12 fun Delaware things to do before kids head back to school

Nobody has to remind you Labor Day is feverishly approaching, spelling the end of summer for many kids in Delaware, which also means you finally can reclaim your home.

But this doesn't mean you and your little ones can’t end this season with a bang before they strap on those backpacks.

Here are 12 fun things to do with your children before Labor Day.

COVID-19 in Iowa has killed more than 6,100; we remember those lost

Des Moines Register

The numbers associated with Iowa’s coronavirus pandemic come regularly. They appear in our inboxes and on our feeds like clockwork, sandwiched between big box store discounts and emails from friends.

4,706 positive cases one day.

40 deaths another.

Over 400,000 recovered to date.

More than 6,100 lost.

In the routine of it all a callus grows, a protection against what these numbers actually stand for — people.

Behind these figures are storytellers and hard workers, Cubs fans and pie bakers, mothers and daughters, fathers and sons. Behind these numbers are our fellow Iowans.

The Iowa Mourns project is a result of months of research to reveal the stories of neighbors and friends lost to the pandemic. In writing about them, we focused on the light of their lives instead of the darkness of their diagnoses, and sought to chronicle who they were, what they did and how they’ll be remembered.

Iowa Mourns was made possible by an unprecedented partnership of nine daily newspapers across Iowa’s two premier newspaper organizations — the Register, Ames Tribune, Burlington Hawk Eye and Iowa City Press-Citizen of the USA TODAY Network; and the Council Bluffs Daily Nonpareil, Mason City Globe Gazette, Quad-City Times, Sioux City Journal and Waterloo Courier of Lee Enterprises. Journalists from all over the state contributed, ensuring we painted a true picture of how Iowa has changed from river to river.

We remain committed to telling these stories. If you would like your loved one remembered in this way, email me at ccrowder@dmreg.com or submit their name here.

Together, we can make certain the Iowans lost will always be more than a number.

— Courtney Crowder

REMEMBERING:

A

Connie Abegglen, 74, Merrill. Loved the color red whether on clothes or cardinals.

George Abodeely, 83, Marion. Competed in Special Olympics.

Alonzo Adams II, 95, Davenport. Creator of the Slim Jim.

Clifton Adams Jr., 76, Cedar Falls. Raised English springer spaniels and Brittany spaniels at Ada's Kennels.

Doris Adams, 93, Riceville. Enjoyed gardening and hunting mushrooms.

Duane Keith Ahrens, 83, West Des Moines. Served at least four Iowa school districts as an award-winning counselor.

Forrest Alcott, 65, Waterloo. Loved spending time with his great-grandchildren.

Geoff Amble, 61, Cedar Falls. Often found tinkering in his garage, whether working on his Jeep or building furniture for his wife.

Tyler Amburgey, 29, Dubuque. A Texas native who played hockey with the Dubuque Fighting Saints.

Marilyn June Andersen, 90, Center Point. Spunky with a penchant for everything leopard-print.

Paul Andersen, 78, Sioux City. Active in Via de Cristo for more than 40 years, often serving as rector.

Annabelle Anderson, 79, Council Bluffs. Worked for Congressman Jim Ross Lightfoot for 12 years.

Edith Elida Anderson, 95, Coralville. Proud of her Swedish heritage.

Joan Anderson, 89, Quad Cities. Knit hats for newborn babies at the Bettendorf hospital.

Keith Wayne Anderson, 73, Kalona. Served in Vietnam as a sergeant during the Tet Offensive.

Martha Anderson, 89, Cedar Falls. Worked at the University of Northern Iowa's Rod Library for 31 years.

Leora Andorf, 92, Cedar Falls. Contributed her finest homegrown plants to organizations for annual plant sales.

Gene Andrews, 83, Anita. Owner and editor of the Anita Tribune for half a century.

Mitchell Andrews, 90, Iowa City. A pianist who played solo, with orchestras and as a chamber musician across the U.S. and abroad.

Patricia Androy, 58, Dunlap. Worked as a registered nurse at a nursing home.

Jose Andrade-Garcia, 62, Marshalltown. Was days away from retiring from JBS Swift & Co. meatpacking plant.

Siddiq Mohamed Arab, 83, Waterloo. Worked as a ship's surgeon sailing the eastern coast of Africa before becoming a pediatrician.

Darla Arends, 58, Charles City. A special education instructor at Charles City High School.

Peter Anthony Armatis, 54, West Des Moines. Coached his son's soccer team.

Jose Ayala, 44, Waterloo. Would open his Atari and VHS player to see its internal mechanics.

B

David Backus, 74, Ventura. A master bonfire builder who always shared his ice cream.

Lonnie Bailey, 61, Fertile. Took a family trip to the Mississippi river and apple orchards every October, rain, snow or shine.

Mark Bailey, 63, Fort Madison. Department of Corrections inmate.

Robert Lee Bailey Jr., Oakland, 56. Ran the Las Vegas half-marathon with his youngest daughter Katelyn in 2018.

Jeanette Marie Baldwin, 88, Mingo. Former postmaster at the Mingo Post Office.

Larry Ball Sr., 78, Des Moines. Fielded cars from 1985 to 1995 in the 410 division at Knoxville Raceway and other tracks throughout the Midwest under Ball Racing Inc.

Shirley Rae Barbieri, 88, Des Moines. Advocated developing more group homes for special-needs adults.

Tom Barnabo, 57, Des Moines. Original member of the Grand View University football program's coaching staff. Also a physical education teacher at Dowling Catholic.

Faye Ann Barr, 79, Cedar Falls. Managed produce at Red Owl Food Store and IGA Supermarket.

Patricia Pat Bartels, 86, Oelwein. A switchboard operator and union steward for Northwestern Bell Telephone Co.

Shirley Louise Barton, 75, Ankeny. Enjoyed crocheting, cross-stitching and attending stock car races.

Joan Bauer, 86, Manilla. Taught Catholic classes at Sacred Heart Church for over 30 years.

Kenneth "Ken" Baxa, 77, Cedar Rapids. A devotee of country and gospel music.

Theodore "Butch" Bean Jr., 81, Cedar Rapids. Built flag display boxes for families of soldiers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Dorothy Beaton, 92, Iowa City. A world traveler who searched for faeries in the woods and walked along the Great Wall of China in her 80s.

David Bedard, 78, La Porte City. Made his stockcar racing debut in the early 1960s driving his '57 Plymouth with "Dirt-track Dave" lettered on its tailfins.

Jack Beghtol, 92, Des Moines. Charter member of the Des Moines Ski Hawks waterskiing team known for his trick skiing.

Ronald "Beans" Behrends, 86, Monticello. Helped bring the DuTrac Credit Union to Monticello, and later worked on its board.

Ruthmarie Beisner, 87, Readlyn. Sang German songs for her family during the winter holidays.

Aylo Bell, 100, Marion. An expert seamstress known around the Coggon area for her fine alterations.

David Belluchi, 57, Des Moines. Coached his sons and nephews at Plaza Lanes and AMF in Des Moines.

Diane Bennington, 80, Cedar Rapids. Spent childhood Saturday nights roller-skating with her sister, Nancy.

Patricia Berends, 84, Parkersburg. Worked at Lad's and Lassie's in Black's Dept. Store.

Elaine May Bergan, 91, Lake Mills. Known as the "town historian" for writing books on the histories of Lake Mills and Joice.

Gail Berggren, 85, Iowa City. An avid tennis player who won several club doubles championships.

Janet Marie Besh, 80, Cedar Falls. Managed the Besh Trucking office with her family.

Jacqueline Lucille Biber, 89, Des Moines. Volunteered with the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society and at Temple B'nai Jeshurun.

Brandon Biddle, 43, Tripoli. Traveled the state for bowling, even competing in the Iowa state tournament.

Danny Ray Bierman, 61, Muscatine. A passionate St. Louis Cardinals and Minnesota Vikings fan.

Eugene Bird Sr., 85, Dubuque. Started his own business, Sign Service, with just a pick-up truck, ladder and toolbox.

Phil Birk III, 83, Middle Amana. Enjoyed trains and collecting railroad memorabilia.

Staci Birmes, 50, Hawarden. Loved crafting in all forms, regularly finding fun, new things to create.

Diana Bixenman, 74, Le Mars. Instilled a great appreciation for cards and golf in her family.

Gerald Bixler, 83, West Des Moines. A Union Pacific "railroader" for 40 years.

John Johnny Bjornsen, 68, Cedar Rapids. Avid cyclist and garage sale bargain hunter.

Janice Blake, 79, Waterloo. Enjoyed studying the Bible, baking and crocheting.

Todd Blanford, 63, Cedar Falls. Served his community as Cedar Falls Human Rights Commissioner.

Juanita Blaser, 88, Cedar Falls. An avid seamstress who made countless outfits, costumes and beautiful quilts for each member of her family.

Delores Block, 91, Cedar Rapids. Worked as church secretary at Bethany Lutheran Church for two decades.

Bernette Bloomquist, 97, Estherville. Made amazing Norwegian lefse, kringla, krumkake and rosettes.

Jeryle Gene Blubaugh, 88, Des Moines. Loved telling corny jokes and sharing fun history facts.

Michael "Mick" Blubaugh, 65, Des Moines. Emceed karaoke nights at the Iowa State Fair.

Carole Jeanne Blumberg, 86, Clinton. Owned and operated Clinton Tobacco and Candy.

James F. Boesen Sr., 87, Des Moines. Started family florist business after serving in the Marines.

Vernelle J. Bonar, 89, Treynor. A fervent cheerer at Treynor school events.

Donna Boomershire, 86, Ames. Survived scarlet fever as a child.

Daniel Lee Boon, 69, Rock Rapids. A car aficionado who carefully restored a 1957 Chevy police cruiser to pristine condition.

Rudolph Boonstra, 86, Orange City. Owned an expansive collection of classical music.

Beverly Jean Bousseta, 85, Sioux Falls. Loved dancing and dining out.

Lee E. Bossom, 83, Blairstown. Mayor of Quasqueton for 10 years.

Gilbert Bovard, 93, Clear Lake. Served on the Iowa District Court bench for 22 years.

Donald Bowlin, 74, Des Moines.

Warren Coleman Bowlus, 90, Davenport. Served as Athletic Director for Davenport City Schools.

Shirley Bowman, 95, Marshalltown. Opened the Yarn Barn with her sisters to teach others to knit.

Mary Boyd-Doehrmann, 94, Coralville. Bowled a 189 in a single game in November 2020.

Robert Boyle, 84, Dexter. Received a Quilt of Valor for his Army service in 2017.

Mary Ann Bradford, 91, Iowa City. Held lifelong passions for birds, dachshunds and women's rights.

Kenneth Eugene Bratney, 94, Urbandale. In his basement, started the Ken Bratney Co., which has branches around the country and in Argentina.

Robert Brecht, 69, Keystone. A loyal fan of the Watkins Mudhens, attending games whenever possible.

Norma Breitbach, 93, Charles City. Spent hours on a weekend traveling in search of the perfect crock or jar.

Brenda Brewer, 60, Chariton. Remembered for her uniquely painted fingernails and delicious desserts.

Bill Bride, 77, Bloomfield. Involved with the area Johnny Poppers Two-Cylinder Club, riding around with his "tractor buddies."

Dale Bright Sr., 83, Waterloo. A member of the Local International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers 288.

Milo Brokaw, 65, Monticello. Cheered for Kevin Harvick while watching NASCAR.

Nancy Brokaw, 89, Monticello. Held Order of the Eastern Star membership for a half-century.

Carol Bronson, 83, Council Bluffs. Enjoyed a long career at Union Pacific Railroad.

Darla Eileen Brown, 54, Sioux City. Loved playing with her family members' dogs.

David Brown, 76, Wilton. A fifth-generation farmer and true steward of the land.

Donald Brown, 82, Independence. Proud 58-year member of IBEW.

Kyle Brown, 54, Marshalltown. Won awards for perfect attendance at TPI Composites.

Richard W. Brown, 93, Des Moines. Made three cross-Atlantic trips aboard naval ships to bring troops home after World War II.

John Pearson Brucher, 81, Cedar Rapids. Sang in the Janesville United Methodist Church choir.

Marie Brumbaugh, 40, Davenport. Loved being a caregiver, both as a medical assistant and mother.

Bill Brunsmann, 85, Manchester. Famous for his growing his own tomatoes and making his own blood sausage.

Marilyn Ann Brunsvold, 77, Mason City. Often found with a word search puzzle book nearby.

Timothy Christopher Bryant, 59, Anamosa. Iowa Department of Corrections inmate.

Tom Warren Buchacker, 77, Des Moines. A passionate fly fisherman, who tied his own flies and passed along his knowledge through Boy Scouts lessons.

Joy Buchan, 93, Waterloo. Longtime art teacher at West High School in Waterloo.

Douglas Doug Lee Budd, 61, Sioux City. Received a U.S. Army expert marksmanship badge for use of hand grenades.

Walter Budde Jr., PhD, 95, Iowa City. World-renowned in peroxygen chemistry, especially the formation of peroxyacids and their use for the synthesis of epoxides.

Forrest Buffington, 80, Mason City. Loved rocks and "anything with wheels and a motor."

Sedika Buljic, 58, Waterloo. Came to the United States as a refugee from Bosnia.

Jane Bullard, 87, Decorah. Never wore a bigger smile than when making fresh tracks on a snowy hike.

Raymond Gayle "Coach" Burgett, 86, Des Moines. Coached teams at schools in Leon, Urbandale and Des Moines.

Patricia Burrage, 72, Des Moines. Favorite adventures were to the Carribean and Europe.

Frank Burton, 92, Des Moines. Loved jazz and classical music.

Ronnie Butler, 67, Montrose. Drove and competed in classic car shows.

Joe Butterfield, 84, Marion. Led Marion park improvement projects, including getting the city a swimming pool, senior center, farmers market, and softball complex.

Bruce Byerly, 70, Marion. Lived his dream career as a model designer working for Mattel, Tomy and more toy and model companies.

C

James Quinten Cahill, 91, West Branch. Wrote the Cahill Cooperative Newsletter, which covered history and current events for those connected by the Cahill surname.

Paul Wesley Calhoun, 85, Atlantic. Ran a concession stand at the Vais Auction House with his wife, making popcorn with his popcorn machine.

Charles Callahan, 77, Bettendorf. Worked for UPS for 33 years in New Jersey, Illinois, Massachusetts, Kansas and Nebraska.

Elaine Callahan, 98, Sheffield Village. Spent her time on arts and crafts projects making gifts for family and friends.

Jean Calligan-Salmons, 71, Sioux City. Managed her family's restaurant, Tastee Inn and Out.

Janice Campell, 83, Sioux City. Retired from Farmland Insurance Companies after 25 years.

Cynthia Carey, 63, Council Bluffs. Worked for Physicians Mutual Insurance for 22 years.

Carol Carlson, 79, Quad Cities. Spent summers boating and waterskiing at her family's Mississippi River cabin.

Michael Carr, 59, Fairfield. A two-time kidney transplant recipient.

Loretta Caruthers, 64, Keokuk. Loved watching television with her husband — even when they argued about programs.

Ruth Casteel, 95, Maquoketa. A 4-H leader who loved quilting, baking and traveling.

Thomas "Snappy" Catron, 65, Adel. Founded Snappy's Stick Fire BBQ.

Louis Cauterucci, 70, Des Moines. Started his decades-long music career at the tender age of 14.

Richard Allan Chamney, 65, Charles City. Could recite the lines of his favorite movie, "The Wizard of Oz."

Doris "Jo" Chandler, 93, Cedar Rapids. A fierce competitor at cards, frequently besting family members.

Joe Chastain, 81, Afton. A ham radio operator and member of the Amateur Radio Relay League.

Judy Chastain, 74, Afton. An active member of her community, she led the establishment of the New Afton Community Building.

Marvel Chapman, 74, Des Moines. Collected Elvis Presley memorabilia.

Lou Christiansen, 84, Manchester. Worked on the Apollo program at Collins Radio.

Rodger Christensen, 92, Union. Read to children as a volunteer at Union Library.

George Christoffersen, 68, Missouri Valley. Absolutely loved Dunkin Donuts' hazelnut iced coffee and its chocolate cake donuts with chocolate frosting.

Steven Joe "Chromey" Chramosta, 61, Cedar Rapids. An outdoorsman who loved to fish and hunt.

Marvin Maynard Clark, 84, Carson. A collector of marbles, John Deere toys and beer steins.

Ruth Clark, 102, Des Moines. Gave tours of the Flynn Mansion at Living History Farms.

Terri Lynn Clark, 60, West Des Moines. Loved photography, fishing and road trips.

Dorothy Clausen, 93, Lake View. A member of the American Legion Women’s Auxiliary for more than 50 years in Soldier and Wall Lake.

Elmer Clausing, 96, Parkersburg. A lifelong farmer in Bremer County.

Arlene Clement, 103, Washington. Loved dancing, participating in the Neighborhood Social Club, and having weekly lunches with friends.

Dorinda Coates, 65, Cedar Rapids. Famous for penning birthday cards to her fellow residents at Heritage Specialty Care.

Roger Coe, 86, New Sharon. Loved bowling.

Mary A. Cole, 93, Cedar Rapids. Known for her delicious baked goods and her Schnauzers.

Keith Danny Conrad, 65, Cedar Rapids. Taught Sunday school and led Ashram Group retreats.

Darrin L. Cook, 57, Atlantic. Loved playing slots and keno.

Willie Eva Cook, 85, Waterloo. A nurse at Allen Memorial Hospital for more than three decades.

Larry "Cookie" Cookman, 71, Coralville. Always had a need for speed, enjoying Harley Davidson, Corvettes and NASCAR.

Jerome Coolidge, 60, Mason City. Always remembered a person's face, even if he forgot their name.

Elizabeth Coovert, 82, Fort Madison. Grew up with six siblings on a family farm at String Prairie.

Rebecca Copple, 86, Iowa City. Lived with her husband in Japan for two years and visited Turkey, Mexico, China and many places in Europe.

Reents Cordes, 73, Cedar Falls. An avid gardener.

Raymundo Corral, 64, Sioux City. Worked at Tyson Fresh Meats beef plant in Dakota City, Nebraska.

Roger Cory, 72, Elkhart. Served a year as Grand Chaplin of the Order of Eastern Star.

Andrew Cousineau, 57, Sioux City. Loved grilling out for family get-togethers.

James Craig, 88, Pocahontas. Built and repaired clocks of all kinds.

Harriet "Joan" Crandell, 88, Marion. Taught second and third grade, as well as opening and directing Kiddie Korner Preschool.

Ken Crane, 77, Atlantic. A school bus driver for Atlantic Community Schools who referred to the students as "his kids."

Michael Croft, 52, Perry. Moved to Utah and became an avid biker, skier, hiker and camper.

Jennifer Crawford, 53, West Des Moines. A special education assistant at Indian Hills Junior High School.

Thomas Cross, 82, Ankeny. Loved flying and obtained a pilot's license.

Raymond L. Curl, 83, Washington. Worked at the Washington County Developmental Center.

Cynthia Curran, 73, Marion. Enjoyed listening to the "oldies."

Ivan Current, 64, Maquoketa. Loved riding his Harley Davidson with his wife and friends.

D

Cherie Dandurand, 53, Moville. Loved teaching about the history of ancient Egypt and Europe in the Middle Ages to her middle school students.

