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Former Hawkeye Bball forward announces transfer to Butler University

Sports

April 14th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

IOWA CITY, IOWA – Former Iowa forward Patrick McCaffery will use his sixth and final year of eligibility elsewhere, announcing on social media he will be transferring to Butler University.

The son of Iowa men’s basketball head coach Fran McCaffery played in 123 games through five seasons with the Hawkeyes, averaging 8.5 points and 3.1 rebounds. Butler finished 16-18 last season, going 9-11 in the Big East to finish 8th in the conference.

Patrick’s brother, Connor McCaffery, is on staff with the Indiana Pacers.

Posted in Sports |

Fatal crash in Omaha Saturday morning; woman from Shenandoah critically hurt

News

April 14th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Omaha, NE) –  Two people died early Saturday morning when a 2021 Kia Sportage that was traveling the wrong way on westbound Interstate 80 in Omaha, collided nearly head-on, with a westbound 2017 Ford Fusion, near 24th Street. The crash happened at around 1:40-a.m.  OPD said two of the occupants of the Ford Fusion were later pronounced dead.

The driver of the Kia was identified as 25-year-old Maison M. King, of Oakland, NE, who was being treated for a fractured back. Once released, OPD said King will be booked for 2 counts of motor vehicle homicide-DUI and other possible charges.

The driver of the Ford was identified as 30-year-old Kyle Arnold, of Omaha, who was a driver for Uber. He was taken to the hospital where pronounced deceased shortly after arriving at the facility. The backseat passengers of the Ford were identified as 26-year-old Ross L. Lewis, of Wilbur, NE, and 24-year-old Jessica J. Mutchler, of Shenandoah. She suffered what were described as life-threatening injuries. Lewis was pronounced dead at the scene. Neither of the passengers were wearing their seatbelts.

A front seat passenger in the Ford, 29-year-old Cole Lambrecht of Kearney, NE, was treated for minor injuries. The Nebraska Department of Transportation assisted police at the scene. The interstate was reopened about four-hours after the crash.

Posted in News |

Kennedy holds event to qualify for November ballot

News

April 14th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Des Moines, Iowa [via the Iowa Capital Dispatch] – Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. called for voters to reject the two-party system and support him for president at an Iowa event Saturday aimed at getting on the state’s general election ballot. Speaking to a crowd of more than 700 at Val Air Ballroom in West Des Moines, Kennedy said he was asked earlier in the day about a recently published New York Times/Siena College poll that found he had only 2% of support in the general election. “Do you think if I only had 2% support that this big a crowd would come in here today?” Kennedy said.

He said other polls, like the November 2023 Quinnipiac University poll, show he has growing popularity, and that popularity is reflected when he is listed as an option for the next president. That fight — to be listed and recognized as a candidate alongside President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump — is what brought Kennedy to Iowa. He is currently fighting for a spot on the general election ballot in multiple states – his campaign and supporting super PAC have also said they have collected enough signatures to be listed as a candidate in the November election in states including Nevada, New Hampshire, Michigan, Arizona and Georgia.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an independent presidential candidate, hosted an event at the Val Air Ballroom in West Des Moines April 13, 2024, to gain ballot access for the 2024 presidential election. (Photo by Robin Opsahl/Iowa Capital Dispatch)

Typically, presidential candidates must get 3,500 signatures from at least 19 counties on a petition to qualify for the ballot. But the law also allows third-party presidential candidates to qualify by hosting a convention with at least 500 eligible Iowa voters from 25 counties attending who sign a form attesting they were at the event. With 686 voters from 35 Iowa counties in attendance, campaign staff said the event is expected to meet that requirement.

Both Democrats and Republicans have denounced Kennedy as a potential “spoiler,” hurting their chances in what’s expected to be a close race between Biden and Trump. Members of both major parties have also criticized Kennedy for promoting misinformation on issues like COVID-19. In a news release Friday, Iowa GOP Chairman Jeff Kaufmann called the candidate a “distraction” from the race between Biden and Trump.

Supporters of both Trump and Biden have expressed concerns about the potential impact Kennedy could have on the race, potentially drawing away crucial votes in what’s predicted to be a close race. According to reporting by USA Today, the Democratic National Committee has hired attorneys to monitor Kennedy’s endeavors to gain ballot access across the country, concerned about voters who would prefer an alternative to Biden. He said he was disappointed to see Democrats use “underhanded tricks” to try to keep him from being on states’ ballots.

Kennedy criticized both parties as fear-mongering, claiming they are working to dissuade voters from supporting his campaign. The candidate said Biden and Trump have “narrow” differences, largely on culture war issues like abortion, border security and transgender rights. He said that while these issues are important, the two presumptive nominees are ignoring important issues like the federal deficit, corporate influence on politics and declining health of Americans – a phenomenon he linked to “processed foods” and farming practices involving potentially dangerous chemicals.

