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2022 Class A District 8 Football Honors

Sports

November 11th, 2022 by admin

First Team Offense
Quarterback Drew Kluender Woodbury Central 11 6’2 180
Running Back / Full Back Michael Turner Tri-Center 12 6’2 180
Running Back / Full Back Jackson Dewald Westwood 12 5’10 205
Running Back / Full Back Alexis Manzo Missouri Valley 12 5’10 175
Wide Receiver / Tight End Eric McGill Woodbury Central 11 6’0 170
Wide Receiver / Tight End Kyan Schultzen Woodbury Central 12 6’2 175
Wide Receiver / Tight End Caleb Garnand Lawton-Bronson 12 6’0 165
Offensive Lineman Chase Copeland Woodbury Central 12 6’3 210
Offensive Lineman Blase Sanford Woodbury Central 12 5’10 190
Offensive Lineman Grant Brix Logan-Magnolia 11 6’6 265
Offensive Lineman Kent Elliott Tri-Center 12 6’4 250
Offensive Lineman Nicio Adame Logan-Magnolia 12 5’11 230
Offensive Lineman Devin LaBrune Westwood 11 5’11 215
Offensive Lineman Dylan Waite Westwood 12 6’2 240
Kicker Zach Butler Woodbury Central 10 5’11 165
Offensive Utility Will DeStigter Woodbury Central 12 6’0 175

First Team Defense
Defensive Lineman Tom Heilman Westwood 12 5’10 170
Defensive Lineman Daltyn Pitt Logan-Magnolia 12 5’10 185
Defensive Lineman Marcus Silva Lawton-Bronson 10 6’1 220
Defensive Lineman Owen Ward Tri-Center12 6’2 170
Linebacker Max McGill Woodbury Central 12 5’8 168
Linebacker Wyatt Reisz Logan-Magnolia 12 5’11 175
Linebacker Isaac Wohlhuter Tri-Center 11 6’3 180
Linebacker Cowan Jaminet Lawton-Bronson 10 6’2 185
Defensive Back Calvin Wallis Logan-Magnolia 12 6’1 185
Defensive Back Holden Skow Tri-Center12 5’9 150
Defensive Back Tarick Rowe Logan-Magnolia 12 5’10 150
Punter Drew Kluender Woodbury Central 11 6’2 180
Return Specialist Cooper Irlmeier IKM – Manning 12 5’10 180
Defensive Utility Cooper Perdew IKM – Manning 12 5’10 180

Offensive Player of the Year Michael Turner Tri-Center 12 6’2 180
Defensive Player of the Year Max McGill Woodbury Central 12 5’8 168
Lineman of the Year Grant Brix Logan-Magnolia 11 6’6 265
Head Coach of the Year Matt Straight Logan-Magnolia
Assistant Coaches of the Year Justin Locke Woodbury Central
Chad Moseman Lawton-Bronson
District Champion Team Woodbury Central

Iowa women’s basketball signs Johnson and Jones

Sports

November 11th, 2022 by admin

IOWA CITY, Iowa – University of Iowa women’s basketball coach Lisa Bluder announced on Wednesday that Kennise Johnson and Ava Jones signed a National Letter of Intent to attend the University of Iowa.

KENNISE JOHNSON
Guard, 5-foot-4, Joliet, Ill. (Example Academy)
– No. 3 guard in the state of Illinois
– No. 13 overall prospect in Illinois
– In her junior year she won the Prep School National Championship
– Averaged 11.3 PPG, 6.2 APG, 5.9 RPG, and 3.1 SPG in her junior season
– Plays for Example Academy under head coach Barry Bradford, who was also her AAU coach for Example Sports

AVA JONES
Forward, 6-foot-2, Nickerson, Kan. (Nickerson HS)
– No. 84 player in ESPN’s 2023 HoopGurlz player rankings
– Averaged 20.8 PPG and 15.4 RPG in her junior season
– Reigning 3A girls player of the year in state of Kansas
– MVP of the Central Kansas League
– During her sophomore year, she averaged 20.8 PPG, 15.4 RPG, and 2.4 APG
– In 2021-22, she was named all-Reno County girls player of the year

Iowa men’s hoops signs 3

Sports

November 11th, 2022 by admin

IOWA CITY, Iowa — University of Iowa head men’s basketball coach Fran McCaffery announced on Thursday that Owen Freeman, Brock Harding, and Pryce Sandfort have signed a National Letter of Intent to attend the University of Iowa.