Jay S. Daniels, 92, West Des Moines. An active member of the Za-Ga-Zig Masonic Temple and Scottish Rite.

Alvin Darling, 88, Decorah. Worked as a maintenance man at Luther College and as a truck driver for Featherlite.

Robert "Scott" Darrah, 57, Council Bluffs. Loved all things Disney and often took his family on trips to Disney World.

Ruth David, 91, Ames. Avoided a concentration camp through the Kindertransport and came to Iowa years later.

Edison James Davis, 94, State Center. Awarded the Purple Heart after getting wounded in action in Okinawa.

Ronald Davis Sr., 73, Perry. A Juvenile Probation Officer who loved hearing about the new lives of his former clients.

Dixie Deitchler, 90, Glenwood. Published poems and prose in Cappers Weekly.

John DeMarco, 73, Coralville. Longtime football coach at Iowa City's Regina High School.

Margaret "Peggy" Demke, 87, South Sioux City. Always cheered on the Nebraska Cornhuskers and Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

Patrick Deutmeyer, 63, Manchester. Lived his whole life on his family farm, loving to quiz his grandchildren on agriculture.

Howard DeVore, 78, Council Bluffs. An avid woodworker and carver, who always had several projects going at once.

Larry Dewell, 83, Clarence. A 50-year member of the Eastern Star and the Masonic Lodge.

Delbert Dittman, 66, Hospers. Loved older International tractors as much as the Albert City Threshing Bee he attended every year.

Beverly Dixon, 83, Lucas. Kept the books for her son's business for two decades.

James Dixon, 93, Waterloo. Put himself through college working as a metallurgist at John Deere.

Richard Doerr, 67, South Sioux City. Opened Dicky G's restaurant.

Thelma Doescher, 91, Mason City. A "from-scratch" baker who handwrote dozens of Christmas cards every year.

Harry Delmar Donald, 87, Bennett. Served his community as a volunteer fireman and treasurer for the Bennett Fire Department for more than four decades.

Kadene Donlon, 46, Cedar Falls. Always looked for koala trinkets too add to her collection.

David N. Dontje, 84, Forest City. Inducted into the Forest City Bowling Hall of Fame.

Shirley Doornbos, 85, Coralville. Lucky, especially when playing bingo.

Betty Dorenkamp, 89, Belmond. Skilled with a butcher knife, expertly cutting corn off the cob and carving chicken for frying.

Patricia Dorn, 88, Runnells. A retired nurse who loved anything about ancient Egypt.

Duane Dostal, 93, Dysart. Prided himself on his corn and soybean yields, once winning second place in the state for his corn yield.

Robert Dotson, 97, Urbandale. Proudly served on the USS Oconto in the Pacific Theater during WWII.

Henry Earl Drake, 47, Des Moines. A diehard Oakland Raiders fan who watched games every week.

Gene Edward Dryer, 72, Clarinda. Iowa Department of Corrections inmate.

Richard Duclos, 89, Muscatine. Took a boat across the Mississippi River each day to attend grade school.

Anna Dudgeon, 93, Durant. Former president of the Liedertafel Ladies.

Kenny Duke Jr., 87, Keosauqua. Helped students get their GED diplomas through decades of work at Indian Hills Community College.

Harold Arthur Duncan, 89, Coralville. Iowa Department of Correction inmate.

Verl Fredrick Duncan, 73, Hubbard. Known by family members as the "Baby Whisperer” because he could soothe a wailing infant, having them snuggling contently within minutes.

Mary "Lorraine" Dunne, 91, Council Bluffs. Worked as director of the Lewis Central school food service program.

George L. Dyer Sr., 78, Ottumwa. Served two tours of duty in Vietnam as a U.S. Marine.

Marian Dyer, 87, Davenport. Worked as a secretary at Augustana College.

E

Bob Eatock, 86, Centerville. An educator who loved musical theater and horror fiction.

Bonnie Ebel, 79, Cherokee. Farmed with her husband for two decades in the Mt. Olive area.

Julie Ebel, 44, Hartley. Fought cancer and beat it twice.

Carlene Suzanne Edwards, 68, Cedar Rapids. Member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Marion.

Abbie Irene Eichman, 36, Des Moines. Built Legos and tackled corn mazes with her husband.

Sandra Sue Eick, 85, Denver. Longtime employee at Denver Saving Bank.

Christine Ellis, 65, Rockwell City. A crafter who always had a project, whether making flower arrangements or crocheting scarfs, blankets and dog sweaters.

Shirley Elsberry, 90, Waterloo. A snowbird who camped in Weslaco, Texas, every winter with her husband Chuck.

Florence "Mary" Emrick, 97, Iowa City. Awarded the Governor's Volunteer Award in 1999.

Nancy Emery, 72, Savanna.

Jason Englert, 38, Belmond. In his first year of teaching in the Belmond-Klemme Talented and Gifted program.

Kristi Jo Ernst, 66, Eldridge. Loved to spoil her children with homemade scotcheroos.

Gary Lee Eschen, 69, Cedar Rapids. Enjoyed making bracelets and necklaces.

Dorothy M. Etzen, 94, Forest City. A member of the women's American Legion Auxiliary.

Kathy Jo Everett, 60, Fairfax. Volunteer extraordinaire with the Fairfax Lions Club.

Stephen Evert, 77, Prairie du Chien. An out-patient counselor who worked in hospitals in Las Vegas, Nevada, Modesto and Sacramento, California, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin., and Des Moines.

Michael Everhard, 65, Fonda. Served in the U.S. Navy in Vietnam and Guam and did tours in India and Cambodia.

F

Mary Fain, 88, Cedar Falls. A classical piano prodigy who became director of classical music and senior fine arts producer for KUNI/KHKE.

Shirley Farley, 83, Sioux City. Proud of her membership with Catholic Daughters of America.

John Fellenzer, 74, Waterloo. From musician to realtor, car salesman to locksmith, a man of many trades.

Isidro Fernandez, Waterloo. Left behind a wife and children.

Judith Ann Fetters, 82, West Des Moines. Met her husband at a Des Moines skating rink.

Barbara Finch, 104, Battle Creek. Farmed with her husband for 41 years, and went on to work another 16 at Ida County Bank.

Duane Fisher, 95, Pacific Junction. Stood honor guard for President Franklin Roosevelt at Pearl Harbor.

William Flaherty, 80, Des Moines. Finished every sentence with "and everything."

Robert Michael Flanders, 63, Muscatine. A radar designer and engineer.

Delores Flesner, 80, Cedar Falls. Loved reading the Waterloo Courier and Parkersburg Eclipse.

Dorthe J. Flick, 97, Clinton. Learned to read in a one-room schoolhouse.

Doris L. Flynn, 96, Cedar Rapids. Worked in the Roosevelt Junior High cafeteria for 21 years.

Estle Foster, 94, Clarinda. Relished raising his family on his Century Farm.

Joseph Robert Fouts, 57, Onawa. Nicknamed "Joe Dirt" for starting his business with just one dump truck.

Eugene Fraise, 88, Fort Madison. Passionate about his community, serving as Lee County Supervisor for seven years as a state senator for 27 years.

Goldie Frank, 88, Sioux City. Crocheted a baby blanket to celebrate the birth of each grand- and great-grandchild.

Ronald Frantz, 84, Mount Vernon. Friends and family raved about his chili and beef and barley soup.

Glenn William Frazier, 81, Des Moines. Downhill skied in the snow, golfed in the sun.

M. Patricia Pat Freeland, Bondurant. Advocated for building Anderson Elementary School and Bondurant High School on her family's land.

Mark Friedow, 71, Jefferson. Raised Poland China hogs with his grandfather and uncles.

Judi Frondle, 74, Hiawatha. Enjoyed doing puzzles, painting and playing computer games.

Daryl Fuller, 59, Waterloo. Loved American muscle cars.

Jean Fuller, 96, Mount Pleasant. Raised show horses with her husband.

Judy Fuller, 76, Blue Grass. Listened to pastor Joel Osteen and shopped from the QVC network.

Richard Fust, 84, Des Moines. Coached youth ice hockey for many years.

G

John Galles, 83, Kingsley. The voice of Kingsley Panthers baseball and softball teams.

Marguerite Ganoe, 102, Stuart. Loved playing with her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Judith Garbers, 79, Keystone. Taught as a teacher for 30 years, and spent the next 20 years as a substitute teaching her former students' children.

Roberta Jean Gardner, 100, Des Moines. A green thumb, who loved caring for her flower and vegetable gardens.

Blas Chavarria Garcia, 48, Marshalltown. A hobby mechanic with a garage full of tools.

Reberiano Garcia, 60, Waterloo. Father of 10 who lost his wife to cancer in 2019.

Betty Garner, 76, Sioux City. Loved to wear sparkly blouses and hats.

Donna Garvey, 75, Bettendorf. Enjoyed bingo, shopping and playing with her grandchildren.

Terry Geistler, 56, Osage. Volunteered his time to take residents of the Faith Lutheran Home on motorcycle rides, to family events and fishing.

Duane Charles Gettler, 74, Adair. Loved telling people his favorite stories, such as the abundance of twins in his family.

David Gierlus, 67, Iowa City. Served as a doctor at the University of Iowa and taught Respiratory Therapy at Black Hawk College.

Sharon Gile, 75, Creston. An avid bowler who passed her love for the sport to her children.

Raymond Gill, 95, Coralville. Opened the Coralville's first dental practice in 1956.

Shawna Elaine Gilleland, 44, Burlington. A graduate of Jefferson High School in Cedar Rapids.

James Nicholas Gillman, 93, Marshalltown. Honored for his work in veterans affairs.

Darlene Catherine Goddard, 95, Iowa City. Worked in the Oral-B laboratories until 1987.

Leroy Goeden, 70, Sergeant Bluff. Volunteered with the Sergeant Bluff Fire Department, EMT Service and as president of the Northeast Nebraska Handicap Group.

John Z. Gomez, 70, Mason City. Worked as a diesel mechanic at National Byproducts.

Jessie Gonzales, 67, Fort Dodge. Iowa Department of Corrections inmate.

Mary Gorsh, 84, Iowa City. Sang as a member of the Sweet Adelines for years.

Joyce Gould, 63, West Des Moines. Worked in West Des Moines' human services department.

Ron Graf, 72, Waterloo. A farmer who so loved learning new trades that he got certified as a master electrician and a pilot.

Genevieve M. Gray, 91, Evansdale. Worked at West High School in Waterloo.

Jeannette L. Green, 92, Davenport. Studied home economics, but excelled at chemistry.

Chad Greening, 48, Ankeny. An "arm-chair manager" with immense statistical knowledge and enthusiasm for the St. Louis Cardinals.

Jerry Grings, 80, Moscow. Known for his iconic black flat top.

Jane Gronert, 89, Cedar Rapids. Worked as a teacher's aide in Alburnett Community Schools.

Norris Gronert, 90, Cedar Rapids. Earned many awards for service with Otter Creek Lions Club and American Legion of Toddville.

George Grubb, 68, Des Moines. A "sweet-spirited" man.

Lois Gruis, 93, Sioux City. Taught more than 100 private lessons in piano, organ and vocal music each week.

John Grzybowski, 76, Urbandale. Loved puttering with his bonsai trees and playing video games with his sons.

Gary Guehrn, 76, Marengo. Loved all things tractor, including buying, selling, collecting and, most importantly, driving his Dad's restored 1950 International M.

Victoria Gutierrez, 57, Des Moines. Loved spending time with family and her little dog, Chico.

Jason Gwin, 42, Sioux City. A collector of Superman comics who loved the DC Universe.

H

Wilma Haberkamp, 90, Fairbank. Ran Jo's Thread and Thimble in Fairbank with her sister after retiring from teaching.

Duane Hagberg, 87, Orion. Maintained a Cubs vs. Cardinals rivalry with his Heartland Health Care Center roommate, Jim Dodd.

Eldon Haines, 90, Quad Cities. A proud member of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local Union 25.

David "Doug" Hall Jr., 80, Cedar Rapids. A professor of art at Kirkwood Community College.

James Lynn Pete Hall, 72, Wapello. Delivered meals to the elderly.

Marian Hankner, 89, Waterloo. A homemaker and mother of three.

Paul N. Hanson, 82, Cedar Rapids. Born in a log cabin.

Marina Harbit, 88, Iowa City. Met her husband as a telephone switchboard operator at the University of Iowa.

Robert Harle, 77, Kanawha. A perfectionist in the fields who farmed in Norway Township for more than 50 years.

Donna Harman, 94, Waterloo. Established veterinary scholarships at Iowa State University.

Glenda Harms, 58, Fort Dodge. A fierce and passionate champion for her students in the Fort Dodge public school system.

Mildred M. Harmon, 108, Windsor Heights. A master floral artist who decorated the Epworth United Methodist Church's altar.

Therese J. Harney, 73, Iowa City. Organized Iowa City's first recreational basketball league.

Marilyn Harnish, 84, Hiawatha. Worked as a licensed practical nurse until her retirement in 2000.

Helen Louise Harrison, 98, Muscatine. Worked at Kelly Field supporting B-17 bomber production in San Antonio during World War II.

Michael Harrington, 61, Adel. Co-owned Cool Beans Coffee Bar, serving as "Chief Turkey Roaster."

Ann Harris, 63, Cedar Rapids. Deeply passionate about preserving Iowa's history.

Gary Harris, 87, Waterloo. Managed Younkers department stores around Iowa and Minnesota.

Charmeda Harrison, 91, Cedar Rapids. Enjoyed attending church and going to the Milestones senior club.

Harold Haskin, 80, Denver. Made delicious lefse and maple syrup for his church family.

Roy Allen Hassman, 77, Parkersburg. Enjoyed drinking coffee at Willie’s Feed Store, Sinclair Elevator and in Darwin’s shed.

Paul G. Haywood, 62, Waterloo. A union pipefitter and welder for 40 years.

Geraldine Hearn, 93, Marion. Owned and operated Vickroy Jewelry in Montezuma for a decade.

Tom Heath, 61, Iowa City. Drove a cab and worked as an accountant.

Marie Heiar, 51, Dubuque. Ran a home daycare with her mother for many years.

Rachel Heller, 87, Grundy Center. A hard-working woman who started her career at the Grundy Center Richelieu factory.

Merlyn Helm, 84, Clear Lake. The mayor of Crystal Lake for several years.

Maurice Helt, 84, Burlington. A lifelong race car enthusiast, starting with a young fandom of Bob Riddle's stock car crew and races at the 34 Raceway.

Mark Henry, 64, Davenport. Took mission trips to Zimbabwe, Moldova and the Philippines.

Tom Henry, 88, Waterloo. A machinist, gauge inspector and gauge repairman at John Deere.

Geraldine Gerry Marie Hearn, 93, Marion. 50-year member of the Order of Eastern Star, a Masonic organization.

Richard Heggen, 72, Des Moines. Had a deep interest in vehicles, photography and good music.

Roger Henn, 73, Forest City. Retired in Arkansas to fulfill his dream of golfing year-round.

Owen Henning, 90, Latimer. Founded a grain handling business while running his father's construction company.

Manfred Joseph Hepke, 84, Manchester. Loved sharing stories about his early life in Germany.

James Dale Herbert Sr., 77, Muscatine. Worked at HON Industries and enjoyed a good casino.

David Herndon, 61, Des Moines. A collector of toy helicopters and cars who always sported a fancy hat and belt.

Lucille Herndon, 91, Des Moines. Made fried chicken every Saturday night.

Arlyn Hesse, 87, Johnston. Loved volunteering, gardening and birdwatching.

Gilbert Hewett, 85, Cedar Falls. A lifelong teacher at high schools, colleges and education organizations across Iowa.

Fred Hickman, 78, Evansdale. Achieved the rank of lance corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Jerry Hicks, 86, Sioux City. Met Babe Ruth in Sioux City when he was 7 years old.

Thelma M. Hidlebaugh, 93, Muscatine. Loved crafting, cooking and baking.

Velma Hildebrandt, 93, Sumner. Farmed on four different farms with her husband in the 1960s.

Marlan Hill, 83, Sioux City. Loved motorcycles, corvettes and horses.

David Hindal, 64, West Des Moines. Played trumpet and French horn in the ISU Alumni Band and in pit orchestra for Urbandale Community Theatre, among others.

Harold D. Hinderaker, 80, Forest City. Earned his GED and became a born-again Christian in his middle age.

Ann Hinkhouse, 74, Tipton. Worked as a parish nurse for Zion Lutheran Church.

Michael Hinton, 49, Cedar Rapids. A perfectionist who enjoyed playing darts.

Doris Hintz, 92, Urbandale. Had a special talent for making costumes for the Urbandale 4th of July parade.

Clarence "Jack" Hird, 100, Farley. Established the Senior Citizen Meal Sites of Farley and Epworth, setting up the weekly meal service and delivering meals to people who couldn't leave the house.

Carl Hoffman, 84, Cedar Rapids. Sold his family insurance business after 13 years to pursue his boyhood dream of driving an "18-wheeler" across the country.

Benedict Howard Hofmann, 91, Iowa City. Childhood neighbors with his wife.

Donald Hohnbaum, 89, West Des Moines. Put himself through law school by playing drums.

Sharyl Hohnecker, 70, Marion. Her Maquoketa home was known as the "Christmas House" because of how many lights and decorations she and her husband put up each winter.

Ronald Eugene Holdsworth, 62, Fort Dodge. Iowa Department of Corrections inmate.

Louis Holly, 86, Cedar Rapids. An active member and "guest speaker" at his local coffee club.

Scott Holtan, 62, Thor. Volunteered at Davenport's All Saints Lutheran Church food pantry every Saturday.

Sister Annelda Holtkamp, 102, St. Paul. Served as a nun for 77 years.

Delbert Holtkamp, 82, West Burlington. Always requested lasagna at meals.

Wayne Holst, 81, LeClaire. Farmed all his life and drove a dump truck for 40 years.

Larry Hon, 78, Des Moines. Drove the 24, 21 and 42 buses for Johnston Community Schools.

Irwin "Red" Horsfield, 80, Epworth. Drove slowly on highways he helped build as a superintendent with Tschiggfrie Excavating.

David Hosier, 61, West Branch. Knew he liked you if he made fun of you.

Allen Lee Houang, 59, West Liberty. Immigrated to the United States in December 1981 as part of the Southeast Asian Refugee settlement program.

Myron James Houghton, 78, Ankeny. Earned two bachelor's degrees, three master's and three doctorates.

Adrienne Eugina Doolin Howard, 75, Cedar Rapids. Cooked soul food.

Thomas Howes, 74, Dubuque. A longtime fast-pitch softball catcher who had scars on his legs to prove it.

Marcella Hubbard, 86, Anamosa. A member of the Anamosa Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses.

Dorothy Mae Hubert, 90, Salix. Wrote for the Sioux City Journal, drove school buses and sold Mary Kay cosmetics.

Dianne Huddleson, 63, Fort Madison. Always called the students her husband taught and coached "our kids."

Gary Hudgens, 74, Altoona. Worked as a pressman for the Des Moines Register for more than 20 years, and retired, along with the presses, when the company automated.

Harry Huebbe, 91, Baldwin. Sold hand-carved wooden toys at flea markets.

Richard Hunt, 96, Cedar Falls. Traveled to the Black Hills in the summer to camp with his family.

Donald Hunter III, 60, Council Bluffs. Worked as a United States Postal Carrier for more than three decades.

