West Burlington, Iowa – Women Managing Farm Finances, a four-week course designed especially to help farm women explore the concepts of managerial accounting and practice using financial statements to analyze the farm business, is being offered by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach – Des Moines County.

Online registration is available at https://go.iastate.edu/SPDEKP or at the Des Moines County Extension office. Classes will be held at Des Moines County Extension Office on Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. beginning March 23 and continuing March 30, April 6 and April 13. A complimentary meal will be provided at 5:30 p.m. The cost is $75.00. Deadline to register is March 16.

Farm women participating in Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Women in Ag courses become better business partners and owners by learning to manage and organize critical information for their own farms, while establishing networks with other farm women and agriculture business professionals. Women Managing Farm Finances is taught in the tradition of Annie’s Project.

According to ISU Extension and Outreach farm specialist Charles Brown, Women Managing Farm Finances helps women better understand farm finances.

“Our goal is to provide a program that gives women hands-on experience exploring the concepts of managerial accounting, as well as practice using financial statements to analyze the farm business,” Brown said. “In addition, guest speakers share their experiences and knowledge to help women become better business partners and owners,” added Brown.

During the four-week course, participants will gain an understanding of how to complete a balance sheet and calculate key financial measures like the current ratio and the debt-to-asset ratio. Other topics covered include the Income Statement, the Cash Flow Statement and Budgeting/Benchmarking.

The Mount Pleasant City Council has awarded a demolition contract to Kinney and Sons in the amount of $14,499.00 for a project on Harrison Street.  In February the City purchased a property at 102 N. Harrison. According to Building and Zoning Administrator Jack Swarm the house on the property is severely deteriorated and it is not feasible to make repairs.  Swarm has identified multiple nuisances.   Therefore, the house will be torn down.  A pine tree on the property will remain.

The City Council, at a recent meeting, approved a site plan for the construction of townhouses in the 600 blocks of West Washington and West Monroe. The submitted plan is for a project to construct four townhome buildings containing a total of nineteen units.  The site includes a double car garage for each individual unit. The City has agreed to install the sanitary sewer for the development.

Mattias Luitjens is the 2023 Marilyn Minford McCoid Young Artist Competition Winner, sponsored by the Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra.

The competition is held yearly in the fall and is open to students from across southeast Iowa.

Mattias auditioned for a panel of professional musicians from the symphony and was selected as this year’s recipient.

This prestigious honor culminates in three performances with the Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra as a soloist. He will be performing Henryk Górecki’s Concerto for Piano and Orchestra.

Mattias is a senior at WACO and participates in choir as a bass, band as a percussionist, orchestra as a cellist, and jazz band as a pianist. He plans to major in music and computer science next year. He is the son of Nathan and Rachelle Luitjens.

Performances:

• Saturday, March 18, 7:30 p.m., Bridge Center, Ottumwa
• Sunday, March 19, 2 p.m., Capitol Theater, Burlington
• Sunday, March 19, 6:30 p.m., Chapel Auditorium at Iowa Wesleyan University, Mt. Pleasant

Iowa Wesleyan University is pleased to present its spring Career Expo, which brings together the diverse businesses of Southeast Iowa and the dynamic up-and-coming workforce of the University’s students.

On Tuesday, March 21, 2023, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, Iowa Wesleyan will be hosting the Career Expo in the Social Hall, located inside the Howe Student Activity Center. Students will have the opportunity to participate in mock interviews and network with local professionals. This event is aimed at helping IW and Southeastern Community College students who are seeking full-time employment, part-time employment, internships, or volunteer opportunities.

Businesses participating include Alcohol and Drug Dependency Services of Southeast Iowa, Burlington Police Department, Cambridge Investment Research, Chem Gro of Houghton, Inc., Community Crisis Services, Cornerstone Building Brands, Every Step Hospice, Farmers Coop Association, Great River Health, Henry County Sheriff’s Office, Hope Haven Area Development Center, Innovairre, Iowa Child Advocacy Board, Iowa State Patrol, IW Advancement, Keokuk School District, KILJ Radio AM/FM, Main Street Mount Pleasant, Mount Pleasant Community Theater, Optimae Life Services, Savannah Heights, Van Buren County Hospital, Washington County YMCA, and Wayland State Bank.

