AGP Executive Report

Newton Rail Park: Iowa Interstate Railroad board chair Henry Posner III says Newton’s rail legacy is bigger than history books give it credit for, as the Newton Rail Park’s IEDA site certification clears reviews and helps speed development. Local Infrastructure & Travel Impacts: Cedar Rapids is closing part of Mount Vernon Road for major paving and utility work, with business owners reporting fewer customers and access headaches. RAGBRAI Safety: The Iowa State Patrol will run along the route again, and “Team Buzz Kill” will help keep late riders moving so the event stays on schedule. Wildlife Safety: Madison County Conservation warns that timber rattlesnakes are in mating-season travel corridors—leave them alone and don’t try to kill them. Family Fun & Community Events: Hawarden Police hosted a bike/scooter safety camp; Waterloo’s Summer Soul Classic and parade bring weekend crowds; and PEEC is offering a free butterfly walk July 18. Health & Travel Planning: Iowa confirms a 2026 measles case, with officials urging protection steps for residents and visitors. Tourism Mood: A national report says more Americans are taking shorter, closer-to-home trips this summer, boosting local stops over long-distance travel.

Tourism & Travel Disruptions: National Mall visitors say black fencing and detours around the Reflecting Pool are making the area feel like a construction zone, with crews draining the pool for repairs. Local Economic Development: Newton Rail Park received Iowa Economic Development Authority site certification, clearing environmental/archaeological and utility steps to speed future development. Road & Flood Watch: Cedar Rapids is closing part of Mount Vernon Road for “Paving for Progress,” while Cedar Falls expects the Cedar River to crest early Sunday, flooding bike paths and nearby roads. Community Events: Waterloo’s Summer Soul Classic runs this weekend with a meet-and-greet and a Saturday parade; the Southern Iowa Fair starts unofficially early with full camping. Outdoor & Family Fun: PEEC hosts a free guided butterfly walk July 18 at Pajarito Ski Hill. Travel Safety & Health: Iowa confirms a 2026 measles case and lists exposure locations, and tick season coverage highlights rising risks. Sports Tourism: RAGBRAI is about a week away, with Iowa State Patrol “Team Buzz Kill” helping keep late riders moving.

RAGBRAI Safety Plan: The Iowa State Patrol is lining up along the route again, and “Team Buzz Kill” will politely pull riders from the back of the pack to keep the 391-mile event moving from Onawa to Dubuque. Outdoor Paddling Guide: A new Eastern Iowa kayak roundup highlights beginner-friendly Lake Macbride State Park and other local water routes with outfitters and shuttle help. Local Travel & Events: Portland Prairie Church marks 150 years with tours, cemetery clean-up, bonfires, and a Sunday worship service. Community & Faith: More than 60 Catholic churches in northeast Iowa hold final weekend masses as the Archdiocese of Dubuque consolidates parishes, with buildings still open for weddings, baptisms, and funerals. Road & Trip Planning: MoDOT lists Northwest Missouri highway work for July 13–19, including lane narrowing and intersection improvements—check updates before you drive. Health Watch for Travelers: Iowa health officials confirm a 2026 measles case in Polk County and urge vigilance, especially with summer travel. Weekend Weather: Forecast calls for a mostly cloudy day with spotty showers, then sunnier weather heading into the weekend.

Northern Lights Forecast: A possible G1 aurora storm could spark northern lights over the U.S.-Canada border area Friday night into Saturday, with a better shot Saturday night into Sunday as a solar blast arrives. Meskwaki & Football: The Chicago Bears’ youth camp returns to the Meskwaki Settlement July 18, adding a Girls Flag Football Camp alongside the Mini Monsters program. Bed Bugs & Travel Caution: Orkin’s 2026 bed bug list puts Davenport and Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on the national radar, while Chicago and Milwaukee rank among the worst U.S. cities. RAGBRAI in Dubuque: RAGBRAI’s final stop heads to Dubuque for the first time since 2010, with an estimated $2M impact and riders arriving July 17 ahead of the July 25 finish. Local Tourism Picks: Toledo Public Library earns state accreditation and a grant for “Spark a Love for Reading,” while Route 63 Travel Plaza in Chester, Iowa, gets buzz as a top truck stop diner for homemade food. Safety on the Road: Two people died in an Iowa County crash on Hwy 151, and a Polaris Ranger overturn near Tarkio left two women injured.

