AGP Executive Report

Choose Iowa Fall Crawl: Iowa’s Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig is inviting travelers to hit the road Oct. 9-10 for the second annual Choose Iowa Fall Crawl, with about 125 farm and small-business stops plus a free “Choose Iowa Passport” for building routes and earning check-in points. Historic Tourism Drive: A Historic Hills Scenic Byway spotlight highlights how Southeast Iowa’s routes are strengthening tourism. Fall Foliage Guide: A new Upper Midwest leaf-peeping guide points readers to top parks and scenic drives for peak color. Postal Service Update: The USPS says South Dakota delivery speed will improve starting Jan. 1, with a Sioux Falls center handling more in-state mail—expected to cut some delivery times by 1-2 days. Public Safety: A deadly semi crash near LeClaire left one dead and four critically hurt, including children. Health & Recovery: Polk County approved $1M in opioid settlement funds for expansion of the Grays Woods Recovery Center in Des Moines, targeting a July 2027 opening. Bird Flu Watch: Iowa confirms another H5N1 HPAI detection in a Boone County backyard flock, urging biosecurity. Local Culture: Fort Madison’s Mexican Fiesta lecture series continues with a talk on the area’s Mexican community roots.

Farm & Tourism: Historic Hills Scenic Byway is helping southeast Iowa draw visitors and boost local economies across five counties, with a council working on new experiences along the 105-mile route. Agritourism: Iowa’s Choose Iowa Fall Crawl returns Oct. 9-10, with about 125 stops for orchards, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, farm stores and family-friendly fall activities. Local Events: Uptown Marion Market brings 40+ vendors and a free Fall Into Marion Dog Fashion Show on Sept. 26 at City Square Park, plus GROWFEST at Kazimour Farm in Cedar Rapids. Road Safety: ISU Extension urges drivers to slow down and share the road during harvest season as large farm equipment shares Iowa highways. Health Alert: Iowa reports another H5N1 avian influenza case in a multi-species backyard flock in Boone County—its seventh detection in 2026—urging biosecurity and quick vet contact if birds seem sick. Culture & Community: Riverside Theatre debuts a new world premiere imagining Shakespeare’s creative drought in “I, Will: A Late Romance.” Arts & Books: Prairie Lights hosts author Sara Levine discussing her comedy novel “The Hitch.” Civic/Heritage: A judge ruled Iowa City’s State Historical Society research facility must reopen, keeping public access to local history materials.

Council Bluffs Public Safety: Council Bluffs launched a voluntary “Criminal Trespass Program” letting businesses pre-authorize police action against repeat trespassing and camping on private property. Outdoor & Family Fun: Lee County Conservation hosted a monarch butterfly tagging class at Heron Bend, teaching kids and adults how to tag and track the “super generation” that migrates to Mexico. Travel Disruption: Flash flooding washed out a bridge and damaged trails at Swiss Valley Nature Preserve; repairs may take about a week as crews wait for the ground to dry. Local History Tourism: A Burlington library talk highlighted Camp Algona, a WWII German POW camp in north-central Iowa, and efforts to preserve the site’s story. Health Watch: Iowa HHS reported 38 measles cases in 2026—mostly among people unvaccinated or with unknown status—urging residents to check vaccine needs. Events Calendar: A Sept. 23–30 roundup lists community happenings across Iowa, including markets, performances, and family-friendly activities.

Diesel Costs & Travel Impact: AAA says diesel hit a record $6.51 a gallon Monday, with Iowa averaging $6.31—fuel prices that ripple into farm and freight costs and can affect how much people pay to move around for work and trips. Farm Safety Outdoors: Iowa State Extension is urging ATV riders to slow down, wear proper gear, and avoid risky riding near roads and water during National Farm Safety and Health Week. Road Safety for Harvest: ISU Extension also reminds drivers to share the road with farm equipment—watch blind spots, keep distance, and make sure reflectors and slow-moving emblems stay clean. Family-Friendly Iowa Getaway: Winterset is spotlighted as a classic Americana stop, built around Madison County’s covered bridges, the courthouse square, and John Wayne history. Lake Iowa Homeschool Programs: Lake Iowa is rolling out homeschool-friendly nature programs, aiming to reach groups across the fall. Local Tourism & Community: Iowa’s Lake Keomah is getting ready for its next chapter after restoration work, with more to do as the lake continues to fill. Inmate Education Program: Polk County launches a nationwide-style IGNITE education effort with GED prep and life skills to help reduce recidivism.

