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Central Iowa woman getting fake tans faces child endangerment charges

News

December 14th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Ankeny, Iowa/WHO-TV)— An Ankeny mom is facing child endangerment charges after she allegedly left her infant child in her car, unsupervised, while she got a fake tan on two separate occasions. WHO-TV says according to court documents, on Dec. 4th (2023), 28-year-old Shelby Butterbaugh visited a tanning salon in Ankeny with her infant son. The staff at the salon refused to allow Butterbaugh near the tanning beds with her son because he couldn’t wear proper eyewear. Butterbaugh then left the salon and told staff she was going to leave her son in the car, a criminal complaint states. Staff observed her park her car closer to the salon, and then re-enter the building without her son. Staff told police Butterbaugh was inside for about 25 minutes and during that time a witness informed them that a baby was alone in a car in the parking lot, the complaint states.

On Dec. 12 another witness was walking through the parking lot of the tanning salon when they saw “a small child flailing, sitting in a rear-facing car seat in a vehicle,” and noticed the baby was alone, court documents state. The vehicle was later determined to be Butterbaugh’s. Staff told police that Butterbaugh had been inside the salon on the 12th getting a spray tan for about ten minutes while the infant was in the car unsupervised, a complaint states. When speaking with officers, Butterbaugh said she couldn’t remember going to the tanning salon on Dec. 4 because of a traumatic brain injury, an affidavit states. She also confessed to officers that she had left her child in the car while getting a spray tan on Dec. 12, but her child was left alone for only about three minutes, the affidavit states.

Butterbaugh has been charged with two counts of child endangerment. She was booked into Polk County Jail on Tuesday, but has since been released on pre-trial release. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for Jan. 3.

DANIEL BEATTIE, 56, of Audubon (Memorial Svc. 12/17/23; Funeral Svc. 12/18/23)

Obituaries

December 14th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

DANIEL BEATTIE, 56, of Audubon, died Friday, December 8, 2023 as a result of a motorcycle accident. A Memorial service for DANIEL BEATTIE will be held 2-pm, Sunday, December 17th, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Audubon. Funeral services will be held 10:30-a.m. Monday, Dec. 18th, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ellsworth (IA). Boeke Funeral Home in Radcliffe is handling the arrangements.

Visitation will be held from 9-until 10-a.m. Monday, December 18th, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ellsworth. (1629 Dewitt St.).

Burial will take place in the Homewood Cemetery (County Highway R6) in rural Ellsworth.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Audubon Fire Department (113 Market St, Audubon, IA 50025).

For more information and online condolences, go to: www.boekefuneralhomes.com

AG Department holds session on dog breeding regulations

News

December 14th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – Inspectors from the Iowa Department of Agriculture partnered with a local shelter to hold an informational session on state standards for pet breeders in rural southeastern Iowa Wednesday. An analysis of U-S-D-A puppy mill citations showed Iowa led the nation in 2022 for the number of violations. One violation from this year that came up at the seminars was a Riverside breeder who had 131 dogs seized. State Representative Dave Jacoby of Coralville says he was surprised by the citations that breeder already had. “What shocked me even more was this puppy mill has gotten three other citations,” Jacoby says.

Jacoby is hoping to strengthen regulations governing commercial breeders during the new legislative session in January. Darlene Olshansky was on her couch when she first heard about a puppy mill bust and Iowa City Shelter needed help. She says the people who went to get them were bringing out crates full of dogs. Olshansky says dogs are still dealing with the impact of inhumane treatment. “It took a lot of work and is still taking a lot of work to get these dogs to trust,” she says.

Iowa accounted for 36 percent puppy mill violations in 2022.

Skyscan Forecast for Atlantic & the Nishna Valley: Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023

Weather

December 14th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

Today: [UPDATED] Mostly sunny, with a high near 51. Light south wind increasing to 6 to 11 mph in the morning.

Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 31. South wind around 7 mph.

Friday: A 20 percent chance of rain after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 49. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of rain. Cloudy, with a low around 30. South southwest wind around 6 mph. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Saturday: A 20 percent chance of rain before noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 45.

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 47.

Monday: Sunny, with a high near 41.

Wednesday’s High in Atlantic was 49. The Low was 17. Last year on this date, the High in Atlantic was 34 and the Low was 26. The Record High on December 14th in Atlantic, was 59 in 1975. The Record Low was -19 in 1901 & 1972. Sunrise is at 7:38. Sunset at 4:50.

