DCI agent talks about questioning accused killer in Algona police shooting

July 10th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – The murder trial of the man accused of killing Algona police officer Kevin Cram continues today (Wednesday) in Dickinson County. D-C-I investigator Evan Thompson interviewed Kyle Lou Ricke in Minnesota, after he was arrested in the shooting. Assistant Attorney General Ryan Baldridge asked Thompson what Ricke said about the shooting.

Baldridge asked Thompson about trying to get Ricke to tell him where the gun used in the shooting was.

Ricke is charged with first-degree murder in the killing of officer Cram. The trial continues this afternoon.

Posted in News |

JOHN PAUL OBERHOLTZ, 67, of Adair (Svcs. 7/12/24)

July 10th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

JOHN PAUL OBERHOLTZ, 67, of Adair, died Monday, July 8, 2024 at The New Homestead Care Center in Guthrie Center. Funeral Services for JOHN OBERHOLTZ will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 12, 2024, at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Adair.

Visitation with the family will be from 9:00 a.m. to time of service, Friday, at the funeral home.

Burial is in the Dalmanutha Cemetery in rural Casey. A luncheon will be held at the Adair Community Building following the burial.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family and may be sent in care of Schmidt Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 523 Atlantic, Iowa 50022.

JOHN OBERHOLTZ is survived by:

His sons – Trevor (Mindy) Oberholtz, of Rapid City, South Dakota, and Tyler Oberholtz (Amanda Vinyard), of Norman, Oklahoma.

His sister – Gloria (Doug) Beckman, of Carroll.

His brothers – Bob (Roxy) Oberholtz, of Guthrie Center; Jim (Gwen) Oberholtz, of Casey; David (Marcene) Oberholtz, of De Soto, and Lyle Oberholtz of Fort Dodge.

4 grandchildren, other relatives and friends.

Posted in Obituaries |

Villisca chicken facility fined by the Iowa DNR for June, 2023 massive chicken confinement fire

Ag/Outdoor, News

July 10th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Des Moines, Iowa) – State regulators have taken action against three men they say share responsibility for illegal fires that torched 10 large chicken confinement buildings last year near Villisca. The Iowa Capital Dispatch reports one of the men, Tyson Means of Villisca, has agreed to pay a $10,000 fine, according to a recent Iowa Department of Natural Resources order. Two others, Shawn Gohlinghorst and Darrel Schipansky, were issued violation notices, but no orders regarding them have been publicly released.

State law generally prohibits the deliberate burning of buildings and requires their debris be taken to a landfill, but there are exceptions for agricultural buildings. In this case, Villisca had annexed the property, and burning the buildings had additional requirements, such as gaining approval from the local fire chief. That didn’t happen, according to the DNR. The building fires were ignited simultaneously about 3 p.m. on June 29, and they burned for hours. Each building was 50 feet wide and 728 feet long. Iowa DNR Senior environmental Specialist Kristi Burg said “There’s no way you would have had enough fire departments and water nearby if it got out of control.” The Villisca fire chief became aware of the fires about seven hours after they began and decided “it was too big to be put out,” the DNR order said.

Fires burned 10 former chicken confinement buildings near Villisca in June 2023. (Photo by Brian Hamman/courtesy of Iowa DNR)

Several rural homes are located nearby, along with a site for storing and distributing liquid fertilizer. The property lies about a mile west of residences and businesses in town. Montgomery County Emergency Management Coordinator Brian Hamman said the smoke and glow from the fire was visible for miles, and residents in four different counties made emergency calls to report it. Hamman said the men burned the buildings after recent rainfall, and that the fires did not stray. “From my point of view, there was nothing dangerous,” he said.

Schipansky owned the property, and Gohlinghorst and Means later bought it on contract. They razed the site with the intention of growing crops on the land. The men had also neglected to inspect the site for asbestos. The DNR tested samples of the debris and found no asbestos, but “a thorough asbestos sampling could not have been conducted since the buildings had been completely burned,” the department’s order said.

Gohlinghorst and Means rid the property of the remaining building debris in September and October 2023 and disposed of it at a landfill, the order said.

Debris from the confinement buildings were later taken to a landfill. (Photo by Brian Hamman/courtesy of Iowa DNR)

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources surveyed the burn site the day after the fires were ignited. (Photo by Brian Hamman/courtesy of Iowa DNR)

Posted in Ag/Outdoor, News |

Adair County Supervisors vote to reinstate Compensation Board; Tax abatement proposal fails

July 10th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Greenfield, Iowa) – The Board of Supervisors in Adair County, today (Wednesday), held discussion with regard to the County Compensation Board. In the past, Compensation Boards were in charge of reviewing and comparing elected officials’ salaries and recommending a compensation schedule. Adair County Auditor Mandy Berg reported the Compensation Board had dissolved as of July 1^st, due to State Legislation. Berg said that leaves the Supervisors with two options.

