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Michael Baniewicz

@35mmikebaniewicz

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📸 Photo Intern @thegazette.ia
📰 Past @comissourian | @austinweeklynews
📚@mujschool ‘26

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Carter’s Caretakers: Living with CHARGE in Missouri (for @comissourian / photo edit by: @kate.cassady)

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Sitting on his living room carpet, 11-year-old Carter McKee intently hovers over a colorful, light-up sensory toy. Vibrant yellow, red and blue dots reflect in Carter’s glasses as his fingers carefully press plastic buttons to form his desired pattern of colors on the board.

The activity comes to an end once Mya Shorley-Gierer, Carter’s personal care assistant, crouches down in front of Carter and uses American Sign Language to sign “First stars, then play.” Carter hands over the light-up toy to begin his applied behavior analysis therapy, a type of behavioral therapy for people with developmental disorders.

Carter’s registered behavior technician, Elena Parr, holds up a brown leather boot and asks, “What this?” Clenching both hands into fists, Carter emphatically taps them together to answer with the sign for “boots.”

Shorley-Gierer smiles as Carter earns another star during his ABA therapy.

As a personal care assistant for Carter, Shorley-Gierer knows Carter’s likes and dislikes. She knows he likes playing adaptive sports outside, spinning in his indoor swing and chewing on buttery popcorn at the movies.

Carter was born with CHARGE syndrome, a complex, genetic syndrome that requires intensive care for various physical and developmental challenges. CHARGE syndrome, which also can cause deaf-blindness, presents challenges for Carter’s mobility and learning. A total of five caregivers work with Carter for a combined 35 hours each week.

Their presence in Carter’s life is made possible through a Medicaid waiver program called self-directed supports. Managed by the Missouri Department of Mental Health, self-directed supports is a delivery model through Medicaid’s Home and Community-Based Services. The state program allows Carter’s parents, Tom and Amanda, to hire, train and manage their own care staff. Without self-directed supports, beneficiaries like Carter could require institutional care.

Recent budget proposals put the program’s future at risk.

Read the full story at columbiamissourian.com by @35mmikebaniewicz

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5 months ago

ESPN’s College GameDay returns to Iowa City as No. 14 Iowa faces No. 5 Ohio State. The Big Ten matchup saw the Buckeyes prevail 31-14 and handing the Hawkeyes their first loss of the season. (for @thegazettesports.ia)

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Iowa long snapper Ike Speltz (69) celebrates after the Hawkeyes down a punt at Ohio State’s 2-yard line during the second quarter on Saturday at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.

Analyst Kirk Herbstreit (bottom left) holds a football for Iowa student Finley Banfig during ESPN’s College GameDay “Kicking Is Easy” event on Saturday at the Pentacrest in Iowa City.

Indiana Fever point guard Caitlin Clark shows off her new Nike shoe “Nike Caitlin 1” alongside analyst Pat McAfee during ESPN’s College GameDay week 5 broadcast on Saturday at the Pentacrest in Iowa City. The show’s visit to Iowa City was the first time since September 2006.

Iowa Hawkeye fans sit on the window ledge of Macbride Hall during ESPN’s College GameDay week 5 broadcast on Saturday at the Pentacrest in Iowa City.

Analyst Pat McAffee high-fives people in the crowd after ESPN’s College GameDay “Kicking Is Easy” event on Saturday at the Pentacrest in Iowa City.

Iowa linebackers Landyn van Kekerix (23) and Jack Laughlin (47) strip sack Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin (10) during the second quarter on Saturday at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.

Iowa kicker Caden Buhr (92) celebrates with Iowa punter Boston Everitt (49) after Everitt’s punt that pinned Ohio State down on their own 2-yard line during the second quarter on Saturday at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.

Iowa wide receiver Tony Diaz (14) stiff arms Ohio State safety Earl Little Jr. (1) during the first quarter on Saturday at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.

Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) receives a pass during the fourth quarter on Saturday at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.

