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‘Purchase Moore Hamann Bacon’ Promotion Returns for 2024 Season

Ag/Outdoor

August 26th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

CLIVE, IOWA – The viral “Purchase Moore Hamann Bacon” promotion by the Iowa Pork Producers Association involving Iowa State Cyclone football players is back for the 2024 season, with more students joining the cast. The first in a series of episodic videos featuring Myles Purchase, Tyler Moore, Tommy Hamann and Caleb Bacon launched Monday, August 26. The players have renewed a NIL (name, image, likeness) agreement with the Iowa Pork Producers Association to encourage people to, well, purchase more ham and bacon.

The campaign debuted in September 2023 and quickly went viral across social media, earning millions of views and gaining widespread national attention. The Sports Business Journal named the partnership between Iowa Pork and Iowa State players the “Best NIL Deal of 2023”. Cyclones Alec Cook and Zach Lovett were later added to the campaign and return this year.

Matt Gent, a pig farmer from Wellman (IA) said “The Purchase Moore Hamann Bacon promotion exceeded beyond our wildest dreams last year and we’re thrilled to partner with these student-athletes once again.” Gent also serves as president of the Iowa Pork Producers Association. “This campaign…”he said, “is such a fun way to encourage people to buy pork, bring some more recognition to these players, and to provide meals to families in need.” One change to this year’s promotion is Tommy Hamann’s decision to leave the Iowa State football program and focus on his engineering degree. The video episode released today, “Goodbye, Tommy” shows Hamann bidding farewell to the group, leaving Purchase, Moore, Bacon, Cook and Lovett wondering what happens next.

In a series of videos to be released every Monday at 10 a.m. for the next seven weeks, several other Cyclone students will participate in tryouts for the campaign to see if they fit into the ‘Purchase Moore Hamann Bacon’ mantra. The episodic series will conclude on Monday, October 7, just in time to celebrate National Pork Month, aka “Porktober”.

In conjunction with the NIL partnership, the Iowa Pork Producers Association will donate $1,000 worth of pork to a food pantry chosen by every student that appears in the ‘Purchase Moore Hamann Bacon’ videos. The donations from the “Goodbye, Tommy” video will go to:

· Food Bank of the Rockies in Denver, Colo., in the name of Myles Purchase

· DMARC in Des Moines, Iowa, in the name of Tyler Moore

· Interfaith Outreach & Community Partners in Plymouth, Minn., in the name of Tommy Hamann

· Lake Mills Food Shelf in Lake Mills, Iowa, in the name of Caleb Bacon

· Food Bank for the Heartland in Omaha, Neb., in the name of Alec Cook

· Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, in the name of Zach Lovett

The Iowa Pork Producers Association donated a total of $13,000 worth of pork to those students’ food pantries of choice last year. The ‘Purchase Moore Hamann Bacon’ videos can be found on the Iowa Pork Producers Association’s Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube channels.

Posted in Ag/Outdoor |

SWITA Ridership Record Breaking Again in FY2024

News

August 26th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Atlantic, Iowa) –  Officials with the Southwest Iowa Transit Agency (SWITA) say they are celebrating another year of record ridership for Fiscal Year 2024. From July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024 SWITA provided 552,231 rides. The milestone tops last year’s record mark of 542, 457 total rides, showing the continued importance of public transit in Southwest Iowa.

SWITA helps get riders in the region to work, education, healthcare, and much more. SWITA’s workforce transportation services provided approximately 94,000 rides this fiscal year. Taxi rides are available in Atlantic, Glenwood, Harlan, Missouri Valley, Red Oak, and Shenandoah. That service notched 54,808 rides this year; helping residents complete their day-to-day activities.

Fiscal Year 2024 riders travelled a total of 1,880,799 miles during 116,792 hours of vehicle operation. Obtaining cost-efficiency during that much public transit service can be a major challenge, but SWITA has improved that metric each of the past three years, leading the state among rural agencies.

