Iowa

Study: Cycling brings $1.4 billion to Iowa’s economy

Published

9 months ago

January 25, 2025

Study: Cycling brings .4 billion to Iowa’s economy

DES MOINES, Iowa (KCRG) – Cycling and trail use across the state of Iowa brings at least $1.4 billion into Iowa every year. That’s according to a study released today by the Iowa Bicycle Coalition.

The Economic Impacts of Cycling and Trails Study, conducted by Scioto Analysis, focuses on how cycling supports Iowa’s local economies, workforce, talent attraction and retention, rural revitalization, and quality of life. It shows an estimated 900,000 Iowans ride their bicycles on Iowa’s 2,000 miles of multi-use trails every year.

Luke Hoffman, Executive Director of the Iowa Bicycle Coalition, said, “This study shows that we are the world capital of trails. Our investments in bicycling infrastructure not only enhance economic and health outcomes, but also position Iowa as a leader in outdoor recreation and bike tourism. Prioritizing safety and expanding infrastructure can further boost quality of life and economic & health benefits for the entire state.”

According to the study, bicycle-related tourism generates $13 million annually, supporting local economies. Trail construction and maintenance investments have a $24 million annual economic impact, supporting rural revitalization with 260 jobs, primarily in construction.

Additionally, Iowa’s bicycle retail sector generates an additional $56 million in economic impact annually, supporting workforce development with 800 jobs statewide and attracting and retaining talent in the state. The study also shows that bicycle commuting prevents at least 1,000–1,500 tons of carbon emissions annually, helping to combat climate change.

Bicycle clubs and organizations contribute 250,000 volunteer hours in Iowa annually, valued at $7.1 million, fostering social and community connectivity.

Cycling also improves health outcomes and quality of life, with active cyclists showing a 28% reduced risk for breast cancer, 77% reduced risk for colorectal cancer, and a variety of other mental and physical health benefits. Most notably, the study demonstrates that active cyclists are 49% less likely to experience chronic poor mental health.

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Iowa

Iowa DNR releases Rainbow Trout into Stolley Park Pond outside Spencer

Published

1 hour ago

November 2, 2025

Press Room

Iowa DNR releases Rainbow Trout into Stolley Park Pond outside Spencer

SPENCER, Iowa (KCAU) —Dozens of folks gathered at Stolley Park Pond outside of Spencer on Saturday hoping to catch rainbow trout.

The Iowa DNR released about 1,500 rainbow trout into the pond Saturday afternoon.

Previously, the trout release was held at Scharnberg Park in rural Clay County. The switch to Stolley Park was made because of the proximity to Spencer and to bring more people out to the park.

“It’s just to help increase the fishing success, the fishing catchability in these ponds. We’ve actually in the last three years we’ve put a lot of work back into Stolleys Park to increase the fishing success we’ve been working closely with the DNR, the local fisheries biologists. It just adds in another element that really draws attention to the area when you do these urban fish stockings like this and it’s really great success for people to come out and catch fish.” Said Spencer Parks and Recs Director Bob Fullhart.

To fish for the trout, you will need to get a “trout stamp” on your fishing license, which you can get anywhere that sells fishing licenses. There is a daily bag limit of five trout and children under 16 may fish for free if they fish with a licensed adult.

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Iowa

Previewing Arizona State-Iowa State – Keys, Game Prediction, and More

Published

1 day ago

October 31, 2025

Press Room

Previewing Arizona State-Iowa State – Keys, Game Prediction, and More

TEMPE — The Arizona State Sun Devils (5-3, 3-2 Big 12) are seeking to keep their slim Big 12 title hopes alive as they take on the Iowa State Cyclones (5-3, 2-3) in a rematch of the conference championship game from a year ago.

Iowa State’s defense has faced significant injuries in recent weeks, while Jeff Sims is set to start at quarterback the remainder of the season following Friday’s news that Sam Leavitt will undergo season-ending foot surgery.

Arizona State on SI covers all of the vitals for the game below – information surrounding the battle, major storylines to watch, a game prediction, and more.

