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Phil Parker Wins Frank Broyles Award

Sports

December 5th, 2023 by admin

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – University of Iowa defensive coordinator and secondary coach Phil Parker has been named the recipient of the 2023 Broyles Award, it was announced Tuesday at the awards ceremony by the Frank & Barbara Broyles Foundation. The Broyles Award is presented annually to the top assistant coach in college football.

“Phil Parker is an incredible football coach, and I am extremely pleased that he has been recognized for his career success by the Broyles Committee,” said Moon Family Head Football Coach Kirk Ferentz. “We simply would not have achieved the success we have as a program without Phil’s dedication and leadership. Since 1999, we have benefited from Phil’s expertise and tenacity.

“Phil is an exceptional coach and teacher. He has helped develop hundreds of student athletes into better football players on the field and prepared them to be better men off the field. He is one of a kind, and I am so happy that he has been by my side in this program throughout the past 25 years.”

The honor is the first of Parker’s career.  He was also a Broyles Award semifinalist in 2022.  Two previous Hawkeye coaches — Norm Parker (2013) and Ron Aiken (2002) — have been named the AFCA Assistant Coach of the Year. Norm Parker was also a finalist in 2004 and 2005.

Phil Parker, who is in his 25th season on Iowa’s coaching staff (12th as defensive coordinator), has been the mastermind behind one of the nation’s top defenses in 2023. The Hawkeyes have allowed just 15 touchdowns in 13 games (tied for the third fewest in the NCAA) and the unit ranks fourth nationally, giving up 13.2 points per game.

The point per game average is the lowest by a Hawkeye defense since 2008.

The Hawkeyes have given up one touchdown or less in 10 of 13 games this season and the unit is ranked fifth nationally in total defense (274.8) for a sixth straight year. Iowa’s defense has allowed 400 yards or fewer in 27 straight games dating back to the 2021 season — the longest active streak nationally.

One of Parker’s main principles is limiting “explosive” plays. In 2023, the Hawkeyes have allowed just 18 such plays in 13 games.

Across the board, Iowa ranks in the top 20 nationally in virtually every defensive category this season, including being fifth in team passing efficiency defense (100.46), 12th in red zone defense (.750), 13th in rushing defense (102.5), 16th in first downs defense (205) and 19th in third-down conversion defense (.316).

Under Parker’s tutelage, three defensive players — DB Cooper DeJean, DB Sebastian Castro and LB Jay Higgins — were midseason All-Americans. DeJean was a finalist for the Nagurski Award and Thorpe Award and a semifinalist for the Lott IMPACT Trophy, while Higgins was a semifinalist for the Butkus Award.

DeJean was also named the recipient of the 2023 Tatum-Woodson Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year, becoming the sixth Hawkeye to be voted the top defensive back in the conference under Parker’s watch.

The No. 17 Hawkeyes will play No. 21 Tennessee on Jan. 1, 2024, in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Florida. The game will start at noon (CT) and will be televised on ABC.

Iowa man sentenced for sexual exploitation of minors through gift card scheme

News

December 5th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – An eastern Iowa man who pleaded guilty to using gift cards to get minors to send him sexually explicit videos has been sentenced to over 15 years in prison. Fifty-three-year-old Andrew Kyte of Cedar Rapids has been ordered to pay 24-thousand dollars in restitution to six minor victims.

According to a news release from the U-S Department of Justice, Kyte secretly recorded a minor through a hidden spy camera and engaged in the gift card scheme with minors from 2017 until 2019.

Northern Iowa men host Richmond Wednesday night

Sports

December 5th, 2023 by admin

Northern Iowa coach Ben Jacobson says the focus has been on defense as the Panthers get ready to host Richmond on Wednesday night. UNI surrendered 90 and 91 points last week in Missouri Valley losses to Belmont and Evansville and stand 2-6 overall.

Jacobson on some of the areas of emphasis.

Jacobson says the Panthers are having too many breakdowns in their defensive rotations.

Richmond enters Wednesday’s game with a record of 5-3.

SHAWN STONER, 61, of Grimes, formerly of Walnut (pending)

Obituaries

December 5th, 2023 by Jim Field

SHAWN (Shepherd) STONER, 61, of Grimes, formerly of Walnut died unexpectedly on November 22, 2023 in Des Moines.  Celebration of Life services for SHAWN STONER will be held Friday, December 15, 2023 at 3:00 PM at the Lutheran Church of Hope in Grimes.  The Ritchie Funeral Home in Lenox is handling the arrangements.

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Visitation with the family greeting friends will be at the Lutheran Church of Hope in Grimes from 1 to 3.

SHAWN STONER is survived by:

Sister:  Brenda (Shepherd) Samuelson.

Memories may be shared at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com.

SHAWN STONER is survived by:

Sister:  Brenda Samuelson

Iowa State Patrol: Driving in excess of the posted speed limit is “Deadly, negligent and irresponsible”

News

December 5th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Council Bluffs, Iowa) – The Iowa State Patrol reports a Trooper from District 3 in Council Bluffs recently stopped a motorist for traveling in excess of 100 miles per hour. The incident happened in a 65 mph zone on Interstate 29/80, in Council Bluffs. Authorities say the driver “admitted to 136mph at one point” The driver said they were “2 hours late for work,” that they wanted to see how fast their vehicle would run.

ISP photo from their Facebook page

The Iowa State Patrol reported that the number of drivers ticketed for traveling over 100 miles per hour has increased. In 2018, 730 drivers were ticketed for going over 100 mph; in 2019, 659 drivers, 1,497 in 2020, 1,205 in 2021, and 1,112 in 2022.

