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Election law changes pass Iowa House on 62-35 vote

News

March 5th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – Republicans in the Iowa House have voted to ban drop boxes at county auditors’ offices for absentee ballots and to require that absentee ballots be in election offices the day before an election. For elections held in Iowa the past three years, absentee ballots were counted if the ballot was received by county auditors by the time polls closed. Representative Bobby Kaufmann, a Republican from Wilton, says anyone can vote in the time frame outlined in the bill.

“Five hundred and four hours — that is how much time we have to vote here in Iowa,” Kaufmann said. House Democrats voted against the bill, which makes other changes, like requiring new absentee ballot envelopes. Representative Amy Nielsen is a Democrat from North Liberty. “We’re adding even more hoops for our voters to jump through, just for them to exercise their constitutional right to a vote,” Nielsen says.

Representative Austin Baeth, a Democrat from Des Moines, suggests the changes are fueled by paranoia. “I don’t know when this body is going to be satisfied that there is no organized conspiracy to tamper in our elections,” Baeth says. Representative Kaufmann, who has managed previous bills making election law changes, responded. “That extra envelope makes sure that ballot has not been tampered with,” Kaufmann says. “No one has said there’s a vast conspiracy here. I certainly have not.”

The bill now goes to the Iowa Senate for consideration.

Iowa’s Molly Davis to miss B1G Tournament

Sports

March 5th, 2024 by admin

Iowa coach Lisa Bluder says senior guard Molly Davis will not be available for this week’s Big Ten Tournament in the Twin Cities. Davis suffered a knee injury in Sunday’s win over Ohio State but is hoping to return for the NCAA Tournament.

Bluder says they feared the worst when Davis was helped off the floor on Sunday.

The third ranked Hawkeyes are 26-4 and open the Big Ten Tournament on Friday night against the winner of Thursday’s game between Penn State and Wisconsin.

Iowa’s Caitlin Clark is B1G Player of the Year

Sports

March 5th, 2024 by admin

Iowa star Caitlin Clark is the Big Ten Player of the Year for the third straight season. Clark led the league in scoring and assists at more than 32 points and nearly nine assists per game. She also finished seventh in rebounds. Clark told the Big Ten Network she still has some goals to accomplish before heading to the WNBA.

It is the sixth time in the last seven years an Iowa player has won the award.

UI study focuses on mental health of Iowa college faculty and staff

News

March 5th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – University of Iowa researchers are studying the mental health and well-being of faculty and staff at college campuses across the state.

Barry Schreier, director of higher education programming at the UI’s Scanlan Center for School Mental Health, says the first phase of the survey was conducted last April in seven community colleges. When the second phase is launched next month, Schreier says it will broaden in scope.

“We are going to try to pick up as many schools as possible, which is going to expand out to additional community colleges,” Schreier says. “We will have at least over half the community colleges in the state, which is a pretty good sample, and we are expanding out to the private schools. There are 30 some in the state and we have picked up several of those, and then we will begin to sample the three regent universities as well.”

Student mental health is not the focus of this study, he says, as many others are already doing that.

“This is unique because it is sampling staff and faculty, which is not very typical,” Schreier says. “Most services and research about campus mental health and well-being are largely student-facing, and that certainly has been the case in Iowa. This is a first-of-its-kind survey of staff and faculty in higher education in the state of Iowa.”

One finding of the survey’s first phase was that nearly 75% of community college staff had referred students to mental health resources in the previous year, which he says was an unexpected and large percentage.

“Staff and faculty, whether they feel ready or not to assist students when they’re in distress, they’re doing it,” Schreier says. “Staff and faculty then apparently have a good understanding of what resources are on their campuses and are making those referrals, understanding that they are first-line responders.”

The survey also quizzed faculty and staff about whether they considered themselves “flourishing,” and most did, but 30% also reported feeling burned out.

“One of our recommendations that we think is a really critical finding of this study is that when campuses are talking, when the press is talking to campuses about campus mental health, it is critical that they talk about both sides of the coin,” Schreier says. “Folks are struggling, a percentage of folks certainly are struggling and living with mental health concerns, and at the same time, can also be flourishing.”

The Scanlan Center is considered the state’s hub for school-based mental health research, training, professional learning, and clinical services.

Allen Earns Big 12 Player of the Week

Sports

March 5th, 2024 by admin

AMES, Iowa – Iowa State junior Angelina Allen has been named the Big 12 Player of the Week following another outstanding week on the diamond, the conference announced Tuesday.

