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Gov. Reynolds Extends Disaster Proclamation for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Sioux, Cherokee, and Sac Counties

Ag/Outdoor, News

June 26th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES – Today Gov. Kim Reynolds announced the extension of a disaster proclamation for Sioux, Cherokee, and Sac Counties effective immediately through July 26, 2024. The USDA has confirmed positive cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in all three counties.  

This proclamation allows state resources from Iowa Homeland Security, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, and other agencies to assist with tracking and monitoring, rapid detection, containment, disposal, and disinfection. The proclamation also waives regulatory provisions related to commercial vehicles responding to affected sites.  

The recent HPAI detections in birds do not present an immediate public health concern, and it remains safe to eat poultry products. If producers suspect signs of HPAI in their flocks, they should contact their veterinarian immediately.  

 You can find a copy of the proclamation here 

Gov. Reynolds Issues Disaster Proclamation for Four Counties in Response to Severe Storms and Flooding

News

June 26th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES – Gov. Kim Reynolds has issued a disaster proclamation for Harrison, Johnson, Mills and Pottawattamie Counties in response to severe storms and flash flooding that occurred on June 21 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 of up to $5,000 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 

15-year-old arrested as an Accessory after the fact in connection w/a Marshalltown murder investigation

News

June 26th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Marshalltown, Iowa)-  Officials with the Marshalltown Police Department, today (Wednesday), reported at a 15-year-old male was taken into custody Tuesday night, as part of a fatal shooting investigation.The teen, who was not identified because of his age, is charged with Accessory after the fact (Murder) – an Aggravated Misdemeanor, and Possession with the intent to deliver (Marijuana), a Class-D Felony. The juvenile was transported to a juvenile detention facility and remains in custody.
In a previous press release, authorities in Marshalltown said that at around 1:20-a.m. Saturday, June 1st, first responders were sent to the Center Street Station bar, located at 19 North Center Street, after receiving a 911 call about a shooting at this location. Upon arrival, officers found an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound. First responders administered emergency medical care on scene. The victim was transported to a medical facility and subsequently died. The victim has been identified as Ramon Alexis Feliciano Nieves, age 41, of Marshalltown.
Victor Antonio Delgadillo, age 18, of Marshalltown, has been identified as the shooter in this investigation and remains at large. Mr. Delgadillo has active warrants for his arrest for the crimes of Murder in the First Degree and Harassment in the First Degree.

Victor Antonio Delgadillo

Chief Michael Tupper says “We will arrest and prosecute anyone who is knowingly aiding and abetting Mr. Delgadillo. We cannot allow violent crime to take a hold of our community. We plan to make more arrests. We urge Mr. Delgadillo to follow the advice of his legal counsel and turn himself in. The only way to resolve this issue is to do so through the court process.”
Marshall County Crime Stoppers has put forth a $5,000.00 reward for information leading to the arrest of Victor Antonio Delgadillo. Chief Michael Tupper stated, “Marshall County Crime Stoppers is a critically important public safety partner. We appreciate their generous support on this case and many others over the past nine years. This murder investigation is our number one priority. We will not rest until Mr. Delgadillo is safely taken into custody.”
The Marshalltown Police Department continues to receive helpful information from the public regarding this investigation. Information from the public plays an important role during all criminal investigations. Information has been received that indicates Mr. Delgadillo is receiving assistance from people and this assistance has allowed him to evade law enforcement. Chief Michael Tupper stated, “We will find Mr. Delgadillo. The police department appreciates the support and information the public continues to provide. We will not rest until this case is fully prosecuted.”
The investigation of this incident is on-going. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Marshalltown Police Department at 641.754.5725 or 911. Tips can be submitted anonymously by calling Marshall County Crime Stoppers at 641.753.1234 or via text by texting the word “marshall” followed by the tip to CRIMES (274637). Tips may also be submitted online at www.marshallcountycs.com.
(A criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.)

(UPDATE) “Green for Greenfield” event raised more than $2,000 for Greenfield Sunday night

News

June 26th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Cass County Democrats’ nonpartisan “Green for Greenfield” fundraiser held on Sunday, June 23 raised more than $2,000 dollars for the Greater Greenfield Community Foundation to assist Greenfield tornado recovery.
The nonpartisan event was attended by 40 people–including Democrats, Republicans, and Independents–and featured personal stories and community updates from Susie and Willard Olesen, long-time Greenfield residents. Susie and Willard shared harrowing stories from the May 21 tornado, an EF5 that reached windspeeds of more than 300 miles per hour.

They also shared stories of hope, including a story about long-estranged friends setting aside political disputes to collaborate on recovery efforts. The couple gave updates on ongoing cleanup and recovery efforts, and expressed deep gratitude for all support, emphasizing that many people and businesses will continue to need support for months to come.

