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Sioux City considering lowering traffic camera fines

News

December 15th, 2015 by Ric Hanson

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) – Sioux City officials will consider lowering fines levied against motorists caught speeding by traffic cameras posted on Interstate 29. The Sioux City Journal reports that the City Council will discuss at a Monday meeting whether to reduce the fine from $168 to $100. Assistant City Attorney Justin Vondrak says drivers caught going 11 to 15 mph over the posted speed limit are subject to the current fine.

Vondrak says the proposed reduction would apply only to speed cameras on I-29 and not to the city’s red-light cameras posted around town. In 2012, the council lowered the fine for red-light violations from $195 to $100, an amount more in line with other Iowa cities with cameras.

Christmas light thefts reported in Exira

News

December 15th, 2015 by Ric Hanson

The Audubon County Sheriff’s Office is investigating several reports of thefts in Exira. Officials say the thefts occurred sometime early this (Tuesday) morning. Three residences reported having their Christmas lights stolen. The lights are described as being “Star Shower” laser lights.

Anyone with information about the thefts, or who may have seen anything pertaining to the incidents, is urged to contact the Audubon County Sheriff’s Office at 712-563-2631, or Audubon County Crimestoppers at 712-563-2234.

A reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction is being offered. Similar thefts of the “Star Shower” lights are being reported all over the nation.

U Iowa pres sorry for saying unready teachers should be shot

News

December 15th, 2015 by Ric Hanson

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) – The University of Iowa’s president has apologized to one offended employee for saying publicly that instructors who aren’t ready to teach their classes should be shot. Bruce Harreld wrote in an email to librarian Lisa Gardinier that his statement to the UI Staff Council was “an unfortunate off-the-cuff remark.” He says he didn’t mean to offend anyone or imply that he supports gun violence in any form.

Harreld writes that he’s used the comment in many forums previously without drawing a complaint. Gardinier says Harreld’s remark came during the Dec. 9 meeting, in response to a staffer’s question about instruction. Gardinier told Harreld the remark was “irresponsible and unprofessional.” She later welcomed his apology, saying she understood his remark to be rhetorical.

Gardinier shared the correspondence with The Associated Press.

Cass and Audubon County Community Foundation grants available

News

December 15th, 2015 by Ric Hanson

Chairpersons for the Cass and Audubon County Community Foundations report grant funds are available in their respective counties for non-profit agencies as part of the Spring grant cycle. In each County, about $108,000 is being made available. Applications for a part of those funds are due no later than February 1st, 2016.

Detailed application procedures, fact sheets, and a link to the application form can be obtained online at http://omahafoundation.org/swiowa. Applications will only be accepted through the online system.

Omaha Community Foundation logo

Omaha Community Foundation logo

Contact Dennis Nissen at 800-794-3458 or dennis@omahafoundation.org or Denise Cardos at denise@omahafoundation.org with grant application-specific questions. All completed applications will be considered at the March board meeting with notification of results in early April.

Only organizations providing charitable services in Cass County and Audubon County, respectively, are eligible. Those organizations must be able to demonstrate broad community/county support and supply a copy of their 501(c)(3) IRS determination letter. Requests for general operational funds will not be considered.

(Podcast) KJAN 8-a.m. News, 12/15/2015

News, Podcasts

December 15th, 2015 by Ric Hanson

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

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(Podcast) KJAN Morning News & funeral report, 12/15/2015

News, Podcasts

December 15th, 2015 by Ric Hanson

The area’s top news at 7:07-a.m., w/KJAN News Director Ric Hanson

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Santa to Make His Final Visit Saturday to the Atlantic City Park

News

December 15th, 2015 by Ric Hanson

The Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce invites you to experience the magic of Christmas at Santa’s Cabin one last time this Saturday, December 19th from1:30–to 3:30-pm in the Atlantic City Park.

SantaShare your holiday wishes with Santa before he makes the trip back to the North Pole. Enjoy a stroll down Chestnut Street by horse drawn carriage from 1:30-to 3:30-pm, as well.

