Dear Friends,

For close to two decades, Larry Cleverley has been a key leader in Iowa’s local foods movement. Many new farm-to-market growers owe a debt of gratitude to farmers like Larry for their pioneering efforts to help pave the way.

Well, maybe “pave the way” is a lousy metaphor, since the Iowa DOT wants to asphalt Larry out of existence. A petition drive to save Cleverley Farms reads, “The current proposals for the redesign of the intersection at Iowa 330 between U.S. 65 and Jasper County Road F-17 would destroy Cleverley Farms, and with it the livelihood and homes of the Cleverley family. Central Iowa would lose one of its most treasured local farms and sources of healthy, local food.”

There’s absolutely no need for this. The DOT’s proposal is just flat out wrong on so many levels. I speak from experience, and assure you that, with enough public pressure, the DOT can be made to back off a wrong-headed idea – or at least forge a reasonable compromise. In the mid 1990s, I led the effort to stop the DOT from destroying Engeldinger Marsh, ironically just a few miles up the road from Larry’s farm. Justice and common sense won that battle, and they can this one as well.

Visit the Cleverley Farms Facebook Page, learn more, sign the petition, and be ready to help as the struggle continues.

Monday, we talk about Larry’s situation in particular and the issue of eminent domain in general. We also discuss politics: (1) Branstad’s latest polling numbers vs Jack Hatch, Tyler Olson and . . . wait, why no mention of Bob Krause in the Register’s poll?; (2) In one day, I learn something positive from two Grassleys, only to be disappointed by the Senator the next day; (3) The Republican Party of Iowa fields another U.S. Senate candidate that nobody has heard of; and (4) Was it necessary for the Iowa Democratic Party to issue a foolish, mean-spirited rant against one of the other Republican U.S. Senate candidates that no one has heard of? Also today, we analyze Tom Vilsack’s take on climate change’s impact on agriculture.

Tuesday, we discuss the NSA’s spying and surveillance of our phone calls and Internet use, and the young man who spilled the beans to the press. Also, attorney Joseph Glazebrook joins me to help dig into Judge Rose’s “hulk” controversy. Joseph also gives us an update on several U.S. Supreme Court cases, including two addressing marriage equality.

Wednesday, we talk about the latest in the proposed purchase of ag-giant Smithfield by a Chinese corporation. We also share an update on Above + Beyond Cancer’s coast-to-coast Million Dollar Marathon to raise money for cancer research.

Thursday, my guests are Ron Yarnell, State Rep Dan Kelley, and Betsy Sando. Betsy talks about the growth of old-time square dancing in central Iowa and two upcoming events of interest. We’ll also talk with her about hypnotherapy.

Friday, we celebrate the formal defeat of MidAmerican Energy’s proposed nuclear power plant and talk with three people who’ve tracked this issue from various angles: attorneys Wally Taylor and Jim Larew, and physician John Rachow.

Monday-Friday, join the conversation live from 12:00-1:00 pm on the Fallon Forum website. Call-in at 244-0077 or toll free (855) 244-0077 and add your voice to the dialogue. Video and audio-only podcasts are available after the program. Also, a rebroadcast of Tuesday’s Fallon Forum can be heard on KHOI 89.1 (Ames) Wednesdays at 5:00, and KPVL 89.1 (Postville) Wednesdays at 7:00 pm. Thanks!

– Ed