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NASCAR overturns victory for first time since 1960

Sports

June 16th, 2019 by Ric Hanson

NEWTON, Iowa (AP) — NASCAR overturned a victory for the first time since 1960 on Sunday when Brett Moffitt was declared the winner of the Truck Series race at Iowa Speedway after Ross Chastain’s No. 44 truck failed a post-race inspection. Chastain led the final 141 laps of the 200-lap race. But series managing director Brad Moran said the No. 44 was too low when it was measured with NASCAR’s height sticks. Chastain’s team has until noon on Monday to appeal the decision. “The height sticks have warning yellows in them and reds and it was right off of all of them, so unfortunately it was extremely low,” Moran said.

The disqualification was the first under strict new rules put into place at the start of this season to deter the culture of cheating — and it delivered a much-needed win for Moffitt, a native Iowan racing at his hometown track. “I think, for the integrity of the sport, it’s the right thing to do,” said Moffitt, who never led a lap in the race. “Obviously I came out on the good end of it. If I was in Ross’s shoes, I wouldn’t be too thrilled about it.” The last time NASCAR disqualified an apparent race winner was April 17, 1960, when Emanuel Zervakis’ victory at Wilson Speedway in North Carolina was thrown out because of an oversized fuel tank.

NASCAR announced in February that thorough post-race inspections would take place right after the race at the track instead of midweek at the sanctioning body’s research and development center outside of Charlotte. Winning teams found in violation of the rules in previous seasons were penalized with post-race fines, point deductions and/or suspensions. But drivers didn’t have victories taken away from them until this year. The decision could prove to be devastating for Chastain’s season.

Chastain recently switched the championship he’d compete for in 2019 from the Xfinity Series to the Trucks, a risky move that left him at the bottom of the standings. The apparent win at Iowa meant that Chastain would only have to finish 20th or higher in the Truck standings to receive a playoff berth — and driver nicknamed “The Melon Man” was so thrilled about it that he smashed a watermelon to the ground in victory lane. Instead, Chastain was scored as though he finished last, and his victory and bonus points were stripped away. Chastain also lost the $50,000 he had won for taking first in the “Triple Truck Challenge” that Iowa was a part of.

Chastain, who spoke at a news conference after his apparent victory, could not be located for comment after his disqualification was announced. As for Moffitt, he said he was drinking beers in his motorhome on his way to the airport in nearby Des Moines and was “mad as hell” about losing when he got the call informing him that Chastain had been disqualified. Moffitt and his beer buzz were summoned back to the track for the second winner’s news conference of the day. “I went from drinking my sorrows away to being happy,” Moffitt said.

Bluffs woman arrested in Montgomery County on drug warrant

News

June 16th, 2019 by Ric Hanson

Sheriff’s Deputies in Montgomery County, Sunday, arrested a Pottawattamie County woman wanted on a Pott. County warrant for Failure to Appear on a Possession of a Controlled Substance (Meth) charge. 31-year old Jeri Diane Shoemaker, of Council Bluffs, was taken into custody at around 2:28-p.m., Sunday. Shoemaker was a passenger in a vehicle that had been stopped for speeding. She was being held without bond for Pottawattamie County.

CHRISTOPHER TUCKER, 47, of rural Bridgewater (Svcs. 6/24/19)

Obituaries

June 16th, 2019 by Ric Hanson

CHRISTOPHER TUCKER, 47, of rural Bridgewater, died Sunday, June 16th, at his childhood home. Funeral services for CHRISTOPHER TUCKER will be held 7-p.m. Monday, June 24th, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Greenfield. Steen Funeral Home in Greenfield has the arrangements.

Visitation (with the family present) will be held from 2-until 7-p.m. Monday, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Greenfield.; Online condolences may be left to the family at www.steenfunerals.com.

Burial will be in the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Adel, Iowa, at a later date, with full military graveside rites by the Greenfield American Legion Head-Endres Post No. 265 and V.F.W. Post No. 5357.

Memorials may be directed to the Christopher Tucker memorial fund to be established by the family.

