United Group Insurance

Volleyball Local Regional Championship Matchups Class 3A – 5A

Sports

October 24th, 2023 by admin

Class 3A

Region #1 – Forest City vs. Western Christian @ Western Christian (7:00 p.m.)
Region #2 – MOC-Floyd Valley vs Cherokee Washington @ Cherokee (7:00 p.m.)
Region #3 – Red Oak vs. Des Moines Christian @ Des Moines Christian (7:00 p.m.)
Region #4 – Wahlert Catholic vs. New Hampton @ New Hampton (7:00 p.m.)
Region #5 – West Deleware vs. Union Community @ Union (7:00 p.m.)
Region #6 – Mid-Prarie vs. Center Point-Urbana @ Center (7:00 p.m.)
Region #7 – Anamosa vs. Mount Vernon @ Mount (7:00 p.m.)
Region #8 – Solon vs. Assumption @ Assumption (7:00 p.m.)

 

Class 4A

Region #1 – Bishop Heelan vs. Lewis Central @ LC (7:00 p.m.)
Region #2 – Glenwood vs. Indianola @ Indianola (7:00 p.m.)
Region #3 – Dallas Center-Grimes vs. ADM @ ADM (7:00 p.m.)
Region #4 – Norwalk vs. North Polk @ North Polk (7:00 p.m.)
Region #5 – Xavier vs. Waverly-Shell Rock @ Xavier (7:00 p.m.)
Region #6 – North Scott vs. Knoxville @ North Scott (7:00 p.m.)
Region #7 – Ballard vs. Marion @ Marion (7:00 p.m.)
Reagion #8 – Oskaloosa vs. Clear Creek Amana @ CCA (7:00 p.m.)

 

Class 5A

Region #1 – Dowling Catholic vs. Linn Marr @ Dowling (7:00 p.m.)
Region #2 – Ankeny Centennial vs. Council Bluffs-Lincoln @ Ankeny Cent. (7:00 p.m.)
Region #3 – Sioux City East vs. Waukee Northwest @ Northwest High (7:00 p.m.)
Region #4 – Waterloo West vs. Cedar Falls @ Cedar Falls Main (7:00 p.m.)
Region #5 – Dubuque Senior vs. Pleasant Valley @ Pleasant (7:00 p.m.)
Region #6 – Valley vs. Iowa City High @ Valley (7:00 p.m.)
Region #7 – Johnston vs. Waukee @ Johnston (7:00 p.m.)
Region #8 – Ankeny vs. Iowa City @ Ankeny (7:00 p.m.)

IATC Final Cross-Country Individual Rankings 2023

Sports

October 24th, 2023 by admin

Listed below are the individual rankings for both the girls and boys in the state of Iowa from 1A to 4A. The local athletes are listed in the rankings below.

1A Girls

The final 1A girls’ cross-country rankings feature Earlham’s Oliva Spurling in 13th, Panorama’s Kylie Rochholz in 15th, and ACGC’s Ava Campbell in 25th.

 

1A Boys

The final 1A boys’ cross-country rankings feature Woodbine’s Landon Bendgen in first, ACGC’s Andrew Mahaffey eighth, Woodbine’s Gunner Wagner in 16th, and ACGC’s Gavin Sloss in 25th.

 

2A Girls

The final Class 2A girls’ cross-country rankings feature Clarinda’s Raena Henke in eighth, Van Meter’s Emma McCoy in ninth, Hailey Egbert of Shenandoah in 14th, and Van Meter’s Laura Streck and Brooklyn FFryar in 21st and 26th respectively.

 

2A Boys

The Class 2A boys’ cross-country rankings feature Clarinda’s Treyton Schaapherder and Kyle Wagoner in 10th and 13th respectively.

 

3A Girls

The final Class 3A girls’ cross-country rankings feature Glenwood’s Grace Berglund in second, Harlan’s Lindsey Sonderman in sixth, Lewis Central’s Delayna Reece in 12th, Atlantic’s Claire Pellett in 14th, and Lewis Central’s Madelyn Hoss in 24th.

 

3A Boys

The final Class 3A boys’ cross-country rankings feature Lewis Central’s Ethan Eichhorn in second, Glenwood’s Andrew Smith and Bryant Keller in sixth and seventh respectively, Lewis Central’s Kevin Coots in 13th, followed by another Lewis Central runner Kade Diercks in 23rd, and Winterset’s Collin Kessler in 26th.

