Community Foundation (MCCF) encourages community members to consider the lasting impact of charitable giving. By donating to the MCCF through the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, benefactors can not only support local nonprofits but also enjoy significant tax benefits such as the Endow Iowa Tax Credit. This allows donors to establish funds that provide ongoing financial support to causes they care about, ensuring their contributions continue to benefit the community for generations to come. “When you put it into the foundation, you’re using the interest, you’re using the earnings, and it’s perpetual,” explained Bowie, emphasizing the enduring nature of these gifts.

The MCCF also highlights the importance of legacy and personalized giving. Estate planning with the MCCF can ensure that your philanthropic goals are met even after your lifetime, with flexible options to adjust your beneficiaries as needed. This proactive approach allows donors to leave a meaningful legacy while supporting the community’s long-term needs. “Our legacy funds provide you with the flexibility and simplicity to include your fund as a beneficiary of your will, trust, or retirement assets,” Bowie says. By engaging in thoughtful estate planning and leveraging available tax benefits, community members can make a profound and lasting difference for the future of Mahaska County.

Ottumwa Woman Arrested for Arson After Structure Fire Investigation; Now Faces Additional Charges

Posted on by Sam Parsons

OTTUMWA — On June 23, 2024, at approximately 3:32 a.m., the Ottumwa Police Department received a 911 call regarding a structure fire at 220 W. 5th, Ottumwa.  It was reported that people were still inside the residence during the initial call to dispatch.   Ottumwa Fire Department and Police Department personnel both responded to the incident.

The investigation into this incident determined that someone had caused the fire inside of the apartment building.  Two persons were present inside the structure when the fire was discovered.  One person escaped the fire through a third floor window and the other person did not escape and died as a result of this incident.  

The victim was identified as Ernest James Wilson, age 59, of 220 W. 5th, Apartment 4.  A suspect was identified and later found by police.  

At 9:10 a.m., the Ottumwa Police Department arrested Ashley Dawn Lankford, age 31, of Ottumwa with Arson 1st Degree, a Class “B” Felony.  

This incident remains under investigation by the Ottumwa Police Department, the Ottumwa Fire Department, and the State Fire Marshall’s Office for the State of Iowa.  

Lankford is being held in the Wapello County Jail with no bond.  

**UPDATE:

On June 24, 2024 at approximately 6:00 p.m., the Ottumwa Police Department filed additional charges on Ashley Dawn Lankford.  Lankford was charged with the following new offenses: 

  • Murder 1st Degree, a Class “A” Felony 
  • Attempt to Commit Murder, a Class “B” Felony
  • Criminal Mischief, 1st Degree, a Class “C” Felony
  • Animal Abuse- Causing Death, an Aggravated Misdemeanor   

This incident remains under investigation by the Ottumwa Police Department, the Ottumwa Fire Department, and the State Fire Marshall’s Office for the State of Iowa.  

Lankford is being held in the Wapello County Jail with bail set at $1,000,000 cash.     

Chicago’s iconic ‘Bean’ sculpture reopens to tourists after nearly a year of construction

Posted on by Sam Parsons

CHICAGO (AP) — One of Chicago’s most popular tourist attractions known as “The Bean” reopened to the public Sunday after nearly a year of renovations and construction.

Construction started in August last year, and fencing around the iconic sculpture limited closeup access to visitors. The work on the plaza surrounding the sculpture included new stairs, accessible ramps and a waterproofing system, according to the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events.

The bean-shaped sculpture by artist Anish Kapoor is formally known as “Cloud Gate” and weighs 110 tons (99.8 metric tons).

It’s a busy tourist hub near Michigan Avenue, particularly for selfies with its reflective surface inspired by liquid mercury. Views of skyscrapers and crowds are reflected on the Millenium Park sculpture.

“Visitors can once again have full access to Chicago’s iconic Cloud Gate by Anish Kapoor,” city officials said in a Sunday statement. “Come back and get your #selfie!”

Flooding in some Iowa locations to surpass 1993 records

Posted on by Sam Parsons

By O. Kay Henderson (Radio Iowa)

National Weather Service forecasters says some river levels in northwest Iowa will crest above levels set during the historic flood of 1993.

Shortly before 2 a.m. Saturday hundreds of Rock Valley residents were ordered to evacuate due to heavy rains and a surging Rock River. Boats and helicopters were used to rescue people from swamped homes. Four shelters were set up for Spencer residents who had to evacuate their homes. However, the shelter at Spencer’s Y-M-C-A was inundated with floodwater and had to be evacuated. The 70 people there moved to shelter at a nearby church.

Roads in and out of Le Mars are blocked by floodwaters and travel is not advised in many northwest Iowa counties. A section of Union Pacific Railroad track north of Sheldon is washed out.

By Saturday night, the west fork of the Des Moines River in Emmetsburg was six feet above flood stage — higher than it was in 1993.

Governor Kim Reynolds has declared 21 counties state disaster areas and she plans to seek a presidential disaster declaration. Reynolds, who toured the flood zone in a helicopter Saturday afternoon, said the “devastation is widespread.”

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