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Missing Bluffs man located Sunday evening

News

August 26th, 2013 by Ric Hanson

Police in Council Bluffs report a missing mentally challenged man was located Sunday evening following a shoplifting incident. Officials say 18-year old Nikko Ruiz, of Council Bluffs, was found at around 4:25-p.m. during a shop lifting incident at the Shop-Ko at 1709 4th Avenue, in Council Bluffs. The man has been returned to the custody of his parents.

Ruiz had last been  seen leaving his house on 4th street in Council Bluffs at around 9:30-a.m., Saturday. His family had just moved into the area from out of state, on Friday.

NWS Forecast for Cass & area Counties in Iowa: 8/26/13

Weather

August 26th, 2013 by Ric Hanson

…HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM CDT TUESDAY…

EARLY THIS MORNING...MOSTLY CLEAR. SOUTH WIND 5 TO 10 MPH.

TODAY…MOSTLY SUNNY. HOT AND HUMID. HIGH IN THE UPPER 90S. SOUTHWEST WIND 10 TO 15 MPH WITH GUSTS TO AROUND 25 MPH. HIGHEST HEAT INDEX READINGS 100 TO 104 IN THE AFTERNOON.

TONIGHT…MOSTLY CLEAR. LOW IN THE LOWER 70S. SOUTHWEST WIND 5 TO 15 MPH. HIGHEST HEAT INDEX READINGS 100 TO 102 THROUGH MIDNIGHT.

TUESDAY...MOSTLY SUNNY. VERY HOT AND HUMID. HIGH AROUND 100. SOUTHWEST WIND 10 TO 15 MPH WITH GUSTS TO AROUND 25 MPH. HEAT INDEX READINGS 103 TO 108.

TUESDAY NIGHT…MOSTLY CLEAR. LOW IN THE LOWER 70S. WEST WIND NEAR 10 MPH. HIGHEST HEAT INDEX READINGS 100 TO 102 THROUGH MIDNIGHT.

WEDNESDAY…MOSTLY SUNNY. HIGH IN THE UPPER 90S. EAST WIND NEAR 10 MPH. HEAT INDEX READINGS 103 TO 108.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT THROUGH THURSDAY NIGHT...MOSTLY CLEAR. LOW IN THE LOWER 70S. HIGH IN THE MID 90S.

FRIDAY…PARTLY SUNNY. HIGH IN THE MID 90S.

(Update: 8/26/13) – Heat Advisory remains in effect until late Tuesday evening

News, Weather

August 26th, 2013 by Ric Hanson

351 AM CDT MON AUG 26 2013

…HOT AND HUMID CONDITIONS CONTINUE THIS WEEK…

COUNTIES: MONONA-HARRISON-SHELBY-POTTAWATTAMIE-MILLS-MONTGOMERY-FREMONT-

PAGE….HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM CDT TUESDAY

* TEMPERATURE…DAYTIME TEMPERATURES WILL REACH THE MID TO UPPER 90S FOR THE NEXT SEVERAL DAYS. THIS WILL COMBINE WITH HIGH HUMIDITY TO CREATE HEAT INDEX VALUES RANGING FROM 100 TO 109. THE COMBINATION OF HOT TEMPERATURES AND HIGH HUMIDITY WILL CREATE AN INCREASED THREAT FOR HEAT EXHAUSTION OR HEAT STROKE…ESPECIALLY FOR THOSE WORKING OUTDOORS.

