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Porcher Qualifies for NCAA Championships, ISU Women Fourth at Regionals

Sports

November 15th, 2024 by Asa Lucas

PEORIA, Ill. – Iowa State junior Maelle Porcher qualified for the 2024 NCAA Championships and the Iowa State women picked up two Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series points at the 2024 NCAA Midwest Regional cross country meet.

“I was very pleased to see our women have their best race of the year at the Midwest Regional!” said director of track & field/cross country Jeremy Sudbury. “This group had a lot of heart and grit and although the season has not gone the way they would have wanted it to, their resilience and effort was on full display today.”

The Cyclones finished fourth as a team, led by Porcher’s podium finish, to best their in-state foe as the Hawkeyes finished 17th. Porcher started the race strong, running with the front pack early and was tied for sixth through the first 2K mark. She improved to fifth at the 3K mark and jumped again to fourth at the 4K and 5K marks. The junior made her final push into third ahead of the finish and earned the second individual automatic qualifying spot with her time of 19:52.8.

Porcher will run at her third straight NCAA Championships, after qualifying as an individual for CBU in 2022 before running as part of Iowa State’s qualifying team last season. It will mark the 16th consecutive season and the Cyclone women will have a representative running at the national championship meet.

Coach Sudbury was elated that Porcher will have the chance to compete next weekend after a great race Friday morning, saying “Maelle was brilliant in her individual race and I couldn’t be more excited for her to get to race next week at NCAAs!”

Redshirt-juniors Riley Beach and Bella Heikes also finished in the top 25 to help the Iowa State effort and earned All-Midwest Region honors along with Porcher. Beach was 18th in 20:20.75 while Heikes finished 21st less than a few seconds later in 20:22.50. The young Cyclones gained great experience at the regional meet as well, as freshmen Ruby Hughes (42nd, 20:47.53) and sophomore Sheridan Wheeler (55th, 20:57.67) rounded out ISU’s top five.

“Coach Wallace is going to build off this finish and have his team ready to get back to NCAAs next year,” said Sudbury.

Up Next
Porcher will prepare for the 2024 NCAA Championships next Saturday, November 23. Start time for the women’s 6K in Madison is set for 9:20 a.m. CT at the Zimmer Championships Cross Country Course.

Team Results
1. No. 19 Oklahoma State, 61; 2. No. 23 Minnesota, 76; 3. Northwestern, 103; 4. Iowa State, 139; 5. Nebraska, 181; 6. Bradley, 203; 7. Oklahoma, 222; 8. Illinois, 261; 9. Loyola (Ill.), 261; 10. Tulsa, 303; 11. Missouri, 316; 12. South Dakota State, 392; 13. Kansas, 404; 14. Kansas State, 427; 15. UNI, 435; 16. Drake, 439; 17. Iowa, 478; 18. North Dakota State, 485; 19. Illinois State, 532; 20. DePaul, 567; 21. North Dakota, 576; 22. South Dakota, 595; 23. Saint Louis, 619; 24. Wichita State, 654; 25. Eastern Illinois, 681; 26. Missouri State, 701; 27. Oral Roberts, 767; 28. SE Missouri, 769; 29. Illinois-Chicago, 779; 30. Omaha, 820; 31. Creighton, 825; 32. Southern Illinois, 993; 33. SIU Edwardsville, 1025

Individual Results
1. Leah Jeruto, Oklahoma, 19:42.87; 3. Maelle Porcher, Iowa State, 19:52.8; 18. Riley Beach, Iowa State, 20:20.8; 21. Bella Heikes, Iowa State, 20:22.5; 42. Ruby Hughes, Iowa State, 20:47.5; 55. Sheridan Wheeler, Iowa State 20:57.7; 58. Taylor Briggs, Iowa State, 20:58.8; 67. Kiki Connell, Iowa State, 21:11.20

Posted in Sports |

Forester urges Iowans rethink planting any more maple trees

Ag/Outdoor, News

November 15th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – It’s a bit late in the year to be planting trees, but the Iowa Department of Natural Resources is urging homeowners and city leaders to plan ahead and consider any of about 85 different species of trees to plant in the spring. However, if they’re thinking about maples, think again. Chip Murrow, an urban forestry program specialist at the D-N-R, says maples are beautiful, sturdy trees, but they’ve become too poplar, or rather popular, in Iowa.

There are all sorts of maples, including black, sugar, Norway, Japanese, silverleaf and paperbark, but he says diversity is a good thing when it comes to trees. Murrow fears what our state’s tree canopy would look like if an infestation of insects or some sort of tree disease sweeps in, as has happened many times before.

The D-N-R is now offering an online publication which makes a case for cultivating a different sort of diversified canopy in the state.

