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Iowa Wraps Up a Record-Breaking Westbrook Spring Invite

Sports

February 26th, 2024 by admin

PEORIA, Ariz. – The University of Iowa women’s golf team wrapped up a record-breaking weekend at the Westbrook Spring Invitational on Monday at the Westbrook Village Golf Club.  The Hawkeyes finished with team 18 and 54-hole school records and two individuals broke the top 54-hole program mark.

Iowa fired a nine-under par 279 — the top round in program history – with four players finishing the day with sub-par rounds.  It is the second straight team-record round as the Hawkeyes fired a 280 during Sunday’s second round.

Iowa finished with an 847 total (288-280-279) over the two-day event, shattering the previous mark of 864, which was set at the Johnie Imes Invitational in 2015.

Two individuals – sophomore Madison Dabagia and junior Paula Miranda – posted 54-hole scores of 209 to break the school record score of 211.  The top mark was previously held by sophomore Shannyn Vogler (2023) and Amy Ihm (2016).

Iowa improved every round of the tournament, opening with a 288 (+2) and 280 (-8) on Sunday before posting four sub-par rounds (five total including individual Ximena Benites) to fire the nine-under par 279 on Monday.  The 279 and 280 are the top two rounds in program history.

The Hawkeyes finished the tournament in ninth place out of 14 teams at 17-under par.  Kansas won the team title with a 43-under par 821 (277-269-275).

Dabagia had a team-best five birdies during her final round en route to a three-under par 69, while Miranda had a bogey-free day with 15 pars and three birdies to match the 69.  Both players tied for 18th place with seven-under par 209s.

Miranda finished in the red in all three rounds (71-69-69), while Dabagia had two sub-par rounds to go along with an even par 72 (68-72-69).   Dabagia has been at or below par in five of her six rounds at Westbrook the last two seasons.

The top 20 finish is the second of the season for Dabagia and the third of her career.  It was Miranda’s first top-20 showing and the fifth such finish of her Hawkeye career.

The Hawkeyes also got sub-par rounds Monday from sophomore Riley Lewis (70, -2), sophomore Kaitlyn Hanna (71, -1) and Benites (70, -2).  Benites’ round was a career best.   All three players also posted career-low 54-hole totals (Lewis, 215; Hanna, 216; Benites, 216).

Wisconsin’s Chloe Chan was the individual medalist as she shot a seven-under par 65 to take the title.  She finished the tournament with a 14-under par 202.

UP NEXT

The Hawkeyes return to action March 4-5, traveling to Jacksonville, Florida, for the Momentum Transportation UNF Collegiate.

Iowa’s gender balance law on government boards to be repealed

News

February 26th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – The Iowa House has given final legislative approval a bill that gets rid of the gender balance requirement for Iowa boards and commissions. Republican Representative Jane Bloomingdale of Northwood says it’s an antiquated law. “Gender balance often causes us to eliminate some of the most qualified candidates and that’s the last thing we want to do,” Bloomingdale says. “We want the most qualified candidates on our boards, commissions and councils.” The bill passed on a 62 to 33 vote. The 33 nos came from Democrats, like Representative Elinor Levin of Iowa City.

“We have not achieved gender parity on our boards and commissions,” Levin says. “Perhaps when we have this conversation would be worth having.” The bill passed the Senate this week and is headed to Reynolds, who says it lets people with a passion for service fill slots on boards and commissions at the state and local level.

“I just feel like the best, most qualified and somebody who wants to do it is the person we should put in that position,” Reynolds said. The governor made that comment during an interview with Radio Iowa in 2023. Gender balance has been required on all boards and commissions in state government since 1987. In 2009, the legislature passed a law to require the policy in local government. This bill repeals both laws.

Wife of slain prison guard calls for expanding union rights

News

February 26th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – The wife of a prison guard who was murdered by an inmate at the Anamosa State Penitentiary is calling for changes in Iowa’s collective bargaining law. Sara McFarland joined an Iowa Federation Labor rally in the state capitol on Monday.

