Sioux Center “Safest City” in Iowa
Sioux Center, home to Dordt University, has been named the safest city in Iowa according to two independent websites, Safehome and Safewise.
The websites’ city safety rankings are based on FBI crime statistics, supplemented by additional demographic data and research. While a city’s safety, in the context of these studies, refers primarily to crime rates, Sioux Center community members recognize that safety extends far beyond that. They say it’s a shared commitment to the well-being and flourishing of others.
Scott Wynja, Sioux Center’s city manager, says.there is a strong sense of community in Sioux Center and people genuinely look out for each other. Winja adds that Sioux Center’s safety is supported by intentional partnerships between the city and local institutions, including law enforcement and schools. He notes that the city also works closely and partners with Dordt University, ensuring their student population finds a place within the city’s culture.
Iowa Department of Natural Resources Releases Online Map Detailing Recovery from 2020 Derecho
A devastating wind storm called a derecho blasted across Iowa and several other states five years ago, causing catastrophic damage to structures, crops and trees. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is now offering an interactive map that recounts the damage on August 10th of 2020, and where the recovery stands now.
The DNR reports that seven-million trees that were lost in the deracho. What’s called a “land hurricane” by some, the derecho raged across 770 miles of the Midwest and lasted for 14 hours. It’s considered the most expensive thunderstorm in American history, with damage in multiple states estimated over 11-billion dollars.
Northwest Iowa, and particularly Sioux County, have been cleaning up after another derecho came through the last week of July. The violent storm tore through the area, downing trees, damaging buildings and cars and knocking out power to thousands of residents.
The National Weather Service in Sioux Falls, SD, confirmed the July 28th storm storm was a derecho, with an added an EF1 tornado that carried wind speeds up to 110 mph. The tornado touched down about one mile east of Alvord at about 9:30 the same evening.
New CEO for Summit Carbon Solutions
The company planning to build a carbon pipeline through Iowa and neighboring states has a new leadership team.
The Iowa Capitol Dispatch was first to report that Joe Griffin — the new C-E-O of Summit Carbon Solutions — has signed letters sent to all landowners along the route. One version is a thank you to those who’ve agreed to let the pipeline run through their property.
The other letter was sent to people who’ve resisted having the pipeline on their land and it promises revised routing and terms that better support the long-term interests of landowners.
Remsen Boy Joins Steer Show at the Fair
The Iowa State Fair opened Thursday and this year’s Governor’s Charity Steer Show is set for tomorrow (Saturday) morning, and features a Remsen youth.
Lucas Sheehan of Remsen, Iowa, was selected to join the Steer Show lineup of exceptional youth to show his steer at the event tomorrow at the fair. Each steer is exhibited by a youth representative and a guest celebrity chosen by the steer’s sponsor. Twenty-five steers will be shown this year, with Gov. Kim Reynolds as one of the celebrities showing in the ring.
This event, hosted by Gov. Kim Reynolds and coordinated by the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA) and the Iowa Beef Industry Council (IBIC), highlights the compassionate nature of Iowa’s cattle producers, as all proceeds from the event go to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa.
The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association will host U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins at this year’s Governor’s Charity Steer Show at the Iowa State Fair. Secretary Rollins will be the first sitting U.S. Secretary of Agriculture to participate as a celebrity showman in this year’s Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer Show.
