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Vilsack hoping Iowa reverses refusal of extra summertime food aid for low income kids

News

April 1st, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – U-S Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says he hopes Iowa officials reconsider the decision to turn down additional federal food assistance in the summer for about 240-thousand Iowa children from low income households. “I’m hopeful that at some point in time the State of Iowa joins 37 other states that have made the decision to participate in the summer feeding program,” Vilsack says.

Under the program, families with children eligible for free or reduced-price meals at school may receive an Electronic Benefits Card that allows them to buy an extra 40-dollars worth of food per child during the summer months when school is not in session. In December, Governor Reynolds announced Iowa would not participate in the program because of administrative costs to the state and because she says it does nothing to promote nutrition at a time when childhood obesity has become an epidemic.

Republican governors in 13 other states announced similar decisions last year, but in February, Nebraska’s governor reversed course and announced Nebraska would accept 18 million dollars in additional federal food assistance for Nebraska children this summer. According to the U-S-D-A, the parents of 21 million children across the country will get the extra food assistance this summer. “We think it’s a real good opportunity for us to expand the support and help,” Vilsack says, “to ensure that youngsters are well fed.”

Vilsack discussed the summer feeding program during a stop last week in Clear Lake schools. “Teachers and professionals here know that if youngsters can maintain good nutrition throughout the entire year, they come back for the new school year ready to learn,” Vilsack said, “and ready to be what they were intended to be.”

The U-S-D-A had extended the deadline for states to sign up for the summer feeding program to mid-February, but has indicated it will work with all states that are ready to administer the program this summer

Hawkeyes Win Second Straight Big Ten Series

Sports

March 31st, 2024 by Asa Lucas

IOWA CITY, Iowa – The University of Iowa baseball team defeated Minnesota, 10-4, on Sunday afternoon at Duane Banks Field.

“Really good effort by our ball club today, and a nice bounce back on the weekend to get the series after a rough Friday night,” said Iowa head coach Rick Heller. “Shows a lot about our team and a lot about its character and toughness.”

The Hawkeyes and Gophers traded runs in the first and second innings with Iowa scoring in the first and Minnesota responding with a solo home run in the second.

Iowa scored a run in the fourth before the Gophers jumped out to a 4-2 lead in the top of the third. Iowa responded with a three-run bottom half and never looked back.  A two-run seventh and a three-run eighth put the game away and gave the Hawkeyes a series win.

Marcus Morgan started on the mound for Iowa. The Iowa City, Iowa, native threw 4 2/3 innings and allowed four runs while striking out six.

Ben DeTaeye entered and threw 2 1/3 innings and allowed just one hit while striking out four to earn his first win of the season.

Anthony Watts and Jack Young each threw a scoreless inning to close out the game.

“We got a solid start out of Marcus Morgan who was really good for four innings,” said Heller. “He fell behind some hitters in the fifth which cost him a chance to stay in the game a little longer. But Ben DeTaeye came in and did an awesome job. Then Anthony Watts was solid working back from a lead off 3 -0 count to get the 1-2-3 inning. Jack Young did an awesome job closing it out in the ninth.”

Michael Seegers was 2-for-3 with four RBIs and two walks on the day. Davis Cop was 2-for-4 and with two RBIs and Raider Tello was 2-for-4 with three runs scored.

Gable Mitchell added three RBIs.

“Offensively, I was really happy with our hitters,” said Heller. “We faced a really good arm in Wietgrefe. He was tough. We ended up getting a run in the first, which I thought was really big for Marcus. And then we stayed after him all day long. It was a very good weekend for us offensively, all three games just competed and gave ourselves chances to score runs in virtually every inning. This game was no different.”

Iowa hit .462 with two outs compared to Minnesota’s .100 and the Hawkeyes had seven two-out RBIs.­­

Iowa returns to action on Tuesday traveling to Bradley for a midweek matchup in Peoria, Illinois.

Hawkeyes Bounce Back Defeating Gophers, 14-6

Sports

March 31st, 2024 by admin

IOWA CITY, Iowa – The University of Iowa baseball team defeated Minnesota, 14-6, on Saturday afternoon at Duane Banks Field.

