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Stay sober and alert on the water this July 4th weekend

Ag/Outdoor, News

July 1st, 2024 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES – State, federal and local law enforcement agencies encourage all boaters to avoid alcohol and drugs this busy holiday weekend to ensure everyone’s safety on Iowa waters. “Operation Dry Water,” July 4-6, is a national campaign to reduce the number of alcohol- and drug-related incidents and fatalities on the water throughout the year. This effort to deter impaired boating and enforce Iowa’s boating while intoxicated (BWI) laws reminds boaters to stay sober and alert, always wear your life jacket, and take a boating safety education course.

Susan Stocker, boating law administrator and education coordinator for the Iowa DNR, says “Recognizing that impaired boating is as dangerous as impaired driving is vital. Together, we can prevent incidents and save lives.” Alcohol and drugs (legal and illegal) can severely impair a boater’s judgment, reaction time and ability to operate a vessel safely. The effects of alcohol, drugs and some medications can be intensified when combined with sun, wind and wave action. Alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in recreational boating fatalities. The risk of serious injury is equal for operators and passengers. Intoxicated passengers can easily slip, fall overboard or suffer other life-threatening incidents. Stocker says “One-third of all boating fatalities nationally involved alcohol.“Many of those victims were innocent bystanders.”

DNR Water Patrol boat

In 2023, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and its partners contacted more than 1,487 vessels containing 5,2634 boaters resulting in 531 citations or warnings as part of Operation Dry Water. The DNR has partnered with the U.S. Coast Guard, the Army Corps of Engineers, and local police and sheriff’s departments as part of previous Operation Dry Water campaigns.

2023 top areas for BWI arrests

  • Okoboji: 5
  • Clear Lake: 3
  • Saylorville Reservoir: 3
  • Coralville Reservoir: 2
  • Lake Manawa: 2
  • Rathbun Reservoir: 2
  • Mississippi River: 2
  • Total BWI: 27

DNR shares tips for a safe Fourth of July holiday weekend

Ag/Outdoor, News

July 1st, 2024 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa As the Fourth of July holiday weekend quickly approaches the forecast predicts very warm weather which will draw thousands of people to state parks, beaches, lakes and rivers.

BEACH & SWIMMING SAFETY:

Wherever you choose to swim this weekend or this summer, whether it’s a backyard pool, a pond or lake, or a public pool, please follow these safety tips:

  • Keep a close eye on others, especially children. Assign a designated adult to watch over children, and never assume someone else is watching them. Be close enough to touch the child at all times. Even in ankle deep water, the current can be strong enough to sweep you off your feet and out into deeper water.
  • Swim with a buddy.
  • If you haven’t swam in a long-time, refresh your abilities. All children should learn to swim with formal lessons.
  • Always wear a life jacket. Make sure kids wear their life jackets before getting in the water.
  • Avoid alcohol while swimming.
  • Stay within the roped in area of the lake.
  • Obey posted signs and flags.
  • Take a water bottle with you and keep it nearby throughout the day. It’s easy to get dehydrated in the sun, particularly if you’re active and sweating.
  • Note that
    • Iowa’s public beaches do not have lifeguards on duty
    • Alcohol is prohibited at some public beaches.
    • Glass bottles are prohibited on beaches.

Because the beaches are busier this summer, staff encourage visitors to visit during the non-peak times and days. For the busier beaches/parks, the non-peak days are usually Sundays through Thursdays, and Fridays before 5:00 pm. If you plan to go to the beaches on Saturdays, the non-peak hours are usually before noon.

Parks staff may temporarily close parking lots when they become full and limit the number of visitors at that point. The DNR recommends visitors go to another nearby park or beach that is not as heavily populated. Visitors are reminded to only park in designated parking spaces. Violators will be cited by staff.

