A Farmington dog breeder is once again drawing national attention over alleged violations tied to puppy mill operations.

According to a report released Monday by Humane World for Animals and covered by Iowa Capital Dispatch, Wuanita Swedlund has been named to the group’s annual “Horrible Hundred” list for the third time. The report highlights 100 dog breeders across the country cited for regulatory issues.

State and federal inspectors have reportedly been unable to access Swedlund’s facility during six separate attempts between June of 2025 and January of this year. Just before those denied inspections, officials documented repeated violations in May of 2025, including unsanitary conditions and a buildup of feces.

In February, the U.S. Department of Agriculture issued an official warning after continued refusals to allow inspections. The last time federal inspectors were able to enter the facility, in December of 2024, they reported finding a heavily matted dog, multiple dogs without water, and enclosures contaminated with fecal material. Those findings also placed Swedlund on last year’s list.

The Iowa Capital Dispatch reports Swedlund’s operation has also been referenced in a pending lawsuit filed by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals against the USDA, alleging a lack of enforcement. The lawsuit claims six puppies died in cold conditions at the facility without penalties being issued.

Past inspection reports have also cited injured animals and other serious concerns, including a case where a dog accessed and partially consumed a puppy in a neighboring enclosure. Inspectors have also raised concerns about possible “puppy laundering,” or the sale of dogs bred by other operations with violation histories.

Humane World for Animals says its annual report is meant to raise awareness about conditions in commercial breeding facilities. In a statement, the group says puppy mills will continue to operate as long as there is consumer demand.

Swedlund is one of five Iowa breeders named in this year’s report, alongside operations in Kiron, Afton, Toronto, and Joice.

DES MOINES, Iowa (Apr. 27, 2026) – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig commented on the Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. The report is released weekly April through November. Additionally, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship provides a weather summary each week during this time.

“Many farmers got a good start on planting last week, though widespread rain on Thursday and again over the weekend parked planters for a few days,” said Secretary Naig. “The good news is that soil temperatures are on the rise, and outlooks into May are showing the potential for cooler and drier weather after a very active stretch of severe weather. I expect farmers will be making the most of every good window to keep planting moving along.”

Crop Report

There were 4.3 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending April 26, 2026, which is 2.0 days more than last year. Topsoil moisture condition rated 2 percent very short, 8 percent short, 76 percent adequate and 14 percent surplus. Corn planting in Iowa reached 22 percent complete, which is 10 percent behind last year when 32 percent of the crop had been planted. Soybean planting reached 11 percent, which is 12 percent behind 2025, when 23 percent of the crop had been planted. Oats planting reached 74 percent, 5 percent behind last year when 79 percent had been planted.

The weekly report is also available on the USDA’s website at https://www.nass.usda.gov/.

Weather Summary

Provided by Justin Glisan, Ph.D., State Climatologist, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

While rainfall was widespread across Iowa though April’s last full week, this was the first reporting period with below normal totals for most stations; only the southwest corner was unseasonably wet. Temperatures remained unseasonably warm with positive departures approaching nine degrees east; the statewide average temperature was 57.4 degrees, 6.0 degrees above normal.

Gusty northwesterly winds held Sunday (19^th) afternoon temperatures in the mid 40s northeast to mid 60s southwest with stray clouds passing over the state. Monday (20^th) dawned chilly with morning lows in the upper 20s to mid 30s north to south. Winds swung back around to a southerly direction under clear skies with daytime temperatures reaching the 60s across western Iowa; temperatures were 10 to 15 degrees cooler farther east. Southwesterly winds increased overnight into Tuesday (21^st) with lows around sunrise in the low to mid 50s at most stations. Unseasonably warm temperatures blanketed much of Iowa’s northwestern half with mid to upper 80s observed at many locations; the statewide average high was 83 degrees, 20 degrees above normal. Isolated showers developed over northwestern Iowa around daybreak on Wednesday (22^nd) leaving behind minor rainfall totals at several stations; Le Mars (Plymouth County) collected 0.09 inch while 0.19 inch was reported in Spencer (Clay County). Skies remained generally clear through the day as southerly winds ramped up with temperatures in the mid 70s over southern Iowa to the low to mid 80s across the northern reaches of the state.

Cloud cover increased over western Iowa into Thursday (23^rd) as a cold front advanced through the state. Afternoon conditions within the warm sector were unstable with ample forcing for upward motion in the presence of low level wind shear. Storms fired along the Iowa-Nebraska border and quickly became severe-warned. Multiple weak tornadoes were confirmed with some structural damage in Little Sioux (Harrison County). Large hail was the dominant mode of severe weather until the front pushed into central Iowa later in the evening. Three additional weak tornadoes were observed near Slater (Story County), around Mitchellville (Polk County) and just east of Interstate 35 in Weldon (Decatur County). From central Iowa on, the event transitioned to numerous straight-line wind reports with a 70 mph wind gusts in Lamoni (Decatur County) and Davenport (Scott County). Rainfall was reported at most Iowa stations with more than 75 collecting at least 1.00 inch; two stations in Delaware County, Hopkinton and Manchester reported 1.67 inches and 2.11 inches, respectively with a statewide average of 0.60 inch. Winds shifted to the northwest behind the front with Friday (24^th) morning temperatures in the low 30s northwest to mid 50s southeast. Afternoon conditions were pleasant with highs in the 60s and sunshine. Saturday (25^th) was nearly a mirror image of the previous day except for easterly winds, signaling an approaching low pressure system. Showers moved into western Iowa into the afternoon hours with totals holding under a few tenths of an inch, though Underwood (Pottawattamie County) hit 0.76 inch. Western Iowa remained overcast into Sunday (26^th) morning while clear conditions were reported in the east with lows in the 40s.