“Really happy with how our guys came out and played,” said Iowa. “We came out and played hard from the first pitch. Offensively, I couldn’t be happier with our approach at the plate or how we put pressure on them every inning.”

The Hawkeyes scored in every inning except one to even the series at one game apiece.

Cade Obermueller got the start for the Hawkeyes and earned his second win of the season. He threw five innings and allowed three runs (two earned) on two hits with three strikeouts.

Aaron Savary threw three innings in relief allowing one earned run. He struck out four and walked just one. Sam Hart threw the final inning allowing a two-run home run but closing the door on the win.

“Cade Obermueller picked up the win for us,” said Heller. “He logged five innings. After a little bit of a slow start, gave some free bases that scored but he really settled in and pitched well after that. We did a good job keeping leadoff men off base all game. Aaron Savary came in and did a nice job to get us to the ninth.”

Andy Nelson remained red hot going 3-for-4 at the plate with three RBIs and a home run. In nine games since moving into the leadoff spot Nelson is slashing .545/.652/.970 with 14 RBIs, four home runs, and 19 runs scored.

Raider Tello was 2-for-3 with two runs and two RBIs and Ben Wilmes was 2-for-4 with two RBIs. Kyle Huckstorf added two hits and an RBI while tallying two runs for the Hawkeyes.

“Happy with the bounce back,” said Heller. “Really mature and professional effort from our guys today. We didn’t let yesterday affect anything and we played a great game today.”

The Hawkeyes and Gophers will wrap up the series tomorrow at Noon

Berry Walk Off Secures B1G Series Win

Sports

March 31st, 2024 by admin

IOWA CITY, Iowa – The University of Iowa softball team split their Saturday afternoon double header against Michigan State. The Hawkeyes fell in game one, 8-2, before securing the series victory with a, 1-0, win in game two.

Freshman Soo-Jin Berry had two hits on the afternoon including a walk off single in game two. Sophomore Tory Bennett finished the afternoon going 3-for-5 with two RBIs. Sophomore Jalen Adams (9-6) picked up her second shutout victory of the weekend in game two against the Spartans

UP NEXT

The University of Iowa softball team closes out their homestand as they host in-state rival Drake in a midweek doubleheader at Pearl Field on Tuesday April 2. First pitch for game one is set for 4 p.m. CT and will be streamed on B1G+.

 

Cyclones Drop Series Finale to No. 23 Baylor

Sports

March 31st, 2024 by admin

WACO, Texas – The Cyclones (12-18, 3-6 Big 12) fell in the series finale to a top-25 Baylor (19-12, 3-9 Big 12) squad on Saturday afternoon, 7-4, in the final game of ISU’s March slate.

After going over a week without playing, the Cyclones took one of three games against the Bears over the weekend, securing their first ranked-road win of the season in the process.

After the Cyclones jumped out to an early 1-0 lead, Baylor scored four unanswered runs in the bottom of the first and second innings to go up 4-1. A three-run shot from Tiana Poole in the third tied things up, but a three-run fourth frame from the Bears proved to be the difference.

Both Poole and Milaysia Ochoa had two hits on the day to lead the team. Poole tied a career-high with four RBI on the afternoon, as the sophomore accounted for all of the Cyclones’ run production. Angelina Allen, McKenna Andrews and Olivia Wardlow also notched hits.

Karlie Charles started the game pitching for ISU and was relieved by Jaiden Ralston. Ralston (2-4) pitched 3.2 innings and allowed five runs – of which only two were earned. Lauren Schurman finished the game for ISU, pitching the final two innings without surrendering a run.

Baylor’s Emily Hott and Aliyah Binford each had two RBI on the day, while four different Bears had at least two hits. BU’s RyLee Crandall (9-5) made her third-straight appearance against the Cyclones, again pitching a complete game. She gave up four runs (three earned) and struck out five

On Deck

The Cyclones will return to the Cyclone Sports Complex on Tuesday, April 2, to welcome the UNI Panthers for a midweek matchup to kick off the month. Tuesday’s game is scheduled to start at 4 p.m. and the game will be streamed live on Big 12 Now on ESPN+.

