United Group Insurance

Iowans asks for EPA hearing on ethanol in Iowa

Ag/Outdoor

December 12th, 2013 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa’s governor and the state’s entire congressional delegation are asking the Obama administration to hold a hearing in Iowa to discuss the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposal to reduce ethanol production in 2014. Iowa is the nation’s leading producer of ethanol, a fuel additive primarily made from corn that produces lower carbon emissions than gasoline. The EPA in November proposed cutting production to 2012 levels, prompting outcry by political leaders from both parties who claimed such a move would devastate Iowa’s economy.

The EPA stated in its November report that the additive had become less necessary in light of fuel-efficient engines and lower fuel demand. An Iowa State University economist says the economic impact elected officials claim is overstated. The EPA is taking public comment for 60 days on its recommendation.

NASCAR taps Small to run Iowa Speedway

Sports

December 12th, 2013 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – NASCAR has selected Jimmy Small the new president of the Iowa Speedway. The appointment of the 28-year-old Small, a senior marketing manager for NASCAR, was announced Thursday at a press conference in Des Moines detailing NASCAR’s purchase of the track last month.   NASCAR bought the seven-year old track from Featherlite Inc., founder Conrad Clement and his family, who owned it for two years. NASCAR will be the $70-million Speedway’s third owner since it opened in 2006.

The Iowa Speedway is scheduled to host an IndyCar race and two Nationwide events, though it’ll have just one NASCAR trucks race after hosting a pair in recent years.  NASCAR has been adamant that it has no plans to award a Sprint Cup Series races to Iowa in the near future.

New report says Iowa pension fund in good shape

News

December 12th, 2013 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – A new report says Iowa’s public pension system remains in strong fiscal health. The analysis from the Iowa Policy Project was released Thursday. The report says the funds serving over 340,000 current, former and retired public sector workers in Iowa are in good financial shape. Plan participants include state and local government workers.

According to the liberal think tank’s report, the system took a financial hit over the past decade due to stock market losses. But the state has made some benefit rule changes in recent years, including giving the pension system more power to adjust contribution rates.

The latest actuarial review of the pension system shows that the state has 81 percent of the assets needed to pay projected benefits. That means they are currently short about $5.8 billion.

USDA Designates 44 Counties in Iowa as Primary Natural Disaster Areas with Assistance to Farmers and Ranchers in Adjacent States

Ag/Outdoor, News

December 12th, 2013 by Ric Hanson

The U-S Department of Agriculture has designated 44 counties in Iowa as primary natural disaster areas due to damages and losses caused by a recent drought. Among the counties included in the designation in the KJAN listening area is: Adair, Audubon, Crawford, Guthrie, Madison, Shelby, Sac, Carroll, Union and Dallas.  Farmers in contiguous counties also qualify for natural disaster assistance, including those in Adams, Cass, Harrison, Pottawattamie, Monona, Ringgold, and Taylor Counties.

Qualified farmers and ranchers in all counties designated as natural disaster areas are eligible for low interest Emergency Loans from the USDA’s Farm Service Agency, provided eligibility requirements are met. Those individuals have eight-months from Dec. 11th, 2013 to apply for loans to help cover part of their actual losses.

Additional information is available online at http://disaster.fsa.usda.gov., or at your local USDA Service Center.

Injury accident east of Adair Thursday morning

News

December 12th, 2013 by Ric Hanson

The Iowa State Patrol reports two people suffered minor injuries during a collision this (Thursday) morning, about two-miles east of Adair. Officials say an unidentified male minor was driving a 2003 Pontiac Grand Am eastbound on Whitepole Road and attempting to turn north onto Indigo Avenue. A westbound 2001 GMC SUV driven by 28-year old Kelli Sue Prescott, of Yale, was traveling west on White Pole Road when the car turned in front of the SUV.

The driver of the Grand Am was not wearing his seat belt. Officials say the boy and Prescott, who was wearing her seat belt, were transported by Stuart and Adair Rescue to the Guthrie County Hospital following the crash, which occurred at around 8:40-a.m.

The driver of the Pontiac was cited for Failure to Yield upon making a left turn.

