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Liquid propane prices are down, supplies are up as harvest season opens

Ag/Outdoor, News

September 21st, 2023 by Jim Field

As farmers in many parts of Iowa launch into the harvest, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says there’s good news for producers who might need to dry their grains using heaters fueled by tanks of liquid propane. While L-P supplies have been tight in recent years, Naig says that doesn’t appear to be the case this season, as fall arrives on Saturday.

Propane prices are averaging around a dollar-77 a gallon in Iowa, which is down from around two-16 a year ago.

Naig remains optimistic prices will hold steady as we head into the cold weather months.

It’s also a plus for Iowans who heat their homes with L-P. Estimates show about 67% of Iowans use natural gas to heat their homes, 15% use electricity, and 14% use liquid propane.

TIM LYNN ROSKENS, 53, of Minden (9-26-2023)

Obituaries

September 21st, 2023 by Jim Field

TIM LYNN ROSKENS, 53, of Minden died Tuesday, September 19, 2023.  Funeral service for TIM LYNN ROSKENS will be held on Tuesday, September 26, 2023 at 10:30 am at Pauley-Jones Funeral Home in Avoca.

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Family will greet friends Monday from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the funeral home.

Burial in the Graceland Cemetery in Avoca.

TIM LYNN ROSKENS is survived by:

Wife:  Mary-Beth Roskens of Minden.

Mother:  Marian Roskens of Avoca.

Son:  Cody Roskens of Peoria, IL.

Daughter:  Emily Roskens of Des Moines.

Sister:  Robin (Chad) Butler of Harlan.

Brother:  Tom (Carrie) Roskens of Avoca.

Red Oak Police Drug Arrest

News

September 21st, 2023 by Jim Field

Red Oak Police conducted a traffic stop Thursday morning just before nine o’clock at 2404 North 8th Street.  After investigation, officers arrested 27 year old Tori Shanelle Bergerson of Red Oak on a charge of possession of a controlled substance.  Bergerson was held at the Montgomery County Jail on $1,000 bond.

Atlantic Celebrates All Things Coca-Cola this Weekend

News

September 21st, 2023 by Jim Field

Coca-Cola Days is coming to Atlantic Friday, September 22nd and Saturday, September 23rd.  Atlantic Chamber of Commerce Program Director Kelsey Beschorner says the community and Atlantic Bottling have been a great partnership.

Iowa Chapter of Coca-Cola Collectors Club President Kurt Roberts, a Cass County native, says the relationship between the community and the Tyler family help to make the event special.

Roberts says his interest in Coca-Cola collectibles began in high school.

Beschorner says they have t-shirts for sale and some raffle items for this year.

Friday evening’s events include the tailgate party from 5:30 to 6:30 and the Coca-Cola Collectors sneak peek from 6:00 to 8:00.  Saturday will include the Show, Swap and Sell from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm and the newest addition, the Classic Car Show and Shine from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.  All the events will be held at the Cass County Community Center.

Officially Licensed University of Iowa NIL Store Coming Soon

Sports

September 21st, 2023 by Asa Lucas

IOWA CITY, Iowa — The NIL Store powered by Campus Ink has announced the University of Iowa NIL Store is coming soon, providing officially licensed merchandising opportunities and industry-leading payouts to every Iowa Hawkeyes student-athlete.

Hawkeye fans are encouraged to “look for the officially licensed” label. When Iowa fans see the Collegiate Licensed Properties label, they can be assured that they are purchasing officially licensed merchandise benefiting the University of Iowa Athletics Department, and in the case of the University of Iowa NIL Store powered by Campus Ink, they are also providing support to Hawkeye student-athletes.

In coordination with Iowa’s INFLCR Exchange, the NIL Store powered by Campus Ink will launch a complete NIL merchandise platform for University of Iowa student-athletes featuring officially licensed NIL apparel and fashion jersey options.

Every athlete who signs up will possess a personalized digital locker room that will house their merchandise.

