712 Digital Group - top

Central Iowa cyclists launch effort to build massive indoor BMX track

News

February 21st, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – A capital campaign is being launched to build an indoor Olympic-level bicycle motocross, or BMX, track and cycling park in central Iowa. One of the effort’s organizers, Bobby Kennedy, operations manager of the Des Moines Street Collective, says the proposed facility would be an excellent resource for community wellness that would promote access to sports and recreation. Kennedy says BMX involves both bike racing and freestyle.

“Basically, you’re racing on a short course, like a quarter mile, and you’re going over what we call pumps. You have doubles, tables, things that basically either force you to adjust yourself on the bike as you’re moving, or to go into midair,” Kennedy says, “and freestyle is more what you’d see like in a skate park where you can do tricks, jumps, things like that.”

The plans call for a 200,000 square foot facility that could cost between five and nine-million dollars. “What we’re hoping to put in is a full BMX race track, but then also a skills park,” Kennedy says. “It’d be a place where you can practice drops like ledges, a pump track, and then dirt winds as well. We’re aiming big, so it’d be nice if we had some actual single-track style, maybe wooden features where people could practice mountain biking in the winter.”

Photo courtesy 80/35 BMX

There’s also discussion of building a steeply banked track, called a velodrome, for bike racing within the facility. Cycling is huge in Iowa and Kennedy says there are no indoor tracks near this level in the state. “The nice thing about an indoor track is constancy, which is not how you talk about Iowa weather,” Kennedy says. “So basically, we’re looking at something that people would be able to use on a day-to-day basis, no matter if it’s 120 degrees outside or negative 20.”

Under the capital campaign, backers have 12 months to raise $47,000 to pay for a feasibility study on the track, and Kennedy says they’ve already raised $16,000 toward the goal.

Pitch for tax break for making movies, TV shows in Iowa

News

February 21st, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – A state tax rebate for film, TV and documentary productions may be modified and revived for a trial run after a 15 year hiatus. Republican Representative Bobby Kaufmann, chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, is sponsoring a bill to create a two-year, $10 million pilot project to provide a 30% tax rebate for qualified expenses. “I’ve been convinced by seeing movies that would have been filmed here going to other states and to other countries,” Kaufmann told Radio Iowa.

The State of Iowa’s previous tax incentives for TV and film productions were halted in 2009 after auditors found the majority of tax credits were misused. Iowa is now one of 13 states that do not offer tax incentives for film and TV productions.

Todd Rognes, chief administrative officer of Renovo Media Group in Clear Lake, told lawmakers today that Renovo recently helped produce a movie with a script partially set in Iowa, but Hollywood decision makers chose to have it filmed in Kentucky since that state provides tax incentives for filmmakers. “States around Iowa — Minnesota, Illinois, Missouri — all have credits,” Rognes said. “Nebraska just rolled out a credit program.”

Rognes said “Wildcat” — a movie with stars Liam Neesen and Laura Linney that will be released in May — got $2 million in incentives from Kentucky. “So, ultimately we had to decide to not do it in Iowa and take it to Kentucky, so there are scenes in the film where the main character is walking through a park in Iowa City that we filmed in Louisville. There’s a scene with one of the main characters in a classroom in Iowa and we filmed it in Louisville,” Rognes said. “We would have loved to have done that here.”

Renovo president Lisa Crnic speaks at House Ways and Means Committee Feb. 21, 2024. (RI photo)

Lisa Crnic, a Des Moines native, recently joined Renovo as its president after 17 years in Hollywood where she helped develop and produce hits like “Clifford, the Big Red Dog” and “The Smurfs” movie. “I’ve been with Renovo for the last four or five months and, you know, we have all the relationships and the experience and whatnot to really bring high level films here,” she said, “but one of the first questions being asked by producers — and kind of the non-starter is: ‘What is your film incentive?’”

Crnic told lawmakers another movie they’d hoped to film in Iowa likely will be shot in Ireland, due to that country’s incentives for filmmakers. “Another film we’re looking at called ‘The Great Nothing’ that we’re hoping to shoot in the fall and hopefully, you know, have this rebate in place and bring to Iowa — which the producers have said, ‘We’re happy to shoot this in Iowa’ — is a really heartfelt family film that Ryan Gosling’s looking at producing and starring in right now,” Crnic said.

