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3 arrested in Mills County

News

December 10th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Glenwood, Iowa) – The Mills County Sheriff’s Office reports three arrests:

Last Friday, 19-year-old Brok Uriah Brule, of Glenwood, was arrested on a Pottawattamie County warrant for Escape from Custody. Brule was being held without bond in the Mills County Jail.

Sunday night, 41-year-old Deandre Bernard Jennings, of Omaha, NE, was arrested at the Pottawattamie County Jail, on a Mills County warrant for Failure to Appear on a on an original, Possession of Controlled Substance, charge. Bond was set at $1,000.

And, at around 3:40-a.m. Monday, 48-year-old Lee Alfred Miles, of Tabor, was arrested at the Pott. County Jail, on a Mills County warrant for FTA on a Theft in the 2nd Degree charge. Bond was set at $7,500.

No. 21 Iowa women host number 18 Iowa State Wednesday night

Sports

December 10th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

The 21st ranked Iowa Hawkeye women host 18th ranked Iowa State in the 50th meeting in the 50th meeting in the series Wednesday night in Iowa City. The Hawkeyes are 8-1 and coming off their first loss of the season to Tennessee in New York City. The Hawkeyes committed 30 turnovers against the Tennessee press.

That’s Hawkeye coach Jan Jensen. The key against Iowa State will be containing sophomore center Audi Crooks. She averages nearly 20 points and more than eight rebounds per game.

Jensen says the Cyclones have been tested. There losses were to South Carolina and at Northern Iowa.

Iowa State is looking to get the series turned around after dropping seven of the last eight to the Hawkeyes.

That’s ISU coach Bill Fennelly. The Cyclones will be in search of their first victory in Carver-Hawkeye Arena since 2006.

Fennelly says the transition to Jan Jensen at Iowa has been seamless and while the Hawkeyes lost a lot of firepower from last season they have as lot of players who have big game experience.

No. 3 Iowa State prepares for Thursday’s game at Iowa

Sports

December 10th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

In this age of conference expansion, made for television tournaments and the financial need for home games Iowa State coach T.J. Otzelberger hopes there is still a place for the Cy-Hawk Series. The third ranked Cyclones invade Carver-Hawkeye Arena Thursday night for the 78th meeting in the series against Iowa.

Otzelberger says the approach this week stays the same but everybody knows this is not just another game.

Otzelberger calls their national ranking flattering. The Cyclones are third in this week’s AP Poll. It is the program’s highest ranking since 1957.

Ames native and junior guard Tamin Lipsey played in the game two years ago in Iowa City and is trying to get his teammates prepared. The Hawkeyes scored the first 15 points of the game in a 75-56 win.

Lipsey says the start of the game will be a key to the outcome.

Sophomore forward Milan Momcilovic has told the new players to expect a hostile crowd.

ARNOLD JENSEN, 92, of Greenfield (Celebration of Life 12/14/24)

Obituaries

December 10th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

ARNOLD JENSEN, 92, of Greenfield, died Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at the Greenfield Rehabilitation and Health Care Center. A Celebration of Life service for ARNOLD JENSEN will be held 2-p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14 (2024), at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Greenfield. Lamb Funeral Home in Greenfield is in charge of the arrangements.

An open visitation will be held at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Greenfield on Friday, December 13, 2024, from 2-until 7-p.m.,  with the family greeting friends from 5-until 7-p.m.

Burial in the Greenfield Cemetery will follow the service on Saturday. Full military graveside rites will be conducted by the Greenfield American Legion Head-Endres Post No. 265 and V.F.W. Post No. 5357.

Cookies and Coffee will be served at the church following the burial.

Memorials:  May be directed to the Greenfield Volunteer Fire Department.

ARNOLD JENSEN is survived by:

His daughter – Cindy (Roger) Anderson.

His sons – Kenny (Pam), and Randy (Lori).

His brother – Jimmy (Marilyn) Jensen.

8 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren; his brother-and sister in-law’s and other relatives.

USDA Invests $39 Million in Water and Electric Projects Across Rural Iowa; City of Defiance receives a nearly $1.6-million loan

News

December 10th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa, Dec. 10, 2024 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director in Iowa Theresa Greenfield today announced that USDA is investing $35,796,000 loans and $3,583,000 in grants to five water and electric projects in rural Iowa.

