Sunday Brings Severe Storm Damage Across Des Moines County

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, April 21st, 2025 at 6:58 am CDT

Severe Storm Causes Damage Across Des Moines County

April 21, 2025 — A powerful storm system swept through southeast Iowa late Sunday night, leaving behind scattered damage and several hazardous situations in Des Moines County.

High winds and intense lightning were reported throughout the evening as the storm moved swiftly across the region. Emergency crews responded to multiple incidents, including downed power lines and structural damage.

One of the earliest reports came from Washington Road, where a fallen tree temporarily blocked the roadway. The obstruction was cleared shortly after it was reported.

More severe damage was found at the intersection of DMC 34 and 155th Avenue, where four power poles were snapped by strong winds. Live electrical lines were reported to be down and sparking in the area, prompting utility crews to respond quickly to prevent further danger.

Perhaps the most striking damage occurred near US-34 and Beaverdale Road, where a storage building was blown over by the storm. The debris blocked the eastbound off-ramp, creating a temporary traffic hazard for motorists.

No injuries have been reported so far, but local authorities are urging residents to exercise caution as crews continue assessing damage and restoring utilities.

Total rainfall for April 20th was 1.62 inches and for the month of April we have seen a little over 3 inches of total rainfall.

Sports, April 21st

By Slaten Swords · Monday, April 21st, 2025 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Track

Central Lee made the trip to Burlington over the weekend to participate in the Grayhound Invite and the boys’ team finished in 3rd place with 53 points, while the girls’ team took 4th place with 37 points. Brayden Wyrick grabbed the lone win for the Hawks boys’ team with a 1st place time of 55.9 seconds in the 400-meter dash. For the girls’ team, Kylie Fortune leapt 5 feet to win the high jump. 

Mt. Pleasant will host the Panther relays tomorrow, April 22nd, with Danville, Mediapolis, and the girls’ teams of New London, Central Lee, WACO, Wapello, Winfield-Mt. Union, and West Burlington/Notre Dame making the trip.

The WACO boys’ team will host the Warrior Relays tomorrow with Central Lee, New London, Wapello, Van Buren County, West Burlington/Notre Dame, and Winfield-Mt. Union participating.

Fairfield will compete in the Don Newell Classic in Ottumwa tomorrow. 

The 115th Drake Relays will get underway for our local high school athletes on Thursday, April 24th. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be giving updates throughout the multi-day event. 

High School Tennis

The Mt. Pleasant girls’ team will take on Burlington Notre Dame on the road tonight, while the boys’ team will travel to Fairfield tomorrow, April 22nd.

Fairfield will face off against Fort Madison tonight with the girls at home and the boys on the road.

High School Golf

The Mt. Pleasant girls’ team will host their SEC meet today, while the boys’ teams of the SEC will travel to Washington. 

The Van Buren County boys’ team will compete in a triangular along with Burlington Notre Dame today at the Bloomfield County Club. 

Mediapolis will host a triangular today with WACO and Wapello hitting the road to compete. 

Wapello will host an invite on Wednesday, April 23rd, with Danville, Columbus, and Winfield-Mt. Union competing. 

The Holy Trinity Catholic girls’ team will participate in the Lee County Classic on Wednesday at Sheaffer Memorial Golf Park along with Central Lee.

New London will face off against Winfield-Mt. Union on Friday, April 25th, on the road. 

High School Soccer

The Mt. Pleasant and Mediapolis boys’ teams competed at a tournament in Fort Madison over the weekend, with the two facing off against one another. In their showdown, the Panthers were able to sneak out with the 3-2 victory over the Bulldogs after netting two goals in the first half. Both squads struggled against Davenport North with Mt. Pleasant losing 4-1 and Mediapolis falling 6-1. 

The Mt. Pleasant girls’ team will travel to Burlington tonight with the top of the conference up for grabs at 5 pm, while the boys’ team will host the Grayhounds at 4:30 pm.

The Mediapolis boys’ team will face off against Highland tonight at 5 pm at home. The Mediapolis girls’ team will take on Keokuk tomorrow, April 22nd, at 5:30 pm at home.

The Fairfield girls’ team will hit the road to tangle with Keokuk at 5 pm tonight.

The Columbus boys’ team will hit the road tonight at 5 pm to face off with WACO. The Columbus girls’ team will host Central Lee at the Muscatine Soccer Complex on Thursday, April 24th, at 5 pm.