BOATING SAFETY:

  • Plan ahead and avoid peak hours and large crowds of boating.
  • Park your vehicles and trailers in designated parking spaces NOT in grass areas or they will be ticketed and towed.
  • Alcohol and boating don’t mix. Wind, sun glare and heat can enhance the effects of alcohol, hindering the operator’s ability to make necessary decisions.
  • The same limit of .08 for operating a vehicle under the influence applies to boating.
  • Always have a designated operator that avoids consuming alcohol.
  • Wear your life jacket, it floats, you don’t! Any children 12 and under must wear a lifejacket at all times on a vessel underway in Iowa.
  • Every boat or vessel must have a wearable life jacket for everyone on board; a USCG approved throw-able flotation device is also required on vessels 16’ or longer.
  • Make sure there is a charged fire extinguisher on board, as well as a horn/whistle.
  • Slow down and watch for other boaters or personal watercraft, have patience.
  • Avoid dams and other hazards on waterways.
  • Obey all posted warning signs and rules.
  • Drain plugs and other water draining devices must be removed and/or remain open during transport to avoid spreading of invasive species.

STATE PARKS/CAMPGROUNDS SAFETY:

The Fourth of July is one of the busiest times to visit a state park as people enjoy beaches and outdoor activities in the summer sun. Please use these safety tips to ensure an enjoyable time:

  • Pack snacks, food, water and personal hygiene products, to bring along for hiking and other recreational activities in the state parks.
  • Stay hydrated with plenty of fluids.
  • Don’t hike alone and always have some way to communicate if you get lost and need help.
  • Wear proper outdoor attire for hiking.
  • Pack bug spray and sunscreen.
  • Slow down on park roadways and obey posted speed limit signs. Families and kids are often walking or biking on the roads.
  • If a parking lot becomes full at a park or campground, staff may temporarily close the parking lots and limit the number of visitors at that point. If there is no parking available, do not park in the grass areas, along roadways or any other area that is not a designated parking lot. Violators will be cited.
  • If a park is busy, consider visiting a nearby state park that is less populated. Or visit the park during non-peak times, which often include mornings and evenings.
  • “Carry In, Carry Out”—please pick up any trash and carry out what you carry into the park. Be respectful and care for our natural resources.
  • Don’t transport firewood; buy it locally.
  • Be respectful of your neighbors camping around you.
  • Campers should dispose of trash in receptacles, not burn it in the campfires.
  • Check the DNR website for current alerts and closures.
  • If you plan to fish, be sure to have a current fishing license. Anyone 16 years and older must have a fishing license to fish Iowa waters.You can purchase one by visiting: GoOutdoorsIowa.com, or by downloading the Go Outdoors Iowa app on your smartphone through the Google Play store or the App Store. You can also purchase your fishing license at some local retailers in your area.

PADDLING SAFETY:

Whether it be tubing, kayaking or canoeing, paddlers are enjoying the splash of the water, scenic views, and wildlife viewing from Iowa’s rivers, rapids and streams. Many new paddlers are getting out on the water for the first time this summer. Stay safe each time you paddle with these simple safety tips:

  • Always wear your life jacket. Kids 12 and under must wear a life jacket at all times. Iowa law requires life jackets on every watercraft, whether it’s a motorized boat, jet ski, kayak, canoe, or even a paddleboard.
  • Never paddle rain swollen streams that are at or near flood stage.
  • Paddle with a group, not by yourself.
  • Let others know where you will be paddling, including what access to what access, and when you are expected to return.
  • Know and understand your river levels and flows, as well as the weather forecast.
  • Avoid wading in current off of a river bank, sandbar or access points.
  • Learn about and study your route in advance. Know where your take-out access is located, how many river miles downstream, and how long it is going to take to get there.
  • Check the Iowa DNR’s interactive paddler’s map for updates on real-time hazards like downed trees and log jams, strainers and bridge construction. Pay attention to the dam warning signs and know where dams are located before you head out on the water.
  • Bring along a dry bag with a set of extra clothes you can change into if you get wet, a first-aid kit and a protected cell phone or weather radio.
  • Pack plenty of water to stay hydrated. Wear light, loose fitting clothing that dries quickly. Wear a hat, sunglasses and plenty of sunscreen.

Many new laws are now in effect (as of July 11st) in Iowa

News

July 1st, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Des Moines, Iowa) [Iowa Capital Dispatch] – Dozens of the laws passed during the 2024 legislative session are now in effect 9As of July 1st), including measures cutting state boards and commissions, limiting the potency of consumable hemp products and setting new education policies for public K-12 schools. During the 2024 legislative session, the Republican-controlled Legislature passed more than 180 bills on subjects from tax cuts to K-12 education policy to health care. July 1, the beginning of the fiscal year, is the date most laws signed by Gov. Kim Reynolds this year are set to take effect – though other start dates can be specified in legislation.