 

No. 2 Iowa women play LSU Monday night in NCAA regional final

Sports

March 31st, 2024 by admin

The second ranked Iowa Hawkeye women face a title game rematch as they get set to play LSU in Monday night’s regional final in Albany, New York. A year ago, LSU hammered to Hawkeyes 102-85 in the NCAA championship game. *

 

That’s Hawkeye coach Lisa Bluder. Iowa star Caitlin Clark diced up Colorado with dribble drives in Saturday’s 89-68 victory and finished with 29 points and 15 assists. Bluder says that will be tougher to do against LSU.

It is a rematch the country was hoping to see but it also means one of last seasons finalists won’t be returning to the Final Four.

Clark and LSU star Angel Reese are a big storyline after Reese taunted Clark during the waning seconds of last year’s championship game.

 

Clark says while her and Reese are getting attention it is all about the outcome of the game.

Clark says it is much more than just her against Reese.

 

Clark and the Hawkeyes are a win away from a second straight trip to the Final Four and the third in program history.

 

Clark says balanced scoring will be a key against LSU and not settling for the first shot.

 

LSU coach Kim Mulkey(mull-key) says Caitlin Clark sets the table for her teammates.

 

Mulkey says this game should be played at the Final Four.

 

Mulkey says there are a lot of similarities between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese.

 

Angel Reese on her relationship with Caitlin Clark.

 

Reese says slowing down Iowa is more than just defending Clark.

Iowa State OC Taylor Mouser talks Spring Drills

Sports

March 31st, 2024 by admin

Iowa State offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser (Mou-zir) hopes a talented wide receiver group will provide the Cyclones with more big plays next season. Mouser is entering his ninth season on the ISU staff and took over the offense after Nate Scheelhaase (sheel-house) left to take a job on the staff of the Los Angeles Rams.

 

Helping his transition to offensive coordinator is the presence of quarterback Rocco Becht. He was the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year.

 

Mouser says it is important for the offense to develop and identity this spring.

Fremont County Sheriff’s report, 3/31/24

News

March 31st, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Sidney, Iowa) – Fremont Sheriff Kevin Aistrope, today (Sunday), reported numerous arrests took place between March 1st and March 29th. Beginning with the most recent arrests:
On March 29th, Fremont County deputies arrested 37-year-old Teresa Lourdes Johansen, of Council Bluffs, on a Fremont County warrant for Eluding. She was released on a $5,000 surety bond.

On Wednesday, March 27th: Deputies assisted by the Fremont County K9 Unit, arrested 41-year-old Amber Lynn Franke, of Auburn, NE., near the intersection of Main Street and D Street in Hamburg, for 2 counts of Child Endangerment, OWI 1st Offense, Possession of Methamphetamine, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. She was released after posting a $2,000 surety bond; 46-year-old Enrique Roy Aldana, of Nebraska City, NE., was arrested for Theft 2nd Degree. Authorities say March 6th, a Hamburg resident reported a trailer valued at over $6,000 stolen from a business on Main Street. Surveillance footage showed Aldana and an unknown male, stealing the trailer. An arrest warrant was issued for Aldana, and he was arrested in Otoe County, Nebraska and extradited to Iowa. Aldana was released after posting a $10,000 surety bond. The trailer has not been located. Deputies are still trying to identify the co-conspirator in this case. Anyone with information or who recently purchased a trailer from Aldana are asked to contact the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office; 18-year-old Devin Lee Carnes, of Clarinda, was arrested March 27th, for Driving while Revoked. He was released on a $1,000 surety bond. And, 35-year-old Devin Levi Head, of Shenandoah, was arrested for Driving Under Suspension. He plead guilty and was sentenced to 1 day in jail.

