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Storm-related fatality in Adams County

News

May 22nd, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Corning, Iowa) – The Adams County Sheriff’s Office reports emergency responders were dispatched at around 3:30-p.m., Tuesday, to a single-vehicle accident, where a vehicle had been blown-off Highway 148 and Joshua Tree Avenue. At the scene, Deputies located the body of a deceased female from the accident. The victim’s name was being withheld by authorities, out of respect to the family.

Adams County would like to thank all of the nearby counties who responded to the incident.

Greenfield storm relief: Items being gathered at St. John’s Catholic Church in Greenfield; Meal offered at Cornerstone Fellowship Church

News

May 22nd, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Greenfield, Iowa) – Officials with St. John’s Catholic Church in Greenfield are accepting items for storm relief. They do not need donations of water, however, as they have received plenty of it and can’t accept anymore. Please donate items on this list if you can:
  • Ziploc bags
  • Sharpies
  • Large plastic totes
  • Packing tape
  • Scissors
  • Clorox wipes (or similar clean-up wipes)
  • Ponchos
  • Large trash bags
  • Work gloves
  • First aid kits
  • Batteries of all sizes
  • Toilet paper
  • Paper towels
  • Shovels and rakes.
They are also requesting and accepting baby items: diapers (all sizes), baby wipes, baby formula, nonperishable baby food. Another necessity following the storm, is spare chargers for all phones and laptops. Please feel free to come to the church and charge your devices. St. John’s is open today (Wednesday) until 9 PM. In addition the Cornerstone Fellowship Church in Greenfield is serving a meal this evening, beginning at 5:30.  If you need more information, see the Cornerstone Fellowship Church, Greenfield, IA Facebook page.

Iowa hunters, anglers push for Farm Bill support

Ag/Outdoor, News

May 22nd, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Iowa News Service) – The U.S. House Agriculture Committee is scheduled to take up the first version of the new Farm Bill tomorrow (Thursday) morning.  Outdoor enthusiasts in Iowa are pushing for the measure to address key hunting and fishing policies. The Farm Bill is the biggest, most high-profile piece of legislation for farmers and ranchers and it has a huge effect on hunters and anglers in Iowa. Kate Hansen, agriculture program director for the Isaak Walton League of America, said conservation policies set out in the Farm Bill — support for approaches like cover crops, for example — have a domino effect on the state’s ecosystems.

“At face value, cover crops have benefits like they improve our water quality and our soil health,” Hansen pointed out. “We think about how could water quality improvements benefit our fish habitats? There are also benefits of them sitting right there in the field for wildlife.” Hansen noted the healthy fields benefit Iowa hunters. She added it is important for the Farm Bill to consider private land access and conservation measures to improve habitats for fish and wildlife. The House Agriculture Committee is set to consider the bill tomorrow.

The Farm Bill is the biggest investment the U.S. makes in private lands conservation. Aaron Field, director of private lands conservation for the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, said one especially important part of the bill focuses on increasing voluntary conservation projects on private property. He emphasized it benefits hunters and anglers and called the public-private partnerships crucial to shaping the Farm Bill. “It’s critically important that hunter and angler groups step up and provide feedback as Congress is making decisions about how those programs operate and how they’re funded,” Field urged.

Summer shoreline view of Saylorville Lake near Polk City Iowa.

Field added this year’s Farm Bill is the best opportunity hunter and angler programs have had for increased funding in recent history. He noted the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership has published an online guide about how to participate in shaping the measure.

Local 24-Hour Rainfall Totals Reported at 7:00 am Wednesday, May 22, 2024

Ag/Outdoor, Weather

May 22nd, 2024 by Jim Field

  • KJAN, Atlantic  1.52″
  • 7 miles NNE of Atlantic  1.43″
  • Massena  1.63″
  • Elk Horn  1.46″

High School Girls & Boys Substate Soccer Matches for Wednesday May 22nd

Sports

May 22nd, 2024 by admin

GIRLS  

Class 1A Regional Semifinals 

Substate 6: Harlan at Treynor

Iowa Class 2A Regional Semifinals 

Substate 4: LeMars at Thomas Jefferson

 

BOYS 

Iowa Class 1A Substate Championships

Substate 8: West Central Valley at Van Meter

Iowa Class 2A Substate Championships

Substate 8: Carroll at Glenwood

Tornado Resource & Relief Open House in Shelby County set for next Tuesday (5/28/24)

News

May 22nd, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Harlan, Iowa) – Officials with the Shelby County Emergency Management Agency report a Tornado Resource and Relief Open House will take place Tuesday, May 28th, at the Veterans Memorial Building (1104 Morningview Dr.), in Harlan. The event will be held from 5-until 8-p.m. Shelby County EMA will host government disaster officials, local aid providers and other, that include:

  • FEMA
  • West Central Community Action
  • Local insurance adjusters
  • Mental health providers
  • Shelby County State Bank.

