Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig highlighted the strong start to harvest season following the release of the latest Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report from the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). The weekly report, issued April through November, tracks field conditions, crop maturity, and harvest progress across the state. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship also provides a weather summary during this period.

“Combines are rolling all across Iowa,” said Secretary Naig. “The warm and dry weather is allowing farmers to make good progress on corn and soybean harvest. With the favorable weather expected to hold through next week, farmers should be able to continue making harvest headway, though conditions

may be a bit dusty. As we get a little further into the start of October, outlooks are indicating a possible shift back to more chances of widespread rain.”

According to the report, dry weather created 6.2 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending September 28. Warm temperatures helped speed crop maturity, with farmers across the state focused on corn and soybean harvest.

Soil conditions remain largely adequate. Topsoil moisture was rated 65 percent adequate, with 27 percent rated short to very short and 8 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was 70 percent adequate, with 23 percent short to very short and 7 percent surplus.

Corn is advancing steadily, with nearly all of the crop dented or beyond. Eighty percent of corn has reached maturity, running four days ahead of last year and one day ahead of the five-year average. Corn harvest for grain is 15 percent complete, about four days ahead of last year. Moisture content in harvested corn averaged 20 percent. Crop condition was rated 71 percent good to excellent.

Soybeans are also nearing completion in maturity stages. Ninety-five percent of soybeans have turned color, while 83 percent were dropping leaves—both slightly ahead of average. Harvest progress reached 17 percent, trailing last year and the five-year average by three days. Soybean condition was rated 73 percent good to excellent.

Pasture conditions held steady, with 53 percent rated good to excellent.

The full weekly report is available at nass.usda.gov.

Every day, someone in America becomes a victim of fraud. To help protect Iowans from scams and financial exploitation, the Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services is bringing the Iowa Fraud Fighters program to Mt. Pleasant.

The community is invited to attend a free seminar on Tuesday, October 21st at 6:30 PM at Veterans Hall, 300 W. Monroe St., Mt. Pleasant.

The program will highlight:

· Common scam tactics used to trick unsuspecting victims.

· Tips for prevention to protect savings and personal information.

· Reporting resources to stop fraudsters and help others.

The Iowa Fraud Fighters initiative is designed to educate and empower residents, especially seniors, to recognize warning signs and take action against scams. Attendees will walk away with practical tools to safeguard themselves and their loved ones from financial fraud.

For more information, visit the Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services website or attend the event in person.

IowaWINs (Iowa Welcomes Immigrant Neighbors) is marking a milestone—its 10-Year Anniversary—with a special celebration in Mount Pleasant on Saturday, October 18.

The event will feature a presentation by Rev. Craig Mousin, an attorney, professor, author, and ordained minister who has devoted more than three decades to ministry and advocacy for immigrants and refugees. His keynote address will take place at 3:00 p.m. in the Chapel Auditorium, 629 N. Main, and is free and open to the public.

After the presentation, guests are invited to gather at The Belle Center, located just across the street, for refreshments and interactive “break-out” sessions. These conversations will offer opportunities to

engage with Rev. Mousin and others on topics central to IowaWINs’ mission and the experiences of immigrant and refugee families in Iowa communities.

Earlier in the day, at 11:00 a.m., IowaWINs will host its Annual Meeting in The Belle Center. The meeting will highlight the organization’s 2025 accomplishments and outline future goals. Community members and supporters are encouraged to attend.

For the past decade, IowaWINs has provided support, resources, and advocacy for immigrants and refugees in southeast Iowa. This anniversary celebration offers a chance to honor the contributions of volunteers, partners, and community members who have worked together to welcome neighbors and build stronger, more inclusive communities.

MEDIAPOLIS — Today, Rep. Taylor Collins threw his support behind Winfield resident Becky Wilson to be Henry County’s next top prosecutor.

“Involving myself in a Republican primary is not something I take lightly – but I can no longer sit idly by as Henry County law enforcement are under attack,” said Collins. “Today, I’m endorsing Becky Wilson in the Republican primary to be Henry County’s next top prosecutor.”

Collins endorsement comes after a Judge ruled Henry County Deputy Carlos Lopez was wrongfully placed on the Brady-Giglio list by current Henry County Attorney Darin Stater, and that he be immediately removed from the list.

“Henry County deserves a prosecutor that is focused on going after career criminals, not local law enforcement. Becky Wilson has my complete support in the Republican primary next June. It’s time to restore trust in the Henry County Attorney’s Office, and I know Becky will do exactly that.”

After more than two years of legal battles and personal strain, Henry county Deputy, Carlos Lopez and his family received a decision they describe as both vindicating and relieving. On Tuesday afternoon at 3:35 p.m., the court ruled that Lopez be removed from the Brady/Giglio list, reversing a prior decision made by the Henry County Attorney.

The Brady/Giglio list, sometimes referred to as a “do not call” list, is used by prosecutors to track law enforcement officers whose credibility may be questioned in court. Placement on the list can have severe career impacts, effectively preventing officers from testifying in criminal cases.

Carlos and his wife, Beth, released a statement following the ruling.

“For the past two years, our family has been on an emotional rollercoaster—seconds, minutes, and days filled with uncertainty, waiting for the next piece of bad news,” the couple said. “We asked ourselves countless times whether we were right to fight this egregious battle, or if we should have bowed down and allowed the Henry County Attorney to continue abusing his power. Today, we finally got our answer: the fight was worth it.”

Beth emphasized her husband’s character throughout the ordeal, noting that she “never once doubted [his] integrity or ability to do his job ethically and honorably.” She described Carlos as “one of the most honest, morally grounded people I know,” adding that watching him endure the process was painful and led him to question his future in law enforcement.

The Lopez family credited community support for sustaining them during the fight. “Your encouragement, prayers, and contributions carried us through the darkest moments, and for that we are forever grateful,” they said.

With the court’s ruling, Lopez’s name will be officially removed from the Brady/Giglio list, clearing a major obstacle in his career and bringing closure to what the family described as years of uncertainty.