DES MOINES – Governor Terry Branstad was supposed to sign a bill in Mason City today, then he says he got sick. Now, he’s chosen another town altogether for the ceremony.
Today, Iowa Governor Terry Branstad’s office cancelled a planned trip to Mason City to sign a renewable fuels bill at the REG biorefinery “out of an abundance of caution” due to a “seasonal cold”. The last time Branstad was in town, he attended a press conference on March 21 at which he and other elected officials trumpeted the fact that Prestage Foods, LLC had chosen Mason City for its mega pork processing plant.
The deal went south from there, however, and the plant was never approved after a weeks-long saga and public backlash, culminating in a 3-3 city council vote that thwarted the development. A source familiar with the Governor told NIT that “Terry got egg on his face and is furious” that he was brought to Mason City in connection to the Prestage announcement. The source told NIT that the Governor was promised that the Prestage Foods hog plant development would be a “slam dunk” and the council vote would be a mere “rubber stamp”.
But, protests ramped up as each city council meeting was held, and things got nasty in Mason City. Elected officials and Prestage bigwigs called North Iowans “racists” and “kooks” in the wake of a 3-3 vote on May 3 that seemed to end the prospects of Prestage coming to town.
“I can’t blame him for not coming back here,” the source explained this afternoon. “I mean, he’s the governor. You think he wants to face the potential of angry protestors? He came here in March to celebrate the biggest economic development in North Iowa history. He laughed. He shook hands. The council was supposed to be a formality. It all blew up in his face once, and he won’t let it happen again.”
Monday afternoon, Branstad’s office announced he has “rescheduled the public bill signing”, which would provide for tax credits and refunds relating to renewable fuels.
“Please note the change from Mason City to Newton,” his office said.
More on this developing story to come.
PRESTAGE FARMS
Prestage Farms is the nations fourth largest hog corporation. The companys facilities in Mississippi have raised concerns among neighbors. One facility in particular in Oktibbeha County, a 7,040-head operation under contract with Prestage, has been the focus of controversy because of its location adjacent to the Noxubee Wildlife Refuge, home to many endangered species and a local tourist attraction. Neighbors believe that polluted runoff from a manure lagoon or from fields sprayed with liquid hog manure could foul adjacent Browning Creek and ultimately the Noxubee River, which runs through the wildlife refuge. Despite community objections, the state granted the facility a permit and the facility has been in full operation since October 1997. Odor and contaminants from the facility were the subject of a $10 million lawsuit brought by a neighbora father who claimed that the pollutants aggravated his teenagers asthma. In 1997, a chancery court judge ruled that because of the particulate air pollution emitted from the facility, the state was obligated to issue an air quality permit to the contract farm. However, the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality has not enforced the decision. This ruling prompted the states legislature to exempt hog farms from air quality standards, but allowed local governments to establish local controls. Since the establishment of the original facility two years ago, more facilities have requested permits to establish operations near the refuge. Fifty-two counties established rules for CAFOs, but Prestage Farms sued the six counties in which the company had facilities. Concerned about the expenses of litigation, five of the counties eliminated their ordinances. One county, Monroe County, defended its ordinance and won the legal challenge. Then a state moratorium on the building of new CAFOs was established until January 2000. After the Health Department decided to take a cautionary approach regarding possible health impacts of these facilities, the moratorium was extended. The factory farms in Mississippi controlled by Prestage produce 300,000 hogs per year. If the moratorium is lifted, the corporation plans to establish 33 more facilities.
November 1994: In Lowndes County, Mississippi, several discharges from over- application of manure onto the land from Prestage Farms into James Creek resulted in a $15,000 state fine that was then reduced to $6,375.
January 2000: Over 500 neighbors of Prestage Farms hog factory farms, processing plants, and meat packers in Chicksaw and Clay counties in Mississippi filed a $75 million class action lawsuit claiming that air pollution from the facilities has led to unusually high levels of asthma, migraines, and other illnesses. The families that have brought the lawsuit have the backing of the Sierra Club.
Lets remember that the Gov is dealing with diagnosed Parkinson Disease. Its progressive and debilitating. The disease impacts both cognitive and physical ability. Most folks suspected but denied this reality during the last election. Just watch him shimmy and shake in live interviews. No criticism intended …. it is what is is. Connect the dots folks…..
Who is this “source familiar with the Governor…?”
State funding is only 1/2 the cost or less -Local taxpayers foot the tax bill for 10 years for the chosen ELITE. GO TRUMP !!!
The only kook and racist in mason city might be LVS. I am still waiting for his vast knowledge of all things to guide Mason City to the PROMISE LAND. This is very interesting that it was Clear Lake Snobs that shut down this hog plant. Lets see they just are opening the company at Clear Lake that is paying what I think is around 15 to 16 dollars a hour. Which is a top 100 company in the US. Just maybe we can talk to these Clear Lake Snobs to help Mason City.
And, what good does that company in Clear Lake do for Mason City? They pay no taxes here. They should have no input into what we do in Mason City. Are you blind, stupid or both? Are you seriously saying people in Clear Lake didn’t come here to protest. Everyone I saw or read about was from Clear Lake. They were even on here protesting.
