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Officials release info of Iowa helicopter crash

News

August 13th, 2014 by Ric Hanson

MASON CITY, Iowa (AP) – Federal investigators have released more information about a north Iowa helicopter crash that killed three medical workers. KIMT-TV says that a National Transportation Safety Board report details circumstances of the January 2013 crash near Ventura. The Mercy Air Med helicopter carrying a pilot, nurse and paramedic was on its way to pick up a patient in Emmetsburg when it crashed into a farm field.

Investigators focused on weather conditions at the time of the crash. The report says witnesses and first responders reported mist, drizzle, freezing precipitation and icy roads. Investigators said the helicopter wasn’t certified for such conditions.

Investigators will use the report to determine a probable cause of the crash.

Cyclones set sights on winning bowl game

Sports

August 13th, 2014 by Ric Hanson

AMES, Iowa (AP) – Even Iowa State knows that it probably won’t win the Big 12 this year.  The Cyclones just want to win a bowl game. Iowa State went to three bowls in its first four years under coach Paul Rhoads. But the Cyclones lost seven straight Big 12 games and finishing 3-9 – by far their worst mark for Rhoads.

Iowa State has predictably been picked to finish ninth in the 10-team league, ahead of only Kansas. But Rhoads has set the bar at a postseason victory, which the Cyclones have achieved just once under Rhoads and three times in school history.

2 arrested after shots fired and chase in Council Bluffs (updated)

News

August 13th, 2014 by Ric Hanson

Police in Council Bluffs say two men were arrested early this (Wednesday) morning, after they led police on a chase. Bluffs Police Sgt. Chad Meyers said in a press release Wed. afternoon, 34-year old Kent Hendricks, of Council Bluffs, and 32-year old Ryan Mass, of Omaha, were in the drive-thru pharmacy lane of the Walgreens Store at 535 E. Broadway at around 1-a.m., when a red truck occupied by 33-year old Dustin Boetel and 26-year old Luke Bird, both of Council Bluffs, pulled-up next to their vehicle and the occupants of the truck began arguing with Hendricks and Mass.

When Hendricks and Mass left the area, the suspects followed them and at the intersection of Harmony and Benton Streets, Hendricks and Mass hear a bang and Hendricks felt something hit his left leg. The suspect’s pickup truck then sped toward Harrison Street. Hendricks and Mass checked their vehicle and discovered what appeared to be a bullet hole in the trunk. They called 9-1-1 and gave the last known direction of travel of the suspects’ vehicle.

Officers located the pickup in the 200 block of Orchard Avenue and attempted to perform a traffic stop, but the pickup sped-off with the officers in pursuit. The truck eventually went out of control near 25th Street and West Broadway, and both occupants were detained. In the vehicle, police found .22-caliber rifles, one with a sawed-off barrel and an altered serial number. A shotgun found on the Broadway viaduct was also linked to the suspects.

Authorities say Boetel and Bird face charges that include attempted murder, going armed with intent, assault while participating in a felony, possession of an offensive weapon, and intimidation with a weapon. Boetel faces additional charges of felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of methamphetamine. Bird also faces additional charges. They include Tampering with evidence, Driving While Barred, Possession of Marijuana, felony eluding, and he has two outstanding misdemeanor warrants.

Hendricks’ injuries, which were apparently caused by shrapnel from a bullet or fragments of the driver’s side seat, were not life threatening.

 

Hawkeyes poised for revival in 2014

Sports

August 13th, 2014 by Ric Hanson

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) – Most coaches only get one chance to turn around a program. Iowa’s Kirk Ferentz is poised to revive the Hawkeyes for the third time in 12 years. Many dismissed Ferentz and the Hawkeyes after a 4-8 finish in 2012. But Iowa answered its critics with eight wins last season, including victories at Minnesota and Nebraska and a trip to the Outback Bowl.

A veteran roster and a favorable schedule should put Iowa in position to contend for the inaugural Big Ten West title in 2014.

Backyard and Beyond 08-13-2014

Backyard and Beyond, Podcasts

August 13th, 2014 by admin

Lavon Eblen speaks with Gayle Strickland of Oakland about Junkapalooza September 13th and 14th, vendors needed.

Play

Heartbeat Today 08-13-2014

Heartbeat Today, Podcasts

August 13th, 2014 by admin

Jim Field speaks with Patrick Kilcoin, Owner/Operator of Barnwood Creations, about his unique business and experiences.

Play

The search is on for the ugliest tacklebox in Iowa

Ag/Outdoor, News, Sports

August 13th, 2014 by Ric Hanson

If the tackle box out in your garage is rusted through, busted up or has otherwise seen better days, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources wants to see it. The DNR says it will accept photos of Iowa’s ugliest tackle boxes for a contest to run this August on Facebook, with the winner receiving a new tackle bag and lures courtesy of the Des Moines Chapter of the Izaak Walton League and Mid-Iowa Bassmasters.

