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Discount trees available through DNR program

Ag/Outdoor, News

February 19th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – As we move toward spring, a program providing discounted trees is once again available for some state residents. The D-N-R’s Pete Hildreth says it’s designed to help plant more trees in the state. He says the D-N-R and Alliant Energy are partnering to offer landscaped-size trees to private residents at a discount. Hildreth says trees provide a variety of benefits to homeowners.

“Including and reduced home heating and cooling costs, decreased stormwater, shade for outdoor activities, higher home values, and enhance beauty,” Hildreth says. “Alliant Energy customers can place their orders on the D-N-R residential tree distribution program page found on our D-N-R website.” There are a variety of species available, and once you order the trees they will be deliver in several cities.

Here are the tree pick up locations:
Thursday, April 25, 4:30-6:30 p.m., Awaysis Park (1409 E Lakeshore Dr, Storm Lake)
Tuesday, April 30, 4:00-6:00 p.m., Greene County Extension Office (104 W. Washington St, Jefferson)
Thursday, May 2, 4:30-6:30 p.m., Grimes Farm and Conservation Center (2349 233rd St, Marshalltown)
Tuesday, May 27, 4:30-6:30 p.m., Burlington Depot (300 S Main St, Burlington)
Saturday, May 11, 9:00-11:00 a.m., Swiss Valley Park (13069 Swiss Valley Rd, Peosta)

Posted in Ag/Outdoor, News |

WEEK OF FEBRUARY 19, 2024

Trading Post

February 19th, 2024 by Jim Field

FOR SALE: 1999 Geo Prizm. High Mileage. Call 243-4308 SOLD!

WANTED: Looking for a small forklift and dirt trencher. Call 712-355-1566

FOR SALE: Hide-a-bed couch. Almost 7ft long. Cream with blue pin stripes. Located in Atlantic. Is stored in garage for easy moving. $ 40. Call 712-404-3045

FOR SALE:  Two 8′ round hay rings. I bought these rings new and they are absolutely still like new. No broken welds, no bent rings and bottom ring still like new. $300.00 each or $550.00 for both. Call 712-249-4625. SOLD!

FOR SALE:  Day 6 Semi-recumbent bicycle.Brand new. Beautiful Safety Yellow color. Large frame. Single Speed. Easy pedaling. Huge comfortable seat with backpack style storage.
$400.00.  Call or Text 712-254-0697.

FOUND: In Atlantic…diamond ring. To claim, must describe the ring and give approximate location it was lost. Call 712-254-3712

WANTED: Looking for an all black high school letter jacket. Size 40 or 42. Also looking for a white KJAN baseball cap with red lettering. FOR SALE: Cowboy boots. HH brand…like new. Size 12D. Stop by 304 w 13th in Atlantic.

WANTED:  I’m looking to buy Volkswagen vans from the 50’s and 60’s.  In any condition, in a barn or out in the pasture, I don’t care!  I will travel.  I will pay a cash reward $500 for information that leads to a purchase.  Call 620-910-7257.

FOR SALE:  6 coasters in a bundle 4 in x 1/2 in.  Will ship them free.  $30.  Call Tim at 712-249-9242.

FOR SALE:  2020 Chevy Equinox LT (SUV) AWD with Hitch pkg.  2.0 Turbo with only 49,000 miles.  32 mpg Highway driving. Very nice ride for $21,000. Call more information…712-254-6167. SOLD!

FREE: Yamaha Baby Grand Piano GC1 model. It was last tuned sometime last year. About 3 years old and in an impeccable condition. Hoping to give it out to someone who is a passionate lover of the instrument. The Piano is currently in storage in Little Rock Arkansas. Send e-mail with questions or for more information to:  jflynch21@outlook.com.

FOR SALE:  1956 Chevy trailer with ball hitch, tool box and aluminum floor.  Good 16” tires.  $400.00.  Call (712)304-2819.

WANTED: Looking for computer desk, call 701-640-6757. FOUND

FOR SALE:  Boy scout vintage items, old dishes and mirrors and much more.  Call 712-249-7173.

