Perry Beeman
- Director of Communications and Environmental Initiatives, New Village Initiative
Director of communications and environmental initiatives, New Village Initiative, NVI Institute Blairsville, NVI Advanced Materials Group, NVI Foundation.
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Articles by Perry Beeman
Iowa Clean Energy
Skip to main content You have permission to edit this image. LOCAL CANCELLATIONS & DELAYS Previous Authorities say a shooter with a rifle opened fire from a ro… Next Up Several area colleges and universities have ranked among the Midwest's top schoo… Secure transaction. Cancel anytime. Account processing issue - the email address may already exist User information Username (Optional) This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more.
Kanzi, world famous bonobo, dies at Des Moines ape center
By Perry Beeman Kanzi, a Des Moines resident bonobo known internationally for his communication skills, died Tuesday, most likely of heart disease, the Des Moines-based Ape Cognition and Conservation Initiative reported. Iowa State University is performing a necropsy. Kanzi, 44, was being treated for heart disease. Kanzi could associate abstract symbols called lexigrams with various words and objects. He communicated with scientists and some visitors with the symbols.
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With one week left until the Nov. 5 election, the Iowa Secretary of State’s office reported that more than 400,000 ballots have been received in the 2024 general election.
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Scientists at Iowa universities and colleges have endorsed an annual climate statement informing Iowans about individual actions that can help solve the climate crisis.
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Winners: SEJ 23rd Annual Awards for Reporting on the Environment
The Society of Environmental Journalists is proud to announce the winners of the SEJ Awards for Reporting on the Environment, which honor the best stories released from April 1, 2023 through April 30, 2024, and the best books on environmental topics published in 2023. The SEJ Awards stand as the world's largest and most comprehensive environmental journalism competition.
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The state of air travel, political ads on social media and t… 🎧 Get a recap of recent financial, health and general inter…
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The Iowa Board of Chiropractic has redacted much of the info…
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The Shohei Ohtani gambling controversy is the latest in a re…
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Judge sets a trial date for next May in Trump's classified d… A federal judge in Florida has set a trial date for next May…
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Iowa yield outlook improves
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Iowa’s largest businesses see weaker economic outlook due to pandemic
A new survey of Iowa business executives found that Iowa’s economic outlook for the next quarter was the weakest it has been since 2009. The Iowa Business Council’s Economic Outlook Survey for the first quarter of 2020 came in at 37.5. Anything below 50 is considered a negative statement on the economy. The COVID-19 outbreak got much of the blame. The index was at 60.09 at the end of last year.
Lawmakers open session, call for action on tax cuts, in-person classes, child care, limiting abortion
Republican leaders in the Iowa Senate on Monday opened the 89th General Assembly with pledges to cut taxes, push schools to hold in-person classes, improve child care and limit abortion rights. Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver said he and his GOP colleagues would work to protect the state’s budget reserves, even in the face of an economy rattled by the coronavirus pandemic.
Metro opera cancels season
The Des Moines Metro Opera has canceled the summer season due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The DMMO board of directors has voted to honor all 200 artists’ contracts for the season. Ticket holders may get a credit for next season, a full or partial refund or donate the value of the tickets to the opera. The board and friends have raised $125,000 to match tax-deductible donations.
Experts: Iowa’s renewable energy growth depends on better transmission
Iowa could become an even bigger leader in renewable energy, especially if renewable hydrogen is developed and transmission lines are improved, a panel of university, government and corporate leaders said Wednesday. James McCalley, an Iowa State University engineering professor who studies electrical transmission, said Iowa already is one of the top few states in the share of its power that comes from renewable energy, but is positioned to have far more wind and solar energy.
Des Moines River ‘essentially unusable’ for drinking water due to algae toxins
The Des Moines River is “essentially unusable” as a drinking water source for 500,000 central Iowans because of toxins from algae, leaders of the Des Moines Water Works said Wednesday. Des Moines River levels of a toxin that comes from blue-green algae, microcystin, have recently been more than 10 times the federal recommendation for drinking water, said Laura Sarcone, Water Works spokeswoman. The river is one of the two largest sources of water treated to provide tap water.