Allen appeared in and started all five games in left field, hitting .684 out of the two spot. Allen hammered 13 hits, eight of which went for extra bases – four doubles and four homers – on her way to 29 total bases and nine RBI, all of which led the team. In her 19 at-bats, Allen didn’t once strikeout, averaging a .714 on-base percentage.

She had multiple hits in all five games over the weekend, turning in a four-hit game, three-hit game and three two-hit games. Allen tied her career-high for RBI in a game with four against Northern Colorado as she smashed two homers – a three-run shot and a solo shot – in part of the Cyclones’ 14-1 run-rule victory. In total, Allen slugged 1.526 on the weekend, making her OPS (on-base plus slugging) over 2.000.

Allen also set a career-high in runs scored against the Bears, crossing the plate three times. It was her second time homering twice in a single game in her career, with both coming this season.

Angelina also tied the school record for most doubles in a single game, recording three against UNC in Saturday’s game two action. Only five other times has a Cyclone had three doubles in a game, with the most recent player being former All-American Sami Williams, who did so in 2019 against Purdue.

Speaking of Williams, Allen is the first Cyclone to earn Big 12 Player of the Week honors since Sami did so twice in 2021. Former ISU pitcher Ellie Spelhaug was the last Cyclone honored with a weekly conference award, earning Big 12 Pitcher of the Week in May of 2022.

The 2023 Academic All-Big 12 First Team member led all Big 12 players in hits, runs scored, homers, doubles and total bases on the week and currently leads the league in batting average (.543), hits (38) and total bases (70).

Iowa State’s Rob Jones prepares for Senior Night

Sports

March 5th, 2024 by admin

Wednesday night will be emotional for Iowa State senior center Rob Jones. The native of the Twin Cities will play his final home game when the sixth ranked Cyclones host 20th ranked BYU. Jones is averaging better than eight points and four rebounds this season and joined the ISU program after starting his college career at the University of Denver.

That’s Cyclone coach T.J. Otzelberger. Jones is the only player who has been on the roster the past three years and his work ethic is a prime example of a program that prides itself on defense and toughness.

Jones will finish his career having been part of three Iowa State teams that have played in the NCAA Tournament.

Jones calls Otzelberger a program builder.

Atlantic P-D report for 3/5/24

News

March 5th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Atlantic, Iowa) –  Officials with the Atlantic Police Department today (Tuesday), released a report on arrests that took place from February 14th through March 2nd.

  • Tami Schulz, 52, of Atlantic, was arrested February 14th for Theft 1st and Counterfeiting/Forgery.
  • Kalee Nolte, 30, of Atlantic, was arrested February 14th for Theft 1st.
  • Sean Phillipson, 23, of Atlantic, was arrested February 15th for Theft 4th (Shoplifting).
  • Taify Amumu, 28, of Atlantic, was arrested February 18th for Public Intoxication.
  • Kevin Viether, 44, of Atlantic, was arrested February 18th for Operating While Under the Influence 1st offense.
  • Donovan Brunning, 30, of Atlantic, was arrested February 19th for Driving While Barred.
  • Sonia Jaramillo, 43, of Atlantic, was arrested February 20th for Possession of a Controlled Substance (Marijuana), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Unlawful Possession of Prescription Drug, and Gathering Where Marijuana is Used.
  • Madleen Hadley, 41, of Atlantic, was arrested February 22nd for Operating While Under the Influence 2nd Offense and Child Endangerment.
  • Anthony Germann, 42, of Shelby, was arrested February 26th for Threat of Terrorism, Interference with Official Acts, Disorderly Conduct, Criminal Mischief 2nd Degree and Domestic Abuse Assault.
  • Taify Amumu, 28, of Atlantic, was arrested February 28th for Public Intoxication.
  • Shaylee Riesgaard, 31, of Hamlin, was arrested March 2nd for Assault Causing Bodily Injury.

All individuals were taken to the Cass County Jail and booked in. Tami Schulz, 52, of Atlantic, was cited into court and released on February 23rd for Theft 5th. Charles Burns, 62, of Atlantic, was cited into court and released on February 27th for Possession of a Controlled Substance (Marijuana), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Gathering Where Marijuana is Used.

