Iowa
DMACC moves ahead with new facilities planning for dental, diesel programs • Iowa Capital Dispatch
Seeping groundwater. Cracked and bowing walls. Outdated equipment and facilities never meant to be utilized for so long. Des Moines Area Community College Board of Trustees members saw these first-hand Monday while touring buildings on the Ankeny campus slated for possible renovation or demolition under the college’s new facilities master plan.
During its meeting, the board discussed two capital projects slated as priorities within the facilities master plan. The projects encompass programs in need of larger, more modern spaces.
DMACC President Rob Denson said in an interview that the college hasn’t focused on these buildings for renovations or demolition before now because there have been other needs across campus and a limited amount of money. The faculty and staff have done a lot to keep the buildings suitable for use up until now, he said.
“We want to get every ounce of life out of every facility we’ve got, and we pretty much don’t move on a new facility and tear something down until we’re at the end of life,” Denson said.
Dental programs to find new home
The community college’s dental assistant and hygiene programs were in danger of losing their accreditation last fall due to concerns with program facilities and other areas. The programs received full accreditation in February with the contingency of building a new, up-to-code space. That clinic has been included in the facilities master plan with an area on campus already picked out and the college moving ahead with finding a firm to act as construction manager and contractors.
DMACC Vice President of Operations Bill LaTour said in the meeting that the board should have the chance to approve a recommended construction manager at its October meeting, after which staff can get started on design, development and collecting all the necessary construction documentation. The plan’s timeline has construction starting in September 2025 and finishing in summer 2027, with an estimated total cost of $17 million.
Jeanie McCarville-Kerber, dean of Health & Public Services at DMACC, said the college will need to let the accreditor, the Commission on Dental Accreditation, know that the new facilities will be finished anywhere from six to nine months after the date stated in previous communication, but she hopes there won’t be any issues.
The new 24,000-square-foot clinic will take the place of tennis, basketball and sand volleyball courts located on the Ankeny campus. It has existing parking and better traffic flow for the patients who receive care in the program, Denson said.
As some of the equipment currently utilized by the dental programs is outdated or cannot be moved, such as sterilization equipment purchased to keep the current location in compliance, some items will need to be purchased for the new facility.
“Some of the curricular materials and things that we purchased just to keep this location running will come over with us,” McCarville-Kerber said.
The building currently housing the dental programs would not be demolished, Denson said, as it is used by other programs and is in “pretty good shape.”
A new building for diesel, building trades
Planning is set to begin on a new trades building as well, which would house the college’s diesel programs; fire science; heating, ventilation, air-conditioning (HVAC) training and building trades, among other areas of study. LaTour said the hope is to fast-track the process to construction, which would look similar to the dental building, in order to have them both going at the same time.
The project is estimated to cost $34 million and would be 55,000 square feet, replacing the current, 31,000 square-foot building.
Money for the projects could come from the college’s plant fund, but donations or other sources could contribute to the dental building, Denson said.
Board Chair Joe Pugel asked that the possibility of postponing the new diesel trades building be explored from a cost perspective, in order to see if it would save money in the long run to keep the current facilities working for one to two additional years before starting on a new building.
Jenny Foster, executive academic dean of building trades, transportation/engineering and manufacturing, said the diesel programs are “living on borrowed time” in their current home.
“Is the building functional? Yes. Can students take classes there? Yes,” Foster said. “But at any moment, something could happen, and then we’re in a lot of trouble.”
LaTour said in an interview the buildings proposed for demolition, built between 1969 and 1970, were not intended to last 50 years. During the tour of building 14, the oldest on campus, Foster and Joe Baxter, physical plant and construction services director, pointed out areas in the buildings where cracks had formed on the walls and where water would seep up from the ground, creating times where students and faculty would have to walk through water in the halls.
It lacks a sprinkler system, still houses the original electrical system and, despite repair efforts, still leaks heat in the winter, Baxter said. The things that could be repaired or replaced, like the roof and electrical system, would take anywhere from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars. With certain problem areas, such as the outdated bathrooms, he said if you update one thing, you need to commit to updating all of it.
