United Group Insurance

DNR receives donations to expand wildlife tracking system

Ag/Outdoor, News

December 13th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – A couple of donations will allow the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to build out a wildlife tracking system across the state. D-N-R Avian Ecologist, Anna Buckardt Thomas, says the system called Motus is a series of antennae stations and tracking tags that emit a radio signal. “And if they go by a station that’s listening on that same frequency, that station can detect those wildlife. And so we can build a really large scale understanding of movements of these wildlife,” she says.

There are currently 18 stations in Iowa and the 120-thousand dollars in donations will allow them to expand that by 20 stations to create a corridor from east to west across the center of the state. “And then stations bordering the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. And so that way, we’ll be able to understand bird movement along those major river corridors and that movement as well,” Thomas says. “And then, because we’ll have that fence through the middle of the state, we’re likely to detect pretty much any tagged wildlife that would come to Iowa.”

The tags are put on smaller migratory birds and insects like butterflies and dragonflies. The tags vary in size based on what’s being tagged, and that also dictates how long its battery will last. “For something like an insect, that tag lasts maybe a handful of weeks or a month. And for something like a small bird, it might last six months in a large bird, you might get a tag that can last over a year,” she says.

Motus tower station at the Iowa DNR’s Black Hawk Unit office, near Early. Photo courtesy of the Iowa DNR.

Thomas says different groups tag different species based on what they want to research, and she says there is always some sort of tagging going on. She says the stations all over the western hemisphere and Iowa provide a variety of information that the D-N-R can review. “So if we can learn about particular pathways or particular habitats that are really important for these migratory species, we can help inform our conservation and management of those areas,” Thomas says.  The information is also available to the public at the website motus.org.

“And you can explore a map of all the existing stations, you can click on a station and learn about what animals have flown by or moved by and then detected by that station,” she says. “You can look up what species of wildlife are being tagged on the system. You can look up a specific tagging project if you’re aware of it, though. There’s a lot of really cool data to explore.”  Thomas says you can also build maps of individual birds or collections of birds to see where they’re being detected as they move during migration periods.

The D-N-R hopes to add the additional sites in the next five years.

Scott Brickman Joins Iowa Athletics as Altius Sports General Manager for NIL/Strategy and Operations

Sports

December 13th, 2023 by admin

IOWA CITY, Iowa — The University of Iowa Athletics Department, in collaboration with Altius Sports Partners (ASP), announces the appointment of Scott Brickman as ASP General Manager for NIL/Strategy and Operations. Brickman, co-founder and former EVP and Chief Operating Officer of the Iowa Swarm Collective, is set to receive training and guidance from ASP while aligning his mission with Iowa Athletics to serve all athletes.

In his new position, Brickman will oversee all aspects of the school’s NIL FLIGHT program, including education for internal and external stakeholders, strategic guidance, and initiatives to maximize NIL opportunities for Hawkeye athletes. He will collaborate with the athletics department to develop diverse programs and resources supporting Hawkeye athletes in building their personal brands both within and outside the athletic arena. Additionally, Brickman will promote NIL opportunities to the wider Iowa City business community.

Beth Goetz, interim Henry B. and Patricia B. Tippie Director of Athletics Chair, stated, “Having Scott on-site is fantastic as we work collaboratively to help our athletes seize opportunities and connect with Iowa supporters. The partnership with Altius Sports brings numerous benefits to Iowa, and we’re excited about Scott opening opportunities for all student-athletes in their NIL pursuits, making a positive impact both on and off the field.”

Before he co-founded the Iowa Swarm Collective, Brickman spent five years serving as the UI Director of Development for Athletics. In this role, he acted as a campaign director and played a key role in securing transformative gifts that enhanced the overall experience for Hawkeye athletes. Iowa Athletics introduced its comprehensive NIL program, FLIGHT, over two years ago, in collaboration with INFLCR, providing tools for success in the NIL era for all Hawkeye athletes.

“The Hawkeyes are in my blood, and I am thrilled to be part of Altius Sports, continuing to contribute to the incredible success of the Iowa Athletics department. In this dynamic time in college sports, I am focused on helping our athletes to profit from their NIL while providing them with everything they need for success in both sport and life. I look forward to contributing to their personal and professional growth through the NIL program while collaborating with Iowa’s leadership,” said Brickman.