The Shelby County Cattleman’s Association will provide food for the event. The Shelby County EMA will also be recognizing groups that assisted with the cleanup process.

Anyone who has questions regarding tornado relief efforts is welcome to attend.

Griswold Tigers Softball Season Preview with Coach Jody Rossell

Sports

May 22nd, 2024 by admin

The Griswold Tigers softball team  got off to a great start to their 2023-2024 season with a 14-0 road win over Red Oak on Monday night. The Tigers are coached by Jody Rossell, who is in her sixth season.

Coach Rossell says it’s been a tough challenge with the field conditions this spring.

The Tigers had a lot of success from last season, coach Rossell commented on how they will continue that success this season.

The Tiger softball team has been working since the first part of January to work on their game

Coach Rossell says they have experienced returning seniors and juniors for this season.

The Tigers next softball game will be Wednesday May 22nd, when they take on Tri-Center in a non-conference regular season game. First pitch will be thrown at 7:15 p.m.

No school today for Southwest Valley Students

News

May 22nd, 2024 by Ric Hanson

There will be no school today, Wednesday, May 22nd for all Southwest Valley students. School officials say both ECEC locations will be open.
Corning and Villisca communities – Southwestvalley Staff would like to offer our help to anyone who has been damaged by the storm. If you need help cleaning up or moving things, contact Corning Elementary or Villisca Middle School this morning (Wednesday), and they will come and help.
More information will be announced as soon as possible about opportunities for support and possible cleanup to support the communities/families affected by this evenings storms.

Adair County Sheriff issues a statement concerning the tornado in Greenfield

News

May 22nd, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Greenfield, Iowa) – Adair County Sheriff Jeff Vandewater today (Wednesday), issued a statement with regard to the tornado that devastated the community of Greenfield, Tuesday afternoon.
“First and foremost, please keep all those affected by the tornado that struck parts of rural Adair County and Greenfield in your thoughts and prayers. The damage is almost unimaginable in some areas.
“The big takeaway for daybreak in a few hours will be the need to get credentialed to more easily enter into the Greenfield City limits. We understand that so many of you want to help, but there has to be a vetting process in situations such as these. The credentialing will take place at the Iowa D.O.T. Maintenance shed located at 2313 State Highway 92, which is just east of Greenfield. This will start around 9 AM on Wednesday May 22nd. I believe a large red Hy-Vee semi trailer will be the hub for the credentialing, so look for it.”

A food and water drop off location has been set up at the Department of Transportation (DOT) Facility located east of Greenfield. The address is 2313 Highway 92. Additional details with regard to cleanup and volunteer efforts are forthcoming. Sheriff Vandewater says the personnel “and resources of the State of Iowa have been unbelievable.” On that note, he said, “there are State Troopers at most entrance[s] to Greenfield. An Emergency Proclamation has been enacted by the City of Greenfield limiting access between the hours of 10 P.M. to 7 A.M. After 7 A.M., if you approach a check point, you will need identification showing a Greenfield address or I believe you should have a specific location that you are enroute to AND be prepared to call someone at the address you are enroute to for verification.

“In speaking with those who responded to the tornado struck towns in western Iowa earlier this spring, these steps are needed to prevent a tremendous amount of nonessential people from slowing down the progress of those who are essential to the clean up, especially utility crews trying to restore power to the City.
“Lives have been lost and many will be forever altered. Thus far, I’ve seen nothing but absolute cooperation between everyone…..everyone of all walks of life from the homeowner, a concerned citizen or a volunteer fireman from three counties away. In the coming days, be patient and compassionate with one another and we will get through this TOGETHER.”

Skyscan Forecast for Atlantic & the Nishna Valley: Wed., May 22nd, 2024

Weather

May 22nd, 2024 by Ric Hanson

Today: A chance of sprinkles this morning, otherwise mostly cloudy; Gradually becoming sunny. High near 72. W @ 5-10 mph.
Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 49.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 78. South wind 10-20 mph.
Thu. Night: Showers and thunderstorms. Low around 58. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Friday: A 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms;Becoming Mostly sunny & breezy. High near 70.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 71.
Sat. Night: A 40& chance of showers and thunderstorms after midnight. Low around 52.
Sunday: A 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms. High near 71.

Tuesday’s High in Atlantic was 77. Our Low this morning, 51. We received 1.52″ of rain in Atlantic yesterday. Last year on this date, the High in Atlantic was 78 and the Low was 50. The record High for May 22nd was 98 in 1925. The record Low was 28 in 1895 & 1963. Sunrise: 5:54. Sunset: 8:38.