| Iowa Local Food Purchasing Assistance Program
Receives Funding Boost, Duration Extension Program strengthens supply chains and builds connections between Iowa farmers and consumersDES MOINES, Iowa (May 10, 2023) – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has received an additional $2.9 million for utilization in the Iowa Local Food Purchasing Assistance Program (ILFPA). The statewide program was announced in June of 2022 to facilitate the purchase and distribution of Iowa grown and produced food for use by underserved communities. The program, which also received an extension through May of 2025, is funded through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) via the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act. Iowa originally received approximately $2.7 million, and the extension adds an additional $2.9 million, bringing the total to over $5.6 million in program funding. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has an operating agreement with Iowa Valley Resource Conservation and Development (Iowa Valley RC&D), which will continue to lead project management and ensure successful program implementation. “Given the rising consumer interest in local foods, I love that we can build connections between Iowa farmers and Iowa consumers while also strengthening supply chains,” said Secretary Naig. “The Iowa Local Food Purchasing Assistance Program establishes the foundation for longer term partnerships that will create new markets for farmers, increase access to nutritious food and help our community members who are food insecure.” During the first phase of the program, $684,456 in food value was sourced from farmers and producers in the state, including nearly $393,193 from socially disadvantaged farmers. ILFPA is expected to benefit at least 300 Iowa farmers. With a reach of 2,000 food distribution sites through partnerships with 16 distributors, including food hubs, food banks, and the Meskwaki Nation, the decentralized emphasis allows local specialists to meet the community’s needs through the implementation plans they design for their area. To learn more about the program or how to participate, visit www.iowalfpa.org or https://iowaagriculture.gov/ILFPA. |
MPPD Virtual Reality Training
On 5/10/23, the Mount Pleasant City Council approved the purchase of a virtual reality training system for the Mt Pleasant PD. This will be one of the first V/R training programs in the State of Iowa. It was funded by American Rescue Funds and donations to the department.
The program will have numerous realistic situations that will give officers the ability to better prepare for high pressure situations. It will be a safer training as it does not involve real weapons or physical contact.
It will have the standard shoot/no shoot simulations on it, but more importantly, will feature dangerous situations where communication skills are utilized.
De-Escalation training begins with effective communication skills. In today’s society we are seeing a change in people being able to communicate effectively so this will be vital to our future.
The Mt Pleasant PD will be able to host trainings which will enhance other law enforcement agencies to hopefully, make everyone better. This training can be done in a much shorter time constraint than “normal scenario based” training. This will cut down on costs and equipment.
The Mt Pleasant PD would like to thank the City Council, Wal Mart Store, Wal Mart Distribution, BNSF, Street Smarts Virtual Reality, and the private donors who asked not to be named.
Kevin Nims
On May 10, 2023 at approximately 11:41a.m. Des Moines County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the area of 16097 Iowa City Rd. for a female reporting that she was assaulted. Deputies spoke with the female and observed her to be bleeding from a laceration on her head. She stated she had been beaten by Kevin Nims at his residence of 16595 Iowa City Rd. She stated Kevin had punched her, hit her with an object, and hit her head into the concrete. The female was transported to the hospital for treatment of her head injury.
Deputies went to 16595 Iowa City Rd. and made contact with Kevin. Kevin admitted he had punched the victim. While at the residence, deputies learned that Kevin had been in possession of a firearm. Deputies seized a 12-gauge shotgun that Kevin had been in possession of. Kevin has a felony conviction and is not allowed to possess firearms. Kevin Eugene Nims, age 57, of Sperry, IA was then placed under arrest for Assault Causing Serious Injury (D Felony) and Dominion/Control of Firearm by Felon (D Felony). He was transported to the Des Moines County Correctional Center.
Sports, May 11th
High School Track and Field
Mt. Pleasant will be hosting the state qualifying meet tonight.
Central Lee will travel to Tipton to compete in their state qualifying meet today.
WACO will host the Class 1A District 10 state qualifying meet as Danville, New London, and Winfield-Mt. Union will also be competing at the meet this evening.
High School Soccer
The Mt. Pleasant girls team will travel to take on Burlington Notre Dame tonight.
The Mt. Pleasant boys team will take on Burlington Notre Dame today on the road.
The WACO boys team will travel to play Sigourney tonight.
The Central Lee boys team will face off against Hillcrest Academy on May 15th for the first round of the Class 1A substate.
The Central Lee girls team will compete in the Class 1A Region 3 contest against Mid-Prairie on May 17th.
High School Golf
The Mt. Pleasant boys team traveled to Washington for the 3A Sectional meet. Washington took first place, Oskaloosa finished in second place, and Pella grabbed third place. These three teams advance to the District meet. The Panthers claimed 7th place with a score of 387. The District meet will be on May 15th hosted by Pella.