Webster City business owners plead for reopening of downtown street after fire

News

December 5th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – Tomorrow (Wednesday) marks one week since fire damaged four businesses in downtown Webster City and barricades still surround the area. A group of Webster City business owners sent a letter to the Webster City City Council to get the street reopened, as this is a critical holiday shopping time. Webster City Area Chamber of Commerce director Anna Woodward read part of the letter during last (Monday) night’s city council meeting. “While we understand the city’s intention to prioritize safety and other aspects by the closing of the street,” Woodward says, “we wish to express our deep concern about the negative impact this decision will have on our local businesses in the area.”

She says more than 80 people work in downtown Webster City and those barricades are hurting business. “They impacted the flow of customers during the peak holiday season,” Woodward says, “and consequently, the economic viability of over 30 establishments are at risk.” Webster City held its annual community Christmas celebration last Saturday and the route had to be changed for the Christmas parade due to the road’s closure. Ron Birkestrand, co-owner of a downtown women’s clothing store, says people don’t realize they can avoid the closed street and park behind the businesses. “Just to give you an example, last Saturday, it’s before Christmas, and we had three customers,” Birkestrand says. “My concern is no matter what you do, we gotta’ get better signage. People are just left out there in the dark on how to get back to the parking lot.”

Webster City officials are meeting today (Tuesday) to discuss reopening the street. Webster City Fire Chief Chuck Stansfield says the fire’s cause has not been identified and will likely go undetermined due to the severity of the damage. The fire appears to be unintentional. No one was hurt.

Tolls go up January 1 on Fort Madison Bridge

News

December 5th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – It will cost more next year for vehicles to cross a nearly mile-long toll bridge in southeast Iowa. The Burlington Northern Sante Fe Railway maintains the bridge, which connects Fort Madison to Illinois. It has a lower deck for trains and an upper deck for two lanes of vehicle traffic. The railroad says maintenance costs for the bridge exceed tolls. On January 1st, the toll for cars and pickups will increase from two to three dollars. Buses will pay seven-50 ($7.50) and tolls will increase for all other types of vehicles, including cars and pickups that are towing a trailer. Another increase is planned for January 1st of 2025. The railroad says toll fees to cross the Fort Madison bridge haven’t been raised since 2012.

The Fort Madison Bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It opened to traffic in 1927.

DOUG BISSELL, 59, of Atlantic (Celebration of Life Svcs. 12/16/23)

Obituaries

December 5th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

DOUG BISSELL, 59, of Atlantic, died December 3, 2023, at Cass Health (CCHS) in Atlantic. The family is hosting a Celebration of Life Memorial Service and visitation for DOUG BISSELL on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, from 1-until 4-p.m., at the Adair Community Center (308 Stuart St.) in Adair. Roland Funeral Service in Atlantic has the arrangements.

The service will begin with Pastor Don McLane of GracePoint Church in Atlantic, followed by a time for sharing memories. No luncheon will be served.

The family is asking that all memorials be directed to Courtney Johnson and Taylor Bissell, to help with final expenses.

DOUG BISSELL is survived by:

His daughter – Courtney (Tomy) Johnson.

His son – Taylor (Jamie) Bissell.

His parents: Gary and Karen Bissell.

His sister: Tammy (Denny) Krummel.

2 grandchildren.

Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.

Cass County Supervisors discuss health insurance, and elected officials’ compensation

News

December 5th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Board of Supervisors in Cass County today (Tuesday) received a presentation from Assured Partners Vice-President Ryan Berven, with regard to County employees health insurance year-to-date claims, and ISAC (Iowa State Association of Counties) insurance rates for July, and Wellness. The discussion lasted for more than one-hour. No action was taken on renewing the insurance. The Board will take the matter into further consideration considering the new rates which go into effect next year, at a future meeting.

Ryan Berven speaks with the Cass County BOS.

The Board then voted 4-to 1 to pass a Resolution pertaining to the setting of compensation of elected officials for Fiscal Year 2024, as previously approved by a Supervisors’ voice vote this past Spring. Supervisor Wendy Richter was the lone Nay vote. Auditor Kathy Somers reminded the Board of how they voted on March 21st before the final vote was taken.

In other business, the Supervisors received a regular, weekly report from Cass County Engineer Trent Wolken. The Board received also, a report covering October and November, from Cass County General Relief/Mental Health Coordinator Debbie Schuler.

Montgomery County Engineer reports 180th Street is finally open

News

December 5th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Red Oak, Iowa) – Montgomery County Engineer Karen Albert, today (Tuesday), reported some good news to the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors. The news was about 180th Street.

There was news on the 250th Street Bridge, also.

Montgomery County BOS mtg. 12/5/23

Karen Albert asked for the public’s help in notifying the authorities if you see any suspicious activity in the area of the a county worksite during off-hours.

And, Karen Albert reported on the status of two railroad bridges.

In other business, Supervisor Charla Schmid noted Montgomery County received an award last week. She deferred to Auditor Jill Ozuna to explain what the award was and what it means for the County.

The County received an actual pie as part of the award. The Supervisors then discussed having their regular meetings available (for archive purposes) on YouTube. Jill Ozuna explained…

The Board was not too thrilled with the idea of having their meetings being on the web for what Board Chair Mike Olson said could be “an eternity.” Some of their concerns were with regard to adding another layer of technology to the County’s IT Department, and security. There being no motion to either approve or disapprove of having their meetings archived on YouTube, the matter died for lack of action.