Photo courtesy SWITA

SWITA officials say they are proud to be part of transit equation for many people in eight area Iowa counties. SWITA’s ride services include that workforce transportation and those taxis along with medical transportation, student transportation, and special/charter trips. SWITA vehicles are equipped with wheelchair accessibility and one personal attendant rides free.
SWITA has earned major honors for its service this year. SWITA was named the Iowa Department of Transportation’s Regional Transit System of the Year and received the FTA Region 7 Rural Transit Systems Award of Excellence.

To find out more about SWITA and the services offered you can browse SWITA.com or call 800-842-8065 or 712-243-2518. Follow us on Facebook for regular updates as well. SWITA services are open to the public.

Posted in News |

Montgomery County residents Clayton and Jan Castle Renander inducted into Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame

Ag/Outdoor, News

August 26th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Des Moines, Iowa) – Officials with the Montgomery County Extension Office in Red Oak, report Clayton and Jan Castle Renander of Montgomery County were inducted into the 2024 Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the 4-H Exhibits Building at the Iowa State Fair on Sunday, Aug. 18. Ninety-three Iowa counties participated this year and selected 125 inductees for their outstanding service and dedication to 4-H. Inductees or their surviving family members were presented a certificate by the Iowa 4H Foundation President, Jeff Murphy, and State 4-H Program Leader, Mitchell Hoyer, as they were introduced on stage.

To say that Clayton Renander grew up with 4-H is, literally, the truth. His father, the late Carol Renander, began the Grant Spitfires 4-H Club, serving as its first leader. Consequently, 4-H has been a part of Clayton’s life from the beginning. As a member of the Grant Spitfires 4-H Club, Clayton participated in all club activities and has fond memories of 4-H meetings, especially playing outside with friends AFTER the meeting. Clayton’s main 4-H projects were his first love, cattle. While he never showed a grand champion, he loved the experience, from raising and feeding the cattle, to showing them in the ring. After graduating out of the Grant Spitfires, Clayton assumed the role of leader and soon became beef superintendent for the county fair. He held that position for more than 20 years. His children, Karl and Kate, participated in numerous 4-H activities but cattle were always their dad’s highlight. Clayton also served with the Extension Council and lent his expertise to any 4-H question posed to him, sometimes even when no one asked!

Unlike Clayton, Jan did not grow up with 4-H. Her introduction to 4-H and county fair began as an adult. Her first newspaper job was in the small town of New Albany, Mississippi, where she experienced the Union County Fair. In spring of 1985 Jan moved to Iowa as editor of the Red Oak Express. That summer she experienced her first Montgomery County Fair. After her first county fair experience, Jan determined to improve fair pictures. She was the first newspaper person to meet with county fair show superintendents to solicit their help. Working with Lynn Benson, county extension agent at that time, she developed the first picture board – a 10’x8’ wood frame covered in off-white canvas. When Jan and Clayton’s children joined 4-H, Jan learned how fun it is to be a 4-H mom! After Karl and Kate had graduated and Jan had left the newspaper, she continued to offer workshops for 4-H photography, helped mount pictures for judging, and became a 4-H photography judge herself, judging numerous county fairs and at the Iowa State Fair.

Photo courtesy Katie Hart, Montgomery County Extension

Counties select inductees for their exceptional work in contributing to the lives of 4-H members and the overall 4-H program. Many inductees serve as club leaders, youth mentors, fair superintendents or fair board members, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach county council members, county youth council members, fair judges, financial supporters, chaperones or ISU Extension and Outreach staff members. The inductees have demonstrated dedication, encouragement, commitment and guidance to Iowa’s 4-H’ers through the years.

“We are honored to recognize these special individuals, for their advocacy and dedication to the Iowa 4-H program,” shared Iowa 4-H Foundation Executive Director, Emily Saveraid.

