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Guilty Plea entered in Lenox Tornado repair scam

News

February 29th, 2012 by Ric Hanson

Lenox Police Chief Jon Huggins reports a Lenox man, Joseph Adam Whitehead, pled guilty Tuesday in Taylor County District Court, to a charge of 2nd degree theft, in connection with an investigation into complaints he was paid but failed to perform work on, structures damaged during the May 11, 2011 tornado in Lenox. Whitehead was sentenced serve a term not to exceed 5 years confinement in the custody of the Iowa Department of Corrections.

In addition he’s required to pay restitution to the victims, fines, court and other costs related to the investigation, amounting to more than $15,470.  Whitehead must also provide a DNA sample to the Department of Corrections, and is prohibitted from owning firearms or ammunition for the rest of his life.

Strong winds topple semi Shelby County

News

February 29th, 2012 by Ric Hanson

Winds gusting in excess of 45-miles per hour caused an accident this (Wednesday) morning in Shelby County. According to the Sheriff’s Office, 37-year old William Haneline, of Ida Grove, was traveling north on Highway 59 at around 9-a.m., when a gust of wind caught the empty trailer, causing it to topple onto its side. Haneline was not hurt in the mishap, but both the semi tractor and trailer were considered to be a total loss. The road was closed for about one-half hour while crews worked to remove the wreck.

Corps meets deadline in levee repairs

News

February 29th, 2012 by Ric Hanson

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says it has met its deadline on the most critical levee repairs on the Missouri River from Omaha and Council Bluffs to just below the Missouri border at Rockport and the levees are ready to handle high water again. The corps says five breaches have been closed and several damaged segments have been repaired from last summer’s historic flooding. The corps’ Bret Budd says work on the last of the five breaches, near Percival and Hamburg in Iowa, was completed Tuesday. The work, which has been ongoing since January, was urgent before the 2012 runoff season begins — even with the mild winter. March 1 is the typical start of the runoff season, when the first significant water from melting snowpack enters the river.

Hawkeye 10 Girls Basketball All-Conference 2011-2012

Sports

February 29th, 2012 by Jim Field

1st Team
*Morgan Lucy, Glenwood, Center, Sr
*Chelsey Van Ness, Denison, Guard, Jr
Lexi Fisher, Glenwood, Forward, Sr
Delany Higgins, Lewis Central, Point Guard, Sr
Lexi Albrect, Kuemper, Guard, Jr
Kerri Potthoff, Kuemper, Guard, Sr
Gabi French, Red Oak, Guard, Sr
+Paige Flores, Lewis Central, Forward, Sr
+Kaylee Buch, Clarinda, Forward, Sr
*Unanimous
+ Won selections due to multiple ties in voting

2nd Team
Grace Neuman, Glenwood, Guard, Jr
Madi Drees, Kuemper, Center. Sr
Serena Parker, Shenandoah, Center, Fr
Liz Sieleman, Lewis Central, Forward, Sr
Aubrey Norville, Lewis Central, Forward, Jr
Josie Esser, Harlan, Center, Jr
Bailey Ellerbeck, Denison, Guard, Sr
Lexi Moreno, Glenwood, Guard, Sr

Honorable Mention
Katlin Briley, Creston, Guard, Sr
Madison Frain, Creston, Forward, Sr
Sarah Konz, Harlan, Guard, Sr
Kate Walker, Red Oak, Point Guard, Fr
Alyssa Rihnor, Denison, Point Guard, Jr
Brianna Vis, Harlan, Point Guard, Jr
Haley Lembrick, Shenandoah, Point Guard, Sr
Paige Kennon, Atlantic, Point Guard, Sr
Alex Hartwig, Atlantic, Forward, Sr
Allyson Karr, Clarinda, Center, Sr

White Named To Naismith Award Top-30 Watch List

Sports

February 29th, 2012 by Jim Field

ATLANTA, Ga. – Iowa State forward Royce White made the Naismith Men’s Basketball Player of the Year Award  mid-season 30 watch list, released today by the Atlanta Tipoff Club.

The Naismith Award is given annually to the nation’s top collegiate men’s basketball player.  The mid-season 30 list was compiled by the Atlanta Tipoff Club’s Board of Selectors, which based its criteria on player performances from the 2011-12 college basketball season. The Naismith Trophy, presented by AT&T, will be awarded at the 2012 NCAA Men’s Final Four in New Orleans.

A native of Minneapolis, Minn., White has played a key role in Iowa State’s resurgence on the nation’s college basketball scene. The sophomore is the only player in the nation to lead his team in scoring (12.8), rebounding (9.2), assists (5.1), steals (1.2) and blocks (1.0).