“My heart aches as I stand here today, not just as a grieving wife, but as a voice for justice and change,” she said.\ Her husband, Robert McFarland, and prison nurse Lorena Schulte were killed nearly two years ago as two inmates attempted to escape. Sara McFarland says prison staff like her late husband should be allowed to bargain over work conditions and safety issues. Under current law, prison staff not classified as public safety officers and are only allowed to discuss their wages during union contract talks.

“I promised Robert I would not stop fighting until his brother and sister officers were safe at work…To the lawmakers that say corrections work in a controlled environment so they should not be considered public safety…talk to the officers who do this job every day, then you will see just how wrong you are,” she said. “…My husband died stopping an escape attempt and keeping the public safe.”

Other union members at the event urged Iowans to rally around union priorities like raising the minimum wage and letting Iowans see a doctor of their choice if they’re injured at work. Iowa Federation of Labor president Charlie Wishman acknowledges it will require electing new people to the state legislature and congress who support union priorities.  “I know that everybody here, you’re going to do everything you can to get your members registered (to vote)” Wishman said, “…and we’re get out and we’re going to fight.”

There was no mention of a bill pending in the legislature that would change the rules for union recertification votes before collective bargaining talks begin in state and local government.

Atlantic Trojans girls basketball 2023-2024 season recap.

Sports

February 26th, 2024 by admin

The Atlantic Trojans girls basketball team got themselves a little momentum this post season when they got a first round win over the Southeast Valley Jaguars. In the second round they ran into a very good Cherokee-Washington team, and lost the game 55-44 to end their season. The Trojans ended the season with a 9-14 overall record and went 4-6 in the Hawkeye 10 Conference.

The Trojans were led in scoring this season by junior Paytn Harter, who had scored 373 points this season and averaged 16 points a game.

The Trojans did have one big milestone during the season, when junior Paytn Harter scored her 1,000th point in her high school career in the game against Harlan.

The Trojans will lose four girls to graduation this year: Avery Knuth, Claire Pellett, Belle Berg and Keeley Peterson will move on their next high school sport this spring and move onto their next phase of their careers.

Trojans girls head coach Dan Vargason message to the team after their second round loss to Cherokee-Washington in the Class 3A – Region 7 game.

 

Coach Vargason said he has had a little family time now since the season is over and having the end of the season banquet was a good time to reflect on his team’s season.

Coach Vargason said this years seniors were a fun group to work with.

 

Coach Vargeson also mentioned a few of the players that will be coming back for next season.

Coach Vargason also wanted to give credit to the parents who came out and supported the Trojans this season.

The Trojans coaches hope the girls work on their game over the spring and summer and take advantage of any open gyms as much as possible during the off season.

 

 

 

New Chief of Staff for the Iowa Department of Corrections

News

February 26th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES – The Iowa Department of Corrections today (Monday) announced the appointment of Paul Cornelius as the new Chief of Staff, effective March 1, 2024. With a distinguished career spanning 22 years in State Government, Cornelius brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role. His proven leadership and commitment to excellence make him an excellent fit for this crucial position within the department.

In his role as Chief of Staff, Cornelius will play a pivotal role in advancing the mission of the Iowa Department of Corrections, working closely with leadership to develop and implement strategic initiatives, enhance operational efficiency, and promote a culture of innovation and accountability.

IDOC Director Beth Skinner said “We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Cornelius to the Iowa Department of Corrections team. His extensive background and dedication to public service make him an invaluable asset as we continue our efforts to improve the correctional system and better serve the people of Iowa.”

Cornelius expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity, in saying “I am honored to join the Iowa Department of Corrections and contribute to the important work being done to promote safety, rehabilitation, and positive outcomes for all individuals within our correctional system.”