One law passed during the 2024 session to make “illegal reentry” a state crime in Iowa was set to take effect Monday, but will not begin enforcement. U.S. District Judge Stephen Locher issued to a preliminary injunction on the law in a case brought forward by the U.S. Department of Justice and a coalition of civil rights groups. Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird has appealed the decision, aiming to allow enforcement of the law. If it takes effect, it would allow state law enforcement officials the ability to charge undocumented immigrants with an aggravated misdemeanor if they have been previously deported, denied admission or removed from the U.S., and allowing judges to order the deportation of parties found guilty.

Here’s a rundown of some of the laws passed during the 2024 legislative session also begin July 1st:

Area Education Agencies, teacher pay

House File 2612 makes changes to Iowa Area Education Agencies and raise teacher pay. One of the highest profile measures passed during the 2024 session, the bill was signed into law by Reynolds in March. In the upcoming 2024-2025 school year, Iowa AEAs – the regional agencies providing special education and other support services to Iowa schools – will retain the total of school districts’ special education funding. However, only 40% of funding for general education and media services will go to AEAs for the upcoming year, with 60% kept by school districts for their discretionary use. The money can be spent with AEAs, other providers, or used for other general fund purposes .

In its second year of implementation, 90% of special education funding will go to AEAs, while 10% will stay at school districts, and all general education and media services will go directly to school districts. The teacher salary increase will also be implemented over the course of two years. This year, teacher starting salaries are increasing to $47,500, and teachers who have been working for 12 years will have a minimum salary of $60,000. In the 2025-2026 school year, the minimum starting salary for teachers will increase to $50,000, and the minimum for experience teachers will rise to $62,000.

Boards and commissions

Dozens of state boards and commissions have been cut or consolidated in a new Iowa law. Senate File 2385 eliminates 68 of the currently existing 256 boards and commissions, in addition to merging nine boards into three new bodies. The measure also makes changes to the powers and composition of multiple state boards and commissions, including turning the Iowa Civil Rights Commission into an advisory panel. The law also sets new standards for boards and commissions, like requiring panels to offer virtual, remote and hybrid options for public participation.

Consumable hemp products

Iowa now has new limits on hemp-derived consumable products that contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). House File 2605 creates a limit of 4 milligrams of THC per serving for consumable hemp products like drinks or gummies, and a 10 mg THC limit per container. The bill also requires manufacturers include warning labels on such products, sets an age limit of 21 for purchases, in addition to adding new rules and penalties related to the sale, manufacturing and possession of hemp-derived consumables. While the law went into effective on July 1st, eight companies suing the state over the law say they are being put in a “regulatory limbo” as rules on the law are not expected to be finalized until July 17 at the earliest. The plaintiffs, sellers of hemp products, are asking for an immediate stay of enforcement on the law, in addition to asking the court to issue a restraining order and injunction barring enforcement.

Another lawsuit, filed by Climbing Kites and Field Day Brewing Co., Iowa producers of drinks that contain CBD, is also seeking to prevent the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services from enforcing the new THC limits. A judge denied a preliminary injunction Friday.

Traffic cameras

Local governments are now required to gain permission from the Iowa Department of Transportation before implementing automatic traffic enforcement (ATE) systems, like traffic cameras. Under House File 2681, Iowa counties and cities must submit explanations to the DOT about why a traffic camera is needed at a specific location, including information about the number and severity of accidents, driving speeds and other potential public safety issues at the site. The law also sets new guidelines around communities’ use of ATE systems. Speeding tickets can only be issued for violations caught using traffic cameras if the drivers are more than 10 miles per hour above the speed limit, and warning signs are required to be posted 500 and 1,000 feet before a camera. Additionally, the law prohibits localities with fewer than 20,000 residents using mobile traffic camera technologies to issue tickets. Local governments are required to use funds collected from traffic cameras on transportation infrastructure improvements, as well as local  police and fire departments’ operational costs.