CHRISTOPHER TUCKER is survived by:

His mother – Joyce Tucker.

His brother – Curt Tucker, of Panora.

His sister – Melissa (Eric) Woosley, of Redfield.

other relatives and friends.

ISU A-D Pollard & sons provide 1st aid to boater in Guthrie County;

News

June 16th, 2019 by Ric Hanson

The Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office, Sunday, issued a statement of thanks to two good fathers for their assistance during incidents that took place Saturday. The first a Cyclone, the second a Hawkeye. At around 3:10-p.m., Guthrie County Emergency Services (Fire, EMS, and Law Enforcement) were dispatched to Jones Cove on the west side of Lake Panorama for a medical emergency on the water.

ISU A-D Jamie Pollard

Upon law enforcement’s arrival, the injured/ill party and their vessel docked at a nearby dock and an unknown off duty doctor was rendering aid. Bystanders were also rendering aid, including Iowa State Athletic Director Jamie Pollard and his two sons.The injured/ill party (name and condition withheld for privacy) was transported by Panora EMS to the Guthrie County Hospital for treatment.

Authorities say Mr. Pollard and his sons displayed very “Iowa nice” courtesy to the injured/ill party, her boat mates, and emergency services. Mr. Pollard even offered to personally drive a Guthrie County Sheriff’s Deputy back to the marina to his patrol car. Sheriff Marty Arganbright says “Mr. Pollard should be proud of his sons and his sons should be proud of their father for how they stepped up and helped another in need.”

Dr. Narasimha Palagummi

The second father profiled on Father’s Day is Doctor Narasimha “Sim” Palagummi, MD of the Iowa Clinic in Urbandale. At around 3:41-p.m. Saturday, Guthrie County Emergency Services were dispatched to the Raccoon River Valley Trail south of Yale for two injured bicyclists. The bicyclists were participating in the annual BaCoon Ride and were injured in a freak accident when a large tree branch fell across the trail seriously injuring both riders.

In the middle of a severe thunderstorm, which included strong winds, heavy rain and nickel sized hail, Doctor “Sim”, who was riding in the event, identified himself as a physician and offered to help. Doctor “Sim” proceeded to render critical aid, not leaving the side of the two injured parties despite the rain and hail. Doctor “Sim” disregarded his own comfort and safety to help others.

The injured parties were transported by Panora EMS to a hospital in the Des Moines Metro. Doctor “Sim’s” profile on the Iowa Clinic website states he is a Hawkeye fan and father of two, including taking in many foster children.

The GCSO would also like to thank the employees at Coulter Marine for transporting one of their deputies across the lake for the first medical emergency.

Chastain takes NASCAR Truck race at Iowa Speedway

Sports

June 16th, 2019 by Ric Hanson

NEWTON, Iowa (AP) — Ross Chastain cruised to a win in the NASCAR Truck Series race today (Sunday) at Iowa Speedway, his second victory of 2019. Chastain led the final 141 laps to clinch his second win in four races — but his first since he switched his championship aspirations from the Xfinity Series to the trucks a few weeks ago.

The win will be the first one to count toward Chastain’s playoff hopes, which improved greatly after a dominant run on Iowa’s short oval. Brett Moffitt, the defending series champion, finished second on his hometown track. Ben Rhodes was third, followed by Harrison Burton and Grant Enfinger.

6 injured in Des Moines when someone fires into crowd

News

June 16th, 2019 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Six people were injured when someone fired shots into a group of people who had left a party on Des Moines’ east side. Police say those hurt in the shooting early Sunday were taken to hospitals and were all in stable condition.

The shooting happened about 1:30 a.m. when a vehicle approached a group of people who were standing in a street after a party ended. Someone in the vehicle fired multiple shots into the crowd, injuring three females and three males.

Police say the victims are 16 to 20 years old.

Rain leaves veggie farmers struggling with no aid in sight

Ag/Outdoor, News

June 16th, 2019 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Torrential rain this spring prevented most Midwest farmers from planting their crops but while the federal government provides help to growers of corn and soybeans, those who grow specialty crops are largely on their own.

