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EPA vows not to regulate farm dust, a “victory,” according to Sen. Grassley

Ag/Outdoor, News

October 18th, 2011 by Ric Hanson

As thousands of combines churn through Midwestern corn and soybean fields, the U-S Environmental Protection Agency announced Monday it will -not- be pursuing regulations on the dust kicked up by farm equipment. Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley says the E-P-A’s statement is nothing short of a victory for farmers across the region. Grassley says, “Absolutely, and I don’t know how more to say it except finally, our campaign of several years is bearing fruit.”

E-P-A officials say they’re hoping to eliminate the “myth” that the agency planned to tighten regulations on the dust, which is viewed by some as air pollution. Grassley, a Republican, says he’s thrilled that this hot-button issue is finally being laid to rest. Grassley says, “People in the EPA, if they really stopped to think about fugitive dust, and I hope I’ve said enough over the last few years to make them stop and think about it, I’m only sorry it took them this long, but eventually, common sense is prevailing by their doing this.”

Grassley signed on as a co-sponsor of legislation from Nebraska Senator Mike Johanns, that aimed to ban the E-P-A from pursuing regulations on ag-related dust. With the announcement from the agency Monday, Johanns said he would drop the measure, which may not fly with all of his colleagues. Grassley says, “I still think that we need to have legislation that would prohibit them from doing this in the first place.” Grassley says he’ll meet with Johanns to discuss a future course of action. Similar legislation is still pending in the U.S. House.

(Radio Iowa)

Atlantic City Council to discuss dangerous & dilapidated structures

News

October 18th, 2011 by Ric Hanson

The Atlantic City Council this week is set to hold the 1st reading of an ordinance dealing with the establishment of a Minimum Maintenance Code. If it’s eventually approved, Chapter 144, which would be added to the City’s Code of Ordinances, would require property owners to keep structures in reasonable good repair. It’s designed to keep properties from deteriorating to the point that they are dilapidated and dangerous.

City Administrator Doug Harris says the City is facing a proliferation of dilapidated structures, which are not only dangerous, but have an adverse affect on surrounding property values, which tends to further the spread of urban-style blight. Harris said often times the cost to abate those properties exceeds the value of the property, resulting in it becoming tax acquired City property. That means an added expense to demolish the structure and clear the grounds. The cost for those services fall on the taxpayers of the City. Harris said the Community Development Committee has held three meetings on the matter, and arrived at the proposal which will be presented to the Council during their meeting Wednesday evening, at 5:30.

The Council will also hear a report from Dave Chase, with Nishna Valley Trails, Incorporated, with regard to a proposed agreement with property owner Ted Wickman. Chase received approval for a resolution regarding the arrangement, from the City of Atlantic’s Park and Recreation Department, during their meeting Monday evening. The resolution stipulates that the land Wickman currently uses for farming continue to be used for that purpose until such time as the Schildberg Quarry Recreation Area project advances to the stage where the trail is expanded to Olive Street. It also calls for the City to give adequate notice to Wickman as to when he should withhold his usage of the land.

And, the Atlantic City Council will hold a public hearing Wednesday, with regard to the disposition of 706 Walnut Street. The hearing offers an opportunity for the public to comment on what the City should do with the 50-by 140-foot parcel, which was put out for bid last year, after it was determined it did not serve a public purpose. The property became available to the City again, after Atlantic resident Ed Leistad paid $1,000 to terminate a $5,000 purchase agreement he made with the City for the property, earlier this year.

9AM Newscast 10-18-2011

News, Podcasts

October 18th, 2011 by admin

w/ Ric Hanson

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Across Oceans Across Time 10-18-2011

Across Oceans Across Time, Podcasts

October 18th, 2011 by admin

Maria Beisheim, new Intern at the Danish Immigrant Museum in Elk Horn, talks about herself and her work so far at the museum.