Ugly tackle box photos can be submitted to photos@dnr.iowa.gov by Aug. 18th. The DNR will post photos from selected finalists to the DNR’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/iowadnr, at 8:30 p.m. Aug. 20, where Iowans can then vote for the ugliest tackle box in the state.

The photo with the most Facebook likes, comments and shares will win the new tackle box and gear, valued at $100. Official contest rules are available on the DNR website at www.iowadnr.gov/portals/idnr/uploads/files/Uglytackleboxofficialrules.pdf

Photo entries will also be posted to the DNR’s Pinterest boards at www.pinterest.com/iowadnr.

The Des Moines chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America provided the tackle box for this contest. Learn more about the group and its work to improve outdoor recreation and protect natural resources at http://desmoinesikes.com.

The lures were provided by the Mid-Iowa Bassmasters. Learn more about the group’s stewardship efforts and work to promote fishing in central Iowa at http://www.midiowabassmasters.org.

Proposed fishing regulations the topic of 4 public meetings in IA

Ag/Outdoor, News, Sports

August 13th, 2014 by Ric Hanson

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has scheduled four public meetings to discuss proposed changes to the state fishing regulations for 2015. One of the hearings will take place 6:30-p.m. Sept. 2nd, at the Lewis and Clark State Park Visitor Center, (21914 Park Loop) in Onawa.

The DNR is proposing a series of rule changes to make the regulations easier to understand, to protect lake improvements, remove duplicate language in the Iowa code and to enhance fishing opportunities.

The proposals also include: allowing the DNR to manage walleye populations in the same manner as it does bass by posting length limit signs at lakes; removing hand fishing as a legal means of take for all rough fish; establishing a paddlefish season on the Missouri and Big Sioux rivers; and removing duplicate trotline or throw line language in the Iowa Administrative code.

At the hearing, persons will be asked to give their names and address for the record and to confine their remarks to the content of the proposed amendments. Any persons who intend to attend the hearing and have special requirements, such as those related to hearing or mobility impairments, should contact the DNR and request specific accommodations.

Any person may submit written suggestions or comments on the proposed amendment through Sept. 4, 2014. Written materials should be addressed to Martin Konrad, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, 502 East Ninth Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50319-0034, by fax at 515-281-8895 or by email to martin.konrad@dnr.iowa.gov.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 13th

Trading Post

August 13th, 2014 by Jim Field

GARAGE SALE:  Down-sizing Garage Sale on Fri & Sat, Aug. 15-16 @507 E 6th St. in Atlantic. Items include bookcases, lamps, tables, Weber grill, tent and camping equipment, cookbooks, women’s 3-speed bike and accessories, gardening and cat gear, housewares, craft supplies and women’s clothing accessories and jewelry. Many items will be under $5.

FOR SALE: iron pick up stock rack. fits full size pick up. $125.00. Atlantic.  Call 243-9849.

GIVE AWAY:  Used 15’x 12′ carpet taken from bedroom in good shape, light green, Free.  Call 243-6304.

FOR SALE: Futon for sale. Like new love seat sized shaker style futon. Great for apartments or a dorm room. The futon is 5’ 2” wide and includes ottoman and mattress. Asking $200. Can be seen after Saturday August 16th in Kimballton. My phone number is 712-773-2117.

!cid_31060E21AC4E4DF682493E7B48879B79@Dell537   !cid_CBBA3C49A8C040A7B06D2876E839E952@Dell537

State Fair Cookout Champion Crowned Tuesday

Ag/Outdoor, News

August 13th, 2014 by Ric Hanson

A Center Point man was named winner of the 2014, 51st Annual Iowa Farm Bureau Cookout Contest, Tuesday. The event was held at the Iowa State Fair, in Des Moines. Phil Cummings, of Center Point received his crown for his award-winning Mediterranean Lamb Pops entry, which beat out 50 other grillers representing counties from around the state.Cookout Champion Photo

The Iowa Farm Bureau-sponsored contest featured outdoor chefs, with varying levels of experience, using their best grilling, roasting and smoking techniques to impress the judges. Cookout Contest champion, Cummings, won first place in the lamb category before being selected by the judges as the overall winner. He received $200, a crown, and a permanent trophy as the 2014 Iowa Farm Bureau Cookout Contest Champion.

Second place winners and their categories, included: Randy Stamper of Greenfield, beef; Elsie Schafer of Mt. Ayr, poultry; and Mark Kunkle of Guthrie Center, combo/specialty. All second–place finishers received $100.

Second place in the Youth category award during the cook-off, went to Elsie Schafer of Mt. Ayr. Schafer won $100 for her efforts. Youth prizes were donated by the Iowa Propane Association.