How many people do you know who work there? I know of no one. How many homes have been bought in Mason City because of that company? How many taxes have been paid? Come on, I am waiting for a answer. It is great they have a good, new company, but, do not pretend it does much at all for Mason City.
Speaking of stupid where did I say this would help Mason City. My point is why Clear Lake and not Mason City. Plus I’m pretty sure the people that will work there will shop in Mason City and a majority probably live in Mason City. I do know of one family who’s wife got hired. Plus as pointed out below there are jobs in Mason City. You need to come out of the basement and take a drive around town to look at all of the signs out for help wanted. If you can’t afford gas i ll drive you around since you think these are good jobs you probably haven’t got much spare money and yes you are stupid. Reading comprehension isn’t your strongest suit..
All low level temporary jobs with no benefits. You can not live and raise a family on what they pay.
“The economic impact to the North Iowa area over the next 10 years is estimated at $310 million.” All that money isn’t going to stay in Clear Lake. Direct quote from the EDC.
Twelve people at the factory I work for in Mason City applied at McKesson. Three got hired and all three live in Mason City. How does that not help Mason City?
Attempting to communicate & reason with LVS is akin to talking to the dead.
In his case, the brain is dead but the body hasn’t caught up yet.
He isn’t coming here because he knows the town has been killed by special interest. When a area refuses to improve they will remove “ALL” state funding and give it to someone who wants to progress.
Your know this for a fact. What is this special interest you speak of. Show me example of a couple towns that have lost all help.
Special interest = people who enjoy clean air, clean water, and education for their children. Children they would not allow to work in a hog processing plant when they became old enough to work. Mason City has enough jobs that cannot be filled.
The only jobs here are low level, retail and fast food jobs that pay $10.00 p/hr. with little or no benefits. I know of many people who are working two jobs because they can’t even get 30 hours at their main job. At least the packing plant offered overtime that increases income and they had decent benefits. Now, there is nothing but Kohls who pay minimum wage and target that will give $10.00 for part time work.
Curries, Graham, Armour, and Kraft are all hiring. Their starting wage is above $13/hr too. Please try harder.
Martin Brower and Cargill are hiring as well. Both pay over what your beloved hog plant would pay.
And, all except Curries pays $10.00 p/hr. and start people on contract. You can’t get into Curries without going in on contract. That means no benefits for at least 90 days. Try again. They don’t pay as much as Prestage.
http://www.cargill.com/careers/browse-jobs/index_jobNextRowUSA_IA.jsp#filterCities=Mason_City
Here is Cargill. Benefits after 30 days, mutiple positions at 14.60 hr. Do you want me to continue to prove you wrong by posting the other companies as well??????
Here is what was posted for Armour yesterday at iowaworkforce. Want me to keep proving you wrong?? 25 openings!!!!
Wage $14.55 – $16.30 Hourly Location MASON CITY, IA 50401
Armour-Eckrich Meats LLC, a leading processor of meat products and a member of Smithfield Foods Packaged Meats Division, is currently hiring for general production/machine operators for the Mason City, Iowa facility. This plant processes and packages fresh meat products. No slaughtering. Some positions require repetitive lifting of up to 60 pounds.
We are hiring for general production with a potential to be placed immediately in higher skill and pay positions. The ideal candidate will exhibit a willingness to be trained in processing methods and be available for multiple shift operations.
Starting rate of $14.55 progressing to a base rate of $16.30 in 18 months as well as full benefits. Employer does drug screen.
Smithfield Foods Packaged Meats Division is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action (EEO/AA) employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veteran status or status as a disabled individual.
Smithfield Foods Packaged Meats Division participates in the E-Verify program.
Open Date 5/23/2016 Close Date
Experience
Education
Skills
Shift Day, Evening, Night, Rotating
Availability Full Time
Days Off Wed
Openings 25 Work Schedule varies
Lifting Capacity 50 to 75 lbs
Driver License None Endorsements
Job Benefits
Commission No
To view an Occupational Report for Production Workers, All Other
Posted Yesterday on iowaworkforce. 25 openings! Want me to keep going????
Wage $14.55 – $16.30 Hourly Location MASON CITY, IA 50401
Armour-Eckrich Meats LLC, a leading processor of meat products and a member of Smithfield Foods Packaged Meats Division, is currently hiring for general production/machine operators for the Mason City, Iowa facility. This plant processes and packages fresh meat products. No slaughtering. Some positions require repetitive lifting of up to 60 pounds.
We are hiring for general production with a potential to be placed immediately in higher skill and pay positions. The ideal candidate will exhibit a willingness to be trained in processing methods and be available for multiple shift operations.
Starting rate of $14.55 progressing to a base rate of $16.30 in 18 months as well as full benefits. Employer does drug screen.
Smithfield Foods Packaged Meats Division is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action (EEO/AA) employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veteran status or status as a disabled individual.
Smithfield Foods Packaged Meats Division participates in the E-Verify program.