Fake meat and egg product labeling

Lab-grown or plant-based meat alternatives must include words like fake, imitation or vegetarian if they are being sold as traditional meat products. Mislabeling products can result in fines of up to $10,000 for food processors through Senate File 2391. The law makes similar requirements for “fabricated egg products.”

Foreign agricultural land ownership

Foreign landowners in Iowa now have new reporting requirements and face higher penalties for violations of reporting requirements under Senate File 2204. The law requires foreign landowners provide details to the state about land owned in other states greater than 250 acres. It also raises fines for foreign landowners up to $10,000 for failing to report holdings every two years, and up to 25% of a property’s value per violation for failure to disclose leases or purchases of farmland by foreign entities. The Iowa Secretary of State is required to submit a report of foreign landholdings to state leaders each year.

Local storm water and topsoil regulations

Iowa local governments cannot impose stormwater and top soil regulations that are more restrictive than federal and state guidelines unless they pay for any increased costs of development caused by the policies. Senate File 455 requires that local regulations on topsoil preservation, compaction, placement or depth be the same or less restrictive than requirements set by the Department of Natural Resources and the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System. Stormwater runoff regulations must be at or below those based on flow rates calculated using return frequencies of five years. If localities choose to adopt higher standards, the local governments are required to pay property owners and developers for the difference in cost caused by implementing the regulation.

AI-generated pornography

House File 2240 and Senate File 2243 establish criminal charges for using artificial intelligence technologies to create images and videos depicting a person engaged in a sexual act, a simulacrum of a sexual act, and in full or partial nudity. The laws focus on media that shows the “visual depiction” of an individual, recognizable through their face, distinguishing features or likeness, engaged in sexual activities. Creation of AI-generated pornography or other obscene material depicting an adult can be charged as an aggravated misdemeanor, and depiction of a minor as a felony.

Heartbeat Today 7-1-2024

Heartbeat Today, Podcasts

July 1st, 2024 by Jim Field

Jim Field visits with Mike Rau and J. T. Altman about the Oakland Independence Day Celebration.

Play

3 arrested in Creston recently

News

July 1st, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Creston, Iowa) –  The Creston Police Department reports three recent arrests:

Friday night, 25-year-old Jonathan Michael Palmer, of Creston, was arrested for Disorderly Conduct-Fighting/Violent Behavior. Palmer was taken to the Union County Jail, and later released on $300 cash or surety bond.

Saturday night, Creston Police arrested 23-year-old Joe Thomas Jackson, of Creston, for Driving while Suspended. Jackson was cited and released on Promise to Appear.

And, Sunday night, 40-year-old Arturo Marin, of Afton, was arrested for Driving while Revoked. Marin was taken to the Union County Jail and later released on a $1,000 cash or surety bond.

June 2024 Weather data for Atlantic

Weather

July 1st, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Atlantic, Iowa – KJAN) – Weather data for the month of June, 2024, in Atlantic, shows we were just nearly normal, temperature-wise. The Average High last month of 85, was two-degrees above the norm, while the average Low of 61 was two-degrees below average for June. Precipitation last month in Atlantic amounted to 4.79-inches, which was about two-tenths (.2″) of an  inch less than normal. The data was compiled at KJAN, the official National Weather Serving reporting site for Atlantic.

Looking ahead, we find the Average High for the month of July in Atlantic, is typically 86 degrees, while the Low should average out at around 63. Precipitation typically amounts to 4.62 inches.

VIVIAN TEAS, 88, of Greenfield (formerly of Des Moines) – Svcs. 7/9/24

Obituaries

July 1st, 2024 by Ric Hanson

VIVIAN TEAS, 88, of Greenfield (formerly of Des Moines), died Sunday, June 30, 2024, at her home.  Funeral services for VIVIAN TEAS will be held 11-a.m. Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at St. Lukes Episcopal Church, in Des Moines. Lamb Funeral Home in Greenfield has the arrangements.

Visitation at the funeral home is on Monday, from 2-until 7-p.m., with the family greeting friends from 5-until 7-p.m.

Burial is in the Resthaven Cemetery.  A luncheon will be held at the church following the burial.

Memorials:  May be directed to the Vivian Teas Memorial Fund to be established by the family at a later date.

