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Drake Relays pole vault at the mall

Sports

April 23rd, 2024 by Ric Hanson

American record holder KC Lightfoot kicked off Drake Relays week by winning the pole vault at Jordan Creek Town Center in West Des Moines. Lightfoot cleared 19-feet, four and a quarter inches. It was the second best vault of the year, second only to a world record mark set over the weekend by Sweden’s Mondo DuPlantis at a meet in China. For Lightfoot it was his first competition in two months.

Lightfoot on the unique setting of competing in a mall.

Bridget Williams won the women’s pole vault. The 2023 Pan American Games gold medalist cleared 15-feet, four and a quarter inches.

Williams feels its a good way to promote the sport.

Bill sets up work related driving permits for teens between 14 and a half and 16

News

April 23rd, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – Teens as young as 14 and a half could get a permit to drive to and from work if a bill headed to the governor becomes law. It would be similar to school permits that let 14 and 15 year olds legally drive to and from school as well as to school activities. If the bill becomes law, any teen under the age of 16 with a permit for work, school or farm work who’s caught driving elsewhere would lose their driving privileges for three months — and when they turn 16 they won’t be able to get an intermediate permit for three months.

Senator Adrian Dickey, a Republican from Packwood, led development of the bill.  “Some real teeth to the permits to highly discourage youth from operating on these permits outside of their allowed designations,” Dickey says. A 14 or 15 year old with one of these “special minors restricted licenses” would only be able to drive an hour before work or a school event and get home within an hour of their work shift or the end of the school activity. Once they’re at work, they won’t be able to drive. Dickey says that means they cannot be asked to be delivery drivers.

“Mechanisms put in place to make the roads safer for the people and these youth,” Dickey says, “so they’re not driving to the mall or to a friend’s house, but they’re driving within the certain criteria that’s in the permit.” Teens under the age of 16 who have a permit for farm work will have a little more driving freedom as current rules are preserved, letting them drive to pick up parts, for example. Senator Todd Taylor, a Democrat from Cedar Rapids, says having young teens drive for work early in the morning or late at night isn’t a good idea.

“We are talking about 14 and a half year olds driving,” Taylor said. “That’s kind of my problem with it. Some are ready, sure. Some are not ready.” Representative Mary Madison, a Democrat from West Des Moines, says letting inexperienced drivers drive themselves to work increases the likelihood they’ll be involved in an accident. “Child driving is not the solution to our workforce shortage,” Madison said, “and it never will be.”

Representative Elinor Levin, a Democrat from Iowa City, says letting 14 and 15 year old drive to and from work as well as school will increase the number of very inexperienced drivers on the road.  “In Iowa, our teen drivers are already among the youngest and the least experienced in the U.S.,” Levin says, “with independent driving allowed at 14 and a half and no minimum hours of supervised driving practice.”

Representative Brent Siegrist, a Republican from Council Bluffs, says the proposed 25 mile radius for each trip made by young drivers going to work or school makes sense. “Having less veteran drivers drive has some risks with it, but I don’t that its enough that we shouldn’t provide this opportunity for our students to get to school activities, work activates or farm activities,” Siegrist says.

A temporary 10-member conference committee was convened to resolve an impasse between House and Senate Republicans on some sections of the bill and the committee’s agreement won final legislative approval at 3:30 a.m. Saturday.

Trojans Soccer loses in PK’s to East Sac County

Sports

April 23rd, 2024 by Asa Lucas

The Atlantic Trojan soccer team lost in overtime over Penalty Kicks to East Sac County on Monday night 2-1. The match started even for both teams with neither team managing to move ball down past the defensive back lines. Then halfway through the first half Tucker Freese managed to slip through and have a shot go in to put the Raiders up 1-0. Coming out of halftime, the Trojans committed to their attack continually putting pressure on East Sac County. Their new strategy finally paid off when Kyler Edie had a strong kick to even things up at 1-1. Both overtime halves saw respectable saves by each keeper and the night would end with penalty kicks. Atlantic’s Caleb Andersen would be the first one to shoot for the Trojans and his shot went in. Yet, he would be the only Trojan to score as Atlantic would go on to miss three consecutive shots and the Raiders made their last three. The nail for the Trojans was an impressive quick shot from Sam Schmitt. The final penalty kick score would be 3-1.

