| Iowa Local Food Purchasing Assistance Program
Receives Funding Boost, Duration Extension Program strengthens supply chains and builds connections between Iowa farmers and consumersDES MOINES, Iowa (May 10, 2023) – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has received an additional $2.9 million for utilization in the Iowa Local Food Purchasing Assistance Program (ILFPA). The statewide program was announced in June of 2022 to facilitate the purchase and distribution of Iowa grown and produced food for use by underserved communities. The program, which also received an extension through May of 2025, is funded through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) via the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act. Iowa originally received approximately $2.7 million, and the extension adds an additional $2.9 million, bringing the total to over $5.6 million in program funding. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has an operating agreement with Iowa Valley Resource Conservation and Development (Iowa Valley RC&D), which will continue to lead project management and ensure successful program implementation. “Given the rising consumer interest in local foods, I love that we can build connections between Iowa farmers and Iowa consumers while also strengthening supply chains,” said Secretary Naig. “The Iowa Local Food Purchasing Assistance Program establishes the foundation for longer term partnerships that will create new markets for farmers, increase access to nutritious food and help our community members who are food insecure.” During the first phase of the program, $684,456 in food value was sourced from farmers and producers in the state, including nearly $393,193 from socially disadvantaged farmers. ILFPA is expected to benefit at least 300 Iowa farmers. With a reach of 2,000 food distribution sites through partnerships with 16 distributors, including food hubs, food banks, and the Meskwaki Nation, the decentralized emphasis allows local specialists to meet the community’s needs through the implementation plans they design for their area. To learn more about the program or how to participate, visit www.iowalfpa.org or https://iowaagriculture.gov/ILFPA. |
MPPD Virtual Reality Training
On 5/10/23, the Mount Pleasant City Council approved the purchase of a virtual reality training system for the Mt Pleasant PD. This will be one of the first V/R training programs in the State of Iowa. It was funded by American Rescue Funds and donations to the department.
The program will have numerous realistic situations that will give officers the ability to better prepare for high pressure situations. It will be a safer training as it does not involve real weapons or physical contact.
It will have the standard shoot/no shoot simulations on it, but more importantly, will feature dangerous situations where communication skills are utilized.
De-Escalation training begins with effective communication skills. In today’s society we are seeing a change in people being able to communicate effectively so this will be vital to our future.
The Mt Pleasant PD will be able to host trainings which will enhance other law enforcement agencies to hopefully, make everyone better. This training can be done in a much shorter time constraint than “normal scenario based” training. This will cut down on costs and equipment.
The Mt Pleasant PD would like to thank the City Council, Wal Mart Store, Wal Mart Distribution, BNSF, Street Smarts Virtual Reality, and the private donors who asked not to be named.
Kevin Nims
On May 10, 2023 at approximately 11:41a.m. Des Moines County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the area of 16097 Iowa City Rd. for a female reporting that she was assaulted. Deputies spoke with the female and observed her to be bleeding from a laceration on her head. She stated she had been beaten by Kevin Nims at his residence of 16595 Iowa City Rd. She stated Kevin had punched her, hit her with an object, and hit her head into the concrete. The female was transported to the hospital for treatment of her head injury.
Deputies went to 16595 Iowa City Rd. and made contact with Kevin. Kevin admitted he had punched the victim. While at the residence, deputies learned that Kevin had been in possession of a firearm. Deputies seized a 12-gauge shotgun that Kevin had been in possession of. Kevin has a felony conviction and is not allowed to possess firearms. Kevin Eugene Nims, age 57, of Sperry, IA was then placed under arrest for Assault Causing Serious Injury (D Felony) and Dominion/Control of Firearm by Felon (D Felony). He was transported to the Des Moines County Correctional Center.
Janice Newman
MOUNT PLEASANT- Janice Newman, 78, of Mount Pleasant, died Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at the United Presbyterian Home in Washington.