Free hot cocoa and popcorn will also be available.

Iowa State Parks Celebrates the New Year with First Day Hikes across the state on January 1, 2016

Ag/Outdoor, News

December 15th, 2015 by Ric Hanson

Officials with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources say Iowa State Parks will sponsor free, guided hikes in 17 state parks on New Year’s Day as part of America’s State Parks First Day Hikes initiative in all 50 states. America’s State Parks First Day Hikes offer individuals and families an opportunity to begin the New Year rejuvenating and connecting with the outdoors by taking a healthy hike on January 1st at a state park close to home. First Day Hikes offer a great way to get outside, exercise, enjoy nature and welcome the New Year with friends and family.

Todd Coffelt, chief of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources State Parks Bureau, said “We are excited to host First Day Hikes as part of this national effort to get people outdoors and into our parks. First Day Hikes are a great way to cure cabin fever and burn off those extra holiday calories by starting off the New Year with an invigorating walk or hike in one of our beautiful state parks.”

Iowa’s state parks boast a variety of beautiful settings for year-round outdoor recreation, and each First Day Hike will offer an opportunity to explore the unique natural and cultural treasures close to home. Staff and volunteers will lead First Day Hikes in Iowa’s 17 participating state parks. Hikes will average one to two miles or longer depending on the location. Details about the hikes can be found at www.iowadnr.gov/firstdayhikes and to see a comprehensive map of First Day Hikes across the country, visit www.naspd.org

Iowa First Day Hikes will take place at the following state parks in the KJAN listening area:

  • Springbrook State Park
  • Wilson Island State Recreation Area
  • Green Valley State Park
  • Waubonsie State Park

Villisca man arrested on burglary & criminal mischief charges

News

December 15th, 2015 by Ric Hanson

The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office reports a Villisca man was arrested Monday night on charges of Burglary in the 3rd Degree, and Criminal Mischief in the 4th Degree. 25-year old Gabriel Frances Romero was taken into custody at around 9:20-p.m. in the 500 block of E. 3rd Street in Villisca, and brought to the Montgomery County Jail where he was being held on full bond.

Iowa early News Headlines: Tue., Dec. 15th 2015

News

December 15th, 2015 by Ric Hanson

Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A former Iowa legislative clerk has admitted to writing a threatening letter addressed to a state legislator and opening an envelope containing the letter and white powder on the floor of the House, prompting a halt in debate and a lockdown of the Capitol. Michael Dekota McRae pleaded guilty to conveying false information concerning a biological weapon. The 28-year-old McRae was a clerk for Rep. Ako Abdul-Samad, of Des Moines, in April 2012 when he wrote the letter, which used racial slurs and included threats against himself and the lawmaker. When he opened the envelope on the House floor, a white powder came into contact with McRae and Abdul-Samad. Tests determined the powder was harmless.

AMES, Iowa (AP) — Ames police are investigating the death of an Iowa State University student as a possible hit-and-run. An Iowa State police officer found 18-year-old Emmalee J. Jacobs, of Urbana, Iowa, about 7 a.m. Monday on a street bordering the campus. The officer started cardiopulmonary resuscitation until medics arrived. She later died at an Ames hospital.

NEWTON, Iowa (AP) — Two Newton women have been charged with child endangerment after four children in their care tested positive for methamphetamine. Twenty-nine-year-old Cristy J. Clark and 28-year-old Somer M. Speer were arrested on Wednesday. Newton police say children aged 2, 4, 6 in the care of Clark and a 9-year-old for whom Speer was responsible tested positive for methamphetamine. Police say a couple caring for Clark’s three children living with Speer acknowledged using methamphetamine with the children in the home.

HAMPTON, Iowa (AP) — Franklin County authorities have arrested a man suspected of killing his girlfriend at a home in Hampton. Sixty-year-old Ronald Rand was arrested Sunday night after deputies found the body of 51-year-old Michelle Key. Key was from Waterloo.