On March 25th, Fremont County deputies arrested 29-year-old Ryan Carl Nelson, of Sidney, for Child Endangerment, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was released on $2,000 surety bond. Additional charges are pending.
On the 21st of March, deputies with the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office and Fremont County K9 Unit conducted a search warrant on a residence in the 800 block of Clay Street in Sidney. Deputies discovered a small marijuana grow, methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia. Deputies arrested Dawson Thomas Michael Barnes, age 23 of Sidney for Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana, Manufacturing Marijuana, Failure to Affix a Drug Tax Stamp, Keeping a Premises for the Use of Controlled Substances. Barnes was released on $5,000 surety bond.
Other arrests during the month of March in Fremont County, include:
• On 03/01/2024, deputies arrested 58-year-old Lisa Allen Sonka, of Farragut for violation of Probation. She was released on a $1,000 cash bond. That same day, 59-yeare-old Jeffrey Scott Sonka, of Farragut, was arrewsted for Driving While Revoked. He was released on a $1,000 surety bond.
• On 03/03/2024, deputies arrested Jeremy Charles Faust, age 24 of Thurman for Theft 5th Degree. He plead guilty and was sentenced to one day in jail.
• On 03/03/2024, deputies arrested Dale Clark Thummel, age 62 of Thurman for Domestic Abuse With Bodily Injury and Obstructing Emergency Communications. He was released after posting a $1,000 surety bond. The County Attorney’s Office dismissed the case.
• On 03/05/2024, deputies arrested Jesse Matthew Calabretto, age 43 of Omaha Nebraska, for Reckless Use of Fire. It is alleged that on 02/28/2024, Calabretto set fire on a property he managed on Plum Creek Road, and then left the area. The fire spread onto an adjoining property, burning approximately 130 acres, requiring all seven Fremont County Fire Departments to respond. He was released on a $1,000 surety bond.
• On 03/08/2024, deputies arrested Rusty Lynn Arnold, age 37 of Omaha, Nebraska, for OWI 1st Offense. She was released on a $1,000 surety bond.
• On 03/08/2024, deputies arrested Shaunna Jaylynn Stanton, age 56 of Hamburg, for OWI 1st Offense. She was released on a $1,000 surety bond.
• On 03/08/2024, deputies arrested Bradley Daniel Kucera, age 41 of Blue Springs, Missouri for OWI 2nd Offense, and Eluding. He was released on $2,000, 10% through the court.
• On 03/08/2024, deputies arrested Caleb Jordan Enin, age 29 of Farragut, Iowa for Driving Under Suspension. He was released on $566.25 bond.
• On 03/14/2024, deputies arrested Gary Lynn Runyon, age 51 of Coin, Iowa for Driving While Barred. He was released on $2,000 surety bond.
• On 03/15/2024, deputies arrested Justin William Wake, age 42 of Randolph, Iowa for an outside agency warrant. He was released on $2,500 cash bond.
• On 03/22/2024, deputies arrested Shaun Michael Webber, age 35 of Shenandoah, Iowa for Violation of Probation. He was released on 03/28/2024, on time served.
• On 03/23/2024, deputies arrested Kaneya Sade Kelly, age 25 of Omaha, Nebraska for an outside agency warrant. She was released on $2,000 cash bond.
Disclaimer: A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

IHCA Foundation Offers Health Care Scholarships for Long-Term Care Employees, High School Students, Veterans and Rural Iowa Residents

News

March 31st, 2024 by Ric Hanson

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (March 31, 2024) – The Iowa Health Care Association (IHCA) Foundation announced today the opening of its application cycle, which in 2024 will make more than $200,000 available to individuals interested in pursuing or advancing their career in long-term care. Applications are open now through May 31 for current long-term care employees, as well as high school seniors, veterans or individuals residing in rural Iowa counties who are pursuing an education in health care.

“With Iowa’s senior population on the rise and a growing demand for long-term care services, the IHCA Foundation remains dedicated to expanding its scholarship offerings to meet our sector’s evolving needs,” said IHCA Foundation Program Director Natalie Thompson. “Through our 2024 scholarship programs, generously supported by donors, we aim to empower driven individuals to pursue their career aspirations in long-term care.”

Scholarship Offerings
The IHCA Foundation is now accepting applications for the following scholarships:

* John W. & Kimberly D. Grubb Registered Nurse (RN) Scholarship Program – This $4,000 scholarship, made possible by the John R. and Zelda Z. Grubb Charitable Foundation, is for employees of IHCA member organizations who are pursuing an accredited RN degree or seeking to advance their nursing degree. A total of 40 scholarships are available.