 

4A Girls

The final Class 4A girls’ cross-country rankings feature Oliva Verde of Johnston in first.

 

4A Boys

The final Class 4A boys’ cross-country rankings feature Waukee’s Joseph Lawry in 14th.

Harvest continues to run ahead of last year

Ag/Outdoor, News

October 24th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – Dry conditions led to another busy week in the fields for farmers. The U-S-D-A crop report says the corn harvest increased by 20 percent in the last week, bringing the total to 62 percent of the corn now out of the fields. That is two days ahead of last year and one week ahead of the five-year average. Combines have now harvested 87 percent of the soybeans statewide, up from 74 percent the week before. That is one day ahead of the harvest rate from last year and ten days ahead of the five-year average.

Cass County Librarians request funding increase for FY 24

News

October 24th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Cass County Board of Supervisors received an annual report from the Cass County Library Association, and a request for an increase in funding over last year. Sara Young, with the Anita Public Library, said Cass County is below the statewide average funding for libraries (as of FY 2022), by about Nine-thousand dollars.

Funding for libraries is determined by the populations they serve.

The Board took the request under advisement, for when it comes time to work on the Budget. The Supervisors held a Public Hearing on a proposed amendment of the FY2024 Cass County Budget. Auditor Kathy Somers explained there was unexpected income such as grants, and donations, including those to the Veteran’s Affairs Department, and expenditures, that needed to be factored-in, with regard to some departmental line items.

Hearing no comments on the proposal, the Supervisors passed a Resolution approving Amendment 1 of the Cass County FY2024 Budget as published, and making appropriations for the same, effective immediately.

In other business, Diane Schultz, former President of the Iowa Morman Trails Association, spoke with regard to the replacement of trail signs in Cass County. Schultz said the process of changing-out road signs in other, adjacent counties began five-years ago, and now it’s time for the project to occur in Cass County. Many of the signs, she said, that have been in-place since the 1980’s, have deteriorated badly.

The National Parks Service is replacing the actual signs at No Cost. The only thing that needs to be funded by the county is the post and labor to install the signs. The matter was taken under advisement, and in coordination with Cass County Engineer Trent Wolken.

Wolken updated the Board on Secondary Roads Department projects, maintenance and other activities. And, the Board discussed the County 5- and 10-year Capital Improvement Plan. No action was taken during today’s (Tuesdays) meeting.

Hawkeyes Ready for B1G Championships

Sports

October 24th, 2023 by admin

ATTACHED: Full meet notes for this Friday’s Big Ten Championships in Madison, Wisconsin. The University of Wisconsin hosts this year’s Big Ten Championships at the Zimmer Championship Cross Country Course. The men’s 8,000-meter race begins at 10:45 a.m. (CT), with the women’s 6,000-meter race to follow at 11:45.

FOLLOW ALONG: For an inside look at the Iowa cross country program and to access exclusive coverage, “like” The University of Iowa Cross Country and Track and Field Facebook page and follow the Hawkeyes on X (@IowaXC_TF) and Instagram (@iowaxctf). Follow live results on the official social media channels for Iowa Cross Country and at hawkeyesports.com/tracklive.

$11 MILLION AWARDED TO SUPPORT TRAFFIC SAFETY PROJECTS

News

October 24th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa – The Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau (GTSB) announces $11 Million in federal grant funds to be distributed statewide from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for the 2024 federal fiscal year.

“The GTSB is pleased to allocate these funds to support our traffic safety partners across Iowa,” says Bureau Chief Brett Tjepkes. “Over the past five years, almost 1,700 lives have been lost on Iowa roads: that’s too many. Lack of seat belt use, impaired driving, distracted driving, speeding, and other risky driving behaviors continue to wreak havoc. These funds will be used to increase public awareness, educate, collect data, train, and enforce. The goal is to improve safety for all those sharing the road.”

Money will be distributed to law enforcement partners for equipment, education, and enforcement projects. “These partnerships are crucial,” says GTSB Law Enforcement Liaison Randy Kunert. “Enforcing Iowa’s traffic laws is the strongest countermeasure to deter risky driving behavior. It’s vital these agencies have necessary resources to make traffic stops.”

