United Group Insurance

Clean-up in Adams County continues from 3 tornadoes that struck May 21

News

May 30th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – Three tornadoes hit rural areas of southwest Iowa’s Adams County nine days ago. Adams County Emergency Management director Bill Lyddon says his best guess at this time is over 70 farm buildings were damaged or destroyed.  “Several grain bins, probably more than a dozen of those that have had major damage or were destroyed. There’s a lot of damages other than residences out there,” Lyddon says. “We haven’t even looking at machinery and vehicles yet, but I know we’ve got a lot of them, too.”

The first tornado entered western Adams County at about 3 p.m. May 21st. A second tornado was spotted in Adams County a few minutes later and that tornado stayed on the ground for 44 miles, eventually destroying part of Greenfield in neighboring Adair County. A third tornado was spotted south of Highway 34 in Adams County, about 10 miles from Corning.

“We had quite a bit of damage from all three tornadoes. We’ve had lots of volunteers and they pretty much take care of themselves here in the county and they went to the places that had the most damage or any damage and they’ve been working since,” Lyddon says. “It’s going to be a long time, but they’re going to keep cleaning and fixing things up and hopefully we’ll get it done eventually.”

None of the three tornadoes passed through any of the cities or towns in Adams County, but Lyddon says it appears eight homes in rural areas of the county were either destroyed or have major damage from the May 21st tornadoes. “They’re going to have to decide what to do with those,” Lyddon says, “whether they’ll be taken down and replaced or ry and fix ’em.”

A Shenandoah woman was killed in one of the Adams County tornadoes when the vehicle she was driving was blown off Highway 148. A GoFundMe account has raised over 11-thousand dollars to help the family of 46 year old Monica Zamarron’s family cover funeral expenses.

Southeast Iowa middle school goes cell phone free during school hours

News

May 30th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – For the past month students in a southeast Iowa school were not allowed to use their cell phones during school hours and their principal expects the policy to resume when the next school year starts August 23rd. Mike Davis, the principal of Evans Middle School in Ottumwa, says cell phone use was harming students’ mental health and diverting their attention from their classes.

“I felt like taking the cell phones away would take that focus away on the negativity of what’s going on and have them focus a little bit more on what’s going on in our building,” Davis says. Davis says the teachers noticed better behavior, longer attention spans, and more positive interactions during free time.

“You know the real reason why we’re here — it’s not about the cell phones,” Davis says. “It’s to get a quality education.” Davis acknowledges students didn’t appreciate the policy when it was announced, but Davis says cell phones were a distraction during the school day.

“When a kid feels like they can’t live without their phone or be without their phone,” Davis said. “I think that becomes more of an issue than a kid having their phone.” Davis hopes other schools consider a no-cell phone rule during school hours. “I would love to see other schools start to bring their students back to being students,” Davis said, “to being young adults, and learning to interact with others.”

Axios reported last week that Hoover High School in Des Moines will be a phone-free zone when school starts in the fall, to address anxiety and depression among students. Researchers say symptoms of depression and suicides among teens began to rise in 2012, just about the time polling began to show teens who had a phone admitted they used it for several hours a day. About 90 percent of American teenagers have a cell phone.

Skyscan Forecast for Atlantic & the Nishna Valley: Thursday, May 30, 2024

Weather

May 30th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

Today: Partly cloudy-to-cloudy w/a 30 % chance of showers and thunderstorms developing late. High near 78. S/SE @ 10-25 mph.
Tonight: Showers and thunderstorms. Low around 60.
Tomorrow: Showers & thunderstorms. High near 72. S/SE @ 5-10.
Tom. Night: Mostly cloudy w/a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Low around 57.
Saturday: Mostly sunny w/only a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. High near 78.
Sunday: Partly sunny & breezy, w/a 30% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. High near 81.

Wednesday’s High in Atlantic was 77. Our Low this morning was 50. Last year on this date, the High in Atlantic was 87 and the Low was 60. The record High for May 30th was 105 in 1934. The record Low was 33 in 1930. Sunrise: 5:49. Sunset: 8:45.