Posted in News |

1 dead, 3 injured in a SE Iowa UTV crash, Saturday night

News

April 14th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Muscatine, Iowa) – A single-vehicle UTV rollover accident in southeast Iowa, Saturday night, resulted in one fatality and three persons injured. The Iowa State Patrol reports the accident happened at around 8:10-p.m. on Burlington Road, in Muscatine. Authorities say a 2022 Can Am side-by-side UTV was traveling northbound on Burlington Road, when it struck a deer.

The vehicle left the road and rolled multiple times before coming to rest in the east ditch. One of the occupants, 56-year-old, died at the scene. Three other occupants of the UTV, ages 30-, 31, and 33, were injured and transported to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (UIHC). No names had been released as of this report.

The crash remains under investigation. The Patrol was assisted at the scene by the Muscatine County Sheriff’s Office, Muscatine Ambulance, the Fruitland and Letts Fire Departments, Medforce and Aircare.

Posted in News |

Skyscan Forecast for Atlantic & the Nishna Valley: Sunday, April 14, 2024

Weather

April 14th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

Today: Sunny & breezy. High near 83. West southwest winds 5 to 15 mph becoming NE & gusting to near 20 mph.
Tonight: Clear, with a low around 50. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tomorrow: Sunny to partly sunny w/a 20% chance of afternoon/evening showers & thunderstorms. High near 83. SE winds 15-30 mph.
Tom. Night: Showers & possibly a thunderstorm. Low around 59. SE @ 20-30 mph. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Tuesday: Showers & thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall of 1-to 2 inches. High near 73. Windy.
Tue. Night: Showers & thunderstorms. Low around 49. Windy.
Wednesday: Partly sunny & windy, with a high near 65.

Saturday’s High in Atlantic was 84. Our Low this morning, was 44. Last year on this date, the High in Atlantic was 81, and the Low was 44. The All-Time Record High on April 14th in Atlantic, was 89, in 2003. The Record Low was 11, in 1907. Sunrise: 6:42. Sunset: 7:59.

Posted in Weather |

(Update) 4 arrested in the disappearance of two women in Oklahoma

News

April 13th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

[UPDATED 4:12-A.M. 4/14/24]  – The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation has four people in custody in connection to the disappearance last month of 27-year-old Veronica Butler and 39-year-old Jilian Kelley. Kelley is the wife of a former youth minister for the Griswold (IA) Church of Christ.  Reports say pools of blood were found outside the abandoned car the women had occupied.

(Left to right): Veronica Butler; and Jilian Kelley,

As previously reports, on March 30, 2024, the Texas County Sheriff’s Office requested the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation to investigate the suspicious disappearance of the two women, whose vehicle was found abandoned near Highway 95 and Road L, south of Elkhart, Kansas, in rural Texas County. OSBI special agents immediately began investigating the vehicle and determined there was evidence to indicate foul play.
On Saturday, April 13, 43-year-old Tad Bert Cullum, 54-year-old Tifany Machel Adams, 50-year-old Cole Earl Twombly, and 44-year-old Cora Twombly were arrested in Texas and Cimarron Counties. All four individuals were booked into the Texas County Jail on two counts of First-Degree Murder, two counts of Kidnapping, and one count of Conspiracy to Commit Murder in the First Degree.

Suspects arrested in the disappearance of Butler & Kelley. (OSBI photo)

Reports said Adams was the grandmother to Veronica Butler’s children, who Butler and Kelley were enroute to pick up, when they were last heard from two weeks ago. Adams and her boyfriend Tad Cullum were among those arrested and booked into jail.  Adams was said to have had custody of Butler’s kids before she went missing.
The OSBI and local law enforcement are still currently working to locate the two victims. Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact the OSBI at tips@osbi.ok.gov or 1-800-522-8017.

Posted in News |

Hawkeyes Finish Strong at Big Ten/Big 12 Double Dual

Sports

April 13th, 2024 by admin

KANSAS CITY, Kan. – The University of Iowa rowing team finished its weekend competing in the Big Ten/Big 12 Double dual on Saturday at Wyandotte County Lake.

The Hawkeyes competed in the 1V8, 2V8, 3V8, 4V8, 1V4, 2V4 and 3V4 with a field consisting of Kansas, Minnesota and Oklahoma.

Iowa’s top placements of the day came from six of the Hawkeyes’ seven boats all placing first to end the weekend.

The Hawkeyes will return to action April 19 for the Big Ten Invitational in Sarasota, Fla.

 Quoting Head Coach Jeff Garbutt

“Today’s racing capped off a great weekend of progress. Whenever we get to race twice, I look to see how the squad handles the racing and makes corrections between the two days. This weekend was a success in that category. All boats were able to show the needed changes.

“The weather and wind were challenging, but all the boats responded well and handled the wind.

“Winning 12 out of 14 races is a testament to the depth that is developing here in Iowa City. It’s time to enjoy the ride home, the beautiful Sunday that lies ahead and get ready to roll up our sleeves and get ready for the Big Ten Invite next weekend. To say I am proud of this group is an understatement. I am lucky to work with this staff and group of athletes.”

