Storms bring rain, hail to Midwest

August 18th, 2011 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Storms are erupting across the Midwest, bringing heavy rain, large hail and the threat of tornadoes to portions of South Dakota, Nebraska and Iowa.

Severe thunderstorm warnings were issued in all three states late Thursday afternoon, with a tornado warning in north central Nebraska.

The National Weather Service says a storm near Omaha, Neb, produced softball-size hail and winds of more than 65 mph. In Dixon County in northeast Nebraska, strong winds and hail broke out some windows in buildings in Waterbury.

Winds of more than 55 mph and heavy rain were reported in western Iowa in Griswold.

Forecasters say widespread thunderstorms are expected into Thursday night in southeast South Dakota, eastern Nebraska and western Iowa as a cold front moves across the region.

Posted in News, Weather |

Branstad and Reynolds resume “Jobs for Iowa” Tour

News

August 18th, 2011 by Ric Hanson

Iowa Governor Terry Branstad and Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds are expected to resume their “Jobs for Iowa” tour next week. The 12-City tour will take them several counties, including Shelby, Crawford, and Sac.

The tour begins Tuesday, August 23^rd, with a stop at the Petersen Family Wellness Center in Harlan, at 10-a.m.. At 11:45, the pair will be at the Denison Public Library, before moving on to Odebolt, Ida Grove, and Kingsley.

On August 24^th, Branstad and Reynolds will hold “Jobs for Iowa” meetings in Rock Rapids, Sibley, and Primghar. Thursday’s trip brings them to Cherokee, Storm Lake, Pocahontas, and finally, Rockwell City.

Each of the events are free, and open to the public. Branstad and Reynolds will discuss at each location, the progress that’s been made in the last legislative session, and the — quote “Plans we have to continue moving Iowa forward toward economic prosperity.”

Posted in News |

Royals Sign OF Francoeur to 2-Year Deal

Sports

August 18th, 2011 by Jim Field

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) – The Kansas City Royals have signed outfielder Jeff Francoeur for another two years. The club announced Thursday that Francoeur had signed a two-year contract extension through 2013. He’s hitting .277 in his first year with the Royals, with 15 home runs, 66 RBIs and a career-high 19 stolen bases. The affable veteran has also been a clubhouse leader and mentor for the Royals, who are the youngest team in the major leagues. He’s also third in the majors with 12 outfield
assists. Francoeur signed a one-year contract with the Royals last Dec. 15.

Posted in Sports |

Hawkeye Recruit Malloy Charged in Nebraska

Sports

August 18th, 2011 by Jim Field

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) – A Sioux City prep football star who has committed to playing football next year for the University of Iowa faces a drug infraction and three misdemeanors in Nebraska. The Sioux City Journal reports that 18-year-old Michael Malloy has pleaded not guilty to the charges: obstructing a peace officer, trespassing, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving without headlights. Court records say Malloy was arrested on a Nebraska warrant issued after an incident early on July 31 in South Sioux City, Neb. A police officer says in an affidavit that Malloy ran from a vehicle that the officer had pulled over. Malloy is a running back beginning his senior season at Bishop Heelan High School.

Posted in Sports |

ARILD M. CHRISTENSEN, 81, of West Branch & formerly of Kimballton (svcs 8-20-11)

Obituaries

August 18th, 2011 by Ric Hanson

ARILD M. CHRISTENSEN, 81, of West Branch (formerly of Kimballton), died Tue., Aug. 16th, at the Crestview Care & Rehabilitation Center. Funeral services for ARILD CHRISTENSEN will be held 9:30-a.m. Sat., Aug. 20th, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Kimballton. Kessler Funeral Home in Audubon has the arrangements.

Friends may call at the funeral home (open visitation), where the family will be present 6-pm Friday (8/19).

Burial will be in the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery in Kimballton.

ARILD CHRISTENSEN is survived by:

his beloved friend – Helen McClean, of Iowa City.

His children – Julie Christensen, & Carolyn Christensen, both of San Antonio, TX; Clark (Lou Ann) Christensen, of Iowa City; & Janelle (Maurice) Bell, of Madison Heights, VA.

His brother – Paul Christensen, of Elk Horn.

His sisters – Ingrid Heilskov, of Hampton, IA, & Blanche (Allan) Jacobsen, of Audubon.

4 grandchildren, other relatives, and friends.

Posted in Obituaries |

3 injured in Union County Accident

News

August 18th, 2011 by Ric Hanson

Three people were injured during a crash late Wednesday morning, on Highway 34, in Union County. The Iowa State Patrol says 44-year old Brian Truax and 67-year old Carol Truax, both of Colliers, West Virginia, and, 67-year old JoAnne Kohn, of Glenwood, were injured during the crash, which happened just west of Creston.

Brian Truax and JoAnne Kohn were transported by ambulance to the hospital in Creston, while Carol Truax was flown by LifeFlight helicopter to Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines.

The Patrol says a 2008 Chevy H-H-R, driven by Brian Truax, was traveling west on the highway, when the vehicle crossed the center line of the road and hit a Chrysler 300 driven by JoAnne Kohn, head-on. The accident happened at around 11:53-a.m.

Charges are currently pending.

Posted in News |

Two arrests reported in Audubon County

News

August 18th, 2011 by Ric Hanson

The Audubon County Sheriff’s Office reports a Carroll County man was arrested Wednesday evening. 27-year old Bryan Gene Snell, of Coon Rapids, was arrested following a traffic stop on 190^th Street. Snell was charged with Driving While Suspended. He was released from custody after making an appearance before the magistrate.

And, 26-year old Amanda Lee Buck, of Manning, turned herself in to the Audubon County Sheriff’s Department this (Thursday) morning. Buck was wanted on an outstanding warrant for 5^th Degree Theft. The charge was the result of a bad check written to an Audubon business, on June 17^th. Buck appeared before the magistrate, and was released from custody.

Posted in News |