The event was held at the home of Dave and Barb Chase, and food was catered by The Flour Mill. Randy Burk provided music.

Susie and Willard Olesen

Donations to the Greater Greenfield Community Foundation can be made online at https://www.greenfieldiafoundation.org/ or by mailing checks to the Greater Greenfield Community Foundation, P.O. Box 13, Greenfield, Iowa, 50849.

For more information or to volunteer for upcoming events and activities with the Cass County Democrats, contact County Chair Denise O’Brien at 712-249-3197 or casscountyiadems@gmail.com or follow the Cass County Democrats on Facebook
@CassCountyIADems

Police say Sioux City man dies while attempting to take copper wire

News

June 26th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – A Sioux City man died during an apparent burglary attempt at a business early Wednesday morning. Police officers arrived at the scene and found 37-year-old Jerrod Schweitzberger had been electrocuted while apparently attempting to steal copper wire. 

A second person at the scene, 39-year-old Denair Byars of Sioux City was charged with third-degree burglary. The initial investigation indicates Schweitzberger was attempting to remove copper wiring from the property when he came into contact with a live electrical source, resulting in his fatal electrocution.

Iowa woman charged after body was found in her car in Minnesota

News

June 26th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

A North Liberty woman is facing charges after police found a body inside her car after a crash in Minnesota, KCRG reports. Margot Lewis, 32, is charged with interference with a dead body. Authorities said they found the body of 35-year-old Liara Tsai, of Minneapolis, inside Lewis’s car following a crash near Rochester, Minnesota on Saturday, June 22. Tsai had reportedly died before the crash happened.

No one has been charged in Tsai’s death yet. KTTC in Minnesota reports authorities are still trying to determine the connection between the victim and the suspect in this case. Tsai had blood coming from a neck wound and had been wrapped in a blanket.

KTTC reports Tsai loved music and had moved to Minneapolis from Iowa City at the beginning of the year because of its strong transgender community.

Authorities officially release the name of Lenox bank robbery suspect who later died

News

June 26th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

LENOX, Iowa – On June 26, 2024, the Iowa State Medical Examiner’s Office conducted a forensic autopsy on the male suspect involved in the robbery of the Iowa State Savings Bank in Lenox, Iowa, on June 24, 2024.

The suspect has been identified as Steven Trent Sapp, 45, of Hooper, Nebraska. Sapp died as a result of a single gunshot wound and his death has been ruled as a suicide.

Previous Iowa Department of Public Safety statement:

June 24, 2024

LENOX, Iowa – At approximately 1:30 p.m. today, the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office responded to a bank robbery call at the Iowa State Savings Bank in Lenox, Iowa.

Reports indicated that a male subject entered the bank demanding money and then left on a motorcycle. The subject was pursued into Adams County, but fled at a high rate of speed. The subject lost control and crashed into a farm field. The subject then fled on foot.

Several law enforcement agencies, including the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office, Adams County Sheriff’s Office, Adair County Sheriff’s Office, Cass County Sheriff’s Office, and the Iowa State Patrol, converged on the area and attempted to locate the subject.

As law enforcement narrowed in on the subject’s location, the male fired one round, causing a fatal self-inflicted wound.

USDA Rural Development Invests $1.8 Million in Clean Energy To Strengthen Rural Iowa Economy

Ag/Outdoor, News

June 26th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa, June 26, 2024 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director in Iowa Theresa Greenfield today announced that USDA is investing $1,842,725 in 23 projects across the state to lower energy bills, expand access to clean energy, and create jobs for Iowa agricultural producers and rural small business owners with funding through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). USDA also unveiled the “Rural Energy Resource Guide” to make it easier for rural communities to identify federal funding for clean energy, including programs made possible by President Biden’s historic Inflation Reduction Act.

“The investments we’re announcing today demonstrate how producers and small business are embracing clean energy systems to address the impacts of climate change and save money,” said Director Greenfield. “These investments are at the heart of President Biden and Agriculture Secretary Vilsack’s commitment to create jobs, lower consumer costs, and strengthen Iowa’s rural communities – building the economy from the middle out and the bottom up.”

The REAP project grants are part of a larger nation-wide announcement today.

REAP grants in Iowa

A full list of today’s REAP awards in Iowa may be found here and include these:

-Remington Seeds LLC, owner of a seed processing operation in Belle Plaine, Benton County, received a $553,351 grant to help install a 412 kilowatt solar array. This project is expected to save $97,782 per year. It will replace 570,666 kilowatt hours (82 percent of the business energy usage) per year, enough energy to power 52 homes.

Dalton Ag Enterprises received a $575,000 grant to help install a 639.5 kilowatt solar array at its farm machinery and equipment manufacturing operation in Lenox in Taylor County. This project will realize $96,972 per year in savings and will replace 764,794 kilowatt hours per year (65 percent of previous use), which is enough electricity to power 70 homes.

