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Iowan sees dream of baseball book come true

News

May 8th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – A central Iowa T-V sportscaster has realized a life-long dream with the publishing of a book that makes youth baseball a life or death proposition. Scott Reister says the book “Baseball Spy” features a kid named Zane who is trying to find a deadly spy on his team before things go wrong. “And if he doesn’t keep winning kuh-blammi everything goes down so literally in Baseball Spy the book it’s life or death Little League is life or death,” Reister says. Reister says the idea for the story came from his own baseball experience.

“Maybe I was 11 or 12 and I’m about to bat and in this pressure situation, I felt all these eyes on me and I thought, man, it’s not like it’s life or death, right?,” he says. “And then I started thinking, what if it was, what if I didn’t get this hit? Then there’s some bad guy out there about to blow everything up. And I always thought that’d be the coolest idea for a book or a movie, and I never really did anything about it. And I started thinking about if I ever wrote a book that was it, and I finally dedicated myself to figuring out how to write a book.” While the book’s plot includes spies and potential destruction, he says it’s a thriller that adults or kids would like.

“I would say if you’re about that fourth grade age anything younger than that be hard to kind of grasp the plot, but adults love it, kids love it, it’s a great gift especially if you have kids playing baseball, Reister says. He says the book has sold well already and says the plot keeps everyone interested. “There’s two major twists in the story that kind of propel the story forward, and then the end is so exciting, all heck breaks loose in the very end scene,” he says.

Reister had done a lot of writing as a sportscaster, but had to learn a whole new set of skills to write the book. It took him six years to get the book published and he has this advice for anyone who wants to give it a try. “As long as you’re willing to wait and not give up and seek as much advice as possible. And also take your time before you send it to literary agents, you know, you only get one shot at it to write that pitch letter to these agents,” Reister says. “So unless you know you’ve spent all that time on the book, and it’s as good as it can possibly be, don’t rush it. Take your time, get it completely ready, and then start to begin that process.”

Reister’s patience paid off and he now has a deal for two more books, with the ending of “Baseball Spy” setting up the second book, “Football Spy.” He has been busy doing signings are little leagues in central Iowa. You can find the book on Amazon and other book sellers.

Here are some of the upcoming book signings:
Saturday 5/11 3:00-5:00 Barnes and Noble (Jordan Creek)
Tuesday 5/21 6:30-8:00 Beaverdale Books
Saturday 6/8 11:30-1:30 Barnes and Noble (University Clive)
Saturday 6/29 10-12 Urbandale Public Library

Ernst says Biden must explain delay in shipping arms to Israel

News

May 8th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – Iowa Senator Joni Ernst is blasting the Biden Administration for putting a hold on the shipment of 3500 bombs to Israel.

“This is absolutely unacceptable,” Ernst said. “Withholding any support from Israel is literally appeasing Iran-backed Hamas terrorists while they are still holding our Americans hostage and so I am demanding answers for why the administration is turning its back on Israel and preventing it from defending itself.”

Ernst and a fellow Republican senator returned to the U.S. Tuesday after meeting with allies in the Middle East, including Israeli government officials. “We have yet to hear from the (Biden) Administration on the true reasons why they have stopped these weapons shipments,” Ernst said.

During testimony at a U.S. Senate hearing today, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin confirmed the U.S. had put a hold on a shipment of weapons and that U.S. assistance to Israel could change if there’s a major Israeli operation in Rafah, a major city in southern Gaza. Ernst said the delay in providing military assistance to Israel runs counter to President Biden’s own declarations.

Sen. Ted Budd (R-NC), Israeli PM Netanyahu, Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) (photo provided by offices of Budd & Ernst)

“He had stated a while back that his support of Israel was iron clad, so he’s either misleading the people of Israel or he’s just certainly lying to Americans,” Ernst said. “…Hamas is the enemy, not Israel.”

A month ago, congress approved a package that included $26 billion in aid to Israel. Ernst indicated it’s not clear if this delayed shipment is part of that. Ernst said if these are weapons Israel has paid for, “which is often the case,” then they need to be delivered.

