School’s out for the summer and teenagers who haven’t already lined something up may be looking for a summer job. Iowa Workforce Development spokesperson, Kerry Koonce, says the outlook for snagging a seasonal job is improving. “We certainly seeing it better than it has been the last two or three years, it’s not really up to pre-2008 levels yet, but it’s definitely getting better. And a large portion of that is coming from the adult workforce that had taken some of those jobs who had been laid off from their fulltime jobs. They’re going back to work, so it’s free those opportunities up for the youth again,” Koonce says.

While more jobs are available for teens, there’s still plenty of competition. “Now you still need to present yourself in the best light possible, and it’s still competitive. And you know, broad your search,” Koonce says. “We always tell students not to limit themselves. Obviously as a high school student it’s great not to work Friday and Saturday night — but when you limit yourself to refusing those hours — your opportunities are going to diminish dramatically.” The jobs that teens took in the summer used to be minimum wage, but Koonce says that has changed. “You know it’s really all over the board depending on the type of industry. Even some of the fast-food places that you see out there now are pay far more than minimum wage, so it just kind of varies where you’re looking at,” Koonce says. She says grocery stores are another employer that often pay more than minimum wage.

(Dar Danielson/Radio Iowa)

w/ Ric Hanson

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Authorities in Montgomery County this (Tuesday) morning are continuing to ask for the public’s help in locating a missing person and their vehicle. Officials say the owner of a 2000 Ford F-150 extended cab pick up has not been seen or heard from since about 9-p.m., Saturday. They said the person may have some health issues.

The missing vehicle was described as being brown over tan in color, with a Silver tool box. The Iowa license number is 085 ZEB.  If you have seen that pickup truck or know where it or its driver is, please call the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office at 712 623-5107 or contact your local law enforcement agency.  Additional details concerning the driver and other, related information,  is currently not available.

 HULL, Iowa (AP) – Many in northwest Iowa spent Monday cleaning up after a severe thunderstorm hit Sioux County.  The Sioux County Sheriff’s Office says trees, branches and power lines were knocked down during the storm as it passed over Hull, Hawarden and Boyden on Sunday night.  The Sioux City Journal reports several homes were hit by downed trees but that no injuries were reported. Officials say wind gusts up to 70 miles per hour were also reported and some residents lost power for about three hours.

A public hearing is set for this evening in Audubon, with regard to an amendment to the 2011-2012 Budget. The hearing will take place during the City Council’s regular session, which begins at 7-p.m. The amendment is being made necessary, after receipts in the general fund turned out to be higher than expected. Following the public hearing, the Council will act on a resolution approving the budget amendment.

In other business, the Audubon City Council will hold a separate public hearing on the sale of the vacated portion of an alley in Lot 14 of the west Audubon addition, followed by action on a resolution to proceed with the sale.

The Adair County Board of Supervisors will discuss budget matters when they hear from Sheriff Brad Newton this morning, during their meeting at the courthouse in Greenfield. Other matters to come before the board for their 9-a.m. session, include a report from County Conservation Director Kevin Blazek, on wages and status…and a report from County Recorder Janelle Schneider, with regard to a copier lease agreement

At 10-a.m., the Supervisors will move from their Board Room to the Adair County Public Safety Center Meeting Room, where they will hear from ISU Professor Carlton Basmajian,who will discuss a Comprehensive Plan, and, the V.A. Administrator, about matters pertaining to that office.

Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press

No injuries were reported following a car-verus-deer collision over the weekend, in Montgomery County. Sheriff’s officials said Monday, the accident happened at around 10:20-pm, Saturday.  Authorities report a 2004 Dodge Stratus owned and driven by 19-year-old Bradey Melvin Telschow, of Red Oak, hit a deer while traveling east on 150th Street, about one-half mile west of F Avenue.  The car sustained approximately $6,500 damage. No citations were issued.

Authorities in Adair County say a toddler died from injuries he suffered when a tree fell on him Sunday afternoon. According to Fontanelle Police Chief Pat Henry, three-year old Nathan Hutt, of Fontanelle,  was playing in the yard of a residence in Fontanelle when a large tree was blown over, and one of the limbs fell on top of him. Emergency medical personnel were called to the scene of the accident at the rental property, at around 12:45-p.m. Funeral services for Nathan Hutt are currently pending at the Steen Funeral Home in Fontanelle.

Area and State News with KJAN News Director Ric Hanson….

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