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KJAN News can be heard at five minutes after every hour right after Fox News 24 hours a day!
Keep up-to-date with Fox News Radio, Radio Iowa, Brownfield & the Iowa Agribusiness Networks!
(Radio Iowa) – Cedar Falls native and astronaut Raja Chari, who’s aboard the International Space Station, did a long-distance question-and-answer session today with cadets at the U.S. Air Force Academy. Chari, who graduated from the academy in 1999, was asked via NASA-TV about how his mission on the orbiting station is related to future missions to Mars. “We’re increasing our sample size of people who’ve been here longer than six months, up in space,” Chari says. “The reason we’re doing that is we want to see — is the progression of human change linear, with months to years as we look at Mars, or is there a cliff? Does something happen at a year? Does something happen at 15 months? We’re trying to solve that problem. As we look at a Mars mission, we need to understand that.”
Beaconsfield native Peggy Whitson spent a record 665 days in space during three separate missions. Chari is in his second month of what’s scheduled to be a six-month stay on the space station. With current technology, it would take about six months for astronauts to fly to Mars. Chari appealed to the academy cadets who are studying rocketry and astrophysics to seek out new ways to propel our spacecraft. “If we can get there faster, that will solve the problem. Most of our problems, whether it’s radiation, human psychology, water, consumables, getting there and back and living there, it’s all because it takes so long to get there,” Chari says. “If we could have a quantum leap in propulsion technology, whether it’s electric, whether it’s nuclear propulsion — getting to accept that politically and socially — I think that would solve a lot of our problems.”
Astronaut Raja Chari talks with cadets at the U.S. Air Force Academy from International Space Station. (NASA-TV)
While astronauts endure many months of training for all types of tasks, Chari says there’s one aspect about being in space for which no amount of preparation could ready you. “The thing that you can’t ever completely experience is the weightlessness and then actually how your brain is going to respond to that,” he says. “Everyone responds a little differently and you can’t quite train for that on the ground. For me, I think that was the most — not unexpected — but the most surprising thing, but what’s most amazing is how quickly your brain does adapt to it and it eventually becomes something you just naturally do, just like breathing.”
Chari is a 44-year-old Air Force colonel and this is his first mission in space, though he’s flown a multitude of aircraft, including the F-15E Strike Eagles during combat over Iraq. He’s only the 8th Iowan to reach space. His wife, Peggy, is also a Cedar Falls native and they have three children.
(Radio Iowa) – The shout of “Go Hawks!” can be heard frequently around Iowa City, but it might be more appropriate to yell, “Go Eagles!” The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is in the midst of its annual bald eagle population survey and D-N-R wildlife biologist Stephanie Shepherd says they’re seeing remarkable numbers in Johnson County — in the heart of the University of Iowa campus. “This is the Iowa River that goes through Iowa City, so around the Iowa City area both north and to the south,” Shepherd says. “Our staff counted over 700 eagles on this stretch of river and in one mile, counted over 400.”
The Mississippi River has traditionally hosted Iowa’s highest eagle numbers — both resident and wintering — but in recent years, the Iowa and Des Moines rivers have hosted even more. The new figures represent a stunning recovery when one considers eagles had nearly vanished from the landscape a matter of 50 years ago. The recovery has been gradual, but steady. “In Iowa, in the late ’90s, we were talking about a hundred nests across the state,” Shepherd says. “Now, it’s easily up to 500 and that’s probably a conservative estimate.” All indications point to 2022 being an exceptionally good year for eagles wintering in Iowa, though Shepherd says this may be about as large as the state’s eagle numbers will grow.
“Populations tend to grow to a certain level and then when they’ve filled in all of the appropriate habitat, they will level off a little bit,” Shepherd says. “That’s one of the things that this winter survey gives us. We are starting to see a little bit of a leveling off of the population, which is not a bad thing.” Many Iowans enjoy spending time outside during the winter with a pair of binoculars, hoping to spot a few eagles in flight. While some of this week’s temperatures were well above normal, the recent very cold weather created a lot of ice, which shifts how the big birds hunt and gather.
“Those really cold temperatures froze up a lot of the water and that tends to concentrate eagles,” Shepherd says. “So, what you’re looking for is basically areas along any of our major rivers that have openings, below dams, or anywhere else where there’s a big chunk of open water, you’ll probably find eagles.” During three routes of the survey, more than 1,500 eagles were reported on the lower stretch of the Des Moines River. Keokuk is holding its annual Bald Eagle Appreciation Days this coming weekend, while eagle-watching events were held in Clinton and Davenport last weekend.
(Anita, Iowa) – An accident involving a semi-tractor trailer has both lanes of Interstate 80 eastbound blocked, at mile marker 69. The accident happened a little after 6-a.m. Anita Fire/Rescue & Cass EMS responded to the scene. A detour is in-place via Highway 148 and White Pole Road.
