Officials: Stop bugging bear roaming through Iowa cornfields

June 17th, 2020 by Ric Hanson

ELDRIDGE, Iowa (AP) — Wildlife officials in eastern Iowa are warning people to stay away from cornfields near Eldridge, where a roaming black bear has been drawing crowds of sightseers. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources say those who ignore the warning could end up being ticketed. The bear — a rare sight in Iowa — showed up in recent days and has been spotted munching on corn and taking frequent naps.

Wildlife officials say sightseers pose a safety threat to the bear, because they’re interfering with officials’ efforts to guide it back north and that could mean they would have to euthanize the animal.

Posted in News |

Suddenly competitive Iowa complicates Trump’s Midwest quest

News

June 17th, 2020 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — In 2016, President Donald Trump carried Iowa by nearly 10 points. That’s a larger margin than he won Texas. At the time, Iowa’s status as a swing state seemed questionable. But now, there are signs that Iowa may be competitive again as the president’s popularity there has waned. And that sentiment has spread to other races, with Republican Sen. Joni Ernst facing a surprisingly strong challenge as she makes a bid for a second term.

The shift appears to be propelled by the president’s uneven handling of the coronavirus pandemic and his aggressive response to protests over the death of George Floyd. And Democratic voter registration in the state has increased.

Posted in News |

Rep. Axne Announces Two COVID-19 Grants for Iowa Airports

News

June 17th, 2020 by Ric Hanson

ANKENY, IA — Today, Rep. Cindy Axne (IA-03) announced two grants for airports in Iowa’s Third Congressional District to provide direct assistance to offset loss of revenue from the coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency. The Polk County Aviation Authority received $69,000 for Ankeny Regional Airport, and the City of Shenandoah received $20,000 for the Shenandoah Municipal Airport.

“Airports like Ankeny and Shenandoah help keep our local economies moving, and with the diminished demand caused by COVID-19 they need our help to stay afloat,” said Rep. Axne. “I’m glad to see more of the funding from the CARES Act coming back to Iowa to help our communities deal with the deep ripple effects of this public health crisis.”

The grants were awarded by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) – and were authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which passed unanimously through Congress in March. With the addition of previous grants announced in April, the total grant awards for airports in central and southwest Iowa is now $23,415,329.

Details about the U.S. Department of Transportation’s aid programs in Iowa can be found in Rep. Axne’s Iowa COVID-19 Response Tracker.

Posted in News |

Iowa’s Judkins signs Free Agent Deal with Athletics

Sports

June 17th, 2020 by admin

IOWA CITY, Iowa — University of Iowa senior Grant Judkins signed a free agent contract with the Oakland Athletics on Monday night.

The right-handed pitcher from Pella, Iowa, went 2-0 with a 3.00 ERA in four starts during the shortened 2020 season. He had 24 strikeouts to five walks over 21 innings and allowed three or fewer runs in all four of his starts.

Judkins finished his Iowa career with eight wins and a 3.72 ERA over 42 appearances. He logged 164 1/3 innings where he had 149 strikeouts to 57 walks. Judkins was a member of the Hawkeyes starting rotation during his junior and senior seasons.

He was a two-time Big Ten Pitcher of the Week and a NCBWA and Collegiate Baseball National Pitcher of the Week during his career.

Posted in Sports |

Healthy Cass County Shares “Grow Another Row, Cass County!” Produce Drop – off and Pick-up Schedules

Ag/Outdoor, News

June 17th, 2020 by admin

Healthy Cass County has been encouraging farmers and gardeners to grow a little more food this year to share with others. “Grow Another Row, Cass County!” is a campaign to encourage residents to grow and share more food in 2020. This week the group is releasing produce drop-off and pick-up schedules. “We worked to get sites across the county,” comments
Master Gardener LaVon Eblen.

Produce Drop-off Schedule (where you can share produce with others):
Through September 2020

Anita: 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month: Anita Food Pantry 208 Chestnut St. (pre-bagged produce requested) contact: Tracey Lett (712)249-4996

Atlantic:

Monday: Cass County Community Center, 805 W 10th St. 10:30 AM-12:30 PM back
entrance. Contact: Brigham Hoegh (712)249-5870
Tuesday: New Life Church, 600 Pine St. 8-10 AM
Thursday: Atlantic Food Pantry 19 W. 4th St. (pre-bagged produce requested) Contact:
(712)243-1820
Saturday: American Legion Memorial Building, 201 Poplar St. 3-5 PM

Cumberland: Monday-Thursday: Cumberland City Hall, 216 Main St., 8AM-4PM

Griswold: contact: Donna Reimers (712)789-0236

2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month The Lord’s Cupboard (Methodist Church) 100 Cass St. (pre-bagged produce requested). 10-11 AM
1st, 3rd, 5th Tuesdays Faith Lutheran Church, 707 Adair St. 8AM-Noon

Lewis: Thursday: 3HO, 201 1st Lewis St. 10 AM- 3PM

Marne: Every day Barb Fisher’s house (401 Washington St., Marne), 8AM-8PM

Wiota: Wednesday: Bonnie William’s house (309 Allen St.), 8AM-Noon

Produce Pick-up Schedule (where you can find free produce, depending on availability):
Please only take what you need, and be sure to wash produce before eating.

