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More progress in SW Iowa town that suffered direct hit from big twister

News

August 2nd, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – There’s another sign of recovery for Greenfield following the May 21st tornado. The Adair County Health System announced it will reopen parts of the hospital in Greenfield on August 12th. The hospital has been closed since the tornado and administrators say substantial repairs have been made and they will start moving out of the Nodaway Valley Elementary School that has been their base of operations since the storm.

The Emergency Room and Medical/Surgical Inpatient Services areas are still being rebuilt and will not be open. The E-M-S garage and house were destroyed by the tornado and they hope to have those rebuild by the summer or fall of 2025.

CADCO comments on impending Atlantic Manufacturing plant closure

News

August 2nd, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Atlantic, Iowa) – Officials with the Cass-Atlantic Development Corporation (CADCO) today (Friday), issued a statement on social media, with regard to the announcement made Thursday, about the impending closure and elimination of about 60 jobs at an employer in Atlantic.

The statement said “As many of you have heard, Myers Industries will be closing their doors in December of this year. We are very disappointed to hear the news, but it was a corporate decision.[Neither] The County, City nor CADCO was approached regarding any concerns or issues. Once the building is available, CADCO will do everything in our power to market this building for either a business expansion or possibly new business to our community. The work has already begun.

Atlantic will bounce back, like we always do! “

(UPDATED) NW Iowa baseball team bus destroyed by fire on I-80 near Earlham Friday morning

News

August 2nd, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – The bus carrying Sioux City’s minor league baseball team caught fire early this (Friday) morning on its way to a game in a Chicago suburb. J.D. Scholten, a 44-year-old who’s been a replacement pitcher for the Sioux City Explorers since July, said the team was awakened at 3 a.m.

Photo on Facebook by J.D. Scholten (public viewable image)

“It wasn’t like a panic or anything. It was just like, ‘Hey, guys. We’ve got to get off the bus,’” Scholten said. “Then we look up and there’s all this smoke in the back and by the time we got out there was a mass of flame behind the bus and I think the firefighter told some of the guys we were within minutes of the flames coming inside the bus.”

Sioux City Explorers pitcher J.D. Scholten posted a photo of the bus fire on his Facebook page this morning.

Scholten said everyone on the bus got off safely, but some of the players’ gloves were left behind and got torched. The bus was near Earlham, just west of Des Moines, when it caught fire and Scholten said the town’s fire crews were on the scene quickly. “These are volunteer guys. They came out and took care of things very quickly,” Scholten said. “Pretty impressive.”

The Sioux City Explorers won a game in Lincoln, Nebraska last night and were about a third of the way to Geneva, Illinois, when the bus caught fire on Interstate-80. Another bus picked up the team at about 5:30 and they made it to their destination before lunch. The Explorers play the Kane County Cougars at 6:30 tonight.

2 western Iowa teens to show their steers at the annual Governor’s Charity Steer Show during the Iowa State Fair on Aug. 10th

Ag/Outdoor, News

August 2nd, 2024 by Ric Hanson

AMES, Iowa – The Iowa State Fair is quickly approaching and the anticipation of the annual Governor’s Charity Steer Show is building. The Iowa beef cattle industry is again partnering with the governor in this fundraising event to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa. Hundreds of fairgoers will attend the August 10 event, featuring youth, industry supporters, local celebrities, and of course, steers. Each steer is exhibited by a local youth representative and a guest celebrity selected by the sponsor of the steer. Twenty-four steers will be shown this year. Along with Gov. Kim Reynolds, we have other notable celebrities showing this year ranging from industry favorites to college. The Governor’s Charity Steer Show is sponsored by the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA) and the Iowa Beef Industry Council (IBIC).