COUNTIES: SAC-CRAWFORD-CARROLL-AUDUBON-GUTHRIE-DALLAS-CASS-ADAIR-MADISON-ADAMS-UNION-TAYLOR-RINGGOLDHEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM CDT TUESDAY

HIGH TEMPERATURES WILL GENERALLY BE IN THE 95 TO 100 DEGREE RANGE BOTH TODAY AND TUESDAY…WITH HEAT INDICES IN THE 100 TO 110 DEGREE RANGE IN THE AFTERNOONS AND EVENINGS. THE CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF THE HEAT WAVE WILL LEAD TO HEAT STRESS…PARTICULARLY FOR THOSE WITHOUT AIR CONDITIONING OR ENGAGING IN OUTDOOR

A HEAT ADVISORY MEANS THAT A PERIOD OF HOT TEMPERATURES IS EXPECTED. THE COMBINATION OF HOT TEMPERATURES AND HIGH HUMIDITY WILL COMBINE TO CREATE A SITUATION IN WHICH HEAT ILLNESSES ARE POSSIBLE. DRINK PLENTY OF FLUIDS…STAY IN AN AIR-CONDITIONED ROOM…STAY OUT OF THE SUN…AND CHECK UP ON RELATIVES AND NEIGHBORS.

TAKE EXTRA PRECAUTIONS…IF YOU WORK OR SPEND TIME OUTSIDE. WHEN POSSIBLE…RESCHEDULE STRENUOUS ACTIVITIES TO EARLY MORNING OR EVENING. KNOW THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HEAT EXHAUSTION AND HEAT STROKE. WEAR LIGHT WEIGHT AND LOOSE FITTING CLOTHING WHEN POSSIBLE AND DRINK PLENTY OF WATER.

TO REDUCE RISK DURING OUTDOOR WORK…THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION RECOMMENDS SCHEDULING FREQUENT REST BREAKS IN SHADED OR AIR CONDITIONED ENVIRONMENTS. ANYONE OVERCOME BY HEAT SHOULD BE MOVED TO A COOL AND SHADED LOCATION. HEAT STROKE IS AN EMERGENCY…CALL 9 1 1.

Five US Senate candidates court Adair County GOPers

News

August 26th, 2013 by Ric Hanson

The five Republican candidates who’ve filed the federal paperwork to run for the U.S. Senate gathered in Greenfield last night (Sunday), with barbs aimed at Bruce Braley and other Democrats as well as “bystanders” within the G-O-P.  Sam  Clovis, a former talk show host in Sioux City, was first to speak to the crowd of Adair County Republicans and he had a message for those who’ve been critical of this crop of candidates. “I am sick and tired of people standing on the sidelines and barking and chirping and chipping about this race. Get in or shut up, one or the other. Get in this race and become part of this mix, become part of this community or stay out of it. Lead — or get out of the way.”

Joni Ernst, a state senator who revealed last week that she carries a concealed weapon about 90 percent of the time, was second to speak in Greenfield. She blasted Democrats for suggesting she was pushing the boundaries of safety. “If a 22-year military veteran who has served in a combat zone and carried a 9 milimeter and an M16 with her everyday is unsafe, I don’t know what they consider safe,” Ernst said. Scott Schaben of Ames, the newest candidate in the race, presented himself as a more moderate candidate who could appeal to independent voters.

“We are the Republican Party and the Republican Party is the party of fun. The younger generation doesn’t get that,” Schaben said. “When you talk about personal freedom — you want to go out, you want to hit the buffet, you want to eat too much — that’s a Republican value. That’s less government. The Democrats are the ones that want to tell you how much you can eat and where you can eat it. The Democrats are the ones that want to take your guns away. The Democrats are the ones that want to take away your fun.” Matt Whitaker, a former U.S. Attorney, told the crowd it’s important for the G-O-P to pick a conservative as its nominee.

“We need a fiscal conservative,” Whitaker said. “We also need a social conservative…that will not just go to Washington, D.C. and not just vote with the leadership, but be part of the new movement to stand up what’s for the best interest of America.” Whitaker has signed a pledge of support for rookie Republican Senators who trying to stop “ObamaCare” by threatening a government shut-down. Clovis has signed the pledge, too. David Young, the final candidate to speak, repeatedly mentioned his work as Senator Grassley’s chief of staff.