“There have been a number of responses again through the media because he has not been forthcoming with any information stating, ‘Oh, it’s a paperwork issue,’ but we’ve also heard, ‘Oh, the president has concerns about the operations in Rafah,’ which is why he stopped those weapons and munitions,” Ernst said, “so we’re seeking clarity, we’re seeking transparency.”

During her Middle East trip, Ernst met with Kurdish allies in Iraq. She also visited American soldiers at U-S installations in Syria and the United Arab Emirates. Israel was the final stop and Ernst met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, other Israeli government leaders and the families of Hamas hostages.

“We still have eight Americans that are held hostage, three of whom we know are deceased,” Ernst said. “We really want to see the return of our five American hostages.”

Ernst said too many Americans have forgotten what happened in Israel on October 7, 2023.

Gov. Reynolds Issues Disaster Proclamation for Four Counties Impacted by Recent Severe Weather

News

May 8th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES – Today, Gov. Kim Reynolds issued a disaster proclamation for four counties in response to severe weather that occurred on May 6. The governor’s proclamation activates the Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program and Disaster Case Advocacy Program for the following counties: Clarke, Marion, O’Brien, and Pottawattamie. 

The Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program provides grants of up to $5,000 for households with incomes up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level. Grants are available for home or car repairs, replacement of clothing or food, and temporary housing expenses. Original receipts are required for those seeking reimbursement for actual expenses related to storm recovery. The grant application and instructions are available on the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management website at homelandsecurity.iowa.gov/assistance. Potential applicants have 45 days from the date of the proclamation to submit a claim.   

The Disaster Case Advocacy Program addresses serious needs related to disaster-related hardship, injury, or adverse conditions. Disaster case advocates work with clients to create a disaster recovery plan and provide guidance, advice, and referrals to obtain a service or resource. There are no income eligibility requirements for this program; it closes 180 days from the date of the governor’s proclamation. For information on the Disaster Case Advocacy Program, contact your local community action agency or visit iowacommunityaction.org.    

Skeletal remains found in Pott. County

News

May 8th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Council Bluffs, Iowa) – The Council Bluffs Police Department reports that at around 10:10-a.m. today (May 8, 2024), Pottawattamie County Communications received a phone call from a subject who had found skeletal remains. The caller had found the remains while walking in the area north of Veterans Memorial Hwy and E. Manawa Dr. Officers responded and found a skeletal torso that is believed to be human in nature.

The remains appeared to have been exposed to the elements for some time due to the state they were found in. At this time, there is no means to identify the remains. The cause of death is unknown, and the gender of the remains is not confirmed at this time. This is an ongoing investigation. The remains will be sent to the State of Iowa Medical Examiner’s Office for further examination.

Authorities say it may take several weeks to learn an identity associated with the found remains.

Higher tax deduction for Iowa’s tax-free 529 accounts

News

May 8th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – Governor Reynolds has signed a bill into law that raises the maximum tax deduction for contributing to a “College Savings Iowa” account to 52-hundred dollars. That’s 22 percent higher than what was allowed this year. State Treasurer Roby Smith says the higher tax deduction also applies to contributions to I-ABLE accounts which cover expenses related to a disability.

“Today is the biggest day in 26 years for Iowa’s 529 plans,” Smith says. “…This exciting update is a great way to save for others while giving yourself a tax benefit as well.” So-called 529 plans allow for tax-free withdrawals. “529 plan funds can be used on K-12 tuition, apprenticeships and trade schools and other qualified expenses,” Smith says. Among the 43 states that collect income taxes, there are only nine other states that have a higher tax deduction than Iowa’s new 52-hundred dollar amount for tax year 2025.

“It is an exciting time for the state’s 529 plans,” Smith said. “Serving Iowans with their savings goals, our programs continue to grow and lower their asset based fees for the account owners.” Smith, in his second year as state treasurer, proposed the higher tax benefit for deposits in 529 plans. “In addition to the new tax deduction amount, Iowa’s 529 account owners will have the ability to transfer up to a lifetime limit of $35,000 to a Roth IRA in their beneficiary’s name,” Smith says. That change took effect at the federal level this year, as the owners of some 529 accounts worry about having unused funds left in the accounts. This spring Iowa legislators have aligned the state’s tax code with that policy.