Open Date 5/23/2016 Close Date
Experience
Education
Skills
Shift Day, Evening, Night, Rotating
Availability Full Time
Days Off Wed
Openings 25 Work Schedule varies
Lifting Capacity 50 to 75 lbs
Driver License None Endorsements
Job Benefits
Commission No
To view an Occupational Report for Production Workers, All Other
Armour has 25 openings on all shifts! Just posted yesterday on the iowaworkforce web site. Starting pay is over 14/hr with benefits. I’ve tried posting the link but it must be too long.
I know that Graham doesn’t start its employees at $10 an hour. More like $13+ an hour.
Mason City has been dying for years. The Clear Lake snobs came in and protested against packing plant until it was killed. And they had help from the bunch out of Des Moines who organized the whole thing. Then they got a couple of hundred kooks in Mason City to go along with them led by Weaver. When is this city going to wake up to the fact that Weaver does not support all the people. He has cost this city thousand of dollars in lost jobs.
The overwhelming majority of us protesters where ordinary Mason City kooks. We’re glad we get to remain Mason City kooks. We didnt want to become Clear Lake cooks, Ames kooks or Minneapolis kooks, but make no mistake, a lot of us Mason City white colar kooks were considering to mover ourselves and our significant tax base to just those towns back before this “deal” was heroically killed by three very brave councilmen.
Isn’t it a compliment to represent the Kommittee on Obtaining Klean Societies?
I would not be to surprised if they killed the mall deal too. Why put good money into a regressive city when it could go to a growing city?
The Mayor will be proud of you LVS for joining him and his country club friends.
My opinion of this project has nothing to do with the mayor’s views. It has to do with giving people the opportunity to make a decent living with decent benefits by “Working” for a living. That means they will buy houses, food, grocery’s and yes, even pay taxes to help support bike paths, and new roads. It takes money to improve the city and that money comes from taxes. And, taxes come from working people and not from liberals living off welfare and freeloading off the government.
LVS –the comment that I responded to his about the mall. So you think the mall renovation is a good thing and is going to provide good jobs? Last I saw you didn’t want the hockey arena downtown. That’s why I said the mayor would be proud of you because now you you are on board with the mayor and his cronies for the mall too. It is just disappointing to see the mayor has you wrapped around his little finger.
I don’t think this is the real LVS. That guy was a Max supporter and against the mall development. He must have had a lobotomy or indoctrinated into a cult that uses mind control. This one is too much like the mayor’s lapdog.
@Anontmous- I thought the same thing at first too, this can’t be the real LVS, but it is. He has totally changed his tune and now seems to support whatever the mayor is supporting. He seems to have become a big fan of Bookmeyer and Solberg. Kind of disappointing isn’t it, but it seems LVS has sold out.
I do not support the mall deal at all. I think it is a total waste of taxpayer money. The city has done nothing but loose money over that mall for years. We just paid it off a couple of years ago and I think it was over 20 million. Then the bank picks it up for very little. Now they want to throw good money after bad. The mall has nothing to do with Prestage, but the state may look at it differently.
i personally know of 3 people that got hired in the first go around. You are either to stupid or old to understand what my point was. If Clear Lake can land that company why not Mason City. My point being was maybe we should have Clear Lake people involved in our process. They obviously have a hell of a lot more insight what a community should be than our mayor and city administrator. Plus if you can rap your small brain around this. This had the potential to change the way of life in every community around Mason City and what were they going to get out of it. These jobs were low level bottom feeding jobs.
” You can’t get into Curries without going in on contract. That means no benefits for at least 90 days”
Exactly the same deal as Prestage then. Shitty wage, no insurance for the first 90 days. Except at Curries you dont end up getting messed up in the head from killing thousands of highly intelligent animals every day.
guess you might say “he is taking his ball and going home”
The Governor still is not mentally capable of understanding. The Mayor kicked a sleeping dog. Now awakened, will bark and bark until the threat is gone. (3:3 vote) Kick it again, bring the threat back, and get bit. Grrrrr woofff
NO to Prestage!
Most of the hogs in Iowa are either owned by the Communist Chinese (Smithfield) or destined for Communist China. Terry’s only upset because he let down his best buddies in Red China.
I dont have anything per se against selling to China, communist or not. I just dont understand why I should assume risk and my taxes should be used to subsidize meat production, so that Foreign nationals get to eat pork at below true production cost.
Well I don’t believe many people will care about him not coming here. This is a decision the people of Mason City needs to make not politicians who want it for nothing more then a feather in their caps.
Where exactly is “Newtown, Iowa?”
Yep, point taken. Changed it twice and the backup spellcheck beat me on that one. It is fixed.
F@@k Bumstead, he is the exact do nothing, in it for himself & family farm republican everyone is sick of…
Go Trump!!!
And can we get some new blood in here aren’t we all sick of this freeloading bum???
But he’s from Lake Mills area, the fun spot of north Iowa.
Branstand is a liberal spending two faced governor who don’t give a dam about the taxpayers of Mason City.