Kevin Huss, 54, Des Moines. A volunteer firefighter and EMT for the Northern Warren Fire Department.

Donald Husted, 77, Davenport. Drank chocolate malts with his brother Frank as they drove around the Quad Cities in Frank's vintage Camaro.

Ann Scannell Huxol, 93, Iowa City. A Scrabble enthusiast who played to win.

I

Gayle Muggs Isaac, 71, Des Moines. Told his wife every day how much he loved her.

Dorothy Irene Iseminger, 93, Des Moines. Sold Avon for 30 years, earning many President's Club awards.

J

Peggy Ann Jackson, 86, Des Moines. Co-owned Research Industries with her husband, Paul, hauling for Alter Metal Recycling for 30 years.

Katie G. Jacobs, 96, Council Bluffs. Lived on her family farm her entire life.

Gloria Eileen Jacobsma, 68, Rock Rapids. Loved her family, her country, the Twins and Vikings, and eagles, two of which soared over her burial.

Allan Jacobson, 89, Cedar Falls. Never missed one of his sons or grandsons' performances.

June Marie Jaehnel, 92, Des Moines. Taught piano and participated in women's circles at church.

Husen Jagir, 56, Sioux City. A Sudanese refugee who worked at the Seaboard Triumph Foods plant.

Margaret James, 81, Monticello. Always up to attend a Hawkeye tailgate and enjoyed following the Hawks to bowl games.

John Steve Jansen, 74, Sioux City. Trained, bred, raced and bet on thoroughbred horses.

Daryle Jass, 84, Ankeny. Tried to retire twice, but couldn't sit still.

Raymond Jennings, 77, Muscatine. Taught his grandchildren the bounty of catfish ponds and how to keep their eye on the ball.

Christine Jensen, 67, Des Moines. Loved to sing songs with her twin sister, Andrea.

Barbara Johnsen-Earlanson, 75, Dubuque. Enthusiastically spent hours preparing meals for families and friends.

Alene Johnson, 79, North Sioux City. Raised chickens and other animals on her acreage.

Brian Johnson, 63, Waterloo. A pool player who made many friends through his time in the Waterloo and Cedar Falls leagues.

Carroll Johnson, 81, Mason City. Always cheered on her favorite NASCAR drivers, Dale Earnhart and Dale Earnhart Jr.

Duane Bud Johnson, 86, Merrill. Enjoyed his corn shelling and custom combining business.

Everett Johnson, 82, Boone. Grew up surrounded by music, which eventually led to his role as executive secretary of the Iowa High School Music Association.

Larry Johnson, 83, Charles City. Student council president at Harvard.

Leonard Johnson, 89, Tama. Danced at the annual Meskwaki pow-wow.

Mark Johnson, 57, Cedar Falls. Worked for Blue Diamond in warm seasons and at Godfather's Pizza in cold.

Mark Johnson, 64, Maurice. Laid to rest near his family farm in rural Hinton where he can always watch over his herd.

Melvin Johnson, 84, Packwood. A gifted cattleman who farmed his whole life.

Barbara Jones, 56, Monticello. Sold her baked goods, including her famous monster cookies, at the Hiawatha Farmers Market.

Dorothy Jones, 77, Grinnell. Bought her younger sister her first tube of lipstick in seventh grade.

Gladys "Jeannie" Jones, 91, Eldridge. Hosted a WOC Radio talk show about her business on Saturday mornings.

Kenneth "Kenny" Jones, 60, Storm Lake. The ultimate fan of every Chicago sports team.

Randall Jones, 63, Cedar Rapids. Brought people together with a good meal and a strong Grey Goose martini.

Marie Jordan, 88, Urbandale. Survived polio, breast cancer and a few broken legs and hips.

Pamela Jane Juhl-Mennes, 76, Atlantic. Specialized in making soups and cakes as an amazing cook and baker.

K

Axel Kabeya, 35, Waterloo. Was a French interpreter at Tyson Fresh Meats after immigrating from the Congo.

Alice Kauten, 73, Jesup. Taught and counseled students in New Hampton and Jesup.

Nicole Keller, 76, Waukee. Instrumental in taking Principal Financial Group public on the New York Stock Exchange.

David Kelley, 64, Stratford. Spent his free time playing and listening to bluegrass.

Harold "Gary" Keplinger, 77, Mount Ayr. Earned his doctorate in education, helping students learn math in high school, adult education and college.

Donald Kerker, 90, Newhall. Toured over 30 countries with his wife while working in Germany.

Darlene Kern, 94, Johnston. Died with her husband, Donald, by her side.

Donald Kern, 99, Johnston. Died with his wife, Darlene, by his side.

Viengxay Khuninh, 69, Sioux City. Framed his certificates from 37 years at Tyson Fresh Meats.

Jim Killam, 70, Des Moines. Passionate about teaching, whether through church or through soccer.

Doug King, 69, Mason City. Called Bompa by his grandkids.

Beverly Kinnander, 87, Estherville. Worked as a cleaner for several local businesses and Fairmont Hospital.

Everett Kintzel, 97, Blairstown. Farmed at his "home place" in Olin and Luzerne with his wife, Doris.

Jim Kirkendall, 75, Sloan. Took many friends and family on their first hunting and fishing trips.

Jerry Robert Kilpatrick, 84, Davenport. Took two mission trips to Honduras building a hospital.

James Kleppe, 79, Coralville. Iowa Department of Corrections inmate.

Larry Klindt, 76, Sac City. Spent free time collecting model trains and guns.

Elizabeth Betty Kline, 81, Iowa City. Traveled the country in a motor home.

Mary Kline, 93, Chariton. Moved from Pennsylvania to Iowa as a child, where she remained in rural Chariton her whole life.

Jack Klingborg, 83, Cherokee. An activity therapist and teacher at Cherokee Mental Health Institute.

Ruth Klotz, 98, Des Moines. An inspiration and mentor to two generations of women in the law in Iowa as an attorney and judge.

Raymond Klyn, 94, Pella. Served as an elder and deacon at Second Christian Reformed Church.

Norma J. Knight, 93, Des Moines. Loved her two great-great-grandchildren.

Donald Knudsen, 87, Dike. Helped move his community forward as mayor for 44 years

Ellen Koch, 74, Maquoketa. Coached speech, taught drama and directed school plays as an English teacher in many Iowa school districts.

John "János" Kokity, 92, Quad Cities. Member of the Over 50 Ballroom Dance Club.

Irene Konecny, 89, Cedar Rapids. A 50-plus year member of Soroptimist International of Cedar Rapids.

Betty Sonner Kooker, 78, Altoona. Volunteered with prison ministries.

Louie Kopsas, 89, Doon. Took the train from Doon to Sioux Center on weekends to see movies as a child.

Marjorie Ann Kramer, 86, Shell Rock. An avid bird watcher and skilled seamstress.

Marlyn Kramer Sr., 86, Maquoketa. Worked as a powder coater in Collis Inc. in Clinton for many years.

Rhonda Krantz, 63, Des Moines. Fond of the mountains from her time living in Colorado.

Chad Kuehl, 45, Garber. Chief of the Garber Fire Department and member of the Garber City Council and Iowa Firefighters Association.

Herman Kurk III, 94, South Amana. Enjoyed wandering the Iowa countryside to visit his neighbors.

Michael Kurylo, 85, Bettendorf. Born in Ukraine and grew up on a German Farm alongside Allied prisoners of war during World War II until an an American flyer landed to tell them they were liberated.

L

Evelyn Lacock, 102, Cedar Rapids. Loved supporting her family as a classroom volunteer, carpool driver and cheerleader-in-chief.

John Laflen, 84, Buffalo Center. Won awards for his research on the development of a new generation of erosion prediction technologies.

Wade Lampe, 46, Readlyn. Spent his free time outdoors or in the garage working on his family's used car collection.

Jerry Lang, 74, Waterloo. Started Lang's Home Maintenance.

LeRoy "Puttball" Lanxon, 88, Cherokee. Known as "everyman's friend, everyman's confidant and everyman's best buddy" in Cherokee.

Richard Larsen, 77, Des Moines. Loved classic cars and going to the races.

Tricia Larson, 55, Fort Dodge. Devoted her life to teaching at Manson Northwest Webster Elementary.

Sarah Latimer, 98, Iowa City. Trained in a segregated Black unit at Fort Des Moines for the Women's Auxiliary Army Corp.

Geanell Shavon Latimore, 38, Des Moines. Loved books so much she would read one while listening to another.

Keith Lawrence, 95, Decorah. An ISU-certified master gardener who inspired his children's love for horticulture.

Cloris Leachman, 94, Des Moines. An actress who won eight Primetime Emmy Awards and an Oscar.

LaVirta Lee, 91, Mapleton. Cherished the Eastside Homemakers Club and the Soldier Lutheran Ladies Aid.

Lorne Lee, 54, Independence. Helped organize ATV trails in Buchanan County and served as president of the Trailblazers Off Road Club.

Stuart Lefstein, 86, Quad Cities. Successfully argued a patent law case before the U.S. Supreme Court in 1987.

Antonia C. Leon, 94, Valley Junction. Adored her 24 nieces and nephews and her Shih Tzu, Hamilton.

Kay Lenox, 79, Davenport. An avid collector of Lenox figurines and ornamental pigs.

Willie Levi, 73, Waterloo. Freed from a decrepit Iowa bunkhouse by a Des Moines Register investigation.

Frederick William Lewis, 68, Anamosa. Iowa Department of Corrections inmate.

Chester Franklin Lief Jr., 75, Wyoming. Enjoyed mushroom hunting.

Kenneth Lien, 101, Nora Springs. Awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star after being wounded in 1944 in Italy.

Nelda Lindhorst, 88, Council Bluffs. Worked as a Medical Transcriptionist for Mercy Hospital.

Bernard Bernie Lee Lindstrom, 80, Wheatland. A handyman who could fix almost anything.

Bill Lingle, 64, Davenport. Coached coached Friendly House basketball, travel basketball, Little League and Pony baseball, and helped form the Quad City Bronco League. the Quad City Heat baseball club and Davenport Youth Football League.

Phyllis Link, 90, Estherville. Raised chickens and sold eggs from her farm in rural Swea City.

Phyllis Liston, 86, Granger. Could read a 500-page book easily in two days.

Cindy Litwiller, 65, Fort Dodge. Helped many small businesses through her work with Professional Developers of Iowa and other economic development groups.

Emma Lohmann, 97, Wheatland. Won the women's club championship at Wapsi Oaks Country Club.

Mary Jill Long, 79, Dubuque. Her husband stood outside her nursing home window in the rain as she died.

Lucy Lorence, 96, Oskaloosa. Found time for P.T.A., Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, and raising money for the debate team while working two jobs.

Patricia Loter, 87, Keokuk. Enjoyed going on bus trips with friends.

Helen Lowery, 97, Davenport. A part of the "Groovy Girls," a women's lunch group.

Dwayne Lucht, 66, Council Bluffs. Worked many jobs, including remodeling homes and farming.

Jim Luensman, 43, Atkins. Worked as a paramedic in Monticello, North Benton and Atkins.

Louis Luiken, 79, Radcliffe. Served his community as city council member and mayor.

Mary Lund, 59, Davenport. Loved going to concerts, especially to see Bon Jovi.

E. Joe Ann Lutz, 84, Des Moines. Taught real estate ethics.

Edward "Jazzman Joe" Lynch, 86, Ankeny. An accomplished tenor sax and harmonica player with an expertise in Traditional Dixieland Jazz.

Donald Lyons, 74, Boone. Ran his family's farm while serving as a Boone County Farm Bureau agent for more than 20 years.

M

Maurice Maakestad, 95, Osage. A card shark who often won at 500 with wild bids.

Jimmie Lee Maclin, 66, Cedar Rapids. An entrepreneur who lived in Cedar Rapids for over 40 years.

Randall Magee, 64, Cedar Falls. Devotedly followed Ricky "the Rooster" Rudd in NASCAR.

Jerry Parsons Mahacek, 76, Waverly. Volunteered with Iowa Missions of Mercy, a community dental clinic, after health problems forced him to retire from his practice.

Jeffrey Duane Mahrt, 64, Spencer. A proud, founding member and head coach of the Spencer Cardinals baseball team.

Barbara Malone, 65, Dunlap. Enjoyed watching rodeos on television.

Arlene Duggan Maloney, 92, Cedar Rapids. Proud of her volunteer work at Whitwer Senior Center.

Melvin Manternach, 87, Monticello. Proud member of "Table of Knowledge" at Darrell's family diner.

Marilyn Louise Markman, 90, Des Moines. An artist who made beautiful painted rice paper collages.

John Marks, 61, Urbandale. Worked as an independent contractor for the real estate division at the U.S. Postal Service.

John Marino, 68, Clear Lake. An avid rider of both bicycles and motorcycles.

Gary Marple, 83, Mount Pleasant. Chief inventor and co-founder of Lessac Technologies Inc., which developed text-to-speech software for expressing a wider vocal range of emotions.

Bill Martin, 72, Boone. Stayed lifelong friends with people in his high school marching band, forming the Bill Martin Group to keep playing music.

Jose Gabriel Martinez, 58, West Liberty. Did impressions while telling stories to his family.

Willene "Willy" Marvin, 90, Ames. Used his "gift of gab" to talk with anyone and everyone.

Bart Mason, 52, Coralville. Came back every year to his hometown of Slater to help his dad with the Fourth of July Fireworks.

Nancy Chilton Maxwell, 92, Des Moines. Loved playing the lottery and the Publishers Clearing House sweepstakes.

Harry McBride, 89, Anamosa. An active member of the Iowa Funeral Directors Association, directing funerals for over 60 years.

Ed McCliment, 86, Iowa City. Traveled the world as a physics professor.

Charline Lorraine McDermott, 86, Toddville. The best baby whisperer.

Walter McDonald, 84, Nevada. Devoted his career to safety research and special projects with the Iowa Department of Transportation.

Kevin McDonnell, 63, Newton. Iowa Department of Corrections inmate.

Sang Hae McDowell, 92, Davenport. Grew up under Japanese occupation of Korea.

Roy McElfish, 68, Leon. Enjoyed tractor pulling competitions.

Timothy Louis McGhee Jr., 48, Fort Dodge. Iowa Department of Corrections inmate.

Christine McGowan, 70, Washington. Treasured her four guide dogs.

Barbara McGrane-Brennan, 61, Fairbank. A garage sale fanatic with a collection of blankets and stuffed animals.

James "Bert" McGrew, 92, Cedar Rapids. A "numbers" man who loved Sudoku.

Beverly McGuire, 92, Cedar Rapids. Sent visitors off with a homemade jar of jam, pickles or fresh tomatoes.

Lucy McKenzie, 91, Des Moines. Her front yard was featured on the cover of Better Homes and Gardens magazine.

Earnest McKeown, 89, Sioux City. An accomplished woodworker.

Claudie Mclain, 83, Marshalltown. Could be seen walking every day, often on his way to his daily visit to the YMCA.

William Mclaughlin, 89, West Des Moines. Started his own engineering, urban planning and construction business in 1971.

John McMahon, 78, Newton. Never without a story to tell about his years hunting, fishing and working in law enforcement.

Garold McMeins Jr., 67, Urbandale. Volunteered at the Midwest Old Settlers and Threshers Association.

John Allen McMurchy, 76. Charles City. A farmer and expert hay baler.

Joyce McMurrin, 82, Cedar Falls. Loved playing bingo, cards, and going to the casino.

Terie McNamara, 70, Waterloo. A supervisor at Osco Drug/CVS.

Janice L. McNelly, 79, Cedar Falls. Served as the Iowa president of the League of Women Voters.

Darlene McWhirter, 91, Traer. Learned to cook on a farm, helping her parents feed seemingly countless siblings, cousins and threshers.

Betty Jean Meis, 89, Cedar Rapids. Worked at Collins Radio as a graphic artist.

Phil Menke, 72, Algona. Enjoyed doing the finish carpentry in new homes.

Wilma Merritt, 84, Maquoketa. Enjoyed life on the farm, caring for her family, animals and plants.

Barry Mertes, 65, Des Moines. A member of the VFW and Adventure Life Church in Altoona.

John Mertz III, 60, West Bend. Loved the color green and anything John Deere.

Roy Wendell Messerschmidt, 94, West Des Moines. Always looked forward to playing in the father and son golf tournament with his sons, Rick and Bill, at the Des Moines Golf and Country Club.

Cecelia Meyer, 90, Iowa City. Worked for 24 years at the University of Iowa College of Education.

Corinne Meyer, 26, Sioux City. Loved her trips to Disney World with her family, where she met all her favorite characters.

Fred Meyer, 78, Wheatland. Enjoyed having coffee with friends at the Blue Grass McDonalds.

Richard Meyer, 82, Davenport. Ran a wholesale grocery business.

Lee Mickey, 79, Cedar Falls. Retired from Cedar Falls Community School District to run a Bed and Breakfast with his wife in Vermont.

Marilyn Millage, 82, Sioux City. Collected souvenir spoons and memorabilia of Mickey Mouse, her favorite character.

James "Jim" Lowell Miller Jr., 64, Cedar Rapids. An expert handyman and bonfire builder.

Eric Ridgway Miller, 83, Waterloo. Held himself and the law to high ethical standards as a lawyer and community leader.

Gary Miller, 64, Coralville. A reverend at Grace Fellowship Church in Iowa City.

Ray Miller, 43, Sioux City. Loved making people laugh.

Rick Miller, 62, Ankeny. Started his salesman career at age 7 by selling flowers.

Sherry Miller, 65, Britt. Worked side by side with her husband at Miller & Sons Golf Cars.

Stephen Miller, 77, Marquette. Had fun rituals with his children from Friday family nights at the YMCA to group outings to Badgers basketball and football games.

Lyle Minnick, 86, Kellerton. Met his wife at the Mount Ayr skating rink when he was 16 years old.

Judy Minnick, 84, Kellerton. Drove go-carts and four-wheelers around the farm with her children and grandchildren.

Judy Mohr, 69, Boone. Loved crocheting, crafting and playing Bingo.

Shirley Ann Mommsen, 83, Maquoketa. Worked as a nurse's aide at the Jackson County Public Hospital.

Jeffrey Mondry, 61, Mason City. Often found fixing and tending to problems for his friends and family, no matter how small.

Norman Montgomery, 64, Waterloo. Led the Ferguson Field Youth Baseball Team to a city championship as a coach.

Olive Morris, 100, Cedar Falls. Loved her 5 children, 16 grandchildren, 44 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.

Craig Morris, 55, Shenandoah. Defeated Hodgkin's Lymphoma twice in 2013 and 2015.

Richard Morris, 81, Indianola. Took over the family business, Indianola Memorial Works.

Phyllis Jean Morrison, 96, Clear Lake. Percussionist in high school and college.

Jerry Morrow, 63, Cedar Rapids. Died less than 12 hours apart from his wife, Rosie with family saying their love was a true meaning of “until death does us apart.”

Rosie Morrow, 81, Cedar Rapids. Died less than 12 hours apart from her husband, Jerry with family saying their love was a true meaning of “until death does us apart.”

Donald Mott, 96, Paullina. Registered for the draft as a conscientious objector and did Civilian Public Service work from 1944 to 1946 in five states.

Marietta Muchow, 86, Clear Lake. Lived in Oklahoma, Texas and Iowa as her husband's career as a commercial pilot took them across the country.

Wanda M. Mullan, 94, Des Moines. A homemaker devoted to her husband of 73 years.

