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Iowa NCAA champ Spencer Lee ready to compete at Paris Olympics

Sports

August 7th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

Iowa three-time NCAA champion Spencer Lee opens the Paris Olympics early Thursday morning with an opening round match. Lee is wrestling in the freestyle division at 125 pounds. Lee has competed internationally in several different age divisions.

Lee while the U-S colors Lee also feels he is representing Iowa.

Lee is known for his attacking style and says that won’t change this week.

Hawkeye coach Tom Brands is in Paris to watch Lee compete and does not think the pressure of the Olympics will bother him.

Brands says Lee’s extensive international experience is a plus.

Brands says Lee has high expectations heading into the competition.

The qualification round begins at 4:30AM, Iowa time on Thursday.

During 2023 Iowa trip, Walz predicted abortion would be key 2024 issue

News

August 7th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – The Minnesota Governor Kamala Harris has picked as a running mate was in Iowa a year ago. During an Iowa P-B-S interview just before he visited last year’s State Fair, Governor Tim Walz predicted the abortion issue would be a winning issue for Democrats in 2024. He said Republican-passed abortion restrictions have gone too far.

“They want to fight these culture wars, but they have stepped into this issue of personal freedoms in a way that I just think is unprecedented,” Walz said. Walz was speaking just a month after Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed a law to ban most abortions after fetal activity can be detected, around the sixth week of a pregnancy. Walz says banning nearly all abortions is unpopular.

“Women in Iowa need this reproductive care because it’s health care and they are coming to Minnesota,” Walz said. “We’re glad to be good neighbors and to be there, but it’s absolutely outrageous.” In January of 2023, Walz signed the Protect Reproductive Options or “PRO Act” that guarantees a right to an abortion in Minnesota. The two top Democratic leaders in the Iowa legislature are praising the pick of Walz to be their party’s vice presidential nominee.

House Democratic Leader Jennifer Konfrs) says Walz “is a fighter for the things Midwesterners care about.” Senate Democratic Leader Pam Jochum says Walz is someone who “tells it like it is and knows how to get things done.”

The chairman of the Iowa Republican Party calls Walz a radical, dangerous and irresponsible politician who cannot be in charge of the United States of America.

ANTHONY “TONY” G. FREUND, 68, of Lewis (Mass of Christian Burial 8/12/24)

Obituaries

August 7th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

ANTHONY “TONY” G. FREUND, 68, of Lewis, died Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at home on the family farm.  A Mass of Christian Burial for TONY FREUND will be held 11-a.m. Monday, August 12, 2024, at the SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Atlantic. Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Atlantic has the arrangements.

A reception will follow the Mass  at the Blue Bird Event Center just east of Atlantic.

Visitation with the family will be held at SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church on Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024, from 3-until 5-p.m., with a Rosary Service at 5-p.m.

A family interment will take place in the SS Peter & Paul Catholic Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to the Tony Freund family. Memorial contributions will be designated in his name at a later date. Memorials may be sent to the Schmidt Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 523, Atlantic, IA, 50022.

TONY FREUND is survived by:

His wife – Rhea Freund.

His daughters – Marie (Jimmy) Hilton, of Gilbert, AZ; Brandi (Alex) Golay, of West Des Moines; & Jeana (Ralph Mullinix IV), of Ocala, FL.

His sons – Alex (Emily) Freund, of Atlantic, and Nick Freund of Lewis.

His brother – Mike (Debbie) Freund.

His sisters – Jean Gerschermann, Sherry (Neil) Stodolski, Carole Lowe and Julia Freund.

8 grandchildren; his sisters-in-law, and other relatives.

Iowa DOE awards emergency assistance grants to Nodaway Valley, Tri-Center & 3 other disaster-impacted school districts

News

August 6th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES — The Iowa Department of Education today (Tuesday) announced five Iowa school districts located in disaster-impacted communities will receive a total of nearly $300,000 in emergency grant funds to support students experiencing homelessness as a result of this summer’s weather-related disasters.

As they prepare to start the new school year, the following school districts will receive an Emergency Grants to Serve Students Experiencing Homelessness award to remove barriers faced by students in fully participating in their education programs:

  • Nodaway Valley Community School District, serving Greenfield, Iowa
  • River Valley Community School District, serving Correctionville, Iowa
  • Rock Valley Community School District, serving Rock Valley, Iowa
  • Spencer Community School District, serving Spencer, Iowa
  • Tri-Center Community School District, serving Minden, Iowa 

Iowa Education Director McKenzie Snow says “As part of Governor Reynolds’ comprehensive disaster recovery support for impacted communities, these grants will help Iowa school districts continue to meet the needs of students and families who are displaced or experiencing homelessness. With the new school year quickly approaching, the Department will continue to support local education leaders in disaster-impacted communities as they reinforce student success and safely welcome students, families, and teachers back to school this fall.”