VIVIAN TEAS is survived by:

Her daughters – Deborah Warrior, of Fontanelle; Barbara Engles, of Greenfield, and Norma (Peter) Wright, of Des Moines.

9 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren; other relatives and friends.

Online condolences may be left to the family at www.lambfuneralhomes.com.

WEEK OF JULY 1, 2024

Trading Post

July 1st, 2024 by Jim Field

WANTED:  Someone who can do dog grooming.  Can schedule by next Tuesday.  Call 712-243-4016. FOUND!
FREE:  Two adult female cats need to be re-homed.  About 4 years old and 2 years old or so.  Mother was found in a box thrown out on the highway originally.   Owner has gone to a different living situation now.  This pair is mother cat and daughter.  Not spayed, not declawed.  Bonded pair, have always been together.   Would like to keep them together if at all possible.   Not up to date on shots.  Have always been inside cats.  Available now in Atlantic, Iowa.  Can transport locally if needed.  Text or leave message at 712-249-2047.

FOR SALE: Black and Decker cordless hand vac, about a year old. Very good condition. Used very little. Asking $15. Call 243-4507.

FOR SALE:  Black haro bike frame with handelbars.  $100 OBO.  Call 712-304-3341 or text.

FOR SALE: Wooden roller carts…$25 each. Gold fireplace…make offer. Huffy bicycle…make offer. Call 712-243-4308

WANTED: A small pickup to buy or trade for a 2002 Ford Explorer. Also looking for a manual for a Deluxe scooter. Call Fred at 712-243-4016

FREE:  I have 5 kittens around 10 weeks old. 3 calico, 1 black with white socks, 1 all black. Free to a great home, I would like them all to go to the same home if possible, the mother can go also if needed.  Call 712-304-5894.

FOR SALE:  Antique 1950’s Coca-cola machine. It’s been modified to where you can turn the dial back and make it into a freezer. Willing to deliver, $600. Also, a 1999 Chevy Suburban 4×4 with busted windows from the Greenfield tornado. Selling for parts at $700. Call 641-247-1758.

FOR SALE: 1999 Yamaha Road Star Motorcycle. It has a Full Touring package. Has 6,600 miles on it. Like new. It has new tires. and battery. Comes with a fiberglass 11 cubic foot pull behind trailer, with a 52 quart cooler. Asking $14, 400 for it.  PRICE REDUCED TO $10,500 OBO. Call 712-254-1111. Call between 7am-7 pm. daily.

FOR SALE:  Beverage and snack vending machines.  Both work well. Beverage machine gets really cold can vending 20 oz. bottles or 12 oz. cans. $550 obo. 713-520-0687.

FOR SALE: 5 drawer dresser for $5.00 and smaller 6 drawer dresser for $5.00. Call 712-304-4550.

2 arrested on OWI charges Sunday in Red Oak

News

July 1st, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Red Oak, Iowa) – Police in Red Oak say two people were arrested on separate OWI charges, Sunday. At around 3:15-a.m., 21-year-old Jose Hunter Portales, of Red Oak, was arrested following a traffic stop in the 1400 block of N. 4th Street, in Red Oak. Portales was charged with OWI/1st offense. Bond at the Montgomery County Jail was set at $1,000. And, at around 9:45-p.m. Sunday, Red Oak Police arrested 40-year-old Michael Scott Stafford, of Red Oak, for OWI/2nd offense. His bond was set at $2,000.

IA SUPCO: Child abuse survivors will be required to face alleged abusers in person during trials, not remotely

News

July 1st, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Des Moines, Iowa [KCCI] – Children will be required to testify in person to face their alleged abusers during child abuse trials, according to a new ruling the Iowa Supreme Court handed down Friday.

In the State of Iowa v. Derek Michael White, the court ruled White’s original criminal trial violated his constitutional right to confrontation by allowing the two children to accuse him of harming them to testify remotely using a closed circuit television.

The right to confrontation guarantees that those accused of a crime are allowed to confront the person alleging their guilt in court, even if that person is a child. White will have his case retried, this time requiring the children to testify in person.

However, people who work with survivors of abuse say that requirement could have disastrous effects for victims. Urbandale-based attorney and child therapist Annie von Gillern said she is also concerned about how having a child testify in court could complicate cases.