“This is a great way to honor the volunteers and staff across the state of Iowa that generously give their time and talents to foster positive partnerships with our 4-H youth,” said Tillie Good, Iowa 4-H staff and volunteer development manager.

The Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame was initiated in 2002 to help commemorate the 100th anniversary of 4-H. A summary of previous honorees was on display at the 2022 Iowa State Fair in the 4-H Exhibits Building. These summaries are also available at the Iowa 4-H Foundation office in the Extension 4-H Youth Building at Iowa State University. Information about previous inductees to the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame also is available on the Iowa 4-H Foundation website, organized by year and by county. Go to www.iowa4hfoundation.org/ and under the heading “What We Do” select “Recognizing Service” then “Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame.”

Posted in Ag/Outdoor, News |

Weekend vandalism in Pottawattamie County: 4 Juveniles charged

News

August 26th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Council Bluffs, Iowa) – The Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office today (Monday) released information about multiple incidents of vandalism that occurred over the weekend in Treynor, Underwood, Neola and Minden. As the result of an investigation, four juveniles were charged with Criminal Mischief in the 1st Degree – Damage over $10,000, and Reckless Use of a Firearm.

The Sheriff’s Office says during the early morning hours Sunday, August 25th, Deputies were dispatched to the Treynor area for a report of a person’s window being shot out. Later that morning, Deputies were dispatched to Neola for a shots-fired call, with a possible suspect vehicle being a white truck. As Deputies were enroute, they located a Dodge Ram pickup with no headlights on, in the Underwood area.

A traffic stop was conducted on the vehicle, which was occupied by four juveniles, one of whom admitted that they had shot multiple vehicles, but couldn’t remember how many. Inside the vehicle was a shotgun and a CO2 pistol.

Throughout the rest of the day, Deputies took reports of vandalism involving items being damaged by a firearm, from 42 victims throughout the County. (Photo’s courtesy Zach Ploen)

Posted in News |

Jennie Edmundson Hospital among 3 finalists for $100k homelessness initiative

News

August 26th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(DES MOINES) – The Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) will host the 2024 HousingIowa Conference Sept. 4th-6th at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines. The conference is Iowa’s premier housing event, drawing nearly 1,000 housing professionals for discussions on timely housing topics in Iowa and networking with Iowa housing leaders. The event is open to anyone interested in learning more about housing in Iowa. The IFA today (Monday) announced the finalists for three Innovation in Housing Pitch Competitions aimed at addressing housing needs at every level of the housing continuum, challenging leaders to think innovatively about how to implement new approaches to alleviate housing barriers. Finalists will pitch their proposals to industry judges at the HousingIowa Conference.

Finalists:
• Housing Fund for Linn County
• Shelter House, Iowa City
• Jennie Edmundson Foundation, Council Bluffs

The Iowa Innovation in Homelessness Incubator called for forward-thinking proposals from housing and community leaders across Iowa for innovative ways to implement new approaches to alleviate homelessness in our state. The goal is to redefine the landscape of homelessness prevention and response systems and rethink how assistance for persons experiencing homelessness in Iowa is delivered. The winning pitch will receive funding of up to $100,000 to transform their concept into a pilot initiative.

More information about the conference, innovation finalists and registration are available at housingiowaconference.com

Posted in News |

August is going out Iowa State Fair steamy, though the fair’s long gone

News, Weather

August 26th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – Some Iowa school districts will dismiss classes early today (Monday) because of the extreme heat, as high temperatures are forecast in the upper 90s, with heat indices climbing into triple digits. While we’re less than a month from the first day of fall, meteorologist Cory Martin, at the National Weather Service, says this type of heat is usually associated with the dog days of summer. “Today, during the afternoon hours, we’ll be looking at heat index values peaking between 105 to 110,” Martin says. “Some areas may jump a little over 110, with the highest readings likely to be in eastern Iowa today.”

