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Top SBA official visits tornado-tossed Greenfield to boost recovery efforts

News

August 23rd, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – A cabinet-level federal administrator is in western Iowa today (Friday) to encourage people who’ve seen their homes and livelihoods damaged or demolished by this year’s severe weather to lean on Uncle Sam. Isabel Casillas Guzman heads the U-S Small Business Administration and tells Radio Iowa that the S-B-A isn’t just devoted to helping small businesses recover.

Guzman is in the Adair County town of Greenfield, which was hit by an E-F-4 tornado in May that killed four people and destroyed 153 homes. It’s been an especially bad year for severe weather in Iowa, with significant damage in multiple counties from storms, flooding, straight-line winds, and a record 122 tornadoes.

Guzman plans to visit Greenfield businesses as well as the S-B-A’s Greenfield Disaster Recovery Center which opened earlier this month.

Photo of tornado damage in Greenfield by Melissa Ehrman Johnson

She also plans to host a meet-and-greet with homeowners to hear about their recovery needs. Why haven’t more people in Iowa’s disaster areas signed up for S-B-A assistance? Guzman says there can be many reasons, ranging from pride to a lack of trust to a lack of knowledge about what’s available.

This afternoon, the administrator will hold a roundtable meeting in West Des Moines with federal, state, and local stakeholders, along with business owners and non-profits, to discuss tornado damage recovery efforts. She says the agency’s loans are very affordable.

Before flying back to Washington D.C. later today, Guzman plans to meet with the owners of BLK (black) & Bold in Des Moines, the first black-owned nationally-distributed coffee company, as part of celebrating National Black Business Month.

Posted in News |

Truckload of water arrives in Massena

News

August 23rd, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Massena, Iowa) – A semi tractor-trailer load of bottled water was delivered to Massena this (Friday) morning, while the city remains under a Boil Order. The water was donated by the Atlantic Hy-Vee Store. City officials in Massena are asking residents to please come to area near City Hall and take no more than two cases to start, so that everyone may have the water who needs it.

The Boil Order, which was issued Thursday, remains in effect until further notice. The Order was issued after a chemical pump malfunctioned, causing chlorine residual levels to become low. The city has replaced the chlorine injection pump, and the affected area is being disinfected and flushed.

Photo courtesy Cass County EMA/ Mike Kennon,

Bottled water may be used as an alternative to boiling the tap water, when used for drinking, cooking and/or food preparation, as well as brushing teeth.

Posted in News |

Vue Rooftop to Host Weekly Hawk Talk

Sports

August 23rd, 2024 by Asa Lucas

IOWA CITY, Iowa — University of Iowa Athletics and Hawkeye Sports Properties will host the Hawk Talk with Kirk Ferentz Radio Show each Wednesday evening during the 2024 Hawkeye football season. The initial show of the season will take place on Wednesday, Aug. 28.

VUE Rooftop at the Hilton Garden Inn in downtown Iowa City will once again host the weekly radio show from 6:30-8 p.m. with Moon Family head football coach Kirk Ferentz and host Gary Dolphin, the play-by-play voice of the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Ferentz and Dolphin will discuss the current season, while responding to emailed and social media questions. The show is open to all fans. Fans can submit questions by via Twitter or Facebook using the hashtag #HawkTalk, or by commenting on the show post each week.

There will not be a show on Sept. 25 and Nov. 13, due to bye weeks on the Hawkeye schedule.

Fans can attend the shows in person, listen live on the Hawkeye Radio Network, or watch on KCRG 9.2 or the official YouTube page of the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Posted in Sports |

Red Oak Fire Department announces Youth Firesetting Intervention Program

News

August 23rd, 2024 by Jim Field

(Red Oak, Iowa) The Red Oak Fire Department Fire Prevention Program is pleased to
announce the launch of its new Youth Firesetting Intervention Program. The purpose of the
program is to foster a cohesive partnership among the community, local fire departments
as well as local law enforcement to reduce the number of fire related injuries and deaths by
providing evaluation, education and redirection assistance to youth who exhibit fire setting
behaviors.

The Youth Firesetting Intervention Program is a national program overseen locally by the
State of Iowa. The Youth Firesetting Intervention Program and Juvenile Intervention
Taskforce is a division of the State Fire Marshall’s office.

Using nationally accepted practices the intervention program will interview and evaluate
any youth who are recommended to the program. Referrals can come from a variety of
sources to include the juvenile justice system, mental health counselors, parents and/or
legal guardians, local law enforcement, state certified fire investigators or local fire
department personnel.

The nationally accepted practices would include utilizing the state recommended Juvenile
with Fire screening tool. This tool includes parent and/or guardian interviews and
interviews with the youth. Answers are scored on a scale of 1 to 3 and determine the
recommended course of action. The course of actions typically include intervention
through education. The intervention staff may recommend counseling as well. After the
interview and educational session is complete, the intervention program will follow up with
the family, typically at 30, 60, and 90 days.