Programs housed in the building are also running out of room, with engines and equipment sitting out in the hallway due to lack of space.
In buildings 15-20, which make up a connected semi-circle of classrooms, offices and labs, programs have grown to take up empty rooms left behind by others that moved into new facilities. Baxter said they “truly were built as temporary buildings,” and have bowing walls, issues with standing water and a permanent blockage in one of the sewer lines.
With programs needing more space and buildings far past their prime, Baxter said they’re at a point where decisions need to be made on whether to fix what they can to keep the buildings alive a bit longer or do something more drastic.
“I think we’re kind of on the threshold,” Baxter said. “We can get by for another one to three years, and then at that point in time, three years out, then you’re replacing the roof. So we’re kind of at the end here of, ‘Okay, do we start investing money in this? Or do we start over?’”
Iowa
Democrats will debate in Iowa US Senate primary shaped by outside money and big-name endorsements
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Two Democrats vying to be Iowa’s next U.S. senator are scheduled to debate Thursday, as each seeks to convince voters he’s better positioned to flip the Republican-held seat in a contest that has seen heavy outside spending and high-profile endorsements.
State lawmakers Zach Wahls and Josh Turek are competing in a June 2 primary. It is one of a few remaining competitive Democratic Senate primaries this year, as the party looks to find the best approach to reclaim the U.S. Senate this fall.
Iowa’s Republican Sen. Joni Ernst opted out of a reelection bid, leaving the seat open for the first time since she replaced retiring Democratic Sen. Tom Harkin in 2014. Republican Senate leaders have backed Ashley Hinson, a congresswoman representing northeast Iowa, committing $29 million for her to help keep their thin majority.
Democrats see an opportunity to flip seats in the once-competitive state, despite President Donald Trump’s double-digit win in the last presidential election and an all-Republican federal delegation. But first they need to settle which federal candidate will be at the top of the ticket. Early voting began Wednesday.
An influx of cash has shaped the final stretch
While Wahls and Turek have raised and spent similar amounts, a Democratic political organization, VoteVets, has spent about $7 million to support Turek in the final stretch of the campaign. That’s more than the two candidates have spent combined.
Turek, who is not a veteran, was born with spina bifida after his father’s exposure to chemicals while serving in the Vietnam War. The group has said Turek is uniquely positioned to advocate for veterans’ services, especially health care and military families.
Wahls has criticized the influx of cash as insiders in Washington trying to exert outsized influence, and it’s likely to come up again Thursday, as it did at an Iowa Press debate last week.
Tensions over the future of the party
Wahls has been vocal about who should — or should not — lead Senate Democrats, saying he would not vote for Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York to be the caucus leader.
“The leadership of Chuck Schumer has failed the Democratic Party, it has failed the state and it has failed this country,” Wahls said during last week’s debate. “Dark money has an agenda, and that agenda is to protect the broken status quo and the failed leadership of Sen. Schumer.”
Schumer has tried to keep the focus on Republicans.
Wahls is endorsed by U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, who joined him in Iowa for campaign events over the weekend. The progressive senator told voters the Senate needs Democrats who are willing to “get in there and stand up and fight.” Wahls also often highlights the support he’s seen from unions and local elected officials.
Turek responded to Wahls’ criticism saying he’s not a “DC insider.”
“I don’t know these folks,” he said. Turek explained his criteria for leader candidates but stopped short of saying he wouldn’t support Schumer.
“I will go up and ask whoever is deciding to run for leadership … ‘What are you going to do for Iowa? What are you going to do for Iowans? What are you going to do for the middle class?’” Turek said.
In the last week, Turek unveiled a rare endorsement from Harkin, who represented Iowa in Washington for three decades, as well as former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. Turek also has collected endorsements from sitting U.S. senators, including Illinois’ Tammy Duckworth, New Hampshire’s Maggie Hassan and Nevada’s Catherine Cortez Masto.