Weekly precipitation totals ranged from 0.01 inch in Clinton (Clinton County) to 2.11 inches in Manchester (Delaware County). The statewide weekly average precipitation was 0.69 inch; the normal is 0.98 inch. Mapleton (Monona County) and Sioux City Airport (Woodbury County) reported the week’s high temperature of 89 degrees on the 21^st, on average 26 degrees above normal. Municipal airports in Mason City (Cerro Gordo County) and Spencer (Clay County) reported the week’s low temperature of 21 degrees on the 20^th, on average 16 degrees below normal. Four-inch soil temperatures varied from the low 50s northwest to mid 60s southeast as of Sunday.

The Iowa Department of Corrections (DOC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Kristen O’Hare as Warden of the Mount Pleasant Correctional Facility (MPCF).

O’Hare brings more than 20 years of experience within the Iowa DOC, with a strong background in institutional operations, security management, staff leadership, and evidence-based correctional practices. She most recently served as Associate Warden of Security at MPCF, where she provided executive oversight of facility security operations and played a key role in advancing safety, compliance, and operational efficiency.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to step into the role of Warden at Mount Pleasant Correctional Facility and continue my service with the Iowa Department of Corrections,” said O’Hare. “I look forward to building on the success of the DOC and MPCF by leading our excellent teams with honesty and accountability. I want to ensure MPCF continues to be a top example for operational efficiency and helping individuals successfully reenter Iowa’s communities.”

Prior to her role as Associate Warden of Security, O’Hare served as the Treatment Services Director at MPCF and held leadership positions at the Iowa Medical and Classification Center. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a commitment to strengthening institutional operations while supporting rehabilitation and successful reentry outcomes.

“Kristen is a proven leader who understands the complexity of modern corrections,” said Director Beth Skinner. “Her experience, integrity, and commitment to both safety and rehabilitation make her exceptionally well-suited to lead Mount Pleasant Correctional Facility. I am confident she will continue to move the facility — and our department — forward in meaningful ways.”

“I am very excited to welcome Kristen to her new role as Warden of the Mount Pleasant Correctional Facility,” said Deputy Director of Institutional Operations Marcy Stroud. “Kristen brings a deep expertise in institutional operations, security management, and evidence-based correctional practices. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a strong ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, strengthen compliance, and drive operational improvements that enhance both safety and rehabilitative outcomes. Her leadership has been instrumental in breaking down silos, aligning teams around shared goals, and fostering a culture grounded in collaboration and professionalism.”

O’Hare holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Buena Vista University and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Wisconsin–Platteville.

The Mount Pleasant Community School District Board of Education held a special session Monday evening, April 27, with a major focus on enrollment trends and potential facility changes. Board President Angie Blint led the meeting, with all board members present.

During the superintendent’s report, John Henriksen provided updates on several district projects and planning efforts.

Kindergarten Roundup numbers show a notable difference between attendance centers, with 78 students registered at Harlan Elementary compared to just six at Salem Elementary. District officials noted those numbers may increase slightly closer to the start of the school year.

Henriksen also reported progress on the district’s central office remodel. One bid has been received from Jean C. Wiley & Sons totaling just over $75,000, with another contractor expected to complete a walkthrough and submit a quote. The district may hold an additional special meeting to approve the project, as officials aim to have the renovated space ready by August 1.

Safety concerns were also discussed regarding the high school baseball field, where neighbors have raised issues about foul balls hitting parked vehicles. A representative from Pierce Fencing is expected to evaluate the site, as many schools are now installing taller fencing to better contain balls within the field of play.

In other business, the district’s finance committee meeting has been rescheduled from May 1 to May 8 at 2 p.m. to allow more time for monthly financial reports to be completed.

The most significant discussion of the evening centered on the possible closure of Salem Elementary beginning in the fall of 2027. To open that conversation, Henriksen reviewed enrollment projections from the Iowa Department of Education showing district enrollment could decline by 182 students, dropping to approximately 1,523 by the 2029–2030 school year.

Board members discussed a range of possible adjustments aimed at aligning district resources with enrollment trends. Those included administrative restructuring, staffing changes, grade reconfiguration, and program modifications. Options mentioned included reducing the number of elementary principals, adjusting instructional coaching positions, implementing traveling “flex” teachers, shifting grade levels between buildings, and reevaluating programs such as Wisdom Quest, IJAG, and Career and Technical Education.

Some board members also noted the district currently operates seven attendance centers, compared to three or four in similarly sized districts, as part of the broader discussion on long-term sustainability. It was also noted that even with potential adjustments, additional steps may be needed to address future budget concerns.

Following lengthy discussion, board member Josh Maher made a motion to close Salem Elementary, which was seconded by Mike Hampton.

Before a vote was taken, board member Kevin Schrader proposed delaying the decision to allow incoming superintendent Dr. Sharon Dentlinger time to review district finances and provide input. That proposal was seconded by Craig Hurd. However, because a motion to close the school was already on the table, the board proceeded without acting on the delay.

The board then voted 4 to 3 in favor of closing Salem Elementary, effective in the fall of 2027. Voting in favor were Blint, Maher, Hampton, and Aaron Williamson. Voting against the motion were Mark Overberg, Hurd, and Schrader.

District officials say the decision is part of ongoing efforts to address enrollment trends and plan for the district’s future aiming to ensure financial stability and an equitable education for all students in the Mount Pleasant Community School District.

View the livestream of the meeting here.