WANTED:  Seeking 1 or 2 individuals to assist male quadriplegic in Atlantic with morning routine, 6:00 am and bedtime routine, 9:00 pm. Takes about an hour each time. 712-254-0629.

FOR SALE:  1968ish 289 Ford block, heads, intake and new chrome 289 valve covers. 1968ish 302 heads, intake . $200.00 for all obo. 712-304-2819.

Posted in Trading Post |

Miller-Meeks says VA needs A.I. policy

News

February 19th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – Iowa Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks says the government-run Veterans Administration hospitals and clinics need to develop a strategy to keep up with what’s happening in the private sector when it comes to artificial intelligence. “While progress tends to be incremental, occasionally a process or technology emerges that pushes our boundaries out significantly,” Miller-Meeks says. “The integration of artificial intelligence or augmented intelligence in health care offers this opportunity.” Miller-Meeks says there appear to be pitfalls in A-I when it comes to data privacy, but A-I could help quickly and accurately diagnose health issues and predict patient risks — and save money.

Miller-Meeks suggests clear guidelines for human input is critical, however. “If the data A.I. learns from is incorrect or biased, it can make incorrect, predictions that result in over or under diagnosis or mistreatment,” Miller-Meeks says. The Veterans Health Administration is the country’s largest health system, with 172 hospitals and over 11-hundred clinics. “While A.I. holds great promise, the reality is it’s a new, developing technology and we’re still figuring out what is possible and practical and ethical,” Miller-Meeks says.

Miller-Meeks, a Republican who represents Iowa’s first congressional district, is an eye doctor and an Army veteran. She made her comments during a hearing hosted by the U-S House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Health.

Posted in News |

Reminder to County Office candidates: the 1st day to file nomination papers is March 1st

News

February 19th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Cass County (IA) Auditor’s Office reminds persons interested in running for county offices, that the first day for Democratic, Republican and Libertarian candidates to file nomination papers in the office of the county auditor, is Monday, March 4, 2024. Last day to file is Friday, March 22, 2024. Nomination papers may be circulated prior to first date for filing as well as during the filing period. Nomination papers and candidate information are available at the office of the county auditor and from the secretary of state:www.sos.iowa.gov

The county positions to appear on the Cass County ballot for the 2024 PRIMARY ELECTION are:
Sheriff
Auditor
District 1 Supervisor
District 4 Supervisor
District 5 Supervisor

List of current position holders – County Offices:
Sheriff………………….Darby McLaren, Republican
Auditor…………………Kathy Somers, Republican
District 1 Supervisor….Stephen Green, Republican
District 4 Supervisor…..Steven Baier, Republican
District 5 Supervisor…..Bernard Pettinger, Republican

The filing periods for the November 5, 2024, General Election are:
• U.S. Senate, U.S. Representative and State Office: July 29 – August 24, 2024 (5:00 p.m.)
• County Office: August 5 – August 28, 2024 (5:00 p.m.)
• Ag Extension, Soil & Water Conservation District, Hospital Trustee: Anytime up until August 28, 2024
Monday, August 5, 2024 is the first day for candidates nominated by petition to file nomination papers for county-wide or township offices for the General Election with the County Auditor’s office. Last day to file is Friday, August 28, 2024. Nomination papers may be circulated now. Nomination petitions and other election forms (including a Candidate’s Guide to the General Election) are available at the office of the County Auditor, and from the Iowa Secretary of State (sos.iowa.gov) via the internet.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT: The Cass County Auditor, Courthouse 5 W 7th St, Atlantic, IA 50022 Phone: 712-243-4570 and Fax: 712-243-4572. Email: skarns@casscoia.us.

Posted in News |

Shine like Stars offers a prom-like experience for those with physical/intellectual limitations

News

February 19th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Atlantic, Iowa) – Two local churches are teaming-up to offer those 14-years of age or older, and who have intellectual or physical limitations, a prom-like night of celebration. The honored guests dress up and are treated to an evening of dinner, dancing, flowers, karaoke, photo booth pictures and goody bags filled with fun swag for them to take home. Billie Hoover is part of the group that’s helping to chair the “Shine like Stars” event, in March.

Hoover says they really look forward to the annual event they’ve had since 2018 (with some modification, of course during the COVID years).

