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Grassley says biodiesel tax credit will expire this year, could be revived in 2025

Ag/Outdoor, News

November 28th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – A tax credit for biodiesel production expires at the end of this year and Senator Chuck Grassley says congress is unlikely to address the issue in December.

However, early next year Republicans in congress are hoping to extend a package of tax cuts approved in 2017 and Grassley says it’s possible the biodiesel production tax credit could be inserted in that bill.

Iowa is the largest U-S producer of biodiesel. The state’s nine biodiesel plants produced about 350 million gallons of the soybean-based fuel last year. The biodiesel tax credit was established in 2005 and has been extended several times. Grassley says the U-S Treasury Department and Environmental Protection Agency rulings on the scope of other tax breaks for renewable fuels should have been made long ago.

In February, the E-P-A approved the sale of a 15 percent ethanol blend at gas pumps in Iowa and seven other Midwest states year round, but the higher blend of ethanol still cannot be sold in other states during the summer months. The agency has long cited concerns that E-15 can cause smog during hotter weather.

Too early to tell if expanded racoon season making imp

Ag/Outdoor, News

November 28th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – Iowa law changed in 2023 to allow for a continuous open season on raccoons after concerns about an increase in their numbers and reports of them being a nuisance. Iowa furbearer biologist Vince Evelsizer says he doesn’t know yet how the law has impacted the animals.

The extended season allows people to use two kinds of raccoon traps.

The law change also simplified the process for nuisance animals.

You can find more about the rules regarding raccoons and other animals on the D-N-R’s website.

Work release escape of Shawn Juan Brown

News

November 28th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

Sioux City, Iowa – The Iowa Department of Corrections reports 34-year-old Shawn Juan Brown, who was convicted of Robbery 2nd Degree in Woodbury County, failed to report back to the Sioux City Residential Treatment Facility as required, Wednesday.

Shawn Brown (IA Dept. of Corrections photo)

Brown is a 5 Foot, 4 inch (5’04”), 186-pound Black Male. He was admitted to the work release facility on September 25th, 2024.

Persons with information on Brown’s whereabouts should contact local police.

Watch for signs of dementia at the dinner table

News

November 28th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – If it’s been a while since you’ve seen an older relative, Iowans may be noticing certain signs over the long Thanksgiving weekend in how they’re acting that might indicate the start of a problem.

Megan Benzing, program manager for the Iowa Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, says it’s supposed to be a joyful time, but it’s also an opportunity to take note of potential warning signs which may warrant further action.

“This is the time of year where families start gathering around the dinner table,” Benzing says. “It’s a very difficult time because this is going to be the time where all the family members may start to notice that their loved ones are experiencing changes in their memory, their thinking and their behaviors.”

Some of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s, especially early on, include forgetting recently-learned information, challenges planning or solving problems, and difficulty completing familiar tasks. It can be troublesome to watch a loved one struggle with what should be a simple chore.

“That might be confusing for a lot of people. They may not know what’s going on with their loved one but they should know that the Alzheimer’s Association is available around the clock 365 days a year,” Benzing says. “If you need to reach out and talk to somebody, we are available through our 24/7 helpline.”

That number is 800-272-3900. There are also a variety of resources available online.

Iowa ultra-marathon runner looks for next challenge

News, Sports

November 28th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – A 57-year-old Iowan who has run the Boston Marathon three times recently ran a 100 mile long endurance race through California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains. For nine years, Julie Moffitt of Iowa City entered the lottery for the annual “Western States” race and won a spot in this year’s race.

Moffitt finished the 100 mile course in just under 30 hours. The race begins in the California ski slopes where the 1960 Olympics were held and then runners descend into canyons and cross the north fork of the American River.

 

Moffitt plans to continue running more ultra marathons.

Moffitt is a former college professor who’s currently working for an international company that does medical research.

Reorganization petition for the AC-GC School Districts to be discussed Dec. 2nd

News

November 28th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Adair, Iowa) – The Adair-Casey and Guthrie Center (AC/GC) School District Boards of Education will hold a joint work session this coming Monday, December 2nd (2024), at the AC/GC Junior High Media Center, in Adair. The meeting begins at 7-p.m.  According to the agenda, the purpose of the meeting is to discuss a “Reorganization petition.”  No action will be taken.

In a recent meeting of the Adair – Casey and Guthrie Center School Boards, the topic of whole grade sharing/reorganization was discussed. That agreement will end on June 30, 2026.

District Superintendent Josh Rasmussen has stated that both Boards and district administrators recognize possible future obstacles – such as enrollment numbers – could be addressed, by working with other area school districts.

Fremont County Sheriff’s report (11/27/24)

News

November 28th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Sidney, Iowa) – The Fremont County Sheriff’s Department, on Wednesday, released a report on arrests that took place between Sept. 28th and November 25th. Here are those who were arrested most recently.

43-year-old Andrew Swisher Parrot, of Clarinda, was arrested Nov. 25th in Sidney, for Possession of a Controlled Substance/2nd offense, Possession of Marijuana/2nd offense, and Poss, of Drug Para. He was released later that day.
32-year-old Jessie Marie Patterson, of Clarinda, was arrested Nov. 25th in Sidney, for Domestic Assault w/ bodily injury, Possession of a Controlled Substance, and Possession of Marijuana. She was released on bond the following day.
56-year-old Julie Anne Adsit, of Omaha, was arrested Nov. 25th in Fremont County, following a traffic stop on I-29 at 155th Street. She was charged with OWI/1st offense, Possession of a Controlled Substance, and Possession of Marijuana. Adsit was released Wednesday after posting bond.
30-year-old Shantelle Christine Buttry, of Omaha, was arrested Nov. 21st at the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office, for Violation of Probation. She was released Tuesday (11/26) on her Own Recognizance.
You can read about the other arrests in Fremont County, on the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.

Iowa GTSB offers Uber vouchers this weekend to help keep intoxicated drivers off the road

News

November 28th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

If your holiday plans include consuming alcohol, the Iowa Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau is reminding you to plan for a sober driver. To help keep intoxicated drivers off the road this holiday weekend, the GTSB is offering a $10 Uber voucher for the holiday weekend. The $10 off Uber code is rie1T1nxWMg and can be used until Dec. 2.

AAA is also activating its “Tow-to-Go” service for the weekend. The company will tow one person and their vehicle to a safe place within a 10-mile radius. The service is free to everyone, even if you don’t have a AAA membership. To request a tow, visit the AAA website or call 855-286-9246.

The service is active until 6 a.m. Monday.

Governor Reynolds encourages everyone to enjoy family this holiday

News

November 28th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio  Iowa) – Governor Kim Reynolds was asked about her Thanksgiving message to Iowans Tuesday at the annual ceremony where she pardoned two turkeys.

The Governor says she is excited to have her whole family here for the holiday after her husband Kevin went through a cancer scare last year.

The governor says she’ll be cooking a turkey, ham and all the sides for the holiday.

Iowa’s attorney general joins lawsuit against firms she says are part of ‘Woke Wallstreet’

News

November 28th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – Attorneys General from Iowa and 10 other states are suing three investment firms, accusing the companies of pursuing a “green scheme” that is raising electric rates. Radio Iowa’s O. Kay Henderson reports.

The Texas attorney general filed the lawsuit accusing the investment firms of anti-trust violations. Bird, along with nine other Republicans who are the attorneys general in their states, have signed on to the suit.