IOWA – Much of the state experienced cooler than normal temperatures and much needed rain showers, leaving Iowa farmers with just over three days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending April 6th. According to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, minimal fieldwork was done during the week, but some producers were able to plant oats, apply anhydrous, and dry fertilizer. Topsoil moisture condition rated six percent very short, 22 percent short, 68 percent adequate and four percent surplus.

DES MOINES – Lawmakers sent a bill to Governor Kim Reynolds that would include steps to verify the citizenship status of Iowa voters. Iowa Capital Dispatch reports House File 954 passed along party lines that allows Secretary of State Paul Pate’s Office contract with agencies, including those in the private sector, for voter roll verification and maintenance. The bill also allows for voting registration status to be considered unconfirmed if the state or county officials in charge of elections find reliable information that the person is not qualified.

WINTERSET – Legal disputes continue in Madison County, this time between the Board of Supervisors and the County Auditor. WHO-13 reports Teri Kaczinski filed a petition on April 3rd after the board decided to not approve hiring Leslie Beck as a second deputy for the auditor’s office. Kaczinski has attempted to employ Beck using county funds three times. Madison County has had its treasurer arrested, major budget reductions implemented, and contentious Board of Supervisors meetings in the last year.