Iowa DOT Traffic CAM at mm 72 near Adair
(Red Oak) — Montgomery County became the 34th out of Iowa’s 99 counties to become a second amendment sanctuary. According to reports, the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors, Tuesday, voted 3-2 on approving a resolution declaring the county as a sanctuary for the U.S. Constitution’s second amendment. Montgomery County joins other area counties, including Page, Mills, Adams, Taylor, and Pottawattamie. Fremont County added itself to the list passing a resolution Wednesday morning, making them the 35th County.
The move did not come without opposition, however. That came from some board members, the public, and other county officials. Assistant County Attorney Bruce Swanson reminded the board that the resolution had zero policy impact but is rather symbolic and political. Swanson also strongly advised the board to avoid any language in the resolution that could impact the enforcement of current gun laws.
Supervisor Mike Olson said the resolution wasn’t about changing gun laws about where and when people can use a weapon but instead defending and standing up for the U.S. Constitution.
(Corning, Iowa) – The Adams County Sheriff’s Office reports two arrests took place Wednesday. Authorities say 40-year-old Rebecca Larocco was arrested on 12 Felony counts of Forgery, with additional charges pending. Larocco was being held in the Adams County Jail on a $60,000 cash bond. And, 25-year-old Mathew Avila was arrested on a valid Adams County warrant for Failure to Appear. He was being held without bond in the Adams County Jail.
(Atlantic, Iowa) – Officials with Omaha-based Sapp Bros., Incorporated, Wednesday, announced that the company has acquired Atlantic-based propane servicer, Pelgas. Company officials said the deal officially closed on December 30th.
In a news release, Sapp Bros. CEO Andrew Richard said “Sapp Bros. is excited to be a part of this community and welcome the Pelgas employees to our team! The core of our propane mission is great customer service by safely, efficiently and thoughtfully providing propane to your homes, businesses and farms.”
Richard say also, “Lord willing, we intend to keep doing business the way we have for the last 5 decades to keep our customers happy and hopefully gain new customers for many years to come in this area.” Todd Pellett, owner of Pelgas, in Atlantic, said “We are pleased to join such a well-respected member of the energy industry,” and “I am confident this change will enhance the customer experience, while retaining the family inspired service Pelgas customers are accustomed to and appreciate.”
Sapp Bros., Inc says it will honor all existing Pelgas contracts and service will continue with as little disruption as possible. For more information, customers can call (712) 243-9595 or (402) 895-2202.
Woodbury County, Iowa – Officials with the Iowa Department of Pubic Safety, Wednesday night, said an investigation is underway into a fatal, officer-involved shooting that occurred in northwest Iowa. Authorities say shortly before 6-p.m. Wednesday, two Woodbury County Deputies responded to the Woodford Mobile Home Park in Sergeant Bluff for report of a burglary in progress. A witness directed the deputies to a white male subject who was attempting to force his way into a trailer home.
Upon making contact with the male subject, the subject advanced on the deputies with a tire iron in his hand. One of the deputies fired their Taser, but the Taser was ineffective. After being struck with the tire iron by the subject, the second deputy fired their firearm striking the subject. The subject was transported to Mercy Hospital in Sioux City where the subject died as a result of the gunshot. The name of the suspect was being withheld, pending notification of family. 
An Autopsy will be scheduled at the Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner’s Office in Ankeny, Iowa in the coming days. The deputy who was assaulted was transported to Unity Point hospital in Sioux City for injuries they sustained. The deputy has been released from the hospital. The deputy has been placed on administrative leave which is standard procedure.
The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation has been requested to investigate the shooting. The Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office, Sergeant Bluff Police Department, the Iowa State Patrol and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation are conducting the investigation.
This is an active, on-going investigation. No further details are being released at this time.
(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic Community School District’s Board of Education held their regular monthly meeting, Wednesday. During the meeting, the Board received a Special Presentation from Cheryl Andersen, with regard to an ESL (English Second Language) Program update. They also received updates from Schuler Principal James Northwick, Middle School Principal Josh Rasmussen, and High School Principal Heather McKay.
Superintendent Steve Barber presented his report, as well (read the bullet points on his Superintendent Report).
Mr. Barber said also, school officials on Monday had a construction meeting on the District’s Facilities Project. They focused, he said, “On how do we get to the finish line.”
He said also, progress is being made at the Middle School, following the devastating fire last Summer. All the sub-floors are in, and dry wall hanging on the bottom floor began Wednesday.
He said they’re still looking to get staff into the building by the first part of July and early August. In other business, the Board discussed an Employee Retention Stipend proposal, to assist in the teacher shortage during the pandemic. Mr. Barber said the district has received confirmation from the Iowa Dept. of Education, that providing staff with a retention stipend fits an appropriate use of ESSER (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief ) dollars. Governor Reynolds has proposed a $1,000 stipend to Iowa’s Teachers, to recognize their commitment to education and to assist with the current teacher shortage.
His proposal for all employees (full- or part-time) will receive a stipend based on continuous years of service at the conclusion of the 2021-22 school year. Years of service will be determined by the number of continuous years as a contracted employee (breaks in service or years spent as a substitute employee will not be counted).