Sections 125 and 125 wear yellow and black Hawkeye gear for the “Stripe Out” tradition during Iowa’s matchup against Ohio State on Saturday at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City. by @35mmikebaniewicz

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10 days ago

Cattle, canines and other critters (for @mophotoworkshop)

As the owners of Maryville’s Town and Country Veterinary Clinic, Dr. Michael Roberts and his wife, Veterinary Technician Teri Roberts take care of the local animals. Since 2013, the couple and their staff have been treating all classes of livestock and small animals at their clinic. Between them, they have a combined 35 years of experience in large and small animal medicine.

Their couple’s experience of caring for animals began much earlier, though. Growing up in Eddyville, Iowa, Michael found himself caring for calves, cows and pigs on his family’s farm. Teri grew up on a farm that raised feeder pigs in Craig, Missouri. In kindergarten, the second book Dr. Michael Roberts checked out at the library titled “I Want to Be a Veterinarian.” Teri said she knew she wanted to pursue veterinary medicine in eighth grade.

“[My family] had a dog that got sick with parvo and the veterinarian had saved its life,” Terri Roberts said. “I wanted to do that. I wanted to be that caregiver, too.”

This year, the Roberts family have been focusing on their own recovery efforts after their barn caught on fire in March. The fire killed the family’s meat goats, including 57 kids and 18 moms. After their barn fire, Teri said many members of their community stepped up to offer their support.

“Up until the fire, we didn’t realize how supportive we were for the community,” Terri said. “Since the fire, people in the community really came forward and helped us through that.”

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A special thank you to the participating photographers, faculty and crew of the 78th Missouri Photo Workshop for making this special week possible. I am especially grateful for the feedback and support from my coaches @terrafondriest and @randyolson. Thank you to the photojournalists in Team Eisert, including @spencesphotography, @_sukrum_, @karen_ohern, @karinapatelphoto, @wintels_photography, @jakestoutphoto, and @celiaw.inframe. by @35mmikebaniewicz

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17 days ago

The No. 22 Iowa Hawkeyes defeat the Northern Illinois Huskies 40-0 in Saturday’s season-opener game at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.

(for @thegazettesports.ia) taken in Kinnick Stadium by @35mmikebaniewicz

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a month ago

The dog days of summer in Iowa (for @thegazette.ia)

A red admiral butterfly alights on Jennifer Clark’s life vest as she relaxes in her kayak during the Forest Bathing with Kayaks class on Aug. 8, 2026, at Lake Macbride State Park in Solon. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Red Admiral species has a diverse range of larval host plants and is the most popular butterfly sighted in urban landscapes.

A competitor in the Hay Bale toss launches a hay bale above their head during the Solon Beef Days event on July 17, 2026, in Solon. The event originated from a 1971 celebration planned by four civic groups in Solon trying to revitalize an “Old Time Celebration,” according to the event’s website.

Members of the Ashley for Iowa campaign cheer as Rep. Ashley Hinson takes the Des Moines Register Political Soapbox stage on Aug. 17, 2026, at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines. Hinson is running against state rep. Josh Turek for a U.S. Senate seat.

Suvik Agrawal hits the tennis ball during the Baird Iowa Open on July 18, 2026, at Veterans Memorial Tennis Center in Cedar Rapids.

Ally Chapel plays alto saxophone with the band Brass Queens during the Iowa City Jazz Festival on July 4, 2026, at the Strauss Community Stage in Iowa City. Co-founders Alex Harris and Ally Chapel create the female-led brass band in March 2019 to showcase talents of female musicians amidst the male-dominated music scene in New York.

Singer Tom Pease (right) and Zoe Rottinghaus dance with kids from the Little Angels Childcare Center on July 27, 2026, at the Cedar Rapids Public Library. Pease shared personal anecdotes before each song and included American Sign Language as part of the performance.

A blue-fronted Dancer damselfly sits on top of a nitrate sensor in the Iowa River on July 9, 2026, at Waterworks Prairie Park in Iowa City. Information collected from the water quality station provides new information online every 15 minutes to the Iowa Water Quality Information System.

Swimmers launch off their platforms as they compete during the 2026 All-City Championships on July 18, 2026, at Camp Tanager in Mount Vernon.

