State Legislature Passes 2nd Proposed Redistricting Maps
(Des Moines) — The Iowa legislature on Thursday approved of the second plan that was presented by the Legislative Services Agency for the new proposed redistricting maps for both the Iowa legislature and for the new Congressional districts. The Iowa Senate was first to act on the measure, with it passing the Senate Chamber. Republican Senator Jeff Taylor of Sioux Center voted in favor of the new plan. The new senate map includes all of Lyon and Sioux Counties, and the northern half of Plymouth County.
The southern portion of Plymouth County will join with most of the rural areas of Woodbury County and Monona County. Following the passage in the Iowa Senate, it was time for the Iowa House to vote on the proposal consisting of the new House redistricting. The measure passed the Iowa House on a 93 to 2 vote, with five members choosing not to vote. Of the two “no” votes, Republican state representative, Dr. Tom Jeneary of Le Mars was one to vote no on the measure.
In a text message to KLEM radio, Jeneary says he did not like to see Plymouth County being split. Jeneary says he had several people contact him and were unhappy with the proposed map. The new House district places the northern half of Plymouth County to join the southern half of Sioux County. The new map places House members Skylar Wheeler of Orange City and Dr. Tom Jeneary of Le Mars in the same district.
Governor Kim Reynolds said in a statement that she believes these new districts will fairly and accurately represent the citizens of Iowa for the next decade. The new districts were based upon the 2020 Census.
Focus On Clark Goodchild As Candidate For City Council
(Le Mars) — Another candidate seeking re-election to the Le Mars City Council is Clark Goodchild, and like Ken Nelson, there is a bit of a switch. Goodchild is currently representing the constituents in Ward 1, but he has decided to run for the At-large position this time around. Goodchild is unopposed for his pursuit as the “At-large” council candidate. KLEM asked Goodchild why he wanted to run as the “at-large” candidate rather than seek the position representing Ward 1 again?
Goodchild says there have been several changes of department heads within his eight years while serving on the city council, and he says he is grateful for having the opportunity to help select some of the city employees.
Goodchild says he is also proud of the equal treatment the city has dealt with housing developers.
The city council candidate says the opportunities the city will face in the future will be similar to those opportunities of the past.
Goodchild says he believes most people of Le Mars know him and know where he stands on issues.
Goodchild says he appreciates all of the candidates seeking a position on the Le Mars city council saying, it is good that they contribute back to their community. He added that serving on the city council “is not about glory.”
Plymouth County Secondary Roads Department Closes Fawn Avenue
(Le Mars) — Plymouth County Secondary Roads Department has announced they have closed Fawn Avenue from Highway 3 going north one mile to replace a bridge with a box culvert. That mile of roadway will be closed until November 19th.
COVID Vaccine Mandate Exception Bill Passes
(Des Moines, IA) — A plan passed by state lawmakers Thursday will let employees in private Iowa businesses claim they are medically vulnerable or have a religious objection to COVID vaccine mandates. The bill also makes employees fired for failing to get a COVID shot eligible for unemployment. Business groups opposed the legislation as did the most vocal critics of vaccine mandates. Iowa Association of Business and Industry vice president J-D Davis says the bill puts Iowa businesses in the predicament of trying to figure out if they must follow state or federal regulations when it comes to vaccinations.
Congresswoman Hinson To Run In New 2nd District
(Washington, DC) — Iowa 1st District Congresswoman Ashley Hinson announced she will run for re-election in the 2nd District in 2022. A statement form Hinson says she already represents nearly 90 percent of Iowans in the newly drawn district. Hinson won in the 1st District in 2020 and had declined to comment on the redistricting process and her plans until the Iowa Legislature voted on a new plan.
Hinson Says Biden Administration Not Being Open
(Washington, DC) — Iowa Congresswoman, Ashley Hinson, a Republican from Marion, says the Biden Administration and Democrats keep pushing forward with their plans, while the president isn’t taking any questions on the issues. Hinson, a former reporter, says the American people are questioning the way the administration operates. “What are they hiding? I think really what they are hiding is intent. They want to grow government, they want these big socialist government spending programs to go through — and they don’t want to have to answer for it,” she says. Hinson says. Hinson says the administration has doubled down on its “out of sight, out of mind” approach to the border.
Iowa National Guard Soldiers Returning Home
(Des Moines, IA) — Approximately 80 Iowa National Guard soldiers return home today (Friday) in Des Moines. The homecoming for soldiers from the Headquarters Company of the 734th Regional Support Group is set for noon at the Des Moines International Airport. The 734th Regional Support Group provided base support, commandant cell and base camp services across several bases in Central Command area of responsibility. The unit was responsible for ensuring the day-to-day operations of each base.
House Committee Clears Bill On COVID Mandates
(Des Moines, IA) — A plan to let employees in private Iowa businesses claim they are medically vulnerable or have a religious objection to Covid vaccine mandates has cleared a House committee this (Thursday) afternoon. The bill also makes employees fired for failing to get a Covid shot eligible for unemployment. Business groups are opposed to the bill and the most vocal critics of vaccine mandates are as well. Lindsay Mayor leads a group called Informed Choice Iowa — and says the public hasn’t even had 24 hours notice to examine the language and consider the impacts of the bill. Iowa Association of Business and Industry vice president, J.D. Davis, says the bill puts Iowa businesses in the predicament of trying to figure out if they must follow state or federal regulations when it comes to Covid vaccinations. Republican Representative Bobby Kaufmann (COUGH-man) of Wilton says there’s a ton of merit to the criticism, but this bill is a compromise that might get enough votes to pass.
Special Investigation Gives More Details In McCallsburg Finances
(McCallsburg, IA) — A special investigation by the State Auditor’s office has identified at least 90-thousand dollars worth of discrepancies in the former McCallsburg City Clerk’s records The just-released auditor’s special investigation has identified utility bills that either weren’t collected or weren’t deposited. Auditors discovered utility bills for the home of McCallsburg’s mayor were reduced and then the mayor paid no utility payments for about 21 months. A city council member admits she had not been billed or paid for her utilities during the last 18 months of the city clerk’s employment. The investigation followed a report issued in 2020 that flagged a series of issues with how former McCallsburg City Clerk Jennifer Heithoff was managing the city’s finances.