The goal is to educate youth who exhibit fire setting behaviors on the dangers of fire to
include loss of life, severe injury and property damage. This program is available at no cost
to the families affected.

Posted in News |

Creston woman arrested for Public Intox. & Interference w/Official Acts

News

August 23rd, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Creston, Iowa) – Officials with the Creston Police Department report 26-year-old Ashley Dawn Eblen, of Creston, was arrested late Thursday night, for Public Intoxication, and Interference with Official Acts. Eblen was arrested at around 10:40-p.m. and transported to the Adams County Jail, where she was being held in a $600 bond.

And,  at around 8:30-p.m. Thursday, Creston Police arrested 40-year-old Michael John Schiel, of Prescott, for Driving While Suspended. Schiel was cited and released on a Promise to Appear in court.

Posted in News |

Cyclones Draw in First Road Contest

Sports

August 23rd, 2024 by Asa Lucas

DES MOINES, Iowa – The Cyclones and Bulldogs played to a draw on Thursday evening in Iowa’s capital city, tying 1-1.

Iowa State (1-1-1) walks away from its first road contest of the season with its first draw in a game where it outshot the opponent and, for the most part, controlled the second half of play. Drake (0-1-2) was unable to grab its first win of the season in its second-straight home contest.

For the third straight game, Iowa State struck first, as Morgan Furmaniak sent a sliding right-footed goal into the bottom right of the net, just past Drake’s keeper. The Cyclones have now scored in the first half in all three games this season. Junior Magdalena Keck earned her second career assist and first of the season on the play.

Furmaniak joined Keck as the only Cyclones to post multiple scores this season as both have two through three contests.

Drake attempted to counter a Cyclone runout late in the first half but ISU defenders were able to knock the ball out of bounds, forcing a throw-in. Off the throw-in, Drake’s Zoey Mahoney performed flip-throw landing the ball perfectly in foray of players. Off the bounce, Drake’s Maia Bentley sent a left-footed strike into the bottom right of the net to knot the game up at one-all.

The two teams would go into the break tied at one, with each side having four shots. The Cyclones had two first half saves to Drake’s one, while the Bulldogs had two corners to ISU’s one.

The energy picked up on each side in the second half, as the stanza featured four yellow cards, two on each side. Each team had plenty of chances, as both teams surpassed their first half shot totals.

In the second half, each team had what would have been a go-ahead goal wiped off the board due to offside calls as the score remained knotted.

Play continued to be back and forth as each side traded quality looks. As it came down to the final moments of the contest, Iowa State found itself with a favorable advantage with under a minute to play.

The ball eventually found Michigan Tech transfer Seulgi Lee, but the newcomer was unable to convert as the ball sailed over the crossbar.

The Lee shot would be the last attempt from either side, as the game went on to end in a 1-1 draw.

Goals
Iowa State: Morgan Furmaniak – 24’ (2)
Drake: Maia Bentley – 38’ (1),

Assists
Iowa State: Magdalena Keck (1)
Drake: Zoey Mahoney (1)

Up Next
The Cyclones will return home for their next contest, welcoming the UNI Panther to the Cyclone Soccer Complex this Sunday, Aug. 25. Sunday’s match is set to kick off at 6 p.m., will be streamed on ESPN+ and will be free to attend.

Posted in Sports |

No. 24 Hawkeyes Tie Western Michigan, 1-1

Sports

August 23rd, 2024 by Asa Lucas

KALAMAZOO, Mich. – No. 24 University of Iowa Soccer tied Western Michigan, 1-1, on Thursday afternoon. The Hawkeyes move to 1-0-1 on the season.

Senior Meike Ingles wasted no time scoring a goal in the 3rd minute of the game. The goal was assisted by senior Kenzie Rolling and sophomore Millie Greer. The goal marks Ingle’s second goal of the young season. Ingle’s two goals are tied with freshman Berkley Binggeli for the most on the team.

Western Michigan tied the game at one a piece with a goal form graduate Jen Blitchok in the 30th minute.

At halftime the game stayed tied at one a piece. Iowa outshot the Broncos eight to four in the first 45 minutes. Both goalies had a pair of saves a piece.

The Hawkeyes dominated Western Michigan in the box score, out shooting them 17-4 in the second half and 25-8 for the game. Ava Wilberding of Western Michigan had six saves in the second half for the Broncos. The Hawkeyes had four corner kicks compared to Western Michigan’s one in the second half.

Freshman Berit Parten led the way for Iowa with six shots and three shots on goal. Rolling had five shots and Ingles had three. Seven other Hawkeyes had one shot for the game. Graduate Macy Enneking had four saves.

HEAR FROM HEAD COACH DAVE DIIANNI

“Credit to Western Michigan for taking their chances today. We created more than enough to win and were a bit naïve both in mentally and offensive execution.”