Central Lee will host Wapello tomorrow with the girls’ teams playing first at 5 pm.

The Burlington Notre Dame boys’ team will take on Danville tomorrow at home at 5 pm, while the girls’ team will face off against Quincy Notre Dame at 7 pm.

Southeastern Community College                                                     

The softball team swept Spoon River College over the weekend as the Blackhawks clobbered eight home runs between the two contests. Game one saw Navy Clark post a nine-strikeout complete game performance in a 7-1 final. The Snappers tried to execute a comeback in game two, but fell short in a 9-6 victory for SCC. Jeliane Stewart crushed four home runs and collected eight RBIs to wrap up the weekend. The Blackhawks will host St. Louis Community College today for a doubleheader. 

The baseball team completed the series sweep of Iowa Central Community College over the weekend, winning 11-4. Efrain Osorio slugged a three-run homer for the Blackhawks. SCC will travel to Black Hawk College today. 

This Day in Sports History

1967 – The Dodgers have their first rain out in Los Angeles (after 737 consecutive games).

1990 – National League umpire Bob Engel was arrested for stealing over 4,000 baseball cards from a store.

1996 – The Chicago Bulls win a then-NBA record 72 games in a single season (72-8).

WACO CSD Board Meeting April 21, 6pm

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, April 21st, 2025 at 5:42 am CDT

write this waco community school board agenda into a news article: Meeting Agenda

  1. Welcome
  2. Pledge of Allegiance
  3. Public Forum
  4. Approval of Agenda
  5. Approval of the Consent Agenda a. Minutes of previous meetings b. Financial Reports c. Claims
  6. Fundraisers & Donations a. Baseball Apparel Sales – Action Item b. Softball Apparel Sales – Action Item
  7. Reports a. MS/HS Principal b. Elem Principal c. Superintendent d. Board Business a. FY25 Proposed Budget – Action Item b. FY 26 Budget Guarantee Resolution – Action Item c. Recommended Ag Classes for the 25-26 school year – Action Item d. 2025 -2026 School Calendar – Action Item e. Additional Furniture MS/HS – Action Item f. 2025 Seniors for Graduation – Action Item g. New London Journal named as the District Official Publication – Action Item
  8. Personnel a. Resignations a. Jackie Housman – National Honor Society Shared Position b. Sharing Agreements a. Sharing Agreement with Danville CSD to host MS Coed & HS Boys Soccer – Action Item b. Sharing agreement with Danville CSD for Transportation Director Services – Action Item c. Sharing Agreement with Mt. Pleasant to host Dance – Action Item d. Sharing Agreement with Mt. Pleasant to host HS Coed Bowling – Action item c. Appointments a. Shane Manning – MS Head Boys Baseball Coach b. Donna Carlson – School Library Services
  9. Exempt Session to Discuss Negotiations
  10. Adjournment

46th Strawberry Strut in Carthage Set For Saturday, June 7th

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, April 21st, 2025 at 5:22 am CDT

Sign-up is currently open for the 46th  Strawberry Strut in Carthage on Saturday, June 7.

The Strawberry Strut includes the classic five-mile run along the Carthage Lake. Other events in this year’s Strut are a 5K run, a 5K walk and a one mile fun run/walk.

To sign up, go to runsignup.com/Race/IL/Carthage/StrawberryStrut or use the link on the Strawberry Strut Facebook page.

Five mile and 5K participants who sign up by May 1 will receive this year’s t-shirt. One mile participants who wish to have a t-shirt must register online by May 1, and can purchase a shirt for an additional $5.  Those who register after May 1 will not receive a t-shirt.

Participants can register on-line at the advance price until end of the day June 6. Race day registration  is available at 7 a.m. and will end at 7:45 a.m.  Those who have pre-registered can pick up race packets on Friday,  June 6, from 4  to 6  p.m. at the Hancock County Courthouse in Carthage, or after 7 a.m. the morning of the race. All race packets must be picked up by 7:45 a.m.

The fee for the five-mile run, the 5K run and 5K walk is $30 in advance, increasing to $35 on race day. The fee for the one-mile run/walk is $10, or $15 on race day.

Races start at the Hancock County Courthouse. Start times are staggered on the following schedule:

  • 5-mile run – 8:15 a.m.
  • 5K walk – 8:30 a.m.
  • 5K run – 8:40 a.m.
  • 1-mile fun run/ walk – 8:45 a.m.

