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One dead in accident near Correctionville

News

August 1st, 2018 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) — Highway 20 east of Correctionville was closed for a time Tuesday afternoon following a fatal accident involving two trucks that left spilled debris across the roadway. Major Todd Wieck of the Woodbury County Sheriff’s office says the accident happened around two p-m. “It involved a semi tractor trailer with some sort of a tanker on it because it had possible hazardous chemicals on it. And it was traveling westbound — the pickup truck was traveling eastbound,” Wieck says.

He says the two trucks ran into each other. “They collided in the roadway, how that happened, they are not sure. They are still doing that part of the investigation,” Wieck says.  The driver of the pickup died in the accident, while the semi driver was taken to the hospital in Sioux City. Their names have not yet been released. Traffic was detoured around the area while the debris was cleaned off the roadway.

Atlantic man & Avoca woman arrested on drug charges; Oakland woman arrested on warrant

News

August 1st, 2018 by Ric Hanson

Sheriff’s officials in Pottawattamie County report a deputy conducting a traffic stop on a 2006 Audi at around 2-a.m. today (Wednesday), observed drug paraphernalia in plain view. The vehicle was pulled over for having no registration plates. Two people were taken into custody. 45-year old Michael Dean Stillian, of Atlantic, and 40-year old Paula Jean Burnison, of Avoca, were arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and unlawful possession of a prescription drug. Stillian was also charged with OWI/1st offense. Authorities recovered one glass and two metal smoking pipes (1 meth, 1 marijuana), along with 3.9 grams of a green leafy substance in a bag, and a stamp bag containing various broken medications. Their bonds were set at $1,000.

An Oakland woman, 65-year old Brenda Faye Bornn, was arrested Tuesday afternoon, on a Pott. County warrant for Probation Violation. Bornn was booked into the Pott. County Jail and held on a $2,000 bond. A Council Bluffs man already being held in the Pott. County Jail on Theft and Possession charges, was served with a Douglas County, NE., warrant, Tuesday, for being a Fugitive from Justice. 29-year old Brent Lee William Foote was read the warrant and then returned to his cell.

New viral video craze puts drivers, passengers in extreme danger

News

August 1st, 2018 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) — A viral video craze perhaps even more foolish than the Tide Pod Challenge is emerging which is making traffic safety experts cringe. It’s called the Shiggy Challenge. People tape themselves hopping out of cars — while the vehicles are still moving — to dance beside the rolling car to a song by rapper Drake. Nick Jarmusz, spokesman for Triple-A Iowa, was stunned to see the videos online. “This is one of those things where I can’t believe that we would have to tell people that this is dangerous,” Jarmusz says, “but at the same time, it’s also not completely surprising. We know that people regularly engage in all sorts of dangerous behavior behind the wheel.”

The videos feature both passengers and drivers jumping out the vehicle to dance, sometimes even splaying themselves across the hood, as the car careens down the road. “You’re kind of torn between not wanting to give it more attention and put ideas in people’s heads if they haven’t already heard about this, but I think it is still important to stress just how dangerous this is,” Jarmusz says. “Anytime you’re talking about a moving vehicle, there is the potential for not just serious injury but death.”

One collection of Shiggy Challenge videos is entirely made up of people falling, getting caught on the open door are even slamming themselves into utility poles, as they’re more interested in mugging for the camera than paying attention to their surroundings. “Certainly, if you’re the driver and you’re doing something like this, that’s unquestionably dangerous,” Jarmusz says. “Even if you’re the driver and you’re the one taking the video of your passenger getting out and doing this, that’s a dangerous distraction. You shouldn’t be using your phone for any purpose behind the wheel. You should be focused on the road and focused on the task of driving.”

The craze is clearly leading to people injuring themselves but Jarmusz says it’s likely only a matter of time before someone is killed. “When it comes to the passengers who are jumping out, you’re basically transitioning from being a passenger to a pedestrian and being a pedestrian is inherently dangerous,” Jarmusz says. “You’re putting yourself into a very risky situation by exiting the vehicle while it’s moving, especially right out into an active roadway.”

Police departments in some communities are posting warnings about the challenge, though there are no reports of any serious incidents in Iowa — yet.

