712 Digital Group - top

Brief City Council meeting expected in Atlantic, Dec. 20th

News

December 18th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic City Council is expected to hold a brief session 5:30-p.m. Wednesday, in their Chambers at City Hall. Their agenda includes:

  • Recognition of departing Second Ward Councilman Lee Sisco and Third Ward Councilman Pat McCurdy, as well as Fourth Ward Councilwoman Linda Hartkopf. The Mayor wishes to honor them for their years of faithful service to the City of Atlantic.
  • The session will also include the Swearing-In of re-elected Councilman Jim Behrens, who, due to redistricting will represent the 2nd Ward, and newly elected Councilpersons Emily Kennedy – 1st Ward; Mike McDermott – 3rd Ward, and Shawn Sarsfield – 4th Ward.
  • The Mayor will also issue the Oath of Office to re-elected Councilwoman Elaine Otte.

USDA announces 2022 Census of Agriculture data release details, preliminary return rate, and upcoming special studies

Ag/Outdoor

December 18th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Des Moines, Iowa) – The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) reports NASS will release the 2022 Census of Agriculture data on February 13, 2024. NASS concluded the data collection this summer with a preliminary national return rate of 61%. The ag census, conducted once every five years, was mailed to over 116,000 producers across Iowa late last year with a preliminary return rate of just over 71%, the highest of any state.

NASS Upper Midwest Regional Director, Greg Thessen says “I want to thank all the Iowa producers for the time and effort they invested in completing their Census form and helping achieve the highest return rate of any state. The aggregate information from individual farmer responses provides a powerful tool to help show the importance of agriculture in Iowa, promote the industry, and track trends. The Census of Agriculture provides the only source of comprehensive agricultural data for every State and county in the nation. Farm and commodity organizations, extension educators, agribusinesses, legislators at all levels of government, news media, and many others will use this data for a wide variety of purposes.”

The ag census data will be available at nass.usda.gov/AgCensus and in NASS’s searchable database, Quick Stats. Publication dates for the various ag census data products can be found on NASS’s online 2024 Agricultural Statistics Board Calendar. Like all NASS data, ag census data will be available in aggregate form only, ensuring that no individual operation or producer can be identified, as required by federal law. Watch for additional news about the ag census at @usda_nass on X (formerly known as Twitter). In addition, two ag census special studies that will provide more in-depth information on certain industries will be conducted this winter: the 2023 Census of Aquaculture and the 2023 Irrigation and Water Management Survey. These questionnaires will be mailed to the producers who reported these activities in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. For more information about these upcoming special studies, visit nass.usda.gov/AgCensus.

State Treasurer Roby Smith Announces New College Savings Iowa Website

News

December 18th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Des Moines, Iowa) – State Treasurer Roby Smith is excited to launch the newly re-designed  CollegeSavingsIowa.com. “We gave it a fresh look that focuses on learning, investing and saving with the College Savings Iowa 529 plan,” said Smith. “We want future savers to have the tools they need to get started and give resources to help current savers navigate their path. Check it out on all devices, including mobile, to see what we’ve been doing to provide an enhanced experience for everyone.”

Visitors are encouraged to explore the website to discover information about College Savings Iowa, including investment options, tax benefits, qualified withdrawals and the benefits of saving for education. “This easy-to-navigate design of College Savings Iowa’s website matches how easy it is for families to save for education,” Smith said. “And what better timing than during the holiday season! Make sure to check out our Make a Gift page to discover why a College Savings Iowa account could be the perfect last-minute gift you’ve been looking for.”

Visit CollegeSavingsIowa.com to see the new website and to learn more about the Plan. Connect with College Savings Iowa on Facebook, Instagram and X, formerly Twitter, to stay up to date on all current events and updates.

Emily Ryan returns as Iowa State women beat Troy

Sports

December 18th, 2023 by Asa Lucas

Iowa State guard Emily Ryan saw her first action of the season in the Cyclones’ 105-68 win over Troy. The All-Big 12 standout had missed the first nine games due to what was called a medical issue. She finished with five points in nine minutes of action.

That’s ISU coach Bill Fennelly who says the decision to play Ryan was made a few days ago.

