Month: October 2023

Oh deer. When travelling in Iowa, whether it be across the state or across town, there’s a good chance you encounter deer on your daily commute. Every fall and winter, it seems like deer love to cross the road at the most inconvenient times. While you may not be able to change the fact that deer might jump in front of your vehicle, you can change the likelihood that you and the deer get home safely.

Stay alert as you are traveling. There are many factors that increase the risk of vehicle-deer collisions. Fall deer behavior, crop harvest, and peak travel times for commuters are just a few of these factors.

To ensure your safety, “sweep” eye movements from ditch to ditch. This is especially important while driving during low light hours and near tree-lined areas.  Increase following distance between vehicles, because you never know when the car in front of you is going to slam on their brakes due to a deer in the road.

Don’t veer for deer. Resist the sudden impulse to jerk your wheel in one direction. Instead, firmly grasp the wheel while applying the brakes and honk your horn.

As dad always said, when there is one, there is always more. Deer very rarely travel by themselves, so don’t take off once one deer passes. Make sure the roadway is completely safe before increasing your speed.

There is no guarantee that you can avoid encounters with deer, but if you follow these tips, you should be able to drive away with out much more than a minor inconvenience.

U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley is accepting applications for his Spring 2024 internship program, an opportunity for college-age Iowans to learn firsthand about our federal government.

Internships are available in Grassley’s offices in Washington, D.C., Cedar Rapids, Council Bluffs, Davenport, Des Moines, Sioux City and Waterloo. The Spring 2024 Washington internship program runs from January 2 – May 24. The Spring 2024 Iowa internship offers a flexible schedule and can often be adjusted to accommodate each student’s class and work obligations. To date, nearly 1,000 individuals have participated.  

“Nothing compares to real life work experience. That’s why every intern in my office has their own work assignment and responsibilities,” Grassley said. “In addition to learning the ins and outs of a congressional office, interns gain access to a strong network of professionals. I’m proud that many alumni of the Grassley internship program have gone on to excel in a variety of fields, including business, health care, technology, education, law and public service.”

Washington interns have the chance to immerse themselves in the policymaking process and work closely with our nation’s legislators. They gain invaluable professional experience through supporting permanent staff on administrative, legislative and communications projects. These interns may assist with local and national interviews, attend congressional hearings, briefings and votes, and visit the Senate floor.

Iowa interns work alongside Grassley’s constituent services specialists and regional directors, who play a pivotal role in the two-way representative government process. These interns attend community and business meetings and assist Iowans with issues involving federal agencies. With six offices across the state, this is an excellent option for students to supplement their studies with an impactful internship close to campus or home.

How to Apply:

Applications and resources are available on Grassley’s new internship page. Spring 2024 applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. For those seeking additional information or to submit their applications, please contact Tyler Henningsen at Internships_Grassley@grassley.senate.gov or call (202) 224-3744.

Mark Hempen of New London has announced his candidacy for the Southeastern Community College District 1 Trustee seat.  Hempen wants to directly support the successful initiatives currently going on at the college, as well as future initiatives to promote quality higher education in the southeast Iowa region.

“As I’ve lived and worked in southeast Iowa, I’ve seen SCC grow to become an award-winning institution.  I stand behind SCC’s positive path that has supported innumerable successful careers and will support efforts to created an education workforce to fulfill local job opportunities.  Many of Southeast Iowa’s largest achievements started with a degree from SCC.”

Hempen has gained extensive leadership experience in his career and his volunteer commitments in southeast Iowa.  After a successful career in radio and radio sales with KBUR/KGRS and later Titan Broadcasting in Burlington, he has served as the Foundation Director for Henry County Health Center for the past eight years.

He was previously elected to the New London City Council for 12 years, was appointed to the Mississippi Valley Regional Workforce Investment Board and the Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission and has also volunteered as a member of the Red Flag Horseless Carriage Tour Board, the Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber Ambassadors and the Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce Board, where he was recognized as Volunteer of the Year.   He has gained extensive experience with public budgeting, board governance, fundraising and community relations.

Hempen believes his record of collaborative partnerships and positive relationship-building would be a positive addition to the SCC board and he asks for your vote on November 7^th.

The upcoming City and School election on November 7^th, 2023, will see many changes throughout differing boards and councils.

Southeastern Community College, best known as SCC, will see three candidates wrestle for one position on the board. The man currently in that position is not running.

Mark Hempen has received awards such as volunteer of the year in Mt. Pleasant, worked in the radio industry for many years, and served on the New London City Council for 12 years. Hempen wants to directly support the successful initiatives currently going on at the college, as well as future initiatives to promote quality higher education in the southeast Iowa region.

He faces tough competition from First Sergeant Jesse Howard, a marine-turned Army National Guard soldier, who has faithfully served his country for 21 years. Howard currently serves as the Board President for the New London Community School District. Jesse strives to be a strong advocate for expanding Career and Technical Education opportunities and increasing continuing education opportunities in Henry County.

Also on the ticket is newcomer Ryan Coop, who has turned to historical ways of campaigning. Coop, and a group of volunteers, have walked around the community in a door-knocking campaign to raise support and help get his name out there. Coop has spent two years serving as Clerk at the State Legislature. He is eager to expand live classes and other educational opportunities at the SCC Mt. Pleasant Center and other regional SCC offices.

You will have the chance to hear from all three of them through KILJ on Friday, October 27^th, for a special episode of “Generation Gap.” Paul and Kadie will interview the three candidates for thirty minutes and ask questions that many community members have been asking. Tune into 105.5FM, 98.5FM, 1130AM, or KILJ.com on Friday to hear directly from the three men.

All three candidates are fighting for a single seat in District One. Early voting is already available through your local county auditor’s office, and the polls will be open for day-of voting on Tuesday, November 7^th, 2023.

Preston Kash Ingram, convicted of Robbery 2nd Degree and other charges in Lee County, failed to report back to the Ottumwa Residential Facility as required last Friday.

Ingram is a 35-year-old black male, height 5’11”, and weighs 195 pounds. He was admitted to the work release facility on July 11, 2023.

Persons with information on Ingram’s whereabouts should contact local police.

For more information on the state’s work release program, please see Iowa Code 904.901-904.910