The Woodbury County Board of Supervisors passed amendments to a new zoning ordinance by a unanimous 4-0 vote at their meeting on Tuesday.
The amendments allow nuclear energy facilities, nuclear waste storage, and similar uses in certain zoning districts.
At a public hearing Tuesday, many residents spoke in opposition to any plan to bring nuclear energy to the county. Among the opponents were longtime residents, members of the Sierra Club, and people from the Winnebago Tribe, including tribal member Michelle LaMere.
“Looks like we’re going to be downriver again, and that’s unacceptable. You guys are talking about keeping Woodbury County people safe; you're not going to be the only ones affected here. You need to consider what’s going to happen when things go wrong. Anything that’s man-made will break eventually,” said LaMere.
Craig Levine, president of Northwest Iowa Building Trades, expressed support for the ordinance amendment, stating, “It is essential that we explore all viable options for securing our energy future. Nuclear energy, which has a proven track record of providing reliable low-carbon electricity, is a critical component of this transition.”
The conversation about nuclear energy and nuclear waste storage in the zoning ordinance began in July of last year.
Community members expressed a range of opinions; some supported the amendment while others opposed it. During the discussion, concerns about the national energy crisis were also raised.
Vice-Chairperson Mark Nelson said that renewable energy alone would not be able to replace coal.
Board members reiterated that the zoning ordinance amendment was not approval for any nuclear facility but rather a regulatory step to facilitate any future requests.
*Starting today, absentee voting is available in person at the auditor’s office for the upcoming special election. Additionally, ballots will be mailed out today to those who have requested them.
Woodbury County has received over 1,000 absentee ballot requests to date.
To make voting accessible, three satellite absentee voting locations will be available. The locations are open to voters from precincts 1 through 22, the area covered by the special election.
Voters from these precincts can also vote in person absentee at the auditor’s office.
The special election follows the passing of Iowa State Senator Rocky DeWitt in June.
The ballot for the August 26th election features Democrat Catelin Drey and Republican Christopher Prosch.
*Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has offered to send the Iowa National Guard to assist federal immigration enforcement.
Reynolds met with Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, who approached states asking for help.
She says the state would likely help with logistics and processing and that an agreement is still being finalized.
Reynolds is waiting to hear from Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth before she provides information on how many troops could be deployed.
*A Wayne State College associate professor has received an $18,350 Greenlight Grant from the Iowa Economic Development Authority to help produce his movie ‘The Painter.’
Dr. Micheal White, associate professor of communication arts and film advisor, is one of the three Iowa resident filmmakers to receive the grant, which is administered by the Iowa Arts Council.
According to the IEDA’s website, the goal of the Greenlight Grant program is for Iowans to become job creators who contribute to the growth of Iowa’s film and media industry.
Through this program, IEDA provides financial incentives to Iowa filmmakers who are ready to produce films and media projects that can elevate their careers.
In a press release, White said, “This is a great opportunity not only for me but also for many Iowa and Nebraska students who will learn on the set of ‘The Painter.’