Gov. Reynolds drops curtain on 2020 session
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds acted on all remaining legislation from the past session Tuesday, approving spending bills and other actions while also exercising her line-item veto. The governor vetoed House File 2556, arguing that it would be too restrictive on the decisions of local governments and the state on selling property. “House File 2556 contains a number of provisions with which I have no objection,” Reynolds wrote in her veto message.
Des Moines airport traffic drops 95%, new terminal could be delayed
Passenger traffic at Des Moines’ airport has fallen 95% this month, a COVID-induced free fall that already has shelved some projects and may delay construction of a proposed new terminal. Cash reserves and the federal CARES Act money will soften the blow, said Kevin Foley, executive director and general manager of the Des Moines airport. But the airport still is reviewing all projects to see if they should be delayed.
Owner of closed Atlantic recycling operation fined $150K
A former Atlantic vehicle parts recycler has been ordered to pay another $50,000 for environmental violations. District Court Judge Jeffrey Larson ruled that Jason Wright is liable for future cleanup costs and will be in contempt if he violates a court order. Larson already had fined Wright’s business, Recycling Services LLC, $100,000. Violations included petroleum pollution, contaminated runoff, abandoned gas tanks and various wastes piled 15 feet high. Wright closed the business in 2016.
Corteva confirms COVID-19 case in Johnston
Mar 17, 2020 | 2:50 pm ET By Perry Beeman An employee at Corteva Agriscience’s Johnston campus tested positive for COVID-19 this week, the company confirmed. Many employees were told to work at home beginning this week. “We can confirm that an employee at our Johnston office has tested positive for COVID-19,” said company spokesman Gregg Schmidt, via email from company headquarters in Wilmington, Del. The company has quarantined the employee and alerted state health officials, as required.
Put your tiger hawk where your mouth is
The University of Iowa is seeking bids from companies that can produce 10,000 face masks and neck coverings with the logos and colors of the school, the Cedar Rapids Gazette reported. The tiger hawk is the logo for the University of Iowa Hawkeyes sports teams. (Photo courtesy of the University of Iowa) Among the possibilities is using the familiar tiger hawk logo, created during Hayden Fry’s reign as football coach for the Hawkeyes. If you’re a Hawk fan, it’s the gold standard for team logos.
Iowa to offer $1.3M in cultural grants
The Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs has reopened applications for emergency grants after federal aid boosted the account to $1.3 million. The grants are for cultural organizations that have suffered financially due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The federal money came from the CARES Act through the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities. The deadline for applications is May 26.
D.M. council member supports fines for maskless residents
Des Moines City Councilman Josh Mandelbaum on Monday proposed the capital city start fining people $15 for not wearing face masks in public places as required. At a council work session, Mandelbaum said Waukee has started assessing $15 and $20 fines for violators of a mask mandate that is similar to Des Moines’. Waukee officials could not be reached. It was unclear how many citations the suburb’s police department has issued.
State certifies Miller-Meeks win by six votes; challenge likely
A state canvassing board certified the Nov. 3 election results showing Republican Mariannette Miller-Meeks defeated Democrat Rita Hart by six votes in the 2nd Congressional District race. In the certified results, Miller-Meeks won with 196,964 votes to Hart’s 196,958. The board included Gov. Kim Reynolds, Secretary of State Paul Pate, Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig, Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald and Auditor Rob Sand.
15 Iowa companies get USDA grants to expand ethanol sales
Fifteen Iowa companies were among those receiving grants Thursday to improve ethanol and biodiesel facilities to handle higher grades of the renewable fuels. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has invested $22 million in the grants, from a pot of $100 million in the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program, Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue announced. Iowa received $9.4 million, or 43% of the grant money.
Experts: Iowa’s drought likely to last through crop season
Iowa’s drought is likely to last at least through the early part of the crop season, a panel of experts said this week. “It is very possible that we will have some ongoing drought issues throughout the year,” said Dennis Todey, director of the Midwest Climate Hub at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Spring rains and snowmelt could improve soil moisture, but western and extreme northern Iowa are likely to fight dry conditions through the crop season, he added.
