Author: Shelbi Swinscoe

A new report from the Iowa Cancer Registry shows that farmers and people working in agriculture have lower rates of several types of cancer compared to the general population.

The findings come from the 2026 Cancer in Iowa report, which includes data from the long running Agricultural Health Study, a national research project that has followed thousands of farmers and their families for decades. Researchers found that overall cancer rates among farmers were lower than those seen in the broader population.

Experts say part of the difference may be linked to lifestyle factors common among farmers, including lower smoking rates and higher levels of physical activity. However, the report notes that farmers can still face unique health risks, particularly from pesticide exposure and other environmental factors associated with agricultural work.

Despite the encouraging findings for farmers, Iowa continues to face challenges related to cancer overall. The state still ranks among the highest in the nation for new cancer diagnoses, prompting ongoing efforts from researchers, health organizations, and state leaders to better understand the causes and identify ways to reduce cancer risk.

Researchers say reports like this help guide future studies and prevention strategies aimed at improving the health of Iowans across both rural and urban communities.

Residents of Henry County will have the opportunity to hear directly from the candidates seeking the position of County Attorney during a special forum hosted by KILJ Radio this week.

The Henry County Attorney Candidate Forum will take place Friday, March 13 at 9:00 a.m. and will feature candidates Abbie Liechty and Becky Wilson. The discussion will give voters a chance to learn more about each candidate’s experience, priorities, and plans for the Henry County Attorney’s Office ahead of the upcoming election.

The forum will be broadcast live on KILJ at 105.5 FM, 1130 AM, and 98.5 FM.

Community members are also invited to take part by submitting questions for the candidates. Questions can be emailed to kiljradio@kilj.com or submitted by calling the station at (319) 385-8728 before 9:00 a.m. Friday morning. KILJ staff say they will do their best to ask as many listener questions as possible, though time constraints may prevent every question from being included in the discussion.

For those unable to listen live, the full forum will be posted afterward on the KILJ Spotify page so listeners can access the conversation at their convenience.

KILJ will also rebroadcast the forum Monday evening at 6:00 p.m. for anyone who may have missed the original broadcast.

The Henry County Board of Supervisors is working to develop a formal policy regarding fees for Freedom of Information Act requests.

During Tuesday’s meeting, supervisors discussed creating a consistent process for handling requests that require staff time to search for records. County officials said they have reached out to other counties and consulted with Steven Giebelhausen from the Henry County Attorney’s Office for guidance while developing the policy.

Supervisors discussed the possibility of charging for staff time spent fulfilling information requests. One option being considered would bill by the hour and vary by department based on employee wages. For example, the Henry County Auditor’s Office rate would be approximately $42 per hour, while other offices could be closer to $45 per hour.

Board members said the goal is to create a fair and consistent system when requests require significant staff time. Supervisors expect to review a final draft of the policy and take a vote at next week’s meeting.

In other business, Gunner Sloan reported that interviews were conducted last week for an IT Technician position within the county’s IT department. The position has since been offered to a candidate following those interviews.

The Muscatine County Jail could see a significant increase in revenue for housing federal detainees under a contract amendment with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

According to newly released records, ICE amended its contract with Muscatine County in March of 2025, raising the maximum amount the county could receive for housing federal detainees from about $479,000 to roughly $839,000. That increase of $360,000 represents about a 75 percent rise in potential payments.

Most of the increase, about $340,000, is intended to cover the added costs of housing detainees, while $20,000 is designated for transportation services, such as taking inmates to federal court.

The amendment covers the period from April 2025 through March 2026, during a time when federal immigration detentions have increased.

The newly disclosed documents were released after officials initially said the contract could not be made public, but ICE later withdrew that claim.

The Des Moines County 4-H Community Dinner and Auction has been postponed due to expected severe weather.

Organizers announced the event, originally scheduled for this evening, will now take place Tuesday, March 31st from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Barn on the Ridge.

Tickets will be available for purchase at the door, and community members are encouraged to attend and support local 4-H youth programs.

Officials say the decision was made out of an abundance of caution as extreme weather conditions are forecast for the area tonight.

Residents across southeast Iowa are being urged to stay weather aware today as severe storms are possible later this afternoon and evening.

According to the National Weather Service in the Quad Cities, an Enhanced Risk, or level 3 out of 5, for severe thunderstorms is in place for areas south of a line from Sterling, Illinois to the Quad Cities and Fairfield, Iowa. Forecasters say storms could produce golf ball sized hail or larger, damaging winds, and a few tornadoes. A level 2 risk also extends farther north toward southwest of Iowa City.

Heavy rainfall could also lead to localized flooding, especially in areas that see multiple rounds of storms.

In response to the severe weather potential, Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management is reminding residents about lightning safety. Officials stress that people should not seek shelter under trees, on hilltops, or in open fields during thunderstorms, as those locations increase the risk of lightning strikes.

If a building is not available, emergency officials say a hard topped vehicle can offer some protection.

The safest place during a thunderstorm is inside a sturdy building, and officials encourage people to follow the rule: “When thunder roars, go indoors,” and remain inside for at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder.

The National Weather Service also says storm spotter activation may be needed later today and tonight as storms move through the region.

Looking ahead, forecasters say dry and windy conditions Thursday could lead to elevated fire danger.