Iowa Wesleyan University: As Southeast Iowa’s regional comprehensive University, Iowa Wesleyan University is a transformational learning community whose passion is to educate, empower and inspire students to lead meaningful lives and careers.

Dear Senate District 48

– Week 9 – 

This Week in the Senate

As follow up to our first funnel week, the ninth week of the legislative session was focused on floor debate on Monday and Tuesday and sending important bills to the House to be considered for passage. Still, several subcommittees met to begin discussion on bills sent over from the House, while committee meetings were not as prevalent this week as in past weeks.
Floor Debate Ramps Up

Floor debate increased this week. One bill that we debated was Senate File 478. I mentioned this bill last week when I highlighted Senate Study Bill 1200. Some bills that move out of committee are given a new number when they move to the floor for debate. This was one such bill. As I said last week, this bill is common-sense legislation to protect Iowans’ information that is unnecessary for an audit.

Another bill that I mentioned last week that gained a new number for floor debate was Senate File 507, formerly Senate Study Bill  1094. This bill tackles the issue of state investing based on Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) performance. This bill comes about due to current concern of financial institutions boycotting and refusing to do business with certain industries based on ideological grounds and not on legitimate business purposes. The common target of these boycotts are firearm manufacturers, production agriculture, and fossil-fuels. Senate File 507 would restrict public funds from entering into contracts with businesses who engage in these boycotts.

We continue to hear from educators about the shortage of viable workforce to fill vacancies. On Tuesday the Senate passed Senate File 391 to help improve the flexibility of Iowa’s K-12 education system. A big focus of this bill was to help schools address concerns amidst labor shortages. One provision would remove the requirement for school librarians to have earned a master’s degree and allow schools to hire former public librarians to serve in this role. Of course school districts may choose to still require this designation, but this change will make it easier for schools in rural areas to find librarians to work in their schools. Another provision of the bill would allow school districts to hire a community college instructor to teach courses in science and math for grades 9 through 12. This will also help rural schools who are struggling to find instructors by making the hiring process more flexible for them. Another part of the bill is focused on helping students with high school scheduling. The bill would allow for more opportunities for students to opt out of physical education class if they are involved in other physical activities or a work-based learning program.

Protecting Children in Iowa

This week both houses of the legislature passed SF 538. This bill now makes it illegal to perform transgender surgeries or sex changes on children in Iowa. This is a very complicated issue that comes with intense emotions. The proper approach is compassionate mental health care and to let children develop naturally.

The state has a responsibility to protect its citizens, especially the children living here. Surgeries and massive amounts of cross-sex hormones have substantial and permanent consequences to children. We have begun to hear stories of adults who received these treatments and are now emotionally and physically scarred for life. This is important information to take note of when discussing public policy that will affect Iowa’s children.

Testimonies that included research were provided in subcommittees and committees last week. Some studies were promoted by people supporting these procedures to point to an improvement in the experience of children who have undergone a gender transition procedure. Each of them being short-term studies only over a 12-month period. However, in 2016 the Obama Administration’s Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services declined to implement a national coverage for gender transition procedures under Medicare. It cited an internationally recognized 30-year study from Sweden, which showed individuals who had a cross-sex surgical procedure had a suicide rate 19 times higher than the general population. It also led to significantly higher rates of substance abuse, depression, and psychiatric hospitalizations.

Also noted was that these medical procedures are not FDA approved. In fact, during the legislative process one of the doctors who testified during the subcommittee was asked if they are FDA approved. She said they were not because the FDA typically doesn’t do clinical trials on children. Her testimony struck a chord with many as it brought to light the real risk and dangers of gender reassignment surgeries and medications on children.

Lastly, there has been discussion about the rhetoric used on this issue. Media and proponents of these procedures refer to it as transgendered or affirming care. This language obscures what is really happening during these procedures. These hormone treatments and surgeries are irreversible, dangerous, and experimental procedures performed on children and marketed as “care.”

State law prohibits children from getting a tattoo, buying alcohol, gambling, or entering into a contract because they are not equipped to appropriately understand the risks associated with those behaviors. For the same reason, gender reassignment surgeries and hormone therapies should not be available to Iowa children.