The GTSB is also distributing funds to support non-law enforcement traffic safety initiatives. New partnerships include the Iowa Bicycle Coalition, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), the Iowa Restaurant Association, and Lutheran Services in Iowa (LSI). LSI will use GTSB funds to help educate, build confidence, and promote safe driving habits among refugees.

“Having a driver’s license gives refugees independence and increases their employment opportunities,” says Vinh Nguyen, Education and Workforce Manager at Lutheran Services in Iowa.

Every year, traffic safety advocates, law enforcement, and other state agencies across Iowa seek funding through grant applications offered by the GTSB. Applicants who meet the required data driven criteria and highway safety standards are awarded grant funds to support GTSB’s mission to reduce death and injury on Iowa’s roadways.

Atlantic Rotary Club’s “Salute to Veterans” event to be held Nov. 7, 2023

News

October 24th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic Rotary Club invites all those who have served in the military, to the Rotary’s Annual Military Appreciation Lunch, on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023. The event takes place the The Venue (307 Walnut St.), in Atlantic, from 11:45-a.m. until 1-p.m.  Guest speaker for the luncheon is Cass County Deputy Sheriff and former USMC Platoon Sergeant Ben Bartholomew.

Please reserve your place at the luncheon by calling Dolly Bergmann at 712-249-9275, no later than November 3, 2023. The Rotary looks forward to honoring those who have served our country!

Northern Iowa women favored in MVC preseason poll

Sports

October 24th, 2023 by admin

For the first time in program history the UNI women’s basketball team is the preseason favorite in the Missouri Valley race. The Panthers return their top three scorers from last year’s that that finished 23-10 and third in the Valley race.

That’s UNI coach Tonya Warren says added experience will help the Panthers make even more progress.

Warrenm says this year’s team has added depth.

The Panthers open the season at home on November sixth against Wisconsin-Green Bay.

Big Ten Football Weekly Release

Sports

October 24th, 2023 by admin

• Conference action continues this week, with five Big Ten contests highlighted by a pair of divisional matchups. Illinois, Iowa, Michigan and Rutgers will enjoy byes this week, with the complete schedule appearing to the right.

• Four Big Ten teams appear in the AP Poll this week. Michigan leads the conference at No. 2, followed by No. 3 Ohio State and No. 10 Penn State, while Rutgers and Wisconsin are both receiving votes. The Big Ten (three teams) is the only conference with more than two teams ranked in the top-10 of the AP Poll.

• There are just nine undefeated teams remaining in the FBS, including two Big Ten teams: Michigan (8-0) and Ohio State (7-0). The Buckeyes travel to Madison this weekend to face Wisconsin, while the Wolverines enjoy a bye.

• Michigan and Penn State currently rank among the top 10 nationally in both scoring offense and scoring defense. The Wolverines lead the nation in scoring defense (5.9 points per game), while ranking No. 6 nationally in scoring offense (40.6 points per game). The Nittany Lions rank No. 2 nationally in scoring defense (9.7 points per game), while ranking 9th in scoring offense (39.7 points per game).

• Five additional Big Ten teams rank in the top 25 in terms of scoring defense: Ohio State (3rd, 10.0 points per game), Iowa (8th, 14.5 points per game), Rutgers (12th, 15.8 points per game), Wisconsin (20th, 18.3 points per game) and Maryland (21st, 18.6 points per game).

• Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy threw a career-high four touchdown passes in Michigan’s 49-0 victory against Michigan State. He is 20-1 as the Wolverines starting quarterback, moving in to sixth all-time in touchdown passes (45) and No. 10 all-time with 5,034 career passing yards in program history. He’s the first Michigan quarterback this century with at least 275 passing yards, four touchdown passes and a 75% completion rate in a single game. Led by McCarthy, Michigan is the only team at the FBS level to be undefeated and win each of its games by 20-plus points through eight weeks.

• Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr. led the Buckeyes to a 20-12 victory over previously unbeaten and No. 7 Penn State Saturday with a career-high 11 receptions, including the game-winning touchdown with 4:07 left to play. The junior had 162 receiving yards – his fifth time over 100 yards this season – against the No. 1 total defense and No. 1 passing defense in the nation, and his game-winning score was a catch-and-run from 18 yards out. Nine of his receptions went for an Ohio State first down, giving him 19 first down receptions the past two seasons against the Nittany Lions. Harrison Jr. is currently tied for sixth in Ohio State history with 24 career touchdown receptions, matching the total set by Brian Robiskie (2005-08).

