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DAVID ALAN ANDERSEN, 62, of Audubon (Svcs. 9/7/24)

Obituaries

August 2nd, 2024 by Ric Hanson

DAVID ALAN ANDERSEN, 62, of Audubon, died Thursday, August 1, 2024 at his home in Audubon. Funeral services for DAVID ANDERSEN will be held at 10:30-a.m. on Sept. 7, 2024, at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Audubon. Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home has the arrangements.

Visitation will be held from 5 – 7 P.M. on Friday, September 6, 2024 at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Audubon. Visitation will resume Saturday morning at the church from 9:30 A.M. until the time of the service.

Burial will be in the Maple Grove Cemetery in Audubon.

DAVID ANDERSEN is survived by:

His daughters –  Stacy (Matt) Schmitz, of Panama, IA; Samantha Andersen (and fiancée Blake Johannes), of Kimballton, and Kyli (Matthew) Ware, of Glidden.

His step-daughter: Candise (Josh) Schmitz, of Avoca.

His parents – Donald (Janice) Andersen, of Audubon.

His brothers – Bruce (Tina) Andersen, Tim (Jan) Andersen, Brian Andersen (Greg), Steve (Tonia) Andersen, all of Audubon.

5 granddaughters, other relatives and friends.

 

 

Posted in Obituaries |

Atlantic Splash Pad project opening likely delayed until next Spring

News

August 1st, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Atlantic, Iowa) – Atlantic Splash Pad Fundraising Committee Chairman Jeremy Butler, Thursday, said it’s likely the project will not be completed by Labor Day, as hoped. Butler said a combination of factors, including heavy rain this past Spring, supply chain issues and other delays – both expected and unexpected – means the project won’t be finished before cooler weather sets-in. The completion date is now expected to take place next spring.

Grading for the splash pad is done, Butler said, and the rock base for the concrete and plumbing is installed. It’s expected the pad concrete will be poured the week of August 12th, weather permitting.

Conceptual Splash Pad image

The actual Splash Pad components are not expected to arrive until sometime in September.

Posted in News |

Man from Treynor & a woman from Jamaica to be honored as Iowans of the Day during the 2024 Iowa State Fair

Ag/Outdoor, News

August 1st, 2024 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa [KCCI/Iowa State Fair]— The Iowa State Fair’s list of Iowans of the Day was released, today (Thursday). The Iowan of the Day program was created by the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation in 1997 to honor outstanding Iowans who have made a difference all across the state, according to a news release from the foundation.

Winners, selected by a committee after a nomination process, are awarded a day of recognition at the Iowa State Fair. Each day at noon on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage they will be recognized and presented as an Iowan of the Day. They also receive four State Fair admission tickets, four Grandstand concert tickets, use of a golf cart, VIP parking, accommodations at the Des Moines Marriott Downtown and $200 cash.

Two western Iowa residents are among those who will be recognized:

Saturday, Aug. 10: Roxanne Cogil of Jamaica

Roxanne’s volunteer work spans far and wide, positively impacting those around her. She is an active member of several community organizations, including the Yale Community Club, where she participates in organizing meals, fundraisers, the 4th of July Celebration, and the Steak Supper. Roxanne also contributes to the Jamaica Lions Club, where she has been fundraising for a bike repair station on the Raccoon River Valley Trail. Roxanne also serves on the County Council, supports Habitat for Humanity, and serves as a National Weather Service Weather Spotter for Guthrie County.

Additionally, Roxanne is a large supporter of community youth and youth in agriculture, volunteering with the Guthrie County Fair, serving as the Vice President of the Panorama FFA Alumni Chapter, leading local 4-H groups, and assisting her local Boy Scouts troop. At Calvary Chapel, she is a youth group leader and participates in various service projects, mission trips, and the Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes initiative. She also volunteers at Panorama High School events, including prom and the concessions stand.

Furthermore, Roxanne is an advocate for those with disabilities as she serves as the Executive Director of Regional Teams for the Epilepsy Foundation and is a member of the Executive Committee of the Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council, the Brain Injury Alliance of Iowa, and the Department of Human Services Case Management Advisory Board. Previously, Roxanne served as the President of the Autism Society of Iowa Board of Directors and organized an Autism Awareness team for RAGBRAI.

Monday, Aug. 12: John Klein of Treynor

John sees a need in his community, develops a solution, and makes it a reality. His dedication is particularly evident in his efforts with the youth through the Treynor Optimist Club and other community organizations.

