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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Fifty years ago, the National Weather Service tracked an intense low-pressure system that moved north across Iowa, producing a severe blizzard. In the aftermath, Gov. Robert Ray declared 40 counties disaster areas.
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Progress is slow and steady after an EF3 twister struck Minden on April 26, 2024. Even with some concerns about insurance payouts, the mayor is optimistic about the future. -
Six months after floods in northwest Iowa destroyed hundreds of homes, life remains unsettled for many residents of Rock Valley. Some seek normalcy as city leaders quickly work to keep people from moving away for good. -
Officials with the Iowa Dental Association want state lawmakers to address a major shortage of dentists who accept Medicaid patients. Health officials in northwest Iowa say children and the poor are especially impacted. -
Local governments and the state face a challenge in how to pay for damage from historic high water. Leaders in one small community hope to find a way to fill an expected gap in funding and also improve the overall economic outlook.
