New Poll: Majority Of Iowans Purchase Meat, Dairy Directly From Farmers
(West Des Moines, IA) — A majority of Iowans are going directly to the source to buy their meat and dairy. That’s according to a Harris Poll commissioned by the Iowa Farm Bureau. The poll found 84-percent of Iowans have purchased directly from meat lockers, farmers and farmers networks. The Farm Bureau is helping farmers explore alternative markets and direct-to-consumer sales as a result. The Food & Farm Index also shows a majority of those polled are reviewing nutrition labels to find out where the food was raised, grown or processed.
Iowa 8th Graders Can Compete In Varsity Sports Starting 2026-2027 School Year
(Des Moines, IA) — Big changes are coming to high school sports in Iowa. The State Board of Education moved today to allow 8th graders to compete in high school varsity sports, following legislation passed in April by lawmakers. Students who transfer through open enrollment will now be required to sit out of varsity competition for 140 calendar days, up from the current 90-consecutive school days. The changes will go into effect August 1st.
Pella Marching Dutch to Perform in Nation’s 250th Fourth of July Parade
(Pella, IA) — A central Iowa marching band will represent the state at this year’s Fourth of July celebration in Washington, D.C. Two-hundred-25 students from the Pella Marching Dutch will perform in the 250th National Independence Day Parade. The band plans to play a modernized version of “The Stars and Stripes Forever.”
Former Marshalltown School Employee Accused Of Relationship With Student Gets Plea Deal
(Marshalltown, IA) — A former Marshalltown school employee accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a minor has reached a plea deal. Prosecutors say 36-year-old Stacy Galema was working as a girls soccer coach and secretary at Marshalltown High School at the time. She is expected to plead guilty to a lesser charge of enticing a minor during her plea hearing, which is scheduled for early July.
>>Blank Park Zoo Expecting Two Giraffe Calves This Summer
(Des Moines, IA) — Two baby giraffes are expected at Blank Park Zoo later this summer. Zoo officials say reticulated giraffes Skye and Zola are both pregnant, with calves due in the coming months. The zoo participates in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan, a breeding program designed to support a healthy giraffe population. Reticulated giraffes are considered endangered in the wild.