Exhibitors from western Iowa include Claire Pellett from Atlantic, and her steer “Magic.” They are sponsored by the Iowa Veterinary Medical Association and ISU College of Veterinary Medicine. The animal will be shown by Celebrity hosts Dr. Dan Grooms & Dr. Stephen G. Juelsgaard, Dean of Veterinary Medicine at ISU. And, Ryan Brenner of Mapleton, and his steer “McEars” will appear during the event. They are sponsored by the Iowa Corn Promotion Board. The animal will be shown by celebrity host Stan Nelson, ICPB President.

“The Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer Show showcases the good that can be done by one industry when producers, industry supporters, and community namesakes collaborate,” said Jenna Smith, ICA member services and Governor’s Charity Steer Show co-chair. “The cattle industry is full of people that care and it is an honor to work with the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa, who provide a crucial service to families in need.”

The Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer Show has been held since 1983 and has raised over $5.1 million for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa since the show’s inception. Last year the show raised more than $500,000, the third year in a row that the fundraising record has been broken. Funds are raised through online donations, sponsorships, and an auction of steers following the show. All money raised benefits the three independent Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa, located in Des Moines, Iowa City, and Sioux City. These three houses have served over 55,000 families from all 50 states and 62 foreign countries. Families from all 99 counties in Iowa have benefited from the Ronald McDonald Houses of Iowa too.

If you are interested in supporting the Governor’s Charity Steer Show, consider donating online or attending the show/auction to contribute. The Governor’s Charity Steer Show is being held in Pioneer Pavilion at the Iowa State Fair on Saturday, August 10 at 4:30 p.m. For additional information about the Governor’s Charity Steer Show or to donate, visit www.iowagovernorscharitysteershow.com.

