FORT MADISON, Iowa – The Iowa Department of Corrections (DOC) has named Janie Mendez as the new warden of the Iowa State Penitentiary (ISP).

Mendez brings more than two decades of experience within the DOC, having served in a variety of leadership and frontline roles across multiple institutions, including ISP, the Iowa Medical and Classification Center (IMCC), and the Mount Pleasant Correctional Facility (MPCF).

Her career includes service as Associate Warden of Treatment at IMCC (2021–2026), Treatment Services Director at ISP (2020–2021), Correctional Counselor at ISP (2012–2020), Correctional Counselor at MPCF (2005–2012), and Correctional Officer roles at both MPCF and IMCC beginning in 2003.

“I am pleased to welcome Janie Mendez to her new role as warden of the Iowa State Penitentiary,” said Deputy Director of Institutional Operations Marcy Stroud. “Her extensive background across multiple institutions has equipped her with the knowledge, leadership skills, and steady judgment essential for this position.”

In addition to her professional experience, Mendez has deep roots in the Fort Madison community. Her longstanding presence in the area reflects a strong commitment to both the institution and the people it serves, providing a sense of continuity and stability that is invaluable during times of transition.

Mendez said returning to ISP is a meaningful milestone in her career.

“Being able to return to the ISP team truly warms my heart,” Mendez said. “It is a special place where strong, resilient staff work tirelessly to provide a safe and secure environment for the people that live there, and I am thrilled to work with them again. It is important to me to help ISP maintain its critical role within the Department of Corrections.”

“I am excited to announce Janie as the new Warden of Iowa State Penitentiary,” said DOC Director Beth Skinner. “Her deep experience across multiple institutions and her long-standing commitment to this department make her exceptionally well prepared for this role. Her leadership will strengthen ISP’s mission of safety, security, and rehabilitation, and I look forward to the positive impact she will continue to have on staff and the community.”

“I am confident that Janie will lead with integrity, professionalism, and a clear vision for the future,” said Stroud. “I look forward to supporting her as she steps into this important leadership role and am excited about the positive impact she will have on staff, operations, and the broader community.”

Mendez holds a Master of Science in Criminal Justice.

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About the Iowa Department of Corrections

The Iowa Department of Corrections is making significant strides to implement evidence-based practices system-wide that are proven to reduce victimization, reduce recidivism and enhance community safety. The IDOC is a nationally recognized leader in corrections for innovation and implementation of evidence-based practices. Being on the forefront of innovation and practice, the IDOC continues its commitment to be the best corrections system in the country.

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Spring Wild Turkey Hunting season begins in Iowa this month; however, 60 years ago, the wild turkey population in the state had to be replenished, according to Iowa DNR.  By the early 1900s, drastic reductions in habitat had eliminated wild turkeys in Iowa. In 1966, the Iowa Conservation Commission, now the Department of Natural Resources, initiated a program to return the wild turkey to Iowa. Wild turkeys were released at several sites across the state, with the first release occurring in Lee County, Iowa.

Iowa’s Spring 2026 turkey hunting season runs April 10 – May 17 with a youth season (April 10-12) for residents age 15 years and under.  Youth are allowed to bag 1 bearded bird per hunter.  Those under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult, licensed hunter who cannot carry a weapon.

There are four regular wild turkey hunting periods and an archery only season which runs through all four periods, April 13 – May 17^th.  Access the Iowa DNR website for specific dates of each period.

Gun shooting hours are a half hour before sunrise to sunset with bow hunters allowed to hunt until a half hour after sunset. Hunters who harvest a turkey are required to report that harvest by midnight on the day after it was tagged.

41-year-old Joshua Holmes of Mt. Pleasant was arrested at 1:45pm on Wednesday afternoon in Memphis, Missouri. The Henry County, Iowa Sheriff’s Office received that he was possibly in Memphis.  According to official documents, Holmes violated probation in a previous trafficking in a stolen weapons case.  the alleged violations were methamphetamine use and fraudulent use of vehicle registration.  Homes was arrested without incident and is being held in the Scotland County jail on $5,000 cash-only bond until an extradition hearing can be held.

Henry County voters selected Becky Wilson as County Attorney in Tuesday’s special election. Wilson is set to be sworn in on April 7 and says she plans to get to work immediately.

Looking ahead to the regular election this November, when the seat will again be on the ballot, Wilson offered the following comments:

An area port authority is stepping in to support a long-planned island restoration project on the Mississippi River.

The Corn Belt Port Authority, based in Hampton, Illinois, is working to secure $2.2 million in non-federal funding for a 41-acre island restoration project in Pool 19 in Lee County.

Officials say the river pool has been degrading for more than a century, dating back to 1913 when the lock-and-dam system was built near Keokuk.

The plan calls for dredged river material to be used to rebuild island structures, improving river flow and creating habitat for birds, fish, and other wildlife.

Lee County Conservation has been coordinating with the Army Corps of Engineers and other partners but had not yet secured the required non-federal funding match — until now.

Corn Belt Port Authority Executive Director Bob Sinkler says ecosystem restoration aligns with the group’s broader goal of bringing investment into the region.

Final agreements are expected to be approved at an April 14 conservation board meeting. After that, fundraising will begin for the local funding share.

Once funding is secured, federal dollars would be released to move the project forward.

Organizers had initially hoped to begin work next year, but that timeline now depends on how quickly the remaining funds can be raised.

In a unique move, the port authority may also turn to GoFundMe to help support the effort — a strategy that could be a first for a U.S. port project.

Officials say the restoration could be the first of its kind in the Rock Island District and serve as a model for future projects along the Mississippi River.