Patricia "Pat" Craven Mulvihill, 99, Des Moines. A dancer who loved volunteering at local recitals.

Mark Munday, 61, Le Mars. Born the day the Dodgers won the 1959 World Series and remained a lifelong fan.

Terry Munyon, 65, Kellerton. Asked his wife three times to marry him while they were growing up and each time she said no. They spent 43 years together after she asked him to marry her and he said yes.

Ricky Murga, 53, Quad Cities. Enjoyed Mexican art, culture and vintage automobiles.

Elizabeth "Bette" Murphy, 93, Silvis. Enjoyed her great-grandchildren's baseball games and playing euchre with friends.

Melinda Mutti, 55, Pella. Taught as a substitute teacher in Knoxville and Pella schools.

L. Merle Deke Myers, 90, Iowa City. Recruited at the Packwood train stop to work for the FBI.

N

Carla Naeve, 82, Le Mars. Loved to golf and birdwatch.

Lynn Charles Naibert, 83, Cedar Rapids. Married his wife six months after their first coffee date.

Sanford Naiditch, 97, Ankeny. Knew the Ohio State University fight song by heart.

Linda Nassif, 76, Cedar Rapids. A role model to her sixth-graders at St. Pius Grade School.

Kenneth G. Nations Sr., 73, Wapello. Took his grandchildren to see Old Threshers Reunion.

Marjorie Nearmyer, 84, Marion. A resident of Winslow House Care Center.

Charlie Nehl, 38, Cedar Rapids. Iowa's state champion for "Magic: the Gathering" who loved spray painting, the Cubs and hosting LAN parties with friends.

Sister Marianne Nehus, 67, Johnston. Honored by Gov. Tom Vilsack for her service on the Disabilities Policy Council in 2006.

Chris Nelson, 58, Indianola. Active in the United Auto Workers, he fought for union members to receive a livable wage and be treated with dignity and respect.

Joe Nelson, 88, Cedar Falls. Served as the finance officer, commander, and state chaplin at Cedar Falls AMVETS Post #49.

Lola Nelson, 86, Ollie. Taught Sunday school at the Ollie United Methodist Church.

Dwight Nernes, 76, Leon. Once sang at the Grand Ole Opry.

Beth Neubaurer, 77, Ankeny. Nicknamed Gramcracker, or Cracker for short, by her older grandkids.

Brent "Ben" Newton, 50, Fort Dodge. Studied his Native American heritage.

Hong Cuc Thi Nguyen, 87. Sioux City. Helped refugees from Vietnam, Bosnia and Africa resettle in Iowa.

Dewey Nielsen, 74, Oxford. Enjoyed visiting with campers and community members as he ran Sleepy Hollow Campground.

Mark Nielsen, 69, Battle Creek. From Little League T-Ball to pro-basketball, loved watching and attending sporting events.

Ray Buster Nielsen, 93, Des Moines. Served in the Army's Occupational Forces in Japan after World War II.

Russell A. Nielsen, 96, Cedar Falls. Maintained an optometric practice for 41 years.

Diane Norelius, 85, Denison. A practical joker who always joined in on the fun with her children and grandchildren.

Eunice North, 80, Boone. Drove the Boone County Educational Library bus.

Dorothy Norton, 98, Iowa City. Worked for Great Western Railroad while her husband served in World War II.

Eugene Norton, 89, Clive. Collected cars and repaired lawn mowers.

John Novy, 88, Greenfield. An Iowa State Patrol trooper known as "Big John."

O

Betty Jean O'Connor, 86, Des Moines. Started a Red Hat group and monthly card club.

Bradley Ohl, 64, Oelwein. Loved his annual trips to deer camp at the Circle B Ranch with family and friends.

Joyce Ann Ohl, 72, Lennox. Led the Sioux City Steppers Drill Team in dancing for decades.

Vincent Olson, 71, Nevada. Served his community as assistant fire chief.

Cheryl Jean Ord, 48, Glenwood. Planted banana trees in her yard each year, bringing them inside during the cold months.

James M. Orr, 53, Charles City. Resident of Comprehensive Systems.

Jim Orvis, 65, Waterloo. Worked at Cedar Falls' Ice House Museum.

Oscar P. “Swede” Ostrom Jr, 93, Des Moines. Delighted in giving tours of his Minnesota boyhood school, which subsequently became a historical museum.

Mary Anne Otte, 93, Davenport. Wooed her husband at local dances.

Kimberly Outlaw, 55, Waterloo. Worked as an export clerk at Tysons.

Zachary Scott Overy, 35, North English. Passionate problem solver at Vivint Home Security and Automation.

Nancy Owen, 89, Des Moines. Worked at General Casualty Insurance.

P

Duane Palmer Sr., 92, Cedar Rapids. Repaired lawnmowers and small engines as a hobby with his best friend, Norm.

Stephen Palmer, 69, Des Moines. Served people with intellectual disabilities by his 20-year involvement with Special Olympics.

John N. Paricka, 41, Waterloo. Played football for the Cedar Valley Vikings.

Frank Parks, 91, Ottumwa. Former president of the ISU Parents Association.

Patrick C. Parks, 85, Sergeant Bluff. Flew as an Air Force fighter pilot in Vietnam.

Stanley Eugene "Stan" Patrick, 85, Bussey. Traveled to Chicago regularly to see his favorite team, the Cubs.

Lesley Paulsen, 74, Des Moines. Enjoyed a good mystery novel and a strong cup of coffee.

Jean Smith Payne, 88, Mason City. Gave a handmade quilt to every family member.

Matt Peiffer, 64, Grinnell. Loved to smoke meats for family gatherings.

Tim Perez, 52, Cedar Rapids. Received a kidney transplant in 2020.

Vicki Perez, 66, Cedar Rapids. Enjoyed going to casinos and spending time with "the girls."

Harry Perkins III, 73, Des Moines. Practiced in civil litigation and trial law for 45 years.

Norma Jean Perry, 88, Des Moines. Spent 41 years as a foster grandparent.

Harvey Louis Peters, 92, Parkersburg. Board member and volunteer at Beaver Meadows Golf and Country Club.

Randy Peters, 71, Waukee. A post master in Truo.

Richard Leroy Peters, 77, Coralville. Iowa Department of Corrections inmate.

Eleanor Moody Pettit, 90, Cordova. Traveled the country with her friends but was never allowed to drive.

John Pettit, Des Moines. Served as chief operating officer and vice president for the Iowa Barnstormers since 2008.

Sandra Sue Phillips, 84, Cedar Rapids. Spent her childhood traveling across the United States and Canada with her father, an entertainer and acrobat.

Rick Pianca, 62, Davenport. Made detailed personalized itineraries for friends and family member's vacations.

Leonard Andy Anderson Pierce, 75, Ottumwa. A regular at Arabian horse shows.

Cleo 'Bud' Ping, 88, Sloan. Loved reading Westerns and historical novels.

Norma J. Pint, 90, Davenport. Operated a local telephone company in Hanlontown.

Warren Pohl, 68, Waterloo. Played electric guitar in a country-rock band.

Russell Lolo Porter, 47, Cedar Rapids. Loved his friends and the staff at New Horizons and REM.

Scott Powell, 56, La Porte City. Piloted helicopters in the U.S. Army and National Guard for two decades.

Barbara Prenosil, 101, Nevada. Worked for the Department of Environmental Quality in Iowa.

Gabriella Michelle Price-MacCormick, 24, Cedar Rapids. Competed in track and field, bowling and basketball skills in Iowa Special Olympics.

Virginia Prince-Renner, 91, Whiting. Sang with the Women's Club Chorus and played the organ for Christy-Smith Funeral Home.

Robert Probasco, 69, Des Moines. Served the U.S. Army in Germany from 1971 to 1974.

Susan K. Prohaska, 65, Dysart. Ran a preschool in Evansdale.

Marilyn Elizabeth Prouty, 92, Marion. The youngest supervisor ever at the Marion Telephone Co.

Evon "Gus" Puetz, 97, Le Mars. Farmed his entire life with his family: first his father, then brother-in-law, son, and grandson.

Bonnie Pugsley, 95, Des Moines. Server as an elder and deacon in the Presbyterian Church.

Roger Puls, 73, Grinnell. A competitive bowler in the Grinnell Bowling League.

Q

Seretha Quinn, 46, Eldridge. Had an infectious smile and was always willing to help those in need.

R

Jose Dolores Guevara Ramirez, 89, Marshalltown. Made fresh lime ice cream for his Iowa grandchildren.

Edwin Roy Raymond, 54, Sioux City. Enjoyed going to the Special Olympics.

Marilyn Reams, 75, Des Moines. Never missed a softball game, swim meet, baseball game or soccer game for her grandchildren.

Michele Recanati, 47, Oelwein. Worked with her twin sister, Cynthia, at MercyOne.

Robert Ellsworth Reeder, 74, Mason City. Passed days trout fishing in the streams of northeastern Iowa with his brothers.

Gail Rees Jr., 78, Greeley. Spent almost every weekend at the Bandimere Speedway track with his family, winning many trophies along the way.

Day Reh, 85, Waterloo. Earned his U.S. citizenship in Des Moines.

Gregg E. Reisinger, 75, Eldora. Owned one of the largest horse farms in Iowa, raising more than 1,700 registered horses.

Virginia Renner, 91, Sioux City. Served as the first woman chair of the worship committee at Redeemer Lutheran.

Susan C. “Susie” Rhum, 88, Danville. Spent 30 years working at the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant.

Rev. Ralph Rice, 67, Sioux City. A member of the Order of the Arrow who once earned the God and Country Award.

Kelli Jo Richards, 57, Cedar Rapids. Loved to drive around in her Camaro.

Virginia Richardson, 97, Cedar Rapids. Baptist pastor's wife and mother to eight children.

Jean Marie Rickelman, 89, Fort Madison. Proud to be both a farmer's daughter and a farmer's wife.

Leslie Rish, 80, Mason City. Served in the Army in Virginia, Washington, South Korea and Germany.

Harriett Risse, 92, Oelwein. Chosen as "Readlyn's Old Grump" in 2012.

F. Alberta Ritter, 95, Des Moines. Spent retirement traveling by motorhome to Florida, Arizona and Texas.

Ronald Roberts, 81, Chariton. A sociology professor at the University of Northern Iowa for three decades.

Pedro Cano Rodriguez, 51, Columbus Junction. Never resisted the urge to pull pranks and crack jokes.

Joan Roepke, 83, Le Mars. A huge country music fan who met Johnny Cash multiple times.

Ben Rogers, 67, Quad Cities. Boy Scouts of America leader in Iowa and Illinois.

Mary Louise "Kitty" Rolfes, 90, Johnston. Nicknamed for the precocious little girl in the Kitty Higgins comic strip.

Minerva Rosales, 62, Le Mars.

Fred Roquet, 78, Mt. Auburn. Worked for John Deere and Exide Batteries.

Aaron Rubashkin, 92, Postville. Fled a Hasidic Jewish enclave in Russia to survive the Holocaust.

Heidi Ruhrer, 63, Moville. Loved the family's summer trips to Minnesota.

Loretta Faye Wenner Rundlett, 90, Vinton. Enjoyed crafting, sewing and knitting.

Beverly Russell, 82, Newton. Always ordered chocolate Cokes at Bigelow’s restaurant.

S

Darrell Salmons, 82, Cedar Falls. A proud Cedar Falls Firefighter.

Brenda Samaniego, 23, Sioux City. Special Olympics athlete for the past 11 years.

Juan Jose Jauregui Samudio, 60, Storm Lake.

Floyd Sanders, 86, Storm Lake. A master of Dad jokes.

Lyle Sannes Sr., 86, Marion. Known as the "Road Dog" for all of the miles he traveled for work, hunting and fishing.

Chris Sasina, 69, Monticello. Co-owner and production manager of Commander Buildings for 30 years.

Nancy Saunders, 64, Des Moines. Made great pies and enchiladas.

Phillip Saunders, 80, Cedar Rapids. A firefighter for three decades.

Gerald Schlies, 77, Lawton. An artist who created stained glass windows.

Anita Schindler, 58, Iowa City. Always wanted to help others, be they friend, family, stranger or animal.

Esther Schipper, 91, Parkersburg. Taught Sunday school and catechism at Bethel Reformed Church.

Donald "Spook" Schnackenberg, 80, Council Bluffs. A Navy veteran who retired as a boilermaker.

William Schroeder, 84, Johnston. Longtime chaplain for Mercy Hospital and Mercy West Lakes Hospital.

Marilyn Schornack, 89, West Des Moines. Taught Sunday school, Bible school, sang in the choir at Windsor Heights Lutheran Church.

Patsy Schotanus, 84, Grafton. Had a talent at connecting with young people, many of whom considered her family.

Robert Schuldt, 67, Climbing Hill. Habitually surrounded by pets, big and small.

Edward Schultz, 73, Muscatine. A detective and police officer for the Iowa City Police Department.

Shirley Ann Schultz, 86, Cedar Rapids. Loved her cat, Queenie.

Arthur Scott, 51, Waterloo. Rebuilt his life after serving time in prison.

Alice Yvonne Sea, 84, Sioux City. Directed a traveling Children's Theatre.

Lois Marguerite Sedgwick, 93, Dundee. Enjoyed refinishing antiques and quilting.

Jackson Selk, 74, Cedar Rapids. Appointed to the Juvenile Justice Advisory Council for the state of Iowa.

Larry Sellers, 85, Pleasant Hill. A volunteer coach, officer and mentor for Grandview Little League who served four generations of players for more than 60 years.

Glenn A. Sels, 84, Mason City. Sketched intricate pictures of war machinery while growing up during the World War II era.

Jerry Selover, 86, Des Moines. Accomplished carpenter and member of Des Moines Woodworkers and Turners Club.

Franklin Delano Seitzinger, 86, Sioux City. Known in the agriculture industry for wearing his "big deal boots."

Jack Sexton, 87, Cedar Rapids. Sang and played guitar in the Dave Dighton Band for more than 30 years.

Michael Sharer, 78, Marshalltown. Loved his Angus calves and cows and always enjoyed attending the Iowa Winter Beef Expo.

Joyce Sharp, 95, Johnston. An avid gardener, knitter and winemaker.

Retha Elizabeth Contri Sharp, 98, Johnston. Helped at poll sites during elections and loved to talk politics.

Gary Sharum, 68, Sioux City. Helped students beat their personal records as coach of the AZ Flames Track Club.

Alexa Sheeder, 32, Davenport. Met her husband, an Army soldier, putting together a care package for troops overseas.

Barbara Jean Sherman, 85, Cedar Rapids. Led three presidents through Cedar Rapids' National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library.

Gerald Shook, 76, Davenport. Challenged visitors to a game of chess, always played on the set handcrafted by his brother, Bill.

Colleen M. Shumaker, 61, Des Moines. Woke up early to celebrate St. Patrick's Day every year.

Charlene Shurtz, 68, Cedar Rapids. Enjoyed spending time with her bird, Tammy.

Jessica Siegert, 40, Urbandale. Loved spoiling her family, friends and her adored cat, Diego.

Wilfred Willie Jay Sikkema, 81, Fulton. Had a "good heart and a warm smile."

Ruthanne Silverstein, 91, Des Moines. A prolific creator of handmade clothes.

Robert William Sirovy, 62, Anamosa. Iowa Department of Corrections inmate.

John Skaggs, 76, Quad Cities. Attended the Secret Service training center in Maryland.

Eugene Skinner, 95, Dubuque. A former president of the Iowa Bowling Association and member of the association's Hall of Fame in multiple categories.

Gail Slack, 91, West Des Moines. Held Minnesota Vikings tickets for 40 years.

Kevin Slaybaugh, 50, Guthrie Center. A faithful member of Waukee United Methodist Church, who loved visiting with the congregation and goofing around with attending kids.

Robert Lee Slezak, 83, Des Moines. Loved folding laundry at the Rowley Masonic Home in Perry.

Larry Smalley, 87, Tripoli. Sang in the River City Barbershop Chorus in Mason City.

Bill Smith, 90, Moulton. Served in an English medical base during the Korean War.

Rochelle Smith, 80, Des Moines. Worked as a telephone operator for U.S. West/Qwest Communications.

Shirley Ann Smith, 83, Ames. Could never resist stopping at an antique shop.

Volney Smith, 92, Ames. Loved genealogy, reading and watching Jeopardy.

Victoria Vicki Ann Snarzyk, 61, Cedar Rapids. Enjoyed swimming, fishing and gardening.

Betty Laverne Sniffin, 96, Oelwein. Translated for her deaf and mute parents as a child.

Judith Solecki, 65, Cedar Rapids. Loved watching Hawkeyes basketball games.

Harrison Harry Solliday, 85, West Des Moines. Spread the Christian gospel in Iowa correctional facilities.

Luciano Soloman, 57, Des Moines. Graduated from Colegio Cotzumalguapa in Saint Lucia, where he earned a degree in accounting.

Larry Sonner, 84, Urbandale. Provided seminars and counseling for pastors and their families across Iowa.

Jay Elmer Spoonhaltz, 90, Des Moines. Served four years in the U.S. Navy.

Mary Soukup, 89, Windham. Loved when her favorite birds, Cardinals, stopped to eat from her bird feeders.

Barbara Springer, 75, Sioux City. Buried on her birthday, her six children loved the days she took them to the park for fishing and fun.

Harold Spurgeon, 100, Ottumwa. A triplet, joined the Navy Seabees and served in the Philippines during WWII.

Joan Stabenow, 81, Waterloo. Loved taking trips to Florida, Mexico and Branson, Missouri.

Melvin "Mel" Stahmer, 68, Coralville. Beloved union postman.

Larry Stalter, 73, Iowa City. Received his medical education at the University of Iowa before opening a medical museum in Cullom, Illinois, with his wife.

Glen Roger Stancliff, 79, Iowa City. Served as Andover, Illinois fire chief for more than three decades.

Donald Gene Starcevich, 83, West Des Moines. An avid boater who loved exploring the Mississippi River.

Dwight Stearns, 64, Earlham. The first full-time transport officer for Dallas County Sheriff’s Office.

Tom Stephenson, 77, Norwalk. Built race cars and personal vehicles for friends and family.

Henry "Hank" Steinwandt, 84, Mason City. Loved John Wayne Westerns.

Anne Stevens, 74, Stuart. Was told she would need a ventilator and feeding tube for the rest of her life in 2018. Was able to remove both in 2019.

Judy Stevens, 77, Cedar Rapids. Won awards as a successful real estate agent.

Gary Stevens, 82, Cedar Rapids. Loved his old Plymouth car, a 1970½ Monte Carlo.

Elmer "Skip" Stoddard, 72, Sioux City. Gave the best hugs.

Carole Stohlmann, 80, Sioux City. Honored as Professional Horsewoman of the Year by the Arabian Horsemen's Association.

Jerry Dean Stoffregen, 79, Waverly. Worked in the banking industry for over 25 years.

Vera Mae Stoltze, 89, Sioux City. Played cards with friends and a good game of Yahtzee with family.

Leon "Stoney" Stone, 83, West Des Moines. Loved to going to see the Packers play with his friend Pat.

Donna Storey, 72, Waterloo. Enjoyed baking with her sister, Judy.

Ila Mae Storm, 98, Pisgah. Well-known for her yodeling skills.

Jonathan William Strain, 59, Anamosa. Iowa Department of Corrections inmate.