All totaled, it would cost the District $350,000 for the 275 employees, if they return for the 2022-23 school year. If approved, payment would be made to staff on Sept. 1, 2022. Board member Josh McLaren liked the proposal, he just didn’t care for the word “Retention,” and proposed “Hero Pay,” citing other school districts who have taken the same path. The proposal will be listed as an action item on the Board’s agenda next month.
Board President Jenny Williams reminds parents, there is no school next Monday, Jan. 17th, due to a Staff Wellness Day. The Atlantic School Board, Wednesday, approved the resignations of Melissa Smith – HS Paraeducator, and Richard “Dick” Casady, Bus Driver. The Board also approved contract recommendations for: Linda Templemann, Schuler Food Service; Hillary Zellmer, Internal transfer to Junior Kindergarten Teacher; Kendra Henningsen, Internal transfer to Elementary Literacy Teacher, and Montana Applegate, Internal transfer to Preschool Teacher.The Board acted on approving Mr. Mitchell’s recommendation to hire fall sports coaches(Football [FB], Cross County [XC] & Volleyball [VB]) for the 2022-23 school year, including:
The Board also approved: SBRC (School Budget Review Committee) Modified Allowable Growth for 2022-23 At-Risk/Dropout Prevention, in the amount of $496,929; An Athletic Dept. Yard Sale to dispose of 100’s of old uniforms and warm ups (The Yard Sale will take place January 20th, during the HS Wrestling meet, and on Jan. 25th, during the HS girl’s basketball game).
In other business, the Atlantic School Board approved overnight/out-of-state trips for/to:
They also approved on an Engineering Service Contract with Snyder & Assoc. in the amount of $74,750, for the south High School parking lot project, and approving an invoice from FirstOnsite in the amount of $400,000 for the Middle School Restoration Project, using AMS Fire Insurance Proceeds.
(Radio Iowa) – Governor Kim Reynolds says her four percent flat tax plan would make Iowa’s income tax system simpler and might one day lead the way to zero percent — no state income tax. “I think we’re working our way there,” Reynolds says. “…Every year, we’ll take a look at the revenues, we’ll take a look at expenditures, see where we’re at and then see what those next steps look like.” During an interview with Radio Iowa Wednesday afternoon, Reynolds made it clear zero percent isn’t something she’s proposing this year. She’s set four percent as the goal to reach by tax year 2026.
“If it drives revenue like we believe that it will, then we’ll be able to maybe look at it again in the next several years and see if we can even go further,” Reynolds says, “but this is a big jump from where we were in 2018.” Five years ago, Reynolds signed a bill that was, at the time, the largest tax cut in state history. It reduced the top income tax rate to six-and-a-half percent and got rid of a deduction that made Iowa’s top income tax rate appear higher than it actually was when compared to other states. The plan Reynolds has released this week retains current deductions, like the one for charitable donations, and tax credits.
“So what we are going to do, though, is at some point take a look at our tax credits and really put some metrics in place, we can start to understand maybe the value and as we continue to lower the income tax rates that’s something we’re going to have to take a look at before we go completely to zero,” Reynolds says, “because if you look at other states that have zero individual income taxes there are other mechanisms that they’re getting their revenue from.” Ten other states have a so-called flat tax, including Illinois and Michigan.
“When I took office we had the sixth highest income tax rate in the country and if we get the done or when I get this done, we’ll be the fifth lowest,” Reynolds says. “That is significant.” Iowa does not tax Social Security benefits, but another component of the Republican governor’s tax plan calls for no longer charging the state income tax on other types of retirement income. Reynolds says Iowa loses many retirees to other states that don’t tax pensions.
“They could be volunteers, the money that they would generate in our economy that we’re losing,” Reynolds says. “I mean, they’re even jumping over to Nebraska, so give me a break. It’s not any sunnier or warmer over in Nebraska, but we’re losing them, so I’m really, really excited about the impact that could have.” Farmers would get a tax break, too, in the Reynolds tax plan. Reynolds says it’s written in such a way so that out-of-state investors who own farmland couldn’t be able to claim it. Iowa residents who’ve retired after being actively engaged in farming for at least 10 years would be able to receive cash rent on their land without paying taxes on that income.
“We didn’t want somebody coming in, buying a bunch of land and then claiming an exemption,” Reynolds says. Reynolds has for weeks promised she’d reveal her tax cut plans during the annual “Condition of the State” address to legislators and the governor says it was clearly a surprise to some lawmakers. “I loved the gasp that I heard when I said a 4% flat tax…It was noticeable…They didn’t know. We worked on it right up to the end and I wanted to be the first to present it at the Condition of the State,” Reynolds says, “so I was thrilled.”
The governor’s fellow Republicans occupy 92 of the 150 seats in the legislature. While G-O-P leaders haven’t guaranteed passage of the governor’s flat tax proposal as is, they’ve made it clear the plan is the basis for their tax policy debate this year. Democrats say a flat tax is unfair and would provide a big tax break to wealthy Iowans while forcing some low income Iowans to pay more.
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