Sheila Brummer
Western Iowa ReporterExpertise: Reporting, writing and producing stories about people and western Iowa life, all with an ear to help IPR listeners and readers understand their communities and a portion of the state that can often feel forgotten.
Education: Masters degree from Buena Vista University, Bachelors degree from Morningside University
Favorite Iowa Destination: The Iowa Great Lakes and the Iowa State Fair!
Experience:
- Covered local and statewide issues and stories, for IPR, as well as for TV and radio stations in Nevada, Wisconsin, Nebraska and across Iowa, including KCCI-TV, WOWT, KMTV and KWIT-KOJI Siouxland Public Media
- Has reported and written features on western Iowa flooding and weather events, immigrant and indigenous communities, agriculture and the environment
- Is a multi-award-winning reporter, including seven regional Edward R. Murrow awards for writing and other reporting, regional Emmy awards through the Upper Midwest Emmys for her TV work, several Iowa Broadcast News Association awards and more
- Has reported and produced features for NPR
- Has served as president of the Iowa Broadcast News Association and on the board for the Midwest Broadcast Journalism Association
My Favorite Stories
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President Joe Biden approved a presidential disaster declaration for parts of northwest Iowa after catastrophic flooding. As the major flood threat moved downstream, one of the hardest hit communities focused on clean-up and finding what could be salvaged. -
Saturday is the second anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Since then, nearly 500,000 Ukrainian refugees have come to the U.S., and one woman has helped bring dozens of them to a northwest Iowa county. -
The new mural downtown features 63 butterflies in all, representing the nationalities of people now living in Storm Lake. -
The annual butterfly migration is underway. For decades scientists have relied on volunteers to tag butterflies to provide details about their journey. -
Principal oboist Jeffrey Paul received a commission to create his own concerto. His vision included creating a brand-new instrument. But reaching his goal proved harder than imagined.
My Latest Stories
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Christian Schlaefer, a farmer from north central Iowa, is the latest Republican to join the race for Iowa’s 4th Congressional District. There are now eight candidates who aim to replace incumbent Republican Rep. Randy Feenstra, who has yet to officially announce he’s running for governor. -
Democrat Dave Dawson lives in one of the state's most conservative locations, but the northwest Iowa lawyer believes his experience and relatability can win over voters in the 4th Congressional District. -
Democrat Catelin Drey beat Republican Christopher Prosch by 11% in a special election held Tuesday in northwest Iowa. The Iowa Senate district voted for President Trump by 10 points in 2024. After last night's victory, Democrats are claiming momentum in a red part of the state. -
Iowa cities are receiving significant settlements from chemical companies to address "forever chemical" contamination in drinking water. But officials caution that the funds may not cover all associated costs, as long-term solutions remain uncertain. -
Voters in Senate District 1 will cast their ballots Tuesday for either Democrat Catelin Drey or Republican Christopher Prosch.