Although the lack of federal safety net programs for farmers who grow everything from arugula to zucchini isn’t new, one of the wettest springs in U.S. history has focused attention on the special status of commodity crops, primarily corn, soybeans, cotton, rice and wheat.

Iowa organic farmer Andrew Dunham shrugs at the situation, noting “there are no federal bailouts for vegetable farmers.”

Iowa State University economist Chad Hart says crops like corn and soybeans are treated differently because they’re so important to the national economy, and shortages would be painful, particularly to the livestock industry.

Police say 4 family members shot to death in West Des Moines

News

June 16th, 2019 by Ric Hanson

(**Updated 1:41-p.m., 6/16)

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Police are investigating the fatal shootings of four family members whose bodies were found in their Iowa home. The Des Moines Register reports that the bodies were discovered Saturday morning by relatives who were staying with the family at the home in West Des Moines.

A police news release identifies the victims as 44-year-old Lavanya Sunkara, 41-year-old Chandrasekhar Sunkara, and two boys aged 15 and 10 years.

West Des Moines police Sgt. Dan Wade says there is no threat to the community and investigators are trying to determine exactly what happened. Real estate records indicate the family has owned the home since March.

**Sunday afternoon, the Iowa Department of Public Safety issued the following statement: “It is with deep sadness that the Iowa Department of Public Safety confirms the death of one of our employees. Chandrasekhar “Chandra” Sunkara was found deceased in his West Des Moines home Saturday morning along with his wife and two sons.

Chandra was a civilian employee in the Technology Services Bureau (TSB), where he served as an IT professional. Our hearts and prayers go out to the family and friends of the Sunkaras. Counseling services will be available on Monday for any employee needing assistance.”

DOUGLAS D. TWIGG, 71, of Panora (Svcs. 6/19/19)

Obituaries

June 16th, 2019 by Ric Hanson

DOUGLAS D. TWIGG, 71, of Panora, died Friday, June 14th, at home. Funeral services for DOUG TWIGG will be held 11-a.m. Wed., June 19th, at the First United Methodist Church in Guthrie Center. Twigg Funeral Home in Panora has the arrangements.

Friends may call the the funeral home on Tue., June 18th, from 5-until 7-p.m.

Burial is in the West Cemetery at Panora.

DOUG TWIGG is survived by:

His wife – Kathy.

His sons – Curtis (Becky) Twigg, of Panora, and Craig Twigg, of Guthrie Center.

His daughter – Jennifer (Raj) Puri, of Orlando, Fl.

His brother – Derwood Twigg, of Maple Grove, MN.

5 grandchildren, 1 step-granddaughter, other relatives and friends.

Area school boards to meet Monday evening

News

June 16th, 2019 by Ric Hanson

At least three area school district board’s of education will hold their regular monthly meetings Monday evening. In Griswold, the Board meeting gets underway at 5:30-p.m. in the Middle School/High School Library. The CAM School Board meets at 6:30-p.m. in the High School Media Center, and the Audubon School Board meets in their boardroom at the high school, beginning at 7-p.m., Monday.

The Griswold School Board is scheduled to receive an update from KPE Architects and/or Estes Construction, with regard to the District’s new facilities. The Board is expected to act on approving: A resolution of Intent to sell the Elliott Building; A Resolution Approving the Deed and Authorizing Delivery – for the Lewis Building; Approving the Emergency Operations Plan; And eSports Team proposal; various bids for 2019-20; approval of City Agreements, and a continued School Resource Officer (SRO) Contract.

The CAM School Board will consider a bid for a new school bus during their meeting, along with the increasing of Middle School Student Council sponsor pay. They will discuss facility projects, and consider an agreement with Casey Computing for the 2019-20 school year. Other matters include discussion and/or action on: A Concussion Protocol Resolution and District Emergency Plan.

And, in Audubon, their School Board will act on: approving the Emergency Management Plan; Issuing an invitation to the Exira-EHK District to join the Wrestling Program; approving a Sharing Agreement for Human Resources with the Coon Rapids-Bayard School District, approving the sale of surplus property, and Personnel matters.