The online document lists dozens of other trees that do well in Iowa under a long list of categories, including: vibrant fall color, fast growing, spring flowers, good for shade and storm resistant. Murrow says if Iowans help by planting a wide variety of species that are well suited for their sites, they’ll be helping ensure a community’s tree canopy is a valuable resource for the future.

Posted in Ag/Outdoor, News |

Congresswoman Hinson says election may lead to more negotiation

News

November 15th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – Iowa Congresswoman Ashley Hinson says she is excited to win another term and return to Washington knowing the Republicans retain control of the House.

Hinson who is from Marion won her third term in Congress. She says Republicans should be able to get things done after winning the Senate as well and the landslide win of Donald Trump.

She expects fixing the Biden border crisis is going to be one of the first issues.

Hinson says she has always tried to work in a bipartisan manner, and that may be more possible now in the lame duck session.

Hinson defeated Democrat Sarah Corkery of Cedar Falls in the recent election to win her third term in the Second Congressional District.

Posted in News |

North Dakota approves Summit pipeline permit

Ag/Outdoor, News

November 15th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – State regulators in North Dakota approved a pipeline route permit today (Friday) for the Summit Carbon Solutions proposed carbon capture pipeline. The route approved by the North Dakota Public Service Commission is part of a 25-hundred mile proposed project covering five states, including Iowa.
Summit C-E-O Lee Blank says it’s an important step.

The approval is important for Iowa, as construction in Iowa cannot begin until the project is fully approved in North and South Dakota. The Sierra Club of Iowa’s Jessica Mazour says pipeline opponents are disappointed in the permit decision but that the fight is far from over.

Summit plans to reapply for a route permit in South Dakota on Tuesday (Nov. 19).

Posted in Ag/Outdoor, News |

Hawkeyes Close Postseason at NCAA Midwest Regional

Sports

November 15th, 2024 by Asa Lucas

PEORIA, Ill. — The University of Iowa men’s and women’s cross country teams wrapped up postseason competition on Friday at the NCAA Midwest Regional. The men placed 13th with a score of 389 points, while the women finished in 17th place with 478 points.

In the men’s 10,000-meter race, junior Will Ryan (30:42.6), sophomore Miles Wilson (30:45.7), and junior Brayden Burnett (31:11.8) all recorded new personal bests. Senior Miriam Sandeen set a personal best with a time of 20:55.5 in the women’s 6,000-meter race.

The woman began the morning, led by Sandeen, who placed 51st. She was followed by freshman Elena Torres in 71st (21:12.6), senior Amber Aesoph in 108th (21:35.1), freshman Hillary Trainor in 117th (21:45.7) and junior Jalyssa Blazek in 134th (22:02.1).

Ryan led the men, finishing 58th, while Wilson landed in 61st. They were followed by freshmen Kyle Montgomery (31:07.3) and Ethan Eichhorn (31:09.6), who placed 88th and 93rd, respectively. Burnett rounded out the top five runners in 97th place.

HEAR FROM COACH HASENBANK
“Will Ryan and Miriam Sandeen competed the best they have all season. Miriam got started in a much better position and competed well the entire race. Will was the right kind of patient today, leading to a very good result. Miles Wilson put the wraps on an excellent sophomore campaign very consistent in every race.

The freshmen were fantastic. For Kyle (Montgomery) and Ethan (Eichhorn) to make their 10K debuts on a stage like this is really impressive. Those two were in lockstep the entire race and ultra-competitive on the course today. Elena (Torres) and Hillary (Trainor) were equally impressive. What they brought to the team this fall was consistency at a high level and a lot of confidence for a couple of very talented young women. Very proud of these four freshmen.”

HAWKEYE RESULTS
Men’s 10,000 meters
58. Will Ryan-30:42.6, PR
61. Miles Wilson- 30:45.7, PR
88. Kyle Montgomery- 31:07.3
93. Ethan Eichhorn- 31:09.6
97. Brayden Burnett- 31:11.8, PR
134. Hayden Kuhn- 31:56.8
160. Carson Houg- 32:31.9

Women’s 6,000 meters
51. Miriam Sandeen- 20:55.5, PR
71. Elena Torres- 21:12.6
108. Amber Aesoph- 21:35.1
117. Hillary Trainor- 21:45.7
134. Jalyssa Blazek- 22:02.1
135. Abby Ryon- 22:07.0, PR
182. Aleah Tenpas- 22:50.8

Posted in Sports |

EVELYN JENSEN, 81, of Massena (A private family Mass will be held)

Obituaries

November 15th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

EVELYN JENSEN, 81, of Massena, died Friday, November 15, 2024, at Cass Health in Atlantic.  Per her wishes, a private family Mass will be held for EVELYN JENSEN. Lamb Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Visitation:  On Saturday, November 30, 2024, anyone that would like to stop by the house (105 East Cedar Street, Massena, IA 50853) from 1pm – 4pm to say hello and pay their respects are welcome.