(Update) eastern IA man escapes injury during Thu. morning crash on I-80 in Cass Co.

News

December 12th, 2013 by Ric Hanson

In an update to our story this (Thursday) morning, the Cass County Sheriff’s Office says a north east Iowa man escaped injury after he crashed the semi he was driving on Interstate 80 near the Marne interchange. Officials say Cass County deputies responded to a report of a single-vehicle accident on I-80, just after 4-a.m.

The 2007 semi driven by 48-year old Robert Alan Patterson, of Aplington, was eastbound on I-80 when Patterson fell asleep at the wheel. The semi drifted to the right and struck a guardrail and passing beneath the overpass.

Damage to the vehicle is estimated at $7,500. Damage to the guardrail is estimated at $1000. Patterson was cited for Failure to Maintain Control.

 

 

Backyard and Beyond 12-12-2013

Backyard and Beyond, Podcasts

December 12th, 2013 by admin

Lavon Eblen speaks with Author Bill Durbin about his book Until The Last Spike, Journal of Sean Sullivan, A  Transcontinental Railroad Worker. Find out more about his books at www.williamdurbin.com

Play

Griswold’s Everett Named 1-A Track & Field Coach of the Year

Sports

December 12th, 2013 by Jim Field

everettGriswold Girls Track coach, Andy Everett has the honor of being named Class 1-A Track and Field Coach of the Year. The Iowa Association of Track Coaches annually presents awards for outstanding accomplishments in coaching and distinguished service for the sport of track and field. Coach Everett is in an exclusive club of coaches who have won 3 consecutive state Track and Field Team titles. He was also nominated for the National High School Track and Field Coach of the year and the National Brooks Coaching Award for his coaching expertise, exemplifying the highest standard of sportsmanship, and motivating and inspiring his athletes. Some of his accomplishments include:

• Head Track Coach for over 20 years

• His Athletes have broken 75% of the Griswold Schools track records

• State track team finishes of 5th (2009), 4th (2010), 1st (2011), 1st (2012), 1st (2013)

• Has had numerous State champion individual event and relay teams.

• Several state and Drake place winners in hurdle events

• Several District championships

Coach Everett is not just a track coach at Griswold CSD. He is closing in on 100 victories as the Head Football coach, he help start the WIC conference Weight Lifting competition in which he has had 3 individual champions and 2 team titles. He also teaches high school math besides his coaching duties.

“I can’t think of a more deserving person then Coach Everett”, adds HS Principal TJ Dunphy. “I see him with athletes early in the morning and late at night. He puts in many hours to see our kids become successful. The students have bought into his programs and in turn he has helped them win championships. That does a lot for school pride and spirit, especially in a school our size.”

(Update) Bluffs man dies in crash on I-29

News

December 12th, 2013 by Ric Hanson

Police in Council Bluffs have released the identity of a man who died following a rollover accident Wednesday evening on Interstate 29. Officials say 41-year old Michael Bachmann,  of Council Bluffs, died at Creighton University Medical Center in Omaha, following the crash on I-29 at around 4:45-p.m., Wednesday. Bachmann was partially ejected from the vehicle as it rolled.

The crash happened at about the 55-mile marker, located between the North 35th and North 25th Street exits. Authorities suspect speed and alcohol were factors in the crash.

Northbound traffic on I-29 was blocked at North 35th Street. All lanes were open again by 7:20 p.m.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12th

Trading Post

December 12th, 2013 by Jim Field

WANTED:  looking for a good used 4 wheeler.  Call 712-249-6183.

FOR SALE:  Oak dinette set with leaf and four chairs.  Chairs have padded seats and backs and have rollers.  Asking $150.  Call 712-268-2334.

FOR SALE: 1. Yamaha 88 Keyboard with stand, music rack, foot control and cover. 2. 6 foot Aluminum folding step ladder, like new. Call 712-249-0558.

FOR SALE: High powered car auto system – 2 – 15000 watt amplifiers, 2 – 12″ woofers, all in box like new. $225. 712-304-4998

FOR SALE: 2″, 10 ft. sections of electric conduit; 2″ pole with connectors, everything new $100 for the pair, talk price on just he poles. 712-789-1036