The entire state is under a heat advisory, while excessive heat warnings are posted for wide sections of eastern and western Iowa. “So it’s really across the whole state, when you’re looking at the different advisories and warnings, those both key in on different thresholds, but really the end result to everyone today is — it’s going to feel hot and humid outside,” Martin says. “It’s important to take your precautions, to limit your time outside, and make sure you’re adequately hydrated, and really just limit your time exposed to the heat.”

Tuesday will only be slightly cooler, with highs in the 80s and 90s statewide, though Martin says we should see a cool-down soon. “As we go through the week, we’re still looking at temperatures gradually tailing off,” Martin says, “with highs back to around 80 degrees across much of the state as we head into the weekend.”

The forecast for Labor Day weekend calls for more seasonal temperatures and dry conditions.

Posted in News, Weather |

Creston Police report, 8/26/24

News

August 26th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Creston, Iowa) – Police in Creston say five people were arrested on separate charges over the past few days. There were two arrests last Friday (Aug. 23rd):

23-year-old Kristina Gale Marcum, of Creston, was arrested at her residence at around 11-a.m., on an outside agency warrant, and charged with Intimidation with a Dangerous Weapon. Marcum later posted a $10,000 bond before being released from the Union County Jail; And, at around 2:25-p.m., Friday, Creston Police arrested 45-year-old Brady Gale Richert, of Creston. He was charged with Interference with Official Acts and Willful Injury/Resulting in Serious Injury. Richert was taken to the Union County Jail and held on a $10,000 bond.

Early Saturday morning, 35-year-old Bradley Anthony St Pierre, of Creston, was arrested for OWI/1st Offense. St Pierre was taken to the Union County Jail and later released on a $1,000 bond. And, Saturday evening, 36-year-old Darrell Curtis Beaman, of Creston, was arrested on a Union County Warrant of Parole Violation. Beaman was being held without bond in the Union County Jail.

Sunday afternoon, Creston Police arrested 22-year-old Christopher Gage Selvy, of Creston, for Assault, and a failure to appear on Union County Warrant for OWI/1st Offense. Selvy’s bond was set at $1,300.

Posted in News |

Fannon Earns 100th as ISU Thrashes UNI, 6-1

Sports

August 26th, 2024 by Asa Lucas

AMES, Iowa – It was an eventful outing at the Cyclone Sports Complex on Sunday evening, as Iowa State recorded its most goals in a game since 2012; Matt Fannon won his 100th game as a collegiate coach, and five Cyclones scored – with three doing so for the first time in their careers.

It was an onslaught from the start for the Cyclones, who compiled three goals in each half of tonight’s contest. The Cyclones hadn’t had three first-half goals since 2014 against Northern Colorado. They then put three more on the board in the second half, marking the first time since 2022 when ISU did so against Omaha.

Iowa State (2-1-1) handed UNI (1-1-1) its first loss of the campaign, moving to 12-1-1 in the all-time series against the Panthers.

The scoring started early, as newcomer Seulgi Lee recorded her first career DI goal, and seventh of her career, in the tenth minute of play off a Magdalena Keck pass.

Ten minutes of game time later, it was Hannah Shaw who knocked one in off a double assist from Adelaide Wolfe, who fed Lauren Hernandez, who eventually fed it to Shaw. The score marked Shaw’s first of her career.

Not to be outdone, ISU defender Isabella Agrusso decided to get in on the action, converting her first career goal in the 25th minute off the foot of Lauren McConnell. It wasn’t just Agrusso’s first goal, but her first collegiate points.

The Panthers fought back at the end of the half, knocking one in and trimming the Cyclone lead to two as Macy Smith earned her first goal of the season. UNI about had a second first-half goal in the final seconds, but an Avery Gillahan save off the top of the crossbar secured the two-goal lead heading into the break.

The Cyclones wasted little time getting back on the board in the second stanza, as Hannah Shaw secured her first career brace, knocking in a second score off an assist from Ella Zimmerman in the 48th minute. Shaw joins Morgan Furmaniak and Lee as Cyclones who have multi-goal games.