Health & Safety: Iowa confirms its first measles case of 2026 in central Iowa—a vaccinated adult in Polk County who caught it while traveling abroad—prompting reminders about symptoms and vaccination. Tourism & Lodging: A new look at the bed-bug travel risk highlights how summer trips and high turnover can spread pests, with Orkin ranking several major cities among the worst. Local Travel Infrastructure: Sioux Center’s Highway 75 project adds a smarter traffic system at a busy downtown intersection to keep trucks and cross-traffic moving. Accessible Travel: Hope Rolls installed an accessible beach mat at Ainsworth-Orleans Beach on Big Spirit Lake, aiming to make the Iowa Great Lakes more welcoming for visitors with disabilities. Community Events: The RiverPark Center in Davenport announced its 2026–2027 Broadway lineup, including “Waitress” and “The Music Man.” Family Travel & Learning: A regional 4-H trip paired dairy farm tech, classic cars, and Iowa lakes and landmarks for hands-on summer fun. Local Business & Culture: TikTok’s “Discover America” tour is stopping in Des Moines to spotlight Iowa-area creators and small businesses.

Public Health & Travel Safety: Iowa confirmed its first measles case of 2026—a vaccinated adult in central Iowa who caught the virus during international travel—prompting a 21-day symptom watch for people who visited specific Des Moines, Altoona, West Des Moines, and Webster City locations while the person was contagious. Tourism & Local Economy: Greater Iowa City reported a big July 4 weekend boost, with 176,400 visitors to sold-out Savannah Bananas games at Kinnick Stadium and nearly 30,000 staying in area hotels, plus additional crowds from Fanfare & Flight and 4thFest. Statewide Tourism Leadership: Iowa Travel Industry Partners (iTIP) launched a new FY27–FY29 strategic plan, adding board leadership with Jennifer Pickar (Cedar Falls Tourism) as board president and focusing on advocacy, research, and statewide travel initiatives. Community Recreation: Black Hawk Park in Cedar Falls reopened for day use after Cedar River flooding, though camping remains closed. Infrastructure & Visitor Planning: Fort Madison begins its 10th Street sewer separation project Monday, with a street closure and parking changes that could affect travel through the area. Local Events: RAGBRAI rolls through State Center July 22, and the Tri-State Old Iron Tractor Ride runs this week across Yankton, Nebraska, and South Dakota.

Public Health: Iowa confirmed its first measles case of 2026—a vaccinated adult in central Iowa who caught it during international travel. Travel Safety: Iowa HHS released exposure locations and times in Des Moines, Webster City, and Altoona; anyone who was there while the person was contagious should watch for symptoms for 21 days and contact a provider if they feel sick. Local Tourism: July 4 weekend brought a big boost to Iowa City and Johnson County, with 176,400 visitors tied to two sold-out Savannah Bananas games at Kinnick Stadium (plus rain delay), and nearly 30,000 out-of-state visitors. Arts & Culture: Cedar Rapids Museum of Art named four new board members for the 2026–27 fiscal year, adding leaders from aging/dementia innovation, consulting, journalism, and the arts. Family Fun: Adventureland in Altoona is being highlighted as one of the most affordable theme parks in the U.S., based on ticket and lodging costs. Community & Events: Rock Valley’s Thunder in the Valley truck and tractor pull kicks off this Thursday, with reserved camping and a mix of farm machines and show-ready entries.

Road & Bridge Funding: Iowa is set to receive $71M to repair bridges and improve highway safety across nine counties, including a major $24M project in Black Hawk County to convert an intersection into a “double-teardrop” roundabout interchange. Local Travel Disruptions: Des Moines’ Gay Lea Wilson Trail remains closed after Fourmile Creek flooding eroded the creek bank and raised concerns about possible trail collapse. Family-Friendly Events: Mason City’s Community Health Center is hosting a free Back-to-School Block Party July 21 with no-cost checkups, immunizations, school supplies, and a meal. Tourism & Sports: The Northwoods League unveiled the Dyersville Dreamers as the new Field of Dreams team name and logo, with the 2027 season debut. Community Volunteering: Marshalltown is gearing up to host an official RAGBRAI overnight and still needs volunteers for rider welcome, camping support, and morning departures. Safety Alerts: Iowa DIAL issued a statewide warning to food vendors about extortion scams targeting event permit requests.