2024 Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer Show Participants

  1. Sponsor: Iowa Beef Industry Council & Iowa Cattlemen’s Association
    Celebrity: Kim Reynolds
    Exhibitor: Alexa Fitzgerald | Tipton, IA
    Steer:Ritz
  2. Sponsor: Crawford County Cattlemen and Nor-AM Cold Storage
    Celebrity: Gov. Adam Gregg
    Exhibitor:Calli Korner | Schleswig, IA
    Steer: Smokey Bear
  1. Sponsor: Davis County Beef Promoters
    Celebrity:Mercedes Northup, TV Personality
    Exhibitor: Layne White | Blakesburg, IA
    Steer: Budder
  1. Sponsor: Mahaska County Cattlemen & Friends
    Celebrity:Mike Eisele, President, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association
    Exhibitor: Baylen Brink | Oskaloosa, IA
    Steer: Rocco
  1. Sponsor: Iowa Farm Bureau
    Celebrity:Brent Johnson, President, Iowa Farm Bureau
    Exhibitor: Lilly McClure | Dallas Center, IA
    Steer: Buddy
  1. Sponsor: Dee Zee, Inc. (The Quality Truck Accessory People)
    Celebrity:Megan Hindman, Clinical Assistant Professor at ISU College of Vet Med and Iowa State Fair Vet
    Exhibitor: Blayne Beaty | Russell, IA
    Steer: Jimmy
  1. Sponsor: Iowa Bankers Association
    Celebrity:Jeff Angelo, iHeart Radio Personality/WHO Radio
    Exhibitor: Emma Norman | Searsboro, IA
    Steer: Whopper
  1. Sponsor: Volunteer Boards of Iowa Ronald McDonald House Charities
    Celebrity:Kale & Falisha Nelson, Family utilized the Siouxland House
    Exhibitor: Lily Schulenberg | Aurelia, IA
    Steer: Ned
  2. Sponsor: Eastern Iowa Ronald McDonald House and Quad Cities McDonald’s
    Celebrity:Cole The CornStar from CornStar Farms, YouTube & Social Media Influencer
    Exhibitor: Izzie Birker | Garrison, IA
    Steer: Sir-Loin
  3. Sponsor: Central Iowa Ronald McDonald Houses and Des Moines Area Independent Owner Operators
    Celebrity:David Robers, Owner J&D Restaurants, DBA McDonald’s
    Exhibitor: Kaylynn Murty | Tama, IA
    Steer: Mulligan
  1. Sponsor: Siouxland Ronald McDonald House and Siouxland Area McDonald’s Operators
    Celebrity:Colin Newell, Former Iowa State University Lineman & Current Farm Bureau Representative
    Exhibitor: Jacob Ringkob | Moville, IA
    Steer: McMister
  1. Sponsor: Friends of Floyd County
    Celebrity: Mike Naig, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture
    Exhibitor: Brennan Ruzicka | Marble Rock, IA
    Steer: Peaches
  2. Sponsor: Monroe County Cattlemen & Supporters
    Celebrity: Mark McCully, CEO, American Angus Association
    Exhibitor: Cheyenne Houk | Blakesburg, IA
    Steer: The Business
  3. Sponsor: Iowa County Beef Supporters
    Celebrity:Dawn Driscoll, Iowa State Senator
    Exhibitor: Georgia Klingner | Williamsburg, IA
    Steer: DJ Boots
  4. Sponsor: Foster and Evelyn Barkema Charitable Trust and Friends of Franklin County Cattlemen
    Celebrity:Chip Flory, Host of AgriTalk
    Exhibitor: Lucy Wibholm | Dows, IA
    Steer: Ronnie
  5. Sponsor: Iowa Junior Hereford Association
    Celebrity:Audi Crooks, All Big 12 Center for Iowa State University Women’s Basketball
    Exhibitor: Lainey Harre | Gilman, IA
    Steer: Hilton Storm
  6. Sponsor: Benton County Cattlemen and Local Supporters
    Celebrity: Tim O’Connell, 3X World Champion Bareback Rider
    Exhibitor:Reagan Burmeister | Rowley, IA
    Steer: French Fry
  1. Sponsor: Iowa Corn Promotion Board
    Celebrity:Stan Nelson, Iowa Corn Promotion Board President
    Exhibitor: Ryan Brenner | Mapleton, IA
    Steer: McEars
  1. Sponsor: Johnson County Cattlemen and Reeve Farms
    Celebrity: Levi Paulsen, Former University of Iowa Lineman
    Exhibitor:Olivia Allen | Tiffin, IA
    Steer: Willy
  1. Sponsor: Jackson County Cattlemen and Friends of Jackson County
    Celebrity: Brenna Bird, Iowa Attorney General
    Exhibitor: Addysen Felderman | Bellevue, IA
    Steer:Maverick
  1. Sponsor: Iowa Veterinary Medical Association and ISU College of Veterinary Medicine
    Celebrity: Dan Grooms, Stephen G. Juelsgaard Dean of Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State University
    Exhibitor:Claire Pellett | Atlantic, IA
    Steer: Magic
  2. Sponsor: District 20 Cattlemen’s Associations
    Celebrity: David Carr, 2X NCAA Champion Wrestler and Associate Director of the Cardinal & Gold Collective
    Exhibitor:Kate Totemeier | Columbus Junction, IA
    Steer: ZZ
  1. Sponsor: Iowa Premium, A National Beef Company
    Celebrity: Tom Gavin, Father of Brogan Gavin
    Exhibitor:Brogan Gavin | Lansing, IA
    Steer: Johny 
  1. Sponsor: ServiTech, Inc.
    Celebrity:Ryan Hassebrook, ServiTech President & CEO
    Exhibitor: Addy Schaa | Kamrar, IA
    Steer: Cooper

No major Iowa outbreaks but COVID-19 numbers are slowly rising this summer

News

August 2nd, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – While some states are reporting a tremendous summer surge in COVID-19 cases, the numbers are slowly rising in Iowa and are still considered moderate. Megan Meller, an infection preventionist at Gundersen Health System, says the Midwest has been spared any significant outbreaks, but new cases -are- being diagnosed at system facilities. “So in the region, we are starting to see an increase in COVID cases,” Meller says. “We’re seeing it in the outpatient side, but we’re also starting to see an uptick in hospitalizations due to COVID-19 as well.” In years past, it was common to see a rise in illnesses during the winter months when people are cooped up together, but the numbers usually drop during the summertime.