Crnic and Rognes made their comments during a public presentation to members of the House Ways and Means Committee meeting earlier today.

Teamsters protest at Iowa Capitol over bill on union certification

News

February 21st, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – The Teamsters have staged an hour-long protest outside the Iowa Capitol over a bill about certification votes for unions representing state and local government workers. “We’re standing up, we’re fighting back, we’re united and this is just the beginning,” Teamsters Local 238 Secretary-Treasurer Jesse Case said during a news conference on the Capitol steps.

The Teamsters represent public sector workers who drive school buses and snow plows and work at water and sewage treatment plants. “The public sector bargaining law wasn’t broken in 2017 and they broke it and now they want to break it some more,” Case said. “Well, guess what? We’ve had enough and our members are not obligated to go above and beyond the call of duty while they’re under attack.”

The bill Case is criticizing would decertify union representation for public sector workers if their manager fails to send a list of local union members to the state. Republicans who back the bill say some managers haven’t been following that requirement and some recertification votes haven’t been held. Case said some public sector employees are being asked to be on-call outside of work hours — a violation of their union contracts.

Democratic lawmakers joined union members for news conference led by Jesse Case, secretary-treasurer of Teamsters Local 238. (RI photo)

“I’m telling you right now, the next time that there’s a union busting bill signed into law, people across this state will start feeling the affects of service,” Case said. “…People don’t have to get up in the middle of the night to push snow when they’re not being paid to be on call.”

As part of today’s protest, a convoy of vehicles drove around the Capitol in Des Moines, honking their horns for an hour. A plane flew over the Capitol with a banner that said “Kill Senator Dickey’s Union Busting Bill.” Senator Adrian Dickey of Packwood leads the committee that approved the bill that sparked today’s protest.

“We’re going to be rolling through Senator Dickey’s senate district soon and educating people and doing press conferences,” Case said. “If he wants to bust unions…he’s going to bust business. He’s going bust services provided to people in this state.”

A 2017 Iowa law requires union recertification votes before contract negotiations, which happen every couple of years.

Hawkeyes Get Win in Home Opener

Sports

February 21st, 2024 by Asa Lucas

IOWA CITY, Iowa – The 18th ranked University of Iowa baseball team defeated Loras, 20-6, in its home opener at Duane Banks Field on Tuesday night. It is believed to be the earliest home opener in program history.

“I was really pleased with how we played tonight,” said head coach Rick Heller. “The first four innings were outstanding, everything that you wanted to see happen, happened. The guys that you hoped would get some hits got them, we played great defense and got good pitching. It was really solid.”

The Hawkeye bats raced out to an early 10-0 lead after the first two innings. Raider Tello had a first inning two-run home run that cleared the scoreboard in left field in the first inning and the second inning saw an explosion of offense as Iowa plated eight.

Elliot Cadieux-Lanoue saw his first career action earning the start and was credited with the win following two scoreless innings of work allowing just one hit.

Seven other pitchers followed Cadiuex-Lanoue and the Hawkeye arms totaled 10 strikeouts,

while allowing just three earned runs. Benjamin DeTaeye and Justin Hackett each punched out three DuHawks in their respective inning of work.

Chas Wheatley, Brant Hogue and Drew Deremer each threw an inning without allowing a hit.

Sam Petersen was 3-for-3 on the night with an RBI, while Reese Moore went 3-for-4 and plated three RBIs for the Hawkeyes. Kyle Huckstorf added a fourth inning grand slam.

The DuHawks avoided the shutout plating runs in the seventh, eighth, and ninth innings to cut into the Hawkeye lead.

12 different Hawkeyes scored a run in the contest led by Moore, Ben Wilmes and Gable Mitchell each with three.

Iowa (3-1) returns to action Friday, facing Auburn in the opening game of the Jax College Classic in Jacksonville, Florida.  First pitch is set for 5 p.m. (CT).

Bluder Tabbed to Naismith COY Late Season Watch List

Sports

February 21st, 2024 by Asa Lucas

IOWA CITY, Iowa — P. Sue Beckwith, MD, Head Iowa women’s basketball coach, Lisa Bluder, was named to the Werner Ladder Naismith Coach of the Year Late Season Watch List on Wednesday. Bluder was a Semifinalist a season ago and was the recipient of the award in 2019.