Memorials may be directed to the Evelyn Jensen memorial fund to be established by the family at a later date.

EVELYN JENSEN is survived by:

Her son – John Jensen, of Massena.

Her daughter – Barbette (James) Hatcher, of Liberty, MO.

Her sisters – Carolyn Wojick, of LaVista, NE., and Janice (Loren) Pogreba, of Austin, TX.

1 grandson, other relatives and friends.

Online condolences may be left to the family at www.lambfuneralhomes.com.

Posted in Obituaries |

Atlantic man gets his ‘Woo-Hoo Moment’ with a $30,000 Lottery win

News

November 15th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

CLIVE, Iowa — A Cass County man said he was thrilled after scratching off a $30,000 lottery prize. 74-year-old George Evans., of Atlantic, said “Yesterday was one of my highlights of my life.” Evans claimed his prize Thursday at the Iowa Lottery headquarters in Clive. “I go, ‘Woo hoo!’ That’s a woo-hoo moment!”

Evans won the fourth top prize in the Iowa Lottery’s “High Striker” scratch game. He bought a pair of tickets at Casey’s, 701 Poplar St. in Atlantic. The first ticket he scratched won $50, and Evans said he was excited. After he scratched the second, he was elated. Evans said “I thought, you know, everybody’s got the same chance. Someday, I’m going to win a big” prize, he said. “Well, yesterday was that day.”

George Evans, of Atlantic

Evans said after his big win, he tried to tell his family, but they refused to believe him until he showed them the lucky ticket. He also told his grandson, who was quick to offer a suggestion for how to use some of the winnings. “He went right into the other room, got a book that had electric motor scooters in it, and he says, ‘Can you get this one?'” Evans said with a laugh. Evans said he plans to put his winnings toward paying bills and an upcoming family cruise.

George Evans served the City of Atlantic for 39-years, including as Wastewater Treatment Plant Superintendent until his retirement in 2012.

High Striker is a $3 scratch game that features eight top prizes of $30,000 and overall odds of 1 in 3.88. For more information about this game, and the number of prizes still available, visit ialottery.com.

Posted in News |

Leopold Bench Making workshop set for Dec. 7th in Cass County

Ag/Outdoor, News

November 15th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Massena, Iowa) – The Cass County Conservation Board is holding a Leopold Bench Making Workshop. The program will be held at the Outdoor Educational Classroom in Massena on December 7th, beginning at 1-p.m. All ages are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Learn all about making a Leopold bench! Make and take a bench home. They make great Christmas gifts. A donation of $35 is suggested, per bench.

A Leopold Bench

Please pre-register by December 2nd by calling 712-769-2372 or email lkanning@casscoia.us.

Posted in Ag/Outdoor, News |

ANNETTE EDITH PEPPERS, 88, of Exira (Svcs. 11/21/24)

Obituaries

November 15th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

ANNETTE EDITH PEPPERS, 88, of Exira, died Thursday, November 14, 2024. Funeral services for ANNETTE PEPPERS will be held 11-a.m. Thursday, November 21, 2024, at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Exira.

Visitation with the family will be held one hour before the funeral at the funeral home on Thursday, November 21, 2024.

Interment will take place following the funeral at the Exira Cemetery. A luncheon will be held at the Exira Community Hall following the interment.

Memorial donations may be designated to the City of Exira, Exira Community Visioning Program, P.O. Box 187, Exira, IA 50076, or the University of Iowa’s Stead Family Children’s Hospital Fund, P.O. Box 4550, Iowa City, IA 52244-4550.

ANNETTE PEPPERS is survived by:

Her sons – Mike (Ann) Peppers, of Steilacoom, WA, and Dan (Mary Beth) Peppers, of Papillion, NE.

Her daughter – Jackie (Tom) Fricke, of Dallas, TX.

8 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, her  brothers-in-law, and other relatives.

Posted in Obituaries |

Iowa State hosts Cincinnati Saturday night

Sports

November 15th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

Iowa State looks to snap a two game losing skid at home on Saturday night against Cincinnati. Former Cyclone linebacker coach Tyson Veidt (vite) is in his first season as Cincinnati’s defensive coordinator. ISU coach Matt Campbell.

Campbell says Veidt has had an impact on the defense.

The ISU defense was steamrolled in last week’s loss to Kansas and that unit must slow down A Bearcat offense led by quarterback Brendan Sorsby.

It is a seven o’clock kickoff in Jack Trice Stadium. The game will be televised by Fox.

Posted in Sports |