United Group Insurance

Carson addresses death of his staffer and issues affecting America during a stop in Atlantic

News

January 21st, 2016 by Ric Hanson

Republican presidential candidate Dr. Ben Carson spoke to a large crowd during an event in Atlantic Thursday night. Carson, a retired neurosurgeon, talked about coming from a broken family that was held together by the fortitude of his mother, the loss of a campaign staffer during a crash on Interstate 80 in Cass County, terrorism, and how to fix the economy. Carson spoke about the “Income Gap” Democrats Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders often speak of. He said taxing the rich more will not solve the problem.

He said one of the keys to getting the nation back on track is controlling the amount of government regulations.

Republican Ben Carson at the Cass County Community Center in Atlantic (Ric Hanson/photo)

Republican Ben Carson at the Cass County Community Center in Atlantic (Ric Hanson/photo)

Carson proposed looking at regulations in terms of cost versus benefits. As an example, he said Clean Energy may lower the earth’s temperature by a slight margin over 85-years, but it will cost billions of dollars and millions of jobs. Carson said policies cannot be “ideologically driven.” Instead, we should want policies driven by evidence.

On the topic of terrorism, Carson said ISIS is an “Existentialist threat,” and that “We have to destroy the Jihadists, we can’t simply contain them, because they’re not going away.” He suggested the way to do that is to consult with military experts and find out what it is they need to take terrorist’s land away from them, and then give the military what they need, instead of tying their hands. He also said we “Have to take their oil,” which is their source of income.

On the home front, Carson suggested Americans be trained how to respond to terrorist situations. He said also we should be offering free courses for Americans on how to use their guns, not restricting who can legally purchase them. Carson was also in favor of term limits for Congress, and justices on the Supreme Court. When asked about Government Transparency, Carson said there needs to be a more open dialogue between the Executive and Legislative branches of government, and that those talks are public.

After he answered questions from the audience, Carson spoke briefly with the media. When asked about the low standing in the polls leading up to Iowa caucuses, Carson said Town Hall meetings are the way to get his message out.He said also “I’m not a politician…all I have to do is tell the truth.” Carson said his campaign team has pulled together even more over the loss of Brayden Joplin following the crash on I-80, and he never considered pulling out of the race, because the reason he got into the race still exists. And that is Our country is moving rapidly in the wrong direction, and if we continue down the same path, and if we continue doing the same thing, and we continue putting the same kind of people with the same kind of promises in, we’re gonna get the same results.”

3 arrests in Cass County

News

January 21st, 2016 by Ric Hanson

The Cass County Sheriff’s Office reports three arrests. On Wednesday, deputies arrested 33-year old Juan Manuel Anaya Mendez, of Atlantic, on a District Court warrant for Probation Violation. Anaya Mendez was taken to the Cass County Jail where he was released on $5,000 bond the following day. Also arrested Wednesday was 47-year old Dana Lee Charles, of Atlantic. Charles was taken into custody on a warrant for Failure to Appear. She was being held in the Cass County Jail, pending serving jail sentence.

Today (Thursday) Cass County deputies arrested 36-year old Heather Marie Christensen, of Atlantic, on District Court warrants for Probation Violation. Christensen was taken to the Cass County Jail where she remains held on $50,000 bond.

Iowa House panel OKs bill over gun rights in emergency

News

January 21st, 2016 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Some House lawmakers have advanced legislation that would reinforce Iowa gun owners’ access to weapons during times of emergency in the state.  A divided three-member panel from the House Judiciary Committee approved the bill Thursday, and it now heads to the full committee. It needs approval there before a full House vote.

The bill would specify that neither the governor nor state officials can prohibit or curtail lawful gun possession during a public disorder or disaster emergency proclamation. Current law allows state officials to do so, though critics of the bill say such a situation would be rare. They called the bill unnecessary.

Rep. Matt Windschitl, a Missouri Valley Republican, says the bill protects Second Amendment rights. He has introduced several bills this session that focus on expanding gun rights.

High School hoops tonight on KJANTV

CAM Cougar Channel, Sports

January 21st, 2016 by admin

We will be bringing you a web only broadcast tonight on our TV page of the Atlantic vs. Kuemper Catholic boys basketball game being played at Atlantic High School.  Chris Parks and Seth Christensen will have the Hawkeye Ten battle for you tonight.  Atlantic comes in with a 10-2 overall record and are 5-2 in the Hawkeye 10.  Kuemper Catholic is 9-4 overall and 6-1 in Hawkeye 10 play.  Tip-off is set for 7:30pm and we’ll have pregame coverage about 7:20pm.

State Bowling Qualifying Meets set

Sports

January 21st, 2016 by admin

The Iowa High School Athletic Association and Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union released state qualifying bowling meet assignments on Wednesday afternoon.

State qualifying bowling meets will be held Tuesday, February 16th. The state meet is set for Monday, February 22nd for Class 1A; Tuesday, February 23rd for Class 2A; and Wednesday, February 24th for Class 3A.

Area meets are as follows:

Class 1A District 3 @ Alley Bowl, Osceola – 10:00am Girls, 1:30pm Boys

Clarke, Lamoni, Mount Ayr, Red Oak, Shenandoah

Class 1A District 2 @ Great Escape, Pleasant Hill- 1:00pm

Bondurant-Farrar, Creston, Harlan, Knoxville, Lenox, Nodaway Valley

Class 1A District 1 @ Sweet 16 Lanes, LeMars – 11:00am

LeMars, Marcus-Meriden-Cleghorn, OA-BCIG, Sergeant Bluff-Luton, St. Albert, West Sioux

Class 2A District 2 @ Lucky Lanes, Denison- 12:00pm

CB Abraham Lincoln, CB Thomas Jefferson, Denison-Schleswig, Norwalk

Class 2A District 1 @ Plaza Lanes, Sioux City- 1:00pm

Lewis Central, Sioux Central, Sioux City North, Sioux City West

IWOCA Wrestling Dual Team rankings released

Sports

January 21st, 2016 by admin

The Iowa Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association released their latest dual team rankings on Thursday.

