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State inspector found no safety violations at Adventureland ride where accident happened a day later

News

July 6th, 2021 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – State officials have released five years’ worth of satisfactory inspection reports for the Adventureland ride that was the site of a fatal accident this weekend The Raging River ride was inspected last Friday. The inspector found “no code violations at this time” according to a notation at the bottom of the inspection report.

Nineteen different items on the ride are listed as satisfactory, including the chains and belts that run the ride as well as procedures for training the ride’s operators and responding to emergencies. Inspection reports from previous years were also released, showing the ride has passed safety checks dating back to 2017.

An 11-year-old boy died and his older brother is in critical condition after one of the rafts on the Raging River overturned Saturday. The ride had just opened for the season this Saturday after passing Friday’s inspection. Altoona officials have not released where the children are from, but the Associated Press reports recent court documents list a Cedar Rapids address. The boys’ parents were also injured on the ride.

Swimming not recommended at Prairie Rose and six state park lakes

Ag/Outdoor, News

July 6th, 2021 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) The summer heat is here but Iowans are being advised against swimming in seven state park lakes due to elevated e-coli levels and toxic algae blooms tied to agricultural runoff. So far, Lake Darling in southeast Iowa is the only beach in the state with both advisories in place. Diane Rosenberg, of the advocacy group Jefferson County Farmers & Neighbors, says the pollution is causing a major loss for families.

“I used to bring my children when they were young to the lake all the time. We would go and have a nice afternoon there,” Rosenberg says. “I would never do that if I had small children again. I just wouldn’t do that. It’s just not healthy. It’s not safe right now.” Taxpayers and private donors funded a multi-million-dollar restoration at Lake Darling State Park that was completed in 2014. Rosenberg says a lack of regulation of nearby livestock operations have degraded the lake, despite the investments to improve it.

“Why bother to raise $16 million and get a whole community of people working to create this beautiful lake to make it more available and clean it up if you’re not going to have practices that protect it?” Rosenberg says. Advisories are also posted for the lakes at the following state parks: Backbone, Lake Keomah, Pine Lake, Prairie Rose, Rock Creek and Union Grove.

(By Kate Payne, Iowa Public Radio)

ERNIE DUNN, 66, of Bridgewater (Graveside Svcs. & Celebration of Life 7/11/21)

Obituaries

July 6th, 2021 by Ric Hanson

ERNIE DUNN, 66, of Bridgewater, died Monday, July 5, 2021, on his farm south of Bridgewater.  Public Graveside Services for ERNIE DUNN will be held 5-pm, Sunday, July 11th, in the Fontanelle Cemetery. A Celebration of Life at the Bridgewater Activity Center will be held following the service, beginning at 6-pm., with food and reminiscing. Steen Funeral Home in Fontanelle is in charge of the arrangements.

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

Memorials may be directed to the Bridgewater Fire Department or to the Bridgewater City Park.

ERNIE DUNN is survived by:

His mother – Vivienne Dunn, of Fontanelle.

His wife – Mary Dunn, of Bridgewater.

His son – Joey (Misty) Dunn, of Waukee.

His daughter – Christine (Adam) Skog, of Atlantic.

6 grandchildren, d Beckham;  other relatives and friends.

ELIMAR FREDRICK SUDMANN, 85, of Walnut (7/17/2021)

Obituaries

July 6th, 2021 by Ric Hanson

ELIMAR FREDRICK SUDMANN, 85, of Walnut, died January 9th, 2021 at the Cass County Memorial Hospital in Atlantic.   A Celebration of Life for ELIMAR SUDMANN will be held on Saturday, July 17, 2021 beginning at 4:00 pm at the Cass County Community Center in Atlantic.  Hockenberry Funeral Home in Atlantic has the arrangements.

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Online condolences may be left at www.hockenberryfamilycare.com.

 

 

Davenport man sentenced to 12 years on witness tampering charge

News

July 6th, 2021 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – A Davenport man has been sentenced to a dozen years in prison afer pleading guilty to witness tampering. Thirty-five-year-old Stephen Wayne Toliver admits he hit a woman with a gun so hard she was knocked unconscious. In a plea agreement, Toliver admits he made false accusations against the victim’s family members, prompting investigations by Dubuque Police and state social workers that ultimately cleared the family of any wrong-doing.