I’ve seen Washington, D.C. and the beast of Washington up close and you know what? It’s as ugly there as it is here. You’ve got the right perspective,” Young said. “Sometimes it looks like one awful reality show when you watch the news.” The five candidates had a private huddle after the event to talk about this Saturday’s Republican State Central Committee decision to push the date of the 2014 state convention back a month, from June 14th to July 12th.

If none of the senate candidates wins at least 35 percent in the June Primary, delegates to the state convention will choose the party’s nominee. Critics say the delay will give Bruce Braley, the only Democrat running for the U.S. Senate, another month to campaign without a direct G-O-P challenger. Iowa G-O-P chairman A.J. Spiker says it is his hope the “timing doesn’t matter” and a senate nominee is chosen in the primary. But Spiker says by state law, the “window” to conduct the official canvas of primary votes is 27 days and if none of the candidates crosses that 35 percent threshold, a June 14th state convention might be too early.

Spiker says it’d cost tens of thousands of dollars more to hold a second state convention to nominate a senate candidate, plus some of the four-thousand eligible delegates and alternate delegates might skip one of the two conventions. The party’s state central committee voted unanimously on Saturday to move the date of the state convention to July 12th, and the group voted to hold the convention in the central location of Polk County.

(Radio Iowa)

Fellow Republican calls for resignation of embattled GOP senator

News

August 26th, 2013 by Ric Hanson

A state senator says a fellow Republican senator who’s under an ethics investigation should resign now. Senator Kent Sorenson of Milo has been accused of violating ethics rules which forbid senators from being paid directly or indirectly for work on presidential campaigns. Sorenson denies the charges and says he’s the victim of “a witch hunt.” Senator Brad Zaun of Urbandale has been interviewed about accusations that Sorenson stole a contact list of Iowa homeschoolers for Michele Bachmann’s campaign.

“I know the answers to many of the allegations. I am a part of the police investigation in Urbandale as well as the (senate) ethics investigation,” Zaun said. “…I think it has been a big distraction for Republicans…He needs to resign.” Congresswoman Bachmann herself recently reached an out-of-court settlement with the woman who accused others in the Bachmann campaign of stealing the list of contacts. According to Zaun, the accusations surrounding Sorenson are “bad” for all senators.

“I know answers. I think that Senator Sorenson should resign,” Zaun said Sunday. “…Let’s let the investigation go forward, but I think it’s been a major distraction to the senate Republicans and I think he should resign,” Zaun said. Zaun made his comments Sunday on “The Insiders” on WHO-TV. Long-time State Representative Clel Baudler, from Greenfield, watched the program and Baudler says Zaun showed “a lot of leadership” by saying Sorenson should resign.

“(Sorenson’s) a cancer within our party and you cut it out if you have a cancer in there,” Baudler said. Baudler made his comments at a gathering of Adair County Republicans in Greenfield. Senate Republican Leader Bill Dix issued a written statement Sunday, noting the Senate Ethics Committee “has appointed a special investigator to examine all the allegations involving Senator Sorenson.” Dix said that process is in place “for a reason. Senate Republican leadership believes in the importance of allowing the process to work to maintain the integrity of the Iowa Senate.”

(Radio Iowa)

Nebraska issues warning on fungus danger to cattle

Ag/Outdoor

August 26th, 2013 by Ric Hanson

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska cattle producers are being warned to keep watch for a grass fungus that poses problems for livestock. The ergot (UR’-guht) fungus has been confirmed in several nearby states, including Missouri and Iowa.

Richard Randle is a University of Nebraska-Lincoln beef veterinarian, and he says he and colleagues are aware of at least a couple of unconfirmed Nebraska reports. Early moisture followed by heat causes certain grasses to grow quickly and develop seed heads faster than cattle can consume them. That allows ergot to flourish in the seed heads.