According to the state treasurer’s office, there’s six BILLION dollars in over 285-thousand College Savings Iowa accounts today. There nearly 67-thousand tax-free 529 accounts for people with disabilities under Iowa’s Achieving a Better Life Experience or I-ABLE program.

Iowa linebacker Jay Higgins on his final season

Sports

May 8th, 2024 by admin

Iowa linebacker Jay Higgins is looking for a big final season after deciding not to enter the NFL Draft. The native of Indianapolis led the country with 171 tackles last season but was not named the winner of the Butkus Award as the nation’s top linebacker.

Higgins wants to be even more of a leader next season and help bring along some of the younger linebackers.

One of the younger linebackers who shined during spring drills was junior Karson Sharar (shire). The Iowa Falls native appeared in all 14 games last season.

The Hawkeyes open next season at home on August 31st against Illinois State.

UNI softball opens MVC Tournament Thursday afternoon

Sports

May 8th, 2024 by admin

The Northern Iowa softball team opens the Missouri Valley Tournament Thursday afternoon. The Panthers are the two seed and take on the winner of this afternoon’s game between Drake and Evansville. UNI coach Ryan Jacobs says there is no room for error in the single elimination format.

It takes three wins in three days to win the title.

UNI is 31-16.

Update: Minor injuries during an accident in Atlantic

News

May 8th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Atlantic, Iowa) [in an update to an earlier post] – Emergency crews responded to a two-vehicle, injury accident in Atlantic this (Wednesday) morning. Atlantic Police Chief Devin Hogue says Officers responded at around 7:51-a.m. to the collision at Southwest 7th and West 15th street, in Atlantic. An investigation into the accident found that a 2021 Toyota Camry had pulled onto Southwest 7th from the Atlantic Achievement Center driveway, when it was struck by a 2004 GMC Envoy that was traveling Northeast on Southwest 7th.

The driver of the Toyota was checked at the scene by Cass EMS and taken by private vehicle to be seen for minor injuries. Both vehicles were able to be driven away from the scene. The driver of the Toyota Camry was cited for Failure to Yield upon entering a through highway. Because the accident involved a juvenile, their name and other details are not being released at this time.

If you have information regarding the incident please call the Atlantic Police Department at 712-243-3512. (Photo courtesy of Chris Parks)

Allen Earns All-Big 12 Second Team Distinction

Sports

May 8th, 2024 by admin

IRVING, Texas – Junior outfielder Angelina Allen has been named to the All-Big 12 Second Team, the league office announced on Wednesday.

Allen, a Moreno Valley, Calif. native, led Iowa State in most offensive categories and was among the nation’s leaders in doubles, batting average and hits. Angelina slashed .434/.486/.753, leading the team in all three departments.

Allen churned out a team-high 72 hits on the year, with 31 going for extra bases. Her extra-base hits broke down into 20 doubles – the second most in a single season in program history – and 11 homers. Allen’s 72 hits led all Big 12 players, as did her 20 doubles, while her batting average checked in at the third-highest.

Allen’s season has placed her among multiple top ten single-season lists at Iowa State, as she now has the third-highest single-season batting average, fourth-highest single-season slugging percentage, second-highest single-season on-base percentage, eighth-most single-season hits, and fourth-most single-season total bases earned.

A team captain, Angelina has been batting in the two-hole all season behind fellow team captain Milaysia Ochoa. Speaking of Ochoa, Allen joins her fellow outfielder (2023) as well as teammate Carli Spelhaug (2022) and Mikayla Ramos (2021, 2022) as Cyclones who have been named to the All-Big 12 Second Team over the last four years.

This is the fourth on-field recognition that Allen has earned from the Big 12 during her three-year career with the Cyclones. Angelina was named to the All-Big 12 Freshman team in 2022 before being named to the Big 12 All-Tournament Team in 2023. Earlier this year, she was named the Big 12 Player of the Week, making her the first Cyclone since Sami Williams in 2021 to earn the distinction.

Iowa State is back in action today in the Big 12 Championship in Oklahoma City. The Cyclones are the No. 9 seed and will open tournament play against the No. 8 seed Texas Tech Red Raiders at 7:30 p.m.