There are three water stops along the course, coordinated by Carthage Kiwanis. Awards will be presented at around 10 a.m.

Race packets include many gifts from area merchants. Any business or group wanting to give items for the bags should call Kris Pilkington, 217-430-4724, or Joy Swearingen, 217-357-4989.

Proceeds from the race have been pledged to benefit Hancock County Fights Cancer, whose survivor event will be held this year at The Legacy Theater on Sept. 20.

Sponsors can help defray the costs of this event. Sponsors must sign on by May 1, to be listed on the t-shirt back with a logo ($500 sponsor) or by name ($250 sponsor).

Go to www.facebook.com/StrawberryStrut for a list of awards, for updates, or for the race sign-up link.

Janet B. Jennings

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, April 21st, 2025 at 5:17 am CDT

Janet B. Jennings, 87, of Mt. Pleasant, died Monday, April 14, 2025 at Park Place Elder Living in Mt. Pleasant.

Mrs. Jennings, the former Janet Belle Hoffman, was born October 14, 1937 in Mt. Pleasant. She was the daughter of Glen Roosevelt and Clarice Jane (Randall) Hoffman. She graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School in 1955. Janet was united in marriage to James Eugene “Jim” Jennings. Mr. Jennings died January 19, 2014 at their winter home in Donna, Texas.

Janet furthered her education by receiving her Teacher’s Certificate from Iowa Wesleyan College in 1957. Janet furthered her education by receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Iowa Wesleyan College in 1968. She taught at the former Pleasant Lawn School and then became a substitute teacher for the Mt. Pleasant School District while her children were around. Janet then was the bookkeeper for the family’s Fina Service Station and later Jennings Tire.

Janet was a member of the Wellspring Evangelical Free Church. While at home and and wintering in Texas, Janet was active in women’s bible study groups. She enjoyed gardening and raising flowers. In her retirement years while spending winters in Texas, Janet and Jim were engaged in mission work.

Those thankful for sharing in Janet’s life include her four children – Bob Jennings and his friend Linn Chickering of Mt. pleasant, Lori Bolin and her husband Greg of Mt. Pleasant, Cathy Johnson and her husband Kenton of Wheaton, IL and Ed Jennings and his wife Erin of Ankeny, IA; 11 grandchildren – Jennifer, Rob, Stacy, Nick, Bryan, Tim, Esther, Hannah, Mary Jane, Evan and Elliott and 15 great grandchildren.

Her parents, husband, brother Glen “Randall” Hoffman and a granddaughter-in-infancy, Stephanie Jennings, precede Janet in death.

Friends may call from 12 Noon to 7 PM on Sunday, April 27th at the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mt. Pleasant. The family will be present to receive friends from 3-5 PM. A memorial funeral service for Janet will be held at 11 AM on Monday, April 28th at the Wellspring Evangelical Free Church. Pastor Kenneth Smith will officiate. Burial will be in the Oakland Mills Cemetery, rural Mt. Pleasant.

Those considering an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the Border Mission in Hidalgo, TX or the Summer Lunch Program for Kids.

Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com

House Happenings With Heather- Rep. Hora – District 92

By Hayden Douglas · Monday, April 21st, 2025 at 5:16 am CDT
Highlights From This Past Week’s Legislative Session:

  • Debate
    • This week we debated some important bills for Iowans. Here are a few:
      • HF 969: Cancer Coverage and Screening for First Responders
        • This bill expands the definition of cancer for the Municipal Fire and Police Retirement System and the Special Services Members of IPERS. Current code outlines 14 types of cancers that are covered for disabilities and death benefits. In listing certain cancers that are covered, code inevitably leaves out additional cancers that should certainly be covered.
      • HF 165: Civics Test for All High School Graduates
        • This bill requires high school students to pass a civics test based on the U.S. citizenship and immigration services naturalization civics test in order to graduate.
        • Under this bill, students would need to answer at least 60% of the questions correctly to pass and could retake the exam as many times as needed. It also explicitly states that no fee will be associated with this test.
      • HF 102: Governor’s Disaster Relief Bill
        • This bill aims to allow Iowa’s executive branch to more easily utilize the state’s Economic Emergency Fund for disaster recovery by giving the Department of Management access to 10% of the fund each year.
        • Additionally, this bill:
          • Establishes the Natural Hazard Mitigation Financing Program, created to provide loans for projects to reduce the impact of natural hazards in the future.
          • Expands the Disaster Recovery Housing Assistance Program, which specifies the availability of assistance for homeowners and renters affected by disasters.
          • Removes the requirement for homeowners and renters to register for the disaster case advocacy program to receive assistance.
          • Approves an additional $2 million to the Nuisance Property and Abandoned Building Fund to tear down disaster-damaged buildings.
  • Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship Announces Record Number of Iowa Fuel Stations Receive Biofuels Grants
    • On Thursday, April 10, 2025, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) issued a press release in which Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced that the Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program (RFIP) Board recently approved 114 project applications from Iowa gas stations, totaling more than $2.88 million, for new and expanded ethanol and biodiesel infrastructure projects.  This sets a new quarterly record for the number of investments in biofuels projects.  These investments help drivers save more money by providing expanded access to lower cost and cleaner burning homegrown biofuels.  The grants were awarded by the RFIP Board during its quarterly meeting at the end of March.  New ethanol fueling infrastructure will be funded with the help of 112 RFIP cost-share grants for E15 projects totaling $2,733,943.66 at gas stations in 44 Iowa counties.  The board also approved two biodiesel cost-share grants – one for retail and one for terminal storage – totaling $150,000.
    • A complete list of state RFIP funded ethanol and biodiesel projects, sorted by county, can be found here.
    • These state funded grants are in addition to the federal Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) grants recently announced by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins during her visit to Iowa last week.  HBIIP funding will incentivize 543 projects, totaling $537 million in 29 states, including Iowa.  The grant announcements come at a time when biofuels usage continues to build momentum in Iowa, with E15 sales hitting another record in 2024.  The Iowa Department of Revenue announced on April 3 that sales of E15 grew by 44 percent over 2023 sales, which had also been the previous yearly record.  With 256.7 million gallons of E15 sold in Iowa in 2024 at an average discount of 15 cents per gallon compared to E10, Iowa drivers saved over $38.5 million last year by choosing E15 at the pump.  Last year also represented a record year for the sale of B20 and higher blends of biodiesel, demonstrating that homegrown renewable energy continues to be popular when made available to consumers.
    • These investments are helping more gas stations come into compliance with the E15 Access Standard, which goes into full effect on Jan. 1, 2026.  Iowa is the first state to enact an E15 Access Standard, which requires most fuel retailers and gas stations to offer E15 by Jan. 1, 2026.  The law was passed by the Iowa Legislature and signed by Governor Reynolds in 2022.  For those convenience stores and gas stations that need assistance coming into compliance, IDALS can provide cost-share funding through the Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program.  Since the grant program began in 2006, the Department has invested approximately $56.6 million toward expanding renewable fuels infrastructure within Iowa.  This has been matched with more than $260 million by Iowa gas stations and fuel retailers.  With cost-share funding available, the IDALS welcomes grant applications to assist more fuel stations in improving and upgrading infrastructure.  Applications are available at iowaagriculture.gov/IRFIP , and will be considered by the RFIP Board at an upcoming quarterly meeting.
  • Bill Establishing Center for Intellectual Freedom Sent to the Governor’s Desk
    • On Tuesday, the Senate passed the House Higher Education bill (HF 437) requiring the University of Iowa to create a Center for Intellectual Freedom. The bill now awaits signature from the Governor. The bill establishes a Center for Intellectual Freedom as an independent academic center that shall conduct teaching and research in historical ideas, traditions, and texts that have shaped the American constitutional order and society.
      The center will provide scholarship in all of the following:
    • The texts and major debates that form the intellectual foundation of free societies, especially that of the United States.
    • The principles, ideals, and institutions of the American constitutional order.
    • The foundations of responsible leadership and informed citizenship.
    • The center shall offer university-wide programming related the values of free speech and civil discourse and shall work to do all of the following:
    • Expand the intellectual diversity of the university’s academic community.
    • Foster civic engagement among university students and faculty.
    • Coordinate with the center for cyclone civics at ISU and the Center for Civic Education at UNI to enable academic offerings that may be offered to students at any of the Regents institutions either in person or online.
    • The center may offer courses; develop certificate, minor, and major programs as well graduate programs; and offer degrees. This center shall offer at least one three-semester credit hour course in American history and civil government.
    • This is a great step forward for students who seek an unbiased knowledge and merit based education.
  • Recount Modernization Heads to the Governor
    • In March, the House of Representatives passed a bill to create standard procedures for how election recounts are conducted across Iowa. This week the Senate passed House File 928, which would finally bring conformity in how recounts are conducted in Iowa. Currently a campaign can request a recount for any election and select to recount only certain precincts, in some counties, and decide for each whether it is a hand recount or a machine recount. HF 928 creates a known process for when and how recounts may be conducted following elections, eliminating uncertainty and protecting taxpayer money from frivolous recount requests.
    • Under HF 928 a candidate may request a recount if the difference between the votes for the apparent winner and the candidate requesting the recount is less than 1% or 50 votes, whichever is lesser. For elections of federal and statewide offices, the threshold is set at 0.15%. If the apparent loser wishes to have a recount conducted, they have until the following Wednesday to submit a request to the Secretary of State who sends a copy to each county auditor where a vote was cast and instructs a recount to begin within 7 days.
    • The recount board would now consist of the county auditor and their staff and if necessary, precinct election officials with equal representation from each political party. This change is designed to enhance the impartiality of the recount process. Additionally, the Secretary of State is now authorized to issue a civil penalty to a county auditor who is believed to be conducting a recount not in accordance with law and if necessary, halt and take possession of ballots and election equipment and conduct the recount.
    • For state-wide offices, federal offices, and state-wide public measures recounts will be conducted by tabulation machines. State legislative races and local elections will be conducted by tabulation machines, unless there are extraordinary circumstances including machine failure, discrepancies between the results of the initial count and the initial recount, or the number of overvotes exceeding the difference between the candidates. If a hand recount is required all ballots cast for that office will be recounted.
    • The bill revises the structure of the contest court for election disputes. In January of odd years, the Chief Justice of the Iowa Supreme Court will establish a panel of five district court judges to ensure that election contests are handled by experienced judges who are known before election day and gives those judges time to study this issue before potentially needed.
    • HF 928 will be sent to the Governor’s desk for her signature. This piece of legislation will provide campaigns, county auditors, and candidates a known process for when and how recounts may be conducted in Iowa to provide conformity and trust in the process.
  • REAL ID Enforcement Date Approaching: What Iowans Need to Know
    • I know that some may have heard about the enforcement of something called the REAL ID. So, here I wanted to provide some details about the REAL ID:
      • Starting on May 7, 2025, all travelers will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card or another acceptable document (like a passport) to board domestic commercial flights. A REAL ID will also be required to access certain federal buildings or enter nuclear facilities. If you need clarification about entry into federal facilities, we recommend contacting the specific federal facility directly before your visit.
        You do NOT need a REAL ID to:

        • Drive
        • Vote
        • Purchase alcohol or cigarettes
        • Access hospitals
        • Visit the post office
        • Access federal courts
        • Apply for or receive federal benefits such as social security or veterans’ benefits
      • When to get a REAL ID:
        Iowans who fly commercially or visit certain federal buildings should obtain a REAL ID soon to avoid any issues or delays after the May 7, 2025 enforcement date. Appointments are highly encouraged and can be scheduled through the Iowa DOT Service Selector (or go to the Iowa Department of Transportation’s website at IowaDOT.gov and search appointments).
      • If you are not flying or visiting a federal facility that requires a REAL ID until later in the year, you can wait to get your REAL ID. We strongly recommend getting it two months in advance of when you need to use it.
      • How to Check If You Have a REAL ID:
        Check the upper-right corner of your driver’s license or ID. If there is a gold star, you have a REAL ID. If the upper-right corner is blank or reads “NOT FOR REAL ID ACT PURPOSES,” then your ID is not REAL ID-compliant. For examples, visit the Iowa DOT REAL ID page (or go to the DOT’s website at IowaDOT.gov and search REAL ID).
      • Need a REAL ID? Here’s How to Get One:
        To obtain a REAL ID-compliant credential, visit the Iowa DOT REAL ID website (or go to the DOT’s website at IowaDOT.gov and search REAL ID) for details on required documentation. This site will put together a checklist for you on the documents you need. To meet the federal requirements, just remember 1-1-2. You will need:

        • 1 document that proves your identity and date of birth.
        • 1 document that proves your social security number.
        • 2 documents that prove Iowa residence and residential address.
          • *Name change documents (if applicable, marriage certificate/divorce decree, etc.)
Senator Driscoll and I had the honor of welcoming students from Marion Avenue Baptist School! I enjoyed showing them around talking to them all about the work I am doing in Des Moines!
Contact Me

  • I am so thankful to be your District 92 Representative and I am always looking to hear from you all! Please reach out to me at heather.hora@legis.iowa.gov

Have a great week!