Meller says this upturn in COVID cases isn’t entirely unexpected. “Typically, we would see an increase in throat and respiratory infections in the winter seasons, but we’ve also seen them increase during the school year, especially at the start of the school year,” Meller says. “I think the summer, too, it’s all the travel, it’s people out and about.” Many Iowans may have to consult their COVID vaccine cards — if they can find them — to recall the last time they had a booster shot. Should we still be getting those COVID boosters? “There is a new strain of the vaccine coming out later this fall, so I would say if you can hold off and wait, I would wait for that new strain to come out,” Meller says. “However, if someone is immuno-compromised or they have underlying health issues, I think it’s worth a conversation with your doctor to figure out if should you get the current vaccine or wait until the fall.”

If you’re showing symptoms, Meller says it’s a wise move to take an at-home COVID test, though check the expiration date on the box, as some of those dates have been extended. “With August, we’re getting back into school time, no matter what, we are going to see a rise in colds and respiratory illnesses in general,” Meller says. “It’s really important during this time of the year, we always say to follow respiratory etiquette, cough or sneeze into your elbow. Make sure you’re washing your hands. And also try not to touch your face with dirty hands because that’s a really easy way that we can infect ourselves.” With the rise of rapid in-home tests, the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services stopped requiring positive COVID-19 tests to be reported to the state in April of 2023.

Gundersen Health System has clinics in Calmar, Decorah, Fayette, Lansing, Postville and Waukon, and a hospital in West Union.

Creston woman cited for allowing an animal to run at-large

News

August 2nd, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Creston, Iowa) – Police in Creston, Thursday night, cited a woman for allowing her animal to run at-large. Officers detained 24-year-old Zoey Ann Moon, of Creston, at around 10:30-p.m. She was then released on her citation, and a promise to appear in court.

Red Oak woman arrested on a Theft charge this (Friday) morning

News

August 2nd, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Red Oak, Iowa) – The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office reports a woman was arrested early this (Friday) morning on a Theft charge. Deputies arrested 37-year-old Jennifer Lynn Holz, of Red Oak, at around 1:26-a.m., for Theft in the 5th Degree – a Simple Misdemeanor. Holz was transported to the Montgomery County Jail and held on a $300 bond.

(Reminder!) Back-to-school shoppers get boost from Iowa’s sales tax ‘holiday’

News

August 2nd, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – Iowa retailers that sell clothing, shoes, or both will likely be significantly busier over the next two days, as this is the state’s annual sales tax-free weekend. John Fuller, spokesman for the Iowa Department of Revenue, explains how it works. “I think it’s a good time for back-to-school shopping or any other type of shopping,” Fuller says. “Basically, there’s no sales tax on articles of clothing and footwear that are under $100. That’s the gist of it. It starts one minute after midnight on Friday and goes to midnight on Saturday.” People are always looking for money-saving loopholes and Fuller says there are a few stipulations on the two-day offer.

“Clothing does not include things like jewelry, sports equipment, watches,” Fuller says, “and there’s a complete list of what is taxed — and what will not be taxed — at revenue.iowa.gov.” He says the savings will grow based on how much you spend, and through Saturday night, you’ll be able to save plenty. “Well, yeah, it’s 7%, that’s the state sales tax in most areas in state,” Fuller says, “so whenever you can save a little bit of money, that’s a good thing.”

This tax “holiday” is typically held the first weekend in August and it’s been an annual ritual since 2000. The event usually saves consumers a total of around five-million dollars over the two days.

July continues turnaround from dry weather

Ag/Outdoor, News, Weather

August 2nd, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – D-N-R Hydrologist Tim Hall says it looks like July will end up slightly wetter than normal once the final numbers are in. He says it continues the string of normal or above normal months that has pulled Iowa out of the drought. “The challenge that we’ve seen in the most recent month is although the rainfall is about average a lot of it came in the last week or ten days of the month,” he says. “And anytime you get a month’s worth of rain in a couple of weeks period of time it can be very, very challenging.” The latest map from the National Drought Monitor shows a clear map with no drought areas. Hall says while the colors indicating drought areas quickly washed off the map, the process was slow and steady. “While we’ve had a pretty rapid turnaround in drought conditions, this trend toward wetter weather and sort of giving us our side of the drought started almost ten months ago in October of last year,” Hall says.