WHO: Arizona State at Iowa State

WHERE: Jack Trice Stadium, Ames, Iowa

WHEN: 10:00 A.M. AZT

TV NETWORK: TNT

The Skinny: Iowa State has dropped three consecutive games following a 5-0 start to the year – a 38-30 loss to Cincinnati, a 24-17 defeat at the hands of Colorado, and a 41-27 loss to Brigham Young in a game in which they controlled at one point.

Junior QB Rocco Becht had one of the roughest performances of his career against BYU, throwing three interceptions in the game – he still remains a player to watch after a very successful career in Ames.

Iowa State also has a potent backfield duo, as Abu Sama III and Carson Hansen have combined for over 1,000 yards to this season.

Becht’s three-interception showing in week nine currently puts him on pace to throw more interceptions in 2025 compared to the previous two years as the starting QB.

ASU DC Brian Ward’s calling card is drawing up opportune blitzes and disguised coverages that are designed to force the opposing quarterback into untimely mistakes – will this be a situation that presents itself on Saturday with all things considered?

One of the major determining factors might be DL Prince Dorbah’s status, as the star is currently questionable with an undisclosed injury after exiting the games against both Texas Tech and Houston. Myles “Ghost” Rowser will also miss the first half of the game due to a targeting call late in last week’s game.

Sims will receive his third start with the program after Leavitt was ruled out earlier in the week. The senior has requisite mobility, arm strength, and experience to navigate the last several weeks of the season – especially with a more favorable schedule in mind.

However, freshman QB Cameron Dyer has the potential to receive reps in the game as well according to local insider John Gambadoro.

It will be interesting to see how the coaching staff approaches this conundrum, as Sims’ experience has potential to be very valuable for a program that is still seeking to win as many games as possible, but there is an upside to playing Dyer – as the future of the program is just as vital as the present.

Sims should have a strong connection with close friend Malik McClain in this game after the latter broke out for 159 yards against Houston – could this tidbit factor into the approach as well?

This is a game that truly has the potential to go either way – Jeff Sims being pitted against a banged up Iowa State defense is the major factor in play when determining the outcome.

Ultimately, this is surely a game in which Raleek Brown and kicker Jesus Gomez have the ability to be difference makers in a toss-up battle.

The Sun Devils keep their slim conference title hopes alive behind a late Gomez field goal in what has the potential to be Sims’ first win as the starting quarterback for the program.

Read more on why the Arizona State men’s basketball team will exceed expectations in the 2025-26 season here, and on why the 2025 football team is at a crossroads following a loss to Houston here.

Please let us know your thoughts when you like our Facebook page when you click right here.

Please follow us on X when you click right here, as well as @khicks_21 for nonstop Arizona State coverage!

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Iowa

Sheldon teacher named 2026 Iowa Teacher of the Year

Published

2 days ago

October 31, 2025

Press Room

Sheldon teacher named 2026 Iowa Teacher of the Year

SHELDON, Iowa (KCAU) — A Sheldon teacher and instructional coach from Sheldon High School was named the 2026 Iowa Teacher of the Year.

Stephanie Pritts was named the 2026 Iowa Teacher of the Year on Thursday in front of a full house at the Sheldon High School gym.

“It is just phenomenal. It’s actually really hard to describe because there are just so many people involved with what I do for a career. It was amazing to have all K-12 in one building,” Pritts said. “I should say Pre-K through twelve. Just all that extra added support for it just added to this experience. It was just exciting and so much fun.”

Pritts is a Sheldon native and has been a teacher for 23 years. She was selected out of a pool of nine teachers from across the state. Pritts also serves as Northwest Regional Teacher of the Year.

“It’s important to recognize the importance of good teaching; it’s important to recognize the importance of good education. This is the future of this great state, and we want to make sure we are giving them every opportunity to be the best they can be, and this is a way we can help celebrate that,” said Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds.

For Pritts, it was important for her students to see her win this award.

“I really hope that students really see that you put your mind to something, you have good work ethic, that you will move mountains and go so far,” Pritts said.

Now, as part of being the teacher of the year, she’ll travel the state to speak to other school districts and work with them, and hopefully learn from them also.

“I thrive off collaborating with other school districts. I look forward to not only helping support those school districts, but I look forward to learning from them as well,” said Pritts. “Because, like I said, we do a lot together and we can learn from one another. So, I do. I give but also receive.”

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