HAWKEYE NOTABLES

  • The Hawkeyes are now 2-0-1 against Western Michigan all-time.
  • Senior Meike Ingles and freshman Berkley Binggeli lead Iowa with two goals on the season.
  • Iowa is now 161-70-17 against non-conference opponents all-time.
  • 90 Tracker: Sophomore Eva Pattison, senior Miah Schueller, and sophomore Millie Greer.

UP NEXT

Iowa travels to Austin, Texas on Aug. 25 to take on No. 12 Texas. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. (CT). The Hawkeyes face Florida Gulf Coast on Aug. 29 at 7:00 p.m. (CT) for Iowa’s season opener.

Posted in Sports |

Week 0 High School Football Schedule

Sports

August 23rd, 2024 by Jim Field

Friday, August 23, 2024

  • Thomas Jefferson @ Atlantic **On KJAN, pre-game at 6:30 pm/ Kick-off at 7:00 pm**
  • Boyer Valley vs. Moravia (@ ADM)
  • Melcher-Dallas @ Murray
  • Twin Cedars @ Colo-Nesco

Posted in Sports |

Council Bluffs Thomas Jefferson Football is looking for a fresh start against the Trojans

Sports

August 23rd, 2024 by Asa Lucas

Week 0 is underway for the Council Bluffs Thomas Jefferson Yellowjackets Football squad and their first opponent of the year will be the Atlantic Trojans. Yellow Jackets Head Coach Jeremiah Watters is now in his first full year of coaching for T.J. as he co-coached a 3-6 team a year ago. Now in full control, coach Watters has been pleased with the progress his team has made over the summer and how all of the players have seemed to mesh together.

All of the effort displayed by the Yellow Jackets has shown some impressive results for various players. One of them being junior quarterback Jayden Fujii who passed for 1303 yards and 10 touchdowns last year.

Coach Watters has also seen improvement in his offensive line. T.J.’s O-line has grown from last year and average over 280 pounds per lineman.

The offensive line will not be the only strength for T.J. The Yellow Jackets are also bringing back their leading rusher junior Jayden Mulligan who gained 250 yards on the ground last year. Fujii will also have his favorite target junior wide receiver Mayson Kramer returning who collected 29 passes and 3 scores. The talent that T.J. is getting back creates faith for Coach Watters in his team’s ability to win ball games. Nevertheless, he is even more excited about how his team is believing in the 2024 T.J. theme.

One of the strategies for the Yellow Jackets as they head into Friday’s contest against Atlantic is minimizing mistakes. Coach Watters wants his team to stay in control by limiting turnovers and keeping their heads up throughout the entire ball game.

KJAN has the coverage for T.J.’s matchup against the Atlantic Trojans starting with the pregame show at 6:30 pm.

Posted in Sports |

Court ruling complicates carbon pipeline company’s push for land

News

August 23rd, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Pierre, South Dakota) – The company trying to build a carbon-capture pipeline through multiple states, including Iowa, has not yet proven it should be allowed to take private land for public use, according to a South Dakota Supreme Court ruling issued Thursday. The South Dakota Searchlight, in conjunction with the Iowa Capital Dispatch, says landowners who oppose the project hailed the decision as a victory, but the company expressed confidence it could go back to lower courts and prove its case.

Summit Carbon Solutions, of Iowa, is developing an $8 billion pipeline project. It would capture carbon dioxide produced by 57 ethanol plants in multiple states and transport it to an underground storage site in North Dakota. The company hopes to capitalize on federal tax credits incentivizing the removal of heat-trapping carbon from the atmosphere.

The pipeline would pass through 18 counties in eastern South Dakota. Some landowners along the route sued to stop the company from conducting land surveys. Summit says the surveys are justified because the company qualifies as a common carrier, and common carriers are allowed to use eminent domain.

The state Supreme Court ruled Summit had not yet proven to lower courts that it’s “holding itself out to the general public as transporting a commodity for hire.” The Supreme Court sent the matter back to South Dakota’s lower courts for further proceedings, adding that the Supreme Court justices “make no judgment as to SCS’s ultimate common carrier status.”

Members of the South Dakota Supreme Court hear oral arguments on March 19, 2024, in Aberdeen on a carbon pipeline case. From left are Justices Scott Myren, Janine Kern, Steven Jensen and Mark Salter. Judge Jane Wipf Pfeifle, at right, sat in for Justice Patricia DeVaney, who disqualified herself from the case. (Photo by Dave Bordewyk/South Dakota NewsMedia Association)

Summit spokesperson Sabrina Zenor said in a statement that the company is confident it can provide additional information to lower courts proving its project qualifies as a common carrier. Meanwhile, attorney Brian Jorde, representing more than 1,000 landowners affected by the project, told South Dakota Searchlight the ruling validated what he and his clients have argued for three years.

The project has approval from the Iowa Utilities Board, but that approval is conditioned on Summit gaining permits in North Dakota and South Dakota, which have not been granted. Jorde said the South Dakota Supreme Court decision means Summit is now “in a real bind.”

Posted in News |