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Volleyball Regional Quarterfinal Schedule, Tue., Oct. 20th 2015

Sports

October 20th, 2015 by Ric Hanson

(all games begin at 7-pm unless otherwise noted)
Class 1-A, Region 2
Ar-We-Va vs. Woodbine, at Westside
Westwood vs. West Harrison, at Sloan
Gehlen Catholic vs. Whiting, at LeMars-Gehlen
River Valley vs. Siouxland Community, at Correctionville
Kingsley-Pierson vs. Charter Oak-Ute, at Kinglsey
Trinity Christian vs. Akron-Westfield, at Hull/Trinity Christian
Class 1-A, Region 3
Sidney vs. Heartland Christian, at Sidney
Fremont-Mills vs. Riverside, at Tabor
Griswold vs. East Mills, at Griswold
Mt. Ayr vs. Diagonal, at Mt. Ayr
Bedford vs. Lamoni, at Bedford
Stanton vs. Lenox, at Staton
Essex vs. South Page, at Essex
Class 1-A, Region 4
Coon Rapids-Bayard vs. Glidden Ralston, at Coon Rapids
Adair-Casey vs. Paton-Churdan, at Adair
CAM vs. Exira/EHK, at Anita
Nodaway Valley vs. Grand View Christian, at Greenfield
Murray vs. IA Christian Academy, at Murray
East Union vs. O-M, at Afton
Class 2-A, Region 2
South Central Calhoun vs. IKM-Manning
Maple Valley-Anthon-Oto vs. OA-BCIG, at Mapleton
Woobury Central vs. West Monona, at Moville
Class 2-A, Region 3
Underwood vs. Logan-Magnolia, at Underwood
Southwest Valley vs. Clarinda Academy, at Corning
Missouri Valley vs. AHSTW, at Mo. Valley
Earlham vs. West Central Valley, at Earlham

Area Volleyball Scores from Mon., 10/19/15

Sports

October 20th, 2015 by Ric Hanson

(3-0) Duchesne Academy 25-25-25, Council Bluffs, Thomas Jefferson 14-13-11
(3-0) Greene County 25-29-25, Perry 12-27-15

Branstad defends estimate of savings for privatizing management of Medicaid

News

October 20th, 2015 by Ric Hanson

Governor Terry Branstad is defending the way his Department of Human Services estimated the amount of savings the state would get from hiring four private companies to manage the Medicaid program. The chairman of the Iowa Senate Oversight Committee has asked Branstad to turn over the documents used to make that estimate. Reporters asked the governor about that request during his weekly news conference.

First of all, I don’t have any,” Branstad says. “This is the information that the Department…of Human Services has done forever. Michael, I don’t know if you have any more on this.” Michael Bousselot is Branstad’s chief of staff and he says the department worked with actuaries “who have been under contract for many years” to come up with a “prudent” savings estimate.

“Our office does not administer or oversee the Medicaid projections,” Bousselot says. “Rather that is handled by the Department of Human Services.” Bousselot promised to “work with” legislators and reporters who’ve asked for any Department of Human Services documents used to make the savings estimate. Democrats in the legislature and advocates for the 560-thousand Medicaid patients in Iowa as well as Iowa hospitals and health care providers have been raising concerns about Branstad’s decision to hire managed care companies to run the state’s Medicaid program.

(Radio Iowa)

Branstad mum about ‘attack dogs” claim

News

October 20th, 2015 by Ric Hanson

Governor Terry Branstad is not confirming he told a lawyer in “The Family Leader” organization to “call off your attack dogs.” The Christian conservative group has been criticizing Branstad for not fully “defunding” Planned Parenthood in Iowa. “I was leaving a restaurant and had a conversation with an old friend,” Branstad says. “And I’m not going to comment on a private conversation with an old friend.”

The Family Leader sent out an email last Friday to report on the conversation. The email said Branstad asked the group to stop criticizing him for not taking executive action to cancel Medicaid contracts that reimburse Planned Parenthood for cancer screenings and tests for Medicaid patients. Branstad says the courts have ruled against states that have tried to do that, including the ruling this weekend striking down Governor Bobby Jindal’s attempt to “defund” Planned Parenthood in Louisiana.

“Listen, I’m pro-life and I want to do what we realistically can do, but I also feel an obligation to act within the law,” Branstad says. As for what Branstad may have said to Chuck Hurley, who is The Family Leader’s chief counsel, the governor’s not talking. And he’s not revealing which Des Moines-area restaurant the conversation took place either.

“There are some things that are private, even in my life,” Branstad told reporters this morning. The Family Leader’s Friday afternoon email message encouraged supporters to call and email Branstad, to “keep up the pressure” until he “defunds” Planned Parenthood in Iowa.

(Radio Iowa)

Committee considers possible changes in Iowa’s bottle bill

News

October 20th, 2015 by Ric Hanson

State officials are fielding complaints from Iowans who say they can’t get the five-cent deposit back on their empty cans and bottles. Stores that sell beverages in containers that are subject to the deposit law must accept the empties and pay back the deposit — or send customers to a local redemption center. But redemption centers are cutting back hours and some have closed. Bill Blum, of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, says stores can’t tell customers “no” if there’s no redemption center to take their cans and bottles.