Emergency Grants to Serve Students Experiencing Homelessness grantees are located in counties that were included in disaster emergency proclamations issued by Gov. Kim Reynolds between April 26, 2024, and June 28, 2024. In addition, 25 percent or more of the school community must be impacted by the weather-related disaster outlined in one of the proclamations, and 10 percent or more of the school community must be displaced or facing homelessness due to the weather-related disasters.

Districts could apply for up to $80,000 in funding to provide wrap-around services and supports for students who are displaced or facing homelessness as a result of the natural disaster so they can attend school and fully participate in school activities. Allowable use of funds may include, but are not limited to:

  • Short-term emergency housing, including motel/hotel stays.
  • School supplies, including school uniform fees, book/registration fees, activity registration fees and any supplies designated for school or extracurricular activities.
  • Groceries and wellness items, including clean clothing, personal hygiene items and household cleaning supplies.
  • Transportation assistance, including gas cards for the purchase of fuel.
  • School uniform fees, book/registration fees, activity registration fees and supplies designated for school or extracurricular activities.
  • The adaptation of space and purchase of supplies for any non-school facilities, including shelving for the creation of a food pantry/clothing closet, refrigeration units for a food pantry, washer and dryer units and cots for emergency shelters.
  • Costs for medical, dental, mental and other health services.
  • Costs associated with tracking, obtaining and transferring records necessary to enroll in school, including birth certificates, immunization or other required health records, academic records, guardianship records and evaluations for special programs or services.
  • Resources and activities to support the involvement of parents and guardians in the education of their children.
  • Costs associated with the coordination of schools and agencies in providing services to students facing homelessness.

Funds for the Emergency Grants to Serve Students Experiencing Homelessness program are provided through the Iowa Department of Education’s portion of state set-aside funds through the American Rescue Plan – Homeless Children and Youth (ARP-HCY) to support the specific needs of children and youth facing homelessness in attending school and fully participating in school activities. All applications to the program were fully funded by these grants.

More information can be found on the Emergency Grants to Serve Students Experiencing Homelessness webpage. Iowans can also visit the state’s disaster recovery website at https://www.iowa.gov/iowa-disaster-recovery for information on other state and federal disaster assistance, volunteering or donating to disaster-impacted communities in Iowa.

Man convicted of murdering Algona policeman seeks new trial

News

August 6th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – The man convicted in the shooting death of Algona Police Officer Kevin Cram is asking for a new trial. Attorneys for 44-year-old Kyle Lou Ricke filed a motion Monday in Kossuth County District Court, asking for a new trial.

Ricke was convicted of first degree murder last month. Attorney Barbara Westphal argues that both the court and the jury made mistakes during the proceedings and the evidence was insufficient. A jury in Dickinson County deliberated for a little over an hour before finding Ricke guilty following a four-day trial in July.

Ricke is currently scheduled to be sentenced on August 21st in Kossuth County District Court. A first degree murder conviction carries a mandatory sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.

ISU Earns 14 NFCA All-America Scholar Athletes

Sports

August 6th, 2024 by Asa Lucas

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – For the second straight year, Iowa State has placed 14 student-athletes on the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) All-America Scholar Athlete team following the 2023-24 academic year.

To earn the honor, a student-athlete must earn a 3.5 grade point average or higher.

Players who earned the honors from the 2024 Cyclone softball team were Angelina Allen, McKenna Andrews, Ireland Buss, Kali Gose, Maddie Knowles, Sophie Maras, Camille Marin, Paige Nakashima, Isabelle Nosan, Alesia Ranches, Lauren Schurman, Carli Spelhaug, Olivia Wardlow and Paige Zender.

Allen, Andrews and Maras all were recognized for the second straight year, while Spelhaug and Wardlow each earned the recognition for the third straight season.

Over 8,000 collegiate softball players from NAIA to Division One earned the honor.

Brown Wins Bronze at Paris Olympics

Sports

August 6th, 2024 by Asa Lucas

PARIS, France – Former University of Iowa sprinter Brittany Brown earned the bronze medal in the 200 meters at the 2024 Paris Olympics on Tuesday afternoon.

In her Olympic debut, Brown crossed the line in 22.20 to finish third. The final 40 meters proved crucial for Brown, overtaking Great Britain’s Dina Asher-Smith and Daryll Neita to claim the third-place medal.

Fellow American Gabby Thomas took the gold medal. Julian Alfred of Saint Lucia was the silver medalist.

Brown dominated each of her heats in the lead up to the finals. She gained the auto-qualifier in 22.38 in the first round on Sunday morning and punched her ticket to the finals in 22.12 in the semifinals on Monday afternoon.

With her finish, Brown became the first woman to earn an individual Olympic medal in Iowa track and field program history. Overall, she is Iowa’s seventh Olympic medalist in track and field and first since Anthuan Maybank won gold in the 4×400 relay at the 1996 Games in Atlanta. Brown’s third-place finish is the highest Olympic finish of a Hawkeye since Troy Doris took seventh in the triple jump in the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro.