Barbara Strait, 84, Cedar Rapids. A member of Good Sam's Camping Club.

David Streets, 70, Anamosa. Iowa Department of Corrections inmate.

William Strothkamp, 77, Quad Cities. Started his own business because he "never could find a boss he liked."

Nina Stull, 89, Centerville. Loved showing off her great-grandchildren to other residents in her nursing center.

Nathan Stupka, 48, Elkhart. An All-State pitcher for the Bomber Baseball team.

Delores Sturgeon, 79, Sioux City. Taught first aid to many Cub Scouts and operated several first aid stations.

Dolores Suchomel, 93, Mount Vernon. Once named University of Iowa’s Mother of the Year.

Zola Marie Summerson, 93, Perry. Farmed with her husband until his death in 2005.

Richard Sundermeyer, 78, Marion. Sang with the Older Hymns at Lutheran Church of the Resurrection.

Arthur Svaldi, 82, Cedar Rapids. Served on the Good Neighbor Home Society board and the Manchester Bowling League.

Robert Svoboda, 50, Sioux City. Enjoyed working with his hands in the tile and construction industry.

T

Donald "Bones" Taylor, 75, Cedar Falls. Raced in his Silver 1963 Corvette Stingray at the NEITA Raceway and in Byron, Illinois.

Judith Taylor, 76, Waterloo. Worked all around Waterloo's dining establishments: El Mecca Shrine Club, Washington Street Café, Allen Hospital Café, Corner Tap, Vernie's, Pinkies Tap as well as operating the Flame Room.

Robert Frank Taylor, 72, Coralville. Iowa Department of Corrections inmate.

Janet L. Temple, 79, Newell. Ran a day care center and owned Temple Hardware.

Lyle Thayer, 82, Le Grand. Worked in upholstery, enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Judy Thenhaus, 81, Cedar Rapids. Spent her early life as a stay-at-home mother with her children, then became a "house mom" at St. Luke's Hospital.

Ricky Thies, 60, Marion. Made shelving, a sewing table and a nativity scene as a talented woodworker.

Margaret Thing, 84, Springville. Sang and played in the bell choir at Springville Methodist Church.

Regina Marie Thiry, 62, Waterloo. Sewed masks for friends at the University of Iowa College of Public Health.

Gary Thomas, 56, Des Moines. A natural horseman with a love for blazing his own trails.

Raymond “ Tom” Thomas, 78, Ankeny. A captain who worked in the Des Moines Fire Department for 36 years.

Sharon Thomas, 58, Davenport. Member of the Goldwing Road Riders in Davenport with her husband, Steve.

Dorothy "Dot" Thompson, 105, Seymour. Baked award-winning lemon meringue pies.

Robert Bob D. Thompson, 77, Waterville. Won awards for the quality of his dairy and hog farming.

Randy Tilley, 64, Granger. Always had a car or motorcycle project going in his driveway.

Lowell Titus, 93, Des Moines. Hitchhiked through national parks after returning from U.S. Navy service.

Lynda Tomkins, 62, Coralville. An animal lover who enjoyed cooking and gardening.

Dorothy Topping, 78, Cedar Rapids. Raised the four children of Dr. Dean and Bonnie Bemus, their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Megan Trilk, 56, Sioux City. An award-winning photographer who chronicled her children's live in pictures.

Casey Tweedy, 34, Algona. Loved riding his bike, lifting weights and playing basketball.

Roald Tweet, 87, Quad Cities. Beloved Augustana College English professor, Quad-City cultural icon and longtime radio personality.

U

James Urbatsch, 80, Osage. Designed and fabricated much of his own farm equipment.

Lisa Upah, 56, Keystone. Lived just a few houses away from her daughters and grandson.

V

John A. Valukskas Jr., 76, Sioux City. Appointed International Coordinator of Carnival Ministries by St. Pope John Paul II.

Phyllis Vander Sluis, 86, Primghar. Kept “Build Your Vocabulary” books next to her easy chair.

Harlan James VandeZandschulp, 68, Sioux City. Traveled to Israel, Mozambique and Nigeria

Ben Van Hove, 86, Steamboat Rock. Enjoyed flipping pancakes for his Boat Club for Sunday breakfast gatherings.

Ray Allen Vanlengen, 71, Fort Dodge. Iowa Department of Corrections inmate.

Ruth Ann Lass Van Meter, 90, DeWitt. Served as both choir director and organist for Grace Lutheran Church.

Raymond Van Dyk, 91, Pella. Constructed handmade wooden toy cars for indigenous children in dozens of countries.

Alice Van Hoozer, 102, Waterloo. Loved the challenge of a thousand-piece puzzle.

Steven James Van Riper, 93, Coralville. Iowa Department of Corrections Inmate.

John Van Weelden, 78, Albia. A master woodworker who crafted everything from cabinetry to custom birdhouses.

Ronald Versluis, 79, Cedar Falls. Worked at John Deere in Waterloo for 30 years.

Gale Vetter, 69, Hartley. Long-time driver on the Hartley Emergency Ambulance Rescue Team.

Robert Vidimos II, 58, Ames. Shared his love for singing, slapstick movies and competitive board games with his children.

Dale Viers, 58, Fort Madison. Iowa Department of Corrections Inmate.

Donna Vinson, 91, Oelwein. Could "cut a rug" with the best of them.

Tom Vint, 72, Marshalltown. Covered Omaha sports for the Associated Press.

Bernice Vogel, 94, Blairstown. Walked fields weighing corn and soybeans for customers as her husband's business partner at Pioneer Seed Corn.

W

Don Donny Wachal, 74, Davenport. Owned the Filling Station, an iconic Davenport bar.

Susan Wagner, 54, Waverly. Avidly watched shows about current events and nature.

Michael Wahl, 69, Norwalk. A gearhead who loved to drag race and street race.

John Wait, 60, Council Bluffs. An inventor who helped create and perfect aviaton technology.

Caroline Waits, 96, Centerville. Worked to provide a loving environment for her husband and six children.

Jeanette Wakeman, 74, Ireton. Talented at floral designs and decorating.

Catherine Waldmann-Murphy, 66, Council Bluffs. Served in the Air Force for four years after high school.

LaVonne "Bonnie" Wallace, 92, Cedar Falls. Enjoyed fishing and traveling with her husband.

William "Bill" Wallace, 90, Manchester. A Shriner who drove area families to Minneapolis’ Shiners Hospital.

Leona Wallbaum, 104, Parkersburg. A faithful, active member of Bethel Lutheran Church for more than 80 years.

Marilyn Jean Wallen, 86, Sioux City. Operated the Wallen Stables and Riding School for over 55 years.

Daryl Walters, 71, Bettendorf. Went by the nickname Daryl Camaro.

JoAnne Walther, 74, Cedar Falls. Owned and operated Grandma's Treasures antique shop.

Cornie Wassink, 70, Alton. A charter member of the Northwestern Athletic Hall of Fame, established endowment scholarships as Director of Planned Giving and a part of every major capital campaign at Northwestern College.

Anne Weaver, 87, Des Moines. Literally went to Timbuktu just so she could say the name "Timbuktu."

Betty Webb, 77, Le Mars. Went all-out celebrating and decorating for the holidays.

Michael Wisehart, 66, Cedar Rapids. Worked as a California Park Rangers for many years and always supported the Hawkeyes.

June Welsch, 83, Muscatine. Could be found most days at local cafes visiting with friends.

Ruth Welscott, 73, Mason City. Traveled across the country in an RV for 19 years finding her family roots.

Rita Weiden, 98, Raymond. Most remembered as a waitress at Bishop’s Cafeteria in Waterloo.

Robert Wensel, 83, Sioux City. Served aboard the USS Jasper during the Bay of Pigs.

Elizabeth Westcott, 84, Cedar Rapids. Graduated from the John Roberts Powers Modeling School in Minneapolis.

Janet Westhoff, 85, Manchester. Crocheted and quilted blankets for many charitable causes and for all her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Paul Werger, 88, Urbandale. Former bishop of the Iowa Synod of the Lutheran Church in America.

Larry Whaley, 64, Anamosa. Iowa Department of Corrections inmate.

James "Choo-Choo" Whetsler, 77, Rome. Beloved by many for telling stories of his long career in the railroad industry .

Carroll White, 100, Ottumwa. Among first troops in Hiroshima after its bombing.

Dennis White, 81, Mount Pleasant. Coached little league baseball and junior bowling.

Jerry Wayne Wieter, 68, Muscatine. Devoted Hawkeye fan.

Jo Ann Wilch, 89, Cedar Rapids. Loved a good book, a glass of chardonnay, her transistor radio and Sonny Rollins.

Clellan Wildes, 87, Marion. A master apple pie baker and cribbage player.

Bonnie Wilberding, 87, Mitchell County. A fierce spirit with a penchant for witty conversations.

Joseph Wilhelm, 82, Davenport. Enjoyed target shooting and deer and moose hunting.

Carol Williams, 93, Ottumwa. Part of the group who pushed to equip Ottumwa with audible outdoor warning sirens.

Florence Williams, 86, Springville. Gave back to her community by volunteering with 4-H, the Springville Public Library and Meals-On-Wheels.

Bryce Wilson, 31, Des Moines. Played football internationally in Brazil and Hungary.

Sharon Rae Wilson, 73, Merrill. Always cared for her family cats as well as strays.

Claude "Sid" Winchell Jr., 87, Atlantic. A consummate volunteer who served as mayor of Atlantic for four years.

Betty Winterfeld, 87, Hawarden. The quilts she and her friends made now warm people around the world.

Darleen Witzel, 46, Des Moines. A nurse who loved her St. Bernard, Tank, with all her heart.

Wiuca Iddi Wiuca, 36, Des Moines. Came to Iowa as a refugee in 2019, fleeing war in the Congo.

Michael "Mike" Wolfe, 66, Allerton. Played Santa during the holidays.

Max Wolfgram, 84, Manchester. Loved hunting elk in Colorado, backpacking the Boundary Waters in Minnesota and hiking the Backbone State Park in Iowa.

Terry Lou Wood, 70, Waterloo. Worked at John Deere for 30 years.

Robert Worth, 93, Des Moines. Attended a one-room school house, graduating as salutatorian of his class in 1945.

David M. Worthington, 74, Des Moines. Enjoyed skiing on water and on snow.

Deborah Wright, 50, Keokuk. A teacher who also wrote grants for Lee County to obtain K-9 officers.

John Wright, 61, Des Moines. Drove buses for Southeast Polk Schools for 13 years.

Larry Wright, 78, Northwood. Loved to fly the wild blue yonder in his Cessna 182.

Sherry Wright, 74, West Des Moines. A devout Christian known for her bright laugh.

Steven Wright, 64, Solon. Elected mayor of Solon from 1980 to 1987 and retained the lifelong nickname "Mayor Steve."

Phyllis Wrobel, 98, Muscatine. Crafted quilts and gifts for her great-grandchildren.

James Wubbens, 56, Cedar Rapids. Married his love, Shelia, Little Brown Church in Nashua.

Chuck Wyatt, 83, George. A veterinarian caring for many farm animals across Iowa.

Y

Elvin "Al" Yoder, 77, Iowa City. Always juggled several woodworking projects.

Delbert Van Young, 59, Ames. Was a ticket-taker at Hilton Coliseum.

Donald Young, 83, Viola. Always ready to explore the roads on his motorcycle.

William Roy Young, 65, Ames. Owned and managed local JARCO Stores with his father.

Z

Michael Zawitowkski, 100, Des Moines. A paratrooper during World War II.

Frank Zieser, 78, Walker. Helped his community by building furniture and donating it to the Sacred Heart Church every year for their church raffle and for use in the church.

June Zirkelbach, 96, Monticello. Played the organ at Scotch Grove Presbyterian Church.

Winton George Znerold, 97, Windsor Heights. Was offered a semi-professional baseball contract in his youth, but couldn't accept it after being drafted in World War II.

Sharon Zumbrunnen, 67, Monticello. A staple at the local library, reading and working on the computer.

AND THE MORE THAN 5,300 IOWANS who died before August 4, 2021.

News from around our 50 states

From staff and wire reports

Alabama

Montgomery: Lawmakers have voted to place statues of Rosa Parks and Helen Keller on the grounds of the state Capitol. State senators on Tuesday voted 29-0 for the bill. The legislation now goes to Gov. Kay Ivey for her signature. The bill by Rep. Laura Hall creates a Women’s Tribute Statue Commission to fund, commission and place statues of Parks and Keller on the Capitol grounds. Parks was arrested Dec. 1, 1955, for refusing to give up her seat on a segregated Montgomery city bus to a white passenger. Her arrest helped spark the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the civil rights movement. Keller, who was both deaf and blind, became a world-famous author and activist.

Alaska

Kodiak: Many are familiar with uninvited guests unexpectedly crashing at the house, but an eagle took such a scenario to new heights. An eagle grabbed a piece of freezer-burned halibut that someone had thrown out and apparently misjudged its climb up a cliff with the 4-pound piece of fish while likely being chased by another eagle, the Kodiak Daily Mirror reports. The wrong trajectory led the eagle to smash through a front window of Stacy Studebaker’s home Saturday. “It was so unbelievably loud. My first thought was I thought an atomic bomb had dropped and the windows were blowing out,” says Studebaker, who founded the local chapter of the Audubon Society. She and a neighbor struggled to get the raptor out of her home as it dealt mayhem. Except for some blood around the beak, the eagle didn’t appear to be injured.

Arizona

Phoenix: Tonto National Monument, a desert park northeast of Phoenix, has been designated an International Dark Sky Park by the International Dark-Sky Association. That honor is bestowed on areas worldwide that take steps to make it easier for people to enjoy the night sky without the distractions of light pollution. Achieving this designation involves retrofitting light fixtures and bulbs, acquiring data for darkness analysis, and monitoring and interpreting the importance of preserving darkness. The state is awash in dark-sky sites, including the communities of Camp Verde, Flagstaff, Fountain Hills, Oak Creek and Sedona; Grand Canyon National Park; Kartchner Caverns State Park; Oracle State Park; Petrified Forest National Park; Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument; Parashant National Monument; Tumacacori National Historical Park; Walnut Canyon National Monument; and Wupatki National Monument.

Arkansas

Fayetteville: Local leaders are considering a measure that would prevent the city from using public money to buy disposable products made with Styrofoam. The Fayetteville City Council discussed the proposal Tuesday night but took no action. The measure would also prohibit vendors, concession stands or food trucks operating on city property from using polystyrene foam, better known as Styrofoam. The Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reports that the proposal is set to be considered again later this month. Cities and states across the nation have been busy banning or imposing fees for single-use foam and plastic products, while a wave in the opposite direction has led some states to seek prohibitions against such bans at the local level.

California

Beverly Hills: A fiery debate is breaking out as people at tony hair salons, gas stations and stores weigh in on whether the city of the rich and famous should become the first in the U.S. to outlaw the sale of tobacco products everywhere except a few cigar lounges. The City Council decided Tuesday night to make some changes to the proposal, such as allowing guests in Beverly Hills’ luxury hotels to acquire cigarettes through their concierge or room service. Members indicated they plan to pass the amended measure May 21. Abstainers have said yes to the idea, and the sooner the better, while smokers protested. California already outlaws smoking in workplaces, restaurants and bars. It also has one of the highest cigarette taxes in the country – nearly $3 a pack. The proposed ordinance would ban all tobacco products from grocery stores, pharmacies, hotels and gas stations.

Colorado

Denver: Voters narrowly made the city the first in the nation to decriminalize psilocybin, the psychoactive ingredient in “magic mushrooms.” Decriminalization led by a slim 51%, according to preliminary figures on Tuesday’s election released by Denver’s Election Division. As many as 1,300 votes still remain to be counted, but that figure was not enough to swing the vote the other way, division spokesman Alton Dillard said. Final results will be released May 16, he said. Organizers say their only goal in the mushroom measure is to keep people out of jail for using or possessing the drug to cope with depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress and other conditions. The initiative effectively decriminalizes use or possession of psilocybin by people 21 and older, making it the lowest enforcement priority for police and prosecutors. It does not legalize psilocybin or permit its sale by cannabis businesses.

Connecticut

Hartford: An effort to better market the state as a good place to live, visit and do business has cleared a key legislative hurdle. The House of Representatives on Tuesday voted 113-28 for a bill requiring the Department of Economic and Community Development to come up with a marketing strategy that includes outreach to startup businesses and entrepreneurs, a new social media photo competition highlighting Connecticut’s beauty, and a campaign highlighting successful businesses. The bill, which awaits Senate action, also suggests DECD consider updating the state’s “Still Revolutionary” logo or design a new one with the help of a middle-school design competition. Other suggestions include targeting former residents between ages 30-45 and improving print marketing in airport lounges. Some Republicans opposed the bill, arguing lawmakers should simply cut taxes to attract business.

Delaware

Dover: In an effort to better identify victims of human trafficking, hospitals across the state will start to use the same techniques, making the First State likely the first in the country to adopt a coordinated approach, health officials say. Delaware has become an attractive place for traffickers because of its place along the I-95 corridor – and critics say state officials have been slow to address the growing problem. The Delaware Healthcare Association, which represents all the hospitals in the state, announced five recommendations Wednesday that will be implemented at all hospitals within the next year: educating the entire staff about human trafficking, using a specific assessment to identify red flags, following a step-by-step process to respond to suspected trafficking, using a hospital code for trafficking victims to collect statewide data and following a memo on how best to address minors who are being trafficked.

District of Columbia

Washington: Comedian Dave Chappelle has been chosen to receive this year’s Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. The 45-year-old Chappelle shot to international stardom through his Comedy Central program, “Chappelle’s Show,” which gleefully skewered racial stereotypes and hot-button societal issues. He later made headlines for walking away from a lucrative contract over creative differences. Chappelle attended Washington’s Duke Ellington School of the Arts, and his first hourlong comedy special was filmed in the nation’s capital. Kennedy Center President Deborah Rutter called Chappelle “a hometown hero” and said his social commentary and body of work embody Twain’s statement that “against the assault of humor, nothing can stand.” Chappelle will be presented with the award in a star-studded ceremony Oct. 29 that will be broadcast on television Jan. 6, 2020.

Florida

Gainesville: The lovebugs that are driving Floridians crazy right now may not be good for the finish on cars, but they are good for the environment, particularly the soil, according to the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. The pesky, slow-flying insects lay their eggs in places with dying vegetation, such as thatch, which is the cut grass spit out by lawn mowers. That’s where immature lovebugs, which actually are a type of fly known scientifically as plecia nearctica, live and eat. Feeding on the dead vegetation redistributes essential nutrients back into the ground, and that benefits plants and the environment. Also known as honeymoon flies, double-headed bugs and kissing bugs, the adult insects feed on plant nectar, especially sweet clover, goldenrod and Brazilian pepper.

Georgia

Atlanta: The state is seeking proposals to develop a Medicaid waiver that Republican Gov. Brian Kemp says will make health care more affordable and accessible. If approved by the federal government, the waiver would allow Georgia to expand Medicaid more conservatively than federal rules typically allow. The Department of Community Health asked six consulting firms Monday to submit proposals for waivers addressing Georgia’s Medicaid program and private health insurance. Officials are aiming to submit them to the federal government by the end of 2019. A bill that Kemp signed in March gave his office wide leeway to seek a waiver that reshapes the state’s health care system. Georgia is one of 14 states that haven’t fully expanded Medicaid under the 2010 Affordable Care Act.