2024 All-Big 12 Conference Awards

  • Coach of the Year: Mike White (UT)
  • Player of the Year: Reese Atwood (UT)
  • Pitcher of the Year: Lexi Kilfoyl (OSU)*
  • Defensive Player of the Year: Kinzie Hansen (OU)
  • Freshman of the Year: Teagan Kavan (UT)

All-Big 12 First Team

  • Shaylon Govan (BU)
  • Ailana Agbayani (BYU)
  • Huntyr Ava (BYU)
  • Sarah Willis (UCF)
  • Alyssa Brito (OU)
  • Jayda Coleman (OU)*
  • Kinzie Hansen (OU)*
  • Tiare Jennings (OU)
  • Kelly Maxwell (OU)
  • Karli Godwin (OSU)
  • Lexi Kilfoyl (OSU)*
  • Caroline Wang (OSU)*
  • Reese Atwood (UT)*
  • Citlaly Gutierrez (UT)
  • Teagan Kavan (UT)
  • Ashton Maloney (UT)
  • Mia Scott (UT)*
  • Kailey Wyckoff (TTU)

All-Big 12 Second Team

  • Aliyah Binford (BU)
  • Emily Hott (BU)
  • Shannon Doherty (UCF)
  • Chloe Evans (UCF)
  • Angelina Allen (ISU)
  • Turiya Coleman (UH)
  • Lyric Moore (KU)
  • Rylie Boone (OU)
  • Kierston Deal (OU)
  • Ella Parker (OU)
  • Alynah Torres (OU)
  • Ivy Rosenberry (OSU)
  • Kayden Henry (UT)
  • Viviana Martinez (UT)
  • Katie Stewart (UT)
  • Abbie Orrick (TTU)
  • Riley Love (TTU)
  • Arriana Villa (TTU)

All-Freshman Team

  • Sierra Humphreys (UCF)
  • Samantha Rey (UCF)
  • Bethany Aguilar (UH)
  • Ella Parker (OU)
  • Kasidi Pickering (OU)
  • Rosie Davis (OSU)
  • Karli Godwin (OSU)
  • Kayden Henry (UT)
  • Teagan Kavan (UT)
  • Katie Stewart (UT)
  • Logan Halleman (TTU)
  • Raegan Jennings (TTU)

All 12 student-athletes were unanimous selections

3 Hawkeyes Earn Big Ten Honors

Sports

May 8th, 2024 by admin

IOWA CITY, Iowa — Three University of Iowa softball student-athletes earned postseason recognition by the Big Ten Conference announced on Wednesday.

Freshman infielder Jena Young earned first team all-Big Ten and all-freshman honors. Junior outfielder Rylie Moss earned second team honors and senior Sammy Diaz was selected to the all-defensive team and earned the team’s Big Ten Sportsmanship Award.

Young, a Winterset, Iowa, native started every game for Iowa and finished second on the team hitting .373. In her freshman campaign she recorded a hit in all but 10 games and did not go longer than two games without recording a hit. Young led all freshman in the Big Ten in batting average. She is the toughest batter to strikeout, statistically in the Big Ten, and struck out the least (5) number of times amongst starters in the conference. Young led the Hawkeyes with four home runs and 15 multi-hit games including a career-high 4-for-4 against Minnesota.

Moss, a Muscatine, Iowa, native led the team hitting .390 in 39 games which was sixth best in the Big Ten. She started every game in right field before suffering a season-ending injury against Nebraska. She recorded a hit in all but seven games in which she played and at one point had a career-high 14 game on base streak. Moss recorded two three-hit games against CSU-Bakersfield and Michigan.

Diaz, a Cypress, California, native started all 46 games for Iowa at first base. She led the team with a .990 fielding percentage throughout the season and was perfect in Big Ten play. Diaz recorded 289 putouts in 308 chances. She had 16 assists and just three errors on the season.

Iowa has had first team honorees in back-to-back seasons for the first time since Megan Blank in 2014-15. Young is the fourth Hawkeye in four years to earn all-freshman accolades (Jalen Adams in 2023, Brylee Klosterman and Denali Loecker in 2021). Diaz is the first Hawkeye since Cheyenne Pratt in 2017 to earn all-defensive honors.