Driver whose passenger drowned in icy lake takes plea deal

News

August 1st, 2018 by Ric Hanson

DELHI, Iowa (AP) — A driver whose passenger drowned after the vehicle they were in broke through ice in eastern Iowa has taken a plea deal. Delaware County District Court records say 37-year-old Joshua Juengel, of Manchester, pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide and leaving the crash scene. Prosecutors dropped related charges in exchange for Juengel’s pleas.

A witness spotted Juengel’s vehicle doing doughnuts on the ice before it plunged into the frigid water of Lake Delhi on Jan. 8. The body of 23-year-old Alex Salow was found in the vehicle. The deal includes a recommendation that Juengel be given 10 years in prison and be required to serve at least seven years before becoming eligible for parole. His sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 21.

CAM School Board approves four new hires

News

August 1st, 2018 by Ric Hanson

Members of the CAM School District’s Board of Education met Tuesday morning during a Special Session. CAM Superintendent Dr. Casey Berlau told KJAN News the primary reason for the meeting was to approve contracts for some late new hires. The Board approved contracts for Don Daily, Middle School Special Education Teacher; Rachel Hill, 3rd Grade Teacher at CAM North Elementary. There were also two Cook positions and a Para-Educator positions filled. Sadie Frederickson and Bridget Clayton were hired as Cooks. Amanda Wheatley was hired as Para-Educator.

Berlau said also, he discussed with the Board, but no action was taken, with regard to facility improvements. He said he provided an update to some previously held discussions about the exterior walls at the CAM Middle School, in Massena. Some of the bricks have been detiorating, he said, so they’ve been looking into possible solutions to solve the issue. Berlau provided the Board with information from a company that might be able to help.

(Podcast) KJAN 8-a.m. News, 8/1/18

News, Podcasts

August 1st, 2018 by Ric Hanson

More State and area news from KJAN News Director Ric Hanson.

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IHSBCA All-Star Series set for this weekend

Sports

August 1st, 2018 by admin

The Iowa High School Baseball Coaches Association recently announced the players selected to participate in their All-Star Series August 2-5 at Duane Banks Field in Iowa City along with their Academic All-State selections.

Players from the area that will play on the Small Schools West Squad in the All-Star Series are Pitchers Garret Reisz of St. Albert and Bryce Neal of Clarinda. Catchers Jared Moser of Harlan and Ben Berg of Kuemper Catholic. Infielder Ryan Doran of Harlan. Utility Player Jaden Driskell of Creston. Coaches for the team will include Steve Daeges of Harlan as Head Coach and Steve Birchard of Creston as an Assistant.

Academic All-State selections were nominated by their coaches and demonstrate outstanding academic, moral, and athletic charateristics. Players receiving that honor from the area are: Kaleb Harrison of Tri-Center (First Team), Benjamin Berg of Kuemper Catholic (Second Team), and Jaden Driskell of Creston (Second Team).

First Team Academic All-Staters will be honored at the All-Star Banquet on Saturday, August 4th at 10:00am at the Mariott Hotel Banquet Center in Iowa City.

2018 All star teams Press Release

2018 IHSBCA Academic All-State Teams Press Release

Heartbeat Today 8-1-2018

Heartbeat Today, Podcasts

August 1st, 2018 by Jim Field

Jim Field visits with Tina Bakehouse of Golden Hills RC&D about an event on August 25 that includes local food, art and storytelling.

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(Podcast) KJAN Morning Sports report, 8/1/18

Podcasts, Sports

August 1st, 2018 by Ric Hanson

The 7:20-a.m. Sportscast with Jim Field.

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Trial set for 2nd defendant in Fort Dodge woman’s slaying

News

August 1st, 2018 by Ric Hanson

CLARE, Iowa (AP) — A trial has been scheduled for the second defendant in the slaying of a Fort Dodge woman. The Messenger reports that Phillip Williams, of Lafayette, Indiana, on Monday pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder. He and Mackenzie Knigge are accused of killing 26-year-old Jessica Gomez, on or about Aug. 5 last year in Knigge’s apartment in Clare. Williams’ trial is set to begin Sept. 11.

Knigge and Gomez, who were once described as friends, were publicly reported missing on Aug. 9, 2017. Knigge was arrested with Williams on Aug. 10 in Lafayette, Indiana. Gomez’s burned body was found in a ditch near Clare on Aug. 12.

Knigge also has pleaded not guilty to a murder charge. Her trial is scheduled to start Nov. 26.