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Skyscan Forecast for Atlantic & the Nishna Valley: Tue., June 11, 2024

Weather

June 11th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

Today: Partly-to mostly sunny. High near 86. South winds @ 10-15 shifting to the west & gusting to near 25 mph.
Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 61.
Tomorrow: Sunny & breezy. High near 91. S/SW winds 10-to 25-mph.
Tom. Night: A 30% chance of showers & thunderstorms, otherwise mostly clear with a low around 69.
Thursday: Partly-to mostly sunny. A slight chance of afternoon showers & thunderstorms. High near 91.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 85.

Monday’s High in Atlantic was 81. The Low was 51. Last year on this date, the High in Atlantic was 71 and the Low was 43. The record High for June 11th was 99 in 1892. The record Low was 36 in 1903. Sunrise: 5:45. Sunset: 8:53.

Congressman Feenstra calls bird flu a crisis

Ag/Outdoor, News

June 11th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – Iowa Congressman Randy Feenstra says confirmed cases of bird flu among poultry and dairy cattle in northwest Iowa are a crisis — and another reason congress needs to pass the Farm Bill this year. “There’s a lot of dollars in for avian influenza and African swine fever. These are massive things,” Feenstra says, “and if African swine fever would ever hit Iowa, it would be catastrophic to start euthanizing our hogs.”

Feenstra, who represents Iowa’s fourth congressional district, says 25 million birds in Iowa have been impacted by avian influenza. African Swine Fever, which is fatal to hogs, has not been detected in the United States.

4 Cornell instructors stabbed in China

News

June 11th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – Four instructors from Cornell College in Mount Vernon who’ve been teaching in China were attacked and stabbed at a public park in northeast China. The president of Cornell College says it was a serious incident, but offered few details about the attack, which happened in daylight hours on Sunday. The B-B-C reports all four victims are being treated in a Chinese hospital.

In a statement on social media, Governor Kim Reynolds called the attack horrifying and she asked Iowans to pray for their recovery and safe return. Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks of Davenport says she’s been in contact with one of the victim’s families and is working to ensure all four victims get quality care and are safely evacuated from China.

The four Cornell instructors were part of a “long-standing” partnership with a state owned public university in northeast China. A member of the local faculty was in the park with the group from Cornell when the attack happened. Cornell students are not involved in the exchange program.

Fatal motorcycle accident in eastern Iowa Monday afternoon

News

June 11th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Muscatine, Iowa) – A motorcycle crash Monday afternoon in eastern Iowa left one person dead and another injured. According to the Iowa State Patrol, the crash happened on Highway 38 near Brookview Road north of Muscatine, at around 3:30-p.m.

Officials say a 2022 Kawasaki motorcycle was traveling southbound on Highway 38 when it struck a 2016 Nissan Pathfinder that was attempting to turn westbound onto Brookview Road. The Kawasaki was then struck by a 2011 Jeep Liberty that was traveling northbound on Highway 38.

The motorcycle came to rest in the east ditch off the highway. The operator of the cycle was taken to University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, where they were pronounced dead. The driver of the Nissan was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment of their injuries. No names were immediately released.

The crash remains under investigation.

Atlantic Trojans Softball Team Sweeps the Shenandoah on Monday Night

Sports

June 11th, 2024 by admin

The Atlantic Trojans softball team sweeps the Shenandoah Fillies in Hawkeye Ten Conference regular season matchup Monday Night.

In the first game, the Trojans defense stepped up as Freshman starting pitcher Peyton McClaren pitched all seven innings while striking out four Fillies batters on the night. The Trojans were led offensively by Wood, who went 2-3 with two singles and also hit her first home of the season to help secure the 9-1 win over Shenandoah.

In the second game, senior Claire Pellett went 2-3 with a triple and a double to help secure the 10-0 win over Shenandoah. Wood had a stellar night pitching all five innings, while giving up no runs on two hits and striking out three batters.