She said if the Supervisors reinstate the Compensation Board, ISAC (Iowa State Association of Counties) recommends a drawing of lots with regard to terms of the Supervisors who are represented on the Compensation Board.

Following discussion, the Supervisors unanimously voted to reinstate the Compensation Board. In other business, the Supervisors in Adair County acknowledged receipt of the FY23 MATURA Audit.They also approved the re-appointment of Lee Ashmore to the Veterans Affairs Commission. His term was set to expire. They also discussed a proposed County Tax Abatement for rural homeowners who lost their homes in the tornado that struck Adair County on May 21st. Supervisor Jodi Hoadley…

Fourteen rural homes were lost in the storm. Hoadley said the rural residents just want to be treated fairly, when compared city residents. Supervisor John Twombly said he feels new houses in the rural area should be taxed accordingly.

Twombly motioned not to allow the Abatement. It was approved by a vote of 3-to 2, with Hoadley and Baier opposed, and Twombly, Walker and Wedemeyer in favor.

And, Adair County Engineer Nick Kauffman provided the Board with his weekly Secondary Roads report. Prior to the report, the Adair County Supervisors approved of Board Chair Jerry Walker signing of plans for the G-61 Culvert Repair Project, and they passed a resolution authorizing Kauffman and his assistant, Sawyer Hansen, to be represent the County with regard to Federal/State (disaster recovery) assistance.

In his report on maintenance and activities, Nick Kauffman said Henningsen Construction is expected to be in the County sometime around August 19^th, to conduct work on the Henry Wallace Road.

Posted in News |

Shelby County S/O releases information, re: June 2024 death investigation

July 10th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Harlan, Iowa) – The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office reports two people have died following an incident last month, in Shelby. Authorities today (Wednesday) said “On the early morning hours of June 16, 2024, a juvenile was brought into Myrtue Medical Center with a medical emergency by personal vehicle. Life saving measures were taken by deputies, hospital staff, and Shelby County EMS and the juvenile was later transferred to Children’s Hospital in Omaha.

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office and Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation began investigating the incident that is believed to have taken place at 804 Spring St., in Shelby. Through the investigation Nicholas Segebart was identified as a suspect and was in care of the juvenile at the time of the incident. A search warrant was conducted at 804 Spring St. in relation to the investigation.

On June 18, Nicholas Segebart was located in Illinois by law enforcement, deceased by self-inflicted wound(s). The juvenile later succumbed to injuries believed to be caused by Segebart, and passed away.

Posted in News |

Flood barriers will likely remain on Davenport riverfront for another week

July 10th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – The Mississippi River is slowly returning to its banks, leaving behind a muddy mess. Last week, the river swelled to major flood stage in the Quad Cities, following heavy rains in the Upper Midwest. Davenport city workers put up temporary barriers and used pumps. Assistant City Administrator and Public Works Director Nicole Gleason says the efforts were successful, but the HESCO barriers will remain in place until the river descends below 18 feet. “It’s all just going to be dependent on the rainfall,” Gleason says. “We can’t really guess that far out. Right now, it looks like we’re getting close back to that 18-foot level about a week from now. So I would probably think by midweek next week we should have a plan together for when we start dismantling mitigation measures.”

Gleason says the flooding came at an unusual time of the year for Davenport. “More traditionally, we see the flooding more in April as it relates to snow melt, and spring rain on top of snow melt,” she says, “but in this case it was 100% rain-driven.”

Davenport’s LeClaire Park bandshell, with the Centennial Bridge in the background. (Photo by Bridget Trainor Jesson)

Gleason says that “rain-driven” flooding is harder to predict than flooding from snow melt. This flood crested at just above 20 feet in the Quad Cities. The record there is 22-point-7 feet, set in 2019.

(contributed by Zachary Oren Smith, Iowa Public Radio)

Posted in News |

Summer Grilling Coloring Contest

Ag/Outdoor, News

July 10th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Ames, Iowa) – July is here, and summer is in full swing. Young beef farmers are diligently preparing their 4-H projects for the county fair, kids are cooling off by the pool and the irresistible aroma of beef sizzling on the grill fills the air. The Iowa Beef Industry Council (IBIC) says as a parent navigating summer vacation, you might be searching for fun and engaging activities for your child. Look no further! The Council has announced a coloring contest that will spark creativity and provide entertainment.