The NIL Store team handles all the creative, product creation, design, marketing, fulfillment and customer service for its student-athletes. Additionally, the NIL Store works directly with student-athletes to educate them on merchandising, marketing and sales trends to develop strategies for optimal success.

The NIL Store network of schools’ spans most of the Big Ten Conference, with stores at Illinois, Indiana, Purdue, Penn State, Maryland, Nebraska, Michigan State, Northwestern, Ohio State and Rutgers.

ABOUT CAMPUS INK AND THE NIL STORE 

Backed by Mark Cuban, Campus Ink expanded into the Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) space in 2021 and launched the NIL Store, which serves as a merchandising solution for student-athletes and schools across the country. The NIL Store operates with the firm belief that every student-athlete has an opportunity to capitalize on their NIL and should earn industry-leading payouts. Campus Ink was founded in 1947 on the campus of the University of Illinois and was reimagined in 2015 with an office in downtown Chicago and a production facility in Urbana, Illinois, where the company handles all of its own production and fulfillment.

Hawkeyes Set to Open Fall Season at Charlotte Invitational

Sports

September 21st, 2023 by Asa Lucas

IOWA CITY, Iowa – The University of Iowa women’s tennis team will travel to Charlotte, North Carolina, to open the fall season at the Charlotte Invitational.  The tournament will be held on Sunday and Monday at the Halton-Wagner Tennis Complex.   

Five Hawkeyes will be competing in the two-day event, including Daianne Hayashida, Chelsea Bluestein, Pia Kranholdt, Barbora Pokorna and Jessica Matthews. Two of the student-athletes – Bluestein and Matthews — will be making their Iowa debuts.  

The Hawkeyes will be one of five teams competing, along with Charlotte, Duke, Kansas State and Wisconsin.    

Swarm Collective to Offer NIL Opportunities for All Hawkeye Student-Athletes

Sports

September 21st, 2023 by Asa Lucas

IOWA CITY, Iowa — Hawkeye fans can now support NIL activities for student-athletes on all 22 Hawkeye athletic teams through the Swarm Collective.

Individuals who make a one-time gift of $1,000 or more, or commit to monthly gifts of $100 or more, will be able to direct their NIL support to any of the Hawkeye athletic programs.

“NIL support has become critically important to Hawkeye Athletics. We are fortunate to have such a passionate fanbase who continues to be generous in so many areas, and we don’t take that for granted. We want to support the donor interest whether it is in purchasing tickets or contributing to scholarships, facilities and NIL,” said Beth Goetz, interim Henry B. And Patricia B. Tippie director of athletics chair.

“Brad’s leadership of the Swarm Collective, with the support of Scott and Jayne, has been incredible. We truly appreciate those who have contributed to the Swarm Collective and our excited about the opportunity for all Hawkeye student-athletes to benefit from NIL.”

The Swarm Collective is led by Brad Heinrichs, CEO; Scott Brickman, Executive Director/COO; and Jayne Oswald, Vice President of Events and Engagement.

“NIL is a wonderful tool that provides student-athletes with opportunities to build and enhance their personal brand while also serving local charities and nonprofits.” said Heinrichs. “We are thrilled to be able to expand this opportunity to athletes in all 22 Hawkeye sports programs at Iowa and continue to contribute to their success on and off the field of play.”

The Swarm Collective has participated with over 40 nonprofit organizations in their first year totaling nearly 1,200 in student-athlete hours of service.

To provide support, or learn more about the Swarm Collective, visit iowaswarm.com.

Reward increased in Page County break-in & theft investigation

News

September 21st, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Clarinda, Iowa) – In an update to our previous report, the Page County Sheriff’s Office has announced an anonymous individual has stepped forward to post a reward of up to $1,000, leading to the arrest and conviction of whomever was involved in a break-in and theft that occurred in Page County, between the late evening hours of Sept 7th, and early morning hours of Sept. 8th. When combined with a $1,5000 Page County Crimestoppers reward. the total possible reward amounts to $3,500.