She says opportunities and special recognition such as Shine Like Stars for those with physical or intellectual limitations aren’t very prevalent, and it’s a unique demographic in our community. It also offers a chance for the community to volunteer.

Any lady or gentleman who would like to attend the event can come to the First Church of Christ’s “Yes to the Dress-up” in Atlantic, on Feb. 25th, from 2-until 4-p.m., and see if there is a dress or suit they might like to have for the event – at no charge. The free, Shine Like Stars event takes place March 16th, from 6-until 8:30-p.m., at the First Church of Christ. Doors open at 6-p.m. Any interested guests or volunteers can sign up at https://www.fccatlantic.com/ministries , or see links on the FCC’s Facebook page.

If you would like to make a tax deductible donation, make your check out to FCC/Shine Like Stars, 1310 SW 7th Street, Atlantic, Iowa, 50022. If you need more information, contact one of the following committee members:

Monica Sanny Brandt, 515-971-6270 (monicabrandt17@gmail.com)

Emily Clark, 402-980-0934 (eclark811@gmail.com)

Billie Hoover, 712-250-0286 (bhoover265@gmail.com)

Stephanie Kinzie, 712-249-8087 (stephanie.kinzie@mvtransit.com).

Posted in News |

VERNON LOUIS BRUE, 77, of Harlan (Memorial Svc. 2/22/24)

Obituaries

February 19th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

VERNON LOUIS BRUE, 77, of Harlan, died Friday, Feb 16th, at Myrtue Medical Center, in Harlan. A Memorial service for VERNON BRUE will be held 11-a.m. Thursday, Feb. 22nd, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Harlan. Pauley-Jones Funeral Home in Harlan has the arrangements.

Visitation at the funeral home is on Wednesday, Feb. 21st, from 5-until 7-p.m.

Burial is in the Harlan Cemetery.

VERNON BRUE is survived by:

His wife – Linda Brue, of Harlan.

His son – Bob (Patty) Brue, of Harlan.

His daughters – Kristen (Jeff) Rusch, of New Ulm, MN, and Malisa (Michael) Koesters, of Harlan.

His sisters – Joleen (Gary) Koch, of Spirit Lake; Becky (Mark) Reinig, of Mound City, MO; and Karen (Dale) Wood, of Norwalk.

His brother – Benji (Patty) Brue, of Jackson, MI.

and 7 grandchildren.

Posted in Obituaries |

USDA scolds Iowa for processing food assistance apps too slowly

News

February 19th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – The federal government says Iowa isn’t processing food assistance applications fast enough. U-S Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack sent Governor Kim Reynolds and 43 other states letters urging them to improve the efficiency of their SNAP benefits programs. Luke Elzinga, with the Des Moines Area Religious Council or DMARC, says delays in getting SNAP benefits can be detrimental to those who need them. “For a lot of people, that’s the difference between having funds to feed their families or not,” Elzinga says. “These are people who are waiting for benefits to pay for groceries.”

The letter from U-S-D-A says Iowa has an application processing timeliness rate of just under 83 percent. That’s far below the feds’ acceptable performance rate of 95 percent. Elzinga says he’s concerned the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services doesn’t have sufficient resources to process applications. Elzinga says, “Our HHS, those workers who are processing those applications, they have a lot of work on their hands, especially during the Medicaid unwinding.”

A spokesperson for Iowa H-H-S says the department continues to review and make improvements to the process for reviewing SNAP applications.

Posted in News |

Hawkeyes Bully Badgers, 34-7

Sports

February 19th, 2024 by admin

IOWA CITY, Iowa – The fourth-ranked University of Iowa men’s wrestling team defeated Wisconsin, 34-7, on Sunday afternoon on Mediacom Mat at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

Iowa won eight of 10 bouts, including six via bonus point. The Hawkeyes recorded 30 takedowns to Wisconsin’s six, and Iowa outscored the Badgers 120-49 in match points.

“We have to focus on what is ahead,” said head coach Tom Brands. “That’s what we did after those losses. We are going to Stillwater, Oklahoma, in one week, and the postseason looms.”

The dual started at 125 pounds with Wisconsin getting on the board first. Third-ranked Eric Barnett won an, 8-0, major decision over Joey Cruz.