OWEN FREEMAN
Forward, 6-foot-11, 225 pounds
Moline, Illinois (Moline HS)

  • Transferred from Bradley-Bourbonnais HS to Moline HS for his senior season
  • Senior year prep teammate of co-signee Brock Harding
  • Bradley Bourbonnais record holder in highest field goal percentage in a season (.682), established in 2022
  • Named Red Division Player of the Year, first-team all-state, all-area, and all-conference as a junior
  • Averaged a double-double as a junior: 18.5 points, 12 rebounds, five assists, and two blocks
  • Two-time team Most Valuable Player and team captain
  • Led Bradley-Bourbonnais to its first-ever Red Division Conference championship
  • Single game career highs: points (32), rebounds (20), blocked shots (6), and assists (9)
  • No. 20 ranked power forward nationally according to Rivals
  • Also competed at Mid-Pro Academy with Harding — the No. 1 ranked independent team in the country — going 20-0 in 17-under in summer competition
  • Pangos All-American
  • National Honor Society inductee and High Honor Roll distinction as a sophomore and junior

BROCK HARDING
Guard, 6-foot-1, 160 pounds
Moline, Illinois (Moline HS)

  • Senior year prep teammate of co-signee Owen Freeman
  • Two-time first-team all-state and Western Big 6 honoree
  • Metro Player of the Year after leading team to 28 wins and averaging 19.3 points, 5.6 assists, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.8 steals as a junior
  • Recognized on the 2022 Pekin Christmas Tournament First Team
  • Averaged 16.5 points, 6.9 assists, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.6 steals as a sophomore
  • Scored over 1,000 points
  • Team captain
  • Netted a career-high 40 points versus Normal West High School
  • Also competed at Mid-Pro Academy with Freeman — the No. 1 ranked independent team in the country — going 20-0 in 17-under in summer competition
  • Most Valuable Player at the NY2LA Circuit
  • National Honor Society honoree and Honor Roll distinction all three years

PRYCE SANDFORT
Forward, 6-foot-7, 190 pounds
Waukee, Iowa (Waukee Northwest HS)

  • Led Class 4A in points, blocks, field goals made, 3-pointers made, free throws made and defensive rebounds, and ranked second in total rebounds in 2022
  • Led his team as a team captain to 20 victories and the state quarterfinals as a junior
  • Averaged 26.2 points, 10.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 2.9 blocks, shooting 52.6 percent from the field — including 40.5 percent from 3-point range — and 89.2 percent from the foul line his junior season
  • Single game career highs: points (42) and rebounds (17)
  • Earned first-team all-state (4A) and all-conference honors as a junior
  • No. 27 ranked small forward nationally according to Rivals
  • Enters his senior season with 1,047 career points
  • Helped Waukee HS to the state championship in 2021 as a sophomore, averaging 7.8 points. 2.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 0.7 blocks per outing, shooting 56 percent from the field — including 50 percent from 3-point territory — and 79 percent from the foul line
  • Averaged 9.3 points, 1.6 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 0.2 blocks in helping lead Waukee HS to 23 victories and finishing the postseason as state runners-up as a freshman
  • Also competed for D1 Minnesota’s AAU team, averaging 16.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, and two assists per game
  • Three-time academic all-state
  • Older brother, Payton, is a sophomore on the Iowa Men’s Basketball Team

ISU women’s hoops signs stellar 2023 class

Sports

November 11th, 2022 by admin

AMES, Iowa – For Iowa State women’s basketball, making history is happening even beyond the court. Head coach Bill Fennelly and his staff announced on Wednesday the highest-rated signing class in program history, with five student-athletes on board to join the Cyclones in 2022-23.

The new additions are forward Jalynn Bristow from Wichita Falls, Texas, forward Addy Brown from Derby, Kansas, center Audi Crooks from Algona, guard Arianna Jackson from Des Moines and guard Kelsey Joens from Iowa City. This quintet ranks at No. 10 in the 2023 ESPNw/HoopGurlz Recruiting Rankings at the time of publication.

Jalynn Bristow – Forward, 6-2, Wichita Falls, Texas (Holliday)

Bristow checks in at No. 47 in the ESPNw/Hoop Gurlz Class of 2023 recruit rankings. In three seasons at Rider High School, Bristow put up 2,060 points at 22.4 per game and grabbed 1,139 rebounds at 12.4 per game, earning All-State, All-Region and District MVP all three seasons. Bristow will play her senior season at Holliday High School. Teaming up with fellow future Cyclone Addy Brown, Bristow helped lead the 17U Team Lex Nation team to a National Title at the Adidas 3SSB Tournament this past summer.