Regents: Let NCAA act on payment to college athletes
A high-profile bill that would allow Iowa college and university athletes to make money from their image advanced in the Iowa Legislature Tuesday, but not before a state lawmaker and a Board of Regents representative gave very different views of the legislation. Keith Saunders, state relations officer for the Board of Regents, which runs the three state universities, said he can see why Sens. Nate Boulton, D-Des Moines, and Brad Zaun, R-Urbandale, brought the bill, Senate File 2058.
Des Moines taxpayers’ tab for water trails grows 12-fold
Des Moines taxpayers’ share of the cost of the first four downtown Des Moines water trails projects is 12 times the original estimate and now stands at $6 million, a key city official said. City Manager Scott Sanders in August said the city would spend $500,000 on water trails, which would improve access to the Des Moines River and include some rapids for kayaking. He feared the first four projects would exhaust that money. They did.
Jennifer Easler named consumer advocate
Jennifer Easler has been appointed consumer advocate for regulated utility issues, replacing Mark Schuling, who retired Jan. 10, Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller announced. Jennifer Easler, Iowa consumer advocate Easler, an attorney in the office since 1996, must be confirmed by the Iowa Senate. She will oversee a staff of 14 people who investigate services regulated by the Iowa Utilities Board. Easler will represents the public in court and before agencies.
Iowa environmental advocates take aim at Trump vehicle standards
Iowa Democratic legislators and representatives of environmental organizations on Thursday said the Trump administration’s rollback of “clean car” regulations would cost lives and money. “The administration’s reckless rollback would strip all states of their authority, established under the Clean Air Act, to control vehicle pollution to protect the health of their residents,” said Katie Rock, a Polk County Soil and Water Conservation District commissioner.
Axne, Young split on marijuana, Trump’s rally, classic rock, favorite coffee flavor
A televised debate Monday between Democratic U.S. Rep. Cindy Axne and former GOP congressman David Young featured strong disagreements, some common ground and exclusive playlists. The 3rd Congressional District debate sponsored by KCCI-TV and the Des Moines Register was at times like watching a high-speed political ping pong match. Should President Donald Trump hold his scheduled rally Wednesday in Des Moines less than two weeks after his COVID-19 diagnosis?
Iowa officials again question firm’s plan to export water
A northeast Iowa sand mining company’s amended proposal to export water to drought-stricken western states has again drawn criticism from environmental officials. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources already blocked Pattison Sand Co.’s plan earlier. Now, state water officials have notified Pattison that its amended application is incomplete and strays from state rules. Pattison had reduced the amount of water that would be exported, at least at first, but does not have a permit to export water.
Partnership launches site to help businesses find temp workers
The Greater Des Moines Partnership has launched DSM Employment Ready, an initiative to help businesses find temporary workers. The site also will help employees looking for work because of changes caused by the COVID-19 outbreak. The Partnership will maintain a list of Greater Des Moines companies looking to hire. It also will track state and federal assistance for employers and employees.
DM mayor bans sports, limits gatherings on city property
Dec 15, 2020 | 5:31 pm ET By Perry Beeman Des Moines Mayor Frank Cownie has extended an emergency proclamation related to COVID-19, banning youth and adult sports and large events on city property. Frank Cownie is mayor of Des Moines. (Photo courtesy of city of Des Moines) “This pandemic and the risks it brings will not simply dissipate with time,” Cownie said in a statement.
Grassley: Beef packers boosted prices 13-fold as pandemic spread
Beef packers were making 13 times their usual amount when the coronavirus pandemic sidelined meat-plant workers and reduced supplies, U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley told Senate colleagues this week. From 2016 to 2018, the GOP senator from Iowa noted, there was a spread of $21 per 100 pounds of meat between what the packing companies were paid and what farmers received for cattle. The difference rose to $279 in April and May when supplies were disrupted because many plant workers contracted COVID-19.
Nonprofit challenges grocers’ petition to ease bottle bill requirements
A nonprofit group that has supported Iowa’s beverage container deposit bill has filed a petition with a state agency to block grocers’ latest attempt to change the rules. Cleaner Iowa Inc., representing recyclers and others supporting the 1979 anti-litter “bottle bill,” has asked to be included in deliberations over two petitions the Iowa Grocery Industry Association has filed in an attempt to change the state’s rules on redemption centers.
