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SWITA receives Federal Transit Administration Region 7 Award for Highest Rural Public Transit Ridership in Iowa

News

September 12th, 2023 by Jim Field

Southwest Iowa Transit Agency (SWITA) was recognized as the Iowa rural public transit system with the largest ridership in fiscal year 2021 by the Federal Transit Administration during the Breakfast of Transit Champions at the 2023 Midwest Transit Conference in Kansas City on September 8th.

SWITA has continued to show tremendous growth in ridership despite the decline many other agencies have seen since the pandemic. The award itself was delayed because of the pandemic. For the award year (2021) SWITA provided 377,547 rides. SWITA will hold the title for 2022 and 2023 as well with 480,229 rides and an unprecedented 526,300 rides respectively. Workforce ridership is one specific area of growth for SWITA and ridership has more than doubled from fiscal year 2020 at 43,363 rides to fiscal year 2023 at 99,286 rides. SWITA transportation is available for all residents in Cass, Fremont, Harrison, Mills, Montgomery, Page, Pottawattamie and Shelby counties.

SWIPCO Executive Director John McCurdy said, “Awards because of big numbers are nice, but what is really important is what those numbers represent. SWITA is getting people in Southwest Iowa where they need to go—including to work, school, and medical appointments. The SWITA staff bend over backwards to meet the needs of our clients because they know every trip is important to that client.”

SWITA transportation is accessible to everyone including the disabled population and elderly. SWITA vehicles are equipped with wheelchair accessibility and one personal care attendant rides free. SWITA transportation is affordable: taxi rides are $2.50 per trip or $2.00 per trip for elderly clients (60 years and older) with collaboration from Connenctions Area Agency on Aging; medical trips are $30 per hour; Summer Fun Bus rides are $1 per trip or $40 for the full summer; other special trips are $40 per hour.

SWITA Transit Director Mark Lander said, “SWITA is one of the few Rural Public Transit Agencies in Iowa that has routes running 24/7 and we were the only public transit agency in the state that saw ridership gains during the pandemic. This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the men and women at SWITA that work day in and day out to get the people of Southwest Iowa where they need to go!”

For questions or to request a ride, contact SWITA at 712-243-2518 or 1-800-842-8065.

Two vehicle Crash Monday in Atlantic

News

September 12th, 2023 by Jim Field

One person was reportedly taken by local EMS to the hospital after a pair of vehicles collided Monday in Atlantic.  The crash happened at the intersection of Linn and Seventh Streets just after 5:00 pm.  An SUV driven by Robert Hitch of Atlantic and a pickup truck driven by Floyd Knop of Hancock were involved.  Police say Knop was southbound at the intersection and failed to obey a stop sign, striking the Hitch vehicle which was westbound.  Hitch was taken to the hospital with what were described as non-life threatening injuries.  Knop was taken to the hospital by private vehicle as a precaution.  Knop was charged with failing to obey a stop sign.  Total damage to the two vehicles was estimated at $23,000.

Atlantic Police also report that on September 1, 2023, 22 year old Mikayla Waldron of Atlantic was arrested for Theft 5th degree.  She was cited into court and released.

On, September 2, 2023, 36 year old Louis Chipenson of Atlantic was cited for Operating While Under the Influence 2nd Offense and Public Intoxication.  He was taken into custody and transported to the Cass County Jail where he was booked in and held.

On September 6, 2023, 20 year old Jarrit Smith of Atlantic was charged with Possession of Controlled Substance 1st Offense and Possession of Controlled Substance (marijuana).  He turned himself in on his warrants, posted bond and was released.

On September 8, 2023, 29 year old Edward Parrott Jr. of Council Bluffs was arrested on a warrant for Violation of Probation.  He was taken into custody and transported to the Cass County Jail where he was booked in and held.

Also on September 8th, 38 year old Tyler Pottorff of Anita was cited for Disorderly Conduct.  He was taken into custody and transported to the Cass County Jail where he was booked in and held.

On September 9, 2023, 32 year old Cody Pleis of Atlantic was charged for Violation of No Contact Order.  He was taken into custody and transported to the Cass County Jail where he was booked in and held.

George Strait and Chris Stapleton to play Jack Trice Stadium in 2024

Sports

September 12th, 2023 by Asa Lucas

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Setting venue attendance records across seven stadium shows this summer, country music icon George Strait and eight-time GRAMMY winner Chris Stapleton continue the excitement into 2024 with nine new dates. Also returning alongside the King of Country and Stapleton for the extended run of one-off stadium dates are special guests and GRAMMY Award-winning band Little Big Town.

In addition to summer shows in Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Ames, Charlotte, East Rutherford, Salt Lake City, Detroit and Chicago, Strait will also supersize his longstanding Strait to Vegas show with a December date at Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium to mark the 37th installment of the engagement.

Tickets to most shows go on sale next Friday, Sept. 22 at 10 a.m. local time via GeorgeStrait.com, with tickets to the Jacksonville show on sale Friday, Oct. 20 at 10 a.m. local time. American Express® Card Members can purchase tickets before the general public beginning Friday, Sept. 15 at 10 a.m. local time through Thursday, Sept. 21 at 10 p.m. local time.