CAM Softball has hefty win against Glidden-Ralston

Sports

May 29th, 2024 by Asa Lucas

The CAM Cougars had a 13-3 win over the Glidden Ralston Wildcats on Wednesday night with an 8 run fifth inning to spark the comeback. Out of the gate Glidden-Ralston was first to score with 3 runs in the top of the second with an error and RBI Triple from Allison Snyder to make it 3-0. CAM would then respond in the bottom of the third with a base hit from Keeley Kinney and infield error to make the game 3-1. Starting pitcher for the Wildcats Jaelyan Subbert seemed to be locked in as she would retire the next three batters for CAM in the fourth. Things drastically changed though with the Cougars in the fifth when their bats suddenly came alive and they brought in 8 runs off of 9 hits. The lead then changed with CAM up 9-3 and Glidden-Ralston’s hitting woes continued as they only had 4 hits on the night. The Cougars ended the game in the bottom of the sixth with 3 doubles and a walk off wild pitch at 13-3.

CAM’s Keely Kinney who went 3-4 with an RBI and Emma Follmann who had 3-4 at the plate with two doubles and an RBI showed a big night for their team.

One of the CAM Co-Coaches Jeni Follmann’s message to her team heading into the fifth down 3-1 was to have confidence.

Follmann was also impressed with the way her team kept their composure when they were down early.

With the impressive win the Cougars improve to 2-1 and will take on Stanton at home Thursday night. Coach Follmann noted that she wants to see her squad continue to bring their energy with them into Thursday’s contest.

The Wildcats fall to 2-2 with their loss and head back home for a matchup against Greene County Thursday evening.

RICKEY LEE MEYER, 68, of Atlantic (Celebration of Life 6/4/24)

Obituaries

May 29th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

RICKEY LEE MEYER, 68, of Atlantic, died Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at his home in Atlantic. A casual Celebration of Life Memorial Service/Time of Sharing for RICKEY MEYER, will be held following visitation with the family on Tuesday, June 4th, from 11-a.m. until 1-p.m, at Roland Home in Atlantic.

Burial will take place in the Atlantic Cemetery following the service.

Memorials may be made to the family for later designation.

Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.

Iowa REALTORS® Awarded $400,000 in Grants to Assist Iowans Displaced By Spring Storms

News

May 29th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

WEST DES MOINES, IOWA — Devastating storms once again displaced thousands of Iowans from their homes in May.  The Iowa Association of REALTORS® (IAR) wants to ensure these Iowans impacted are afforded the resources to rebuild their homes and sense of community through relief grants. Today, IAR announced it received a $250,000 grant from the National Association of REALTORS® to provide funding for individuals impacted by storms on May 21 to help with their mortgage and rental payments or hotel reimbursements. In total, IAR has received $400,000 in grants to provide relief for Iowans impacted by severe weather this spring.

Under the new grant and in partnership with the REALTORS® Relief Foundation (RRF), IAR will provide up to $1,500 in housing relief to displaced individuals who primarily reside in Adair, Adams, Black Hawk, Buena Vista, Butler, Cass, Cedar, Clay, Clinton, Dubuque, Fayette, Franklin, Hancock, Hardin, Harrison, Humboldt, Iowa, Jackson, Jasper, Kossuth, Marshall, Mills, Montgomery, Muscatine, O’Brien, Page, Palo Alto, Polk, Pottawattamie, Story, Tama, and Warren counties.

“As Iowans, we know that helping one another is the first line of action when faced with devastation, including when severe weather displaces community members,” Gavin Blair, CEO of the Iowa Association of REALTORS® said. “We are proud to partner with REALTOR® Relief Foundation to provide an additional $250,000 in grants to Iowans who suffered displacement due to recent storms in Iowa. Iowa REALTORS® stand behind our communities and are ready to provide support, both financially and physically, to help get Iowans back home.”

Thousands of homes and buildings have been destroyed or damaged during severe weather in April and May, leading countless Iowans to be displaced. Iowa REALTORS® previously received a $150,000 grant to provide up to $1,500 in relief to Iowans in Clarke, Crawford, Harrison, Mills, Polk, Pottawattomie, Ringgold, Shelby, and Union counties who were impacted by severe storms on April 26.