The Hawkeyes responded with a pair of big wins from a pair of wrestlers making their final appearance in Carver-Hawkeye arena. At 133 Brody Teske put together a 19-4 technical fall win over Nicolar Rivera, and at 141 No. 2 Real Woods needed just 4:37 to pin Felix Lettini.

“Winning just brings good spirits,” said Woods. “So, I guess spiritually it helps. But this team is full of men who know how to fight through adversity and adversity catapults people like us. It doesn’t bring us down. It really helps us more than anything.”

“Sometimes you have to right the wrongs and right the ship,” said Brands. “Real went out there and got back to the roots a little bit. I think it was partly my fault, trying to push him into certain things. Just go out and wrestle your match how you want to wrestle and score a lot of points. It doesn’t matter how you get it done. He righted the wrong. We are on a one-match win streak, and we are going to Stillwater, Oklahoma.”

Iowa won two more matches before the break to push its lead to 18-4. Eighth-ranked Caleb Rathjen picked up a ranked victory over No. 19 Joseph Zargo, winning 8-1. No. 5 Jared Franek tallied a major decision over Luke Mechler, 17-5.

Wisconsin got their only other win of the dual at 165 as No. 5 Dean Hamiti defeated No. 7 Michael Caliendo, 14-11.

Iowa got back on track at 174 with a tech. fall victory from No. 7 Patrick Kennedy over Cale Anderson. Kennedy used six takedowns to outscore Anderson, 19-4.

Gabe Arnold made his third dual appearance and picked up his four ranked win defeating No. 16 Shane Liegel, 8-6. Arnold had two takedowns and fended off a late push from Liegel to earn the win.

No. 11 Zach Glazier improved to 20-1 with a 13-4 major decision over Josh Otto. Glazier now has 14 bonus point wins on the season.

No. 28 Bradley Hill closed out the dual for the Hawkeyes with a major decision. Hill defeated Gannon Rosenfeld, 11-3.

 #4 Iowa 34, Wisconsin 7

  • 125 – #3 Eric Barnett (W) major dec. Joey Cruz (I), 8-0
  • 133 – Brody Teske (I) tech. fall Nicolar Rivera (W), 19-4
  • 141 – #2 Real Woods (I) pinned Felix Lettini (W), 4:37
  • 149 – #8 Caleb Rathjen (I) dec. #19 Joseph Zargo (W), 8-1
  • 157 – #5 Jared Franek (I) major dec. Luke Mechler (W), 17-5
  • 165 – #5 Dean Hamiti (W) dec. #7 Michael Caliendo (I), 14-11
  • 174 – #7 Patrick Kennedy (I) tech. fall Cale Anderson (W), 19-4
  • 184 – Gabe Arnold (I) dec. #16 Shane Liegel (W), 8-6
  • 197 – #11 Zach Glazier (I) major dec. Josh Otto (W), 13-4
  • 285 – #29 Bradley Hill (I) major dec. Gannon Rosenfeld (W), 11-3

Posted in Sports |

Hawkeyes Defeat Drake, 6-1; Complete Weekend Sweep

Sports

February 19th, 2024 by admin

IOWA CITY, Iowa — The University of Iowa women’s tennis team finished the weekend with a 6-1 victory over Drake on Sunday at the Hawkeye Tennis and Recreational Complex, running the team’s winning streak to four straight victories.

Due to lack of players, only two doubles matches were played, making each match worth one point. The Hawkeyes secured both match points, earning a 2-0 lead after doubles. Junior Marisa Schmidt and sophomore Daianne Hayashida picked up the first win on court two, downing Darinka Stepan and Milee Haagensen, 6-4.

Junior Barbora Pokorna and sophomore Pia Kranholdt led the team into singles with a tiebreaker victory in their match against Ines Stephani and Rebecca Ehn, 7-6 (8-6).

In singles competition, Iowa topped Drake on No. 2, 3, 4, and 5. Pokorna, Kranholdt, and Mehra all captured straight set victories, bringing Iowa to a 5-0 lead over the Bulldogs.

Schmidt finished singles competition with her tiebreaker victory over Haagensen, capturing the last set point with a 13-10 tiebreaker.