* MolinaCares High School Scholarship Program – This $2,000 scholarship, made possible by The Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation (MolinaCares), is for Iowa high school seniors who are in their senior year during the 2023-2024 academic year. This scholarship covers tuition fees to pursue a certified nursing assistant (CNA), licensed practical nurse (LPN), RN, or Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) program for the 2024-2025 academic year. This scholarship is intended for those interested in a future career in long-term care. A total of nine scholarships are available.

* Linda Juckette Family Rural and Veteran Scholarship Program – This $2,000 scholarship, made possible by the Linda Juckette Family Gift Fund, is for anyone residing in a rural Iowa county or is a veteran who is interested in pursuing a health care education, including nursing, health care administration degree programs or long-term care certification programs, with the goal of joining the long-term care profession. A total of five scholarships are available.

* Iowa Total Care Leadership Training Scholarship Program – This $1,500 scholarship, made possible by Iowa Total Care, is for leaders at IHCA member organizations accepted, or planning to enroll, into the 2024-2025 IHCA Executive Health Care Leadership Institute. This program is specially designed for leaders who work in long-term care and includes the leadership fundamentals necessary to lead others and the specific technical skills in demand in long-term care settings. A total of nine scholarships are available.

* Care Initiatives Director of Nursing (DON) Scholarship Program – This scholarship, made possible by Care Initiatives, is for assistant directors of nursing (ADONs) or RNs who are employed by an IHCA member facility and are interested in pursuing the American Association of Post-Acute Care Nursing (AAPACN) DNS-CT (Director of Nursing Services – Certified) certification, a DON certification program held at IHCA on Nov. 12-15, 2024. Scholarships will be offered to provide for the registration fee to participate in the AAPACN DNS-CT (DON Certification Program) held at IHCA.

* IHCA Member Employee Scholarship Program – This $1,500 scholarship is for employees of IHCA member organizations who are pursuing a nursing, health care administration or a physical or occupational training program. This scholarship is made possible by the Iowa Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine (IPALTC), IHCA Districts and Nurse Connect. A total of 13 scholarships are available.

How to Apply 
Eligibility requirements, application guidelines and materials are available online at iowahealthcare.org/foundation. Completed applications are due by May 31. Winners will be announced in July.

About the Iowa Health Care Association Foundation
Founded in 1988 by the Iowa Health Care Association (IHCA), the mission of the IHCA Foundation is to foster excellence in long-term care for Iowans by building a stronger workforce. The IHCA Foundation carries out this mission by empowering individuals to reach their career goals in the long-term care profession through scholarships, career education and career access programs. IHCA Foundation programs help support career opportunities available in the long-term care continuum, including nursing facilities, continuing care retirement communities, assisted living programs, residential care facilities, senior living communities and home health agencies.

Bookin-Nosbisch Sets 800m School Record

Sports

March 31st, 2024 by Ric Hanson

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (HawkeyeSports.com) – University of Iowa senior Alli Bookin-Nosbisch set the new women’s program record in the outdoor 800 meters on Saturday, racing 2:03.24 to place sixth in the premier national event at the Florida Relays.  Bookin-Nosbisch’s time ranks seventh in NCAA Division I this season. Seven new top-10 national marks were set in the women’s 800 meters at the Florida Relays on Saturday.  The Ottumwa, Iowa, native was previously second on the Iowa all-time list, improving on her time from 2023 by over one second. Bookin-Nosbisch is also the indoor 800 meter record-holder at Iowa (2:03.42).

Iowa had two finalists in the 100-meter hurdles. Senior Page Magee placed fourth, running 13.14, while senior Tionna Tobias was sixth with a time of 13.18.  Freshman Ella Meeuwsen won the high jump, leaping 1.66 meters (5’ 5.25”). The jump marks a season best for the Green Bay, Wisconsin, native.

At the Mike Fanelli Track Classic in San Francisco, senior Amber Aesoph placed second in the 800 meters. Aesoph raced 2:09.44 to take runner-up.  On the men’s side at the Florida Relays, freshman Josh Pugh placed seventh among a heavy-hitting field in the 400 meters. Pugh set a new personal best in 46.83.

At Fanelli, sophomore Hayden Kuhn and junior Yohana Yual closed the night out with a pair of top-10 finishes in the 3,000m steeplechase. Kuhn placed fourth racing 9:01.92, while Yual finished seventh with a 9:09.20 time.