“That’s where local law enforcement is supposed to come in,” Blum says. “That kind of violation is a simple misdemeanor, a minimum $65 fine for every violation.” But Blum says police tell him they’re reluctant to file charges in these cases. “If you don’t want to cite these stores, at least go and talk to them and get them straight on the law so people can get their money back,” Blum says.

An interim statehouse committee is studying possible changes to Iowa’s “bottle bill” which went into effect in 1979. Retailers complain the empty cans and bottles are a health hazard in their stores. Redemption centers complain that the penny-per-container handling fee hasn’t been raised in 36 years. Iowa is one of 10 states that have a “bottle bill” that calls for refundable deposits on cans and bottles.

(Radio Iowa)

Atlantic Parks and Rec Board approves 5-year plan

Ag/Outdoor, News

October 19th, 2015 by Ric Hanson

The Atlantic Parks and Recreation Department’s Board of Directors met Monday evening, and approved a 5-year plan for improvements throughout the parks system. Director Roger Herring and Assistant Director Seth Staashelm went through and rated the priorities the Board had discussed during their special meeting October 7th, and as we’ve mentioned previously, the number one priority is the Schildberg Recreation Area.

The Campground project at Schildberg is tops on the list. It includes installation of water and electric loops and hook-ups, as well as a dump station, with restrooms and showers. It’s hoped a Vision Iowa grant will pay for a majority of the costs associated with those improvements. Applications for the Vision Iowa Grant are due in by July 2016 for the Nov. 2016 grant cycle.

Also included among the major projects is: The replacement of a damaged section of trail with concrete, around Lake #3 at Schildberg: Development of the west side of the Rec Area with a restroom, running water and drinkable water access. The plan also includes an ADA compliant boat access ramp for Lake #2. Further down the list of major improvements over the next five-years, according to the plan, is asphalting or paving the gravel road on Iowa Avenue into the Rec Area, and a multi-purpose shelter complete with vending machines, and, a playground area.

Other major projects, not associated with the Schildberg Rec Area, include: the Trail connecting the Bull Creek Pathway and East Ridge Park; A master plan for swimming pool renovations; and Multipurpose Activity Center/Closed All-weather shelter.

In other business, Roger Herring said grading for the Kiddie Korral at Sunnyside Park is complete, as well as installation of piers for the footings needed to support the new shelter, once it’s built, the concrete slab, and a service walkway. Herring said construction of the new shelter structure is expected to begin November 7th, weather permitting. And, progress is finally being made on the boat ramp for the East Nishnabotna River, next the City of Atlantic’s Wastewater Treatment Plant.

The final pour of the whole ramp is set for this Wednesday, weather permitting. Once it’s cured, the ramp will be slipped into place and anchored. Afterward, landscaping will get underway and a gravel parking lot will be installed. The Iowa DNR is covering half the cost of the cement for the project, or $20,000. And, with regard to the Nishna Valley Connector Trail project, Roger Herring said the bridge and completion of the trail to just west of KJAN, will bring a positive economic impact to the community, especially as it expands eastward through the AMU Well fields.

He says AMU is in the discussion phase of improving their trails system, including the possibility of paving the current, gravel trail around the well heads.

A-P High School Football Poll, 10/19/2015

Sports

October 19th, 2015 by Ric Hanson

The Top Ten teams in the Associated Press Iowa high school football polls of the 2015 season with first-place votes in parentheses and won-loss record, total points and position last week at right:

Class 4A
Record Pts Prv
1. West Des Moines Dowling (15) 7-0 168 1
2. Bettendorf (2) 8-0 153 2
3. Cedar Rapids Kennedy 8-0 135 4
4. Cedar Rapids Washington 7-1 110 6
5. Waukee 6-2 90 7
6. Ankeny 7-1 69 8
7. West Des Moines Valley 6-2 62 3
8. Fort Dodge 7-1 61 5
9. Johnston 7-1 38 9
10. Ankeny Centennial 6-2 27 NR

Others receiving votes: 11, Pleasant Valley 17. 12, Council Bluffs Lewis Central 3. 13, Southeast Polk 1. 13, Cedar Rapids Jefferson 1.

Class 3A
Record Pts Prv
1. Pella (15) 8-0 167 1
2. Manchester West Delaware (2) 8-0 148 2
3. Cedar Rapids Xavier 8-0 142 3
4. Webster City 8-0 100 4
5. Dallas Center-Grimes 7-1 97 5
6. Harlan 7-1 77 7
7. Independence 7-1 56 6
8. Norwalk 7-1 50 8
9. Sergeant Bluff-Luton 7-1 41 9
10. Davenport Assumption 6-2 29 10

Others receiving votes: 11, Sioux City Heelan 14. 12, Washington 13. 13, Glenwood 1.