He has written grants for numerous community projects, including a new playground for East City Park. John also organized swim lesson sign-ups and provided round-trip bus transportation from Treynor to Council Bluffs, making this essential skill more accessible to local families. He supports the Treynor Community Can Kennel, which benefits various youth groups and has raised over $246,000 to date. John also created the Mulch Madness event on Arbor Day, where 5th graders and volunteers plant new trees and mulch existing ones on the school campus and in city parks. Furthermore, he contributes to the Watch DOGS mentoring program and volunteers for the Cardinal Combine youth football activities.

Beyond his work with the youth, John is active in various community initiatives. He has helped organize City Block Parties, a thank-you banquet for Treynor Fire and Rescue Volunteers, and the Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Department. He also established a community volunteer organization called Cardinal Core.

Other honorees include:

Thursday, Aug. 8: Marilyn Sokol, of Belle Plaine

Friday, Aug. 9: Pat Burch, of Norwalk

Sunday, Aug. 11: Nelson Klavitter, of Dubuque

Tuesday, Aug. 13: Crystal James, of Ottumwa

Wednesday, Aug. 14: Tate Giesemann, of Bellevue

Thursday, Aug. 15: Rodd Holtkamp, of Primghar

Friday, Aug. 16: Elaine Graham Estes, of Des Moines

Saturday, Aug. 17: Kendall Pals, of Algona.

Posted in Ag/Outdoor, News |

“Beyond the Call of Duty – End of Watch Ride to Remember” coming to Fremont County this weekend

News

August 1st, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Sidney, Iowa) – Beyond the Call of Duty End of Watch Ride to Remember will be riding into the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office (2814 200th St., Sidney, IA) this Sunday, August 4th, from 2:45-to 4-p.m.  The End of Watch Ride to Remember is a dedicated group of motorcycle riders from the state of Washington escorting a 40′ trailer across the country to honor fallen officers from the prior year.

  • In 2024 – EOW will be honoring 259 fallen officers killed in the line of duty in 2022 and 2023 at 234 different
    departments, beginning June 1st, 2024 – 22,500 miles and 73 days.
  • In 2022 EOW honored an unprecedented 611 fallen officers killed in the line of duty in 2021 ~21,000 miles and
    79 days.
  • In 2021 – 84 days, 22,300+ in honor of 339 officers killed in the line of duty in 2020 (the longest continuous ride
    in the United States, and the longest memorial ride)
  • In 2020 – 18,000 miles in honor of 146 officers killed in the line of duty in 2019

Founder, Jagrut Shah, a former deputy sheriff, says they want to show departments and their families who have lost partners and friends they are not alone. “I wanted to bridge this gap that we have and give back to the departments and let the surviving officers and their families know that their loss has not been forgotten.”

The organization’s event name is based on an officer’s “End of Watch”. An End of Watch Call or Last Radio Call is a ceremony in which a police dispatcher issues a final call to a fallen officer over the radio, followed by silence. All officers in that department hear the call, and observe the silence, remembering their fallen brother or sister.

https://endofwatchride.com/

Beyond the Call of Duty is an organization that, through its “End of Watch Ride to Remember” event, recognizes police officers – throughout the nation – who died while in the line of duty. In 2022, the End of Watch Ride honored 611 fallen officers across the country. This year, they are honoring the 259 officers who lost their lives while serving their community. End of Watch Ride to Remember is on a mission to pay their respects to each of them and assist the families of the fallen however they can.

“A peaceful community is a prosperous community and we owe a debt of gratitude to those officers who make it possible for us to live in a peaceful and free society”, said Jagrut Shah. To find out more and see all of the cities the End of Watch Ride will be visiting this year, please visit www.endofwatchride.com.

*********

ABOUT BEYOND THE CALL OF DUTY

“Beyond the Call of Duty is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to recognizing and honoring first responders who have died or been gravely injured in the line of duty. We are committed to supporting their survivors by providing emotional support as well as financial resources, and partnering with departments to reduce death and injury by increasing safety awareness and providing financial resources.

Over the past four years, through generous donations from people all across the country, the organization has been able to assist several departments with memorials to honor their fallen, purchased a K9 for a department, and donated two Harley Davidson motorcycles to two worthy departments. In addition, Beyond the Call of Duty has donated funds to families so that they could have a Christmas, sponsored families to attend events honoring their fallen officer, and is in the process of creating a safe network for survivors to connect with and support one another.

The organization’s support of each family is based on their specific situation and need. Our desire is to take the worry and stress off them so they can focus on healing and putting their lives back together.”