Historic Preservation: The Orpheum Theatre in Galesburg secured funding for Phase 2 of its “Orpheum In A New Light” campaign, completing a Historic Structure Report to guide restoration, accessibility upgrades, and building systems improvements. Local Attractions & Road Trips: Shellsburg’s former public library is being transformed into Otis’ Saloon and a basement speakeasy, with owners restoring original features and leaning into the building’s 1854-era history. Travel Safety & Health: With measles at its worst in decades, McHenry County health officials urged residents to check vaccine status as outbreaks spread in the Midwest, including cases reported in nearby Wisconsin and surrounding regions. Cost of Getting Around: Diesel hit a record $6.28 a gallon nationally, driven by supply crunch pressures tied to the Iran war, with knock-on effects for freight, farming, and construction. Iowa Sports (Fan Travel): Iowa and Michigan both climbed in the AP Top 25, setting up a high-profile Top 20 matchup in Ann Arbor that could draw fans planning weekend trips. Regional Events: Iowa-area tourism and community calendars get a boost from local sports and fall-season happenings, including a “horror/thriller movies filmed or set in Iowa” roundup for spooky-season travelers.

Iowa Sports & Travel Tie-In: The No. 18 Iowa Hawkeyes rolled past Northern Iowa 55-0 at Kinnick, then set up a big Top 20 showdown next Saturday at Michigan (No. 19), a matchup that could pull fans into Ann Arbor and boost Midwest travel plans. Local Governance & Tech: Kirksville’s planning commission advanced new zoning rules that would restrict where data centers can be built, with City Council action expected in October—an issue that can shape future lodging and business travel demand. Public Health: With measles at its worst in decades, McHenry County urged residents to check vaccine status, while Iowa-area outbreaks were also noted—worth watching for travelers and event planners. Ag & Economy: Iowa farmland ownership debates continued as researchers pointed to succession planning behind more corporate-style ownership, while candidates argue out-of-state interests are driving costs. Weather Watch: A meteorologist shared a seasonal snow outlook tied to El Niño, signaling travelers should plan for winter variability.

Gas Prices & Travel Costs: AAA says Iowa regular gas is about $4.39/gal (+47% from last year) and diesel is a record $6.21, with crude still near $100—good to know for anyone planning road trips. Local Safety: A Bayard man died in a Guthrie County crash after a Jeep failed to yield at a stop sign and was hit by a semi. Road Update: A Worth County rollover north of Sheridan sent a New Market woman and a 15-year-old girl to Clarinda Regional with minor injuries. Sports Tourism (Iowa): The No. 18 Iowa Hawkeyes routed Northern Iowa 55-0 at Kinnick and next travel to Michigan Stadium. Weekend Events (Nearby): Galena, Illinois is leaning into fall with a Galena Cellars Fall Harvest Fest (Sept. 26) and Galena Oktoberfest (Oct. 3). Media & Politics: Trump says he’ll ban CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House; CNN reports a reporter’s press pass was seized.

Road Safety: A Bayard man died in a Guthrie County crash after a Jeep failed to yield at a stop sign and was hit broadside by a semi; both vehicles ended in a ditch, and the truck driver was taken to a hospital for minor injuries. Local Fatality Update: Authorities identified a Cascade man killed in a single-vehicle crash on Goose Hill Road early Friday. Iowa Tourism & Events: Visit Quad Cities is hosting a free public discussion on cycling and e-bikes—plus live demos—at the Waterfront Convention Center in Bettendorf on Sept. 22. Economic Development: The Iowa Economic Development Authority approved tax credits tied to 346 jobs and about $246.5 million in new investment, including manufacturing expansions and Destination Iowa/CAT tourism grants. Gas Prices: National gas prices jumped week-over-week as crude stayed above $100, with the average regular gallon rising to about $4.44. Media & Politics: Trump said he will bar CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House, with reporters later denied access—raising First Amendment concerns.