The Senate also passed another common-sense bill to provide clarity for Iowa schools and safety for children regarding bathroom access. SF 482 provides that clarity by simply stating children in Iowa school will use the bathroom, locker room, or changing room of their biological sex.

Making Government More Efficient

Many have been advocating for smaller, better government and Senate File 514,  the governor’s realignment bill, is an attempt to create just that.  This comprehensive review of how the governor’s office manages its own departments is the first in almost 40 years.  It will help us to be more in line with other states and help us to find ways we can improve services, modernize government, and bring departments with similar objectives together.

This bill will reduce our current 37 cabinet departments to 16 cabinet departments. It will also eliminate 513 currently unfilled positions, save Iowans money, and consolidate technology and departments to improve operations. In comparing Iowa to other states in the Midwest, we see that all of the states in the Midwest have fewer cabinet departments than Iowa and spend less per capita on state government than we do. Even states with comparable population and spending, like Oklahoma and Mississippi, have fewer cabinet departments and spend less per capita.

Because much has changed in our state and in our world over time, it is necessary to make adjustments to the services that our government provides. Senate File 514 looks at how our government has worked, what Iowans need, and makes necessary changes to help us become a more efficient state government. This bill has now been passed on to the Iowa House for consideration.

Cattlemen at the Capitol Day 

On Wednesday we welcomed the Iowa Cattleman’s Association in the rotunda for Cattlemen at the Capitol Day. The day included brisket breakfast burritos and great conversations. Agricultural issues including property rights, preservation of land for livestock grazing, and Phase II of the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at Iowa State University were topics of the day. All Iowans appreciate our high-quality, Iowa beef!

Talking with Constituents

Conversations took place again this weekend with constituents in both Muscatine and Louisa Counties. Saturday’s agenda included not one, but two legislative forums. The first was held at Muscatine Community College and the second at City Hall in Wapello.

Best regards,

Mark

DES MOINES – Governor Kim Reynolds and the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) announced $26.88 million in grant funding through the final round of Destination Iowa, a $100 million investment in quality of life and tourism attractions. In recognition of the high interest in the program, Gov. Reynolds also announced an additional investment of $15 million to fund Destination Iowa applications from rural communities, including several in the KILJ listening area, that did not receive grants in previous rounds. In all, Destination Iowa awards were granted to 46 projects totaling $115 million that activated $480,265,783 in total investment.

“Destination Iowa has inspired communities in all corners of the state to dream big about projects that will bolster quality of life and attract newcomers,” Gov. Reynolds said. “The demand is so high, especially in rural areas, that I’ve extended the program to help more rural communities realize those dreams.”

IEDA opened the Destination Iowa program in May 2022 and accepted applications through December 31. Applications were scored based on eligibility, completeness, and the project’s ability to meet the program goal of creating transformational tourism attractions. Destination Iowa grants have been open to cities, counties, nonprofits and other organizations through four separate funds: Economically Significant Development, Outdoor Recreation, Tourism Attraction, and Creative Placemaking.

The seventh round of Destination Iowa funded the following 10 projects. For the additional $15 million, IEDA reviewed applications already submitted by rural communities, defined as 30,000 residents or fewer that are not adjacent to communities of 30,000 or more residents.

Final awards made from the original $100 million allocation:

The Dubuque Art Museum was awarded $8,000,000 toward the construction of a new museum and a 10,000-square-foot outdoor sculpture garden. The award represents 20% of the total project investment of $39,931,512.

The Dickinson County Conservation Board was awarded $3,500,000 to develop the new Sherwood Forest Park on the former site of The Inn at Okoboji resort. The award represents 35% of the total project investment of $10,013,197.

The Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines was awarded $3,280,000 for major upgrades including a new Big Cat Conservation exhibit and an expanded seal and sea lion facility. The award represents 18% of the total project investment of $18,000,000.

The City of Cedar Rapids was awarded $3,000,000 toward the LightLine Loop project in the Czech Village and NewBo District. The award represents 16% of the total project investment of $19,255,775.