The City of Defiance received a $1,596,000 loan through the Water and Waste Disposal Loans and Grants to help upgrade its wastewater treatment facilities. This project will establish a three-cell controlled discharge lagoon system, replace aged components, and add a diffuser to the wastewater effluent outfall. The project will alleviate an imminent sanitary hazard by constructing facilities to comply with water quality requirements for ammonia and chloride levels. Once completed, this project will promote the health of 245 residents of this rural Shelby County community.

Director Greenfield says “A strong rural Iowa economy is rooted in our people and in the delivery of safe, reliable water and electricity to support the needs of families as well as for the growth of employers and the workforce. USDA is making these investments to better position rural America to compete in a global economy, while ensuring people who live and work in these communities can find success right at home in Iowa.”

Today’s news is part of a larger national announcement made by USDA Secretary Vilsack. Read the full announcement here.

Other cities/entities receiving USDA loans include:

-Calhoun County Electric Cooperative Association received a $6,000,000 loan through Electric Infrastructure Loan and Loan Guarantee program to help build and improve 58 miles of line and connect many households to modern service. This project includes $322,128 for smart grid technologies. The co-op is headquartered in Rockwell City and serves 1,694 consumers over 795 miles of line in five counties in west central Iowa—Calhoun, Greene, Pocahontas, Sac, and Webster counties.

-University of Northern Iowa in Black Hawk County received a $83,000 grant through the Solid Waste Management Grants program to help provide compost operations and conduct training. This project will identify rural communities to assist and will then provide on-site training in composting food waste, incorporating best practices, using the finished products, and protecting water resources from pollutants and contaminants. Once completed, this project in Black Hawk County will help reduce water pollution and harmful methane emissions from food waste in landfills.

-City of Nichols received a $1,200,000 loan through the Water and Waste Disposal Loans and Grants program to help improve its waste water treatment facility and collection system. This project will repair manholes, line the collection system, improve the lift station, rehabilitate the lagoon, and replace the force main. This project will help reduce sewer backups and excessive infiltration to meet water treatment quality standards. Once completed, the project will promote the health and safety of 340 residents of this rural Muscatine County community..

– City of Emmetsburg received a $27,000,000 loan and a $3,500,000 grant through the Water and Waste Disposal Loans and Grants program to help renovate its wastewater treatment facility which was built in the 1970s. This project will replace the rotating biological contactor treatment with an activated sludge treatment utilizing the University of Capetown concept process. The new method will be resilient to slug loading and peak weather events and will provide ease of operations. This project will replace other aging infrastructure and obsolete equipment. The project will help the city comply with modern sanitation regulations and will promote the health and safety of residents of this rural Palo Alto community.

Iowa Transportation Commission approves 2025 intercity bus projects

News

December 10th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

AMES, Iowa – Dec. 10, 2024 – Today, the Iowa Transportation Commission approved more than $2.1 million in grants for four intercity transportation providers for the calendar year 2025 Intercity Bus Program. The Commission approved the funds for eight projects submitted by the following four entities.

  • Burlington Trailways
  • Greyhound Lines
  • Jefferson Lines
  • City of Fort Dodge

With the current trend in intercity bus transportation moving away from rural connectivity into more urban-to-urban service, these funds play a vital role in keeping rural Iowa connected to other areas within the state of Iowa, the Midwest, and the nation. This funding comes from the Federal Transit Administration’s 5311(f) program intended to support intercity bus providers that serve communities with less than 20,000 residents.

Eight applications were approved this year with $2,185,829 in funding, highlighting the important role of this program. Burlington Trailways received funds to replace two over-the-road motorcoaches. Greyhound Lines received funds to assist with start-up service support.  Jefferson Lines received funds to replace one over-the-road motorcoach, existing and start-up service support, marketing of their existing services, and rental assistance for two of their Iowa facilities. The city of Fort Dodge received funding for marketing of their existing services.

A listing of the individual projects and funding amounts is available on the Iowa Department of Transportation’s website https://iowadot.gov/transit/funding-programs-and-applications/funding-programs.

