Iowa state parks and forests are gearing up for a busy Memorial Day weekend, the traditional start of the outdoor summer recreation season.

“Park visitors are excited to get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather after a long winter inside,” said Sherry Arntzen, chief of the DNR’s State Parks, Forests and Preserves Bureau. “Our parks offer a variety of activities for all enthusiasts from hiking the trails to picnicking, fishing and swimming. There’s something for everyone while enjoying the outdoors.”

Campers are urged to plan ahead when visiting Iowa state parks and forests for Memorial Day weekend. Most electrical and full hookup sites in busy parks are already reserved, so campers may want to consider non-electric sites or at “hidden gem” parks a little further away from home. Additionally, Iowa state parks and forests offer around 950 non-reservable sites available on a first-come, first-served basis, with most people choosing to stay Thursday through the weekend.

To find site availability and make a reservation, go to https://iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com/ For an up-to-date list of park and trail closures due to renovations or weather-related alerts, visit: http://www.iowadnr.gov/Places-to-Go/State-Parks/Alerts-and-Closures

Park visitors can help take care of the parks by cleaning up trash after themselves, and carrying out what they brought in. Please park vehicles in designated parking lots and not along roadways. If visiting beaches, be aware that most swimming areas do not have a lifeguard on duty, and pets must be kept off beaches and be on a leash.

“We hope that campers enjoy their time and make memories while staying in our parks and recreational areas, and do so safely and return again,” Arntzen said.

Tips

• Keep track of the weather and have a plan in case of severe weather
• Pack bug spray, sun screen and a basic first-aid kit
• Check the registration kiosk for activities in the area
• Don’t burn trash
• Don’t bring fireworks
• Be a good neighbor. Observe quiet hours and pick up after yourself

Here is the link to the full Iowa Outdoors: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/IACIO/bulletins/39dd0ae

Governor Kim Reynolds has ordered all flags in Iowa to be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Thursday, May 23, 2024, in honor of Matthew Dickerson, an employee of the Iowa Department of Transportation who was killed on May 16 while working on I-80 near Council Bluffs.

“We honor the memory of Matthew Dickerson and his service to the state of Iowa as he is laid to rest this week,” said Gov. Kim Reynolds. “Kevin and I pray for his wife, daughters, parents, and extended family during this difficult time.

“This senseless tragedy never should have happened. I urge all drivers to be alert when approaching any work area at any time. The workers on our interstates and roadways deserve our full attention and respect. Please be vigilant and reduce your speed whenever you’re near work areas to keep everyone safe on Iowa’s roads.”

Flags will be at half-staff on the State Capitol Building and on flag displays in the Capitol Complex. Flags will also be half-staff on all public buildings, grounds and facilities throughout the state.

Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties, and other government subdivisions are encouraged to fly the flags at half-staff for the same length of time.

Eichelberger Farms has announced plans to construct an Agricultural Science Center for the WACO Ag program and FFA Chapter. The new facility will feature two classrooms, two locker rooms, a kitchen, specialized rooms for rabbits, poultry, and swine, pens for other large animals, as well as a greenhouse. There will also be a conference room to facilitate meetings with community partners who provide valuable real-world experience to the students. This would include guest speakers, land lab partners, and volunteers to train FFA contest teams.

The goal and vision of the facility is to create realistic workprelated opportunities for students that are not present in a typical school setting. The new ag center will allow the program to continue its education of agriculturally related topics with industry standard lab spaces and experiences.

Plans are to start construction in the fall of 2024 or spring of 2025, and the building will be located on the current High School campus in Wayland.

On May 21, 2024 at approximately 1:46 p.m. Burlington Police Officers responded to assist the Burlington Fire Department with a reported forklift accident at Industrial Service Corporation, 1731 N Roosevelt Ave. Upon arrival, the victim was located and initially transported to Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center via ambulance. The victim was later transported to the University of Iowa Hospital. The victim, Sam K. DeJanes, age 64, later succumbed to his injuries. The facts and circumstances surrounding this incident remain under investigation by the Burlington Police Department.

Keokuk High School and Fort Madison welding students created artwork that was then installed in the landscape of Heron Bend Conservation through a partnership between Lee County Leadership (LCL) and Lee County Conservation.

“We were so excited that Katie Geltz (KHS instructor) and Ryan Peters (FMHS instructor) were willing to work with us and guide their students on this fun project,” Caroline Sestito, Administrative and Outreach Coordinator for Lee County Conservation, said. “We were blown away by what their students created. They should take pride in their remarkable work.”

The four sculptures were inspired by Iowa’s native fauna and flora and depicted an eagle, deer, beehive and mosquitoes. The conservation department said the sculptures enhanced visitor experience through fostering a deeper connection with nature.

Feinbergs Metal Recycling donated recycled metals to the LCL to enable students to create the pieces.

The conservation department added that this collaborative effort underscores the community’s commitment to environmental stewardship and celebrates the creative talents of local youth while inviting patrons to explore the beauty and tranquility of Heron Bend Conservation Area.