Jan was born September 10, 1944, in Burlington, the daughter of Bryon and Ruby (Gittings) Miller. She graduated from Mediapolis High School in 1962. On February 2, 1964, Jan was united in marriage to Donald “Steve” Newman. She worked at XLM and Heatilator. Jan enjoyed tending to her garden and flower beds. She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.
She is survived by three children Vicki Messer of Mount Pleasant, Michelle Newman of Burlington, Don (Pam) Newman of Washington; grandchildren Bryce, Lucas and Kalli Messer, Meghan and Sarah Newman, Matthew Zachmeyer, Amy Kagemann and Chelsie (Jake King) Kagemann; great grandchildren Evelynn, Soren, Navey, Avalon, Logan, Levi, Abi, and Bladen; sister Jean Westerbeck of New London; brother Ben (Nancy) Miller of Texas; sister Sharon (Ron) Graham of Arizona; Dayle (Alando) Blanco of Burlington; Dick (Kathryn) Newman, Bob (Shelia) Newman and Phyllis Davis.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Steve in 2012, sisters-in-law Trudi McGuire and Martha Lee.
Visitation will be held 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. Friday, May 19, 2023, at the Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel. The family will be present to greet friends from 5:00-7:00 p.m. No formal service will be held. A memorial fund has been established for the United Presbyterian Home and Washington County Hospice. The Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel is caring for Jan and her family. www.powellfuneralhomes.com.
Century and Heritage Farm Program
Century and Heritage Farm Program Applications due June 1
Farm families will be recognized during a ceremony at the Iowa State Fair
DES MOINES, Iowa (May 9, 2023) – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig reminds eligible farm owners to apply for the 2023 Century and Heritage Farm Program through June 1.
The program was created by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation to recognize families who have owned their farms for 100 years and 150 years, respectively, and to honor the strength and resiliency of Iowa’s multi-generational farm families.
To apply, download the program application on the Department’s website at iowaagriculture.gov/century-and-heritage-farm-program. Please complete the application and return it to:
Century and Heritage Farm Program
Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship
Wallace State Office Building
502 E. Ninth St.
Des Moines, IA 50319
You may also send a written request for an application to the address above, or contact Kelley Reece, coordinator of the Century and Heritage Farm Program, at 515-281-3645 or kelley.reece@iowaagriculture.gov.
Special ceremonies recognizing 2023 Century and Heritage Farm families will be held at the Iowa State Fair on Thursday, Aug. 17 in the historic Livestock Pavilion.
Garage Fire in Burlington
At 5:53 PM Tuesday May 9, 2023 the Burlington and West Burlington Fire Departments
responded to a reported garage fire behind 504 S. 6th Street in Burlington. Firefighters arrived at
5:56 PM to find a one car garage and attached storage shed fully involved in flames. A box
alarm was struck calling in off duty Burlington firefighters as well as brining Danville and
Mediapolis firefighters closer to Burlington. The fire was extinguished at 6:31 PM.
The garage is owned by Donald & Rosalie Smith and is considered a total loss. The heat from
the fire damaged the back of the Smith’s house at 504 S. 6th Street. Neighboring properties also
damaged include a duplex apartment at 517 Vine Street, the house and fence at 503 Vine Street,
and the siding on the house at 506 S. 6th Street. Damage estimates are still being assessed. The
property is insured.
Firefighters were assisted at the scene by Burlington Police and Alliant Energy. There were no
injuries. Firefighters cleared the scene at 7:28 PM.The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Burlington Fire Department.Firefighters were assisted at the scene by Burlington Police and Firefighters were assisted at the scene by Burlington Police and Alliant Energy. There were no injuries. Firefighters cleared the scene at 7:28 PM.
House Fire in Mount Pleasant
A house on Lincoln Street in Mount Pleasant was damaged by fire Tuesday evening. The Fire Department responded to a call at 1201 North Lincoln just after 7 pm. From the outside it appears most of the damage was to the back of the single store home. One engine and at least two other fire department vehicles were on the scene along with Mount Pleasant Utilities. More details to come.