Hawaii

Honolulu: The State Department of Health has launched a new website that provides near real-time data on the air quality following last summer’s Kilauea eruption. The site is expected to serve as an online resource, particularly in the event of future volcanic eruptions, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reports. “We listened to the concerns of residents, took action to improve our air quality monitoring system, and created a one-stop, user-friendly website. We’re much more volcano-ready than we have ever been,” says Health Director Bruce Anderson. Data for the website is pulled from air quality monitoring stations at strategic locations throughout the state. Most are on the Big Island. The state upgraded and expanded its air quality monitoring system with more than $1.5 million in federal and state funds. People can access the data via an interactive air quality map.

Idaho

Boise: A planned hiking-and-biking trail connecting the popular central Idaho tourist destinations of Redfish Lake and Stanley is being challenged in federal court by the owners of Sawtooth Mountain Ranch. David Boren and Lynn Arnone filed the lawsuit last month seeking to stop a U.S. Forest Service plan to build a 4.4-mile trail for pedestrians, cyclists and horseback riders. The trail cuts across the Sawtooth Mountain Ranch. But the Sawtooth National Forest has a conservation easement deed dating to 2005 that it says allows the trail to cross the private property. The lawsuit contends the planned trail deviates from the easement and has “numerous flaws and illegalities.”

Illinois

Chicago: Community and environmental activists are pushing for the opening of Lake Calumet on the city’s South Side to public access for recreation. Currently, a chain-link fence topped with razor wire surrounds the lake, blocking public access to hundreds of acres of natural habit. Ders Anderson of Chicago-based Openlands told the Daily Southtown in Tinley Park that Lake Calumet has long been recognized for the waterfowl, bald eagles and other bird species that roost nearby. Anderson says in addition to bird-watching, walking or bicycling on trails near the water, canoeing on the shallow lake or simply relaxing would benefit residents of Chicago and nearby suburbs. About 1,500 acres around Lake Calumet are part of the Port of Chicago, controlled by the Illinois International Port District.

Indiana

Franklin: Researchers at Franklin College have received a record-breaking research grant to study the behavior and management of Canada geese in the state, where the migratory bird’s population is growing along with complaints. The four-year grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act includes a $250,000 award that will fund Franklin College’s contribution to the study, on which the college is partnering with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and Ball State University. It is the largest research grant ever awarded to the small college about 20 miles south of Indianapolis. Indiana’s Canada goose population is estimated around 130,000, according to the DNR, but the rise in complaints involving geese in urban areas suggests that figure may actually be higher.

Iowa

Onawa: A new report has named this small town, known for its wide main street and its claim to the invention of the Eskimo Pie, the poorest in the state. According to 24/7 Wall Street, Onawa is the only town in Iowa where more than 1 in 4 residents lives below the poverty line. The town’s 24.9% SNAP benefit recipiency rate is more than double the 11.2% rate statewide, the report says. The town with a population of 2,849 has a median household income of $31,089 (state: $56,570), a poverty rate of 25.3% (state: 12%) and a median home value of $93,500 (state: $137,200). The population is 90% white and 8% American Indian. Onawa is most widely known for staking a claim as the town with the “widest main street in America” at 150 feet wide. It’s also known as the birthplace of the Eskimo pie, a frozen treat made of ice cream encased in a chocolate coating, reportedly invented by Chris K. Nelsen in the summer of 1919.

Kansas

Kansas City: A water park where a 10-year-old boy was decapitated isn’t hiring lifeguards, advertising or selling tickets with just weeks left before its typical Memorial Day weekend opening date, underlining speculation that it could be put up for sale. Schlitterbahn remains mum on its plans but has largely removed reference from its website about the park where Caleb Schwab was killed in 2016 when the raft he was riding on the 17-story Verruckt slide went airborne and hit a metal pole. Verruckt – German for “crazy” – never reopened and was torn down last year. Season tickets have been on sale for months for Schlitterbahn’s four Texas locations, but not the Kansas park. Speculation about a potential sale was fueled by mortgage lender EPR Properties announcing last week that Schlitterbahn is expected to pay off its approximately $190 million loan on the property soon.

Kentucky

Walton: The high school senior who went to court over a restriction tied to chickenpox at his school has come down with the illness, his lawyer says. Christopher Wiest says Jerome Kunkel, 18, got sick last week, nearly two months after the Northern Kentucky Health Department issued its order to control an outbreak at two small parochial schools in Boone County. “He’s fine,” Wiest said. “He’s a little itchy.” In January, chickenpox broke out at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart School and Assumption Academy, its high school. The schools and church in Walton are affiliated with the Society of St. Pius X, a conservative branch of Roman Catholicism that rejects Vatican II reforms. Nearly 90% of the schools’ students have religious exemptions against vaccinations. Kunkel and his classmates did not receive the vaccine because its production involves laboratory-generated cells taken from a fetus aborted in 1966.

Louisiana

Shreveport: A display of “magic, luck and friendship” will brighten up downtown’s Shreveport Common neighborhood this fall. The FriendsWithYou artist group will install a vivid, colorful public park called Rainbow City, including more than 35 larger-than-life, vinyl, multicolored inflatable sculptures standing up to 50 feet high. Rainbow City will be unveiled in late October in the Common Park. Various interactive and entertaining experiences are programmed at the inflatable park from Oct. 26 through Dec. 7, including a Dia de los Muertos celebratory dance party, a PJs and Pancakes breakfast, a romantic movie screening under the stars, a yoga session and more. On Oct. 26, FriendsWithYou will lead a Rainbow City Parade, featuring a new inflatable character named “Gumball,” designed by Caddo Parish student Isaiah Roberts. The fourth grader’s drawing was selected from hundreds of submissions.

Maine

Portland: The state’s baby eel fishermen are enjoying a steady harvest and strong prices during the first season in which regulators are using new controls to stop poaching. Baby eels, called elvers, are one of the most lucrative marine resources in the U.S. on a per-pound basis, but the fishery has had problems with poaching. This year, packing and shipping of the fish is subject to more scrutiny by the Maine Marine Patrol. Fishermen are more than 90% of the way through their quota for the year, which is slightly less than 10,000 pounds. The average price is more than $2,000 per pound, which would be the third highest average on record if holds, state officials said. “For the guys who want to do the right thing and grow this fishery, they’re happy to comply,” says Jeffrey Pierce, a former state legislator who is an adviser to the Maine Elver Fishermen Association.

Maryland

Baltimore: Police arrested seven people Wednesday as they ended a monthlong sit-in in the lobby of an administrative building at Johns Hopkins University, where a group of protesters have demonstrated against the creation of a campus police force and the institution’s contracts with the U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement agency. City police officers and firefighters “provided assistance” shortly before 5 a.m. to reopen Garland Hall, the primary administrative building, the university announced. Protesters had chained the doors shut and blocked stairwells, defying a city fire marshal’s orders to keep the entrances and exits clear. Firefighters used an electric saw to get inside. The city’s top prosecutor swiftly dismissed the idea of prosecuting them. “No one arrested, student or community member, will be prosecuted,” said Melba Saunders, spokeswoman for State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby.

Massachusetts

Boston: America’s oldest performing arts group is looking for a child who was literally wowed by a recent classical music concert. The Handel & Haydn Society had just finished its rendition of Mozart’s “Masonic Funeral” at Symphony Hall on Sunday when a youngster blurted out loudly: “WOW!” Boston classical music station WCRB-FM captured the exuberance on audio. The crowd can be heard bursting first into laughter and then into rousing applause for the child. Now the organization founded in 1815 has mounted a search for the kid it’s calling the “Wow Child” – not to reprimand him or her but to offer a chance to meet the conductor and hear the orchestra again as a guest of honor. “It was one of the most wonderful moments I’ve experienced in the concert hall,” Handel & Haydn president and CEO David Snead wrote in a letter to concertgoers asking them to share the child’s name.

Michigan

Detroit: A 17-foot bronze sculpture that arrived downtown last year got people talking, taking selfies and wondering what exactly it means. This week, the conversation sparked by “Waiting,” a work of art by internationally acclaimed artist Kaws, will get some fresh context, thanks to the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit. “Kaws: Alone Again,” which opens Friday and runs through Aug. 4, is a solo exhibition of work by Brooklyn-based artist Brian Donnelly, who goes by the alias Kaws. The show was organized by MOCAD’s executive director Elysia Borowy-Reeder in collaboration with the contemporary art superstar. “Riffing on specific genres of pop art, figuration, deconstruction, collage and fashion, the exhibition represents an underlying irreverence and affection for our turbulent times, as well as Kaws’ agility as an artist to appropriate and transform,” MOCAD says about the exhibition.

Minnesota

St. Paul: Mississippi River flooding in the capital this spring swamped the record for the longest period of flooding ever measured in the city. The St. Paul Pioneer Press reports that the river was above flood stage for 42 straight days, easily surpassing the 2001 record of 33 days. The National Weather Service says the river fell below flood stage last weekend. The city is continuing to assess and clean up riverside streets that were submerged before reopening them. All of the city’s flood plain parks, including boat launches, remain closed.

Mississippi

Oxford: The mayor is apologizing about confusion over parking meters. Oxford Mayor Robyn Tannehill says drivers will not be ticketed for parking at a malfunctioning meter. The Oxford Eagle reports the city put stickers on meters a couple of weeks ago warning people not to park at broken ones. The city’s parking director, Matt Davis, had also told the newspaper that citations would be issued. Parking meters are still fairly new on the town square in Oxford. Tannehill says the mayor and aldermen never voted to allow ticketing for vehicles parked at broken meters. She said Saturday on social media that if someone finds a broken meter, the city should tell that driver: “ ‘It’s your lucky day.’ ”

Missouri

Springfield: An Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals panel has upheld a previous ruling on a city ordinance that prohibits women from showing their nipples and areolas in public, despite protests from local activists who argue the policy is discriminatory. The decision Monday is the latest in a four-year controversy that started when some women walked shirtless through downtown Springfield to protest the differing rules for men and women. Members of the City Council, who feared the scandalizing of children and moral degradation of the community, later passed an ordinance prohibiting women from showing their nipples in public. But the ACLU and local “Free the Nipple” activists sued, and a federal judge upheld the city’s ordinance in 2017. On Monday, a three-judge panel for the appeals court agreed with the lower court, citing at least eight cases during which courts upheld similar laws.

Montana

Billings: Law enforcement officials say they’ve managed to slow an increase in violent crime rates in the state’s most populous county that’s being driven largely by methamphetamine trafficking and abuse. U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme and Montana Attorney General Tim Fox on Wednesday announced results from the first year of an initiative targeting violent criminals in Yellowstone County. They say the number of murders, robberies and aggravated assaults increased just over 1% over the past year, after surging 26% in the prior 12-month period. Alme credited the government’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative for helping bring federal charges against 170 defendants in Yellowstone County for drug trafficking, armed robbery and firearms offenses. Alme says a similar effort in Missoula County is also showing positive results.

Nebraska

Niobrara: People who suffered losses when the Spencer Dam failed have gotten more bad news: State law limits the liability of the dam’s owner. That owner, Nebraska Public Power District, has said the March 14 collapse was due to a combination of high Niobrara River flows and massive chunks of ice. The home of a man who lived below the dam, Kenny Angel, was swept away. His body still has not been found. The Norfolk Daily News reports that attorney David Domina addressed a gathering of homeowners, farmers and businesspeople Monday in Niobrara. He told them state law limits the district liability to $1 million per claim per occurrence and $5 million per occurrence for all claimants. He says Knox County already is listing more than $17 million in damages.

Nevada

Sparks: The Forest Service’s rejection of a proposal to drill for oil or gas in the Ruby Mountains has become official after no one complained during the 45-day objection period. Forest Supervisor Bill Dunkelberger says the agency’s decision became final Tuesday. He says the service didn’t receive a single objection after it determined the drilling wasn’t suitable for the area and selected the “no leasing” alternative in mid-March. He says that reaffirms his belief he made the right decision for future management of more than 82 square miles of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest along the mountain range in northern Nevada’s Elko County. Dunkelberger concluded any economic benefits from the drilling would be limited compared to money the natural resources contribute to the area economy through tourism, recreation and livestock grazing.

New Hampshire

Durham: University of New Hampshire researchers say they’ve discovered a new strain of canine distemper virus in wild animals in New Hampshire and Vermont. Over one year, pathologists diagnosed canine distemper virus infection in eight mammals: fishers, gray foxes, a skunk, a raccoon and a mink. Pathologists found all of the animals were infected with a distinct strain of the virus that had been identified only in a single raccoon in Rhode Island in 2004. They said the identification of this strain fills a gap in the general knowledge of canine distemper virus strains circulating in North America. The strain was identified by UNH pathologists in collaboration with colleagues at Cornell University, University of Georgia, Northeast Wildlife Disease Cooperative, and state Fish and Game departments.

New Jersey

Newark: Gov. Phil Murphy has signed four bills into law aimed at improving maternal health care, particularly for residents using Medicaid. The Democrat signed the measures Wednesday at University Hospital in Newark. The new laws were enacted just a day after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a study showing that pregnancy-related deaths are rising and that being black is a main risk factor. One measure provides for Medicaid to cover doulas. Another sets up a pilot program for perinatal care for those on Medicaid. The third bill bars early, elective deliveries that are not medically necessary for those on Medicaid and on the state’s health benefits plans. The final measure codifies a current practice by requiring perinatal risk assessment forms be filled out by Medicaid providers.

New Mexico

Las Vegas: A group of college students is helping redesign the Jemez Historic Site visitor center using multimedia tools. New Mexico Highlands University announced this week that 15 of its media arts students are creating floor-to-ceiling video projections of historic images and oral histories at the Native American site. The students also are adding interactive touch-screen computer tablets that focus on artifacts and an event called “Light Among the Ruins.” Supervisory archaeologist Ethan Ortega says the students used oral histories and texts written by Jemez tribal members to create the new components. The Jemez Historic Site includes the stone remains of a 500-year-old village and the San Jose church, which dates to 1622. It’s located at Jemez Springs, about 50 miles north of Albuquerque.

New York

Albany: A new exhibit chronicling the end of one of the most turbulent decades in American history has opened to the public at the Empire State Plaza. The exhibit titled “1969” opened Wednesday at the Vietnam Memorial Gallery in the Robert Abrams Justice Building in downtown Albany. Events such as the first moon landing and Woodstock music concert occurred 50 years ago this year, while the Vietnam War raged in Southeast Asia. The exhibit includes photographs, archival footage and artifacts from the era, along with audio recordings of veterans from New York telling stories about their Vietnam experience in ’69. Nicholas Valenti, a Marine Corps veteran who served in Vietnam and is now a leader of the Vietnam Veteran chapters of New York, joined state officials at the official opening.

North Carolina

Durham: Duke University has received a $5 million grant to improve the 55-acre Sarah P. Duke Gardens site on campus, which attracts about 400,000 visitors each year. University President Vincent Price said in a news release that The Duke Endowment is providing the grant for the Garden Gateway Project, a fundraising campaign. The grant brings the total raised to $16 million of the $30 million goal for the project, which will revitalize the gardens’ front entrance and fund new and improved facilities and classrooms. The plan also calls for a new performance lawn and expanded indoor event hall. The Duke Endowment is a private foundation based in Charlotte. The university, the foundation and Duke Energy are separate organizations despite sharing a name.

North Dakota

Medora: Part of the scenic drive and some trails are being temporarily closed at Theodore Roosevelt National Park’s North Unit while prescribed fire projects are completed. Planned burns are used as a resource management tool. The National Park Service says one fire Thursday is to encompass about 4,300 acres, or nearly 7 square miles. There also will be a smaller fire covering 700 acres, or about a square mile. The scenic drive will be closed at the Caprock Coulee trailhead to the end of the road. Portions of the Achenbach and Caprock Coulee trails will be closed for visitor safety. Burning is expected be completed by the end of the day.

Ohio

Cincinnati: The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden is expecting two new babies this year. “Two of our giraffes are pregnant. One, Tessa, is due in June, and the other, Cece, is due in the fall,” spokeswoman Michelle Curley says. Both Tessa and Cece have given birth at the zoo before, but these will be the first giraffe calves in three years. Cece’s daughter Cora and Zoey, who was born to Jambo, made their debut in 2016. In 2014, Tessa gave birth to Nasha. Way back in 2011, Tessa gave birth to the zoo’s first baby giraffe in 26 years. According to the zoo, giraffe calves typically weigh about 125 pounds at birth and are approximately 6 feet tall.

Oklahoma

Tulsa: Fines, dues and court expenses assessed to defendants in the state have spiked since fiscal year 2007, and some criminal justice reform advocates say state and local government agencies are increasingly relying on them as an income source. Tulsa World reports that citations, fees and costs have risen 27% since 2007. State lawmakers have also imposed two administrative charges that collectively require defendants to pay an additional 25% of all fees amassed by the courts for the executive branch. Court collections have contributed to about 66% to 90% of yearly district court subsidies over that same period. Oklahomans for Criminal Justice Reform director Kris Steele says an impoverished person’s inability to pay either puts them in jail or leads to their return to crime in order to satisfy the debts.

Oregon

Salem: The Legislature is considering a bill that would let farmers sue companies, such as Bayer and Syngenta, that hold patents on genetically engineered seeds if crops grown from those seeds contaminate other crops. Contamination from genetically engineered crops can make organic and conventional crops unable to be sold. GE crops also can escape their fields and become a nuisance for other farmers that is hard to eradicate. House Bill 2882 would allow landowners or tenants to seek three times actual economic damages if GE organisms, also called GMOs, are present on their land without permission. It also would allow residents to sue the corporations if GE organisms are found on land owned or occupied by a public body in the area where they live.

Pennsylvania

Harrisburg: Three Mile Island, site of the United States’ worst nuclear power accident, will begin a planned shutdown starting June 1 now that it is clear that it will not get a financial rescue from the state, its owner said Wednesday. Exelon Corp.’s statement comes two years after the energy giant threatened to close the money-losing plant without what critics have called a bailout. The fight over Three Mile Island and Pennsylvania’s four other nuclear power plants invigorated a debate over the “zero carbon emissions” characteristics of nuclear power in the age of global warming and in one of the nation’s largest fossil fuel-producing states. Three Mile Island’s Unit 1 is licensed to operate through 2034, and shutting it down will cut its life short by 15 years. It will go offline by Sept. 30, Exelon said.

Rhode Island

Warwick: A school district has changed its policy after facing criticism for a plan to serve students who owe lunch money sun butter and jelly sandwiches instead of a hot meal. Warwick Public Schools, which serves students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, said Wednesday that a school subcommittee recommended students get the lunch of their choice regardless of their account balance. Chairwoman Karen Bachus clarified that under the current policy students would’ve been provided the sandwich, which is also a daily choice on the school lunch menu, vegetables, fruit and milk. The district faced pushback after announcing in a Facebook post Sunday that students who owed money on paid, free or reduced lunch accounts would be served cold sandwiches until the balance is paid starting May 13.

South Carolina

Charleston: The state’s largest detention center is facing a serious staffing shortage, and officials are hoping to hire those looking for work. WCIV-TV reports there are about 90 vacancies currently out of nearly 400 jobs at the Al Cannon Detention Center. Deputy PJ Skipper says the job isn’t for everyone, but it’s one that has kept her coming back every day for 23 years. She says she initially planned a short two-year stint but realized working there is a calling. She says if she can make a difference with just one inmate, she’s done her job. The sheriff’s office is holding a Career Day on Saturday. Those interested should bring a driver’s license or other ID and be ready to take tests to see if they qualify for the posts.