Hall says water flows are back to normal on most waterways. “Last year there was a record number of irrigation permits that were in danger of being cut off because of low flow. If the stream flows too low, we don’t allow irrigators to withdraw water to irrigate under their permits. This year, no irrigation permits are even under any pressure,” he says. The drought had cities putting water use restrictions in place and Osceola has been looking at a plan to recycle wastewater. Hall says we’d be wise to not stop thinking about water use plans. “We would caution and advise any utility that’s sometimes struggling with water supply to think about where they were a year ago and keep working on some proactive solutions,” Hall says, “because droughts gonna come back. Maybe not this year, maybe not next year, maybe not for several years.”

He says the drought will come back sometime and it’s best to be prepared and take steps that can help minimize the impact when it does.

Bankrupt nursing home says it owes Iowa taxpayers $1.1 million

News

August 2nd, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Fremont County, Iowa) –  A for-profit nursing home in southwest Iowa that has filed for bankruptcy says it owes Iowa taxpayers more than $1 million in fees the state failed to collect. The Iowa Capital Dispatch reports that in May, the for-profit Tabor Manor Care Center in Fremont County filed for bankruptcy, listing $1.3 million in assets and $2.3 million in liabilities.

By far, the 46-bed nursing home’s single largest creditor is the State of Iowa — specifically, the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services/Iowa Medicaid Enterprises. The home has reported that it owes the agency $1,169, 257. The debt is tied to unpaid Quality Assurance Assessment, or QAA, fees that date back to 2019, according to bankruptcy records.

Tabor Manor isn’t the first Iowa nursing home to file for bankruptcy after neglecting to pay the QAA fees to the state. In 2021, the Iowa-based QHC Facilities nursing home chain filed for bankruptcy and informed the court that it owed taxpayers more than $3.9 million due to unpaid QAA fees.

Tabor Manor Care Center in Fremont County has filed for bankruptcy while owing the state $1.1 million. (Photo via Google Earth; court document courtesy U.S. District Court)

In 2022, DHHS reported to state lawmakers that of the 379 Iowa nursing homes that were required to spend their increased Medicaid revenue on pay increases for certified nurse aides, 68 of them – or 18% of the total — failed to do so. An additional 37 homes – or 10% of the total – failed to meet a different standard that required them to spend 60% of their excess revenue on compensation for all staff.

Despite the lack of compliance by some care facilities, DHHS proposed a major increase in state spending on the QAA program last year. According to a budget analysis by House Republicans, $111.2 million was appropriated from the Quality Assurance Assessment Trust Fund for Fiscal Year 2024, which ended June 30. “These funds do not revert back to the general fund,” the GOP advised state legislators, noting that it would result in a $68 million increase in revenue for facility owners.

In recent bankruptcy-court filings, Tabor Manor Care Center has said the biggest financial hurdle it now faces is the unpaid QAA fees owed to the state. “In order to continue our important work, the company deferred payment of QAA fee obligations during the COVID-19 pandemic and the post-pandemic recovery period,” the home’s owner and administrator, Mitchell Worcester, told the court.

He said that before filing for bankruptcy, his company tried to negotiate a plan to pay off the $1.1 million debt over a “period of time which matched the company’s ability to pay.” He said the state was “only able to offer a payment plan of relatively short duration, including escalating payments, which the company will not be able to perform to.” Worcester told the court that one of “the principal purposes” of the company’s bankruptcy filing is to address the $1.1 million debt in a manner that will enable the home to remain open.

The company’s goal, he said, is to renew negotiations with the state on a payment plan.