Iowa Department of Corrections recognizes six counties for outstanding jail operations

News

December 10th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES – The Iowa Department of Corrections (DOC) is proud to announce that six counties have been recognized as having top-performing jails in the state. This recognition celebrates jails that demonstrate excellence in operations and management, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of both prisoners and staff.

The DOC evaluates jails across three categories based on capacity:

  • Small Jails (up to 30 beds): Fremont and Ringgold Counties
  • Medium Jails (31–100 beds): Wayne and Allamakee Counties
  • Large Jails (101 beds or more): Black Hawk and Warren Counties

Per Iowa Code 356, all jails in Iowa undergo an annual inspection conducted by the DOC to ensure compliance with the Iowa Administrative Code’s Jail Standards. These inspections include a comprehensive review of daily jail documentation, a facility tour, interaction with prisoners, and an operational review conducted by a DOC Inspector.

“Iowa is one of only 21 states where jail standards are overseen by the state’s Department of Corrections,” said DOC Director Dr. Beth Skinner. “Iowa consistently ranks among the top states for jail management, and that is a testament to the hard work and dedication of jail staff across our state.”

In 2017, the Iowa DOC launched the “Best of the Best” award to formally recognize exceptional efforts in jail operations. The achievement underscores the diligence and professionalism demonstrated by all staff every day.

8 Hawkeyes Named AP All-Big Ten

Sports

December 10th, 2024 by Christian Adams

IOWA CITY, Iowa — Eight University of Iowa football student-athletes – junior Kaleb Johnson, senior Jay Higgins, senior Connor Colby, senior Kaden Wetjen, junior Gennings Dunker, senior Logan Jones, senior Sebastian Castro and senior Jermari Harris — have been named Associated Press All-Big Ten selections, it was announced Tuesday by the AP.

Iowa had five first-team selections — Castro, Colby, Higgins, Johnson and Wetjen — the most of any team in the expanded 18-team league. Johnson and Penn State tight end Tyler Warren were the only unanimous first-team selections by the voting panel of 21 media members who cover the conference.

Johnson, who is the 2024 Ameche-Dayne Big Ten Running Back of the Year, a first-team All-Big Ten honoree and a Doak Walker Award finalist, had a historic year. He posted school single-season records in points (138), total touchdowns (23) and rushing scores (21). Johnson rushed for 1,537 yards in 12 games in 2024, sixth-most in the country and third-most in program history. The native of Hamilton, Ohio, scored at least one touchdown in all 12 regular season games — the longest stretch in school history. He had seven games in 2024 with two or more rushing touchdowns, believed to be the most in a single season in program history.

Higgins was recognized as the 2024 Butkus-Fitzgerald Big Ten Linebacker of the Year and first-team All-Big Ten last week. Higgins, who was a semifinalist for three national awards (Lombardi, Butkus, Lott IMPACT), is the only player in the nation with 100+ tackles and four interceptions. His four picks are tied for the most amongst linebackers from a Power 4 conference. Higgins has been a tackling machine for Iowa’s defense, racking up 118 tackles — second most in the Big Ten, 13th-most nationally and fourth-most in a single season in school history. The Indianapolis native has been a leader on an Iowa defense that is ninth nationally, allowing 17.1 points per game.

Wetjen, who is the 2024 Rodgers-Dwight Return Specialist of the Year, a first-team All-Big Ten selection and finalist for the Jet Award, leads the nation with 888 combined kick return yards (next most is 674 yards). He is second in the FBS in punt return yards (312) and sixth in kickoff return yards (576). The native of Williamsburg, Iowa, native had an 85-yard punt return for a score against Northwestern, the seventh-longest in school history. Wetjen had 100+ kickoff return yards in three straight games (Washington, Michigan State and Northwestern) in 2024, a first by a Hawkeye since at least 1978.

Colby, Dunker and Jones anchored the Hawkeye offensive line that was a semifinalist for the Joe Moore Award. The unit allowed just 15 sacks and helped Iowa rush for 2,599 yards, the most since 2002. The Hawkeyes have rushed for 200+ yards in a program record eight games and led the Big Ten in rushing for just the fourth time in program history.