Atlantic Head Coach Mark Andersen was proud of the defensive effort he saw from his squad throughout the match.

Even with a loss, Coach Andersen explained how the defeat gave his team more confidence.

East Sac County bumps up t0 3-2 with the victory and head to Carroll on Thursday. The Trojans fall to 3-6 and will stay at home to take on St. Albert in Atlantic.

Atlantic Girl’s Soccer falls at home

Sports

April 22nd, 2024 by Asa Lucas

In windy conditions, the Atlantic Trojans girls soccer team lost 3-0 at home against the East Sac County Raiders on Monday evening. The game stayed relatively completive throughout the initial kick in midfield. Then five minutes in Kenna Meyer managed to find the net and put her team up 1-0. After that shot, the Atlantic defense tightened up and headed into halftime only being down one goal. Midway through the second half, Meyer found herself in Trojan territory and connected on another shot to put her team up 2-0. Still the Raiders weren’t done there as they had one last goal come in at the fourteenth minute from Chloe Bieret to solidify their win and make the final score 3-0.

Atlantic Head Coach Jesse McCann noted that while the loss stung, the Trojans can still take away a few positives from the match.

Heading into their next match, Coach McCann wants his team to focus on communicating with one another more.

With the win East Sac County improves to 4-4 and head to Carroll on Thursday. The Trojans now sit at 1-7 and travel  to St. Albert on Tuesday afternoon.

Public Hearing Wed. evening on Atlantic CSD Certified Budget

News

April 22nd, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Atlantic, Iowa) [updated 4/23] – The Atlantic Community School District has scheduled a Public Hearing on the proposed 2024-25 Certified Budget. The hearing kick’s-off the School Board’s meeting at 5:30-p.m., on Wednesday, April 24th in the High School Media Center. During the hearing, the Board will accept objections/comments on the budget. Action on passing the budget and a Resolution levying a tax for FY 2024-25, for the future optional redemption of General Obligation School Bonds, will take place later on in the meeting.

During the Board’s meeting on April 10th, ACSD Director of Finance Lisa Jones, said she had some revised numbers with regard to the proposed property tax levy (rate) of $12.51/$1,000 valuation, which was down from 12.91524 announced during the March 27th meeting. Last year, it was $13.00/$1,000.

In other business, the School Board in Atlantic will act on the resignation of Jesse McCann, HS Special Education teacher (at the end of the 23-24 school year), and approving contract recommendations for:

  • Taylor Vargason, Elementary Special Education Teacher
  • Lindsey Roberts, ELL Teacher
  • Cayleigh McBee, HS Student Council Sponsor
  • Alexandra Griffen-Uren, HS English Language Arts Teacher
  • Jesse McCann, HS School Student Support Coordinator contract.

The full agenda can be seen here: PUBLIC AGENDA 04242024

Iowa State’s Rocco Becht wraps up spring drills

Sports

April 22nd, 2024 by Asa Lucas

Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht says an experienced Iowa State defense made it tough on the offense during spring drills. The Cyclones take high hopes into next season and return 18 starters from a team that finished 7-6.

Becht leads an experienced offense and is coming off a season where he had 23 touchdowns and just eight interceptions. He was named the Big 12 freshman offensive player of the year. The Cyclones wrapped up spring drills on Saturday.

ISU opens at home on August 31st against North Dakota.

Brecht Named Co-Big Ten Pitcher of the Week

Sports

April 22nd, 2024 by Asa Lucas

IOWA CITY, Iowa – Junior RHP Brody Brecht has been named the Big Ten Co-Pitcher of the Week, it was announced Monday. The honor is the third Big Ten weekly honor of his career and second for the Hawkeyes this season. Brecht shares the award with Jacob Denner of Michigan.