Addy Brown – Forward, 6-2, Derby, Kan. (Derby)

Brown checks in as Iowa State’s highest-rated signee on the ESPNw/Hoop Gurlz Class of 2023 rankings at No. 31. A two-time First Team All-State honoree and conference MVP and three-time all-conference honoree, Brown helped lead Derby to a Kansas Class 6A runner-up, averaging 14.5 points per game and 9.3 rebounds per game while shooting over 60 percent from the field. With fellow future Cyclone Jalynn Bristow, Brown helped lead the 17U Team Lex Nation team to a National Title at the Adidas 3SSB Tournament this past summer.

Audi Crooks – Center, 6-3, Algona, Iowa (Bishop Garrigan)

Crooks is at No. 57 in the ESPNw Hoop Gurlz Class of 2023 recruit rankings and is wrapping up a decorated prep career across multiple sports. On the basketball court, Crooks is the three-time Iowa Class 1A Player of the Year and has led Bishop Garrigan to the Class 1A state title game three times, claiming the title last season. Individually, Crooks has racked up 1,845 points at 71.1 percent shooting. She also has 955 rebounds and 287 blocks across three seasons. In track and field, she has won the last two Class 1A shot put state titles, breaking the division record last year with a throw of 45-1. In volleyball, Crooks was a three-time all-conference honoree and led the Golden Bears with 254 kills and 70 blocks this past season.

Arianna Jackson – Guard, 5-9, Des Moines, Iowa (Roosevelt)

Jackson, a four-star guard, has been a three-time All-State honoree (earning First Team honors in 2022) at Roosevelt High School in Des Moines. She helped lead the Roughriders to last year’s Class 5A State Tournament for the first time since 2008. A three-time all-conference recipient, Jackson has racked up 787 career points and 301 rebounds, leading the state in 3-point shooting percentage as a sophomore at 64.3 percent. Jackson is another multi-sport star, having made the state championships in cross country and track and field three times. Jackson is a legacy Cyclone, with her father Hez playing football for the Cyclones from 1995-99 and brother Kendell currently a linebacker with ISU.

Kelsey Joens – Guard, 5-10, Iowa City, Iowa (West Liberty)

Another member of the Joens family is headed to Iowa State and will ensure Joens family continuity in the Iowa State program following older sister Ashley’s graduation following this season. The fourth Joens sister to play Division I basketball, Kelsey earned 2022 First Team All-State honors and was a three-time all-conference selection at Iowa City High. In helping lead City High to the state tournament twice, Joens racked up 1,056 points across three seasons, including 124 3-pointers. She will play her senior season at West Liberty High School for oldest sister Courtney, who took over as head coach over the summer.

Cyclone men’s basketball signs four

Sports

November 11th, 2022 by admin

AMES, Iowa – Iowa State head coach T.J. Otzelberger announced Wednesday the signings of four preps to National Letters of Intent. The second signing day under Otzelberger, the class ranks as the best in school history.

The Cyclones signed Omaha Biliew (6-8 | Forward | Waukee, Iowa | Waukee HS), Kayden Fish (6-6 | Forward | Kansas City, Mo. | Staley HS), Jelani Hamilton (6-5 | Guard | Marietta, Ga. | Wheeler HS) and Milan Momcilovic (6-8 | Forward | Pewaukee, Wis. | Pewaukee HS).

The class is rated No. 6 nationally by 247sports and Rivals, while ranking No. 7 by ESPN. It is the top-ranked class in the Big 12 by all three outlets.

A consensus five-star recruit, Biliew is the highest-ranked signee for Iowa State in the modern era. He is ranked in the top 15 in the country by all three national outlets, ranking as high as ninth on the ESPN Top 100. As a sophomore at Waukee HS, he led the Warriors to the Iowa 4A State Title, averaging 10.9 points, 7.8 rebounds and 3.1 blocks per game. He played his junior year at Link Academy before returning to Waukee for his senior season. He played for MoKan Elite on the AAU circuit, helping the team its third title at the Peach Jam.

Fish is a three-star recruit, with Rivals listing him as the 30th best power forward in the class. Fish teamed with Biliew on the AAU circuit with MoKan Elite. In the championship game of the Peach Jam, Fish scored a team-high 13 points. He averaged 11 points and five rebounds as a junior, while shooting 60 percent from the field and 40 percent from 3-point range.