Cass County Supervisors set public hearings on EMS resolution & FY25 tax levy

News

March 5th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Cass County Board of Supervisors, during their meeting today (Tuesday), set May 21st as the date for a Public Hearing on a Resolution to declare Emergency Medical Services to be an essential service. And, they set March 26th at the date for a Public Hearing on the proposed FY2025 Tax Levy. Auditor Kathy Somers explained the budget isn’t finished yet, but so far it seems the County is “in a good spot.”

A letter to property owners won’t be mailed-out until March 20th.

In other business, the Board authorize Chairman Steve Baier to sign a 28-E agreement with Juvenile Detention.

The agreement says the County will have to contribute about $6,700 less this year, which Baier says is a good deal, because there’s no way the County could handle those services with stand-alone funding. They also authorized a letter of response with regard to a jail and ICE Detainment Policy. Cass County Chief Deputy Sheriff John Westering said it’s essentially the same policy they’ve had for years. Their action was in response to an inquiry into the question of whether or not Cass County was a “Sanctuary City” for illegal immigrants.

Board Chair Steve Baier added…

And, the Board passed an amended Resolution allocating $10,000 in ARPA funds for the Atlantic Splash Pad Project. Supervisor Wendy Richter…

SplashPad Fundraising Committe Chair Jeremy Butler said the project is currently out for bids. Those bids are due by March 15th. The bids will be opened later this month and either accepted or rejected.

The Cass County Supervisors, today (Tuesday), heard from Craig Meyer, from Lewis, who attended the meeting to thank the Supervisors for approving during their last regular meeting, the powdercoating of benches at the Freedom Rock site, in Lewis. The benches are finished and returned to their places in the park.

In other business, Board approved the County’s contribution to Connections Area Agency on Aging, for FY 2025.

Cass County Master Gardeners Scholarship Application Due April 1

Ag/Outdoor, News

March 5th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Atlantic, Iowa) – Cass County Master Gardeners (CCMG) are again offering a $1,000 scholarship to local students, with applications due April 1, 2024.  The purpose of this scholarship is to provide post-secondary funds to individuals who are studying and intend to pursue a career in a horticulture-related field. This scholarship is available to students who are graduating seniors in any of the following Iowa school districts, in which currently reside members of CCMG: Atlantic, AHSTW, CAM, Griswold, or Red Oak. This scholarship is also available to previous graduates, of any age, of any of these school districts.  Scholarship committee members want to emphasize that students of any age studying in a horticulture-related field are encouraged to apply, regardless of the type of program they are studying, as long as they intend to obtain some degree or certificate in a horticultural-related field.

The goal of the Master Gardener program is to support horticulture education and community service.  CCMG members provide many hours of volunteer service and gardening education within their local communities. This scholarship is designed to further that focus on education and community service. Enrollment in a horticulture-related program of study is required for consideration. Examples of horticultural-related fields are included on the application to give applicants an idea of degree fields that may be eligible to apply. The scholarship winner will be selected based upon horticulture-related career goals, history of community service, academic success, and quality and completeness of application. (Financial need is NOT a criterion.)

The scholarship is for any student pursuing post-secondary education during the 2024-2025 school year. A scholarship check will be issued in January 2025, in the student’s name directly to the academic institution, upon receipt of an official grade transcript for the completed Fall 2024 semester, demonstrating a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5. A previous scholarship recipient may re-apply, but an individual may only receive a total of two scholarships from this program.

The application form is available through the high school guidance departments of any eligible school district, or on the Cass County Extension website at www.extension.iastate.edu/cass/.  Applications should be submitted to the Cass County Extension Office, 805 W 10th St, Atlantic, Iowa 50022, or emailed to keolson@iastate.edu on or before the April 1 deadline for consideration. Questions can be directed to the Cass County Extension Office at 712-243-1132.

Fatal grain bin accident in Fremont County

Ag/Outdoor, News

March 5th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Sidney, Iowa) – The Fremont County Sheriff’s Office reports a man has died in a grain bin accident. Authorities received a call about the incident in rural Tabor, Monday (March 4, 2024). The caller said the accident happened at the site located 2922 120th Street. Officials say it appears 94-year-old Robert Wayne Smith was helping in a bin unloading soybeans while running a grain vacuum. Smith’s son was out moving the semi that they we loading. When the son came back to the bin Robert was found under the beans.

Smith was pronounced dead at the scene. His body was being sent to the State Medical Examiners Office in Ankeny to determine the cause of death.

Tabor Fire and Rescue was assisted at the scene by Randolph Fire and Sidney Fire and Rescue.