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Accident in Red Oak Monday results in minor, possible injuries

News

November 5th, 2013 by Ric Hanson

Authorities in Montgomery County say an accident Monday afternoon in Red Oak resulted in minor, possible injuries, but no one was hospitalized. Officials say vehicles driven by 72-year old Norman Rebitzke and 67-year old Sheryl Franzen, both of Red Oak, collided at around 3:30-p.m. at the intersection of East Valley and North Third Streets in Red Oak.

The accident happened when Rebitzke’s 2009 Subaru Forester was struck by Franzen’s 2005 Chevrolete, as Rebitzke was traveling south on North 3rd Street. Franzen pulled out from the intersection traveling west on East Valley Street, and struck the Subaru on the driver’s side door. She was subsequently cited for Failure to Yield. Damage from the crash amounted to $5,000.

People can vote online for Iowa travel guide cover

Ag/Outdoor, News

November 5th, 2013 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa tourism officials are using the Internet to help determine the cover of the state’s next travel guide. The Iowa Tourism Office says people can vote between three cover options on the department’s Facebook page. The photos were chosen from more than 600 images submitted by people. The guide is Iowa’s trip-planning publication. It lists from more than 700 attractions, 750 hotels, 200 bed and breakfasts and 350 campgrounds.

The covers either show one destination or several. They range from an image of motorcycling in the Loess Hills to an image of tubing on the Mississippi River. People have until Friday to vote. The winning cover will be announced on Nov. 12. The new guide will be available in early 2014.

Increased deer movement means extra caution needed on Iowa roadways

News

November 5th, 2013 by Ric Hanson

This time of year it is not uncommon to see deer running beside Iowa’s highways. Field and Stream.com (http://www.fieldandstream.com/rut-report) shows deer in many parts of Iowa are currently in the “seeking and chasing” phase of the annual rut. That means more animals on the move and more danger to motorists, especially at dusk and dawn when it is more difficult to see animals along the roadsides.

There is little a driver can do about deer movement, but to reach the goal of zero fatalities on Iowa highways drivers need to be more aware of deer habits to reduce the risk of coming in contact with deer. As of Oct. 15, 2013, Iowa Department of Transportation data shows, 3,279 drivers reported collisions with deer so far in 2013. The crashes resulted in four motorist deaths and an estimated 172 injuries.

Since 2003, 70 people have died in Iowa as a result of motor vehicle crashes involving animals. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, each year nearly 200 fatalities nationwide are caused by deer-vehicle collisions.

If a deer runs into the path of your vehicle, not veering to avoid the animal greatly increases the chances of maintaining control of your vehicle. Most deer crash injuries and deaths result when drivers attempt to avoid the animal. This action often results in drivers losing control and colliding with other vehicles or running off the road. When a deer is in the path of your vehicle, the driver of a vehicle (other than a motorcycle) should: Brake firmly•Steer to maintain control.•Stop safely within the lane or along the shoulder of the highway.•Use a safety belt to reduce the chance of personal injury.

The following motor vehicle driver tips will reduce the risk of deer crashes...

•Slow down when you see a deer warning sign – pay greater attention.•Be especially careful driving at dawn and dusk.•Remember deer rutting season occurs in November and December, and deer are more mobile and less cautious.•Deer are more mobile during harvest and the hunting season.

Be most alert for the presence of deer at locations where three factors converge: •Food (corn fields or recently harvested corn fields).•Shelter (woods). •Water (streams, culverts and river crossings).

Iowa early News Headlines: Tue., Nov. 5th 2013

News

November 5th, 2013 by Ric Hanson

Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press…

CARSON, Iowa (AP) — A western Iowa highway bridge is set to reopen to traffic this week after extensive repairs. State transportation officials say the U.S. Highway 59 bridge over Iowa Highway 92 in Carson will open with the completion of work necessary after the span was struck last fall by a truck hauling construction equipment. The crash damaged four bridge beams and required the closure of the bridge.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The Iowa Tourism Office says people can vote on the department’s Facebook page for the photos to be on the cover of the state’s next travel guide. The photos were chosen from more than 600 submitted images. The guide is Iowa’s trip-planning publication. It lists more than 700 attractions, 750 hotels, 200 bed and breakfasts and 350 campgrounds.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Farmers finally caught up this week as favorable weather for harvest put them ahead of the normal for the first time this growing season. The U.S. Department of Agriculture says 75 percent of corn in Iowa is now harvested, 4 percentage points ahead of the 5-year average. Some corn has higher moisture content than desirable for storage and farmers are leaving it in the field to allow it to further dry.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa Public Radio has named a new executive director several months after its last CEO was fired. The Board of Directors says Johnson will begin the job on Jan. 27 of next year. She was recently the executive director of the Boston Schoolyard Initiative in Massachusetts.

NWS Forecast for the KJAN listening area: Tue., 11/5/13

Weather

November 5th, 2013 by Ric Hanson

330 AM CST TUE NOV 5 2013

EARLY THIS MORNING…CLOUDY…COLDER. NORTHEAST WIND 5 TO 10 MPH.

TODAY…A CHANCE OF RAIN THROUGH MID MORNING…THEN RAIN AND ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS IN THE LATE MORNING AND AFTERNOON. HIGH IN THE LOWER 50S. EAST WIND 10 TO 15 MPH. CHANCE OF PRECIPITATION NEAR 100 PERCENT.