White is currently the only player from a power-six conference to rank in the top-100 nationally in rebounding (42nd – 9.2) and assists (57th – 5.1). The point-forward is one of 12 players in the nation to record a triple-double this season (10 pts., 18 reb., 10 asst. vs. Texas A&M) and his eight double-doubles is second in the Big 12. He’s been named Big 12 Rookie of the Week three times this season.

THURSDAY, MARCH 1st

Trading Post

February 29th, 2012 by admin

WANTED: AM/FM tuner. 243-3396

FOR SALE: All chrome canister vacuum, like new. $125. 243-3396

WANTED: Smaller, older camper from the 60’s or 70’s about 10-12 feet.  Would like to restore the camper.  712-304-4262

FOR TRADE: A Bonneville SLE for a newer camper or street rods.  712-304-4262

FOR SALE: A variety of prom dresses…$25.  769-2256.

FOR SALE: Two tickets to Broadway Omaha “Rock of Ages” on Saturday, March 10 at 8 PM at the Orpheum in Omaha.  Tickets are three rows from the stage, center with aisle seats.  $57 each.  243-2388.

FOR SALE: Large wheel barrow – metal – new tub stored inside.  $30.  249-1726.

FOR SALE: Electric leaf blower and attachments with a 100 foot cord.  $25.  249-1726.

FOR SALE: Artley Clarinet in a case: includes music, music stand & flip folder, $375.00, Call 712-249-4479.

4-A Girls State Basketball First Round Results

Sports

February 29th, 2012 by Jim Field

Iowa City West 55, Iowa City High 52

Iowa City West found its long-range shooting touch just in time to turn back its biggest rival.

The second-ranked Women of Troy hit six 3-pointers during a key five-minute stretch in the second half and held on to beat No. 7 Iowa City High 55-52 in a first-round Class 4A game.

West had defeated City High by margins of eight and 15 points during the regular season, but this one wasn’t decided until West’s Ally Disterhoft blocked City High’s final 3-point shot just before the buzzer.

Tatum Klein led West with 18 points, including three huge 3-pointers to help her team get the lead for good. Mckenzie Piper added 12 points for West, Brianna Sturtz scored 10 and Disterhoft finished with seven points, six rebounds and five blocks.

Waukee 49, Mason City 47

Amy Nestingen’s only basket of the second half was the biggest of the game for Waukee.

Nestingen drove down the right side of the lane and banked in a layup just before the buzzer to give sixth-ranked Waukee a 49-47 victory over No. 3 Mason City in a first-round Class 4A game of big momentum swings.

Waukee fell behind by nine points at halftime, rallied to take a four-point lead, then fell behind by five before making its final charge. The Warriors improved to 20-5 and will play No. 2 Iowa City West in a semifinal game at noon on Friday. Mason City, which beat Waukee 63-53 during the regular season, finished 21-3.

Ankeny 39, Cedar Rapids Xavier 25

Maddie Manning and Ankeny’s defense were too much for Cedar Rapids Xavier.

Manning scored 18 points and fourth-ranked Ankeny held Xavier to one field goal in the second quarter en route to a 39-25 victory in a first-round Class 4A game.

Ankeny took control after the two teams played to an 8-8 tie in the first quarter. The Hawkettes outscored Xavier 11-3 in the second quarter to open a 19-11 lead, then turned back the Saints’ only threat in the second half.

Xavier twice cut the lead to six, the second time at 23-17 on Emily Walvoord’s jump shot midway through the third quarter. But Manning converted a three-point play on a leaning scoop shot and Ankeny went on to score 12 straight points to regain control.

Manning, who has signed with Oklahoma, finished strong, scoring seven of her team’s final nine points.

Ankeny, in the tournament for the fourth straight year, improved to 22-2 and will play in a semifinal game at 1:45 p.m. Friday. Shayla Starkenberg and Brittany Hedrick each scored seven points for Ankeny, which outscored Xavier 18-1 at the free throw line.

Southeast Polk 56, Ames 37

Top-ranked Southeast Polk is on its way to the Class 4A semifinals and a showdown with the only team that beat the Rams this season.

Southeast Polk held unranked Ames to just two field goals in the first half and cruised to a 56-37 victory to complete the opening round of the 2012 tournament. It was the second victory over Ames this season for the Rams, who’ll take a 24-1 record against fourth-ranked Ankeny in a semifinal game at 1:45 p.m. Friday.

Ankeny beat Southeast Polk 33-29 at midseason, a loss the Rams avenged with a 55-31 victory in the regular-season finale.