Class 2A
Record Pts Prv
1. Albia (13) 8-0 166 1
2. Spirit Lake (4) 8-0 150 2
3. Tama South Tama 8-0 142 3
4. Anamosa 8-0 113 4
5. Aplington-Parkersburg 7-1 85 5
6. Waukon 7-1 72 6
7. Donnellson Central Lee 7-1 60 9
8. West Union North Fayette 6-2 58 7
9. Garner-Hayfield Ventura 7-1 41 10
10. Mount Vernon 6-2 20 NR

Others receiving votes: 11, Williamsburg 8. 12, Tipton 7. 13, Dyersville Beckman 6. 14, Monroe PCM 3. 14, Wellman Mid-Prairie 3. 16, Hampton-Dumont 1.

Class 1A
Record Pts Prv
1. Iowa City Regina (12) 7-1 161 1
2. Dike-New Hartford (3) 8-0 152 2
3. West Branch 8-0 133 3
4. Underwood (2) 8-0 131 4
5. St. Ansgar 7-1 78 5
6. South Central Calhoun 7-1 64 7
7. Van Meter 7-1 63 6
8. Hinton 7-1 57 8
9. Hull Western Christian 6-2 45 9
10. Hudson 7-1 14 NR

Others receiving votes: 11, Panora Panorama 12. 12, Ridge View 9. 13, Calmar South Winneshiek 6. 14, Alburnett 4. 14, Pocahontas Area/Pomeroy-Palmer 4. 16, Sigourney-Keota 2.

Class A
Record Pts Prv
1. Algona Garrigan (7) 8-0 157 1
2. Brooklyn BGM (7) 8-0 155 2
3. Hawarden West Sioux 8-0 126 3
4. Denver (1) 7-1 111 5
5. Logan-Magnolia (2) 7-1 98 6
6. Audubon 7-1 76 7
7. Gladbrook-Reinbeck 6-2 54 9
8. Winfield-Mount Union 8-0 50 8
9. Britt West Hancock 7-1 49 10
10. Mount Ayr 6-2 27 NR

Others receiving votes: 11, Pleasantville 16. 12, Packwood Pekin 8. 13, Belmond-Klemme 6. 14, Colfax-Mingo 2.

Class 8-Man
Record Pts Prv
1. Newell-Fonda (10) 8-0 153 1
(tie)Gilbertville-Don Bosco (5) 6-0 153 2
3. Glidden-Ralston (2) 8-0 124 3
4. Marcus MMC 8-0 121 4
5. Lenox 8-0 93 5
6. Janesville 8-0 74 6
7. Elk Horn-Kimballton Exira 7-1 52 8
8. Elkader Central 8-0 48 7
9. Graettinger-Terril Ruthven-Ayrshire 7-1 44 9
10. Fremont Mills, Tabor 7-1 34 10

Others receiving votes: 11, Moravia 22. 12, Colo-NESCO 6. 12, HLV, Victor 6. 14, East Mills 3. 15, West Bend-Mallard 2.

 

Lanning expected to get more snaps, Richardson still starter at QB for Iowa State

Sports

October 19th, 2015 by admin

AMES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa State coach Paul Rhoads says the Cyclones intend to give backup quarterback Joel Lanning more playing time. Iowa State coach Paul Rhoads said Monday that Lanning, a redshirt sophomore, will play a bigger role starting with Saturday’s game at No. 2 Baylor.

Lanning threw just one pass in last week’s loss against No. 4 TCU — and it went for a 74-yard touchdown. But starter Sam Richardson’s experience is a big reason why Rhoads and offensive coordinator Mark Mangino are sticking with the senior.

Richardson has thrown just one touchdown pass over the past two games, which Iowa State lost by an average of nearly 30 points.

Multiple fire departments battle 2 separate blazes

News

October 19th, 2015 by Ric Hanson

(Update 4:20-p.m.) Firefighters from Atlantic were called to a reported field fire east of Wickman Chemical Monday afternoon. The blaze was said to be east of Highway 71. The blaze was quickly brought under control.

Elsewhere, fire departments in Shelby and Harrison County kept busy Monday afternoon battling separate, large field fires. The first was reported near 170th and Apple Road in Harrison County, just across the Shelby County line. Crews from Earling, Kirkman, Westphalia, Woodbine, Panama, and Portsmouth were on the scene. The second field fire was occurring between 700th and 800th Street off of Oak Road, in Shelby County. Crews from Harlan, Avoca and Walnut were among those on the scene.

There was no immediate word on what might have caused those blazes. A Red Flag Warning is in effect for extreme fire danger Monday afternoon and evening.

Community college offers transgender student housing program

News

October 19th, 2015 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa Western Community College is offering a pilot housing program that aims to help transgender students feel more comfortable. The Des Moines Register reports students were given the option this year of joining the program, which assigns them to a roommate based on their gender identity or expression rather than their legal sex.

This housing option appealed to Mikey Fletcher. The 23-year-old student at the college lives in the community with a male roommate. Fletcher says he wishes “other schools would recognize that they would get a larger student base” by becoming more gender-inclusive.

The U.S. Department of Education issued a guidance last year that clarifies that transgender students are protected from discrimination under federal civil rights legislation Title IX.