Gun-access debate: Experts say the rise in US familicide cases is tied to easy firearm access, with “way too many guns around” making impulsive violence more likely. White House media fight: President Trump says he’s banning CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House, raising First Amendment questions and possible legal fallout. IEDA boosts Iowa jobs: The Iowa Economic Development Authority approved tax credits and grants supporting manufacturing expansions and startups, including projects in Altoona, Ankeny, Bondurant, Centerville, Davenport and Woodbine. Local travel logistics: Muscatine’s 230th Street will close for paving, with a detour via Hwy 70 and Hwy 22, running through late fall before resuming in spring 2027. Tourism partnership (NW Iowa): O’Brien, Lyon and Clay counties launch a new golf-focused tourism push, with plans for more content and collaboration. Community events: A Sept. 19 mini golf fundraiser in Altoona supports a baby with a rare skin condition, with tickets including dinner and a round of golf. Sports travel note: UNI and other Iowa-area teams released schedules that include out-of-state trips and holiday tournaments.

Tourism & Outdoors: Lee County Conservation opened the new Oak Ridge Conservation Area to the public, a renamed 80-acre holding with two lakes and a lakeside walk—another reason to plan a fall trip in southeast Iowa. Local Travel Partnerships: O’Brien, Lyon and Clay counties launched a new tourism golf promotion, aiming to spotlight northwest Iowa’s courses, coffee shops and restaurants and encourage visitors to share what they find. Recreation Upgrades: Coralville Lake got a major boost with renovated USACE facilities, including an expanded visitor center tied to camping, hiking, boating and the Devonian Fossil Gorge. Weather Watch: NOAA’s updated outlook raises the odds of a very strong El Niño and includes an October-by-state weather map, useful for travelers planning fall road trips. Community Food Drive: Heartland United Way’s annual food drive distributed nearly 13,700 pounds, with local pantries and backpack programs restocking for increased everyday needs. Sports Schedules (for trip planning): UNI and Iowa State both released key 2026-27 hoops dates, including MVC matchups that can shape travel weekends across the region.

Gas Prices & Travel Costs: AAA says national regular is up 16 cents to $4.43, with crude still high near $100 a barrel—another reminder that road trips and everyday driving are getting pricier. Iowa Politics & Affordability: GOP lawmakers are scrambling as gas prices and living costs keep pressure on the midterms, with Iowa Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks and Zach Nunn among those weighing in. Central City Data Center Debate: Residents packed a meeting to question Aurum Capital’s proposed south-side data center, raising concerns about environmental impact and quality of life as the city drafts rules. Public Health Watch: Measles concerns keep spreading in the region, with Wisconsin reporting new cases and Iowa’s nearby outbreak numbers cited in coverage. Local Elections: Poweshiek County residents can start requesting absentee ballots for the Nov. 3 midterms, with key mailing and return deadlines. UI & Rural Healthcare: University of Iowa President Barbara Wilson outlined FY28 legislative requests tied to rural physician pipeline and nursing training upgrades. Sports Tourism Angle: Grinnell College is launching a pilot letting first-year students start college abroad in Seoul or Buenos Aires—an early look at how study travel may expand.

Iowa Jobs & Water Safety: Iowa DNR is hiring an Environmental Specialist (Water Supply Permit Writer) in Des Moines, handling Safe Drinking Water Act public water supply operation permits; applications close Sept. 30. Local Economy & Tourism: The 13th annual Southwest Iowa Art Tour runs Sept. 18 sneak peek and Sept. 19-20 main tour, with 13 communities and 19 stops from Harlan to Sidney and Clarinda toward the Nebraska border—built to bring visitors and spending to small towns. Community Events: The African American Museum of Iowa hosts its History Makers celebration Oct. 8 at The Hotel at Kirkwood Center in Cedar Rapids, honoring statewide leaders and emerging voices. Road-Trip Planning: Iowa DOT shares North Iowa road updates, including the Lansing Bridge timeline and a Charles City snowplow hiring event; drivers are urged to check 511ia.org or the 511 Iowa app before heading out. Sports Travel Buzz: Big Ten and Big 12 schedule releases keep fans planning trips—BYU’s 2026-27 Big 12 slate is out, and Iowa-area sports calendars are filling in with conference matchups. Public Health Watch: Wisconsin measles cases continue to rise (166 confirmed as of Sept. 16), with Iowa travelers and nearby communities reminded to check MMR status and call ahead if symptoms show up.

