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Atlantic falls to Davenport Assumption at State Softball

Sports

July 20th, 2016 by admin

The Atlantic Trojans Softball team finally got their chance at a game in the State Softball Tournament on Wednesday afternoon but came up short to Davenport Assumption by a score of 11-3.  The Trojans were originally scheduled to play on Tuesday but all games were moved back a day due to heavy rain in Ft. Dodge.  Davenport Assumption jumped out to an early 3-0 lead in the first inning and tacked on another run in the second.  They then rattled off 4 runs in the fourth, 1 in the fifth, and 2 in the sixth to push their lead to 11-0 before Atlantic scored 3 in the bottom of the sixth to keep the game alive.  No runs put up by either team in the 7th brought the game to a close at 11-3.  Davenport Assumtion scored their 11 runs on 15 hits and committed 1 error.  Atlantic scored 3 runs on 3 hits with 7 errors.

Atlantic will now play in the consolation bracket at noon on Thursday against CMB on Dodger Field at the Harlan Rogers Sports Complex in Ft. Dodge. They will then play in the 5th or 7th place game at 4:00pm on Thursday as well.

Redwood Road closed for one day in Shelby County

News

July 20th, 2016 by Ric Hanson

(Update 6:30-p.m. 7/20 – construction has been completed, and Redwood is open!)

The Shelby County Emergency Management Agency reports Redwood Road will be closed for one day, effective today (Wednesday). The closure is between 147 and 210 Redwood Road, Monroe Township Section 328. Construction is expected to last for about one day.

RedwoodThe area has many dirt or Level B roads. Considerable route planning will be necessary for some emergency responders if they are called to residences in the area.

Iowa State Fair butter sculpture to feature “Star Trek”

Ag/Outdoor, News

July 20th, 2016 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – One of the most viewed displays at the Iowa State Fair will peer into the future and celebrate the past at the same time as the popular butter sculpture exhibit features characters from the “Star Trek” television series. Each year Sarah Pratt creates a cow from 600 pounds of butter for the butter cow exhibit. The refrigerated case also features a second scene which has included Elvis Presley, a Harley-Davidson motorcycle and Neil Armstrong’s walk on the moon.

This year standing next to the cow will be Captain Kirk, Spock, Dr. McCoy and Uhura in two scenes on the bridge of starship USS Enterprise to commemorate the original “Star Trek” television show’s 50th anniversary. The Iowa State Fair, which attracts more than a million people a year, begins Aug. 11.

Sen. Grassley proposes criminal justice system reforms

News

July 20th, 2016 by Ric Hanson

With rising tensions between police officers and some members of the public, Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley says he’s introducing legislation calling for a series of reforms in the criminal justice system. Grassley, a Republican, says the bill would look at multiple issues, including ways to make the sentencing process more fair along with tighter regulations on law enforcement.

Grassley says, “In light of recent and justified public concern over treatment of suspects by some police and the treatment of police by people who would do them harm, the need for criminal justice reform is even greater now.” The Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act aims to reduce mandatory minimum sentences for nonviolent drug offenders. It would also enhance prison programs that are proven to reduce the likelihood of an inmate re-offending once released. Grassley says inmates who successfully complete those programs could see a reduced sentence.

“I’ve heard from Iowans who have raised concerns about the fast-growing federal prison population,” Grassley says. “I guess you hear at the state level as well, also about the cost to taxpayers to house those prisoners.” Grassley says he’s also hearing concerns about people who’ve committed relatively minor crimes being given lengthy sentences that are usually reserved for hard-core criminals.

Grassley says, “The bill I’ve authored is a step forward in healing wounds by closing some disparities in sentencing that disproportionately affect African-Americans and helping people already within the prison system become productive members of our society.”

The legislation would also require states receiving certain federal funds to report information regarding the discharge of a firearm by a law officer which results in the death of a civilian. Another element of the bill would offer various reforms to the federal criminal justice system, like allowing people convicted of certain crimes as juveniles to expunge their criminal records if they turn their lives around.

(Radio Iowa)

Iowa Livestock Care Essential as Temperatures Soar Around the State

Ag/Outdoor, News

July 20th, 2016 by Ric Hanson

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa – July 20, 2016 — Iowa’s continued heat wave isn’t just the subject of conversation at swimming pools and office water coolers; it’s also a concern on Iowa’s livestock farms.  Iowa’s farmers work around the clock to keep their animals safe, no matter the conditions.

Iowa Farm Animal Care Coalition (IFAC) Executive Director, Denny Harding says “Dog owners know that they can’t leave their pets in a hot car, even for a moment, because when temperatures climb, a pet can suffer brain damage or even death in as little as 15 minutes.  But, livestock farmers around the state are also keeping a watchful eye on their animals, because disaster can strike in minutes, without proper care.”

IFAC is a network of professionals, veterinarians, animal behavior scientists, and farmers committed to answering Iowans’ questions about farm animal care and ensuring that one vision is shared by all – that every Iowa farm receives proper, humane animal care.

Management is key for Iowa farmers, and thanks to technology and innovative animal housing, livestock are more comfortable than ever before. That’s because many of today’s modern hog barns are climate-controlled to allow for constantly-regulated temperatures, continuous air flow, ventilation, and individual water delivery systems.

Today’s farmers keep a watchful eye on their herds for signs of heat stress, and move fast to treat it appropriately. Iowa farmers frequently consult their veterinarians to ensure proper prevention and care to keep their livestock at an optimum level of health; an especially important practice for Iowa cattle farmers who keep their animals on pasture throughout the summer months.

