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Ex-Iowa senator loses appeal in pay-for-endorsement case

News

December 12th, 2017 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A federal court has rejected the sentencing appeal of former Iowa Sen. Kent Sorenson, who is serving a 15-month federal prison sentence for causing false campaign finance reports to be filed and obstructing an investigation. Sorenson accepted money for endorsing presidential candidate Ron Paul in 2012 but was caught up in a criminal case when federal authorities said he and Paul campaign officials attempted to hide the payments.

He pleaded guilty and expected probation but was given prison time in January when Judge Robert Pratt concluded Sorenson betrayed the public trust and deserved punishment. He appealed the sentence but the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Tuesday concluded Pratt’s sentence was appropriate. Sorenson is at a minimum security prison in Thomson, Illinois. He is due for release in April.

ISU’s Wiggington named Big 12 Conference Newcomer of the Week

Sports

December 12th, 2017 by admin

Iowa State freshman guard Lindell Wiggington was named Newcomer of the Week for Week 5 by the Big 12 Conference on Monday.

Wiggington averaged 22.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 3.0 assists as Iowa State went 3-0 last week and ran their winning streak to 7 games. He shot 51.2% from the field and 57.9% from three in those three games. Wiggington helped the Cyclones pick up a win over rival Iowa last thursday night 84-78 and dropped in 24 points in that game.

Texas Tech’s Keenan Evans was named Player of the Week by the Big 12 for his 32 point performance in a win over #22 Nevada.

Police investigate drive-by shooting in Ames, not far from ISU

News

December 12th, 2017 by Ric Hanson

One person was injured in a drive-by shooting last night (Monday) in Ames. Police Captain Geoff Huff says it happened just after 11 p.m. a couple blocks south of Campustown. The woman is being treated at a hospital. Witnesses told police the shooter was in a dark colored sedan. No one has been arrested.

(Radio Iowa)

Iowa State would support QB Jacob Park’s transfer request

Sports

December 12th, 2017 by admin

AMES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa State coach Matt Campbell said he will support quarterback Jacob Park if he intends to transfer to another school.

Campbell released a statement Monday night after the Des Moines Register quoted Park as saying he asked for a release from his scholarship.

Park, a junior, was Iowa State’s starting quarterback until early October, when he went on an indefinite leave of absence. The Cyclones then turned to senior Kyle Kempt, who is 5-2 as a starter.

Campbell says he and his staff will help Park in the transfer process, which would likely leave Zeb Noland as the favorite to take over in 2018.

Iowa State (7-5) faces Memphis (10-2) in the Liberty Bowl on Dec. 30

PATRICIA RANDERIS, 71, of Pacific Junction (Graveside Svcs. 12/14/17)

Obituaries

December 12th, 2017 by Ric Hanson

PATRICIA RANDERIS, 71, of Pacific Junction, has died. Graveside services for PATRICIA RANDERIS will be held 11-a.m. Thursday, Dec. 14th, at the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery in Kimballton. Loess Hills Funeral Home in Glenwood has the arrangements.

Visitation at the funeral home in on Wed., Dec. 13th, from 5-until 6:30-p.m., with a Prayer service at 6:30-p.m.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

Backyard & Beyond 12-12-2017

Backyard and Beyond, Podcasts

December 12th, 2017 by Jim Field

LaVon Eblen visits with Chris Parks and Lora Kanning about the Christmas Bird Count.

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Joanna Topham Named All-America Runner by National Junior College Cross Country Coaches Association

Sports

December 12th, 2017 by admin

WATERLOO–Hawkeye RedTail Cross Country athlete Joanna Topham was named an All-America athlete by the National Junior College Cross Country Coaches Association.

The award recognizes U.S. athletes who finish in the top 40 at the National Junior College Athletic Association National Cross Country Championships. Topham finished 38th at nationals, which were held November 11, 2017, in Fort Dodge.

“To have an All-America athlete in our first year is huge for our program,” said head coach Micah Ruroden. “For Joanna to achieve this in year one is a credit to her discipline.”

Running comes naturally to Topham. Her father coaches girls cross country and track and field at Griswold High School, where she competed in both sports, and she has a sister currently running for Wichita State University.

“I started running when I was six,” Topham said. “We’re just a very athletic family.”

Last summer, she ran 40-45 miles a week to prepare for her first collegiate season. The extra training gave her an edge early in competition, helping Topham shave 24 seconds off her personal record at the regional time trials held August 26, 2017, at Iowa Western Community College.

“I wanted to improve my time, and I knew I could do that this season,” Topham said. “Breaking your best time isn’t as easy as people think it is.”

She put up solid times all season, but the final regular season contest offered one of the best moments for Topham. She took the Trent Smith Invitational women’s title on October 18, 2017, in Mason City, setting new personal and school records with a 19:20 5K race.

“After I crossed the finish line I was in shock,” she said. “Even 10 minutes later I couldn’t believe I had won.”

Fresh off a top-10 finish at regionals, Topham and the rest of the RedTail women headed into nationals ranked 24th in the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association poll. Topham was the top RedTail at the national meet and the only one to place in the top 50.

“It’s such an honor and privilege to be able to get All-America status,” Topham said. The season is only a few weeks behind her, but she’s already looking forward to track and field in the spring, and how to improve for cross country season next fall. Her goal is to finish in the top 10.

“We think that she’s just starting to scratch the surface of her true potential,” said coach Ruroden. “We can’t wait to see what is in store for her in the upcoming seasons.”

The RedTail Track and Field season kicks off in January 2018. For more information on Hawkeye RedTail Athletics, visit www.redtailathletics.com or call 319-296-4430.

2 deaths reported following Riverside School Bus Fire this morning

News

December 12th, 2017 by Ric Hanson

The Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office reports two people are dead following a school bus fire. Chief Deputy John Reynolds says the Pottawattamie County Communications Center received a 911 call at around 7:02-a.m., with regard to a Riverside Community School District bus on fire near 17840 480th Street, about six-miles southeast of Oakland. According to reports, the home owner at that location made the call. Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Lt. Rob Ambrose said the bus had been backing out of the rural driveway and became stuck the road embankment.

Upon arrival, Deputies from the Sheriff’s Office and Firefighters from Oakland, Carson and found the bus to be completely involved in flames. Once the fire was contained, the remains of two individuals were found on the bus.  The male bus driver and a student who lived at the residence died. There were no other persons on board.

The incident remains under investigation. Grief counselors from the Green Hills Area Education Agency are on hand at the school for students and staff. All activities at the Riverside School District have been postponed this evening.

(Podcast) KJAN 8-a.m. News, 12/12/2017

News, Podcasts

December 12th, 2017 by Ric Hanson

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

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Chicken & Shrimp Jambalaya (12-12-2017)

Mom's Tips

December 12th, 2017 by Jim Field

  • 4 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 1/2 celery, sliced
  • 1 cup rice
  • 1 cup onion, chopped
  • 1 cup green pepper, chopped
  • 1 (16 oz.) can tomatoes
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup Coca-Cola
  • 1/2 cup catsup
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups chicken, cooked & chopped
  • 2 cups shrimp, cooked & cleaned

In a 3 quart dutch oven, fry the bacon until crisp.  Stir in the celery, rice, onion and green pepper; cook 5 minutes, stirring frequently.  Add the tomatoes, water, Coca-Cola, catsup, garlic salt and salt; mix well.  Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Add the chicken and shrimp; heat thoroughly.