Southeast Polk had good balance against Ames, getting 12 points from Whitney VanWyk, 11 from Megan Bianchi and 10 from Caitlin Ingle. Ingle also notched five assists with some alert passing, while VanWyk grabbed six rebounds and knocked down a couple of 3-pointers.

Iowa State Releases Details of Rhoads’ Contract

Sports

February 29th, 2012 by Jim Field

AMES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa State has released the details of its 10-year, $20 million contract extension with coach Paul Rhoads.

The deal, which includes a number of incentives for Rhoads, was released Wednesday to The Associated Press.

Rhoads will earn a base salary of $1.6 million, which increases by $100,000 each year starting in 2013. Rhoads is also due one-time payments of $300,000 in 2015 and 2018.

Rhoads will earn $200,000 for each year the Cyclones win seven or more regular-season games, $100,000 for reaching a bowl game and if the Cyclones finish in the Top 25.

Rhoads is due $250,000 if Iowa State ties or wins the Big 12’s regular season title.

Rhoads would owe Iowa State $1 million if he leaves for another Division I or NFL head coaching job.

IA DOT offers tips for dealing with high winds today

News, Weather

February 29th, 2012 by Ric Hanson

The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) is advising central and west central Iowa motorists that sustained wind speeds of 30 to 40 mph and gusts between 50 to 60 mph, are expected across Iowa this afternoon. The rest of the state is expected to experience sustained winds of 25 to 35 mph with gust of up to 50 mph. Drivers on Iowa roadways should be alert to the effects of these winds on high-profile vehicles and vehicles towing trailers.

The National Weather Service has issued a high wind warning effective until 6 p.m. today for 25 counties in central west central Iowa. A wind advisory is in effect across the remainder of the state. Strong southwesterly winds will continue to strengthen this morning and become westerly during the day. Strong winds are capable of snapping power lines, toppling road signs and blowing debris onto the roadway. Never cross a roadway where downed power lines, poles or transformers are present. Do not try to free lines or remove debris yourself. Call 911 if you observe such items on the roadway so emergency assistance can be provided. For road weather information in Iowa, visit Iowa DOT’s website http://weatherview.iowadot.gov/. Weatherview offers helpful information to travelers, including current wind speed, direction and gusts. Information is collected from road and aviation weather observation reporting sites throughout the state.

If you are driving:

  • Keep a firm grip on the wheel and be prepared to slow down.
  • Tune in to local weather forecasts and bulletins issued by the National Weather Service on local radio stations.
  • Watch for objects blowing across the roadway and into your path.
  • Keep a safe distance from vehicles in adjacent lanes as strong gusts can push a vehicle or trailer outside its lane of travel.
  • Take extra care if driving a high-profile vehicle, such as a truck, van, SUV or recreational vehicle or when towing a trailer, as these vehicles are more prone to be pushed or even flipped by high wind gusts.
  • If winds are severe enough to prevent safe driving, move your vehicle onto the shoulder of the road and stop, making sure you are away from trees or other tall objects that could fall onto your vehicle. Stay in the vehicle and turn on the hazard lights until the wind subsides.
  • Never cross a downed power line.
  • Approach all intersections with caution. If there is a power outage, the traffic signals may not be operating properly. Remember, nonfunctioning traffic signals are to be treated as a four-way stop.
  • Check the latest weather conditions by accessing the information kiosks located at any of the interstate rest areas.

Severe Weather Awareness Week preparations

News, Weather

February 29th, 2012 by Ric Hanson

The changing of the seasons means Iowans need to be prepared for severe weather. Cass County Emergency Management Coordinator Mike Kennon says Severe Weather Awareness Week in Iowa is April 2nd through the 6th. Leading up to that statewide event are several Severe Storm Spotter training classes, one of which is being held at the Lewis Fire Station March 14th, beginning at 7-p.m. Kennon says anyone interested in becoming a trained Weather Service spotter is welcome to attend, free of charge. 

The main event during Severe Weather Awareness Week, is the Statewide Tornado Drill, on Wednesday, April 4th, beginning at around 10:15-a.m. Kennon says the courthouse will participate in the drill. He says the Cass County Communications Center will be notified, and announce the drill within the courthouse. They’ll also activate tornado sirens in Atlantic. Businesses, schools and all communities in the County are encouraged to participate in the drill, as though an actual tornado were spotted and threatening public safety.

Kennon says the state and National Weather Service might need to look at pushing future Severe Weather Awareness activities week into March,  as recent severe weather events across Iowa and the nation, such as the tornados in Branson, Missouri have shown they can occur anytime,  but are happening with more and more frequency in March, instead of April and May.

For more on Severe Weather Awareness Week, surf to the National Weather Service’ website: http://www.crh.noaa.gov/dmx/