The teams would trade runs for the next 20 minutes or so before Iowa State tacked on two more quick scores. Morgan Furmaniak converted on the far side of the box, sneaking it past the UNI keeper for her team-leading third goal of the season and 15th of her career.

The final Cyclone tally came from Zimmerman, who, two minutes after Furmaniak, scored on her own rebound in the 68th minute to make it 6-1 in favor of the Cyclones.

In total, the Cyclones had at least 20 shots for the second time this season. Four ISU players had three shots on the day (Zimmerman, Keck, Shaw, McConnell), with all three of Shaw’s coming on goal. 65 percent of ISU’s shots ended up being on target.

Goals
Iowa State: Seulgi Lee – 10’ (1), Hannah Shaw – 20’ & 48’ (2), Isabella Agrusso – 25’ (1), Morgan Furmaniak – 66’ (3), Ella Zimmerman – 68’ (1)
UNI: Macy Smith – 41’ (1)

Assists
Iowa State: Magdalena Keck 2(3), Lauren Hernandez (1), Adelaide Wolfe (1), Lauren McConnell (1), Ella Zimmerman (1)
UNI: Marissa Gross (1)

Up Next
After wrapping the month of August against UNI, ISU will again be back on the road when it heads to nationally ranked Memphis. The Tigers and Cyclones will square off next Sunday, Sept. 1, at 8 p.m. and the match will be streamed on ESPN+.

Posted in Sports |

Man arrested in Red Oak for Public Intox. & 2 active warrants

News

August 26th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Red Oak, Iowa) – A man who was reportedly laying down in the dog food aisle at the Red Oak Dollar General Store, and who refused to get up and leave, was arrested Sunday night. Red Oak Police say 46-year-old Dennis Gerald Tyler was charged with Public Intoxication, following his arrest at around 8:35-p.m.  Tyler was also taken into custody on two active Taylor County warrants for Violation of Probation (Aggravated Misdemeanor), and a Controlled Substance Violation (a Class-B Felony).

Tyler was being held without bond in the Montgomery County Jail. Red Oak Police were assisted in handling the incident, by Montgomery County Sheriff’s Deputies.

Posted in News |

AAA: With a busy travel weekend ahead, Iowa gas prices hold steady

News

August 26th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – The last holiday of summer is just ahead and tens of thousands of Iowans will hit the road for the Labor Day weekend. AAA-Iowa spokesman Brian Ortner says the record-breaking summer travel season will wrap up with what’s anticipated to be another exceptionally busy holiday for get-away vacations. “The Labor Day weekend is up 9% compared to last year, and the good news is that the cost of travel domestically is down 2%,” Ortner says, “so it’s great for consumers, and great to see people back out on the roads and taking that last summer trip.”

Since most Iowa kids are already back in school, regional road trips tend to be the most popular Labor Day option for families. Because of that, Ortner says other vacationers see this as an opportunity to travel the world, with the expectation of smaller crowds at popular sites. “Domestic airfares are 2% less compared to last year,” Ortner says. “Hotels are up a little bit compared to last year, about 7% but that balances out if you’re renting a car, which is 16% cheaper this Labor Day holiday compared to last year.”

The majority of vacationers over Labor Day will be traveling by motor vehicle, and while electric cars are becoming more common, most cars, trucks and SUVs still run on gasoline. Ortner does -not- expect any major jumps in gas prices in Iowa before the weekend. “Gas prices, thankfully, have remained steady, hovering around that $3.20 cent per gallon average across the state, and even with the popularity of summer road trips, gas demand is down,” Ortner says. “Daily driving habits have changed post-pandemic, tempering price spikes.”

Gas prices vary widely across Iowa. The most expensive fuel is reported in Dubuque at $3.45 a gallon, while Sioux City has the cheapest gas at $2.98.

Posted in News |