Northern Iowa men beat Alcorn State 100-82

Sports

December 18th, 2023 by Asa Lucas

Northern Iowa scored 62 points in the opening half and beat Alcorn State 100-82 in Cedar Fals as the Panthers improve to 5-7.

That is Panther coach Ben Jacobson who was not surprised Alcorn State made it a game in the second half.

Jacobson says the Panthers still have a long way to go on defense.

Northwestern plays Keiser of Florida in NAIA championship Monday

Sports

December 18th, 2023 by Asa Lucas

It is an NAIA championship game rematch in Durham, North Carolina Monday when top ranked and defending champion Northwestern plays third ranked Keiser of Florida. The Red Raiders edged Keiser 35-25 in last year’s title game.

That’s Northwester coach Matt McCarty who says the key for the Northwestern offense is getting quarterback Jalyn Gramstad, running back Konnor McQuillen and receiver Michael Storey going.

Keiser coach Doug Socha says his team is looking forward to the rematch.

Socha calls Northwestern a rugged football team.

Heartbeat Today 12-18-2023

Heartbeat Today, Podcasts

December 18th, 2023 by Jim Field

Jim Field visits with Lauren Livingston of the Alzheimer’s Association Iowa Chapter about reducing the holiday stress for those with dementia and those who care for them.

Play

Guthrie County Supervisor meeting set for Tue. morning

News

December 18th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Guthrie Center, Iowa) – The Board of Supervisors in Guthrie County will hold their regular weekly meeting beginning at 9-a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 19th. Their agenda is as follows:

  • Call Meeting to Order, Pledge of Allegiance
  • Approve Consent Agenda
    • Minutes from December 12, 2023
    • Payroll Change Notice – Carly Heckman (Recorder New Hire)
    • Payroll Change Notice – Kelli Smith (Auditor)
  • Public Comments: Board Chair will ask audience for comments, limited as described below.
  • Department Head Updates; Discuss/Action
    • a.Conservation – Brad Halterman
      • i.   Budget regarding Truck Purchase
  • Elderbridge Agency on Aging – Sandra Jackson
    • a. Annual Report and County Report
  • Cancel December 26, 2023 Board Meeting and Reschedule for December 27, 2023 at 9:00 am; Discuss/Approve
  • Review January 1, 2023 Valuations for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Budgeting
  • Other Business
  • Supervisors Updates
  • Annual Employee Evaluations; Discuss/Action
    • IT – Brian Hoffman
      • i. Possible Closed Session to Evaluate the Professional Competency of an Individual Whose Appointment, Hiring, Performance, or Discharge is being considered when necessary to Prevent Needless and Irreparable Injury to That Individual’s Reputation and That Individual Requests a Closed Session per Iowa Code Section 21.5(1)(i)
  • Adjournment

Cass County Supervisors to meet Tuesday morning

News

December 18th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Board of Supervisors in Cass County will meet in a regular weekly session in-person and electronically, on Tuesday, beginning at 9-a.m. The Board expects to hear a presentation/request from Massena Mayor Phil Przychodzin, with regard to Clarke Street and Rockport Road.  The Board will discuss and possibly act on approving a Cott Systems quote for Resolution 3 software, increasing from $510/month to $630/month, and an OIB software increase from $150 to $225/month.

Other discussion and possible action will be held with regard to continuing the County Employee’s Accident Insurance Policy, and a business property lease between the County and the Cambridge Law Firm.

The Board also expects to receive a monthly report from Cass/Guthrie County Environmental Health Executive Director Jotham Arber, and a weekly report from Cass County Engineer Trent Wolken.

Join Electronically via  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2899195216?pwd=R0hSa2FOOTh0NUdra1ZSdVhVWHpMUT09
Meeting ID: 289 919 5216
Passcode: 012064

Call In: 312-626-6799, press *9 to indicate you wish to speak.

Union County man arrested Monday morning on drug & Child Endangerment charges, in Red Oak

News

December 18th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Red Oak, Iowa) – Police in Red Oak report a man from Union County was arrested today (Monday) at around 2:18-a.m., following a traffic stop near Highway 34 and 8th Street, in Red Oak. Authorities say 38-year-old Steven Marion Bochniak, of Creston, was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance/Marijuana- 3rd or subsequent offense, and Child Endangerment.  Bochniak was being held in the Montgomery County Jail on a $2,000 bond.