Added Matt Henderson, Deputy Director of Athletics, Revenue and External Relations: “We are excited to have Scott lead our department’s NIL team. His experience working with student-athletes, coaches, fans and sponsors makes him a great fit for this position. Many of our student-athletes are involved in NIL activities and we look forward to providing the additional support necessary to increase those opportunities.”

Born and raised in Iowa, Brickman received a baseball scholarship to the University of Northern Iowa. After graduation, he spent 18 years coaching baseball at the collegiate level, achieving conference championships, top 25 rankings, and NCAA Tournament appearances. In 2017, he played a pivotal role in leading the University of Iowa baseball program to a Big Ten Championship and its second NCAA tournament appearance in three years.

“Following a comprehensive search, bringing Scott on board is the successful outcome we were aiming for. His role at Iowa aligns with our mission to amp up student-athlete empowerment and drive the NIL rights agenda forward. With Scott’s background in college athletics, his strong business acumen, and his current role working alongside Iowa with the Swarm, we have found the perfect fit to elevate Iowa’s NIL program,” said Celine Mangan, Director, ASP College.

Launched in July 2022, the ASP NIL GM Program offers centralized NIL support services for 16 schools, providing customized education to navigate the changing NIL landscape. With trained ASP personnel stationed on campus, the program ensures student-athletes have the tools and resources to make informed decisions about their NIL opportunities, covering national issues such as licensing, sponsorship, agents, employment, labor, collective bargaining, Title IX, and other impending concerns.

Soiree with the Swans Jan. 6th, in Atlantic

Ag/Outdoor, News

December 13th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Atlantic, Iowa) – You’re invited to join Cass County Conservation Department Staff at Atlantic’s Schildberg Recreation Area- Lake number 4, on Saturday, January 6, 2024 for “Soiree with the Swans.” Conservation Dept. Staff will be giving ten-minute presentations regarding the Trumpeter Swans every half-hour, beginning at 11-a.m., with the last one presented at 2-p.m.

There will also be time to view the swans through spotting scopes and witness random swan feeding sessions. Hot chocolate, cookies, and other snacks will be provided free of charge with donations being accepted (for swan care).

The Schildberg Recreation Area is located on the northwest edge of Atlantic, Lake 4 is on the north side of Highway 83. Atlantic is celebrating 24 winters of the Trumpeter Swans wintering here.

This event is not to be missed! IF THE WEATHER IS “BAD” OR THE SWANS ARE NOT AT THE PARK…the program will be at the Atlantic Public Library from 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. with hot chocolate, cookies, and other snacks available. The event is being sponsored by the Cass County Conservation Board, Atlantic Parks and Recreation, and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

Tuesday Girls Wrestling

Sports

December 13th, 2023 by admin

@ Southwest Valley

West Central valley 42, Southwest Iowa 15

West Central Valley 54, Southwest Valley 5

Southwest Iowa 24, Southwest Valley 12

@ Creston

Highway 34 60, Glenwood 24

Highway 34 60, Treynor 12

Glenwood 42, Treynor 24

@ Papillion-La Vista

Lewis Central 44, Council Bluffs 21

Lewis Central 33, Papillion-La Vista 33

Papillion-La Vista 42, Council Bluffs 24

33 animals rescued from foul conditions in central Iowa house

News

December 13th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – A team from the Animal Rescue League of Iowa was called to a house in Des Moines last week to rescue dozens of animals. The A-R-L says it removed 31 dogs and two birds from conditions that were so deplorable, the house was deemed uninhabitable. A news release says the floors were coated with feces and puddles of urine that were warping the flooring. The dogs were as young as a week old and suffered from a host of conditions, including flea infestations. They’re now being cared for at the league’s headquarters.

One of the 31 dogs rescued (ARL photo)

The release says 26 animals were rescued from the same house four years ago. There’s no word on charges against the homeowner.