Presented annually to the most outstanding men’s and women’s head coach who achieves tremendous on-court success.

Jersey Mike’s is proud to partner with the Naismith Awards in recognizing the outstanding efforts of collegiate athletes and coaches, rewarding their drive and achievements on the court.

Bluder has guided the program to its eighth consecutive season with 20 or more victories in her 24th year as the head coach at the University of Iowa. Under her direction, the Hawkeyes have the longest active streak at 15 weeks inside the AP Top 5.

Coach Notes

– Bluder owns 17 AP Top 10 wins which is the most in program history.

– Is third among active DI coaches in the country for most wins. (873)

– Longest tenured coach in the Big Ten conference.

– All-time winningest coach in Iowa women’s basketball history.

– Owns the most Big Ten conference wins in conference history.

– Has coached five out of the last six Big Ten players of the year.

– Won six Big Ten titles. (4 BTT’s and 2 Regular Season)

– Coached two consensus National Player of the Year.

– Has coached the Hawkeyes to 21 postseason appearances in 23 seasons, including NCAA Tournament berths in 13 of the last 15 seasons.

– She has led UI to the Sweet 16 (2021), Elite Eight (2019), National Championship (2023) in three out of the last four championship seasons. (Covid)

Boone County Deputies arrest a man wanted on a warrant out of Indiana

News

February 21st, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Boone, Iowa) – Sheriff’s officials in Boone County reports the Boone County Communications Center received a call Tuesday from law enforcement officials in Indiana, who requested Deputies respond to an address within Boone County, and attempt to locate a wanted individual, 38-year-old Ronald Stevens, of Indiana. Stevens was wanted on an active arrest warrant issued by an Indiana court. Deputies responded to the address and observed a man fleeing into a motor home on the property.
After interviewing and speaking with other parties in the area, patrol Deputies positively identified the subject as Stevens. They learned the man was in the camper with a female party and two young children. Deputies attempted to communicate with the occupants of the motor home to ensure they were safe. Deputies did not receive clear communication with any occupants of the motor home.
Deputies summoned additional Sheriff’s Office resources to the property. After nearly six hours of efforts to negotiate and initiate communication; Deputies made contact with the female party inside. The female then exited the motor home with the two young children. Deputies assisted the female and children to safety and ensured they were uninjured. Deputies continued to attempt to negotiate and communicate with the wanted subject inside the motor home.
After an extended amount of time, Deputies entered the motor home and located Stevens, who was hiding in the vehicle. Stevens was taken into custody without further incident under the authority of the Indiana warrant, and was being held in the Boone County Jail pending extradition. The incident remains under investigation and may result in further charges at a later time.
The Boone County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Boone County Communications Center, Boone County Hospital, and Ogden first responders.

Dallas County stand-off Wednesday morning is resolved peacefully

News

February 21st, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Adel, Iowa) – The Dallas County Sheriff’s Office reports a stand-off that took place this (Wednesday) morning in Waukee, ended peacefully. Authorities say just before 9-a.m., Dallas County Deputies arrived at 680 SE Jonas Circle in Waukee to execute a court ordered writ of removal on the property. Deputies knocked on the door to see if the resident had vacated the property, per the court order. After knocking on different doors with no answer, Deputies heard two loud noises that sounded like gunshots that came from inside the residence.

Deputies immediately backed off and set up a perimeter while contact was attempted with the resident. Phone contact was eventually made and lone occupant inside the residence was talked into coming outside where they were detained without incident. The resident was believed to be having a mental health episode and was taken for a mental health evaluation and treatment.

The Dallas County Sheriff’s Office, Waukee Police Department, and the West Des Moines Police Department were involved in the incident. The incident remains under investigation.

USDA Rural Development Invests $26 Million in Clean Drinking Water and Wastewater Sanitation Systems in Rural Iowa

News

February 21st, 2024 by Ric Hanson

Iowa Counties impacted: Buena Vista, Fremont, Pottawattamie and Shelby

DES MOINES, Iowa, Feb. 21, 2024 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director in Iowa Theresa Greenfield today announced that the Agency is investing $21,457,000 in loans and $4,695,000 in grants to provide clean, safe water and promote economic growth in rural Iowa communities as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda.  The investments in Iowa are part of a larger national announcement made today by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack totaling $772.6 million for 216 projects. A full list of projects from today’s national announcement is available online.