Tourism & Accessibility: A new tactile deep-space exhibit at the Iowa Department for the Blind in central Iowa brings James Webb images to life with raised, textured displays, plus audio and Braille/large-print explanations—making stargazing interactive for blind and sighted visitors alike. Local Development & Traffic: Urbandale residents are split after the city rejected a land-use change tied to a proposed Buc-ee’s, with opponents warning about gridlock near neighborhoods and supporters questioning whether the process missed key input. Community & Culture: Keokuk unveiled a new “Keokuk Leaders” history mural, adding public art that spotlights four local figures tied to the city’s past. Family Travel & Seasonal Planning: Iowa’s fall leaf-peeping guide points travelers to northeast Iowa for peak color timing and recommends classic drives like the Iowa Great River Road along the Mississippi. Sports Travel Buzz: Iowa basketball released its full 2026-27 schedule, including a tougher non-conference slate and a mix of early home games plus later road stretches. Rural Health (Care Closer to Home): Coverage highlights why specialty services matter for rural Iowans, including reintroducing urology care in Grinnell through a local clinic partnership.

Tourism & Travel: Iowa Great Lakes tourism officials estimate 720,000 visitors this summer, about 3% down from last year, with the Fourth of July weekend the busiest (around 90,000). Local Business & Community: Clear Lake hosts the first North Iowa Regional Marketing Summit Oct. 13 at the Surf Ballroom, aimed at helping local organizations tell their stories and turn them into strategy. Transportation & Infrastructure: Council Bluffs is working with Union Pacific to reduce train-crossing backups on 16th Street, including schedule shifts to ease peak commute times. Public Health: Wisconsin confirmed new measles cases in Vernon County; officials say they’re not tied to the southwest Wisconsin outbreak and are tracing possible exposures. Iowa Sports & Recruiting: Waukee Northwest softball standout Sophia Schlader made her college commitment official, choosing Oklahoma. Road Safety & Jobs: The Iowa DOT is recruiting 500+ seasonal snowplow operators statewide, requiring a CDL and offering about $22.50–$24 an hour. Crime: A former MTV “Wild ’N Out” actor, Bobbe Thompson, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison in Sioux City after a North Iowa traffic stop led to a stolen handgun charge.

Measles Watch: Wisconsin confirmed a new measles case in Marathon County tied to out-of-state travel, separate from the southwest outbreak that’s now at 155+ cases; officials say most patients are unvaccinated and are working to identify possible exposures. Des Moines Dining: A new fast-casual Mediterranean spot, Mezze, is opening in downtown Des Moines in the Temple for Performing Arts area, built for carryout demand while still offering limited seating. Travel & Sports: Arizona State and Kansas faced different London travel plans for Wembley’s Union Jack Classic, highlighting how timing and acclimation can affect performance. Iowa Vacation Trends: A gallery looks at where Eastern Iowans went for summer vacation, from nearby Midwest trips to farther destinations. Gas Prices: GasBuddy reports show premium and E15 prices varying across Iowa counties in the week ending Sept. 5, with some counties listing only one station at the lowest rate. Local History & Tourism: A look back at “Plowville, U.S.A.”—a 1964 plowing contest and field days event that drew massive crowds and turned a farm into a temporary town.

Election & Travel Safety: FBI Director Kash Patel told a Senate panel he’s open to sending federal agents to polling places, despite a federal law barring armed deployment at election sites—raising fresh concerns ahead of November. Tourism Funding: Sioux City Council deferred a vote on a two-year Explore Siouxland deal that would fund tourism, convention, and visitor bureau services, including hotel/motel tax support. Local Travel & Roads: Cedar Rapids police warned of increased I-380 crashes near the 76th Ave SW area amid ongoing construction. Health Alert for Travelers: Wisconsin confirmed a measles case in Marathon County tied to out-of-state travel; officials say there are no known public exposure locations. Outdoor & Heritage: Spirit Lake-area historic paintings tied to Abbie Gardner’s 1857 march are headed on a 350-mile restoration trip. Gas Watch: GasBuddy reports lowest premium prices in several Iowa counties (including Ida at $4.69 and Sac County E15 at $3.59). Sports Tourism: Iowa football turns to Northern Iowa after the Cy-Hawk win, while Ole Miss plans extra security in Oxford for Lane Kiffin’s return.