Of the few opportunities to see Strait perform live, Pollstar opines, “Strait remains the most worthy inheritor of Merle Haggard or Willie Nelson’s mantle of country icon through the meaningful fluidity with which he moves through country’s various sub-strains with the same ease and enjoyment that marked both men’s Country Music Hall of Fame careers.”

“I’ve always said we have the best fans in the world, and to see so many of them show up for these shows just makes us want to keep bringing them more,” shares Strait. “I’ve also missed performing in Las Vegas during NFR, so I’m happy to see that show come together in 2024. See you soon!”

George Strait w/ Chris Stapleton & special guests Little Big Town 2024 Stadium Shows:

May 4, 2024                 Indianapolis, Ind.  ||  Lucas Oil Stadium

May 11, 2024                Jacksonville, Fla.  ||  EverBank Stadium

May 25, 2024                Ames, Iowa  ||  Jack Trice Stadium

June 1, 2024                 Charlotte, N.C.  ||  Bank of America Stadium

June 8, 2024                 East Rutherford, N.J.  ||  MetLife Stadium

June 29, 2024                Salt Lake City, Utah  ||  Rice Eccles Stadium

July 13, 2024                Detroit, Mich.  ||  Ford Field

July 20, 2024                Chicago, Ill.  ||  Soldier Field

Dec. 7, 2024                 Las Vegas, Nev.  ||  Allegiant Stadium

About George Strait

George Strait is the unambiguous King of Country Music, having sold more than 105 million albums and counting while earning more than 60 major entertainment industry awards as well as countless nominations and becoming the only act in history to have a Top 10 hit every year for over three decades. With 33 different Platinum or multi-Platinum albums, he’s earned the third-most certifications of any artist in any genre, following only The Beatles and Elvis Presley, and with a total of 60, Strait has more No. 1 songs than any other artist in history (including Elvis).

The Texas troubadour released 2019’s best-selling Country album, Honky Tonk Time Machine, on MCA Nashville, produced by Strait and Chuck Ainlay, the album quickly became Strait’s record-extending 27th No. 1 Billboard Country album. Comprised of 12 original titles plus Strait’s version of the Johnny Paycheck classic “Old Violin,” Honky Tonk Time Machine marks an incredible 30th career studio album from the Country Music Hall of Fame member, who earned his 100th entry on the Billboard Country Airplay chart with his single “The Weight of the Badge” from the project.

Since his record-breaking Cowboy Rides Away Tour in 2014, Strait has performed for limited engagements, most notably at Las Vegas’s T-Mobile Arena for his long running “Strait to Vegas” series. In 2022, he also made his 31st appearance at the iconic Houston Rodeo on the event’s final night and headlined two nights at Fort Worth’s Dickies Arena. 2023 has seen Strait set concert attendance records at multiple venues as he has teamed up with Chris Stapleton for a series of one-off stadium shows in just six markets, with Little Big Town also appearing on each date.

About Chris Stapleton

Kentucky-born Chris Stapleton is an eight-time GRAMMY, 14-time CMA and 10-time ACM Award winner and one of the country’s most respected and beloved musicians who will release his highly anticipated new album, Higher, on November 10 (Mercury Nashville).

Produced by Dave Cobb, Morgane Stapleton and Chris Stapleton and recorded at Nashville’s historic RCA Studio A, the record consists of 14 tracks that showcase Stapleton’s supernatural voice and musical versatility with songs that defy easy categorization. Already receiving overwhelming notice, the album’s lead single, “White Horse,” recently achieved the biggest add day of the last 12 months at country radio and marks the highest chart debut of Stapleton’s career. Released to critical acclaim, Billboard praises, “‘White Horse’ finds Stapleton pairing an outlaw swagger with some heaven-scraping vocals, going for the gusto throughout the chorus to try and match the guitar snarl.”

The new music adds to another landmark year for Stapleton, who is nominated for three awards at this year’s 57th Annual CMA Awards: Entertainer of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year and Musical Event of the Year. He was also named Entertainer of the Year at the 58th ACM Awards—resulting in a prestigious ACM Triple Crown Award—and Male Vocalist of the Year at the 2022 CMA Awards, his sixth time earning the award, setting the record for most wins ever in the category. Additionally, in February, he performed the National Anthem at Super Bowl LVII and has collaborated in recent years with Adele, Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars, Ed Sheeran, Justin Timberlake, P!nk, Sheryl Crow, Santana and many more.