Play

Arrests made in car burglaries

News

October 18th, 2011 by Ric Hanson

The Glenwood Police Department reports one person was arrested, and arrest warrants have been issued for two other people, in connection with a string of vehicle burglaries which occurred over the summer. An investigation led by Glenwood Police Officer Anthony Trejo resulted in the arrest of 19-year old William Lewis, Jr., of Glenwood.

Warrants have also been issued for the arrest of 23-year old Justin Chamley, of Omaha, and 20-year old Cody Blystone, of Red Oak. The trio are charged with two counts of Theft in the 2nd Degree, Ongoing Criminal Conduct, and Conspiracy to Commit a felony.

As the the investigation continues, authorities ask anyone with information pertaining to the thefts and subsequent investigation, to contact the Glenwood Police Department at 712-527-4844.

Two teens injured in Shelby County Accident

News

October 18th, 2011 by Ric Hanson

Two Elk Horn teens were injured during a single-vehicle accident Monday afternoon, in Shelby County. Sheriff’s officials say the driver of the car, 19-year old Preston Waymire, and his passenger, 17-year old Preston Juelsgaard, were hurt after the car they were in went off the road and hit a field driveway. The accident happened on Highway 173, about 5-miles south of Elk Horn, at around 2:20-p.m. 

Officials say the pair were traveling north on 173 when the 2005 Chevy Malibu they were in left the road and traveled some distance in the ditch before hitting the field drive. The impact caused both of the car’s airbags to deploy. 

Juelsgaard suffered minor head injuries and was transported to the Cass County Memorial Hospital for treatment. Waymire sought private medical assistance. Damage to the car was estimated at $6,000.

8AM Sportscast 10-18-2011

Podcasts, Sports

October 18th, 2011 by admin

w/ Jim Field

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Prescription Drug take back to be held Oct. 29th

News

October 18th, 2011 by Ric Hanson

Officials with the Council Bluffs Police Department say several agencies have banded together to sponsor a prescription drug take back program on October 29th. The program provides an opportunity for the public to dispose of potentially dangerous, expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs. The drop off location for those medications will be at the Walgreen’s store at 2508 West Broadway Street, in Council Bluffs, from 10-a.m. until 2-p.m., on October 29th. Other disposal sites include the Hy-Vee Pharmacy in Red Oak, and the Carter Lake City Hall.

Officials say disposing of meds by flushing them down the toilet or throwing them into the trash pose potential safety and health hazards. Medicines that are left in the home are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Studies show the majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.

Last April, Americans turned in more than 376,590 pounds — or, 188 tons — of prescription drugs at nearly 5,400 sites operated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, and more than 3,000 state and local law enforcement partners.

The Council Bluffs P-D has participated in three National Take Back Day events since the program’s inception in 2010. Those efforts have yielded an average of 176 pounds of surrendered prescription drugs in the City. For additional sites accepting prescription meds on October 29th, check out the DEA’s website at http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/

Heartbeat Today 10-18-2011

Heartbeat Today, Podcasts

October 18th, 2011 by admin

Jim Field discusses the 21st Herman the Hog Promotion this Friday at Hy-Vee and Fareway.

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Pumpkin Cream Cheese Roll (10-18-11)

Mom's Tips

October 18th, 2011 by Jim Field

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 3 eggs
  • 3/4 cup flour
  • 1/3 cup pumpkin
  • nuts (optional)

Mix dry ingredients; add eggs and pumpkin.  Grease cookie sheet and line with waxed paper.  Sprinkle with nuts and shake.  bake for 15 minutes at 350 degrees.  While roll is baking, sprinkle a tea towel with powdered sugar.  When roll is baked, dump out onto tea towel.  Remove waxed paper and roll up.  Let cool.

While cooling, mix filling:

  • 3 teaspoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 8 oz. cream cheese
  • 1 cup powdered sugar

Beat until creamy.  Spread on cooled cake.  Roll and re-roll; wrap and refrigerate or freeze. 

NOTE: 1 large can pumpkin makes 5 rolls.