When you see that the flags are half-staff today, use that as a reminder to remain focused while driving and going the speed limit, especially in construction zones.

Why are the flags at half-staff in Iowa?

Gov. Kim Reynolds ordered flags to remain at half-staff to honor an employee of the Iowa Department of Transportation who was killed on the job.

“This senseless tragedy never should have happened,” Reynolds said in a news release. “I urge all drivers to be alert when approaching any work area at any time. The workers on our interstates and roadways deserve our full attention and respect. Please be vigilant and reduce your speed whenever you’re near work areas to keep everyone safe on Iowa’s roads.”  

Matthew Dickerson, a father and husband, died on May 16 while working for the DOT on Interstate 80 near Council Bluffs.

 “We honor the memory of Matthew Dickerson and his service to the state of Iowa as he is laid to rest this week,” Reynolds said. “Kevin and I pray for his wife, daughters, parents, and extended family during this difficult time.”

Which flags should fly half-staff in Iowa?

Flags will be at half-staff on the State Capitol Building and on flag displays in the Capitol Complex, according to the governor’s announcement. Flags will also be at half-staff on all public buildings, grounds and facilities throughout the state. 

While individuals, businesses or local governments are not mandated to lower flags, the governor encourages them to do so.

What’s the difference between half-mast and half-staff?

Half-mast is used when a flag is flown from a flagpole, typically referring to a ship mast or similar structures, according to Federal Flags. Half-mast means the flag is flown two-thirds up between the top and bottom of the flagstaff.

Half-staff is the term used for flags on land, particularly in the United States. Half-staff describes a flag that is raised halfway, between the top and bottom of the flagpole.

When the American flag is flown at half-staff, it conveys a message of respect and mourning. Federal Flags says this custom is most often observed following the death of a government official, military personnel or in response to a national tragedy.

Des Moines Register reporter Victoria Reyna-Rodriguez contributed to this report.

Kate Kealey is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at kkealey@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter at @Kkealey17.

The Iowa Department of Public Safety announced the casualty toll Wednesday, stating it believes the number of injured is likely higher and the 35 individuals reported only reflect those being treated for injuries at designated alternate care sites.

At least 14 people were transported by EMS services to out-of-country medical facilities, it said.

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds visited Greenfield to inspect the damage.

“The community of Greenfield is strong,” the Republican governor said in a statement.

“Amid the devastation there is hope and resilience. Progress is already visible, and it will continue. Thank you to emergency management, first responders, law enforcement, health care providers, and everyone supporting the effort.”

On Tuesday following the severe weather, Reynolds had authorized a Proclamation of Disaster Emergency for 15 counties, including Adair, where Greenfield is located, freeing up state resources to be used for recovery operations while activating the Iowa Individual Assistance Grant and Disaster Case Advocacy programs.

In a press conference in Greenfield on Wednesday, Reynolds said she requested an expedited presidential disaster declaration.

State Rep. Ray Sorensen, who represents the 23rd district, that includes Adair County, said the storm has forever changed Greenfield’s appearance, felling historic trees that made its skyline.

“There are so many historic trees in town that are gone, and, you know, not to downplay people’s houses completely destroyed, but that to me is the history of Greenfield are some of those old trees and it’s a completely different town now,” he said.

“I was glad that it spared the grandstand at the fairgrounds, because that’s another historic grandstand and so we’ve been lucky there.”

The storm hit less than a month after both Minden and Shelby, Iowa, were slammed with strong tornadoes, killing at least one person.

The Iowa high school boys state tennis tournament in Class 2A culminated at the Hawkeye Tennis and Recreation Complex in Iowa City on Wednesday.

Waukee Northwest swept the singles and doubles tournament for the second straight year. Class 1A state competition is being hosted in Waterloo at Brynes Park, with finals set for Thursday.

Here is a recap of Wednesday’s action in Iowa City. 

This story will be updated with Class 1A results on Thursday. 

Make that back-to-back state titles for Waukee Northwest’s Kaden Taylor 

Last season, Kaden Taylor became the first Waukee Northwest tennis player to win a singles state championship. A year later, the high school senior returned to the big stage, defeating Waukee’s Quinn Monson (6-4, 6-1) to win his second-straight 2A state title.

“It’s a great feeling,” Taylor said. “I really had to fight especially in the first set going down 4-3…He’s a great player obviously and to kind of get through that, it really feels good.”

Taylor went head-to-head with Monson, a former Waukee teammate with whom he won a doubles state title in 2021.

“We got to be state doubles champs three years ago and then to get to compete in the finals of state this year was definitely something that was exciting and something we were both looking forward to,” Taylor said. “Obviously, it sucks that one of us had to come through, but it was a great match. He’s a great player so it was fun.”

Waukee Northwest’s Kellan Croatt, Jake Nelson earn second-straight doubles title in 2A 

When you reach the mountaintop once, why not do it again? Waukee Northwest’s Kellan Croatt and Jake Nelson entered this year’s state tournament as the defending doubles title holders in 2A. 

The junior duo added to their championship resume with a win over Linn-Mar’s Malcolm Rice and Garrett Bauermeister in straight sets (6-2, 6-1).

“It feels really, really good,” Croatt said. “We’ve been together for years…but we’ve been double partners ever since we were in fifth grade, so it just feels amazing.”

Croatt and Nelson said their routine was similar to their state title run in 2023. They admitted that they faced a bit of pressure heading into this year’s state tournament, but they found their rhythm during the second day of competition which led to another state championship trophy.

“It feels great being the second year now we’ve done this, and then this year was awesome for us at state,” Nelson said. “We had all of our players make it to compete in Day 2 and another doubles team in the semifinals also, so this was awesome.”

Marc Ray is the high school sports reporter for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. He can be reached atMARay@gannett.com, and on X, formerly Twitter, at@themarcszn.