Hamilton is a ranked a four-star recruit by Rivals, landing 96th on their Top 100 list. ESPN and 247 both list him as a three-star, with 247 ranking him the 15th-best recruit in program history. Hamilton is a Cyclone legacy, with both his parents attending Iowa State, while his brother is a manager for the team. Hamilton played for the Georgia Stars, a member of the Nike EYBL Circuit.

Momcilovic is a consensus four-star recruit, landing in the top 35 by all three national outlets. He is the third-best recruit in program history according to 247. During his junior year, Momcilovic led Pewaukee to its second-straight WIAA Division 2 State Title, scoring 19 points in the championship game. He averaged 18.1 points and 7.7 rebounds per game as a junior, helping the Pirates to a 27-3 record.

Don’t forget! AtlantiCash is available beginning Saturday! (11/12/22)

News

November 11th, 2022 by Ric Hanson

(Atlantic, Iowa) – Here’s a final reminder for you to get a kick start to your holiday shopping, by purchasing discounted AtlantiCash, presented by First Whitney Bank & Trust. The opportunity takes place this Saturday only at the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce. “This has become one of our favorite events to host every year. AtlantiCash is money that has to be spent at local businesses in our community, so not only does it boost Local Option Sales Tax, but it also supports all of our incredible businesses who have so much to offer this holiday season. Last year, we sold $30,000 in about an hour so our goal this year is to sell $35,000,” Bailey Smith, Executive Director at the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce said.

From 9 AM – 12 PM Saturday, November 12th only, AtlantiCash will be available in packs of $100 for $80, a 20% discount. Community members can purchase up to three packs. Payment must be made at time of purchase in the form of cash or check only. There is a first-come, first-purchased basis with only a limited amount of AtlantiCash available. “We wouldn’t be able to pull this promotion off without the help of our amazing sponsors. Their partnership helps us support local merchants and put money back into Atlantic,” mentioned Smith.

Discount AtlantiCash is brought to you by First Whitney Bank & Trust, Cappel’s Ace Hardware and the Atlantic Community Promotion Commission. The Holiday Open House will also be taking place Saturday beginning when retailers open. Businesses will be offering a holiday sneak peek as well as treats, giveaways and special promotions. Participating locations include: Aunt B’s, Brown’s Shoe Fit, Brymons Interiors, Cappel’s Ace Hardware, CoffeeGirl, Fareway, Hanson’s Fine Jewelry, Hy-Vee, Jazzercise, Randy’s Computers and SHIFT ATL.

Pick up your Christmas Brochure from area retail businesses, like the Chamber on Facebook or follow on Instagram to find dates and details to celebrate Christmas in Atlantic. You can find a complete list of activities and a printable version of the brochure at www.atlanticiowa.com. Capture the Christmas magic with #MyAtlanticIA and post to the Atlantic Area Chamber’s Facebook page or Instagram (AtlanticIowaFan). Contact the Atlantic Area Chamber with any questions at chamber@atlanticiowa.com or call 712.243.3017.

Red Oak Mayor announces the retirement resignations of 2 city officials, & sets a Special Meeting to be held Tuesday

News

November 11th, 2022 by Ric Hanson

(Red Oak, Iowa) -Red Oak Mayor Shawnna Silvius has announced she recently received two letters of resignation from City Administrator Brad Wright, and City Clerk, Mary Bolton. Both are planning on retirement after a number of years serving the City. Brad Wright has been with the City of Red Oak for 21 years. His resignation in effective December 30th. Mary Bolton has served in the Clerk’s Office for almost 39-years. Her last day is December 31st.

Silvius says she looks forward to moving forward together with the council, department heads and staff; and working directly with the council to establish a plan of action, timeline and delegation of tasks to immediately begin the search to fill these positions while maintaining proficient business operations. Silvius stated “This is a great time to start fresh and focus on moving the community forward with positive momentum.”

Mayor Silvius has called a Special Meeting of the Red Oak City Council to be held Tuesday, November 15 at 3:30 p.m. at the Red Oak Fire Station located at 1904 North Broadway Street, Red Oak, Iowa to discuss how the Council will proceed moving forward. This meeting is open to the public. The Special Meeting Agenda will be published Monday morning.

Julefest 2022! Celebrate the arrival of the Christmas season

News

November 11th, 2022 by Ric Hanson

(Elk Horn and Kimballton, Iowa) – Getting into the holiday spirit is easy in the Danish Villages (Of Elk Horn and Kimballton). Celebrated the weekend after Thanksgiving, the 44th Julefest offers visitors a way to kick start the Christmas season. For forty four years, this magical festival has warmed hearts and provided a way to celebrate all things Danish. Julefest promises an array of traditional Danish food and tasty treats such as pastries, wine, glögg, and pebbernødder. Search for unique Christmas presents and decorations at craft fairs, gift shops and specialty stores, in both towns.