Coach Terry Hinzmann talked about both wins over Shenandoah on Monday.

McLaren complimented on how well her defense stepped up in game one against Shenandoah.

The two wins for the Trojans will improve their record to 15-8 overall and 8-2 in the Hawkeye Ten Conference. McLaren commented on what it’s going to take to get a win over St. Albert on Tuesday June 11th.

The loss for Shenandoah will put their record to 7-7 overall and 5-6 in the Hawkeye Ten Conference. The Fillies will host Red Oak Tuesday June 11th in Shenandoah. First pitch at 6:00 pm.

Indy 500 champ previews July’s INDYCAR doubleheader at the Iowa Speedway

Sports

June 10th, 2024 by admin

Winning the Indianapolis 500 can change the life of a race driver and it has for Josef Newgarden. The native of Tennessee became the first driver to win two straight Indy 500 titles in 22 years last month and he made a stop at a suburban Des Moines Hy-Vee store leading up to July’s INDYCAR twin bill at the Iowa Speedway.

Newgarden says just being part of the Indy 500 is special.

Winning Indy also brings more demand for his time to promote events like the July race in Newton.

Newgarden has dominated on the ovals. He won both races at the Iowa Speedway last year and already has six wins at the track.

Veterans Biking Cross Country Ride through Atlantic

Ag/Outdoor, News

June 10th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Atlantic, Iowa) – Seven Veterans on a cross country bicycle trek made their way through Atlantic, Monday, to show how outdoor therapy is beneficial to mental health, and to help veterans transition from their wartime experiences through long distance outdoor expeditions. Warrior Expeditions is a non-profit organization that recognizes the therapeutic value of long-distance outdoor journeys and offers veterans long-distances hikes, bike rides, and canoeing expeditions.

For multiple years, the biking experience has been a cross-country ride that follows the Great American Rail-Trail route across the United States. While the Great American Rail-Trail is yet to be completed, the planned route includes Cass County.

Seven veterans are participating in this year’s biking expedition, and on June 10 Callie Leaver and Allen Megginson biked from Coon Rapids to Atlantic. They rode the T-Bone Trail to its Dunbar Road Trailhead a few miles north of Atlantic where the trail currently ends. From there, they jumped on gravel roads to finish their ride to Sunnyside Park, their camping location for the night. Callie and Allen started their journey in Washington D.C. on May 8, and are biking approximately 50 miles a day. They expect to complete the 3850-mile cross-country journey in about 12-15 weeks.

Veterans Callie Leaver (L) and Allen Megginson (R) pause for a photo just north of Atlantic. (Photo courtesy Ciara Hoegh)

Warrior Expeditions outfits veterans with all the gear they will need for their expeditions, and Callie and Allen are carrying all the gear they will need for the ride with them on their bikes. When asked what they would share with area residents, Callie was sure to note that Iowa has the most beautiful bike trails and that Iowa drivers have been very friendly when sharing the road. She appreciates that truckers have slowed down for them.

For more information on Warrior Expeditions, and to follow Callie and Allen’s ride across the U.S., visit Warrior Expeditions on Facebook at www.facebook.com/warriorhike.

The Great American Rail Trail is an initiative of the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a nonprofit organization founded in 1986 whose mission is to build a nation connected by trails. For more information on the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy and the Great American Rail Trail, visit www.railstotrails.org.

Nishna Valley Trails is a tax-exempt local nonprofit that promotes the development of recreational trails and cycling. People who support these causes are welcome to join the group by contacting President Dave Chase at 712-249-3059.

A map of Cass County trails, including information on trail type, ADA accessibility, and restrooms, can be found at https://www.atlanticiowa.com/experience/cass-county-trails-map-2/. Printed copies of the Cass County Trails Map can be picked up at the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce (102 Chestnut St., Atlantic, IA 5002

Atlantic School Board to act on advertising/hire shared SRO position; resignations & contracts

News

June 10th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic School Board’s regular monthly meeting takes place Wednesday in the High School Media Center. Their session begins at 5:30-p.m. and will be available for viewing on YouTube. Action items on their agenda include a request to advertise/hired a shared position with the City of Atlantic for a School Resource Officer (SRO), 24-25 Substitute wages and Supplemental Contracts.