According to a news release from the U-S Attorney’s Office, Toliver also sent a threatening letter to the woman he assaulted.

Postseason Softball gets rolling tonight for Class 1A, 2A, and 3A

Sports

July 6th, 2021 by admin

The softball postseason has arrived. Class 1A, 2A, and 3A schools will begin competition tonight. Class 3A will be playing Regional Quarterfinals. Class 1A and 2A will be contesting first round games with winners advancing to Quarterfinal play on Wednesday. Here is a look at area Regions with games starting at 7:00 p.m. unless otherwise noted.

CLASS 1A

Region 2
Glidden-Ralston @ Bishop Garrigan
Ar-We-Va @ West Bend-Mallard 5:00 p.m.
Boyer Valley @ Audubon
Coon Rapids-Bayard @ Woodbine 6:00 p.m.
West Harrison @ Logan-Magnolia

Region 3
Seymour @ Moravia
Moulton-Udell @ Twin Cedars
Mormon Trail @ Melcher-Dallas
Fremont-Mills @ Sidney
Diagonal @ Bedford

Region 4
Essex @ Southwest Valley
Murray @ East Union
Stanton @ Orient-Macksburg
East Mills @ St. Albert
CAM @ Riverside

CLASS 2A

Region 2
Missouri Valley @ Treynor
Lawton-Bronson @ MVAOCOU

Region 3
West Central Valley @ Nodaway Valley
IKM-Manning @ ACGC

CLASS 3A

Region 2
Red Oak @ Atlantic – ON KJAN 6:50pm
OABCIG @ Cherokee, Washington 2:30pm
Okoboji @ Bishop Heelan
Unity Christian @ MOC-Floyd Valley

Region 3
Centerville @ Albia
Shenandoah @ Clarke
Des Moines Christian @ Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont
Clarinda @ Chariton

High School Baseball/Softball Scoreboard 07/05/2021

Sports

July 6th, 2021 by admin

BASEBALL

Lewis Central 6, Atlantic 2 (A: Bodie Johnson 3B, 2RBI. LC: Cael Malskeit 16K)
ACGC 10, Glidden-Ralston 2
AHSTW 6, Sidney 4 (A: Brayden Lund 2 doubles, 2RBI)
Bedford 4, East Mills 3 (8 inn.)
Coon Rapids-Bayard 10, South Central Calhoun 1
Creston 7, Shenandoah 4
East Sac County 4, Ar-We-Va 3 (9 inn.)
IKM-Manning 21, Griswold 2
Kuemper Catholic 7, Denison-Schleswig 0
Lenox 7, Orient-Macksburg 2
Logan-Magnolia 5, Stanton 1
St. Albert 10, Harlan 1
West Harrison 17, Audubon 5
Woodward-Granger 5, CAM 3

SOFTBALL

Kuemper Catholic 9, Denison-Schleswig 2
Lewis Central 12, CB Thomas Jefferson 0
St. Albert 7, Harlan 4

Overnight ramp closures on I-29 in Sioux City on July 7-8

News

July 6th, 2021 by Ric Hanson

SIOUX CITY, Iowa – July 6, 2021 – A pavement marking project on Interstate 29 in Sioux City will require overnight ramp closures from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Wednesday, July 7, and Thursday, July 8, weather permitting, according to the Iowa Department of Transportation’s District 3 Office. Each ramp closure will take approximately two hours and will be staggered.

Ramp closures will occur on northbound I-29 on Wednesday July 7:

  • Exit ramp to Wesley Parkway
  • Exit ramp to Hamilton Boulevard
  • Entrance ramp from Hamilton Boulevard

Ramp closures will occur on southbound I-29 on Thursday, July 8:

  • Exit ramp to Virginia Street
  • Southbound Frontage Road between Pierce Street and Virginia Street

The Iowa DOT reminds motorists to drive with caution, obey the posted speed limit and other signs in the work area, and be aware that traffic fines for moving violations are at least double in work zones. As in all work zones, drivers should stay alert, allow ample space between vehicles, and wear seat belts.