TONIGHT…RAIN UNTIL EARLY MORNING…THEN A CHANCE OF RAIN POSSIBLY MIXED WITH SNOW EARLY IN THE MORNING. NO SNOW ACCUMULATION. LOW IN THE LOWER 30S. SOUTHWEST WIND NEAR 10 MPH INCREASING TO NORTH AFTER MIDNIGHT. GUSTS UP TO 25 MPH. CHANCE OF PRECIPITATION NEAR 100 PERCENT.

WEDNESDAY…PARTLY SUNNY. HIGH IN THE MID 40S. NORTHWEST WIND 10 TO 15 MPH WITH GUSTS TO AROUND 25 MPH.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT…PARTLY CLOUDY. LOW IN THE UPPER 20S. WEST WIND NEAR 5 MPH.

THURSDAY…MOSTLY SUNNY. HIGH IN THE UPPER 40S. WEST WIND 5 TO 15 MPH.

THURSDAY NIGHT AND FRIDAY…PARTLY CLOUDY. BREEZY. LOW IN THE LOWER 30S. HIGH IN THE MID 50S.

U.S. 59 bridge over Iowa 92 in Carson to open this week

News

November 5th, 2013 by Ric Hanson

The Iowa Department of Transportation’s Creston Construction Office reports the U.S. 59 bridge over Iowa 92 in Carson will be reopened to traffic this week, weather permitting. The U.S. 59 bridge in Carson was struck last fall by a semi-truck hauling construction equipment. The bridge sustained damage on four beams and U.S. 59 was closed. An on-site detour was in place utilizing ramps to reroute traffic. Once the bridge is reopened, the roadway will be restored to the original operation which prohibits left-hand turns on Iowa 92.

The Iowa DOT reminds motorists to drive with caution, obey posted speed limit and other signs in the work area, and be aware that traffic fines for moving violations are at least double in work zones. As in all work zones, drivers should stay alert, allow ample space between vehicles and wear seat belts.

For traveler information anytime, visit www.511ia.org; call 511 (within Iowa) or 800-288-1047 (nationwide); stay connected with 511 on Facebook or Twitter (find links at www.iowadot.com/511/socialmedia.html); or download the free app to your mobile device.

NADINE NIELSEN, 80, of the Stuart/Menlo area (Svcs. 11/9/13)

Obituaries

November 5th, 2013 by Ric Hanson

NADINE NIELSEN, 80, of the Stuart & Menlo areas, died Mon., Nov. 4th, at the Panora Nursing and Rehab Center in Panora.Funeral services for NADINE NIELSEN will be held 10:30-a.m. Sat., Nov. 9th, at the Zion Lutheran Church in Dexter. Steen Funeral Home in Greenfield has the arrangements.

Visitation will be held on Friday, November 8th, at the Steen Funeral Home in Greenfield from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with the family greeting friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.steenfunerals.com.

Memorials may be directed to the Nadine Nielsen memorial fund to be established by the family at a later date.

Burial will be in the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery in Adair.

NADINE NIELSEN is survived by:

Her brother, Ronald Benton (Charlotte) of Cumberland; Her sisters-in-law, Marilyn Stephenson of Adair and Ardith Benton of Greenfield; other relatives and friends.

Imperfect Chiefs carry perfect record into bye

Sports

November 5th, 2013 by Ric Hanson

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs are an imperfect team with a perfect record. Their offense has been sluggish at best, sloppy at worst. Their defense has given up big plays. Their special teams have made a few mistakes that could have proven costly. Still, Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith points out that even if everything went perfectly, the Chiefs wouldn’t have any better record than the 9-0 mark they carry into their week off.

The Chiefs met to review video of Sunday’s 23-13 win over Buffalo on Monday before scattering for their bye. While players are enjoying some time off, the coaches plan to begin preparation for a high-profile showdown with AFC West rival Denver the following week.

The Chiefs visit the 7-1 Broncos on Nov. 17.

Cardinals will make qualifying offer for Beltran

Sports

November 5th, 2013 by Ric Hanson

ST. LOUIS (AP) — The St. Louis Cardinals have made a one-year, $14.1 million qualifying offer to free agent Carlos Beltran, though they aren’t expecting him back next year. General manager John Mozeliak and manager Mike Matheny met with reporters Monday for the first time since losing a six-game World Series to the Red Sox last week. Mozeliak says he expects the 36-year-old Beltran to seek a multiyear extension elsewhere.

Mozeliak said it would be difficult to guarantee regular playing time to Beltran, who had 15 RBIs in the postseason. Matt Adams is expected to be the everyday first baseman, cleanup man Allen Craig moves to right field and top prospect Oscar Taveras figures to be in the mix.

Rookie Trevor Rosenthal opens spring training as the closer.

Iowa harvest advances, farmers ahead of average

Ag/Outdoor, News

November 5th, 2013 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Farmers finally caught up this week as favorable weather for harvest put them ahead of the normal for the first time this growing season. The U.S. Department of Agriculture says 75 percent of corn in Iowa is now harvested, 4 percentage points ahead of the 5-year average. Some corn has higher moisture content than desirable for storage and farmers are leaving it in the field to allow it to further dry. Drying corn with propane-powered dryers increases cost and cuts into profits.

Iowa Agriculture Secretary Bill Northey says limited propane supply also is creating challenges. The soybean harvest is 95 percent complete, four days ahead of normal. Nationally, 73 percent of corn is harvested, better than 71 percent average and soybeans are at 86 percent, which is near the average.