The tips of cattle ears and tails fall off because the fungus can hamper blood flow to extremities. Cattle also can become lame, but ergot poisoning is unlikely to be fatal. More information is available online at http://marketjournal.unl.edu/

Australian wins PGA’s Cox Classic in Omaha

Sports

August 26th, 2013 by Ric Hanson

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Australia’s Bronson La’Cassie won the Cox Classic on Sunday to earn a PGA Tour card with a sixth-place finish on the Web DOT com Tour money list. The former University of Minnesota player beat Matt Bettencourt with a par on the third hole of a playoff. La’Cassie closed with a 4-under 67 to match Bettencourt at 21-under 263 at Champions Run. Bettencourt also finished with a 67.

La’Cassie earned $144,000 to jump from 33rd to sixth on the money list with $255,629. The top 25 after the tournament earned PGA Tour cards for the 2013-14 season. Bettencourt made $$86,400 to finish 16th with $162,877. Michael Putnam topped the list with $450,184. He had a 72 on Sunday to tie for 12th at 14 under.

Iowa early News Headlines: Monday, Aug. 26th 2013

News

August 26th, 2013 by Ric Hanson

Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press…

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Police are investigating the death of a 40-year-old Iowa man who was severely beaten near Wells Fargo arena in Des Moines. A woman called police shortly before 1 a.m. yesterday to report the assault in a parking lot near the arena in downtown Des Moines. Police found Richard Daughenbaugh with significant injuries, and paramedics took him to Methodist Hospital where he died.

DUBUQUE, Iowa (AP) — A 21-year-old Iowa man has been charged with causing serious injuries to a toddler earlier this summer. Dubuque authorities say Troy Laufenberg was arrested there Saturday evening. He is accused of causing 18-month-old Myah Larson’s brain damage on July 15th. He was being held yesterday in the Dubuque County Jail.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (AP) — Council Bluffs is looking for a new fire chief for the first time in nearly two decades. The Daily Nonpareil reports that Alan Byers is retiring after 19 years as chief and 35 years as a firefighter.

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (AP) — The city of Cedar Rapids is celebrating the new library it built to replace one lost to the devastating 2008 flood. KWWL reports eastern Iowa’s largest city opened its new downtown library on Saturday. The new library has a children’s section that’s bigger than the temporary library that had served the city since the 2008 floods.

Minor bounces back to lift Braves over Cards

Sports

August 25th, 2013 by Ric Hanson

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Mike Minor bounced back from the shortest outing of his career with seven strong innings and Andrelton Simmons homered to lead the Atlanta Braves to a 5-2 win over the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday. Atlanta, which has the best record in the NL, broke a three-game losing streak and salvaged the final game of the four-game set. St. Louis had a four-game winning streak snapped.

Minor (13-5) gave up one run on six hits. He struck out two and walked one. He was pitching on seven days rest after allowing four runs in 1 2-3 innings against Washington on Aug. 17. Minor, who legged out an infield hit in the seventh, recorded his team-high 19th quality start.

Simmons hit his 12th homer of the season, a solo shot in the seventh that gave the Braves a 4-1 lead.

Chiefs cut backup QB Stanzi, draft pick Wilson

Sports

August 25th, 2013 by Ric Hanson

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs cut quarterback Ricky Stanzi, sixth-round draft pick Braden Wilson and a dozen other players Sunday night as they prepared to reach the 75-man limit by Tuesday. The Chiefs were left with 76 players on the roster.

Stanzi was beaten out for the No. 3 quarterback job by undrafted free agent Tyler Bray. He was joined by wide receiver Terrance Copper and defensive back Neiko Thorpe in players who were part of last year’s 2-14 team that were involved in the first round of cuts.

Also cut Sunday were cornerbacks Vince Agnew, Otha Foster III, Kamaal McIlwain; offensive linemen Ryan Durand, A.J. Hawkins and Hutch Eckerson; defensive ends Miguel Chavis and Rob Lohr; running back Jordan Roberts and wide receiver Tyler Shoemaker.