Drawing greater contrast on issues
In the first debate last week, Turek and Wahls were aligned on many issues. Both said that they would not support the Republican president’s tariffs or the war in Iran and that they do support raising the minimum wage and restoring health care access with a public insurance option. They criticized corruption in Washington and proposed higher taxes on corporations and wealthy Americans.
But they also started to draw some contrasts. More of that is likely Thursday.
Wahls referenced a law Turek supported in the Iowa legislature that makes it a state crime to be in the U.S. illegally. Turek defended his vote, saying it was Biden-era legislation and stressed the importance of a secure U.S.-Mexico border. Turek said he also supports an easier path to citizenship and reforms to immigration enforcement under the Trump administration.
Turek highlighted his working-class background and contrasted his work for a nonprofit with Wahls’ work for a super PAC focused on electing young Democrats.
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Follow the AP’s coverage of the 2026 election at https://apnews.com/projects/elections-2026/.
Fort Dodge Donnybrook champion Dru Ayala
Hear why Fort Dodge’s Donnybrook Champion Dru Ayala, brother of Drake Ayala, chose the Hawkeyes and has unfinished business in high school
Iowa State wrestling has added another lightweight through the transfer portal, earning the commitment of former Hawkeye Dru Ayala on Wednesday, May 13.
Ayala has been with the Hawkeyes for two seasons, with an 11-4 record as a true freshman and not competing in 2025-26. The 125-pounder will have at least three years of eligibility remaining.
“Grateful for where I’ve been, excited for where I’m going. Go Cyclones,” Ayala said in an Instagram post.
Before his time in Iowa, Ayala was a four-time state medalist with Fort Dodge. He made the state semifinals all four years and had a 153-16 record. He is the brother of former Hawkeye wrestler Drake Ayala, who recently accepted a position as an assistant coach with the Cyclones.
Iowa State has had multiple major departures with Anthony Echemendia, Christian Castillo, Daniel Herrera and others heading to the transfer portal. As a result, the Cyclones have been busy adding to the roster, with Dru Ayala joining Ayden Smith (Rutgers), Brayden Thompson (Oklahoma State) and Rin Sakamoto (Oklahoma State).
Eli McKown covers high school sports and wrestling for the Des Moines Register. Contact him at Emckown@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @EMcKown23.
Here are the top 2026 midterm races to follow in Iowa
Des Moines Register Chief Politics Reporter Brianne Pfannenstiel breaks down Iowa’s top races ahead of the 2026 midterms.
Two candidates are running for the Iowa House District 22 seat encompassing Norwalk, Carlisle, Cumming and Martensdale.
First-term Republican Rep. Samantha Fett faces a challenge from Democrat Rory Taylor, who she defeated in 2024 to fill the open seat.
Both candidates are unopposed for their party’s nomination.
To help voters, the Des Moines Register sent questions to all federal, statewide and Des Moines area legislative candidates running for political office this year. Their answers have been lightly edited for length and clarity.
The primary election is scheduled for June 2.
Click below to see learn more about the candidates and where they stand on key issues:
| Bios | Top issue | Education | Taxes | Cancer rates | Eminent domain | Budget deficits |
- Political party: Republican.
- Age: 46.
- Residence: Carlisle.
- Occupation: Marketing and communications director for Inspired Life Inc.
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in journalism, Drake University.
- Political experience: Moms for Liberty – Warren County, Carlisle School Board member 2019-2021, Warren County Central Committee member, Capitol Region Republican Women, Iowa Federation of Republican Women, National Federation of Republican Women.
Who is Rory Taylor?
- Political party: Democrat.
- Age: 65.
- Residence: Norwalk.
- Occupation: Retired.
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in history, minor in political science, Iowa State University.
- Political experience: Bevington City Council.
Fett (R): My top issue is strengthening Iowa’s education system. I believe parents should have a leading voice in their children’s education because families want meaningful options. I support high academic standards, safe learning environments and policies that protect children while ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed. I will work on policies that continue to focus on all students reaching their potential through measurable, objective achievements and by expanding and enhancing the supply of creative education. Education shapes the next generation, and it remains my highest priority.