Highway & Road Updates: Sioux Center will see a new Highway 75 closure this week, blocking travel between 9th and 12th Streets while crews remove roadway surface and continue utility work. Local Development & Tourism: McGregor, in northeast Iowa, launched a multi-phase “McGregor Project” aimed at boosting year-round tourism and economic activity, including a new restaurant opening at “The Station on Main.” Travel Safety & Planning: AAA is projecting record Independence Day travel, with many drivers hitting the road and paying the highest gas prices since 2022 nationally (and since 2023 in Oregon). Family-Friendly Travel & Fun: A traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial replica, “The Wall That Heals,” will be displayed in Manning (July 23–26) and Brooklyn (July 30–Aug. 2), free and open 24/7. Lodging/Infestations Watch: Orkin’s bed bug “cities” list flags Davenport, Iowa, and Cedar Rapids as among the highest-risk stops for travelers. Iowa Travel Culture: RAGBRAI and the Field of Dreams Movie Site team up for “pure Americana,” bringing the ride to Dyersville for the first time in 38 years. Outdoor Recreation: Iowa state parks are offering camping discounts for the USA’s 250th anniversary celebration.

Bridge Repairs: The Julien Dubuque Bridge on U.S. 20 is closed in both directions for 30 days starting today, with detours and a free shuttle between Dubuque and East Dubuque by reservation. Flood Cleanup: In Elkhart, floodwater from heavy July 4 weekend rain left a mildew smell and soaked basements, with neighbors and family pitching in to help residents recover. Travel Safety: A Kahoka, Missouri woman was injured in a single-vehicle crash on Highway 136 in Clark County, and a Winneshiek County motorcycle-deer crash sent a rider to the hospital. Roadside Disruption: Iowa DOT also plans overnight I-35 shutdowns between Ankeny and Ames for two nights. Local Events for Visitors: The 48th annual Walcott Truckers Jamboree kicks off July 9 at Iowa 80 Truckstop, and the Julien Dubuque Bridge closure may steer more travelers to alternate crossings. Sports & Community: Special Olympics USA Games in the Twin Cities brought thousands of athletes and volunteers, with Team SONC making memories across multiple sports.

Bridge Closures: The Julien Dubuque Bridge (US 20) is closed in both directions for 30 days starting today for repairs, with detours posted and updates available via Iowa 511. Family Travel & Safety: A Waterloo man was severely injured in a motorcycle-deer crash in Winneshiek County, while separate reports note serious weekend incidents including a fatal shooting at a West Des Moines 4th of July party and a pedestrian death on I-80 near Iowa City. Local Tourism & Summer Events: Adventureland in Altoona is ranked among the nation’s most affordable theme parks, and RAGBRAI’s July 19-25 ride will include an overnight in Boone and a Nevada festival stop on Day 4. Road Trip Planning: Iowa’s scenic byway “Historic Hills” interpretive panel project is nearing completion, adding history panels and an audio-guided tour for travelers. Community Spotlight: Geek’d Con returns to Downtown Shreveport Aug. 14-16 with major pop-culture guests—an example of the kind of visitor draw Iowa travelers often look for. Travel Economy: A multi-state egg price manipulation settlement could send 53 million eggs to food banks, a reminder of how travel costs and everyday prices affect budgets.

Scenic Byway Updates: A years-long Historic Hills Scenic Byway interpretive panel project is nearly done, with Blakesburg adding new history panels and an audio-guided tour for travelers. Road & Travel Disruptions: East Second Street bridge repairs trigger a July 6–9 detour, and Iowa DOT will close I-35 between Ankeny and Ames for two nights (July 6–8) with U.S. 69 as the main route. Summer Savings for Families: Iowa state parks and forests offer a $2.50-per-night camping discount (promo code “USA250”) for reservations through Aug. 31, capped at $10. Local Tourism & Community Events: Adventureland in Altoona ranks among the nation’s most affordable theme parks, and a Heart of Iowa traveling farmers market launches across Rhodes, State Center, Collins and Colo. Safety & Weather Impacts: Flash flooding hit Ames over the July 4 weekend, and Des Moines families displaced by flooding are meeting apartment management about rehousing options. Weekend Entertainment: Fort Dodge’s Iowa Central Center for Performing Arts announces a 2026–27 lineup featuring ABBA tribute, country, and other national acts.