Consent agenda items include approval of the following resignations:

  • Cecily McCuen, Special Education
  • Alexandra Statia, Kitchen
  • Kerry Jepsen, Para (to take HS Secretary position)
  • and Alyssa Boltz, Soccer coach.

Contract Recommendations and/or Letters of Assignment for the 2024-2025 School Year, include:

  • 2024 Fall Sports Coaching Recommendations, Sponsor and Advisor positions
  • New position: Jr. High Assistant Volleyball Coach (#2)
  • Anna Pauley, 9th grade Volleyball
  • and Lisa Sonntag, JV Volleyball.

View the full agenda here: PUBLIC AGENDA 06122024

Mills County Sheriff’s report, 6/10/24

News

June 10th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Glenwood, Iowa) – The Mills County Sheriff’s Office reports five recent arrests. Today (Monday), Deputies arrested 18-year-old Jasmine Ameliana-Cadena, of Glenwood, on two warrants: Violation of a No Contact Order; and Violation of Probation. She was taken into custody at the Pottawattamie County Jail and held on a $1,300 bond.

On Sunday, 63-year-old Jacob Benny Garcia, of Council Bluffs, was arrested at the Pott. County Jail on a Mills County warrant for Insurance Fraud. His bond was set at $5,000. And, 22-year-old Tabitha Rae Brayman, of Council Bluffs, was arrested at the Pott. County Jail on Mills County warrants for Criminal Mischief in the 4th Degree, and Violation of Probation. Her bond was set at $3,000.

At around 4:45-a.m. Saturday, 43-year-old Barbara Rose Riley, of Glenwood, was arrested on I-29, for Driving While Barred. (Bond: $2,000). And, at around 3:45-p.m. Thursday, 25-year-old Caleb Michael Solari, of Corning, was arrested at the Mills/Montgomery County Line, on a warrant for Failure to Appear on a Probation Violation charge. His bond was set at $2,500.

Judge to rule on Iowa’s immigration enforcement plan by July 1

News

June 10th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – A federal judge plans to issue a ruling before July 1st on whether state officials may enforce an Iowa law to deport immigrants who’ve been deported before. The judge heard legal arguments in a Des Moines courtroom earlier today (Monday). Emma Winger, deputy legal director for the American Immigration Council, spoke during an online news conference this (Monday) afternoon.

“We’re here today because the state has tried to set up its own deportation system which, frankly, makes no sense,” she said, “and it’s clearly unconstitutional.” Winger and an attorney from the U-S Department of Justice told the judge immigrants who were previously deported could be arrested even if they now have legal permission to be in the country. “Ultimately these types of laws create absolute chaos and human suffering,” Winger said, “and have no place in our legal system.”

In a written statement, Iowa Attorney General said President Biden has refused to enforce immigration laws and Iowa is doing the job for him by passing this law. Patrick Valencia, the state’s deputy solicitor general, told the judge states have police power to enforce federal laws and Iowa’s law would not affect immigrants who’ve been granted legal status to stay in the United States. Winger says while federal law gives protection to those who’ve been deported and return with the permission of the federal government, the Iowa law does not have that exception.

“Even if it were true that this law were just enforcing federal standards, the state can’t do that,” Winger said. “The responsibility for enforcing federal immigration standards belongs solely to the federal government.” One of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit is an 18 year old high school student who was brought into the U-S as a child by her mother after her father was murdered and her sister kidnapped in another country. The young woman, who was deported as a child, is living in Iowa now after being granted asylum.

The federal government is suing to block similar illegal reentry laws in Texas and Oklahoma.