As reported, that incidents occurred northeast of College Springs, in rural Page County. Some of the items reported missing include: A Gray 2022 Ford 550 pickup with a service box equipped with a small crane; A Bobcat welder; Gas torch set, and numerous tools for the truck and shop.

The 2022 Ford was parked inside of the victim’s shop. The suspect(s) loaded up more tools from the shop before leaving with the vehicle and contents.

Person’s leaving tips can remain anonymous and will be given a number as identification.

USDA Invests $5 Million to Strengthen Communities, Businesses and Job Opportunities in rural Iowa

News

September 21st, 2023 by Ric Hanson

Investments will impact Appanoose, Audubon, Carroll, Clayton, Crawford, Decatur, Fremont, Greene, Grundy, Guthrie, Harrison, Jackson, Poweshiek, Sac, Union, Van Buren, and Washington counties

DES MOINES, Iowa, Sept. 21, 2023 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director in Iowa Theresa Greenfield today announced that the Agency is investing $4,782,800 in loans and $268,500 in grants to 13 rural Iowa projects to help communities and businesses improve critical community infrastructure and promote economic development.

“These investments will help our rural neighbors establish and operate vital services, such as health care facilities, volunteer fire departments, and school transport,” said Director Greenfield. “Under the leadership of the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA has made improving communities and expanding access to capital for small business top priorities. When we address these needs with grants and loans, we help uplift rural Iowa.”

Among the USDA Funded Projects:

-The City of Randolph in Fremont County received a $22,000 grant from the Water and Waste Disposal Predevelopment Planning Grants program to prepare a water facility improvements plan. This project will produce a facility plan created by professional engineers that includes alternatives and recommendations to meet the rehabilitation needs of the entire water system. Once completed, the project will help guide the city’s planning efforts and will promote the safety of the local water supply for the residents of this rural community.

Region XII Council of Governments in Carroll received a $1 million loan from the Intermediary Relending Program to expand the lending capacity of its revolving loan fund. This project will enable the organization, a voluntary association formed to facilitate multi-community collaboration, to finance development projects by providing loans to businesses in their seven-county region. Once completed, this project will promote economic progress and increase employment opportunities for residents in rural Audubon, Carroll, Crawford, Greene, Guthrie, and Sac counties.

Community Facilities Grants were awarded to:

-The City of Coon Rapids: a $45,600 grant to purchase equipment. This project will provide 14 air packs and related materials to facilitate firefighting and rescue operations. The project will replace the fire department’s expired air packs. Once in service, this equipment will help safeguard the lives of the city’s fire volunteers during the dangerous situations they may encounter while serving the emergency needs of this rural Carroll County community.

Woodbine Community School District: a $35,700 grant to purchase a vehicle. This project will provide an 11-passenger van to transport small groups of students. Once in operation, the vehicle will increase operational efficiencies and promote the safety of school district passengers in this rural Harrison County community.

-The City of Creston received a $28,600 grant to purchase a law enforcement vehicle. This project will replace an aging patrol unit with a new model for the city’s law enforcement department. Once in operation, the new vehicle will increase operational efficiency and promote the safety of residents and law enforcement personnel in this rural Union County community.

Governor Reynolds’ husband has been diagnosed with lung cancer

News

September 21st, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – Kevin Reynolds, the husband of Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, has been diagnosed with lung cancer. The governor issued a written statement this (Thursday) revealing her husband’s diagnosis. Reynolds says the couple has every reason to be optimistic, as their doctor has assured them there have been significant advancements in lung cancer treatment. Kevin and Kim Reynolds have been married for 41 years.

She describes her husband as her anchor throughout their marriage and Reynolds says she will be the same for him as he begins treatment. The governor says she and her husband are blessed to e surrounded by a loving family and a community of prayer warriors — and they know God is with them on this journey.