U-I law professor says Iowa City case doesn’t impact state protest law

March 15th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – A University of Iowa law professor says the acquittal of a protester on charges related to blocking to traffic in Iowa City last October won’t have much impact on Iowa’s protest law. That 2021 law increased penalties for protest related charges, but professor Allison Guernsey (GERN-see) says the jury’s finding doesn’t challenge that law.

She says the ruling applies narrowly to this case.

Guernsey added that the ruling could inform how law enforcement and prosecutors approach pressing charges in future demonstrations.

Posted in News |

Cass County 4-H 2024 Pancake Supper and Silent Auction a Success

Ag/Outdoor, News

March 15th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Atlantic, Iowa) – Officials with Cass County (IA) ISU Extension, say the Cass County 4-H Endowment committee would like to thank everyone who attended or donated to the Cass County 4-H Endowment during the Pancake Supper and Silent Auction on Tuesday, March 12, 2024. Over 550 plates of pancakes were flipped by the Pancake Man. There were 25 silent auction items donated by community members and businesses, in addition to all 11 Cass County 4-H Clubs collecting items or donations. Many also donated directly to the Cass County 4-H Endowment fund, which can be done at any time of the year.

Total net proceeds from pancakes, direct donations, and the silent auction was over $5,500.00. This is a record-setting amount raised at the Pancake Supper in recent years. Thank you to all who ate, donated, or bid on the silent auction items to help make that happen!

Proceeds from the 4-H Pancake Supper directly benefit the Cass County 4-H Program. All funds raised go to the Cass County 4-H Endowment. The 4-H Program Development Fee is $40 per youth each year to enroll. Instead of having individual 4-H’ers and families take on that expense, the Cass County Extension Council and the 4-H Endowment Fund picks up that cost for all members, making 4-H free to join in Cass County. The Cass County 4-H Endowment also offers grants for youth to attend 4-H camps or conferences outside of Cass County, encouraging them to take their 4-H experience to the next level. Scholarships are also awarded to graduating senior 4-Hers and funds help support programs in the county like STEM education and Clover Kids.

Donations to the Cass County 4-H Endowment Fund can be made at anytime of the year. If you missed the pancake supper, stop in the office at 805 W 10^th Street in Atlantic for details on how to donate. Donations can also be made on the Iowa 4-H Foundation website, by selecting Cass County to receive your direct donation at https://www.iowa4hfoundation.org/make-a-difference/ways-to-give. Learn more about the 4-H program in Cass County by visiting www.extension.iastate.edu/cass or calling the Cass County Extension office at 712-243-1132.

Posted in Ag/Outdoor, News |

Audubon Wheelers Girls Track 2023-2024 Season Preview

Sports

March 15th, 2024 by admin

The Audubon Wheelers girls track season is underway. There is a slight difference this year for the Wheelers team as they have added 11 girls from the Exira-EHK school district to make a co-op for this track season. The Wheelers have been trying to adapt to the new co-op and things seem to be going really well. Audubon is coached by Aleana Christensen.

Coach Christensen commented on how well the team is adapting to the new co-op with Exira-EHK this season.

Coach Christensen had this to say on how last year’s track season went.

Coach Christensen explained how pleased she is with the focus her team has been taking to conditioning for the upcoming season.

Coach Christensen talked about some of the standout athletes for this year’s team.

The Wheelers next meet will be the Audubon Girls Early Bird meet on Tuesday March 26th. That meet will get underway at 4:30 p.m.

Posted in Sports |

Marshall Named USTFCCCA Midwest Region Athlete of the Year

Sports

March 15th, 2024 by admin

IOWA CITY, Iowa – University of Iowa NCAA champion Rivaldo Marshall was named the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Midwest Region Men’s Athlete of the Year, the USTFCCCA announced. This is the first time a Hawkeye has won the award since Jenoah McKiver earned the honor in 2022.

Marshall, a junior from Kingston, Jamaica, was the 2024 indoor 800-meter national champion, winning the event in 1:46.96. He is the second indoor NCAA title winner in men’s school history and the first in a running event. Marshall holds Iowa’s school record in the 800 meters, posting a 1:46.86 at the Tyson Invite on Feb. 10.

Marshall’s career as a Hawkeye began with a facility record-setting performance at the Jimmy Grant Invite, running a 1:47.83. His debut earned him the USTFCCCA Men’s National Division I Athlete of the Week honor, the first ever by a member of the Iowa men’s track and field team.

In his career, Marshall is a three-time 800-meter national champion. At Indian Hills, Marshall won the 2022 outdoor and 2023 indoor 800-meter NJCAA championships. He is now an eight-time All-American during his career as an NJCAA and NCAA competitor.

Marshall and the Hawkeyes open indoor season with the USF Alumni Invitational on Friday, March 15, in Tampa, Florida.

Posted in Sports |

Drake women beat Indiana State in MVC Tournament

Sports

March 15th, 2024 by admin

The top seeded Drake women raced out to a 30 point lead and beat Indiana State 79-57 in the quarterfinal round of the Missouri Valley Tournament in the Quad Cities.

