712 Digital Group - top

Keep your Christmas tree well-watered to prevent fire risks

News

December 23rd, 2013 by Ric Hanson

Some Iowa families followed their traditions and picked out Christmas trees this past weekend, decking them out with shiny ornaments and colorful lights. Ron Humphrey, spokesman for the Iowa State Fire Marshal’s Office, says it’s vital to keep the tree well hydrated.  “A dry tree, a pine tree or an evergreen, have a lot of oils in them and as they dry out, they can catch fire and burn very quickly and very hot,” Humphrey says. “It’s important to keep them healthy and have plenty of water.”

The fire marshal’s website features a video that shows how quickly two separate trees can go up in flames, one that’s fresh, the other that’s dried out. While the tree may be beautiful and full of sentiment, he says it’s a wise move to plan to take it down later this week.  “Once Christmas is over, the best thing is to get rid of it as soon as possible, get it out of the home,” Humphrey says. “They will only last so long, even if you do keep it watered, they’re not going to stay fresh for very long.”

A few other suggestions: when stringing lights, make sure the cords aren’t frayed, also, never use lighted candles on or near a tree. Learn more about Christmas tree safety at the National Fire Protection Association website at www.nfpa.org

(Iowa News Service)

8AM Sportscast 12-23-2013

Podcasts, Sports

December 23rd, 2013 by admin

w/ Jim Field

Play

8AM Newscast 12-23-2013

News, Podcasts

December 23rd, 2013 by admin

w/ Ric Hanson

Play

Heartbeat Today 12-23-2013

Heartbeat Today, Podcasts

December 23rd, 2013 by admin

Jim Field speaks with Beth Irlbeck, Cass County Youth Coordinator and Lora Baddgor, STEM Coordinator about new STEM events offered for youth in partnership with Cass County Extension and the Nishna Valley YMCA.

Play

(Podcast) 7-a.m. News, Mon. 12/23/13

News, Podcasts

December 23rd, 2013 by Ric Hanson

A podcast of the latest area and State news from KJAN News Director Ric Hanson…

Play

(Podcast) Skyscan Forecast, Mon., Dec. 23rd 2013

Podcasts, Weather

December 23rd, 2013 by Ric Hanson

The (Podcast) Freese-Notis weather forecast for the KJAN listening area and weather information for Atlantic from KJAN News Director Ric Hanson.

Play

Don’t Forget Toy Safety In Last-Minute Shopping Rush

News

December 23rd, 2013 by Ric Hanson

The time for gift shopping is quickly coming to an end, but parents are reminded that it still pays to be cautious when buying toys, to avoid those that are dangerous or toxic. According to Shaina Shay, spokeswoman for the Public Interest Research Group, one main concern are those toys with high levels of lead.She cited “the Marvel Superhero Squad Soft Shield that contains 2,900 parts per million of lead, which violates the standard by 29 times. Also the Ninja Turtles pencil case.”

Shay also urged parents to stay away from toys that could present a choking hazard for young children, which – if you want to check on your own – is generally any product that would fit through a toilet paper roll. Another consideration in toy buying is, how loud is it? The maximum suggested noise for toys that are held within an inch of the ear is 65 decibels, but Shay said one they found goes well beyond that. “The Leapfrog Count and Chat Smartphone, which is clearly intended to be held up to the ear, exceeds not only the 65-decibel range but prolonged periods of 90 decibels.”

You can find this year’s entire “Trouble in Toyland” report online at the USPIRG website.

(Iowa News Service)

Protecting Your Personal Data in Last-Minute Shopping Rush

News

December 23rd, 2013 by Ric Hanson

 Time is running out to find the perfect gift for everyone on the “nice” list this year, but experts say it’s critical to protect yourself and your purchases in the midst of the last-minute rush.According to Michelle Corey of the Better Business Bureau, the recent data breach that affected an estimated 40 million Target customers should serve as a wake-up call for shoppers everywhere.

“If you’re using your credit card or your debit card on a regular basis during the holiday shopping season, go online to your bank and check your checking account statements or your credit card statements to see if there are unauthorized charges,” she suggested. Corey also recommended that at least once per quarter consumers check their credit reports with one of the three credit-reporting agencies to see if any unauthorized accounts have been opened or there’s any suspicious activity. 

Corey said many people look at gift cards as an easy option in these final shopping days, but she offered caution there too, as some gift cards come with transaction fees, processing fees, inactivity fees, or other issues. “Millions of gift cards every year, they go unused because people either lose them, they’re stolen, they forget about them or they just don’t want to do business at the stores,” she said.

Target data breach information is at tgt.biz/JMn9Td.

(Iowa News Service)

Glenwood man cited in Montgomery County

News

December 23rd, 2013 by Ric Hanson

The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office reports a Glenwood man was cited Sunday night for driving with a suspended license. Nicholas Allen Hall was stopped at the Highway’s 71 and 34 interchange for a traffic violation. Upon further investigation, it was determined Hall was operating a motor vehicle with a suspended driver’s license. Hall was cited for the offense and released on a citation, with instructions to appear in court at a later date.

2 hunters injured during the final weekend of shotgun deer season

Ag/Outdoor, News

December 23rd, 2013 by Ric Hanson

Two Iowa deer hunters sustained non-life threatening injuries during the final weekend of the shotgun deer season. Iowa Dept. of Natural Resources officials say 50-year old Michael Otto, of Madrid, was treated after sustaining an injury to his elbow while deer hunting southwest of Madrid in Dallas County on Saturday. Otto was hit in the elbow by another hunter who was shooting at a running deer at approximately 11 a.m. Saturday. He was treated at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines.

21-year old Holden Hillegas, of Charles City, suffered a flesh wound to his upper back when he was struck by a deer slug fired from approximately 200 yards away by another hunter in his party shortly after 3 p.m. on Saturday while hunting near Floyd. He was treated at Floyd County Medical Center in Charles City.