Alliant Energy senior community and public affairs specialis by @35mmikebaniewicz

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2 months ago

NASCAR Cup Series’ Iowa Corn 350 race (for @thegazettesports.ia)

Monster Energy sprays over Ty Gibbs (54) while he and his team celebrate their victory in the NASCAR Cup Series Iowa Corn 350 race on Aug. 9, 2026, at the Iowa Speedway in Newton. Gibbs led 20 laps while defeating runner-up Christopher Bell and third-place finisher Ryan Blaney.

Spire Motorsports driver Carson Hocevar (77) signs the shirt of Isabel Lemmon, 10, of Ankeny before the NASCAR Cup Series Iowa Corn 350 race on Aug. 9, 2026, at Iowa Speedway in Newton.

Kaulig Racing driver AJ Allmendinger (16) competes in the NASCAR Cup Series Iowa Corn 350 race on Aug. 9, 2026, at Iowa Speedway in Newton.

Justin Kotchebar of Minnesota looks at NASCAR race cars on display before the Iowa Corn 350 race on Aug. 9, 2026, at Iowa Speedway in Newton.

Spire Motorsports driver Michael McDowell (71) high-fives fans during driver introductions before the NASCAR Cup Series Iowa Corn 350 race on Aug. 9, 2026, at Iowa Speedway in Newton.

Drivers compete during the NASCAR Cup Series Iowa Corn 350 race on Aug. 9, 2026, at Iowa Speedway in Newton.

Drivers compete during the NASCAR Cup Series Iowa Corn 350 race on Aug. 9, 2026, at Iowa Speedway in Newton.

Media and broadcast personnel stand on top of the press box tower during the NASCAR Cup Series Iowa Corn 350 race on Aug. 9, 2026, at Iowa Speedway in Newton.

Ty Gibbs (54) collects himself before hoisting the trophy after his victory in the NASCAR Cup Series Iowa Corn 350 race on Aug. 9, 2026, at the Iowa Speedway in Newton.

Drivers compete during the NASCAR Cup Series Iowa Corn 350 race on Sunday, Aug. 9, 2026, at Iowa Speedway in Newton. by @35mmikebaniewicz

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2 months ago

High school softball and baseball in Iowa (for @thegazettesports.ia)

Linn-Mar centerfielder Hayden Koutny (5) throws the ball to the infield after catching a fly ball for an out during a game against Kennedy on July 14, 2026, at Kennedy High School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Cascade second baseman Mick Hoffman (14) drops the ball as he attempts to tag out Dyersville Beckman centerfielder Tate Ries (8) at second base on June 18, 2026, at the Field of Dreams Movie Site in Dyersville, Iowa.

Iowa City Regina shortstop Keegan Kleppe (12) fields a ground ball during a game against Van Buren County on July 10, 2026, at Regina Catholic High School in Iowa City, Iowa.

Dyersville Beckman infielder Noah Kluesner (13) catches the ball before Cascade shortstop Leo Noonan (21) reaches second base during the IHSAA 2A state championship quarterfinal on July 21, 2026, at Merchants Park in Carroll, Iowa.

Williamsburg outfielder Ava Hocker (12) dives in an attempt to catch a fly ball during the IHSAA state championship game against Wahlert Catholic on July 24, 2026, at the Harlan Rogers Sports Complex in Fort Dodge, Iowa.

Linn-Mar outfielder Colt Sebring (24) reacts as outfielder Andrew Castor (3) chases a fly ball during a game against Waverly-Shell Rock on June 25, 2026, at Oak Ridge Middle School in Marion, Iowa.

Iowa City Regina pitcher Lily Nibaur (19) delivers a pitch during a game against West Liberty on June 16, 2026, at West Liberty High School in West Liberty, Iowa.

MOC-Floyd Valley infielder Thatcher Doughan (12) fields a ground ball during the IHSAA 3A state championship semifinal against Davenport Assumption on July 22, 2026, at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Clarksville players celebrate winning the IHSAA Class 1A state championship game against Edgewood-Colesburg on July 24, 2026, at the Harlan Rogers Sports Complex in Fort Dodge, Iowa.

