An act establishing Iowa’s state park system became law 100 years ago. An associate professor of landscape architecture at Iowa State, Heidi Hohmann, is studying the history of the parks.  “I think parks have a social meaning and a cultural meaning beyond their scientific value as preserves,” Hohmann says.

The 100th anniversary comes as state budget cuts threaten upkeep of the state parks.

Contract: IA
Park: 610150

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is NOT hiring the typical amount of seasonal workers to maintain them this summer. Hohmann says the parks remain as critical to preserving natural beauty today as they were in 1917. “They’re incredibly important for their resource values, for the species of animals and plants they protect, and they’re also important for citizens in terms of recreational opportunities,” Hohmann said.

Hohmann is hoping to celebrate the centennial of the state parks by visiting more than 50 of them this year.

(Radio Iowa w/Reporting by Rob Dillard, Iowa Public Radio)

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) – Authorities have released the name of a 21-year-old stabbed to death in Sioux City. Police say the man was killed Saturday night after a fight started over a disputed theft. Police identified him as James Purcell, who lived in Sioux City. No arrests have been reported.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) – Omaha authorities have identified the body of a man found floating down the Missouri River. Boaters saw the body around 2:15 p.m. Sunday. An Omaha Fire Department river rescue team recovered it near Eppley Airfield on the northeast corner of the city.

Omaha police say investigators have identified the man but declined to release his name. Police say no foul play is suspected in the death.

Police in Glenwood this (Tuesday) morning, arrested a man on a Mills County warrant charging him with burglary. Officials say 18-year old Dylan Barrett, of Glenwood, was brought to the Mills County Jail, where his bond was set at $5,000.

Firefighters in Griswold, Monday night, responded to a call about a fire in the basement of a home at 402 4th Street. All of the occupants got out after they smelled smoke and saw flames at around 10:11-p.m. Griswold Fire Chief Andy Steffen told KJAN News the problem was an overheated sump pump.

There was no damage to the home. Griswold fire was on the scene for about 45-minutes ventilating smoke from the residence. No injuries were reported.

More area and State news from KJAN News Director Ric Hanson.

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Nine & Wine, a fundraiser for the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce (open to the entire community), will be held Friday, June 16th, 2017 at Nishna Hills Golf Course. The tournament includes nine holes of golf, appetizers, provided by Downtowner Café, wine samples at every hole, sponsored by Hy-Vee and beer samples provided by Doll Distributing.

As an additional fundraiser, the Chamber will be hosting a Wine Pull for the second year. Attendees will be able to purchase wine pull tickets for $20 each or three for $50. Each winner will take home a bottle of wine with an additional prize attached. Also available are an unlimited amount of Mulligans for $10 for teams and two betting holes. After the tournament, golfers and guests will enjoy dinner provided by the Downtowner Cafe and sponsored by Cornerstone Landscaping. There will be a men and women’s door prize given out to golfers.

There are still teams available. To sign up or to learn more, visit www.atlanticiowa.com or call the Chamber at 712.243.3017.

The area’s top news at 7:06-a.m., w/KJAN News Director Ric Hanson

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DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – A contract dispute settlement means the more than 220,000 Iowans covered by the Medicaid managed care company AmeriHealth Caritas can continue to receive coverage for treatment by Mercy Health Network.
The companies announced the settlement Monday but didn’t provide details.

The Mercy network, which includes Des Moines’ Mercy Medical Center and hospitals in 12 other cities, had been wrangling with AmeriHealth over new contract terms. AmeriHealth had said the Mercy system no longer would be an AmeriHealth network provider if a deal weren’t struck by July 1. AmeriHealth is one of three companies running Iowa’s $4 billion Medicaid program.

Mercy leaders had said AmeriHealth was trying to cut rates in the middle of a contract. AmeriHealth officials said it was seeking to establish a sustainable Medicaid program.

Red Oak Police report two arrests occurred Monday. At around 8:25-p.m., 70-year old Linda Kay King, of Red Oak, was arrested in the 1600 block of N. Broadway Street, for Theft in the 5th Degree (less than $200). King was being held in the Montgomery County Jail on a $300 cash bond.

And, at around 8-p.m., Monday, Red Oak Police arrested 30-year old Cody Allen Tunnell, of Red Oak, for Public Intoxication. Tunnell was taken into custody in the 100 block of E. Hammond Street and held in the Montgomery County Jail on $300 bond.