Drink a glass of wine at Danish Countryside Vines and Wines and dine at Julefest sponsored restaurants such as The Kringle Man, Grace on Main and Norse Tavern and new this year come brunch with Santa Friday morning 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Elk Horn Fire station and enjoy the traditional ӕbleskiver and medisterpølse.  Make the most of a winter’s day – tour the 1848 Danish Windmill, enjoy the latest exhibits at the Museum of Danish America and go back in time at the 1908 Bedstemor’s House. 

Saturday morning cheer on the Naughty or Nisse 5 k Polar Runners from the Mermaid to the Windmill. Enjoy the annual Julefest Concert and dancing around the Christmas tree Saturday evening at the Elk Horn Lutheran Church. Relish in the festive atmosphere of the villages – both towns will be decorated for Christmas and the streets lined with Danish and American flags. Pick up a brochure with a map of the local merchants and happenings at any of the Danish Villages businesses. Schedules will be subject to change.

This year’s Julefest® celebration means the fabulous craft fairs are back! The Main Street Country Boutique will be at the Elk Horn Town Hall on Friday, November 25th from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday, November 26th from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. There will be vendors and crafters from all over Iowa set up with their specialties. Some of the items offered at this craft fair will be woven rugs, homemade candies and baked goods, stockings, angels, snowmen, wooden furniture and items and much more. You’ll find something for everyone on your Christmas list or add to your own collections.

A Hometown Christmas, the annual boutique and quilt sale will once again occupy the Kimballton Town Hall on Friday, November 25th from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Folk artists will provide an array of homemade giftware and Jeanne’s famous candies and cookies and so much more. This is the place to start your own traditions! Take yourself to the country and visit Rustic Rooster/Two Chicks located 1 mile west of Kimballton on highway 44 and 1/4mile north. They are open Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30p.m. and Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. They will be featuring vintage Christmas such as antiques, Christmas décor and taking orders for your Christmas baking (call 515-229-0078). They invite you for cider and good cheer.

For more information about these or any events happening Thanksgiving weekend during the 44th Danish celebration of Julefest®, please call the Danish Windmill at 800-451-7960 or visit www.Danishvillages.com. A brochure with all vendors and events can be picked up from any local Elk Horn or Kimballton business. To visit the Danish Villages of Elk Horn and Kimballton, Iowa, take Exit 54 from Interstate 80 and drive six and nine miles north.

Marion opens new $18M library, replacing what was lost in the 2020 derecho

News

November 11th, 2022 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – More than two years after being demolished by hurricane-force winds, the Marion Public Library has opened the doors to its new facility. When library director Bill Carroll was first hired, there were still walls missing, following the powerful derecho in August of 2020. Carroll says Thursday was a day to celebrate, as the new 18-million dollar facility debuted.) Carroll says, “Our primary library facility was damaged beyond repair during the derecho, so for us to be opening today, literally right across the street from our old location, is a momentous occasion for our community.”

While the facilities are fully accessible, the library is calling this week’s event a “soft opening,” promising a celebration at a later date. The library is part of the Metro Library Network, a consortium that includes the Cedar Rapids and Hiawatha public libraries.

(reporting by Zachary Oren Smith, Iowa Public Radio)

Iowa HHS launches major overhaul of policies, technology

News

November 11th, 2022 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – Iowa Health and Human Services officials are starting the process of significantly updating the state’s child welfare system. The state’s contracted with the Change and Innovation Agency to extensively review and update the state’s policy and procedures along with working to completely replace the I-T system. Janee Harvey, an administrator with Iowa H-H-S, says the current I-T system is so outdated, it’s causing workforce retention issues. “You have to use F7, F12, F1 buttons to navigate through the system,” Harvey says. “We literally have had staff see it, try and learn it and they’re like, ‘I can’t. I want to do this work. I can’t learn the technology you’re telling me to learn.’”

Harvey says they’re updating everything to best serve Iowa children and families. “Quite simply, the question that we need to be able to answer is, are families better off because HHS knocked on their door,” she says, “and unfortunately too often the answer is no.” The system overhaul comes as Iowa has seen several high-profile child abuse cases highlighting failures in its current system.

(reporting by Natalie Krebs, Iowa Public Radio)