Varsity Eight

1 Iowa (6:59.07)

2 Kansas (7:05.93)

Iowa: Natalie Maher (cox), Orla Cuffe, Emma Dabinett, Karire Evans, Claire Wragge, Molly Shannon, Taryn Lindaman, Abbey Klostermann, Hailey Mercuri

 II Varsity Eight

1 Iowa (7:17.43)

2 Kansas (7:31.43)

Iowa: Cara Burns (cox), Emma Mask, Ella Grove, Elora Fierke, Abby Jaynes, Lily Beardsley, Jaecee Hall, Liz Blewett, Haley Reeves

 III Varsity Eight

1 Oklahoma (7:45.70)

2 Iowa (7:53.44)

3 Kansas (8:01.48)

Iowa: Taylor Arbuckle (cox), Meghan Harris, Avery Schmidt, Lauren Adams, Evan Schwickerath, Emma Tate, Nina Osborne, Elise Gosset, Laura Murphy

IV Varsity Eight

1 Iowa (8:04.42)

2 Kansas (8:29.08)

Iowa: Madeline Reid (cox), Ashley Owen, Soph Pepper, Grace Papson, Eileen Fierke, Imani Hedt, Alyssa Hinderaker, Avery Moore, Katherine Ebeling

 Varsity Four

1 Iowa (8:15.60)

2 Kansas (8:30.70)

Iowa: Kimberly Marquez (cox), Scarlett Maleham, Riley Shultz, Annabel Rayner, Emma Rayner

 II Varsity Four

1 Iowa (7:48.38)

2 Kansas (8:05.83)

Iowa: Carissa Cochico (cox), Mackenzie Steveler, Emmey Sherbon, Olivia Smothers, Olivia Taeger

III Varsity Four

1 Iowa (8:57.40)

2 Minnesota (9:47.38)

Iowa: Taylor Lee (cox), Katie Jorgensen, Abby Thoms, Myah Lugar, Haley Hayes

Posted in Sports |

Fatal single-vehicle accident on I-80 in eastern Iowa, Saturday

News

April 13th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Walcott, Iowa) – A crash Saturday afternoon in eastern Iowa’s Scott County resulted in the deaths of two people. The Iowa State Patrol reports the crash happened at around 12:26-p.m. on Interstate 80 westbound, south of Walcott. Authorities say a 1999 Lexus SUV was traveling westbound, when for reasons unknown, the vehicle went out of control and rolled multiple time into the north ditch at mile marker 281, and came to rest on its roof.

A male front seat passenger was ejected and died at the scene. The driver also died. One of the victims was wearing a seat belt, while the other was not. The Patrol had not released any names as of late this (Saturday) afternoon.

The Scott County Sheriff’s Office, Walcott Fire Department and Ambulance, and Durant Fire Dept. assisted at the scene.

Posted in News |

OWI arrest in Red Oak

News

April 13th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Red Oak, Iowa) – The Red Oak Police Department reports a man was arrested early this (Saturday) afternoon (April 13th) on an OWI charge. 51-year-old Chad Andrew Caskey was arrested at around 12:37-p.m. at the intersection of Broadway and Reed Streets, for OWI/1st offense. Caskey was being held in the Montgomery County Jail on $1,000 bond.

Posted in News |

Hawkeyes Drop Series Opener to Buckeyes

Sports

April 13th, 2024 by admin

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The University of Iowa baseball team dropped its series opener against Ohio State on Friday night, 8-5, at Nick Swisher Field at Bill Davis Park.

The Buckeyes struck first in the second inning scoring two runs and led the remainder of the contest. Ohio State added two in the fourth before the Hawkeyes cut the lead to one in the fifth, but a two-run bottom half extended the Ohio State lead again. Ohio State was able to match Iowa’s two runs in the remainder of the contest to win by three.

Cade Obermueller made his second career Friday night start. He threw four innings and face two batters in the fifth. He allowed six runs on six hits and struck out six while walking three.

Aaron Savary threw two 1/3 innings scattering four hits and allowing one run Jack Young closed out the final 1 2/3 innings of the game allowing one run on two hits.

“The guys played hard and never gave up, said head coach Rick Heller. “We just didn’t play or pitch well enough to win tonight. Ohio State played a good game.”

Andy Nelson and Raider Tello each had two RBIs for the Hawkeyes. Tello had a solo home run in the fourth inning that cleared the right field wall and an RBI groundout in the fifth.

Gable Mitchell added an RBI for the Hawkeyes.

“We cut their lead to one in the fifth,” said Heller. “Then we go out and give them two runs with a ball never leaving the infield. We give up a two-out run in the sixth and another in the eighth. Take those away and it’s a different ball game. Combine all that with the Buckeyes taking advantage of us on the bases all night and it makes it tough to win.”

 

The Buckeyes stole seven bases against the Hawkeyes.

Posted in Sports |