IWCOA 1A Dual Team Rankings, 011916
Overall Ranking School  Record through 1/16/16
1. Don Bosco, Gilbertville 20-2
2. Lisbon  18-1
3. Alburnett  14-4
4. Logan-Magnolia  19-2
5. Sibley-Ocheyedan  16-1
6. Westwood, Sloan  19-2
7. Lake Mills  24-7
8. Sumner-Fredericksburg  14-2
9. Dike-New Hartford  13-7
10.Sigourney  15-0
11. MFL MarMac  18-1
12. Ogden  22-1
13. West Marshall, State Center  10-3
14. Missouri Valley  11-3
15. OA-BCIG  7-0
16. Southeast Warren, Liberty Center  14-2

IWCOA 2A Dual Team Rankings, 011916
Overall Ranking School  Record through 1/16/16
1. New Hampton  18-0
2. Creston  14-0
3. Assumption, Davenport  12-1
4. Clarion-Goldfield-Dows  14-3
5. Sergeant Bluff-Luton  12-0
6. Independence  18-6
7. Washington  23-0
8. Albia  11-2
9. Webster City  12-2
10. Glenwood  10-2
11. Mediapolis  13-4
12. Mount Vernon  12-3
13. Crestwood, Cresco  9-8
14. Williamsburg  13-3
15. Osage  17-9
16. Solon  13-3

IWCOA 3A Dual Team Wrestling Rankings, 01/20/2016
Overall Ranking School Record through 1/16/16
1. Southeast Polk 13-0
2. Valley, West Des Moines 17-1
3. Fort Dodge 9-2
4. Dubuque, Hempstead  23-0
5. Johnston  18-2
6. Prairie, Cedar Rapids  16-3
7. Cedar Rapids, Kennedy 10-1
8. Waverly-Shell Rock 15-3
9. Cedar Rapids Jefferson  9-3
10. Indianola  13-2
11. Epworth, Western Dubuque  25-7
12. Waukee  14-5
13. Clinton  12-2
14. North Scott, Eldridge  18-9
15. Norwalk  16-2
16. Bettendorf  9-7
17. Ankeny Centennial  14-9
18. Linn-Mar, Marion  19-10
19. Iowa City, West  13-10
20. Iowa City, City High  13-10
21. Dallas Center-Grimes  9-4
22. Council Bluffs, Thomas Jefferson  11-5
23. Ottumwa  10-6
24. Dowling Catholic, West Des Moines  7-6

IA DOT to conduct I-80 study: Your input needed

News

January 21st, 2016 by Ric Hanson

The Iowa Department of Transportation is conducting a study of Interstate 80 and would like your input. The study will be developed and released through a series of technical reports that identify the existing condition of I-80, the way the system is performing, short- and long-term issues, and strategies to improve the route. Each report will be accessible online as it becomes available on the Iowa DOT’s I-80 Planning Study website: www.iowadot.gov/interstatestudy.IA DOT

The Iowa DOT is asking interested parties to take a few minutes to review the materials on the I-80 Planning Study website and complete the survey. Survey responses will help Iowa DOT’s staff gain a better understanding of perceptions and experiences of those traveling I-80 in Iowa. The website also offers a way for those interested to receive future emails or text messages regarding the study. Use the “Stay Connected” link on the I-80 Planning Study website to sign up.

For information regarding the I-80 Planning Study, contact the Iowa DOT’s Office of Location and Environment, 800 Lincoln Way, Ames, Iowa 50010, phone 515-239-1225 or email DOT-I-80Planning@dot.iowa.gov.

Marne Community Club Hosting Chili Contest and Men’s Pie Contest

News

January 21st, 2016 by Ric Hanson

The Marne Community Club is hosting their annual Chili Contest on Sunday, January 31st. At the same time, the Annual Men’s Pie Baking Contest will be held. Judging for both contests will be “peoples’ choice.”

Anyone interested in entering the Chili Contest should bring a gallon crock pot of chili to the Marne Community Center by 6:00 p.m. on the day of the contest. The same goes for entering the Men’s Pie Contest. There are no fees for entering. Trophies for both chili and pie winners are on display at the Marne Community Center, and the 1st place winners’ names will be added to their respective trophy.

Everyone is welcome to join the fun, either as a participant or a judge! Come to Marne and share a meal. The main course will be, of course, chili. Please bring a potluck salad to share. Pie for dessert! Beverages will be provided.

(Press Release)

Midwest, Plains bankers had dire view of rural economy

Ag/Outdoor, News

January 21st, 2016 by Ric Hanson

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) – A survey shows some bankers had a dire view of the rural economy in their 10 Western and Plains states. A report released today (Thursday) says January’s Rural Mainstreet Index plunged to 34.8 from 41.5 in December. It’s the lowest overall index figure since August 2009. Survey officials say any score below 50 on any of the survey’s indexes suggests that factor will decline.

Creighton University economist Ernie Goss oversees the monthly survey of rural bankers and says it’s the fifth straight month for a decline. He again blames lower prices for agriculture and energy commodities and downturns in manufacturing.

The farmland and ranchland price index dropped to 23.9 in January from December’s 28.8. Bankers from Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming were surveyed.

Backyard & Beyond 1-21-2016

Backyard and Beyond, Podcasts

January 21st, 2016 by Jim Field

LaVon Eblen talks about her other program on KJAN, “Family Fun in the Kitchen with LaVon & Miss Nini.”

Play