The Mt. Pleasant girls team competed in their SEC conference meet yesterday and finished in 6th place with a team score of 515. Washington claimed the conference crown with a 341 score and Fairfield finished as the runner-up. The Panthers will compete in their Regional meet on May 17th at Xavier.
The boys teams of New London, Winfield-Mt. Union, Danville, and Holy Trinity Catholic traveled to Wapello to compete in their sectional meet yesterday and Wapello finished in first place with a score of 345, New London grabbed second with a 365 score, and Winfield-Mt. Union took third place with a score of 367. Since Wapello was the host, all three of these teams advanced to Districts. Mason Shelledy of New London was the runner-up with a round of 84. For the Wolves, Carter Loyd finished in 6th with a score of 89. Advancing individually will be Grant Watson of Columbus Junction with a 5th place finish and Peyton Yeggy of Highland Riverside. Danville claimed 6th place and Holy Trinity Catholic took 7th. Caiden Gourley was the top golfer for the Bears with a score of 99 and for the Crusaders it was Andy Mehmert with a 119. The District meet will take place on May 16th at Brown Deer in Iowa City.
For the girls teams, New London will host the Regional tomorrow, May 12th, with Winfield-Mt. Union also in competition.
High School Tennis
The Mt. Pleasant boys team will take on Marion in their Substate meet tomorrow, May 12th.
The Mt. Pleasant girls team will compete against Davis County in the Regional meet on May 13th.
Southeast Iowa Playbook
AJ Bonnesen of Danville was our guest for last night’s show and you can listen to the full interview by following this link: https://on.soundcloud.com/HaaHX
Iowa Wesleyan Athletics
The Tigers outdoor track and field teams will compete at the North Star Athletic Association Championships taking place today.
This Day in Sports History
1897 – Washington Senator catcher Charlie Farrell throws out a disputed 8 attempted stealers.
1977 – Owner, Ted Turner, manages an Atlanta Braves game.
2014 – PGA Players Championship, TPC at Sawgrass: Martin Kaymer leads after each round to win by 1 stroke ahead of Jim Furyk; first 8-figure purse in golf with winner’s share $1.8 million.
Janice Newman
MOUNT PLEASANT- Janice Newman, 78, of Mount Pleasant, died Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at the United Presbyterian Home in Washington.
Jan was born September 10, 1944, in Burlington, the daughter of Bryon and Ruby (Gittings) Miller. She graduated from Mediapolis High School in 1962. On February 2, 1964, Jan was united in marriage to Donald “Steve” Newman. She worked at XLM and Heatilator. Jan enjoyed tending to her garden and flower beds. She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.
She is survived by three children Vicki Messer of Mount Pleasant, Michelle Newman of Burlington, Don (Pam) Newman of Washington; grandchildren Bryce, Lucas and Kalli Messer, Meghan and Sarah Newman, Matthew Zachmeyer, Amy Kagemann and Chelsie (Jake King) Kagemann; great grandchildren Evelynn, Soren, Navey, Avalon, Logan, Levi, Abi, and Bladen; sister Jean Westerbeck of New London; brother Ben (Nancy) Miller of Texas; sister Sharon (Ron) Graham of Arizona; Dayle (Alando) Blanco of Burlington; Dick (Kathryn) Newman, Bob (Shelia) Newman and Phyllis Davis.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Steve in 2012, sisters-in-law Trudi McGuire and Martha Lee.
Visitation will be held 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. Friday, May 19, 2023, at the Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel. The family will be present to greet friends from 5:00-7:00 p.m. No formal service will be held. A memorial fund has been established for the United Presbyterian Home and Washington County Hospice. The Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel is caring for Jan and her family. www.powellfuneralhomes.com.
Century and Heritage Farm Program
Century and Heritage Farm Program Applications due June 1
Farm families will be recognized during a ceremony at the Iowa State Fair
DES MOINES, Iowa (May 9, 2023) – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig reminds eligible farm owners to apply for the 2023 Century and Heritage Farm Program through June 1.
The program was created by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation to recognize families who have owned their farms for 100 years and 150 years, respectively, and to honor the strength and resiliency of Iowa’s multi-generational farm families.
To apply, download the program application on the Department’s website at iowaagriculture.gov/century-and-heritage-farm-program. Please complete the application and return it to:
Century and Heritage Farm Program
Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship
Wallace State Office Building
502 E. Ninth St.
Des Moines, IA 50319
You may also send a written request for an application to the address above, or contact Kelley Reece, coordinator of the Century and Heritage Farm Program, at 515-281-3645 or kelley.reece@iowaagriculture.gov.
Special ceremonies recognizing 2023 Century and Heritage Farm families will be held at the Iowa State Fair on Thursday, Aug. 17 in the historic Livestock Pavilion.
