Author: Allison Jacobs

DES MOINES, IOWA, MARCH 5, 2026 — Daylight saving time begins on Sunday, March 8, and the American Red Cross encourages everyone to test their smoke alarms as they turn their clocks forward to make sure the devices are working.

“Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire in half, as you only have about two minutes to safely get out,” said Emily Holley, Regional Communications Manager for the Nebraska-Iowa Region. “Every second counts when there’s a home fire and the sooner an alarm alerts you to a fire, the sooner you can get to a safer place.”

In 2025, local Red Cross volunteers responded to help over 2,000 people in Iowa affected by 584 home fires, which account for most of the about 65,000 disasters that the Red Cross responds to annually across the country.

SMOKE ALARMS When turning your clocks forward this weekend, test your smoke alarms and replace the batteries if needed. Visit redcross.org/fire for more information, including an escape plan to create and practice with your family, or download the free Red Cross Emergency app by searching “American Red Cross” in app stores.

• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas.
• Replace smoke alarms that are 10 years or older. Components such as sensors can become less sensitive over time. Follow your alarm’s manufacturer instructions.
• Practice your two-minute home fire escape plan. Make sure everyone in your household can get out in less than two minutes — the amount of time you may have to escape a burning home before it’s too late.
• Include at least two ways to get out of every room and select a meeting spot at a safe distance away from your home, such as your neighbor’s home or landmark like a specific tree in your front yard, where everyone can meet.

HOME FIRE CAMPAIGN SAVES LIVES Since October 2014, the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, working with community partners, has saved at least 2,577 lives by educating families about fire safety, helping them create escape plans and installing free smoke alarms in high-risk areas across the country. To learn more about the campaign and how you can get involved, visit redcross.org/homefires.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or follow us on social media. 

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DES MOINES, Iowa (Mar. 4, 2026) – The price of regular unleaded gasoline rose 34 cents from last week’s price and is currently averaging $2.93 across Iowa according to AAA.

Crude Oil Summary

• The price of global crude oil rose this week on the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) by $9.46 per barrel, and is currently priced at $74.92.
• Brent crude oil rose by $10.86 and is currently priced at $81.64.
• One year ago, WTI crude sold for $68.47 and Brent crude was $72.31.

Motor Fuels

• As of Wednesday, the price of regular unleaded gasoline averaged $2.93 across Iowa according to AAA.
  • Prices rose 34 cents from last week’s price and are up 2 cents from a year ago.
  • The national average on Wednesday was $3.20, up 22 cents from last week’s price.
• Retail diesel prices in Iowa rose 37 cents this week with a statewide average of $3.90.
  • One year ago, diesel prices averaged $3.39 in Iowa.
  • The current Iowa diesel price is 14 cents lower than the national average of $4.04.
• The current Des Moines Terminal/Rack Prices are $2.13 for U87-E10, $2.49 for Unleaded 87 (clear), $2.98 for ULSD#2, $3.18 for ULSD#1, and $2.02 per gallon for E-70 prices.

Heating Fuels

• Natural gas prices were up 2 cents at the Henry Hub reporting site and are currently priced at $2.94 MMbtu.
• Propane prices averaged $1.61 per gallon in Iowa.
• Home heating oil prices had a statewide average of $3.22 per gallon.

Tips for saving energy on the road or at home are available at energy.gov and fueleconomy.gov.

Governor Kim Reynolds has ordered all flags in Iowa to fly at half-staff effective immediately until sunset on the final day of interment in honor and remembrance of Major Jeffery O’Brien, 45, of Waukee, Iowa and Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa. Both are Army Reserve Soldiers with the 103rd Sustainment Command in Des Moines, Iowa, and were killed in action on March 1, 2026, in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait. 

“Our hearts are broken by the deaths of Major Jeffrey O’Brien and Sgt. Declan Coady, two brave Iowa soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice to secure freedom and peace,” said Governor Kim Reynolds. “On behalf of a grateful state, Kevin and I offer our prayers and condolences for their families, and we ask all Iowans to stand united in support of our fallen soldiers and those who loved them.”   

Flags will be flown at half-staff on the State Capitol Building and on flag displays in the Capitol Complex. Flags will also be at half-staff on all public buildings, grounds, and facilities throughout the state.   

Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties, and other government subdivisions are encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff for the same length of time as a sign of respect.   

The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association’s (IRFA) Drive Clean campaign is helping Iowa teens celebrate Prom safely — and drive cleaner while they do it.

Drive Clean, an educational campaign focused on helping young drivers make smart fuel choices, is offering donations to support high school After-Prom events across the state.

“We want young drivers to feel confident when they pull up to the pump — not just on Prom night, but every day,” said IRFA Marketing Director Lisa Coffelt. “Choosing Unleaded 88 helps them save money, reduce emissions, and support Iowa farmers. Partnering with schools to promote safe driving and smart fuel choices makes After-Prom even more meaningful. Drive Safe. Drive Clean.”

The Drive Clean donation will include a $25 gas card along with a Drive Clean branded t-shirt, lanyard, stickers and air freshener. Schools can request a donation online here or contact IRFA’s Marketing Director Lisa Coffelt at LCoffelt@IowaRFA.org for details.

Drive Clean encourages teens ages 14–18 to choose Unleaded 88 at the pump. Unleaded 88, also known as E15, is a 15% ethanol blend approved for vehicles model year 2001 and newer. To learn more, follow @DriveCleanIowa on Instagram and TikTok.

The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association represents the state’s liquid renewable fuels industry and works to foster its growth. Iowa is the nation’s leader in renewable fuels production with 42 ethanol refineries capable of producing 4.7 billion gallons annually – including 34 million gallons of annual cellulosic ethanol production capacity – and 10 biodiesel facilities with the capacity to produce 416 million gallons annually. For more information, visit the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association website at: www.IowaRFA.org.

A Wellman woman was arrested on a felony charge Monday after burning a vehicle’s registration and damaging property.

On Monday, just before 3 p.m. the Washington County Sheriff’s Office arrested 35-year-old Sheyenne Chambers of Wellman on one count of second degree criminal mischief, a class D felony.

According to court records, deputies responded to the 600 block of 4th Street in Wellman to a report of a vehicle that was taken without permission. Upon arriving at the residence, deputies found Chambers in the car and witnessed Chambers leaning out the driver’s door burning the vehicle’s registration and bill of sale. Upon further investigation it was found that she broke two sun visors, the vehicle’s gear shift, and center console area, and had also burnt a spot in the driver’s door with a lighter and also keyed the car.

The estimated cost of repairs is $5,950. When asked by deputies, Chambers admitted to causing the damages.

A trial date has yet to be set.