That’s Drake coach Allison Pohlman. Grace Berg led three Bulldogs in double figures with 18 points as Drake advances to Saturday’s semifinal round.

Posted in Sports |

Panel predicts state tax revenue to top $11 billion in next fiscal year

News

March 15th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – A state panel has made a slight reduction, but still predicts the state will collect over 11 BILLION in taxes during the fiscal year that begins July 1st. Legislators will use today’s (Friday’s) Revenue Estimating Conference report as the basis for state spending plans and it will be cited by Republicans drafting more state tax cuts. Iowa Department of Management director Kraig Paulsen, the governor’s budget chief, is chairman of the panel.

A new member joined the tax predicting panel for today’s (Friday’s) meeting. Jeff Plagge (PLAG-ee), a northwest Iowa banker, retired at end of 2023 after serving as the State Superintendent of Banking.

House Democrats say it’s time to make public schools a priority and today’s (Friday’s) financial report shows there is no reason for Republicans to keep delaying a decision on how much the state will spend on schools.

Posted in News |

Audubon County Sheriff’s report, 3/15/24

News

March 15th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Audubon, Iowa) – Audubon County Sheriff Todd Johnson today (Friday), issued a report on arrests occurring from January 3rd through March 12th.

On March 12th, 40-year-old Eddie Mack, of Hamlin, was arrested on a outstanding warrant for Domestic Abuse Assault- Impeding Air/Blood Flow. He appeared before the magistrate and posted a cash bond.
38-year-old Skielynn Stephens, of Audubon, was arrested March 10th on a charge of Violation of No Contact Order. She appeared before the magistrate and was released on her own recognizance.
Two people from Exira were arrested March 1st in Audubon County: 38-year-old Nathan Hansen Johnson was arrested on charges of Drug Distribution to Person under 18, Keeping Premises or Vehicle for Controlled Substance, Ongoing Criminal Conduct and Failure to Affix Drug Tax Stamp. He appeared before the magistrate and was held; 32-year-old Amanda Hudson was arrested on a Controlled Substance Violation charge. She appeared before the magistrate and was held until she posted bond. Their charges stem from a search warrant that was executed at their residence on March 1st.
Sarah Beaman, age 30 of Audubon, was arrested February 18th, 2024 on charges of Assault on Persons in Certain Occupations and Interference with Official Acts. She appeared before the magistrate and was released on her own recognizance.
On Feb. 6th, Deputies in Audubon County arrested 59-year-old Jeffery Anderson, of Panora, on charges of Eluding- Speed over 25 over limit and Interference with Official Acts. Anderson appeared before the magistrate and was held until he posted cash bond on February 10th.
On January 28th, 52-year-old Jerry Summers, of Kimballton, was arrested on charges of Possession of a Controlled Substance- Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He appeared before the magistrate and was released on his own recognizance.
And, on January 3rd, Audubon County Deputies arrested 52-year-old Trent Lynch, of Sac City, on an outstanding warrant for Failure to Appear. He appeared before the magistrate and was held until he posted a cash bond.

Note: Criminal Charges are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Posted in News |

Iowa 333 near Hamburg to close on Monday, April 1

News

March 15th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – March 15, 2024 – If you drive on Iowa 333 near Hamburg you need to be aware of an upcoming road closure that could impact your trip.

Beginning on Monday, April 1, weather permitting, crews will close the roadway from the BNSF Railroad to 0.6 miles east of Interstate 29 so grading and paving work can be done, according to the Council Bluffs construction office. This work will aid in flood protection and raise the grade of Iowa 333 as pavement is replaced. While Iowa 333 is closed you will follow a marked detour route using I-29, Iowa 2, U.S. 275, and Iowa 333.

Help keep everyone on the road safer. 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, you should stay alert, allow ample space between vehicles, and wear seat belts.

Posted in News |

No. 7 Iowa State plays No. 14 Baylor in Big 12 semifinals

Sports

March 15th, 2024 by admin

Seventh ranked Iowa State play 14th rated Baylor tonight in Kansas City in the semifinals of the Big 12 Tournament. The Cyclones forced 20 turnovers and held Kansas State to 38 percent shooting in a 76-57 win in Thursday night’s quarterfinals.

That’s ISU coach T.J. Otzelberger. The Cyclones lost the only meeting with Baylor 70-68 in Waco back in early February.

The Cyclones won despite making only one of 14 from three point range.

Center Rob Jones led Iowa State on Thursday night with 18 points.

Baylor advanced with a 68-56 win over Cincinnati.

Posted in Sports |

Wartburg women fall NCAA D-III Final Four

Sports

March 15th, 2024 by admin

Smith College outscored Wartburg 13-6 in overtime for a 61-54 win in the NCAA Division III Women’s Final Four in Columbus Ohio Thursday. Wartburg coach Bob Amsberry says it was a great game but unfortunately his team just came up short.