• Wisconsin’s Braedyn Locke led a 14-point fourth quarter comeback against Illinois in his first collegiate start, propelling Wisconsin to a 25-21 win. The newcomer threw for a pair of touchdowns, including the game-winner to OL Nolan Rucci with 0:27 remaining, and finished with 240 passing yards and two touchdowns on 21-for-41 passing. Locke’s 240 yards were the third-most in the Big Ten this week, trailing Michigan’s JJ McCarthy and Ohio State’s Kyle McCord.

• Penn State held Ohio State to 79 yards rushing last weekend, marking the sixth-straight opponent the Nittany Lions have held under 100 rushing yards in 2023. Over those six games, Penn State is allowing just 2.02 yards per carry. Since the start of the 2022 season, Penn State has held 15 opponents under 100 yards, tied second in the nation, and since 2014, the Nittany Lions have limited opponents to less than 100 rushing yards on 54 occasions.

• Iowa, Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State and Rutgers have all secured bowl eligibility by reaching six wins this season, while Maryland and Wisconsin need just one more win to become eligible. The Big Ten will continue to feature the largest bowl lineup in conference history.

• Seven Big Ten Conference programs appear in the top 20 of the latest NCAA attendance rankings, including the nation’s top three schools: No. 1 Michigan (109,787 fans per game), No. 2 Penn State (108,921), No. 3 Ohio State (103,399), No. 12 Nebraska (86,973), No. 18 Wisconsin (75,732), No. 19 Michigan State (71,626) and No. 20 Iowa (69,250). Additionally, Big Ten teams own 12 of the top 15 single-game attendance highs this season, including the top eight spots.

• The 2023 Big Ten Football Championship Game will be played at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, Dec. 2, at Indianapolis’ Lucas Oil Stadium and will be televised nationally on FOX. The winner will earn the Amos Alonzo Stagg Championship Trophy and a chance to play in one of the six bowls that comprise the College Football Playoff.

• This season’s Playoff Semifinals will take place Monday, January 1, 2024, at the Allstate Sugar Bowl and the Rose Bowl. Houston will host the College Football Playoff National Championship on Monday, January 8, 2024, at NRG Stadium. The College Football Playoff matches the No. 1 ranked team vs. No. 4, and No. 2 vs. No. 3 in semifinal games that rotate annually among six bowl games – the Goodyear Cotton Bowl, Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, Capital One Orange Bowl, Allstate Sugar Bowl and Rose Bowl Game.

• Twelve Big Ten Conference students are among the 201 semifinalists for the 2023 William V. Campbell Trophy. Now in its 34th year, the Campbell Trophy is presented annually to the nation’s top football scholar-athlete. Representing the Big Ten as this year’s Campbell Trophy semifinalists are Illinois’ Isaiah Williams, Indiana’s Trey Walker, Maryland’s Taulia Tagovailoa, Michigan’s Zak Zinter, Michigan State’s Maverick Hansen, Nebraska’s Brian Buschini, Northwestern’s Bryce Gallagher, Ohio State’s Cody Simon, Penn State’s Olu Fashanu, Purdue’s Gus Hartwig, Rutgers’ Mayan Ahanotu and Wisconsin’s Maema Njongmeta.

• The 2023 campaign will feature 99 All-Big Ten honorees (first-, second-, third-team or honorable mention) selected by either the coaches or the media last season, with Ohio State leading the way with 16 all-conference returnees. The East Division welcomes back 56 all-conference players, while the West returns 43. Illinois is the only West team with double-digit all-conference returnees with 10, while each team has at least one All-Big Ten performer returning.

Nebraska vs. Wisconsin Deliver Most-Watched Regular Season Volleyball Broadcast Ever

Sports

October 24th, 2023 by admin

CHICAGO, Ill. – Saturday night’s five-set match between No. 1 Wisconsin vs. No. 2 Nebraska delivered 612,000 viewers, the most-watched regular season volleyball broadcast across any network and the most-watched volleyball broadcast in Big Ten Network history.

The previous record was also delivered by Nebraska and Wisconsin on BTN, as 587,000 viewers tuned in on Nov. 25, 2022. The top three regular-season volleyball matches across all networks, and four of the top five, have aired on BTN.

Volleyball broadcasts on BTN are averaging 142,00 viewers this season, a +13% increase over last year’s performance.