The six investments for Iowa came through the  Water and Waste Disposal Loans and Grants program. This program provides funding for clean and reliable drinking water systems, sanitary sewage disposal, sanitary solid waste disposal, and storm water drainage to households and businesses in eligible rural areas. In southwest Iowa….

City of Randolph in Fremont County received a $351,000 loan to provide additional financing to help improve the lift station and sewer collection and lagoon systems. The project will help reduce excessive infiltration and inflow levels which have caused hydraulic overload and discharges more frequently than allowed by permit. The project will help improve water service and promote the health and safety of community residents, businesses, and visitors.

Regional Water received a $4,324,000 loan to expand water service. This project will construct 12.25 miles of rural potable water piping infrastructure to two housing developments under construction in rural Pottawattamie County. The project will promote the health and safety of the rural community’s residents, businesses, and visitors.

USDA staff stand beside the East Nishnabotna River near Audubon, site of a 2020 USDA-funded water project

Harlan Municipal Utilities received a $2,644,000 loan to provide additional funding to improve the water system in the city of Harlan. This project will drill four new wells, construct four new well houses, install new raw water mains to connect the new wells to the existing distribution piping, and install new electrical conduit in the well field. The aged raw water transmission main currently limits available capacity to the treatment plant, which presents a health risk during an extended demand period. Once completed, the project will provide adequate water supplies and will promote the health and safety of the residents of the rural Shelby County community.

City of Elk Horn received a $2,739,000 loan to improve the controlled discharge lagoon wastewater treatment facility. This project will replace aged components and remove accumulated sludge. This project will slipline and seal sewers and manholes to reduce infiltration and inflow. Once completed, the project will mitigate an imminent health and sanitation hazard, enable the city to meet wastewater standards, and promote the health of residents of the rural Shelby County community.

Central Iowa teacher/coach charged with sexual abuse, exploitation & lascivious acts involving a minor

News

February 21st, 2024 by Ric Hanson

ANKENY, Iowa [KCCI] —An Ankeny teacher was booked Wednesday into Polk County Jail after being accused of having an inappropriate sexual relationship with a student. Rachel Whiteside, 34, of Ankeny, is facing several charges stemming from alleged exploitation of a student. Whiteside, a teacher and coach in the Ankeny Community School District, engaged in sexual conduct with a student in the district between 2015-18, according to Ankeny police. The victim recently reported the relationship to the district, leading to a police investigation.

Whiteside is charged with third-degree sexual abuse, four counts of sexual exploitation by a school employee, and lascivious conduct with a minor. The charges of sexual abuse and sexual exploitation are felonies.

Whiteside is listed on the Ankeny Community School District website as a staff member at Northview Middle School and an assistant varsity softball coach at Ankeny Centennial High School.

Adair County Board of Supervisors news

News

February 21st, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Greenfield, Iowa) – The Board of Supervisors in Adair County met in a regular session this (Wednesday) morning, and approved several items on their agenda. The Board approved Board Chair Jerry Walker’s signature on about a dozen letters with regard to Ag & Family Farm Disallowances. Auditor Mandy Berg explains.

The Supervisors also approved a Child Abuse Prevention Grant Draw-down, and Walker’s signature on the form. They also approved FY2025 Insurance renewal forms for Medical, Dental, and Vision, along with ISAC County plans for FY 2025 Elections, and Assured Partners Commission Disclosure and related administrative agreements.

Adair County Sheriff Jeff Vandewater requested and was granted Board approval to begin the process of hiring a Sheriff’s Department replacement for a dispatcher/jailer scheduled to retire on April 8th. Vandewater said it takes three months (sometimes longer) to train an individual for the position.

In his report to the Board, Adair County Engineer Nick Kauffman presented a proposal for repairs to the North 6/Grand River Bridge.

The proposal was accepted, and the repairs will be paid for through the Local Option Sales Tax. Kauffman said also, South Central Iowa Regional 9-1-1 contacted him about replacing street signs in Adair County.

Kauffman said new posts and mounting fixtures would amount to another $100-thousand dollars. He said the current signs are at least 20-years old. The materials would be purchased in the next fiscal year, with SCIR paying the invoice for the signs. Kauffman will have to make some adjustments to his budget to account for the extra expenditure.

He said it’s a good deal for the county, because some signs are damaged each year.