Tuesday Boys Wrestling

Sports

December 13th, 2023 by admin

@ Riverside

Logan-Magnolia 40, Riverside 32

Logan-Magnolia 71, St. Albert 6

Logan-Magnolia 78, Tri-Center 6

Riverside 78, St. Albert 6

Riverside 65, Tri-Center 12

Riverside 62, Red Oak 12

Red Oak 36, Tri-Center 30

@ Southwest Valley

Southwest Valley 66, Bedford 6

Southwest Valley 44, West Central Valley 24

West Central Valley 60, Bedford 9

@ Missouri Valley

Missouri Valley 36, Nodaway Valley 33

Missouri Valley 57, Audubon 16

Missouri Valley 41, AHSTW 27

Nodaway Valley 54, AHSTW 27

Nodaway Valley 64, Audubon 21

AHSTW 42, Audubon 30

@ Creston

Creston 39, Glenwood 33

Creston 54, Treynor 27

Glenwood 60, Treynor 21

@ Denison-Schleswig

Sergeant Bluff-Luton 75, Cherokee 6

Sergeant Bluff-Luton 72, Denison-Schleswig 24

Sergeant Bluff-Luton 66, Sheldon/South O’Brien 10

Cherokee 42, Denison-Schleswig 39

Denison-Schleswig 33, Sheldon/South O’Brien 33

 

Tuesday Boys Swimming

Sports

December 13th, 2023 by admin

Atlantic swam at the Larry White Invitational hosted by Southeast Polk Tuesday and finished sixth with 84 points.

The Trojans had six top-eight finishes, Keaten Rieken placed fifth in the 100 butterfly, Alex Lihs was seventh in the 200 IM and Abe Schechinger was seventh in the 100 breaststroke.

Atlantic placed fifth in the 200-yard medley relay, sixth in the 200-freestyle relay and eighth in the 400-freestyle relay. Rieken, Hunter Quist, Schechinger and Lihs participated in all three races.

Adair County Supervisors hold a brief meeting Wednesday morning

News

December 13th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Greenfield, Iowa) – Having a light agenda, the Adair County Board of Supervisors today (Wednesday), breezed through their business in about 10-minutes.

The Board approved a General Relief application, a 2024 ISAC Wellness Agreement, and .Homestead & Military Disallances. They also passed a Resolution calling for Board Chair Jerry Walker to accept a bid of $211,327.69 from Gus Construction, and sign the contract for, the N-24 Prussia (Township) Reinforced Concrete Box (RCB) Culvert Project for the Local Farm-to-Market road. County Engineer Nick Kauffman said the bid was 17-percent over the engineer’s estimate.

The Adair County Supervisors also authorized the Chair to sign documents pertaining to the N-36 Lee (Township) RCB Culvert Project, and a Right-Of-Way contract for the N-19 Lincoln (Township) Bridge Project on the Local Farm-to-Market road.

Kauffman updated the Board on Secondary Roads Department maintenance work and activities.

UNI faculty union leader raises alarms about athletics spending

News

December 13th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – The leader of the University of Northern Iowa’s faculty union is voicing concerns over how the school is handling its money. U-N-I released a statement defending the movement of nearly a million dollars from its general fund to athletics, saying one of its missions is to identify opportunities for those programs to be more self-sustaining. United Faculty leader Chris Martin says that shouldn’t come at the cost of education, especially when athletics can already borrow from the general fund. “There was a deal way back in 2010 that UNI’s athletics programs could take money out of the general fund, but it couldn’t go past 2.4 percent,” Martin says. “So there’s always been money going toward that, but in the past year or two, it wasn’t budgeted for.”

Martin says athletics programs borrowed nine-hundred thousand dollars, which exceeded the allowed percentage. He says the university’s overall budget has shrunk by several million dollars since 2019, largely due to a decrease in funding from the state legislature.  “When we’re confronted with losing academic dollars towards athletics or other auxiliary units, that’s a concern for us on the academic side,” Martin says, “since we’re already feeling an incredible pinch from being underfunded from the state.”

U-N-I’s overall budget has shrunk by about nine-million dollars, and the number of tenure-track positions has dropped by nearly 100 over the past four years.

Two juveniles face charges over alleged threats to NW IA schools

News

December 13th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – Two juveniles face felony charges after allegedly making threats against two small northwest Iowa school districts. Palo Alto County Sheriff John King says a 16-year-old suspect has been charged with a felony for an alleged threat at Ruthven-Ayrshire Community Schools on Friday. A threatening social media post on Saturday against the Graettinger Terril School District was investigated by federal, state and local authorities.

A juvenile located by Eagle Grove Police on Sunday has been charged with making threats of terrorism. The two school districts have a sharing arrangement for their athletic teams, which are known as the G-T-R-A Titans, and one superintendent oversees both districts.