The latest traveler information is available anytime through the State’s 511 system

Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s report, 7/6/21

News

July 6th, 2021 by Ric Hanson

The Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office reports numerous arrests occurred over the past week. Most recently, a traffic stop Monday afternoon on a vehicle with no license plates and speeding on Highway 92 near Treynor, resulted in the arrest of 25-year-old Daryl Cleveland Smith-Watkins, from Council Bluffs. He was taken into custody for Operating a Non-Registered Vehicle, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Possession of a controlled substance/marijuana – 1st offense. Bond was set at $1,300.

Late Sunday night, 31-year-old Richard Allen Petersen was arrested at a residence on State Orchard Road in Council Bluffs, with regard to an adult male who allegedly assaulted a minor. Petersen was charged with Child Endangerment with bodily injury, Child Endangerment with Substantial Risk, and Domestic Abuse Assault/1st offense – causing bodily injury.  Sunday morning, Pott. County Deputies arrested 22-year-old Liam M. Fahey, following a traffic stop in Avoca. He was charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Poss. of a Controlled Substance/Marijuana – 1st offense, and Speeding.  And, a little before 2-am Sunday, a traffic stop on a vehicle in Council Bluffs, resulted in the arrest of a 17-year-old female for Possess/Purchase of Alcohol by a Minor. She was turned over to Juvenile Court Services. 19-year-old Erika Kay Miller, of Missouri Valley, was arrested for OWI/1st offense, and Willful Failure to stop for law enforcement. Her total bond was set at $6,000.

At around 9:50-am, Saturday, a traffic stop in Council Bluffs resulted in the arrest of a wanted subject. 28-year-old Jonathan James Gruber, of Council Bluffs, was taken into custody for Criminal Mischief in the 3rd Degree, and Domestic Abuse Assault/Strangulation. He was being held in the Pott. County Jail on a $2,000 bond. Late Friday morning, a Pott. County Deputy engaged in the pursuit of a 2012 Toyota RAV4, in Council Bluffs. At the conclusion of the pursuit, 28-year-old Roland Leland Nelson was arrested for Eluding, having no valid driver’s license, and speeding.

Iowa State unveils 2021 Volleyball Schedule

Sports

July 6th, 2021 by admin

AMES, Iowa – The Iowa State volleyball program announced its schedule for the 2021 campaign on Tuesday, a slate which will once again feature the regular mix of strong non-conference foes and the difficult Big 12 schedule.

Iowa State will open the season at home with the Cyclone Challenge featuring Drake, Fresno State and Omaha. While Drake and Omaha are familiar faces and opponents for the Cyclones, the Bulldogs are making the trip in from California, with the two teams meeting for only the second time on August 28. The previous meeting came in the 1994 NIVC in Kansas City, a 3-0 win for the Cyclones.

Iowa State’s next three weekends will be spent at three Big Ten campuses. The Cyclones were supposed to travel to Penn State last year before covid-19 wiped out the non-conference slate. Now the Cyclones will get to make their trip to Happy Valley on Labor Day weekend to take on LSU, Penn State and Oregon State.

The next week sees the renewal of the Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series rivalry against Iowa at the new Xtreme Arena in Coralville. The Cyclones will also take on Ball State and Syracuse the second weekend of September. After a mid-week trip to UNI, the Cyclones head up to the Twin Cities to take part in Minnesota’s Diet Coke Classic, where ISU will play the host Golden Gophers on Saturday, Sept. 18 and Division I newcomers St. Thomas on Friday, Sept. 17.

The Big 12 will be continuing with the two matches at one site format for one more season in 2021, with Iowa State opening its conference slate on Sept. 24-25 against TCU. The highlight of ISU’s home conference slate will be on Homecoming Weekend, with ISU hosting 2020 NCAA National Runners Up Texas on Oct. 21 and 22. The Cyclones also host West Virginia (Oct. 29-30) and Kansas State (Nov. 11 & 13) at Hilton Coliseum.

ISU’s road conference matches will be at Kansas (Oct. 1-2), Texas Tech (Oct. 7-8), Oklahoma (Nov. 5-6) and Baylor (Nov. 19-20).

More information in regards to volleyball season tickets will be announced in the coming weeks.