April 21, 2025 – April 27, 2025

By Allison Jacobs · Sunday, April 20th, 2025 at 11:38 am CDT
04/21/25
Alexandra Achen
04/21/25
Brent Broeker
04/21/25
Gary & Gale Thompson - Anniversary - 46 years
04/22/25
Connie McKay
04/22/24
Mitch Anderson - MPHS Cross Country Coach
04/22/25
RaeAnn Burns
04/22/25
Jane Briggs - 90th
04/23/25
Mary Bixler
04/23/25
Sharon Davis
04/23/25
Mark Kimzey
04/23/25
Judy Kinney
04/23/25
John Klopfenstein
04/23/25
Janis Roach
04/23/25
Keith Lockard
04/23/25
Gene Messer
04/23/25
Gina Lu Anderson
04/24/25
Dana Boles
04/24/25
Matthew Millspaugh
04/25/25
Patricia Goettsche
04/25/25
Pat White
04/25/25
Patty Madden
04/25/25
Jayden Maher
04/25/25
Brandy Prewitt
04/26/25
Kinzington Keaster
04/26/25
Lynn Humphreys
04/27/25
Audrey Murphy
04/27/25
Sue Frary
04/27/25
Sandra Christner
04/27/25
Jerry Davis
04/27/25
Maine Sefton
04/27/25
Matthew and Kelly Prickett

Mark Lofgren: Dear Senate District 48

By Hayden Douglas · Sunday, April 20th, 2025 at 10:06 am CDT
Dear Senate District 48,
Fourteenth Week of the 91st General Assembly

Much Debate in Both Chambers This Week

With the Fourteenth Week wrapping up, there has been much debate taking place in both the Senate and the House. In the Senate we voted on over thirty pieces of legislation this week, and I would say that the majority of these bills passed with complete bipartisan support. These bills covered a wide range of topics and included support for an even wider range of groups and individuals throughout the state. With an end goal of making life better for all Iowans and making our state the best state to live and work, most of these decisions were straight and matter of fact, however, I never take for granted my vote on an issue, and I do as much research on a topic as I can so that I can be an informed voice for Iowans. This means that each day for me also includes research, study and making calls to find answers to questions for myself and for constituents who have reached out to me. If I don’t know the answer to a legislative-related concern, I almost always know someone to call who can point me in the right direction, and I’ll keep at it until I have the answers I need.

Strengthening Iowa’s Recount Laws

Maintaining secure elections is important to Iowans. The process of recounting votes is one of the ways we can ensure the integrity of our election process. Several times in recent Iowa elections, recounts have taken place to be certain the actual result of voters’ choice is represented. The process of recounting votes is as important as securely casting them in the first place. We have passed a number of bills in the state of Iowa to strengthen Iowa’s election process and protect the integrity of our elections. This week, we passed legislation to help strengthen Iowa’s recount laws. House File 928 establishes thresholds for the total vote margin that warrants a recount, how a recount can be requested, and who oversees the process of a recount to ensure accuracy and consistency across the state. The safeguards put in place by this bill are done to ensure our election recount process is safe, secure, and as accurate as possible so we can properly determine the candidate voters have elected. This bill continues to strengthen and protect Iowa elections so Iowans can be confident in their vote, can be certain that it will be counted accurately, and can trust that the results are reliable.

Disaster Preparedness is Key 

In recent years, the state of Iowa has faced tremendous challenges caused by natural disasters all across our state. From high winds and severe storms to intense flooding and tornados, Iowa has been hit hard. While our communities are in the process of recovery, we need to make sure our state and local government are prepared for the uncontrollable events of natural disasters. This year, Governor Reynolds proposed legislation to ensure the state is ready and able to respond quickly in a disaster. Senate File 619 provides financial assistance in the event of a disaster. It also puts in safeguards to protect homeowners and businesses who experience damage caused by a disaster and ensures Iowans are working with trustworthy organizations throughout recovery. We can never be completely prepared for whatever mother nature has in store for us, but having a few plans thought out ahead of time will help us deal with the situation in a more timely manner.