Taylor (D): Water quality in our state. We need to increase monitoring the water sources we use for our drinking water. Our nitrate levels are in direct correlation to our cancer rates in the state. We need to work with our farmers to mitigate the problem, not blame them for it!
Taylor (D): We need to restructure the voucher program. Students with financial needs could be accommodated, but not the wealthiest of our population. We need to provide more funding for our AEAs and improvement in teacher pay. Bring back our industrial arts programs.
Fett (R): I support policies that put students and families first. That includes strengthening parental rights, expanding educational options and making sure all education models — public schools, homeschool, private and public charter schools — can succeed. I also support a balanced approach to digital learning, since excessive screen time can affect attention and academic progress. I believe Iowa should set developmentally appropriate limits on digital instruction and prioritize strong foundational skills like reading, writing and real classroom connection so every student has the opportunity to thrive.
Fett (R): I support Iowa’s recent tax changes because the state was collecting far more than it needed. With full reserves, a $2 billion ending balance, and over $4 billion in the Taxpayer Relief Fund, returning money to Iowans is the responsible choice. The 3.8% rate keeps Iowa competitive, and temporary revenue dips were planned for. Looking ahead, I would support additional tax law changes that continue this philosophy: keeping government efficient, ensuring strong reserves and returning excess dollars to taxpayers.
Taylor (D): I do not support all the tax changes. I believe moving Iowa’s tax structure for both corporate and income to be more progressive. This would raise taxes on corporations, higher-income individuals and lower taxes on lower-income individuals.
Taylor (D): Water quality standards: Strengthen, enforce and monitor water quality standards to reduce carcinogens like nitrates and PFAS from agricultural runoff.
Fett (R): I support practical, targeted actions that reduce known risks and strengthen research. Iowa is a major radon hotspot, and radon exposure is a leading cause of lung cancer. House File 2297 is an important step requiring passive radon mitigation. A cost-effective protection helps ensure families aren’t unknowingly exposed to dangerous levels. I support the pediatric cancer research bill, which provides dedicated funding to advance research and improve outcomes for Iowa children. This investment and reducing environmental risks give Iowa a stronger and more effective path to lowering cancer rates. Chemical regulation: Improve monitoring of pesticides and fertilizer application, ensuring public health is central to agricultural policy. Radon mitigation: Fund widespread radon testing. Protect Medicaid expansion, which supports cancer screening and care for over 180,000 Iowans. HPV vaccine access: Protect access to human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations to prevent future cancer.
Fett (R): Protecting private property rights is essential. Based on that standard, I do not support using eminent domain for carbon capture pipelines, as these projects do not meet the threshold of traditional public use infrastructure and raise significant concerns for landowners. I have consistently opposed the misuse of eminent domain and will continue standing with Iowa landowners on this issue.
Taylor (D): Public projects, such as infrastructure (highways, bridges) and utilities. And as long as there is fair compensation and due process.
Taylor (D): Voucher program would be a start. And the tax cuts that have been made haven’t stimulated the economy as the Republican Party has suggested they would. I don’t see any other cuts I would suggest. The key is tax revenue, and what we have in place now isn’t working!
Fett (R): Iowa’s recent revenue dip was fully expected when income taxes were reduced. I support a disciplined, responsible approach to budgeting that ensures we fund key priorities like public schools, nursing homes and public safety while still allowing Iowans to keep more of what they earn. The Taxpayer Relief Fund was created specifically to manage temporary revenue decreases during tax reform, providing stability without jeopardizing essential services. My focus is on maintaining disciplined budgeting so Iowa continues meeting its obligations without over taxing families.
Read more about the midterm candidates at: https://www.desmoinesregister.com/news/elections/.
Marissa Payne covers the Iowa Statehouse and politics for the Register. Reach her by email at mjpayne@registermedia.com. Follow her on X at @marissajpayne.
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