About Little Big Town

GRAMMY, ACM, CMA, AMA and Emmy Award-winning group, Little Big Town – consisting of members Karen Fairchild, Phillip Sweet, Kimberly Schlapman, and Jimi Westbrook – first entered the music scene over 20 years ago with hit songs “Boondocks,” “Bring It On Home,” “Good As Gone” and the GRAMMY-nominated “Little White Church.” The band’s breakthrough albums Tornado and Pain Killer produced multiple No. 1 singles, including “Pontoon,” “Tornado,” and “Day Drinking,” as well as the history-making, best-selling country single of the year (2015) “Girl Crush.” 2017’s The Breaker debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Charts to critical acclaim. The album features their GRAMMY-winning, multi-week No. 1 single, “Better Man,” as well as the 2019 GRAMMY-nominated, “When Someone Stops Loving You.” The band’s self-produced ninth studio album, Nightfall, was released January 2020 and hit the top of the Billboard Country Charts. The record included critically acclaimed and GRAMMY-nominated “The Daughters,” “Over Drinking” and “Wine, Beer, Whiskey” – the latter of which has reached almost 400 million global streams. In September 2022 they released their tenth studio album, Mr. Sun, which debuted as the Top Country Album released by a Group in 2022. Little Big Town has earned more than 45 award show nominations and has taken home nearly 20 awards, including multiple GRAMMY, AMA, People’s Choice, CMA and ACM Awards, in addition to an Emmy award.

Audubon County Sheriff’s report

News

September 12th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Audubon, Iowa) – The Audubon County Sheriff’s Office reports the arrest on August 6th, of 52-year-old Lynn Frohlich, of Brayton. Frohlich was arrested for Driving While Barred, following a traffic stop in Exira. Frohlich was also charged with Domestic Abuse Assault-1st and Obstruction of Emergency Communications, stemming from an incident on August 4th in the 2000 block of Riverview. He appeared before the magistrate and was held until he posted bond.
42-year-old Joel Jens, of Elk Horn, was arrested August 10th in Audubon County, for Harassment in the 3rd Degree and Trespass 1st Degree. His charges stem from an incident in 200 Block of West Harrison in Exira. He appeared before the magistrate and was held until he posted bond the following day.
51-year-old Jerry Summers, of Kimballton, was arrested on August 28th on OWI-1st and Possession of Controlled Substance-Marijuana 1st charges. His charges stem from an incident in the area of Alfred and Esbeck Streets in Kimballton. He appeared before the magistrate and was held until he posted bond the same day.
Note: Criminal Charges are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Semi tractor-trailer rollover in SW Cass County

News

September 12th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(SW Cass County, IA) – No injuries were reported when a semi tractor-trailer hauling corn overturned this (Tuesday) morning, between Griswold and Lewis. The accident

(Photo courtesy Cass County EMA Director Mike Kennon)

happened as the semi was turning north from White Pole Road onto  570th Street.  The rig overturned, landing on the passenger side. The load of corn was dumped corn into a ditch.

No other details are currently available.

Tuesday Creston Police Report

News

September 12th, 2023 by Jim Field

Creston Police report that on Monday, September 11 just after noon, they arrested 56 year old Stephen Timothy Shindolof Creston at the Intersection of Adams and Elm streets.  Shindoll was charged with OWI 1st offense.  Shindoll was transported to the Union County Jail where he was later released on $1,000 cash or surety bond.

Heartbeat Today 9-12-2023

Heartbeat Today, Podcasts

September 12th, 2023 by Jim Field

Jim Field visits with Rebecca Castle Laughlin about the 10th Annual Southwest Iowa Art Tour this weekend.

SWI Art Tour Map

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Crop conditions continue to deteriorate in drought

Ag/Outdoor, News

September 12th, 2023 by Jim Field

The heat and drought have continued to cause Iowa crops to deteriorate. The U-S-D-A crop report out Monday shows the corn condition declined by three percentage points in the last week where 46 percent is rated in good to excellent condition. Soybeans took a bigger hit, dropping five percentage points to average 44 percent in good to excellent condition. Dolph Ivener found issues in his cornfield in western Iowa that started with brown leaves.

Ivener estimates big swings in yields from 200 bushels per acre on his farms with heavier rainfall to around 40 in spots stifled by a third year of drought.

The crop report shows that 38 percent of the corn crop has reached maturity, which is one week ahead of last year and six days ahead of normal.

ISU expert helps Ukrainian farmers learn to raise hogs

Ag/Outdoor, News

September 12th, 2023 by Jim Field

Farmers in Ukraine are now raising hogs thanks to a little help from Iowa State University. Justin Brown, an I-S-U professor of veterinary diagnostic and production animal medicine, is leading a series of webinars just for Ukrainian farmers. Due to the prolonged war with Russia, Brown says corn producers in Ukraine aren’t able to export much, if any, of their grain.

Brown says the response to the I-S-U webinars has been very good. He presents them early in the morning and they air in Ukraine around the lunch hour.

Brown prepares his presentation slides in English and sends them to the president of the Association of Ukrainian Pig Breeders, who translates them into Ukrainian, while the lectures themselves are dubbed in that language for the Ukranian farmers.

Those questions are translated live, along with his answers. The last of the webinars will be presented this month.

Skyscan Forecast for Tuesday, September 12, 2023

Ag/Outdoor, Weather

September 12th, 2023 by Jim Field

Today:  Sunny with a high near 75.  Calm wind becoming west northwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Tonight:  Mostly clear with a low around 47.  Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.
Wednesday:  Sunny with a high near 76.  Light and variable wind.
Thursday:  Sunny with a high near 77.  South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday:  A chance of showers in the afternoon.  Partly sunny with a high near 78.
Saturday:  Mostly sunny with a high near 74.