Atlantic:

Tuesday: New Life Church, 600 Pine St. 10:30 AM- 12:30 PM
Saturday: American Legion Memorial Building, 201 Poplar St. 5-7 PM

Cumberland: Monday-Thursday: Cumberland City Hall, 216 Main St., 8AM-4PM

Griswold: contact: Donna Reimers (712)789-0236

2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month: Methodist Church, 100 Cass St. 2 PM- 5:30 PM
1st, 3rd, 5th Tuesdays: Faith Lutheran Church, 707 Adair St. Noon- 5:30 PM

Lewis: Thursday: 3HO, 201 1st Lewis St. 10 AM- 3 PM

Marne: Every day Barb Fisher’s house (401 Washington St., Marne), 8 AM -8 PM

Wiota: Wednesday: Bonnie William’s house (309 Allen St.), Noon- 8 PM

For more information on the program and to register for the newsletter, visit
http://www.extension.iastate.edu/cass/content/grow-another-row-cass-county.

Healthy Cass County is a community-focused volunteer network formed to promote the
health and well-being of Cass County residents. Follow Healthy Cass County on Facebook
@HealthyCassCounty (https://www.facebook.com/HealthyCassCounty/). Reach out to Cass
County Wellness Coordinator Brigham Hoegh at bhoegh@iastate.edu or call 712-249-5870
more information.

Posted in Ag/Outdoor, News |

IDPH reports first case of the season of West Nile virus and first-ever Heartland virus

Ag/Outdoor, News

June 17th, 2020 by admin

The Iowa Department of Public Health announced today that it has received the first reported case of neuroinvasive West Nile Virus this season. The case was confirmed by the State Hygienic Laboratory and is an adult (18 to 40 years old) from Polk County.

About 20 percent of people infected with West Nile virus will have mild to moderate symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches and vomiting. Less than one percent of people infected become seriously ill and rarely, someone dies.

In addition, IDPH has received its first ever report of Heartland virus. The individual is an older adult (61 to 80 years old) in Appanoose County. Heartland virus is a Phlebovirus that is thought to be transmitted by the Lone Star tick and was first discovered in 2009 in Missouri. Since then, cases have expanded across the Midwestern and southern United States. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, anorexia, nausea and diarrhea and treatment is supportive care.

“These reports are an important reminder that as Iowans take advantage of outdoor activities, they should take precautions to prevent tick and mosquito bites,” said IDPH Deputy State Epidemiologist and Public Health Veterinarian, Dr. Ann Garvey.

The best way to prevent tick and mosquito-borne illnesses like West Nile and Heartland viruses is to:

Use insect repellent with DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Always read the repellent label and consult with a health care provider if you have questions when using these types of products for children. For example, DEET should not be used on infants less than 2 months old and oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under 3 years old.
Avoid outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, shoes, and socks whenever possible outdoors.
Eliminate standing water around the home because that’s where mosquitoes lay eggs. Empty water from buckets, cans, pool covers and pet water dishes. Change water in bird baths every three to four days.
Stay on trails when walking or hiking and avoid high grass.
After each day spent in tick-infested areas, check yourself, your children, and your pets for ticks. Promptly remove any attached tick.

For more information about West Nile virus, visit https://www.idph.iowa.gov/cade/vectorborne-illness.

For more information about Heartland virus, visit https://www.cdc.gov/heartland-virus/index.html

Posted in Ag/Outdoor, News |

Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Report 06/17/2020

News

June 17th, 2020 by admin

The Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday released details on multiple recent arrest.

On Friday, June 12th Deputies were call to a report of suspicious activity in McClelland at 12:10 p.m. Three people were eventually arrested following a traffic stop on a stolen vehicle. 20-year-old Izaiah Matthew Bartu of Lincoln, NE was charged with 1st Degree Theft of a Motor Vehicle- over $10,000 and Possession of Prescription Drugs. 27-year-old Nicole Bruton of Lincoln, NE was charged with 1st Degree Theft of a Motor Vehicle- over $10,000, Fugitive from Justice, and Providing False Identification Information. 27-year-old Tianna Hamilton of Lincoln, NE was charged with 1st Degree Theft of a Motor Vehicle- over $10,000, Eluding, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. 22-year-old Adam Andre Jarzynka of Lincoln was charged with 1st Degree Theft of a Motor Vehicle- over $10,000 and Fugitive from Justice.

Also on Friday, June 12th three teenagers were charged with Trespass and Criminal Mischief 5^th after Deputies were dispatched to the Walnut City Hall. Video of an overnight criminal mischief complaint led to the charges.

Also on Friday Deputies arrested a 16-year-old juvenile male for Possession of a Controlled Substance 1st Offense following a traffic stop on Highway 92 and 375th Street.