South Dakota

Keystone: Fireworks will return to Mount Rushmore National Memorial for the Fourth of July celebration in 2020. Mount Rushmore’s fireworks were discontinued after 2009 due to concerns related to the pine beetle infestation that increased fire concerns in the Black Hills National Forest. The forest has since rebounded, and advances have been made in pyrotechnic safety. Gov. Kristi Noem, federal Interior Secretary David Bernhardt and National Park Service Deputy Director P. Daniel Smith on Tuesday announced the resumption of fireworks. Noem said the agreement came after several months of meetings and discussions.

Tennessee

Nashville: Along with classic country songs like “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” there’s a legendary tale that millions associate with George Jones – the lawn mower story. Once, during a terrible bout of binge drinking, Jones says he was left alone in his house with no booze. To stop him from driving to the liquor store, his wife had hidden all his car keys. “But she forgot about the lawn mower,” Jones wrote in his autobiography, “I Lived to Tell It All.” Jones cleaned up his act for good in 1999, living a sober life until his death in 2013, but the lawn mower legend lives on. Now, it’s been immortalized in a new mural on the side of Nashville’s Colonial Liquors, where Jones was once a frequent customer. The mural was painted by Nashville artist Shawn Catz, along with a crew of musician friends. But the cartoon design actually comes from an episode of “Tales From the Tour Bus,” an animated TV series by Mike Judge (“Beavis & Butthead,” “King of the Hill”).

Texas

Austin: Removal of Confederate and other historical markers would need approval from voters or state lawmakers under a bill that won initial approval from the state Senate on Tuesday. The measure would take removal powers away from local governments and other public entities who have grappled with calls to remove Confederate markers that are now facing protests over the era’s racist history. The Dallas City Council voted last year to remove a statue of Robert E. Lee from a park, and the University of Texas in 2017 removed several statues of Lee and other Confederate figures. Earlier this year, Gov. Greg Abbott and other top state Republicans agreed to remove a Capitol plaque that said slavery was not the underlying cause of the Civil War.

Utah

Cedar City: Southern Utah University has secured funding for a new child development center, which officials say could fill a previously unmet need of on-campus child care. But city residents as a whole may also be struggling to find quality, affordable child care. Data suggests care in Cedar City isn’t just hard to come by but also expensive. Though finding affordable, quality child care is an issue many families and individuals face, SUU is focusing its services on students who are single mothers. Construction on the Sorenson Legacy Child and Family Development Center will begin in July, and it will be open for student use by August 2020. Kathy Wyatt, steering committee chair of the child care center and SUU’s first lady, says the center will double as a preschool, taking in children who are infants up to age 5.

Vermont

Derby Line: U.S. officials have marked the completion of a new U.S.-Canada border crossing facility that is designed to smooth the flow of people and trade between the two countries while keeping the U.S. safe from terrorism and criminal organizations. The new $33 million facility at the northern end of Interstate 91 in the Vermont town of Derby Line replaces another facility that was built in 1965. High-tech improvements make the new facility more energy efficient, and it includes technological upgrades and larger spaces where officers from U.S. Customs and Border Protection can process both people and cargo. Construction began in fall 2016. The port of entry processes about 1.1 million people a year, says Christopher Averill, the regional administrator of the General Services Administration.

Virginia

Richmond: A police officer who cursed at a group of black middle schoolers and later promised to publicly apologize has rescinded the offer. Richmond police Chief William Smith tells The Richmond Times-Dispatch that the officer, whose name hasn’t been released, no longer feels he can handle the large setting. A March video shows the officer telling the Albert Hill students to “wait until your asses turn 18, then you’re mine.” Student Cameron Hilliard filmed the video and says someone outside her group yelled an obscenity directed at officers, launching the confrontation. The officer apologized to the students and their guardians last week and signed an agreement to publicly apologize at a school assembly. The chief says the officer is sorry for not being able to meet with the school.

Washington

Olympia: Gov. Jay Inslee, who is seeking a path to the White House on the message of climate change, signed a measure Tuesday that makes the state the fourth in the nation to establish a mandate to provide carbon-free electricity by a targeted date. The measure was among several environmental bills that Inslee signed at a park in Seattle, surrounded by climate advocates and others. The signing of the new law comes less than a week after Inslee unveiled his first major policy proposal of his presidential campaign, in which he called for the nation’s entire electrical grid and all new vehicles and buildings to be free of carbon pollution by 2030. “We are determined to build a solar and wind and electrical system where people can access clean energy and cleaner air to breathe for our kids as long as Washington state is here,” he said.

West Virginia

Charleston: The U.S. government sued nearly two dozen of Gov. Jim Justice’s coal companies Tuesday to get them to pay about $4.8 million in unpaid mine safety fines. The civil lawsuit was filed by federal prosecutors on behalf of the U.S. Department of Labor and the Mine Safety and Health Administration. Justice’s companies committed more than 2,000 federal Mine Health and Safety Act violations since May 2014 but have refused to pay the penalties despite multiple attempts by federal agencies to get the money, according to the lawsuit. “This is unacceptable, and, as indicated by this suit, we will hold them accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Thomas T. Cullen.

Wisconsin

Madison: Assembly Republicans with prisons in their districts are complaining about Democratic Gov. Tony Evers’ decision to grant temporary raises at only six institutions. Nineteen Republicans sent a letter Wednesday to Evers saying that the raises aren’t fair and that compensation should be addressed through the state budget. A state audit released last week found entry-level guard pay in Wisconsin was second-lowest among seven Midwestern states. Evers’ budget calls for spending an additional $23.8 million to create a pay progression system for prison workers. Days before the audit was released, Evers’ administration gave temporary raises of up to $5 an hour to workers at Columbia, Dodge, Green Bay, Taycheedah and Waupun correctional institutions as well as the Lincoln Hills youth prison. Evers spokeswoman Melissa Baldauff says Evers is trying to fix problems Republicans have ignored.

Wyoming

Laramie: If Thomas Foulke has his way, some of the oldest domesticated crops in the world will help grow a new industry in the state. Foulke, a senior research scientist at the University of Wyoming in the Department of Agriculture and Applied Economics, is leading an effort called the Wyoming First-Grains Project, which aims to develop a niche industry around growing “first grains.” He describes those as the earliest domesticated cereal crops, among them Emmer wheat, spelt, barley and einkorn. “People were making bread from wild grains before they even domesticated it,” he said. “There was something about bread and something about wheat that was really important to early humans.” In conjunction with UW research farms in Lingle, Powell and Sheridan, the First-Grains Project produced about 20 acres of spelt and Emmer wheat last year.

From staff and wire reports

News from around our 50 states

From staff and wire reports

Alabama

Mobile: Historical officials say researchers have located the wreck of the last ship known to bring enslaved people from Africa to the United States. A statement issued Wednesday by the Alabama Historical Commission says remains of the Gulf schooner Clotilda have been identified and verified after months of assessment. The commission’s executive director, Lisa Demetropoulos Jones, calls the discovery “an extraordinary archaeological find.” In 1860 the wooden ship illegally transported 110 people from what is now the west African nation of Benin to Mobile. The Clotilda was then taken into delta waters north of the port and burned. The captives were later freed and settled a community that’s still called Africatown.

Alaska

Anchorage: The Anchorage Assembly has adopted a climate action plan setting goals for the city. Alaska Public Media reported Wednesday that officials voted Tuesday to adopt the 100-page document outlining aims such as reducing carbon emissions by 80% within 30 years. The measure passed 8-2, with both Eagle River assembly members opposed. The action plan is primarily a set of nonbinding proposals to guide municipal entities toward more environmentally friendly policies. All 22 members of the public who testified at the meeting favored the measure. Many spoke about the evidence of climate change observed in their lives such as warmer winters, worsening tree pollen, invasive insect species and heightened wildfire conditions.

Arizona

Phoenix: State lawmakers are poised to consider tripling the amount of cash they’re paid for each day they work in new legislation that emerged as their yearly session nears a close. Lawmakers in both parties appeared supportive of the change Thursday. They said rural lawmakers especially are undercompensated for their costs of traveling to and staying in Phoenix during the session. They also note that federal tax law changes eliminated the ability to write off those expenses. Lawmakers earn $24,000 a year, plus a daily expense stipend that currently is $60 for rural lawmakers and $35 for Maricopa County residents. The Senate bill introduced Thursday raises the daily rate for rural lawmakers to the federal rate of $185 a day and half that for Phoenix-area residents. The rate would adjust yearly.

Arkansas

Little Rock: The governor has announced 15 new Cabinet secretaries under a state agency reorganization that cut the number of departments answering directly to him. Gov. Asa Hutchinson on Wednesday said the new secretaries will begin work in July under the reorganization plan that lawmakers approved earlier this year. The plan cut the number of Cabinet-level agencies from 42. The new secretaries include Jami Cook, who will head the new Department of Public Safety that includes State Police, the Crime Lab and the Department of Emergency Management. Cook currently heads the Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training. State Department of Heritage Director Stacy Hurst will head the new Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. State Economic Development Director Mike Preston will head the new Department of Commerce.

California

Sacramento: The Trump administration will not immediately give $1 billion it revoked from the state’s high-speed rail project to another project, according to a legal agreement reached Wednesday between the two sides. The Federal Railroad Administration announced last week that it was revoking the money, prompting California to sue on Tuesday. Beyond the lawsuit, the state planned to seek a temporary restraining order halting the federal government from giving the money to a different rail project. The new agreement means the state won’t file the restraining order, but it does not change the status of the lawsuit. California is trying to build a high-speed rail line between Los Angeles and San Francisco, a venture expected to cost upward of $77 billion. The $929 million is for a segment of track already under construction in the Central Valley that must be completed by 2022.

Colorado

Highlands Ranch: Construction workers have unearthed fossils in a Denver suburb that experts say could be from a rare horned dinosaur. The Denver Museum of Nature and Science said Monday that it is exploring the construction site near a retirement community in Highlands Ranch where a dinosaur’s lower leg bone and several ribs were found. Fossil expert Natalie Toth told KDVR-TV the fossils could be from a torosaurus – a dinosaur similar to the triceratops but differentiated by three bones. Toth says the fossils seem to be intact, so crews are hoping to uncover the entire dinosaur. The fossils are embedded in a rock layer 66 million to 68 million years old. Toth says fossils in the Denver formation are from dinosaurs that were among the last “walking around before the big extinction.”

Connecticut

Torrington: The local police department has reached a deal with a fugitive that would have him surrender if enough people respond to a wanted poster on social media, an agreement that at least one expert calls unethical. Jose Simms, 29, who is believed to be somewhere in New York, has seven arrest warrants and is being sought as a fugitive after failing to appear in court on charges that range from breach of peace to risk of injury to a child. Torrington police Lt. Brett Johnson posted on the department’s Facebook page Wednesday that Sims had contacted him through the social media site and agreed to turn himself in if the post containing his poster gets 15,000 likes. Johnson said he negotiated Simms down from 20,000 likes. “It will be difficult but is doable,” he wrote.

Delaware

Rehoboth Beach: Those who love people-watching and checking out the sights and sounds of nature at the state’s beaches but can’t make it out for Memorial Day weekend – or aren’t fans of dealing with sand, sunscreen and sea creatures – have an option to get their fix online. Southern Delaware Tourism maintains a list of online live cameras available in the area, so people can tune into the shorebirds aflutter along the Delaware Bay or the Boardwalk cruisers from the comfort of their own couch. “It’s such a great tool to be able to help visually relay what a great scene it is here along the coastline,” says Scott Thomas, executive director at Southern Delaware Tourism.

District of Columbia

Washington: Officials of the Metropolitan Area Transit Authority say part of the transit train system is set to shut down for 15 weeks, affecting an estimated 17,000 riders per day. News outlets report the six-station shutdown is set to start Saturday and will be the longest in Metro history. Metro General Manager Paul J. Wiedefeld urged affected riders on Wednesday to explore other commuting options, such as working from home or carpooling. Officials say more buses will be available. This shutdown is part of a three-year platform reconstruction project and will affect Braddock Road, King Street-Old Town, Eisenhower Avenue, Huntington, Van Dorn and Franconia-Springfield stations. This project portion is expected to cost about $200 million. The transit agency hopes to rebuild 20 station platforms by the end of 2021.

Florida

Olga: With no fanfare, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has quietly closed a well-loved Caloosahatchee River beach. This week, staff will start sodding over the sand that slopes to the river at the W.P. Franklin Lock and Dam. Though the swimming area was often barricaded for high fecal bacteria levels, it was Lee County’s only official upriver swimming hole, the site of many a kid’s birthday and al fresco wedding. The Florida Department of Health in Lee County will no longer sample the water there for dangerous bacteria, spokeswoman Tammy Yzaguirre said. In rural Olga some 30 miles upriver from the Gulf, the beach is just one of its 154 miles of navigable waterway the Corps supervises between the Franklin and the St. Lucie locks.

Georgia

Atlanta: Two film projects have pulled production from the state after the governor signed the so-called heartbeat bill, which bans abortions after a fetal heartbeat can be detected. The heartbeat can be detected as early as six weeks, before many women realize they’re pregnant. The Lionsgate comedy “Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar,” starring Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo, and director Reed Morano’s Amazon series “The Power” initially were to be shot in Georgia but now will relocate production. Morano did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday but told Time she had been scheduled to fly to Savannah to scout locations for the new TV series. She canceled after Gov. Brian Kemp signed the bill. The measure is set to go into effect Jan. 1.

Hawaii

Hilo: The first breeding attempt by a pair of Hawaiian crows in the wild in nearly 20 years appears to have failed. The Hawaii Tribune-Herald reports officials at the Puu Makaala Natural Area Reserve did not find offspring at a nest the birds built. Researchers at the state park on the Big Island saw the crows, Manaolana and Manaiakalani, display behavior associated with egg incubation earlier this month, but then found no sign of chicks in the nest beyond the point when eggs would be expected to hatch. While the female, Manaiakalani, continues to act as though incubating, researchers say it is normal for alala – the Hawaiian name for the crows – to perch on infertile or otherwise nonviable eggs until realizing they will not hatch.

Idaho

Boise: Federal officials are taking public comments on a plan to build a 16.5-mile power line at an eastern Idaho nuclear site as part of a cybersecurity effort to bolster protections for the nation’s electric grid. The U.S. Department of Energy announced Tuesday that it’s taking comments through June 21 on the plan to build the power line at the 890-square-mile federal site that includes the Idaho National Laboratory. Officials say the proposed 138-kilovolt powerline will make it easier to conduct experiments at the Idaho National Laboratory’s Power Grid Test Bed. The Idaho National Laboratory contains one of the United States’ primary cybersecurity facilities that uses the existing power grid at the site for experiments to make electric grids around the U.S. more secure from potential hackers.

Illinois

Springfield: The Illinois State Fair karaoke contest is returning this summer, and the winner will get to perform on the fair’s biggest stage. Organizers say nine regional county fairs will host qualifying rounds of State Fair Karaoke this summer. The top two winners from the regional contests will compete at the finale at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield on Aug. 11. The overall winner will be chosen that day. Fair Manager Kevin Gordon says it’s a great opportunity for local talent to perform on the grandstand stage. It’s also another type of free entertainment for people attending the fair. Competitors must be a solo act and at least 18. The contest is free to enter, but space is limited. Competitors are encouraged to pre-register on the fair website.

Indiana

Indianapolis: Quinto sleeps about 15 hours a day and covers his face with a blanket. If enough moss is in his habitat, some could grow in his fur and turn him sort of green. The 15-year-old is part of a group of two-toed sloths who are the first of the mammals ever to reside at the Indianapolis Zoo. The group will live part of the time in the new MISTery Park, one of two new permanent experiences the zoo is unveiling this Memorial Day weekend. The other, in contrast to the cuddly mammals, is “Size, Speed & Venom: Extreme Snakes,” which includes black mambas, pythons and rattlesnakes. The exhibits are different enough that the zoo is instituting a competition between the two – visitors which choose which team they’re on at the end of their visit.

Iowa

Des Moines: The U.S. General Services Administration has released concept drawings of the approved design for the new U.S. Courthouse planned along the city’s riverfront. The GSA said in a release that the design concept for the $137 million building remains subject to minor modifications, according to budgetary, operational and security requirements. The federal courthouse is planned to be built at the former YMCA site along the riverfront. The project has been controversial, with Des Moines leaders fighting GSA’s plans to build at the site for years. Local officials have said that it won’t be in the best interest of a city that has been working to revitalize the riverfront for pedestrian and bicycle traffic.

Kansas

Scott City: The state is relying on its conservation effort to protect the lesser prairie chicken as an ecotourism attraction that is attracting birdwatchers from across the world. The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism officials are working with ranchers and tour groups to meet the high demand for areas to view the vulnerable species of grouse. The department’s outdoor content manager, Michael Pearce, says western Kansas is one of the last remaining places with a sustainable native population of lesser prairie chickens. The tourism aspect has taken off recently, and the state is trying to hand off the project to private citizens. Tour organizer Jim Millensifer says Kansas ranches have had more than 200 people from 11 countries visit for guided tours.

Kentucky

Frankfort: The state’s Division of Waste Management is giving grants to five counties to use recycled rubber tires to repave roadways. The $502,000 in grant funding will be used for rubber-modified asphalt projects that use crumb rubber manufactured from waste tires. The grants were announced by the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet, which oversees the waste management division. Cabinet Secretary Charles Snavely says the grant program is valuable because it promotes the use of recycled rubber from discarded tires. The counties of Clark, Fayette, Hardin, Hopkins and Pulaski received the grants. The state’s Waste Tire Trust Fund collects a $2 fee from the sale of each new tire in the state. The funding helps manage millions of scrap tires discarded each year and develops markets for recycled tire products.

Louisiana

New Orleans: Residents of an island that’s sinking into the Gulf of Mexico are working with legal representatives and case managers hoping to help them relocate. Louisiana’s Office of Community Development Executive Director Pat Forbes tells The Houma Courier that representatives have been working with Isle de Jean Charles residents for several weeks. The island has lost about 98% of its land over the past 60 years. It has 40 residents, many of whom belong to the Biloxi-Chitimacha-Choctaw or the United Houma Indians tribes. Resettlement options include moving into a planned 150-home community or getting funding for a home elsewhere. Forbes says residents don’t have a deadline to decide, though federal funding for the project must be used by September 2022. He says construction may start on the community this year.

Maine

Bar Harbor: The National Park Service says numerous improvements are taking place at Acadia National Park over the coming months. The service says work has begun at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center, and work is slated to begin on the Frazer Point Pier early in July. Hiking trails are also scheduled for improvements. Some work is already finished, including the rehabilitation of historic firepits at Seawall Campgrounds. Acadia National Park is one of Maine’s top tourist destinations in the summer months. It’s famous for Cadillac Mountain, the high point of the North Atlantic’s seaboard. The park service says the maintenance projects are paid for via methods including park entrance fees, federal funding and fundraising.

