Nathan Konz

Iowa businesses are preparing for growth in 2025, according to the latest quarterly survey from the Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI). Over 70 percent of respondents plan capital expenditures in the first quarter, up from 53 percent in late 2024. This marks the highest investment optimism since 2022, signaling businesses’ confidence in seizing growth opportunities. Sales outlooks also remain strong, with 55 percent expecting stable sales and 40 percent forecasting growth. Workforce trends are steady, as 57 percent of respondents anticipate maintaining current employee levels while tackling labor shortages and skill gaps. The Q4 survey was not all positive, however, as policy concerns linger. The most frequently cited issue from businesses is the Trump administration’s proposed tariffs on goods from Canada, Mexico, and China. Nearly 80 percent of businesses expressed worries about cost and supply chain impacts. ABI President Nicole Crain highlighted the importance of regulatory reforms, noting, “After a neutral outlook at the end of 2024, ABI members’ views on the first quarter of 2025 are positive. In order to ensure economic success for members, ABI, will advocate for continued reform of Iowa’s property tax system and unemployment insurance reductions. The changes will help keep Iowa a competitive state in which to do business. The regulatory and tax certainty in Iowa has kept Iowa businesses growing, and we look forward to working with Gov. Reynolds and the Legislature in the year head to keep Iowa moving in the right direction.” Results from previous surveys are available online at www.iowaabi.org.

The Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau (GTSB) is partnering with law enforcement across Iowa to keep roads safe from impaired drivers during the holiday season. Through Jan. 1, officers will participate in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) high-visibility enforcement campaign, urging drivers to “designate before you celebrate.” The festive season often brings an increase in impaired driving. Last December, 990 drivers were charged with operating while intoxicated (OWI) on Iowa roads. On average, 37 percent of Iowa’s traffic fatalities are linked to impaired driving. Impaired Driving Program Administrator Michelle Cook says, “Drivers have a choice: follow the law and respect their fellow drivers by refraining from drunk driving, or make the choice to drive drunk, put others at risk, and risk their own life. We need a commitment from everyone to keep our roads safe so we can all have a wonderful holiday.” GTSB reminds Iowans to plan ahead by designating a sober driver and using rideshare services or community sober ride programs.

The cold and wind in Carroll on Thursday evening led many people to stay indoors, which ended with the Holly Jolly Reading Drive falling short of its book collection goals. The event, organized by Luanne Kustra of Carroll, gathers the books from donors for New Opportunities, which are then distributed to client families. According to Kustra, Thursday’s turnout was lower than usual due to the weather, so she is extending the Holly Jolly Reading Drive through Dec. 24. Those interested in donating new or gently used books for newborns up to 18 years of age can drop off items at 1819 Highland Dr. or arrange a donation by calling Kustra at 712-790-5244.

Iowa residents are among the nation’s most conservative credit card users, ranking 49th overall in WalletHub’s new report on the states with the most credit cards. The report sheds light on spending habits as many consider opening new credit lines during the holiday season. In the third quarter of 2024, Iowans opened an average of 1.13 new credit cards, a 5.3 percent decrease from the same period in 2023. However, the average number of credit cards owned by residents grew by 6.25 percent over the past year, reaching 4.46 cards per person. WalletHub’s findings suggest that while Iowans add fewer new credit cards, they may rely more on existing accounts. This cautious approach could mitigate overspending or missed payments as holiday spending ramps up. Iowa ranked behind only Wyoming as the state with the fewest credit cards. Alaskans, South Dakotans, and New Jersians had the most. Read the full report by following the link included below.

As Santa Claus prepares to travel from the North Pole on Christmas Eve, the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) reminds drivers to practice safe driving habits for everybody on the road, including Santa’s sleigh. Considering the large number of vehicles expected to be on the road beginning this weekend, DOT staff are emphasizing safe lane changes. Merging lanes can be one of the most stressful parts of driving during heavy traffic, and provided tips for motorists heading to holiday gatherings, such as planning merges early, signaling intentions, matching traffic speed, and checking mirrors and blind spots regularly. Drivers are encouraged to stay focused and courteous during the busy holiday season to help prevent accidents. So far in 2024, 335 people have died in Iowa traffic crashes, eight of which occurred in just the last week. In 2023, traffic fatalities totaled 377.

The Iowa Department of Corrections (IDOC) has named Darin Cox as the new director of the 5th District, effective Jan. 3. Cox, a 28-year IDOC veteran, brings extensive experience in institutional operations, community-based corrections, and leadership roles. Cox previously held positions with the department, such as assistant deputy director of institutional operations and 5th district executive officer. Born and raised in Guthrie and Dallas County, Cox expressed his excitement about leading the district that he grew up. He says, “It is an honor to have the opportunity to lead this District’s correctional services and give back to the communities that have shaped me. I am excited to work alongside a dedicated team to make a positive impact and drive meaningful change.” Cox will oversee district operations, foster community partnerships, and implement strategies to enhance supervision and rehabilitation efforts across the District. IDOC District 5 covers 16 south-central Iowa counties, including Guthrie County. The region includes the Iowa Correctional Institute for Women in Polk County and the Newton Correctional Facility in Jasper County.

The Carroll County Board of Supervisors has a very brief meeting agenda for next week. The supervisors convene at 9 a.m. at the Carroll County Courthouse, opening with a Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 funding request from the Carroll County Fair Board. The board will also consider approving a $3,000 contract with the Region XII Council of Governments to assist in recodifying the county’s ordinance. The only other items of business on the agenda are plats, payables, manure management annual updates, and supervisor committee reports. The Monday, Dec. 23 meeting is open to the public and will be live-streamed via the county’s YouTube channel. Links to the agenda and video are included below.

The Carroll County Board of Supervisors approved their half of a joint bridge replacement project with Greene County south of Ralston. County Engineer Zac Andersen says the approximately $850,000 bridge replacement is split between the two counties because it lies directly on the county line.

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has confirmed the state’s first human case of avian influenza A(H5). The individual, who was exposed to infected poultry while working with a commercial flock in northwest Iowa, experienced mild symptoms, received treatment, and is recovering. The case was confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As of Dec. 20, the CDC has reported 64 human cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) across nine states. Most infections stem from exposure to infected poultry or dairy cows, with no evidence of human-to-human transmission in the U.S. While rare, infections occur through prolonged exposure to infected animals. Iowa HHS urges individuals in direct contact with exposed animals to wear proper protective equipment and report flu-like symptoms to a healthcare provider. State Medical Director Dr. Robert Kruse says, “Iowa has monitored the spread of avian influenza closely since it was first detected in poultry in the state in 2022, and our state is prepared with the established knowledge, strong partnerships, and effective tools to mitigate its impact on our community.” According to health officials, there is no concern about the safety of eggs and poultry products or pasteurized milk and dairy products. As a precaution, consumers should always properly handle and cook eggs and poultry products, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165˚F before eating.

The Westside Fire Department is gearing up to host its annual steak supper fundraiser next week. The meal will be held as a drive-through event at the Westside Fire Station on Eagle Street on Tuesday, Dec. 31, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Meals are available for $25 each and include potatoes, green beans, sides, and choice of grilled steak or smoked Windsor porkchop. The department is also selling raffle tickets for $10 each, three for $20, or five for $30. The drawing will be held the same evening as the dinner; prizes include two $500 cash awards and a quilt donated by the Busy Thimbles. Tickets are available from any Westside firefighter, Westside State Bank, or the Observer office. The money raised will be used to benefit the Westside Fire Department by offsetting training and equipment costs for volunteers.