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Iowa legislature OKs merger for mental health, substance abuse treatment

Posted on by Sam Parsons

By O. Kay Henderson (Radio Iowa)

The Iowa legislature has approved the governor’s plan to create a combined system to help Iowans with a mental illness as well as those with addiction issues.

Republican Representative Joel Fry of Osceola said it’s the culmination of many years of work to improve services. “I have worked on a variety of different pieces related to mental health and substance abuse for my last 14 years here,” said Fry, who is not seeking reelection, “and this is a great opportunity for the state of Iowa to be able to see these two worlds merge and to have a system statewide that I believe will benefit Iowans in some pretty dramatic ways.”

There are currently 13 mental health regions and 19 separate substance use treatment regions in Iowa. On July 1, 2025, they’ll be combined into seven behavioral health districts. Advocates say it will be particularly helpful for people who have a mental health diagnosis and also need treatment for substance abuse.

The bill does not provide a new source of funding for the system, but state officials say after the merger, they’ll be able to use $23 million that hasn’t been spent in some of the mental health regions.

Iowa’s Unemployment Rate Decreases to 2.9 Percent in March

Posted on by Sam Parsons

DES MOINES, IOWA – Iowa’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 2.9 percent in March from a revised February rate of 3.0 percent. The state’s labor force participation rate fell to 67 percent from 67.2 percent in February despite solid job growth. Meanwhile, the U.S. unemployment rate fell to 3.8 percent in March.

“March employment figures indicate steady progress across Iowa’s economy,” said Beth Townsend, Executive Director of Iowa Workforce Development. “Construction expanded for the fifth straight month while Iowa employers added more than 4,000 jobs in March. This month’s increase followed a historically large increase last month of over 11,000 added jobs and was fueled by private service industries ramping up payrolls. With more than 60,000 jobs currently posted on IowaWORKS.gov, it is clear that employers continue to look for Iowa workers.”

The number of unemployed Iowans decreased to 48,700 in March from 50,200 in February.

The total number of working Iowans fell to 1,648,200 in March. This figure is 2,500 lower than February and 17,400 lower than one year ago.

Seasonally Adjusted Nonfarm Employment

Iowa establishments added 4,400 jobs in March, lifting total nonfarm employment to 1,612,500 jobs. This month’s increase followed a historically large increase last month and was fueled by private service industries ramping up payrolls. Private service industries gained 3,100 jobs in March, while goods-producing firms added 700 jobs. Government, a sector that includes workers at hospitals and schools as well as federal, state, and local government agencies, increased slightly in February (+600) and is up 5,200 jobs compared to last year.

Professional and business services gained the most jobs in March (+2,200). Administrative support and waste management businesses were responsible for most of the jobs added (+1,400). Hiring was most evident in employment and landscaping services. Professional scientific, and technical services also added staff in March (+600). Much of this gain could be attributed to consulting and other technical services. Trade, transportation, and utilities increased by 1,800 jobs. Wholesale trade added 1,200 jobs following little change in February. This increase helped offset a slight drop in retail trade (-400). Construction added 900 jobs. This gain is the fifth-consecutive for the sector, which now has risen by 6,100 jobs since October. The only other major increase was rooted in arts, entertainment, and recreation, which added 800 jobs. Alternatively, health care and social assistance shed 600 jobs to lead all sectors. This loss was the first since September for this industry. Other services also shed jobs in March (-500). Most of this device was related to religious, grantmaking, and similar professional organizations.

Over the past 12 months, education and health care industries have added the most jobs (+6,400). Health care and social assistance have been responsible for most of the jobs gained (+5,300). Leisure and hospitality are markedly up over the past 12 months (+5,400). Accommodations and food services fueled all the growth. Trade, transportation, and utilities conversely has shed the most jobs (-3,100). These losses were the result of cutbacks in retail and transportation and warehousing.