Maryland

Ocean City: Two male grey seals rescued by the National Aquarium earlier this year were released Thursday at the city’s beach. Choppy waves and a windy, cloudy morning greeted the two semi-aquatic mammals as they were released from their crates. Keeping in line with the nonprofit’s 2019 theme of naming seals after influential scientists, the National Aquarium Animal Rescue Team dubbed the rescuees Edwin Hubble and George Washington Carver. Hubble was found stranded in St. Augustine, Florida – several hundred miles out of the normal range for grey seals, who usually don’t go south of North Carolina. Sea World took him in, and from there, rescuers up and down the Atlantic Coast coordinated a relay for Hubble. He eventually landed in Baltimore at the National Aquarium. Carver was found in early April just south of where he and Hubble were released Thursday.

Massachusetts

Amherst: A slab of rock that bears dinosaur footprints is being donated to Amherst College by authorities who seized it as part of a poaching case. Massachusetts Environmental Police turned the fossil trackway over to the school’s museum of natural history Thursday. It’s believed to bear the tracks of Eubrontes giganteous, a large dinosaur that lived about 190 million years ago. The specimen was taken as evidence in a 2004 case involving poaching in the rich fossil beds of western Massachusetts. The case led to passage of a law protecting fossils and artifacts on public land. After finishing their investigation, police offered it to Amherst’s natural history museum in February. The museum, which says it has the world’s largest collection of fossil dinosaur tracks, was glad to take it.

Michigan

Ann Arbor: A nonprofit tree-planting and education organization is seeking the largest trees in the state. Ann Arbor-based ReLeaf Michigan says its 14th Michigan Big Tree Hunt Contest runs through Sept. 3. Certificates and prizes will be awarded for the largest tree submitted from each of the state’s counties, for the largest tree found by someone 15 and younger and 16 and older, and for the largest eastern white pine in the state. The Michigan Big Tree Hunt was started in 1993 to celebrate the state’s beauty and gather information about its biggest trees. Contest entries provide potential state champion trees to Michigan’s Big Tree Registry as well as the National Register of Big Trees. ReLeaf Michigan partners with communities to replenish the state’s tree canopies by planting trees in public spaces.

Minnesota

St. Paul: Minnesota State has agreed to pay up to $1.9million to settle a wage dispute with faculty at its two-year colleges. The Minnesota State College Faculty union has been fighting since 2010 over wage calculations for faculty who do certain jobs, such as teaching independent studies or coordinating internships. The union prevailed at arbitration in 2016 but argued the public higher education system refused to comply with that ruling. The faculty sued Minnesota State in Ramsey County District Court in December 2017, alleging unfair labor practices. Responding to that lawsuit, Minnesota State said it paid faculty in accordance with the arbitration ruling but maintained it was not required to change practices going forward. The settlement announced Wednesday brings an end to that lawsuit.

Mississippi

Jackson: Wildlife are struggling to survive as floodwaters cover some of the state’s wildlife management areas. Residents and officials say prey and predators alike are congregating wherever there are dry grounds, adding even more stress to their situation. Roger Tankesly, a Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks wildlife management area biologist for the Delta region, says seven of the state’s more popular wildlife management areas have been completely underwater since January, with some covered in 15 feet of water. David Thornton, 77, of Eagle Lake, says he’s hunted in the area for as long as he can remember. He says the deer have “eaten all the leaves they can reach,” and even raccoons are now wading through water in search for food.

Missouri

Columbia: Callers to a state hotline for abuse of elderly or disabled residents frequently can’t get through to anyone. Records obtained by the Columbia Missourian and KBIA radio found only about half of the 92,000 calls to the hotline last year were answered. From January through April, only about 39% of calls were answered. Data obtained through a records request shows the past decade has seen a 35% increase in reports of abuse or exploitation. The Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services added one hotline worker during that time. Jessica Sax, director of the Division of Senior & Disability Services, says the department is first addressing inefficiencies in the hotline before asking for more workers. She says the division also is studying how other states run their hotlines.

Montana

Billings: Renewable energy activists are urging state regulators to reject a proposal to add a charge for homeowners who generate surplus electricity from their own solar panels. Critics told the Montana Public Service Commission on Thursday that the NorthWestern Energy proposal would kill a burgeoning rooftop solar industry. Over the past two decades, about 2,300 NorthWestern customers in Montana installed their own solar panels. When they generate more electricity than a customer uses, the surplus is fed into the electric grid and earns the customer a credit on their bill in a process known as net-metering. NorthWestern spokeswoman Jo Dee Black says the new charge would ensure net-metering customers pay their fair share of service costs. Officials say the charge would be about $50 a month based on average customer demand.

Nebraska

Omaha: The Omaha Airport Authority is preparing to move forward with a $500 million reconstruction of Eppley Airfield. The Omaha World-Herald reports the project to rebuild the terminal within five years would overhaul its concourse, airline gates, security checkpoints, ticket counters and baggage claim. The Airport Authority is working with contractors to create a preliminary design for the terminal by this fall. The plans come as Eppley Airfield sees steady passenger growth and airline investments. Airlines scheduled a record of more than 6 million seats to fly through Eppley last year. They’ve also doubled the number of nonstop flights from the airport since 2013. Officials are planning to issue long-term revenue bonds to fund the reconstruction.

Nevada

Las Vegas: A company backed by tech billionaire Elon Musk has been granted a nearly $49 million contract to build a transit system using self-driving vehicles underneath the Las Vegas Convention Center. The board of directors of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority approved the contract Wednesday with The Boring Co., the Musk-backed enterprise based in Hawthorne, California. The company plans to construct a twin tunnel system running less than a mile long. The system will use self-driving electric vehicles capable of transporting up to 16 people. The system also will include three underground stations and a pedestrian tunnel. The company plans to start construction in September and debut the system by December 2020. The authority will reimburse the company as it completes certain stages of the project.

New Hampshire

Plymouth: A new exhibit showcases the grand hotels that once were commonplace in the White Mountains. The exhibit at the Museum of the White Mountains at Plymouth State University opened last week, and a series of talks and events runs through Sept. 12. Featuring paintings, photographs and various artifacts as far back as the 1880s, as well as stories of the people who visited and worked at these gracious establishments, the exhibit explores the origins and history of the hotels. Among the highlights will be landscape paintings from residents at several of the hotels including Edward Hill and Frank Shapleigh. A special focus will be on the four surviving hotels: the Omni Mount Washington Resort, Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa, Eagle Mountain House & Golf Club and The Wentworth Hotel.

New Jersey

Sea Girt: Smoking and vaping will be banned on nearly every public beach in the state this summer under tougher new restrictions. Nonsmokers are rejoicing over the ban, which also applies to public parks. But some smokers are feeling discriminated against by the law, which took effect in January. Fines would start at $250 for a first offense and go up to $1,000 for a third offense. At least 20 Jersey shore towns had already enacted their own smoking bans before the statewide law took effect. Nationwide, more than 300 coastal communities have banned smoking on their beaches. But bans as broad as New Jersey’s are rare. The Clean Ocean Action environmental group counted more than 22,000 cigarette butts its volunteers picked up from New Jersey beaches during spring and fall cleanups last year.

New Mexico

Santa Fe: The first woman to oversee the state’s multibillion-dollar mineral resources is proposing to do away with gender-specific pronouns such as “he,” “his” or “him” in agency rulebooks. Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard says the State Land Office will hold a public hearing Friday in Santa Fe on the proposed changes. Gender-specific pronouns would be replaced by more neutral or specific references. Garcia Richard says current agency rules use male pronouns throughout to refer to her position. She says it’s no surprise that some written wording has grown outdated at the 120-year-old agency. The commissioner has final say on the language changes. The State Land Office oversees energy leases across about 14,000 square miles of state trust land to help fund schools, universities and hospitals.

New York

West Point: The class of cadets preparing to jubilantly toss their caps in the air at the U.S. Military Academy’s graduation ceremony Saturday includes 34 black women, a record number that’s a sign of concerted efforts to diversify West Point’s Long Gray Line. West Point remains mostly white and mostly male. “I can show other little girls that yes, you can come to West Point. Yes, you can do something that maybe the rest of your peers aren’t actually doing. And yes, you can be different from the rest of the group,” says senior cadet Stephanie Riley, who was among the black female cadets who recently posed for pre-graduation photos in their gray uniforms, holding out ceremonial sabers. The pictures – part of a tradition for graduating cadets – were posted widely online and became a symbol of West Point’s increasing diversity.

North Carolina

Raleigh: Gov. Roy Cooper says his directive that state agencies provide paid leave for workers following a birth means parents will no longer have to choose between their career or their child. Cooper signed an executive order Thursday that offers paid parental leave to state employees in his Cabinet-level departments starting Sept. 1. That’s eight weeks of full paid leave to those who give birth and four weeks to their spouses or partners. Such paid leave is already offered by many private-sector companies. At an Executive Mansion event, Cooper said such leave has been found to increase worker productivity and improve recruitment and retention. Cooper says carrying out the order will cost $3.5 million annually, with his agencies absorbing the expenses from current funds.

North Dakota

Mandan: A federal judge has granted a reprieve to the owners of a bar fighting to preserve a mural at their business. U.S. District Court Judge Daniel Hovland granted a temporary restraining order Wednesday two days after the owners of Lonesome Dove filed a lawsuit against the city of Mandan over the mural city officials ordered removed. Bar owners Brian Berube and August “Augie” Kersten were cited for have an unpermitted, Western-themed mural on the outside of the bar. The Bismarck Tribune says Berube and Kersten were unaware of the permit, later applied and were denied because city ordinance states that “no mural may be placed on the front of the building.” The judge says “such a content-based restriction on speech as Mandan has enacted is unlikely to survive constitutional muster.” He scheduled a settlement conference for June 4.

Ohio

Alliance: The University of Mount Union has ended its affiliation with the United Methodist Church over the denomination’s renewed bans on LGBT clergy and same-sex marriage. The Canton Repository reports the school’s president says the board of trustees considered the issue for months before voting recently to end the affiliation of more than 150 years. University President W. Richard Merriman Jr. says the school wants a diverse campus. He says it became difficult to see how the denomination’s recent actions could be reconciled with the university’s values. The General Conference of the United Methodist Church in February voted to continue prohibiting ordination of gays and lesbians and barring its clergy from presiding at same-sex weddings. The university says ending the affiliation won’t affect its curriculum.

Oklahoma

Oklahoma City: A bill that would force more school districts to return to five-day school weeks has been given final legislative approval and is heading to the governor’s desk. A top priority of Senate Republicans this year, the bill passed the House on Wednesday on a 63-32 vote. The state Department of Education says 92 of Oklahoma’s more than 500 school districts currently are operating on four-day school weeks. In those cases, instructional hours are extended each day to reach the required number of hours. Under the bill, schools could continue operating four-day weeks if the district meets minimum guidelines for student performance and cost savings. Supporters of the four-day school week say it helps districts save money and recruit teachers.

Oregon

Portland: A new report says that in future years, the state’s population will mostly grow through people moving into the Beaver State rather than through new births. Oregon Public Broadcasting reports the Oregon Office of Economic Analysis predicts the state will see deaths outnumber births sometime in the next decade. Josh Lehner, a state economist, predicts the flip will happen around 2026 or 2027. It would be the first time in Oregon’s history that deaths outnumber births. The trend is already affecting the state’s more rural counties but now is spreading statewide. As the trend continues, analysts say factors that negatively affect migration to Oregon from other states – such as housing affordability – will have a bigger impact on the economy and the size of public budgets.

Pennsylvania

Harrisburg: Gov. Tom Wolf says preliminary statistics are pointing to a decrease in overdose deaths in the state last year, as his administration suggests the opioid crisis might be starting to wane in some parts of Pennsylvania. Wolf spoke Wednesday as he participated in a training session on how to administer a nasal spray that reverses an opioid overdose. Wolf says physicians are issuing fewer opioid prescriptions and doctor-shopping is over, thanks to a 2016 law that requires prescribers to check a state database before issuing an opioid prescription to a new patient. His administration says more robust health care outreach and law enforcement programs are paying dividends. It’s also made the anti-overdose medication naloxone regularly available at most pharmacies in Pennsylvania, at little or no cost for those with insurance.

Rhode Island

Providence: A poet has sued the city and a police officer, saying he was racially profiled, assaulted, harassed and falsely arrested three years ago. The Providence Journal reports Christopher Johnson, of Providence, a spoken-word artist and former state poet laureate candidate, is seeking unspecified damages and the firing of the officer. Johnson says he declined to provide his name to the officer, who pulled alongside him in a police SUV while walking home from a concert in May 2016. Johnson says he was grabbed and slammed into the vehicle so hard it left a dent. Charges against Johnson were later dismissed. A police spokeswoman says Johnson never filed a formal complaint with the department.

South Carolina

Columbia: The South Carolina State Fair this year marks its 150th anniversary of showcasing the state’s agricultural roots. The commemorative event is themed “Prize-Winning Memories” and will be held Oct. 9-20 at Columbia’s fairgrounds. WIS-TV reports the fair will present many special offerings along with traditional favorites including a free, daily big top circus; a Midway with 70+ rides; nearly 70 food stands; arts and crafts displays; pig races; livestock and agricultural exhibits; and stage shows. On July 12 as an early kick-start to the celebration, the fair will host a free outdoor screening of “The Greatest Showman.” The fair was organized in 1869 and is a self-supported, charitable organization, dedicated to preserving and promoting the state’s agricultural roots while supporting statewide education.

South Dakota

Sioux Falls: The South Dakota Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America will elect a new bishop next month. The election will take place during the synod assembly May 31 and June 1 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls. Fifteen names have been pre-identified as potential candidates but will not be official nominees until their names are placed on the ballot by someone at the assembly, according to Sawyer Vanden Heuvel, director of communications for the South Dakota Synod. Any ELCA rostered minister of Word and Sacrament is eligible for the nomination, and the first ballot becomes the ballot of nominations. Nominees will be contacted and allowed to withdraw their names if they so choose by 2 p.m. Friday.

Tennessee

Memphis: A massive new exhibition and entertainment hall is set to open at Elvis Presley’s Graceland with three museum-style exhibits, including one on the late boxing great Muhammad Ali. Graceland officials say the 80,000-square-foot Graceland Exhibition Center opens Saturday to guests visiting the Presley-themed tourist attraction in Memphis. The singer, actor and pop icon lived in the city until his death Aug. 16, 1977. Presley and Ali were known to be friends. Presley once gave Ali a custom-made robe in Las Vegas in the early 1970s. A replica of that robe is part of the Ali exhibit, along with photos of the heavyweight boxing and civil rights champion and other artifacts. Exhibits about motorcycles and the planet Earth also are scheduled to open Saturday.

Texas

Dallas: City leaders have declared a Confederate statue surplus property and offered to sell it for a minimum $450,000 – what it cost to move the bronze artwork from public view. The Dallas City Council on Wednesday designated the statue, of Robert E. Lee and a young soldier riding horses, available for sale to the highest bidder. The 1935 sculpture by Alexander Phimister Proctor was removed from a park in September 2017 and put in storage. The statue was appraised at $950,000, which Dallas authorities say could pay for removal of the city’s Confederate War Memorial. The Dallas Landmark Commission in March approved a plan to disband the 123-year-old memorial complex, which critics say is racist and not historic. A 65-foot obelisk has stood over Pioneer Park Cemetery since 1961.

Utah

Salt Lake City: State and federal officials have signed an agreement to defer to the state when planning forest projects. The Salt Lake Tribune reported Wednesday that Republican Gov. Gary Herbert and U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue signed the agreement Wednesday. Officials say the deal obligates the U.S. Forest Service to rely on the state’s guidance for designing, implementing and prioritizing projects intended to reduce wildfire risks and promote the health of the state’s 12,500 square miles of forest. Utah officials say they believe the agreement will build on existing programs and investments in restoring degraded forest landscapes. A Utah forest supervisor says the forest service has already prepared and authorized treatment plans on 1,563 square miles of state forest land using mechanical thinning and controlled fires.

Vermont

Montpelier: State Attorney General T.J. Donovan says he’s filed suit against eight members of the family that owns the drug company that manufactures OxyContin, one of the drugs believed to be partly responsible for the opioid crisis. Donovan alleged Tuesday that for over two decades the Sackler family, the owners of Purdue Pharma, minimized the health risks of opioids, claiming the prescription drugs were rarely the cause of abuse, addiction or death. Donovan says the Sacklers directed Purdue to promote products that were more dangerous, addictive and lucrative. Last September, the state filed suit against Purdue. In a statement released after the September lawsuit, the company said it shared Vermont’s concerns about the opioid crisis but denied Purdue acted improperly.

Virginia

Richmond: A large trash collector in the state will use recycling bins that are partly made from recycled trash. The Central Virginia Waste Management Authority said this week that it ordered 2,000 bins from Israeli company UBQ. The firm uses a patented process that converts municipal waste into a plastic-like composite material. UBQ said the authority is its first U.S. customer. CVWMA serves about 280,000 households in the Richmond area. Executive Director Kim Hynes said it’s testing out the bins, which she said are comprised of 25% of the UBQ material. UBQ says it creates the material by milling anything from banana peels to dirty plastics into a powder. The powder is then placed into a reaction chamber. UBQ says the process produces no greenhouse gas emissions or residual waste.

Washington

Seattle: State and local authorities will now be restricted from asking about people’s immigration status, adding to a West Coast wall of states with so-called sanctuary policies. Gov. Jay Inslee signed a measure Tuesday implementing the new rules. They put Washington among only a handful of states, including California and Oregon, to have enacted statewide sanctuary policies and rank among the strongest statewide mandates in the nation. Police officers in Washington won’t be able to inquire about immigration status except in limited circumstances, and the state attorney general will draw up rules for courthouses, hospitals and other state government facilities aimed at limiting their use as places where federal immigration agents look for people in the country illegally. “We will not be complicit in the Trump administration’s depraved efforts to break up hard-working immigrant and refugee families,” Inslee said.

West Virginia

Logan: The community is taking a stand against needle exchange programs. News outlets report Logan County commissioners voted this week to draft an ordinance that would outlaw starting a needle exchange program there. Commissioner Danny Godby says officials want to find a way to eliminate dirty needles, but they think a needle exchange would make the problem worse by adding more needles to the mix. Some communities in West Virginia and other states have approved needle exchanges to reduce the spread of infectious diseases like hepatitis and HIV and distribute educational materials about where drug addicts can seek help. A needle exchange in Charleston closed last year over concerns about increased needle litter and other issues.

Wisconsin

Madison: The state Department of Natural Resources board is tweaking the state’s bear hunt structure for the first time since 1980. The new framework calls for six bear management zones rather than the current four. Numeric zone kill limits in DNR rules would end. The agency would instead set limits based on agricultural damage, hunter success and nuisance complaints. The changes could into effect as early as the fall of 2021. The plan called for allowing hunters to use hounds in a newly formed central Wisconsin hunting zone. The board voted 6-1 to remove those provisions, however. Opponents told the board that allowing hounds in the zone would lead to trespassing. Megan Nicholson of the Humane Society of the United States said hunting with hounds is a blight on the state.

Wyoming

Gillette: A traditional Native American horse race in the city has been postponed following cold and wet conditions in northeast Wyoming. The Gillette News Record reports the Horse Nations Indian Relay was planned for Saturday and Sunday, but rough track conditions have forced organizers to reschedule the event for Aug. 31 and Sept. 1. The sport involves racers riding without saddles to make three laps around a track. Riders finish each lap on a different horse, so they jump on to a new horse twice during each race. Four to six relay teams compete in every race. The event leads up to the Championship of Champions race in Walla Walla, Washington, in late September.

From staff and wire reports