Qualifications for the REALTORS® Relief Foundation assistance include:

  • Recipients must be a primary resident of the following counties and have sustained damage on April 26 that have resulted in housing displacement: Clarke, Crawford, Harrison, Mills, Polk, Pottawattomie, Ringgold, Shelby, and Union.
  • Recipients must be a primary resident of the following counties and have sustained damage on May 21 that have resulted in housing displacement: Adair, Adams, Black Hawk, Buena Vista, Butler, Cass, Cedar, Clay, Clinton, Dubuque, Fayette, Franklin, Hancock, Hardin, Harrison, Humboldt, Iowa, Jackson, Jasper, Kossuth, Marshall, Mills, Montgomery, Muscatine, O’Brien, Page, Palo Alto, Polk, Pottawattamie, Story, Tama, and Warren.
Assistance is available to qualified applicants as one of the following options:
  • Monthly mortgage expense for the primary residence that was damaged during the severe storms on April 26 or May 21.
  • Rental cost due to displacement from the primary residence resulting from the severe storms of April 26 or May 21.
  • Reimbursement for hotel lodging required due to displacement from primary residence as a result of severe storms on April 26 or May 21. Reimbursement only covers hotel room and tax costs.
  • Relief assistance is limited to a maximum of $1,500 per household.
All grants are contingent upon the availability of funds. As a result, aid will be provided on a first-come, first-serve basis. Applications for displacement relief related to April 26 storms close on June 28, 2024; Applications for displacement relief related to May 21 storms close on July 29, 2024.

LEARN MORE ABOUT TORNADO RELIEF

T-Mobile is acquiring US Cellular

News

May 29th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – There’s change ahead for Iowans who’re U-S Cellular customers. T-Mobile is spending four-point-four BILLION dollars to acquire most of U-S Cellular’s assets. U-S Cellular is the fourth largest cell phone carrier in the country. Iowa is one of the 21 states U-S Cellular have operated in and T-Moblie’s acquisition of company will expand its reach in rural areas of the country.

There are currently 70 T-Mobile “stores” in Iowa and the company is acquiring all of U-S Cellular’s stores in the state. T-Mobile started as a regional carrier in the Pacific northwest.

In 2017, T-Mobile acquired i-Wireless operations in Iowa, western Illinois and eastern Nebraska. T-Mobile is currently the country’s third largest cell phone carrier, behind AT&T and Verizon.

Montgomery County Disaster Relief Fund

News

May 29th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

The Montgomery County Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Omaha Community Foundation, has established the Montgomery County Disaster Relief Fund in collaboration with the Montgomery County Emergency Management and the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors. The fund will help support nonprofit partners, communities, disaster relief
organizations, and public health organizations on the front line of tornado & flood relief efforts in Montgomery County.

Thank you for your investment and commitment to support the devastating impact of the recent storms and tornadoes that swept through Montgomery County. Below are ways that you can contribute to the Montgomery County Disaster Relief Fund with the Montgomery County Community Foundation:

GIFTS OF CASH
-Please make checks payable to the Montgomery County Disaster Relief Fund
Checks can be dropped off at the following locations in Montgomery County:

  • Red Oak
    Houghton State Bank
    First Interstate Bank
    Bank Iowa
  • Stanton
    First Interstate Bank
  • Villisca
    Bank Iowa

Checks can also be mailed to:
Montgomery County Community Foundation
1120 S. 101st Street, Suite 320
Omaha, NE 68124

GIFTS VIA CREDIT CARD
– Contributions via credit card payment can be made online* here:
https://bit.ly/MontgomeryCountyDisasterRelief
Once the payment is submitted, you will receive an email receipt immediately.
*Please note that the standard credit card processing fee typically ranges from 1.5% to 3.5% of each transaction’s total value when making your gift.

GIFTS OF APPRECIATED STOCK
-Please email Sunni Kamp (sunni@omahafoundation.org) for instructions on how to make a gift of appreciated stock.

Donations receive a gift receipt from the Omaha Community Foundation, which is a 501(c)(3) allowing maximum tax benefits. 100% of the funds raised will be distributed to nonprofit organizations that are directly serving tornado victims and survivors in Montgomery County. For questions about the Montgomery County Disaster Relief Fund, please contact Montgomery County Community Foundation staff:

Sunni Kamp
sunni@omahafoundation.org
402.933.4188

Sarah Beth Ray
sarahbeth@omahafoundation.org
402.704.7245

NASCAR star Kyle Larson’s return to Knoxville is unclear

Sports

May 29th, 2024 by Asa Lucas

Former NASCAR Cup champion Kyle Larson is not sure if he will even get the opportunity to try and defend his title at the Knoxville Nationals this season. Sprint car racing’s biggest event is set for August seventh through the 10th. That same weekend the Cup Series is running in Richmond, Virginia.