Mahaska County Conservation to Host Presentation on Iowa’s Big Trees

Posted on by Sam Parsons

OSKALOOSA — Stories behind big trees are fun to listen to. Did you know that Mahaska County has the new state record Downy serviceberry tree? Mahaska County Conservation invites you to the Environmental Learning Center, on April 30th at 6:00 pm for a public program on “Iowa’s Big Trees”. We will meet in the lower level (park in back) and listen to our guest speaker, Bailey Yotter, Iowa NRCS State Forester, speak about Iowa’s record trees. She will also share information about Mahaska County’s serviceberries.

After the presentation, everyone is welcome to follow Bailey and our staff out to Quercus Wilderness Area to see the serviceberries.

Mahaska County Conservation recommends you dress for the weather and bring a friend! The Environmental Learning Center is located at 2342 Hwy. 92, Oskaloosa, IA 52577. If you have questions, call Mahaska County Conservation at (614)673-9327.

Ford recalls over 456,000 Bronco Sport and Maverick cars due to loss of drive power risk

Posted on by Sam Parsons

NEW YORK (AP) — Ford is recalling more than 456,000 Bronco Sport and Maverick vehicles due to a battery detection issue that can result in loss of drive power, increasing crash risks.

According to documents published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the body and power train control modules for these cars may fail to detect changes in battery charge. And when undetected, a low battery charge can cause an unexpected loss of drive power — including sudden stalling or inability to restart — and the use of other electric capabilities like hazard lights.

The recall covers about 403,000 model year 2021-2024 Bronco Sports produced between February 2020 and March 2024, as well as more than 53,000 model year 2022-2023 Mavericks manufactured from February 2021 to October 2022, a recall report dated Friday notes.

To remedy this issue, dealers will recalibrate the impacted vehicles’ body and power train control modules at no cost. Owner notification letters are set to be mailed out on May 13, a Tuesday NHSTA recall acknowledgment letter notes.

The software update is not available yet, a Ford spokesperson confirmed to The Associated Press Wednesday, but should arrive by later in the second quarter. In a statement, the spokesperson added that “safety is a top priority, and we are taking proactive measures to address this issue promptly and effectively.”

As of February 8, the NHSTA recall report notes, Ford was not aware of any injuries tied to the issue — but the Dearborn, Michigan-based the company noted 917 related warranty reports, 11 field reports and 54 customer complaints. There were also two property damage claims and three unverified fire reports.

This isn’t the only recall impacting Bronco Sport owners.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said last week that it was investigating the remedy Ford had proposed after the recall of nearly 43,000 select Bronco Sport and Escape SUVs, in which gasoline can leak from the fuel injectors onto hot engine surfaces, increasing the risk of fires. The NHTSA said remedy did not include repairing the fuel leaks.

Annual Search for Iowa’s Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin Begins

Posted on by Sam Parsons

CLIVE — The Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) invites Iowans to nominate their favorite restaurant for the 22nd annual Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin Contest. This highly anticipated event allows the public to help decide which establishment serves up the most delectable breaded pork tenderloin sandwich in the state.

Nominations opened on Wednesday, April 17, and will run through June 3. During this period, Iowans can submit their top choice for the best breaded pork tenderloin sandwich. Each person is limited to one nomination, and those who nominate the winning restaurant will have a chance to win a $100 prize.

“Iowans love their tenderloin sandwiches and there is no shortage of restaurants serving up these beloved Iowa staples,” said IPPA Marketing and Programs Director Kelsey Sutter. “The 2023 competition nearly broke 10,000 nominations, so we’re hoping to see great participation and support for Iowa’s restaurants again this year!”

Iowa is the national leader in pork production and the breaded pork tenderloin sandwich is a staple in restaurants, diners, and cafes across the state.

To qualify for the contest, hand-breaded tenderloins must be part of the regular menu at an Iowa establishment with consistent year-round hours. Food trucks, concession stands, seasonal eateries, and catering businesses are ineligible.