Start the new year off with a First Day Hike in an Iowa state park

Ag/Outdoor, News

December 14th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – Iowans are being encouraged to make plans to spend some time on New Year’s Day in the state’s great outdoors by taking part in any of two dozen First Day Hikes, hosted by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Sherry Arntzen, chief of the D-N-R’s State Parks, Forests, and Preserves Bureau, says this is the 13th year the state’s offered these free, brisk treks on trails through state parks and forests on January 1st.

“We have nearly 20 state parks that are participating in staff-led or friends group-led hikes,” Arntzen says. “We do have some other parks that have self-guided hike opportunities that you can do at any time on January 1st, so we’re really excited to be able to offer this again.” The rationale is, if folks start off their new year getting out and into nature, being physical, soaking in some sunshine and fresh air, maybe it’ll be the beginning of a healthy habit.

“First Day Hikes are a great way for everybody to get outside, get some exercise, enjoy our wonderful natural resources that we have,” Arntzen says, “and it’s a great way to welcome in the new year with family and maybe even meet a new friend or two.” Some of the hikes will include wildlife viewing opportunities and hot beverages and snacks afterwards. The hikes will average one to two miles, or longer, depending on the location.

“We do have a number of wonderful vistas or scenic views on our trail system,” Arntzen says, “so if we have guided hikes there, they’ll talk a little bit about it. They’ll talk about the resource and of course, it’s always a treat to see the different kinds of wildlife: birds, deer, turkey, that you’ll see when you go on the hikes.”

The hikes on January 1st of 2024 will also mark the start of the 100th anniversary years for two Iowa state parks: Ledges and Pilot Knob. Find details about each hike at the website: www.iowadnr.gov/firstdayhikes

Here’s the list of parks with events:

• Backbone State Park
• Bellevue State Park
• Cedar Rock State Park
• Dolliver Memorial State Park
• Elk Rock State Park
• Gull Point State Park
• Honey Creek State Park
• Lacey-Keosauqua State Park
• Lake Anita State Park
• Lake Darling State Park
• Lake Wapello State Park
• Ledges State Park
• Maquoketa Caves State Park
• Mines of Spain State Recreation Area
• Palisades-Kepler State Park
• Pikes Peak State Park
• Pilot Knob State Park
• Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area
• Prairie Rose State Park
• Shimek State Forest
• Springbrook State Park
• Waubonsie State Park
• Wildcat Den State Park
• Yellow River State Forest

Trump urges supporters not to get complacent

News

December 14th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – Former President Donald Trump is urging his supporters to guard against complacency after a recent poll found his lead in Iowa is growing.  “Sometimes, you know, you’re leading by so much, they say: ‘Oh, I think let’s sit home and watch a movie or we’ll watch the results afterwards,'” Trump said. “You don’t want to do that. You’ve got to get out and vote.”

During an event in Coralville last (Wednesday) night, Trump cited the Des Moines Register/N-B-C News/Mediacom “Iowa Poll” which found him leading his closest rival by 32 points. “The more we win by, the more we have a voice. Think of it that way. You’ve got to get out and vote, even if you think we’re going to win. Who knows? You know, sometimes polls are wrong, but that would be record setting, quite frankly,” Trump said, with a laugh, “but you’ve got to get out and vote, vote and then we worry about November. You know, do one thing first.”

Trump calls his 2024 campaign a righteous crusade that will be advanced by a powerful margin of victory in the January 15th Iowa Caucuses. Trump’s speech lasted for nearly an hour and 15 minutes. He reviewed his record and campaign promises and repeated his criticism of Republicans who are backing his G-O-P rivals. “What’s with these politicians, right? What’s with these politicians?” Trump asked.

And Trump singled out New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu who endorsed Nikki Haley Tuesday. “It’s meant nothing,” Trump said. “People are wise to this stuff, you know?

Before the speech, Trump met with some of the Iowans who’ve volunteered to be Caucus captains in their precincts. Trump will return next week for a similar “commit to caucus” event in Waterloo, a signal his current Iowa Caucus campaign is dedicating more resources to identifying Iowa Caucus goers and ensuring they participate on January 15th.

RONALD A. SANDVIG, 69, of Atlantic [& formerly of Rolfe, IA] (Viewing & visitation 12/16/23)

Obituaries

December 14th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

RONALD A. SANDVIG, 69, of Atlantic (& formerly of Rolfe, IA), died Wednesday, December 13, 2023, at Cass Health, in Atlantic. A public viewing visitation for RONALD SANDVIG, with the family present, will be held Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, from 10-a.m. until 1-p.m., at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Atlantic.

A luncheon will be held in conjunction with the visitation as well in the reception room of the Schmidt Family Funeral Home.

A celebration of life service will be held at a later date in Rolfe.