Posted in News |

Gov. Reynolds Issues Disaster Proclamation for Cass & 6 other Counties in Response to Severe Storms

News

August 1st, 2024 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES – Gov. Kim Reynolds has issued a disaster proclamation for Cass, Mills, Plymouth, Pottawattamie, Wapello, Webster, and Woodbury Counties in response to severe storms that occurred on July 29 and continuing. The governor’s proclamation allows state resources to be utilized to respond to and recover from the effects of this severe weather and activates the Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program and Disaster Case Advocacy Program.
The Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program provides grants up to $7,000 for households with incomes up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level. Grants are available for home or car repairs, replacement of clothing or food, and temporary housing expenses. Original receipts are required for those seeking reimbursement for actual expenses related to storm recovery. The grant application and instructions are available on the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management website https://homelandsecurity.iowa.gov/assistance. Potential applicants have 45 days from the date of the proclamation to submit a claim.
The Disaster Case Advocacy Program addresses serious needs related to disaster-related hardship, injury, or adverse conditions. Disaster case advocates work with clients to create a disaster recovery plan and provide guidance, advice, and referrals to obtain a service or resource. There are no income eligibility requirements for this program; it closes 180 days from the date of the governor’s proclamation. For information on the Disaster Case Advocacy Program, contact your local community action agency or visit iowacommunityaction.org.
You can find a copy of the proclamation here.

Posted in News |

FEMA offering assistance to the self employed

News

August 1st, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – The Federal Emergency Management Agency continues to provide help to Iowans affected by floods and tornadoes this summer. The agency says self-employed Iowans are now eligible for FEMA assistance and their programs can help replace items like a computer, tools for manual labor or musical instruments. FEMA’s Tiana Suber says it’s one more way they are providing help.

“Our job is to make sure that you understand the application process, and that we are walking you through each process so that you understand what it is that you are eligible for, what monies you’re eligible for, how you can get help, and what other resources can be available to you to help you in that recovery process,” she says. Suber says FEMA is also offering guidance on salvaging family heirlooms that were damaged.

“How to recover photos, how to recover books, and if it’s really, really delicate, they will give you information on what conservators they can find for you or you can contact to get help with more sensitive things that you might not be able to do on your own or you’re too afraid to mess up those,” Suber says. Suber says those needing help have a variety of ways to reach a FEMA representative:

“You can go to disasterassistance.gov , you can call the hotline at 1-800-621-3362. Or, if you’re really fancy you can go on the FEMA mobile app as well it is not required for you to apply online first before visiting the Disaster Recovery Center,” she says. The family heirloom recovery specialists will be in Rock Valley Friday from 9 a-m until 1 p-m at the city park shelter house.

Iowans under disaster declarations in Adair, Adams, Buena Vista, Cedar, Cherokee, Clarke, Clay, Dickinson, Emmet, Harrison, Humboldt, Jasper, Lyon, Mills, Montgomery, O’Brien, Osceola, Palo Alto, Plymouth, Polk, Pottawattamie, Ringgold, Shelby, Sioux, Story, Union, and Woodbury counties are eligible for assistance.

Posted in News |

Former Perry High School Principal Dan Marburger Named Iowa Hero

Sports

August 1st, 2024 by Asa Lucas

JOHNSTON, Iowa, August 1, 2024 — Pioneer has been helping heroes in the field for generations but usually it is in corn and soybean fields across the Midwest.

Pioneer continues that commitment to support everyday heroes as the title sponsor of the “Heroes Game” between the Iowa Hawkeyes and Nebraska Cornhuskers this fall. The 14th annual matchup between the Big Ten Conference rivals will kick off at 6:30 p.m. (CT) on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.

In a change of tradition, instead of asking fans to nominate their local hero over the next few months, Pioneer and the University of Iowa have already selected Dan Marburger, the former Principal of Perry High School, as this year’s Iowa Hero.

“We had an outpouring of individuals reach out to the University of Iowa after that tragic moment suggesting Principal Marburger be our next Hero” said Beth Goetz, UI Henry B. and Patricia B. Tippie Director of Athletics Chair. “We felt strongly that this would be a positive way to honor him, and the Perry community.”

“Dan absolutely loved this part of Hawkeye Football” said Elizabeth Marburger, Dan’s wife. “I am not sure we could find too many things he didn’t love about Iowa Football. He was an avid fan his whole life. We would love to represent him on November 29.”

“We are honored to recognize local heroes through the Pioneer Heroes Game,” said Todd Frazier, VP, U.S. Marketing, Corteva Agriscience. “It is one small way we can express our sincere gratitude for local heroes and the impact they have in our communities.”

Posted in Sports |

Crawford, Taylor Named Assistant Coaches

Sports

August 1st, 2024 by Asa Lucas

AMES, Iowa – Iowa State men’s basketball head coach T.J. Otzelberger has named Erik Crawford and Stevie Taylor as assistant coaches. Crawford has spent the past two seasons as the Director of Player Development, while Taylor was the Assistant Director of Player Development last season.