“Brittany ran a terrific race to win the Olympic Bronze medal,” Iowa Director of Track and Field Joey Woody said. “We are all proud of her amazing accomplishment tonight. She had a great career as a Hawkeye and it’s fun to watch her continue that success on the Olympic stage. She has been able to overcome a lot of adversity by staying focused and committed to reaching her goals. Tonight was a true culmination of everything she has put into this sport. Hopefully, we can get her back on campus this fall to celebrate her success in Kinnick Stadium.”

At Iowa, Brown (’18) was an 11-time All-American and the 2018 indoor 200-meter Big Ten champion. She holds the 200-meter school record.

RESULTS

First Round

4. 22.38, Q

Semifinals

4. 22.12, Q

Finals

3. 22.20, Bronze Medalist

Powerball ticket sold in Iowa wins $1 million in Monday’s drawing

News

August 6th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

A lucky Iowa lottery player won $1 million in Monday night’s Powerball drawing. The winning ticket was purchased at Fareway, 942 Second St. in Webster City, according to a news release from the Iowa Lottery. It matched the first five numbers (29-42-44-51-54) but missed the Powerball (12) to win a $1 million prize.

No one matched all six numbers to win the jackpot, according to the release, so the jackpot climbs to an estimated $185 million for the game’s next drawing on Wednesday. The Webster City ticket was the only one in the country to win a $1 million prize in Monday’s drawing. Powerball prizes won in Iowa must be claimed within 180 days of the drawing.

Three Iowans have claimed Powerball prizes worth at least $1 million this year:

  • Danny Buckelew, of Treynor, claimed his $2 million prize in January. He matched all five white balls in the Oct. 7, 2023, drawing, missing only the Powerball.
  • Mark Krogman, of Clinton, claimed his $2 million prize in April. He matched the first five numbers in the Nov. 25, 2023, drawing, but missed the Powerball. Buckelew and Krogman had added the Power Play option to their tickets, which increased their $1 million winnings to $2 million.
  • Trent Baker, of Newton, claimed a $1 million prize in April. Baker’s ticket was one of seven across the country that missed a share of the $1.326 billion jackpot by just one number. He hit the first five numbers but missed the Powerball. A player in Oregon hit the big prize.

Prizes of $1 million must be claimed at Iowa Lottery headquarters in Clive. The lottery’s offices are open Monday through Friday, and appointments are strongly encouraged for those claims. To make an appointment or contact the lottery with questions, winners are welcome to call the lottery at 515-725-7900 or email to wmaster@ialottery.com.

Police: Iowa woman fleeing officers hit 100 mph with 4 kids in car

News

August 6th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

A Cedar Rapids woman is facing numerous charges after police said she stole a purse, used a credit card without permission, then fled police, starting a high speed chase that ended in a crash, while she had four kids in the car. According to KCRG, criminal complaints state 39-year-old Kayla Markell stole someone’s purse and used at least one credit card from inside it to make purchases at a Cedar Rapids Walmart on Thursday. Police said surveillance footage helped them identify Markell as the person who took the purse.

On Monday, police tried to pull her vehicle over, but officers said she refused to stop.During the ensuing chase, police said Markell at times exceeded 100 mph, weaving in and out of traffic and ultimately crashing the vehicle on Kirkwood Boulevard SW, near Prairie High School. Officials said there were four kids in the vehicle with Markell during the chase and crash, each under the age of 10. The criminal complaints don’t specify whether any of the kids were injured during the incident.

Investigators said Markell admitted to having taken the purse and to having used the credit cards without permission.

Markell is charged with eluding while exceeding the speed limit by 25 mph or more, four counts of child endangerment, credit card fraud, fourth-degree theft, and other charges related to the chase.

JOSEPH DAVID EVANS, 84, of Red Oak (Memorial Svc. 8/8/24)

Obituaries

August 6th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

JOSEPH DAVID EVANS, 84, of Red Oak, died July 30, 2024 at the Good Samaritan Care Center in Red Oak. A Memorial service for JOE EVANS will be held 11-a.m. Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024, at the Center Ridge Presbyterian Church, in Red Oak. Rieken-Dune Funeral Home in Oakland is assisting the family.

Interment will be at the Center Ridge Cemetery, immediately following the memorial service.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

JOSEPH ‘JOE’ EVANS is survived by:

His wife – Ila Evans.

His daughter – Gail (Larry) Brickel, of Morse Bluff, NE.

His son – Steve (Angie) Evans, of Elliott.

His brother –  Jim (Sidney) Evans, of Omaha.

His sister – Mary (Rich) Fuller, of Norwalk.

7 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law – David (Carolyn) Butler of Red Oak; other relatives and a host of friends.