Iowa State Veterinarian, Dr. David Schmitt, says, “Iowa livestock farmers know their animals and do a tremendous job caring for them regardless of what the Iowa weather throws at them. During the hot summer months it is very important farmers closely monitor their animals, whether they are raised in a building or outside. Animals need to have adequate water and access to shade to help them weather the extremely high temperatures. It is also important farmers remain in close contact with their veterinarian who can also provide more information and answer questions.”

If you have questions about livestock care in Iowa’s ever-changing weather, visit the Iowa Farm Animal Care website at:  http://www.iowafarmanimalcare.org/.

Cass County Fair Queen/King Contest Indoors Due to Heat!

Ag/Outdoor, News, Weather

July 20th, 2016 by Jim Field

The forecast for high heat and humidity has forced Cass County Fair officials to move the Thursday night program indoors to the Atlantic High School auditorium.  Deb Schuler, one of the organizers of the Queen/King contest, told KJAN today that there isn’t enough room in the community building on the fairgrounds with all of the projects to accommodate the contestants and the crowd.  When asked, the Atlantic school administrations was fine with holding the contest in the high school auditorium.

The night will begin with the new Little Miss/Mister contest at 7:00 pm followed by the King/Queen contest and senior recognition.  The high school boys baseball banquet will be held in the high school commons beginning at 6:30 Thursday evening, so school officials do ask that those coming to the auditorium to be courteous .

Glenwood woman arrested Tue. for Disorderly Conduct

News

July 20th, 2016 by Ric Hanson

The Glenwood Police Department reports the arrest on Tuesday, of 37-year old Wendy Meadows,  of Glenwood. Meadows was arrested on a Mills County warrant for disorderly conduct. Her cash bond was set at $500.

Backyard & Beyond 7-20-2016

Backyard and Beyond, Podcasts

July 20th, 2016 by Jim Field

LaVon Eblen visits with Nathan and Emily Paulsen about new local food events.

Play

RAGBRAI riders taking to the roads Sunday in southern Iowa

News

July 20th, 2016 by Ric Hanson

Thousands of bicycle enthusiasts and their entourages will be descending on Glenwood this weekend for the start of the 2016 Register’s Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI). Each year RAGBRAI riders are treated to the best hospitality Iowa has to offer in cities along the route.

Some riders are early risers and take the roads early to get to the next town. Others sleep a little later and take a more leisurely pace moving from town to town. With so many riders moving at different times of day, the Iowa Department of Transportation is alerting motorists to be extra cautious of bicyclists over the next week, especially in the area of that day’s route.

Tips for motorists

  • Do not honk your horn at bicyclists. They may be startled and lose control.
  • Use extra caution when passing bicycles. Move entirely into the left lane; on a two-lane road, do not pass a bicycle if oncoming traffic is near.
  • Bicyclists might swerve to avoid road hazards. Common road hazards for bicyclists are potholes, debris, drainage grates, railroad tracks, and narrow bridges.
  • Be careful when opening your vehicle door. Road widths often force bicyclists to ride close to parked vehicles where they may be injured by an opening door.
  • When in doubt, yield to bicycles.

Tips for bicyclists

  • Always wear a helmet.
  • Ride on the right. Ride in the right lane except when passing another vehicle, preparing for a left turn, or avoiding hazards.
  • Never ride against traffic. Always ride with the flow of traffic.
  • Obey traffic signs and signals. Use hand signals to advise motorists you plan to turn, change lanes, or stop.
  • Make eye contact with motorists. Never assume a motorist sees you or that you have the right of way.
  • Expect the unexpected. Watch for vehicles pulling into traffic from a parking spot; vehicle doors opening into your path; and debris on the road.
  • At night use a headlight, taillight, and reflectors.

Even though the RAGBRAI route is taking bikers through southern Iowa, many bicyclists in other parts of the state are getting motivated to get out and ride. The Iowa DOT reminds motorists to share the road. Remember that bicycles have the same rights and responsibilities on our highways as motorists.

CAM School Board to consult w/engineers on building plans

News

July 20th, 2016 by Ric Hanson

Members of the CAM School District’s Board of Education met Monday evening during a regular monthly session. The Board continued with discussion pertaining to the four-year old Preschool Building in Massena. CAM Superintendent Dr. Casey Berlau told KJAN News the current, used portable building that has been occupied since 2008, is scheduled to be demolished. And, as we mentioned earlier this month, students in the building will be moved this fall to the music room at the school in Massena.

Berlau said what they decided Monday, was to ask for help from engineers, in determining what the best options are to move forward. Those options might include rebuilding a structure, or adding on to a building to make more space to accommodate all the district’s programs. They hope to present those options to the Board during their regular meeting in August. Berlau said also, they expect to be doing some type of project over the next year, so more permanent plans are in-place for the start of the 2017-18 School Year. He said they’re confident they can make the current solution – moving the kids into the music room – work, but that’s definitely not a permanent plan.

In other business, the CAM School Board approved the hiring of Paul Upmeyer, as Band Teacher. Upmeyer comes from a school district in eastern Iowa. Berlau says the Board also set 2016-17 lunch prices and fees. The lunch prices are going up five-cents, but the milk prices are going down a nickel. Admission fees for school events are going up one-dollar, to $4 for students and $6 for adults. The Board also approved an agreement with the Griswold School District for the sharing of an Art Teacher.