The City of Dubuque was awarded $3,000,000 for the addition of an open-air amphitheater on Schmitt Island. The award represents 19% of the total project investment of $15,442,961.

The City of Marshalltown was awarded $2,000,000 for the Linn Creek District development and creative placemaking efforts. The award represents 32% of the total project investment of $6,251,115.

Story County Conservation was awarded $1,500,000 to pave a portion of the Heart of Iowa Nature Trail east of Ames, connecting to Nevada and Maxwell. This award represents 31% of the total project investment of $4,819,000.

The India Heritage & Cultural Center was awarded $900,000 toward expanding the Hindu Temple and Cultural Center near Madrid. The award represents 23%of the total project investment of $3,976,023.

The Putnam Museum and Science Center in Davenport was awarded $900,000 toward an expansion project. The award represents 23% of the total project investment of $3,965,449.

The African American Museum of Iowa in Cedar Rapids was awarded $800,000 toward major renovations at the museum and the reinstallation of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.-inspired “Trumpet” sculpture and garden. The award represents 17% of the total project investment of $4,827,339.

Awards made from the additional $15 million:

The Southeast Iowa Sports Commission was awarded $2,500,000 to develop the Ottumwa SportsPlex Development Project. The award represents 23% of the total project investment of $10,737,449.

The Midwest Old Settlers and Threshers Association was awarded $500,000 to improve and enhance existing campground facilities at the Midwest Old Settlers and Threshers Association grounds. The award represents 38% of the total project investment of $1,312,525.

Jasper County Conservation was awarded $550,000 for the Jasper County Conservation Environmental Education Center. The award represents 25% of the total project investment of $2,204,509.

The City of Denison was awarded $4,500,000 for the Crawford County Wellness and Recreation Center. The award represents 24% of the total project investment of $18,643,000.

America’s First Great Dam Foundation was awarded $115,000 for the 1913 Hydro-Electric Turbine Visitor Center project in Keokuk. The award represents 38% of the total project investment of $303,325.

Wapello County was awarded $500,000 for improvements and enhancements to the Pioneer Ridge Park Campground. The award represents 40% of the total project investment of $1,260,975.

The Clayton County Conservation Board was awarded $345,000 to modernize and enhance the Osborne Welcome Center and Campground. The award represents 40% of the total project investment of $862,500.

The City of Treynor was awarded $800,000 for a multi-phase park and recreation project. The award represents 31% of the total project investment of $2,577,455.

Jefferson County was awarded $450,000 for improvements and enhancements to the Jefferson County Prairie Ridge Campground. The award represents 39% of the total project investment of $1,166,430.

The City of Dayton and the Dayton Community Club were awarded $800,000 for improvements to the Dayton Oak Park Trails Rodeo and Events Center. The award represents 34% of the total project investment of $2,372,703.

The City of Keosauqua was awarded $300,000 for the Lower Des Moines Water Trail. The award represents 32% of the total project investment of $950,249.

The Stanton Community Foundation and Montgomery County were awarded $850,000 for the Stanton Area Trail Project. The award represents 35% of the total project investment of $2,456,110.

Pearson Lakes Art Center in Okoboji was awarded $185,000 for the Art Smart Children’s Interactive Gallery project. The award represents 25% of the total project investment of $749,303.

Osceola County Conservation Board was awarded $200,000 to expand the Willow Creek Campground. The award represents 40% of the total project investment of $500,000.

The YMCA of Washington County was awarded $750,000 for an Indoor Aquatic Center. The award represents 10% of the total project investment of $7,689,975.

Marshall County Conservation was awarded $400,000 to improve and further develop the Green Castle Recreation Area Campground. The award represents 34% of the total project investment of $1,160,000.

The City of Muscatine was awarded $1,000,000 for the Muscatine Indoor Sports Complex. The award represents 25% of the total project investment of $4,000,000.

The City of Fort Madison was awarded $250,000 for the Fort Madison River Landing project. The award represents 11% of the total project investment of $2,256,317.

Funded projects must be completed by June 30, 2026. For more information on the Destination Iowa program, visit iowaeda.com/destination-iowa/. Funding for this program has been made available through the federal American Rescue Plan Act.