Colby is a four-year starter on the offensive line, starting all 12 games in 2024. The Cedar Rapids, Iowa, native has started 49 career games, which ties Austin Blythe for second-most in program history. Colby was a first-team all-conference selection by both the coaches and media last week.

Dunker started 10 games at tackle, while Jones has 38 career starts at center, including all 12 in 2024. Dunker was a second-team all-conference honoree by the coaches and recognized on the third-team by the media, while Jones was a first-team selection by the media and second-team honoree by the coaches last week.

Castro and Harris, both sixth-year senior defensive backs, were both honored as third-team all-conference honorees last week by both the coaches and media. Castro’s 56 tackles are fourth-most on the team. The native of Oak Lawn, Illinois, also had an interception, three tackles for loss, forced two fumbles, one pass break-up and a quarterback hurry. Harris shared the team lead with seven pass break-ups. The Chicago native also registered 27 tackles, including one for loss, and had three interceptions, including a pick-six.

The Hawkeyes will play No. 19 Missouri on Dec. 30, 2024, in the TransPerfect Music City Bowl in Nashville. The game will start at 1:30 p.m. (CT) and be televised on ESPN.

JOHN THOMAS NOVY, 60, of Greenfield (Visitation & Prayer Svc. 12/21/24)

Obituaries

December 10th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

JOHN THOMAS NOVY, 60, of Greenfield, died December 9, 2024.  An open visitation for JOHN NOVY will be held Saturday, Dec. 21st (2024), from Noon until 4-p.m., at the Lamb Funeral Home in Fontanelle, with the family greeting friends from 2-until 4-p.m.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday from 4-until 4:30-p.m. at the funeral home.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at a later date at the St. John’s Catholic Church in Greenfield.

Memorials:  John would appreciate any memorial contributions be sent in his honor to Animal Rescue League of Iowa, Inc. 5452 NE 22nd Street, Des Moines, IA 50313-2528 or St. John’s Catholic Church, 303 N.E. Elm Street, Greenfield, Iowa 50849.

JOHN NOVY is survived by:

His 11 brothers and sisters, their spouses, many nieces & nephews and friends.

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

Report suggests there’s a growing underground economy in Iowa construction industry

News

December 10th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – A new report suggests up to 10 percent of Iowa construction workers have been underpaid because they’ve been incorrectly identified as independent contractors rather than employees. Sean Finn, who authored the report for Common Good Iowa, says that “misclassification” is against the law. “The practice that is going on is saying: ‘These employees that I have, I’m going to get away with calling them independent contractors and not paying taxes on them,” Finn says, “‘not paying any of my employer fees and responsibilities like workers’ comp, unemployment, etc.'”

About five percent of employed Iowans work in the construction industry. While the majority of them earn good wages and benefits, Finn says the report shows there’s an underground economy emerging.  “Obviously a lot of public money goes to infrastructure work. A lot of this money goes to the lowest bidder in the vast majority of cases,” Finn says. “These low bidders are increasingly lawbreaking, non-local construction contractors that are using these really bad employment practices — illegal practices, going along with very little enforcement.” Finn says BILLIONS of dollars will be flooding into the state in the next decade due to federal programs, but the very complicated web of general contractors and sub-contractors will make it difficult to hold bad actors accountable.

Finn says illegally classifying someone as an independent contractor saves a business about six-thousand dollars annually in fringe benefits and another six-thousand dollars in Social Security and Medicare taxes. They’re also ineligible for unemployment benefits if they’re laid off. “Folks who face extreme medical debt because of injuries on the job site while misclassified as an independent contractor,” Finn says, “meaning they weren’t covered by workers’ comp.” Common Good Iowa is recommending that Iowa legislators update the state’s wage payment collection law and hire more people to enforce the law.

“The state employs four investigators to oversee wage payment collection for a workforce of 1.6 million,” Finn says. “That’s not nearly enough.” Finn says more staff could not only investigate businesses trying to evade labor laws and taxes, but they could educate Iowa employers who want to do business the right way, but are unaware of the law. A 2022 report from Common Good Iowa indicated Iowa workers lost 900 MILLION dollars in wages in 2022 due to fraud.