Helping to Fill Healthcare Gaps Across the State

A concern that we continue to look for solutions to is the challenge of health care for rural Iowans, particularly with the health care workforce and getting people to live and work in all parts of the state. As a state that prides itself with one of the top medical universities in the country, we need to ensure taxpayer-supported residency slots and loan-repayment programs are for those educated in our state for the benefit of Iowans. For this reason, the Senate passed House File 516. This bill will establish a minimum threshold of no less than 80 percent of accepted students into the medical and dentistry programs of the University of Iowa and the residency and fellowships at the UIHC are residents of Iowa. Additionally, the bill provides the opportunity for primary care residencies to participate in a rural rotation which will expose students to rural areas of the state. This bill ensures priority is given to the next generation of Iowans and focuses taxpayer-funded institutions on the changing needs of our state.

Passing Protections for Iowans on Tax Day

It was quite fitting that on Tax Day, April 15th, we passed Senate Joint Resolution 11 out of the Iowa Senate. SJR 11 will make it harder to raise income taxes on Iowans and will protect Iowans from reckless tax increases.

Senate Joint Resolution 11 is actually an amendment to the Iowa Constitution requiring a 2/3 majority vote in order to raise the income tax in Iowa or create a new tax. Constitutional amendments need to pass two consecutive General Assemblies before going to the people of Iowa for a vote. This marked the second time it has passed the Iowa Senate. If it passes the Iowa House, the proposal will be on the ballot in the fall of 2026.

A super-majority to raise the income tax in Iowa is something Iowans overwhelmingly support. It is something Iowans want, and something Iowans deserve. We use a super-majority for other things in the legislature, like confirming the governor’s appointments to boards and commissions in the state. We have come a long way over the last eight years, and it is common-sense to make it harder to raise taxes on Iowans. It should be difficult to take more money from Iowans and their families and to take more money out of their pockets.

This bill received full Republican support.

Appropriations Committee Advances Bill to Establish a Length of Service Award Program (LOSAP) for Volunteer Firefighters, Emergency Care Providers and Reserve Peace Officers

The Senate Appropriations Committee voted to advance SF 165. This bill establishes a length of service award program (LOSAP) for volunteer firefighters, emergency care providers, and reserve peace officers. It also establishes a Length of Service Award Program Grant Fund under the control of Iowa Department of Revenue. The department shall develop rules governing the application process for distribution of funds. The grants are issued as a dollar-for-dollar match, up to $300 per award recipient per year, to a city with LOSAP. The city may use moneys to fund their program from gifts, devises, bequests, or any other source for the purposes of meeting the matching requirement. The bill allocates $1.5 million from the Sports Wagering Receipts Fund into Length of Service Award Program Grant Fund for FY 26 and maintains the LOSAP Grant Fund at $1.5 million for each following fiscal year. This bill will now be placed on the Senate calendar for floor debate in the near future.

Follow Up from the Passing of  Senate File 22

I receive many emails and letters throughout session and would have a hard time counting the number I’ve received over the course of my time as a legislator. Some of these communications of course, are to seek support for a current legislative measure being brought forward, others are to ask for help with a personal matter and some serve the purpose of being a way for a constituent to vent their frustrations when a vote doesn’t go the way they had hoped. You have to develop thick skin to be a legislator. Sometimes, though, you receive a heartfelt thank you for work you have done and it makes it all worth every minute that you have sacrificed away from your own family to do this work for the people of Iowa.

The following letter is one of those. I know that Judi and Berta would want me to share it with all of you, and they would want you to watch the video that they have created to educate Iowans (especially new drivers) on the new “hands-free” law.

Dear Representatives and Senators, 
      Thank you for your hard work in passing this law. 
As we discussed, Berta Pearson and I worked with videographer, Ben Libby, to create an educational video for you to share with your constituents, especially the Iowa High School students.  In Henry County, we have asked the drivers ed teachers and school resource officers to answer questions following viewing of the video. If they need to read the bill, they need to go to legis.iowa.gov At the top click legislation. Next top right search for SF22_GovLetter PDF Document 282 KB. Scroll down past the signature page to read the bill. We recommend the students get to see the video prior to summer vacation. We know lives will be saved.
https://galleries.vidflow.co/n38hepew
      God Bless all of you fellow Americans
Respectfully, 
Judi Collora

Wishing you God’s Peace during this Easter Weekend!

Best regards,

Mark