The 2023-24 Cyclones won the Big 12 Championship and advanced to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. The Cyclones finished with a 29-8 overall record and 13-5 league record, the second-most wins in school history. The 37 games played are tied for the most in program history. The Cyclones went a perfect 18-0 at Hilton Coliseum, the fifth undefeated year in the building’s history. Iowa State had seven Top 25 victories on the year, including two wins over Houston when they were ranked No. 1 and No. 2 and a victory over No. 7 Kansas.

During Crawford’s two seasons in Ames, the Cyclones have advanced to back-to-back NCAA Tournaments.

“Erik has been an unbelievable resource for the young men in our program,” Otzelberger said. “He has created tremendous value in improving our guy’s perimeter shooting and designing a plan of attack to be successful offensively. He has been a terrific asset to our coaching staff and program. We’re very happy for Erik.”

Crawford played a pivotal role in Tamin Lipsey’s increased production during his sophomore season in 2023-24. Lipsey was just 5-of-25 from 3-point range as a freshman, but went 45-of-115 (39.1%) in his sophomore year. He also increased his rebound average from 4.0 to 4.6, while turning the ball over fewer times and increasing his assist total by 30. He averaged 7.3 points as a freshman and moved that number to 12.4 as a sophomore.

Taylor joined the Cyclones prior to the 2023-24 season.

“Stevie has worked countless hours with our guys in the player development department and their skill development putting time into their game,” Otzelberger said. “We’re excited for him and this step forward for him and his career.”

The Cyclones open the 2024-25 season Nov. 4 against Mississippi Valley State at Hilton Coliseum.

Posted in Sports |

Noel Named to Paul Hornung Award Watch List

Sports

August 1st, 2024 by Asa Lucas

AMES, Iowa – For the second-straight season, Iowa State wide receiver Jaylin Noel has been named to the Paul Hornung Award Watch List presented by Texas Roadhouse. The award is given annually to the most versatile player in major college football.

A Second Team All-Big 12 selection a season ago, Noel finished with 66 receptions for 820 yards and seven touchdowns. His 66 catches were the seventh-most in a single season in ISU history and the fourth-most among Big 12 players last season.

The Kansas City, Mo. native has a reception in 32 consecutive games, tied for the fourth-longest active streak nationally and the fourth-longest streak in school history, and multiple receptions in 15-straight games.

Noel also handled kick and punt return duties for the Cyclones in 2023 and averaged 8.5 yards per punt return and 27.2 yards per kick return. He is the first FBS player since 2014 to have four 50-plus yard receptions, two 50-yard kick returns and two 30-yard punt returns in a season.

Tickets for the 2024 football season are on sale now with a slate that features Kansas State and a Homecoming showdown with Texas Tech as well as others. Fans can purchase season tickets for as low as $299, while mini-packs, single-game tickets and parking are also on sale.

The Cyclones open the season August 31 against 2023 FCS Playoff qualifier North Dakota.

Posted in Sports |

Higgins Named to Wuerffel Trophy Watch List

Sports

August 1st, 2024 by Asa Lucas

IOWA CITY, Iowa — University of Iowa senior linebacker Jay Higgins has been named to the 2024 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Watch List, the Wuerffel Foundation announced Thursday.

Higgins (6-foot-2, 232-pounds) recorded 171 tackles (79 solo, 92 assists) during the 2023 season, which led the Big Ten and ranked third nationally. The total tied the program record for tackles in a single season.

The Indianapolis native is a preseason All-American and Phil Steele Preseason National Defensive Player of the Year. He was also named to the Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List earlier this week.

Now in its 20th season, the Allstate Wuerfel Trophy is college football’s premier award for community service. The trophy is named after Danny Wuerffel, the 1996 Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback from the University of Florida who parlayed his success on the football field into a lifetime of service and humanitarianism.

Higgins volunteered more than 50 combined hours last year with groups such as Safe Haven Animal Shelter in South Amana, Iowa, the Community Crisis Services and Food Bank, Special Olympics, Dream City and University of Iowa Student-Athlete Academic Services.

The 2024 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy finalists and recipient will be selected by a national voting committee along with a fan vote component. The winner will be announced on ESPN’s Home Depot College Football Awards Show on December 12th. The Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Presentation Gala will take place February 1, 2025, at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta.

The award recipient will be invited to join Danny Wuerffel in New York City to attend the Heisman Trophy ceremonies, including the press conference, televised announcement show and gala.

The Hawkeyes open the season Aug. 31, hosting Illinois State inside Kinnick Stadium beginning at 11 a.m. (CT).

Posted in Sports |