Independence Day travel & safety: A pedestrian was struck and killed overnight on I-80 in Johnson County near mile marker 245; the Iowa State Patrol says the person was standing in the traveled portion and was hit by two vehicles, and the case remains under investigation. Road closures: Iowa DOT will shut down I-35 between Ankeny and Ames for two nights (southbound July 6–5 a.m. July 7; northbound July 7–5 a.m. July 8), with U.S. 69 as the main detour. America 250 outdoors: Iowa state parks are offering a $2.50-per-night camping discount (up to four nights) with promo code “USA250” through Aug. 31, 2026. Local tourism pressure: An Eastern Iowa campground in Oxford says Fourth of July sites are at capacity, with about 85% occupied by data center workers, squeezing longtime campers. Holiday events: Atlantic’s Produce in the Park hosts “Christmas in July” July 9 (4:30–6:30 p.m.) with Santa, food trucks, vendors, and lawnmower train rides. Gas prices watch: GasBuddy reports Iowa premium and regular prices easing in the week ending June 27, with several counties posting standout low-cost stations.

Local Travel Boost: Small business owners in tourist areas say more Americans are staying closer to home this summer—road trips, day trips, and even cooking more—helped by higher airfares and gas prices plus World Cup and America’s 250th celebrations. Holiday Crowding & Lodging: An Eastern Iowa RV park near Oxford hit capacity for the Fourth, with about 85% of sites taken by data center workers, squeezing longtime campers. Family-Friendly Events: Coralville’s 4thFest parade drew families downtown, while Bettendorf held a 250th birthday parade with patriotic floats and community groups. Iowa Tourism in Action: Czech Village and NewBo in Cedar Rapids rolled out interactive painted pianos to bring visitors into local shops and public spaces. Safety First: Iowa’s Traffic Safety Bureau is pushing “Stars, Stripes and Sober Rides” and a high-visibility enforcement push July 2–6, with reminders to plan sober transportation. Weather Watch: Record heat is suspected in dozens of deaths nationwide and is dampening some Fourth plans.

Holiday travel safety: Iowa’s Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau is teaming up with local law enforcement for a July 2-6 “sober ride” enforcement push, reminding drivers to plan ahead after last year’s holiday saw hundreds of crashes and fatalities. Local parade updates: Muscatine has revised its July 4 parade route, starting on Iowa Avenue at 5th Street and ending at Cedar Street. Family-friendly fun in Iowa City & beyond: The Savannah Bananas brought their Banana Ball show to Kinnick Stadium, with the “Iowa Wave” spotlighting the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital. Tourism + small business boosts: Cedar Rapids’ Czech Village and NewBo are rolling out interactive painted pianos for visitors to play through around Labor Day. Weather watch for campers: Several Black Hawk County parks, including George Wyth State Park, closed this holiday weekend due to flooding risk from heavy rain. Arts & culture: Quad Cities Arts International Airport Gallery is hosting a new exhibit through Aug. 31 featuring work from Cedar Rapids and Illinois artists. Community lodging growth: Sheldon’s downtown renovation added four apartments and an Airbnb in a long-vacant building.

Holiday Travel Watch: AAA projects about 72.2 million Americans will travel for the Fourth of July, with most trips by car, while Iowa gas prices keep easing (around $3.53/gal in the latest reporting) after weeks of declines. Weather & Safety: Heavy rain and severe storms are expected to ramp up across the Midwest and Northeast over the holiday weekend, with flash-flood risk and damaging winds that could disrupt fireworks and outdoor plans. Local Events (America 250): Coralville’s “4thFest” parade is set for July 4 and is getting C-SPAN spotlight coverage, adding extra draw for visitors. Iowa Tourism & Culture: Whiterock Conservancy’s “Markers and Deep Roots” ceramic sculpture installation opens July 1 along the Steve Garst Trail, part of a broader 2026 public art push. Getting Around: Jefferson Lines launches a new bus service to Williamsburg with connections across Iowa and onward to Chicago and Minneapolis. Outdoors Update: George Wyth State Park and other Black Hawk County parks closed this holiday weekend due to potential flooding, with reopening dependent on water levels. Family Fun: The Savannah Bananas bring Banana Ball to Iowa City this weekend, including a visit to UI Children’s Hospital.