Drake captured a match point on No. 1 with Stephani topping Hayashida, 7-6, 6-4.

HEAD COACH SASHA SCHMID

“I’m proud of the team for fighting through adversity this weekend. We had two tough in-state teams, so to get out of the weekend 2-0 is a confidence booster. We want to finish our nonconference play on a high note with Oregon next week, and I am really looking forward to transitioning into Big Ten play soon.”

UP NEXT

The Hawkeyes will return to action on Feb. 23, hosting future Big Ten Conference foe Oregon at 5 p.m. (CT) at the HTRC.

RESULTS

Iowa 6, Drake 1

SINGLES

No. 1 – Ines Stehpani (DU) def. #85 Daianne Hayashida (UI): 7-6, 6-4

No. 2 – Marisa Schmidt (UI) def. Mille Haagensen (DU): 6-2, 2-6, 1-0 (13-11)

No. 3 – Barbora Pokorna (UI) def. Rebecca Ehn (DU): 6-2, 6-0

No. 4 – Pia Kranholdt (UI) def. Darinka Stepan (DU): 6-1, 6-3

No. 5 –Vipasha Mehra (UI) def. Nicole Lee (DU): 7-6, 6-1

DOUBLES

No. 1 – Barbora Pokorna/Pia Kranholdt (UI) def. Ines Stephani/Rebecca Ehn (DU), 7-6 (8-6)

No. 2 – Marisa Schmidt/Daianne Hayashida (UI) def. Darinka Stepan/Mille Haagensen (DU), 6-4

Posted in Sports |

Cyclones Sweep Saturday Slate at UNLV Desert Classic

Sports

February 19th, 2024 by admin

LAS VEGAS – Iowa State (5-3) swept its competition on the second day of the UNLV Desert Classic, dispatching of both UC Santa Barbara (1-7) and Bradley (0-3).

Iowa State used a sixth-inning rally against UCSB and a seventh-inning rally against Bradley to come from behind in both contests and win.

Angelina Allen had a monster day, notching seven RBI on five hits with three homers.

ISU 11, UCSB 9

Iowa State started the second day of the UNLV Desert Classic in dramatic fashion, overcoming a five-run deficit to defeat the UC Santa Barbara Gauchos 11-9 in come-from-behind fashion. Of ISU’s four wins, three have featured late-inning heroics to overcome early deficits – including both games against the Gauchos.

Angelina Allen had three hits and three RBI against UCSB, launching her first homer of the season. Ashley Minor and Olivia Wardlow also had multi-hit games for the Cyclones while Milyasia Ochoa joined Allen with a multi-RBI outing.

Four pitchers saw action for the Cyclones, as the game was bookended by a pair of freshmen. Aziza Rodriguez started the game, going 2.1 innings and Lauren Schurman ended the game, pitching 3.0 innings and striking out three.

 lks, 4 strikeouts

ISU 10, Bradley 7

Iowa State defeated Bradley in its second game of the day, again using a late-inning rally to claim victory. Down 7-6 in the seventh inning, Iowa State used a four-run seventh inning to pull ahead and sweep the day.

Angelina Allen had a monster performance, accruing two homers on the afternoon and tallying four RBI. Camille Marin and Olivia Wardlow also had multiple hits in the game. Tiana Poole matched Allen’s four RBI and also had a three-run shot.

Saya Swain picked up her third win of the early season, striking out five. Lauren Schurman got her first career start and struck out two.

Saturday Notes

Home Runs

Iowa State: Tiana Poole (1), Angelina Allen (2)

Bradley: Tori Meyer (1)

 WP – Saya Swain (3-1): 5.0 IP, 3 hits, 4 runs (1 earned), 3 walks, 5 strikeouts

SV – N/A

LP – Abbott Badley (0-1): 1.0 IP, 2 hits, 2 runs, 1 walk, 0 strikeouts

 On Deck

The Cyclones will wrap up the UNLV Desert Classic tomorrow, Feb. 18, when it faces off with Bradley for a second time at 11:30 a.m. CT. Tomorrow’s matchup will be streamed live on YouTube.

Posted in Sports |