Sioux City East infielder Cal Jepsen (2) celebrates after crossing home plate during the IHSAA 4A state championship semifinal against Pleasant Valley on July 23, 2026, at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Tipton pitcher Jett Kamberling (3) delivers a pitcher during a game against West Branch o by @35mmikebaniewicz

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3 months ago

Iowa City bids farewell to Hawkins Drive water tower (for @thegazette.ia)

In the early morning of July 12, Alpine workers utilized specialized equipment to dismantle the Hawkins Drive water tower at the UI Health Care campus (@uihealthcare) in Iowa City.

The removal of the Hawkins Drive water tower follows the completion of a newer, larger-capacity water tower in March. Once the old water tower is dismantled, the Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children's Hospital's new adult inpatient tower will take its place.

Built on the northeast corner of Kinnick Stadium, the water tower has witnessed over six decades of Hawkeye football. The structure served as a water supply to the Iowa campus with a carrying capacity of approximately 750,000 gallons. by @35mmikebaniewicz

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3 months ago

Photos from the “Disco Fever” show presented by the Five Seasons Ski Team on June 30 in Cedar Rapids. The club was founded in 1978 for the goal of advancing the sport of waterskiing. (for @thegazette.ia) by @35mmikebaniewicz

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3 months ago

Newcomer and experienced dogs compete in dock jumping with DockDogs. Dock jumping is a canine sport where dogs run down a 40-foot dock and jump into a pool to retrieve a thrown toy. Points are awarded based on the leap's distance. (for @thegazette.ia) by @35mmikebaniewicz

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3 months ago

Cedar Rapids PrideFest on June 27 (for @thegazette.ia)

01. Belly dancers Shannon Webber (left), Leesa Lenci (right), and Thessa Miro dance during the CR PrideFest parade.

02. Nail artist Kaylee Helmold smiles while talking with a visitor at her vendor booth during the CR PrideFest.

03. Michele Francis holds a rainbow umbrella while waiting for the start of the parade during the CR PrideFest.

04. Cami Zimmer wears rainbow face jewels while looking at a vendor’s table during the CR PrideFest.

05. People cheer as Violet Green (left) and Lich Higdon share a kiss in front of an anti-LGBTQ protestor during the CR Pride Fest.

06. Nick Stokes holds his niece while talking with Rowan Coppola during the CR PrideFest.

07. Ashley Kinn hands out freeze pops to people watching the CR Pride Fest parade.

08. People participating in the CR Pride Fest parade march through a walkway at the NewBo City Market. by @35mmikebaniewicz

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3 months ago

Scenes from June in Eastern Iowa (for @thegazette.ia)

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01. Eva Jara splashes her friend with water in the Iowa River June 30 at the West Overlook Beach in Iowa City.

02. Rylie Erbacher, 17, follows her brother Brody, 4, down a ramp while leaving her house June 16 in Cedar Rapids.

03. Josh Nelms (0) of Wisconsin passes James Bruce (00) of Cedar Rapids during the Mid-Am Series June 13 the Hawkeye Downs Speedway in Cedar Rapids.

04. Adam Salinas, a crew member for Arnold Racing, pushes a car out to the track before the Mid-Am Series June 13 at the Hawkeye Downs Speedway in Cedar Rapids.

05. From left, Celeste Harper, Feed Iowa First farm specialist, Jeff Knipper, Feed Iowa First operations director, and Isabel Schmidt, Feed Iowa First urban farm manager, plant sweet potatoes June 16 at the Wanatee Farm in Marion.

06. Travis Allen drills a hole for suction cups on one of the tentacles of his squid sculpture June 4 at his studio and home in Lisbon.

07. Matthew 25 volunteer Shannon Poitras paints a garage during the group’s annual Transform Week June 24 at a home in the Taylor neighborhood in Cedar Rapids.

08. Matthew 25 volunteer Ayla Kadlec paints a garage during the group’s annual Transform Week June 24 at a home in the Taylor neighborhood in Cedar Rapids.

09. Singer Alyssa Schlicht, also known as @blueeyeddaze, performs during the Make Music Cedar Rapids June 21 at Big Grove Brewery & Taproom in Cedar Rapids.

10. Sunlight pokes through a torn leaf along a trail June 30 at Hickory Hill Park in Iowa City. by @35mmikebaniewicz

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3 months ago