Participation is easy and hassle-free. Simply download the coloring page from our website and let your child’s imagination run wild with crayons, colored pencils and markers. Once your child has created their masterpiece, upload a high-quality photo of their artwork using the form provided on our site. Children will be grouped into four categories: ages 2-3, 4-5, 6-7, and 8-9. The winning artwork in each category will receive a $50 beef certificate and a summer grilling swag item perfect for their age.

Entries must be submitted by July 28, 2024 at 5 PM CST.

Looking for a delicious way to keep your kids energized and satisfied this summer? Look not further than beef, a fantastic source of high-quality protein that fuels endless summer fun. If you’re tired of the same old meals, shake things up with these kid-friendly recipes. For an extra dash of excitement, invite your little ones into the kitchen for some hands-on cooking adventures.

English Muffin Cheeseburger Pizzas: Cheeseburgers and pizza unite in this delightful combo, bringing two family favorites together in one scrumptious bite.
Popcorn Steak Bites: These oven-baked beefy nuggets are perfect for little hands and make dipping even more fun.
Lazy Beef Lasagna: Enjoy a stress-free lasagna with layers of ground beef, pasta sauce and melted cheese. For an extra protein punch, add a layer of creamy cottage cheese.

Cooking and coloring: fun for the whole family!

Posted in Ag/Outdoor, News |

2 rescued from a grain elevator Tuesday, in Harlan

July 10th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Harlan, Iowa) – Two employees using a aerial lift to reach the top of a grain elevator in Harlan found themselves in a predicament Tuesday afternoon, when the machine wouldn’t retract, leaving the employees stranded. Officials with the Shelby County Emergency Services Association posted on social media, Tuesday, a picture of emergency crews on the scene. Crews with the Harlan Fire and Rescue Department, assisted by the Shelby County Sheriff’s office, Shelby County Emergency Management and Shelby County Ambulance service were on the scene, where a high angle rope rescue took place. Both subjects were brought down safely, and without injury.

Additional details are currently not available.

Shelby County EMS Assoc. Facebook photo

Posted in News |

High School Baseball Postseason Scores from Tuesday

July 10th, 2024 by Asa Lucas

Class 1A

Substate 2 – District 3

Remsen St. Mary’s 10, Newell-Fonda 2
Woodbine 2, Logan-Magnolia 0

Substate 2 – District 4

CAM 4, Woodbury Central 3 (9 innings)
Coon Rapids-Bayard 8, IKM/Manning 2

Substate 7 – District 14

Ankeny Christian 5, Madrid 3
Earlham 4, Grand View Christian 3

Substate 8 – District 15

Tri-Center 9, East Mills, 1
Lenox 4, St. Albert 0

Substate 8 – District 16

Bedford 4 Martensdale-St Marys 3
Southwest Valley 10, East Union 1

Class 2A

Substate 6 – District 11

Pella Christian 6, Albia 0
Des Moines Christian 11, PCM 1

Substate 6 – District 12

Interstate-35 8, Cardinal 1
Pleasantville 5, Central Lee 3

Substate 7 – District 13

Chariton vs. Ogden
Van Meter 11, Woodward-Granger 1

Substate 7 – District 14

Kuemper Catholic 7, Pocahontas Area 5
OABCIG 10, Southeast Valley 9

Substate 8 – District 15

Ridge View 4, Treynor 2
Underwood 6, Hinton 1

Substate 8 – District 16

Shenandoah 7, Missouri Valley 1
Clarinda 9, West Central Valley 1

Regular Matchups

Lewis Central 4, Dallas Center-Grimes 1
North Polk 8, Indianola 5
Southeast Polk 7, Gilbert 2
Winterset 5, Carlisle 3
Bishop Heelan 11, Denison-Schleswig 1
Glenwood 16, Council Bluffs Jefferson 6
ADM 12, Norwalk 0
Perry 8, Carroll 7

Posted in Sports |

High School Softball Scores from Tuesday

July 10th, 2024 by Asa Lucas

Hawkeye Ten

Council Bluffs Abraham Lincoln 5, Denison-Schleswig 4
Creston 4, Clarke 3
#14 Sergeant Bluff-Luton 8, Glenwood 4

Raccoon River Conference

Carlisle 5, Winterset 4
#11 Bondurant-Farrar 8, Carroll 0
#5 ADM 7, #10 Southeast Polk 4
Gilbert 8, #8 PCM 1

Posted in Sports |

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