Larson says won two of the last three Knoxville titles and loves to race there as much as possible.

Larson has excelled in stock cars and sprint cars and just finished 18th in the Indianapolis 500. There are other events he would like to compete in one day.

Larson ran tire tests at the Iowa Speedway on Tuesday leading up to next month’s Iowa Corn 350.

Cass County (IA) Sheriff’s report: Arrests from May 10th thru the 28th

News

May 29th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Cass County Sheriff’s Office has released a report on arrests that took place from May 10th through the 28th. In order of most recent to the earliest arrests:

On May 28th, 2024, the Cass County Sheriff’s Office arrested Danny Devore, 57, of Cumberland, on the charge of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Devore was transported to the Cass County jail where he was booked and held pending his later release on his own recognizance.

On May 27th, 2024, the Cass County Sheriff’s Office arrested Benjamin Deal, 34, of Marne, on a warrant for Theft 5th Degree. Deal was transported to the Cass County Jail where he was booked and held pending his later release on his own recognizance.

On May 24th, 2024, the Cass County Sheriff’s Office arrested Ervin Suko Jr, 58, of Atlantic, for OWI 1st Offense. Suko was transported to the Cass County Jail where he was booked and held pending his later release on his own recognizance.

On May 19th, 2024, the Cass County Sheriff’s Office arrested Freedom Dole, 23, of Atlantic, on the charge of Simple Assault. Dole was transported to the Cass County Jail where she was booked and held pending her later release on bond.

On May 18th, 2024, the Cass County Sheriff’s Office arrested Heath Nordby, 34, of Atlantic, on the charges of Harassment 3rd Degree and Trespass 1st Offense. Nordby was transported to the Cass County Jail where he was booked and held pending his later release on bond.

On May 18th, 2024, the Cass County Sheriff’s Office arrested Amber Hoyt, 27, of Carson, on the charge of OWI 1st Offense. Hoyt was transported to the Cass County Jail where she was booked and held pending her later release on her own recognizance.

On May 17th, 2024, the Cass County Sheriff’s Office arrested Spenser Denison, 25, of Atlantic, on the charge of Disorderly Conduct. Denison was transported to the Cass County Jail where he was booked and held pending his later release after serving his time.

On May 16th, 2024, the Cass County Sheriff’s Office arrested Lynn Frohlich, 53, of Atlantic, on a warrant for Failure to Appear. Frohlich was taken to the Cass County Jail where he was booked and held pending his later release per court order.

On May 14th, 2024, the Cass County Sheriff’s Office arrested Amber Leighty, 28, of Omaha, on the charge of Possession of a Controlled Substance – Marijuana. Leighty was transported to the Cass County Jail where she was booked and held pending her later release on bond.

On May 14th, 2024, the Cass County Sheriff’s Office arrested Drew Miller, 25, of Omaha, on the charge of Possession of a Controlled Substance. Miller was transported to the Cass County Jail where he was booked and held pending his later release on his own recognizance.

On May 13th, 2024, the Cass County Sheriff’s Office arrested Benjamin Barnes, 33, of Griswold, on a warrant for Violation of Probation. Barnes was transported to the Cass County Jail where he was booked and held pending his later release on bond.

On May 12th, 2024, the Cass County Sheriff’s Office arrested Tiffany Wallace, 34, of Carter Lake, on the charge of Public Intoxication. Wallace was transported to the Cass County Jail where she was booked and held pending her later release on her own recognizance.

On May 11th, 2024, the Cass County Sheriff’s Office arrested Patti Knapp Spitler, 63, of Wiota, for OWI 1st Offense. Spitler was transported to the Cass County Jail where she was booked and held pending her later release on her own recognizance.

On May 11th, 2024, the Cass County Sheriff’s Office arrested Alexander Phillips-Johnson, 27, of Omaha, on the charges of Unlawfully Carrying Weapons and Possession of a Controlled Substance – Marijuana. Phillips-Johnson was transported to the Cass County Jail where he was booked and held pending his later release on bond.

On May 10th, 2024, the Cass County Sheriff’s Office arrested Thomas Curtis, 39, of Griswold, on the charge of Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Curtis was transported to the Cass County Jail where he was booked and held pending his later release on bond.