-Schumacher Company LC, a farm machinery and equipment manufacturing business, received a $255,600 grant to install a 255.6 kilowatt solar array in Durant in Cedar County. This project will generate 347,249 kilowatt hours per year, saving $54,581 per year. This is enough electricity to power 32 homes.

DiIanni to Enter GVSU Hall of Fame

Sports

June 26th, 2024 by Asa Lucas

ALLENDALE, Mich. — University of Iowa Head Coach Dave DiIanni was named to the 2024 Athletics Hall of Fame class at Grand Valley State University, the institution announced on Tuesday.

“I would like to sincerely thank everyone on the committee for thinking of me for this wonderful recognition,” said DiIanni. “It is certainly one of the most meaningful and personal honors I’ve ever received, and I am really proud and flattered to even be considered. Make no mistake that the only reason I have been nominated is because of the countless talented, smart, dedicated women I’ve had the privilege to coach over the years.”

DiIanni was head coach of the GVSU women’s soccer program for 11 seasons, where he guided the Lakers to three NCAA Division II National Championships. DiIanni also won nine consecutive Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletics Conference titles, making seven Final Four appearances across eight seasons.

The Lakers made the NCAA Tournament all 11 years under DiIanni’s leadership, producing 21 All-Americans. When he accepted the head coaching position at Iowa in 2014, DiIanni exited Division II with the all-time leading winning percentage (.895).

Entering his 11th season in Iowa City, DiIanni’s .752 career winning percentage leads active Big Ten coaches with at least 10 years experience at the Division I level, which is the timeframe recognized by the NCAA. DiIanni ranks fourth among active Division I coaches by the same standard.

DiIanni has led Iowa to three NCAA Tournament appearances and two Big Ten Tournament Championships. Last season, the Hawkeyes made their first appearance in the United Soccer Coaches final poll, checking in at 24th following a conference tournament title and NCAA Tournament First Round win. Iowa has won 10 postseason games since the 2021 spring season.

DiIanni enters the GVSU Athletics Hall of Fame alongside his former player Chelsea Parise. DiIanni was previously inducted to the athletics hall of fame at Spring Arbor, his alma mater, on Jan. 27, 2024.

The Hawkeyes return to action on Aug. 7 with an exhibition against South Dakota at the Iowa Soccer Complex. Kickoff is set for Noon (CT).

Iowa State to Meet South Carolina, Middle Tennessee State at Fort Meyers Tip-Off

Sports

June 26th, 2024 by Asa Lucas

FORT MYERS, Fla. – Iowa State women’s basketball will participate in the 2024 Elevance Health Women’s Fort Myers Tip-Off as announced by Intersport on Wednesday morning. The Cyclones are set to face defending National Champion South Carolina and Middle Tennessee State November 28-30 at Suncoast Credit Union Arena on the campus of Florida Southwestern State College.

Iowa State will take on the Gamecocks on Thanksgiving Day before meeting Middle Tennessee State for the first time in program history on Saturday, November 30. Game times and broadcast information will be announced at a later date.

The collective power of the programs will make the Elevance Health Women’s Fort Myers Tip-Off one of the strongest early season events this year. The four teams of the Island Division (Iowa State, South Carolina, Middle Tennessee State, Purdue) have combined for 90 NCAA Tournament appearances. ISU, South Carolina and MTSU were selected to participate in the 2024 NCAA Tournament. The Cyclones enter 2024-25 returning plenty of production following a 2024 NCAA Tournament Second Round appearance, including the top-3 scorers from last season’s roster in Audi Crooks (19.2 PPG), Addy Brown (13.0 PPG, 8.2 RPG) and Emily Ryan (11.6 PPG, 6.9 APG).

Travel packages for fans looking to join the Cyclones at the Elevance Health Women’s Fort Myers Tip-Off will be available on July 16 at www.womensfortmyerstipoff.com/travel. The Westin Cape Coral and Marina Village and the Marriott Sanibel Harbour are the event’s host hotels.

ISU previously announced its participation in the 2024 Basketball Hall of Fame Women’s Showcase, taking on UConn on Tuesday, December 17th. The complete non-conference and Big 12 Conference schedules will be released at a later date.

To receive the latest updates, news, ticket information and more, visit Cyclones.com and follow Iowa State Women’s Basketball on X (Twitter) and Instagram at @CycloneWBB.

Fort Myers Women’s Tip-Off Matchup History

Island Division – Nov. 28

South Carolina vs. Iowa State

Series Record: South Carolina leads, 1-0

Last Meeting: Dec. 26, 2020 (South Carolina, 83-65)

Island Division – Nov. 30

Iowa State vs. MTSU

Series Record: This will be the first all-time meeting between the programs.