Glidden woman killed in a Carroll County crash

News

February 26th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Carroll, Iowa) – A collision this (Monday) morning in Carroll claimed the life of a woman from Glidden. The Iowa State Patrol reports 56-year-old Lisa Feilmeier, who was not wearing a seat belt, was transported by Carroll EMS to St. Anthony Hospital in Carroll, where she was pronounced deceased. The crash happened at around 6-a.m. on Highway 30, just east of Griffith Road.

The Patrol says a 2011 Chevy Equinox SUV driven by Lisa Feilmeyer, was traveling west on Highway 30 in the inside lane. A 2017 Ford Fusion driven by 41-year-old Eric Hahn, of Carroll, was also westbound in the inside lane. The SUV struck the car on the rear passenger side, in front of Deluxe Animal Hospital in the inside lane westbound.

The Chevy came to rest in the north ditch on its top. The Patrol says Eric Hahn wasn’t hurt in the collision. The Patrol was assisted at the crash scene by the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, Carroll EMS, Carroll Police and Carroll Fire/Rescue.

Iowa men host Penn State Tuesday night

Sports

February 26th, 2024 by Asa Lucas

Iowa needs a strong finish to have any chance at the NCAA Tournament and it begins at home on Tuesday night against Penn State. The Hawkeyes are 8-9 in the Big 10 after Saturday’s loss at 13th ranked Illinois and committed 18 turnovers against the Nittany Lion pressure defense in an 89-79 loss at Penn State earlier this month.

That’s Iowa coach Fran McCaffery. Under first year coach Mike Rhoades the Nittany Lions are 8-9 in the league race and coming off wins over Illinois and Indiana.

McCaffery says the Hawkeyes are not focused on how many wins it may take to get into the NCAA Tournament.

Northern Iowa men host Valparaiso Tuesday night

Sports

February 26th, 2024 by Asa Lucas

The Northern Iowa Panthers are at home on Tuesday night to host Valparaiso. The Panthers are tied for fifth in the Missouri Valley race at 10-8 after a dominating win at home over Drake.

That’s UNI coach Ben Jacobson. A key for the Panthers in their 91-77 win over the Bulldogs as the play of junior forward Tytan Anderson who finished with 18 points and 18 rebounds.

Valpo is at the bottom of the Valley standings at 2-16 and the Panthers cruised to an 86-67 win over the Beacons on the road two weeks ago.

UNI will close the regular season on Sunday at Southern Illinois.

Area Counties with Burn Bans in-place until further notice

News, Weather

February 26th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

Here is a map of counties in Iowa that have a Burn Ban currently in-place until further notice. Updates are posted on the IDPS website.

Oathoudt Farm Supply in Atlantic is proud to support Atlantic FFA

Ag/Outdoor, News

February 26th, 2024 by Jim Field

Each year Oathoudt Farm Supply and the CRYSTALYX® Cares program pick a school in the area to give a donation to, and this year Atlantic FFA was selected.  Jason Oathoudt said,  “CRYSTALYX® Cares program is ideal for rural livestock communities that is designed to assist youth or community groups raise funds to expand their educational opportunities.”

Photo credit: CRYSTALYX® Cares program
Left to Right: Joaquin Wailes, Jason Oathoudt, Colton Rudy, Wyatt

How the program works is that for every CRYSTALYX® barrel sold by a Hubbard Feeds dealership during the months of September and October, CRYSTALYX® would donate $2 per barrel to a youth or community group selected by the dealer. Oathoudt Farm Supply was enrolled in this program resulting in a donation check to Atlantic FFA.

We want to thank everyone from the community of Oathoudt Farm Supply for their support of buying barrels so Atlantic FFA could receive a donation to their chapter.  Atlantic FFA Treasurer Roth Den Beste said, “Thank you to Oathoudt Farm Supply for their generous donation.  Without support from local businesses, our FFA chapter would not be as successful as it is.”

– article provided