Following the nomination period, IPPA’s Restaurant & Foodservice Committee will review the top 40 restaurants, which include the five establishments with the most nominations from each of IPPA’s eight districts. These leading contenders will then be evaluated by a panel of undercover judges who will visit the locations and rank the tenderloins based on pork quality, taste, physical characteristics, and overall eating experience.

The top five picks will be unveiled during National Pork Month in October. The winning restaurant will receive a $500 cash prize, a plaque to proudly display in their business, and statewide publicity. The runner-up will be awarded $250 and a plaque from IPPA.

Iowans have shown tremendous enthusiasm for this contest, as evidenced by the more than 9,000 nominations for 774 different restaurants received in 2023. The winning restaurants from the past five years include:

·        Cliff’s Place in Manning (2023)

·         Lid’s Bar & Grill in Waukon (2022)

·         Victoria Station in Harlan (2021)

·         PrairieMoon On Main in Prairieburg (2020)

·        The Pub at the Pinicon in New Hampton (2019)

For a complete list of past winners dating back to 2003, please visit the IPPA website. The Iowa Pork Producers Association also invites food lovers to conquer the Iowa Tenderloin Trail and win a free t-shirt.

Central College Opens Registrations for Leadership Youth Summit

Posted on by Sam Parsons

PELLA — Central College will host the inaugural Leadership Youth Summit from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 10-11. The two-day camp is open to students who will be in grades 7-12 in the fall of 2024. Registration is open until Wednesday, May 1. The registration fee is $55 and includes lunch and snacks on both days.

The Leadership Youth Summit features workshops and activities geared toward personal growth and development. Students will develop skills in leadership and communication that they will then use in an exciting escape room experience. Campus leaders will help teach students leadership skills that they will use throughout their life.

Central College offers various camps throughout the summer for a range of ages and interests. Registration is now open for Central athletics camps, Central summer camps and non-college opportunities such as the Central Iowa Color Guard Camp or Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) Camp. There are plenty of ways to stay busy this summer. Continue to check the schedules as Central is always adding new camps at central.edu/camps/.

Master Gardener Plant Sale will be held in one month

Posted on by Sam Parsons

OSKALOOSA — The Mahaska County Master Gardeners will hold their annual plant sale Saturday May 18, 2024.  It will be held 8 – 11 am at the Mahaska County Extension and Outreach Office auditorium, 212 North I Street, Oskaloosa.

They will be selling a limited selection of annuals, vegetables transplants (many heirloom), perennial divisions, and second time around gardening items.

Proceeds from the sale support Master Gardener activities in Mahaska County including future speaker fees.  Many of the Mahaska County Master Gardener events are free and open to the public because of plant sale proceeds.

Mahaska County Master Gardeners are celebrating their twenty-first year.  The local program organized after the county held their first training in 2003.  The educational volunteer program, sponsored by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, provides current, research based, home horticulture information and education to the citizens of Iowa through programs and projects.  Master Gardeners receive horticulture training, and volunteer to promote a mission of education and service.  The program is open to anyone 18 or older with an interest in gardening and a willingness to use their knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to make a positive impact on their local community.

More information about this and other horticulture events can be found at the Mahaska County Extension Office; 212 North I Street; Oskaloosa Phone 641-673-5841; and www.extension.iastate.edu/mahaska/yardgarden.htm. 

Executor of O.J. Simpson’s estate plans to fight payout to the families of Brown and Goldman

Posted on by Sam Parsons

LAS VEGAS (AP) — The executor of O.J. Simpson’s estate says he will work to prevent a payout of a $33.5 million judgment awarded by a California civil jury nearly three decades ago in a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the families of Simpson’s ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman.

Simpson’s will was filed Friday in a Clark County court in Nevada, naming his longtime lawyer, Malcolm LaVergne, as the executor. The document shows Simpson’s property was placed into a trust that was created this year.

LaVergne told the Las Vegas Review-Journal that the entirety of Simpson’s estate has not been tallied. Under Nevada law, an estate must go through the courts if its assets exceed $20,000.