Iowa ag secretary: Biden’s waterway regulations could hurt farm interests
Democratic President Joe Biden spent part of his first week in office inserting himself into one of agriculture’s hottest policy debates, the fight over which waterways will be protected under the Clean Water Act. Biden’s initial executive orders included one that threw out Republican President Donald Trump’s order.
Iowa Department for the Blind to host first STEM festival
The Iowa Department for the Blind’s first STEM festival will be held Saturday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the department’s headquarters, 524 Fourth Street, Des Moines. STEM refers to studies in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The festival will feature exhibits on educational and career opportunities. State STEM program hub manager Sarah Derry said there is an achievement gap in math and science for students with disabilities.
ISU, UNI to begin classes early, finish by Thanksgiving
Fall classes at Iowa State University and the University of Northern Iowa will begin a week early and end before Thanksgiving, the schools announced. The idea is to help reduce the spread of COVID-19, which led all three Iowa public universities to switch to online learning at the end of spring semester. ISU and UNI will follow the same calendar with classes beginning Aug. 17. The semester, including final exams, will end Nov. 25. The University of Iowa plans to resume in-person classes Aug. 24.
House approves quota for Iowans in UI medical, dental programs
The University of Iowa would have to ensure that 75% of students admitted to its medical and dental programs are Iowans or a graduate of an Iowa college or university under a bill passed by the Iowa House of Representatives Tuesday on a largely party line 54-44 vote. Republicans who control the chamber said House File 2383 would help encourage doctors and dentists to stay in Iowa, and perhaps serve rural areas where there are shortages.
Garcia confirmed unanimously as DHS director
Kelly Garcia, appointed by Gov. Kim Reynolds as director of the embattled Iowa Department of Human Services, was unanimously confirmed by the Iowa Senate Wednesday. “Ms. Garcia has been in the news recently. DHS has been in the news recently,” said Sen. Liz Mathis, D-Robins. “She arrived at a very critical time.
Scott Marler named Iowa DOT director
Iowa Department of Transportation veteran Scott Marler has been named director of the agency, Gov. Kim Reynolds has announced. He began the job Monday. Interim Director Stuart Anderson will return to his role as director of the Planning, Programming, & Modal Division. A 22-year veteran of the agency, Marler most recently directed the Operations Division.
Young, Axne back trade, but have different views on economy
Oct 26, 2020 | 2:14 pm ET By Perry Beeman U.S. Rep. Cindy Axne and her rematch opponent, former Congressman David Young, both see the need for better trade, but they differ on basic ideas of how to improve the economy. Young, a Republican, said it’s critical that Congress delivers promised tax cuts and pushes economic recovery. Republican David Young speaks during a debate Oct. 12, 2020, on KCCI-TV in Des Moines.
Durham: Converted box cars could help solve Iowa’s housing shortage
Iowa could convert train box cars into homes and crank out new houses with 3-D printers to address a shortage of affordable abodes, a top state economic development official said Friday. Debi Durham, director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority and the Iowa Finance Authority, told the Iowa Economic Recovery Advisory Board she will propose legislation for additional spending after a recent $10 million round of workforce housing tax credits applications for rural housing.
Iowa confirms three cases of COVID-19 strain first seen in United Kingdom
Feb 01, 2021 | 2:47 pm ET By Perry Beeman Health officials on Monday confirmed three Iowa cases of a COVID-19 variant first discovered in the United Kingdom. Two of the cases involved adults in Johnson County, one young and one middle-aged. The third was a middle-aged adult in Bremer County, the Iowa Department of Public Health reported. Iowa officials said the U.K. strain is believed to spread more easily than the more prevalent strain that was first confirmed in Wuhan, China.
Health director: Another Polk County COVID-19 surge would be ‘catastrophic’
Dec 15, 2020 | 4:42 pm ET By Perry Beeman Polk County is seeing a COVID-19 slowdown, but still is risking a new surge as a hot spot with double the number of cases health officials projected. “We had been on a pretty solid and steady deceleration for the late weeks of November and first couple of weeks of December,” Dr. Meghan Schaeffer, an epidemiologist consulting with Polk County, told a meeting of local private and government health and emergency management officials.
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