On Saturday, June 13th Deputies arrested 42-year-old Briceno Mario for Operating While Intoxicated 1^st Offense after Deputies were dispatched to a reckless driver on Highway 6. The vehicle had wrecked at the Highway 6 and Highway 59 south intersection.

Also on Saturday 29-year-old Jeremy Matthew White and 49-year-old Matthew John White were both arrested for Operating While Intoxicated 2^nd Offense after Deputies investigated a personal injury motorcycle accident in McClelland. The injured person was driven from the scene by another individual on a motorcycle. The motorcycle and injured person were later located at E Kanesville and Franks Street in Council Bluffs and both arrested.

On Sunday, June 14th Deputies arrested 54-year-old Jody Lynne Brunow for Operating While Intoxicated 1^st Offense after Deputies located a vehicle with no lights on parked in the middle of the roadway at 130^th and 145^th Street near Crescent.

Also Sunday 52-year-old Ronald Dean Stoebe of Council Bluffs was arrested for Operating Under the Influence 3^rd or Subsequent Offense and Driving While License Suspended or Revoked. He was arrested after Deputies observed a vehicle parked on the shoulder in the 38000 block of Highway 92.

On Sunday at 10:05 p.m. Deputies cited 29-year-old Brittani Kai Hieb for Possession of a Controlled Substance (Marijuana) 1^st Offense following a traffic stop near Treynor.

On Sunday at 10:14 p.m. Deptuties responded to an intoxicated subject call in Council Bluffs. 58-year-old Johnny L Ladwig was arrested for Operating While Intoxicated 1^st Offense.

On Monday, June 15th Deputies arrested 29-year-old Samuel Allen Hays for Driving While Barred following a traffic stop in Avoca.

On Monday at 11:31 a.m 56-year-old Anita Elaine Rzonca was arrested in Avoca on Monday for Harassment 3^rd Degree.

On Tuesday, June 16th 31-year-old Michael Ryan Schoemann of Avoca was arrested after Deputies were dispatched to an assault. Schoemann was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance (Marijuana) 1^st Offense, Assault Causing Bodily Injury or Mental Illness, Burglary 1^st Degree, Carrying Weapons (armed with a knife), and Public Intoxication.

Also on Tuesday Deputies arrested 22-year-old Damion Paul Leo Madsen after Deputies were dispatched to an assault disturbance in Avoca. Madsen was charged with Assault Causing Bodily Injury or Mental Illness.

Also Tuesday a 16-year-old male was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance 2nd Offense and Maintaining a Drug House, Vehicle following a traffic stop at the intersection of Bonham Street and Gleason Avenue. The vehicle had improper plates and illegal window tint as well.

Posted in News |

Farm Service Agency County Committee nomination period underway

Ag/Outdoor, News

June 17th, 2020 by admin

WASHINGTON, June 17, 2020 – USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is now accepting nominations for county committee members. Elections will occur in certain Local Administrative Areas (LAA) for these members who make important decisions about how federal farm programs are administered locally. All nomination forms for the 2020 election must be postmarked or received in the local FSA office by Aug. 1, 2020.

“I encourage America’s farmers, ranchers and forest stewards to nominate candidates to lead, serve and represent their community on their county committee,” FSA Administrator Richard Fordyce said. “There’s an increasing need for diverse representation, including underserved producers, which includes beginning, women and minority farmers and ranchers.”

Agricultural producers who participate or cooperate in an FSA program, and reside in the LAA that is up for election this year, may be nominated for candidacy for the county committee. Individuals may nominate themselves or others, and organizations, including those representing beginning, women and minority producers, also may nominate candidates.

Committee members are vital to how FSA carries out disaster programs, as well as conservation, commodity and price support programs, county office employment and other agricultural issues.

Nationwide, more than 7,700 dedicated members of the agricultural community serve on FSA county committees. The committees are made of three to 11 members and typically meet once a month. Members serve three-year terms. Producers serving on FSA county committees play a critical role in the day-to-day operations of the agency.

Producers should contact their local FSA office today to find out how to get involved in their county’s election. Check with your local USDA service center to see if your LAA is up for election this year. To be considered, a producer must sign an FSA-669A nomination form. The form and other information about FSA county committee elections are available at fsa.usda.gov/elections.

Election ballots will be mailed to eligible voters beginning Nov. 2, 2020. Read more to learn about important election dates.

Posted in Ag/Outdoor, News |

Husband shoots wife in suburban Des Moines

News

June 17th, 2020 by admin

URBANDALE, Iowa (AP) — Police in the Des Moines suburb of Urbandale have arrested a man they say tried to kill his wife. Urbandale police say in a news release that officers and medics were called to a home around 10:30 p.m. Tuesday for a report of a shooting. Arriving officers found a woman inside the home suffering from a gunshot wound. She was taken to a hospital with serious injuries not believed to be life-threatening. Police say the woman’s husband, 45-year-old Andrew Wood, was arrest and has been charged with attempted murder. He is being held in Polk County Jail without bond.

Posted in News |