Simpson died Wednesday without having paid the lion’s share of the civil judgment that was awarded in 1997 after jurors found him liable. With his assets set to go through the court probate process, the Goldman and Brown families could be in line to get paid a piece of whatever Simpson left behind.

LaVergne, who had represented Simpson since 2009, said he specifically didn’t want the Goldman family seeing any money from Simpson’s estate.

“It’s my hope that the Goldmans get zero, nothing,” he told the Review-Journal. “Them specifically. And I will do everything in my capacity as the executor or personal representative to try and ensure that they get nothing.”

LaVergne did not immediately return phone and email messages left by The Associated Press on Saturday.

Although the Brown and Goldman families have pushed for payment, LaVergne said there was never a court order forcing Simpson to pay the civil judgment. The attorney told the Review-Journal that his particular ire at the Goldman family stemmed in part from the events surrounding Simpson’s planned book, titled “If I Did It.” Goldman’s family won control of the manuscript and retitled the book “If I Did It: Confessions of the Killer.”

Simpson earned fame and fortune through football and show business, but his legacy was forever changed by the June 1994 knife slayings of his ex-wife and her friend in Los Angeles. He was acquitted of criminal charges in 1995 in a trial that mesmerized the public.

Goldman’s father Fred Goldman, the lead plaintiff, always said the issue was never the money, it was only about holding Simpson responsible. And he said in a statement Thursday that with Simpson’s death, “the hope for true accountability has ended.”

The Goldman and Brown families will be on at least equal footing with other creditors and will probably have an even stronger claim, as Simpson’s estate is settled under terms established by the trust created in January. The will lists his four children and notes that any beneficiary who seeks to challenge provisions of the will “shall receive, free of trust, one dollar ($1.00) and no more in lieu of any claimed interest in this will or its assets.”

Simpson said he lived only on his NFL and private pensions. Hundreds of valuable possessions had been seized as part of the jury award, and Simpson was forced to auction his Heisman Trophy, fetching $230,000.

Iowa legislators approve ‘MEGA’ tax breaks for big business projects

Posted on by Sam Parsons

By O. Kay Henderson (Radio Iowa)

The Iowa legislature has voted to create a program that would offer state tax credits and sales tax rebates for businesses that are making a more than $1 billion capital investment in Iowa. It’s called the “Major Economic Growth Attractions” or “MEGA” program.

“These projects are rare,” Senator Dan Dawson of Council Bluffs said when the Senate first considered the program a year ago. “They don’t come around very often.”

The local community has to approve the development. It must be on over 250 acres and must be primarily engaged in the advanced manufacturing, biosciences and research businesses.

Senator William Dotzler of Waterloo said these kind of incentives are necessary. “We’re in competition with other states,” Dotzler said. “…Other states are putting in to these project even greater than what we are.”

The bill also provides some state funding to help 88 Iowa counties that are outside of urban areas improve tracts of land so it’s immediately ready for business development. Representative Brian Lohse
of Bondurant said the upgrades required for certified sites can be out of reach for smaller communities, including small towns in Iowa’s largest counties. “It is a very extensive and very expensive thing to do,” Lohse said earlier this month, “and it’s incredibly productive.”

The far larger MEGA program won approval in the Iowa Senate a year ago, but stalled in the House over concerns about a foreign company owning farmland. The bill’s final version says a foreign business that gets incentives from this MEGA program cannot be located in the six counties considered to be aversaries of the United States.

Road Closure over Red Rock Dam April 22-24

Posted on by Sam Parsons

KNOXVILLE, Iowa – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District, announces a full road closure to Highway T15 across the Red Rock Dam April 22-24. The closure is necessary for contractors to continue refurbishing gates on the dam. Additional partial and full road closures may be needed throughout 2024.

For more information, contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Lake Red Rock at 641-828-7522 or email: lakeredrock@usace.army.mil.

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