The interment will take place at Clinton-Garfield Cemetery in Rolfe.

Memorials may be directed to the Ronald Sandvig Family and will be designated at a later date in memory of him, and may be mailed to the Schmidt Family Funeral Home P.O. Box 523, Atlantic, IA 50022.

RON SANDVIG is survived by:

His wife – Kay Sandvig, of Atlantic.

His daughters – Jessica Hember (& Steve Wickman), of Emmetsburg; Andrea Butler (& Troy Young), of Atlantic; and Laura Sandvig (& Danny Spracklin), of Atlantic.

His brothers – Jerry Sandvig, James (Diana) Sandvig, and Kelly Sandvig.

9 grandchildren, and his in-laws.

Atlantic School Board approves an additional ELL Teacher, & 2-hour early out for Christmas Break

News

December 13th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Atlantic, Iowa) – the Atlantic School District’s Board of Education, Wednesday, approved the hiring of an additional ELL (English Language Learner) Teacher. Board member Josh McLaren said the action item was “Pretty self explanatory…the evidence is right there (referring to a document showing the increase in ELL students the District is experiencing), and they’re still coming. I’m mean, we’ve got more already this year than all of last year.”

Superintendent Beth Johnsen said “If you talk to the Principals, I think they would be able to say five-to 10 new students, just in the last month.”  Washington Elementary School Principal Stacey Hornung said she just finished testing a student that came from Central America…we also had another one [that] just started First Grade,” that knows “no English at all.”  Hornung said “Either way, it’s challenge to try and make it work for all of our kids.”

Atlantic School Board mtg., 12-13-23 (Zoom image)

On a somewhat related note, the Atlantic School Board approved submitting a request to the School Budget Review Committee (SBRC), for a modified supplemental amount of $8,398.50, related to the English Language Learning (ELL) program, for students who have exceeded five-years of weighting, that are included on the Fall 2023 Certified Enrollment headcount. Separately, they approved authorizing the district’s administration to submit a request to the SBRC (School Budget Review Committee), for a modified supplemental amount of $93,910.50, due to an increase of certified enrollment from the prior year.

And, the Atlantic School Board approved a change to the school calendar, allowing for two-hour early dismissal on the last day before the Christmas Break (Dec. 22nd) instead of a full, regular day. The move is designed to give families some additional time to prepare for any trip or celebrations they may have planned.

The Board approved also, the resignations of: Cole Lowary – Grounds/Facilities; Allison Spieker, Schuler Elementary Paraeducator (effective 12/22/23), and Caroline Pellett, 7th Grade Softball Coach; and Contract Recommendations for: Emma Maassen-Thies, Communications Specialist; Charisma Burg, Washington Elem. Para, replacing Taylor Jones, and, Summer Sport Coaches.

CALVIN PETERSON, 80 (Memorial service 12/17/23)

Obituaries

December 13th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

CALVIN PETERSON, 80, died Wed., Dec. 13, 2023, at Myrtue Medical Center, in Harlan. A Memorial service for CALVIN PETERSON will be held 3-p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, at the Pauley-Jones Funeral Home, in Harlan.

A visitation will be held at the funeral home on Sunday, from 1-until 3-p.m.

Burial is in the Rockfield Cemetery in Beresford, SD.

CALVIN PETERSON is survived by:

His son – Chad Peterson, of Harlan.

His daughter – Lori [Peterson] Jahn, of Manilla.

His sisters – Jan Rahn, of Sioux Falls, SD., & Kay Cota, of Sergeant Bluff, IA.

His brother – Leroy Peterson, of Beresford, SD.

4 grandchildren; other family members and friends.

DONALD KAUFMAN, 83, of rural Harrison County (Mass of Christian Burial 12/19/23)

Obituaries

December 13th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

DONALD KAUFMAN, 83, of rural Harrison County, died Dec. 8, 2023. A Mass of Christian Burial for DONALD KAUFMAN will be held 11-a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023, at St. Mary Our Lady of Fatima, in Portsmouth. Pauley-Jones Funeral Home in Harlan has the arrangements.

Visitation will be held at St. Mary’s on Monday, Dec. 18th, from 5-until 8-p.m.

Burial is in the St. Mary’s Cemetery at Portsmouth.

DONALD KAUFMAN is survived by:

His sons – Duane (Wendy) Kaufman, of Hollandale, WI., & Joe (Katy) Kaufman, of Monona, IA.

His daughter – Deanna (Michael) Colson, of Des Moines (IA).

His sister – Marj (Leo) Kramer, of Omaha, NE.

and 5 grandchildren.