Garage Fire in Burlington
At 5:53 PM Tuesday May 9, 2023 the Burlington and West Burlington Fire Departments
responded to a reported garage fire behind 504 S. 6th Street in Burlington. Firefighters arrived at
5:56 PM to find a one car garage and attached storage shed fully involved in flames. A box
alarm was struck calling in off duty Burlington firefighters as well as brining Danville and
Mediapolis firefighters closer to Burlington. The fire was extinguished at 6:31 PM.
The garage is owned by Donald & Rosalie Smith and is considered a total loss. The heat from
the fire damaged the back of the Smith’s house at 504 S. 6th Street. Neighboring properties also
damaged include a duplex apartment at 517 Vine Street, the house and fence at 503 Vine Street,
and the siding on the house at 506 S. 6th Street. Damage estimates are still being assessed. The
property is insured.
Firefighters were assisted at the scene by Burlington Police and Alliant Energy. There were no
injuries. Firefighters cleared the scene at 7:28 PM.The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Burlington Fire Department.Firefighters were assisted at the scene by Burlington Police and Firefighters were assisted at the scene by Burlington Police and Alliant Energy. There were no injuries. Firefighters cleared the scene at 7:28 PM.
Sports, May 10th
High School Track and Field
Mt. Pleasant will be hosting the state qualifying meet tomorrow, May 11th.
Central Lee will travel to Tipton to compete in their state qualifying meet tomorrow.
WACO will host the Class 1A District 10 state qualifying meet as Danville, New London, and Winfield-Mt. Union will also be competing at the meet tomorrow.
High School Soccer
The Mt. Pleasant girls team will travel to take on Burlington Notre Dame tomorrow, May 11th.
The Mt. Pleasant boys team will take on Burlington Notre Dame tomorrow on the road.
The WACO boys team defeated Wapello 2-1 last night in overtime. The Warriors will travel to play Sigourney tomorrow.
The Central Lee boys team will face off against Hillcrest Academy on May 15th for the first round of the Class 1A substate.
The Central Lee girls team will compete in the Class 1A Region 3 contest against Mid-Prairie on May 17th.
High School Golf
The Mt. Pleasant boys team’s next competition will be today for the 3A sectional meet.
The Mt. Pleasant girls team will compete in the SEC conference tournament today.
The boys teams of New London, Winfield-Mt. Union, Danville, and Holy Trinity Catholic will compete in the 1A sectional meet today.
For the girls teams, New London will host the Regional on May 12th with Winfield-Mt. Union also in competition.
High School Tennis
The Mt. Pleasant boys team will take on Marion in their Substate meet on May 12th.
The Mt. Pleasant girls team will compete at their singles and doubles regional assignments today.
College Signings
McKenzie Vradenburg of WACO will continue running at the collegiate level after signing her letter of intention to attend Truman State University and join the Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field team. Vradenburg will also be majoring in Criminal Justice. She talked about all of the factors that went into her decision,
“I actually like their campus and I like how it wasn’t too far from home. I was looking for something that was far enough where I felt like I can’t just go back every weekend, but also close enough that if I want to come and visit I can. They have an indoor and outdoor track, which I think I’ll be able to use that a lot with my training and everything and I just met the team and I just really bonded with them and I really enjoyed the atmosphere the team was giving me.”
Vradenburg has left her mark in the history book of WACO as she touts a school record in the 200 meter dash with a time of 28.55 seconds, which she set this year beating her previous mark of 29.70 seconds from a year ago. She is a conference champion in several events, and she qualified for state last season as she competed in two events. Vradenburg finished 23rd in the 4×100 meter relay and 22nd in the 4×200 meter relay at the state tournament last season. Vradenburg was beyond happy when talking about taking her next step,
“I’m super excited for college and I feel like it’s just going to be great for me. I’m so excited to go out and meet new people. I love doing new things, and being in a new school, new atmosphere, meeting new friends. I think that’s going to be really great for me.”
The Bulldogs recently competed in their conference meet and brought home Conference Champions and National qualifiers.
Southeast Iowa Playbook
AJ Bonnesen of Danville will be joining us tonight at 6 pm.
Iowa Wesleyan Athletics
The Tigers outdoor track and field teams will compete at the North Star Athletic Association Championships taking place tomorrow, May 11th.
This Day in Sports History
1870 – Jem Mace defends his heavyweight crown against Irish champ Joe Coburn, it lasts 1 hour and 17 minutes, and neither is struck by a punch.
1970 – Stanley Cup Final, Boston Garden, Boston, MA: Bobby Orr scores famous overtime winner as Boston beats St. Louis Blues, 4-3 for 4-0 series sweep; it’s the Bruins first title since 1941.
2018 – Rafael Nadal breaks John McEnroe’s record for successive set wins on a single surface (49 on carpet) with 6-3, 6-4 win over Diego Schwartzman at the Madrid Open (clay).