The Ankeny, Iowa, native threw a career high 7 2/3 innings against Rutgers and allowed just one hit and three walks. He struck out 12 and allowed just one unearned run as the Hawkeyes swept the three-game series against the Scarlet Knights.

Brecht has a 4.12 ERA and a 1-2 record. He has recorded 84 strikeouts in 48 innings pitched. He leads the Big Ten in strikeouts and ranks eighth in the nation, and he is first in the Big Ten and third in the nation in strikeouts per nine innings (15.75).

The Hawkeyes finish up a five-game homestand on Tuesday at 6:05 p.m. (CT) against Milwaukee.

Authorities identify Des Moines teen killed in motorcycle crash

News

April 22nd, 2024 by Ric Hanson

Authorities have identified the Des Moines teen who died in a motorcycle crash over the weekend.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office received a call just before 6:30 p.m. Saturday reporting a crash near Northeast 118th Avenue west of the South Skunk River. Authorities say two juveniles were riding off-road motorcycles when the accident happened.

Zachary Brennecke

When emergency responders got there, they said they found a juvenile male with critical injuries. The victim, identified as 16-year-old Zachary Brennecke, of Des Moines, died at the scene.

 

Help Reduce Overdose Risks: Dispose of old medications on National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

News

April 22nd, 2024 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa – National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, April 27, and the Iowa Department of Public Safety’s Office of Drug Control Policy (ODCP) encourages Iowans to clean out their medicine cabinets and safely dispose of unused and unneeded medications.

Local law enforcement agencies and pharmacies are teaming up to collect leftover prescription and over-the-counter drugs for this special one-day event held each spring and fall. The fall collection, held in October, netted over 5,550 pounds of old medicine from Iowans. To date, Iowans have safely disposed of over 101 tons of unused medications at these events.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs while educating the public about the potential for dangerous misuse of opioid pain relievers and other drugs.

“I encourage all Iowans to include their medicine cabinets in their spring-cleaning routine,” says Susie Sher, Bureau Chief of ODCP. “Properly disposing of unused medication can help prevent drug diversion, misuse, and overdose. Each of us can make a difference in this effort.”

Iowans can take excess medications to one of Iowa’s Prescription Drug Take Back locations, including nearly 400 permanent pharmacy and law enforcement center sites available on a year-round basis. For Iowa Take Back details, including education information and collection sites, visit: https://odcp.iowa.gov/programs/prescription-drug-take-backs.

Saturday’s National Prescription Drug Take Back events will operate from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at designated sites across Iowa. As part of the national Prescription Drug Take Back program, the DEA also allows the collection of vaping devices and e-cigarettes from individuals if batteries are first removed from the devices. For more information or to find a site near you, visit https://www.dea.gov/takebackday.

Iowans needing help for drug using behaviors or mental health concerns can go to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Service’s YourLifeIowa.org.

Major upgrades planned at popular state park in north-central Iowa

Ag/Outdoor, News

April 22nd, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is announcing plans for a two-point-two million dollar upgrade at a popular park in north-central Iowa. The D-N-R’s Jacob Schaben says the Brushy Creek State Recreational Area covers 65-hundred acres of Webster County and it’s a proven destination for campers, hikers and horseback riders. For starters, Schaben says they’ll be renovating all three campground areas.

“Some of the things that we are looking at doing is upgrading electrical services in those areas. We have several campsites that do not have electricity,” Schaben says. “We’re looking to put in some water and sewer services as well in several of our campsites, and make some modern amenities to upgrade the park to the way people use it, including a concrete parking lot for visitors.” He says construction crews will be doing their best to keep the majority of the park open as they upgrade one or several areas at a time.

“We’re in the design phase of the project right now. We had a public meeting to showcase to the public what our intentions were,” Schaben says. “We’re looking at probably finishing up those designs over the course of the next couple of months. We could potentially start to see work as soon as November of 2024. We’re hoping to potentially have everything knocked out and finished by the time Memorial weekend rolls around in 2025.”

He says there’s also a plan to carve a new road through the north campground to make the area more user-friendly.