Fired Iowa patrol sergeant says he was addicted to opioids

June 7th, 2016 by Ric Hanson

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) – An Iowa State Patrol supervisor fired for misconduct is blaming his actions on an addiction to powerful painkillers. Sgt. Michael Haugen wrote in a letter released late Monday that he became addicted to opioids after battling medical conditions in recent years. He says his addiction “negatively impacted my family, friends, co-workers and others” and that he’s taking responsibility.

The Iowa Department of Public Safety moved to fire Haugen last month for misconduct that it has refused to explain. Haugen declined to appeal his termination by Monday’s deadline, instead submitting the letter resigning his position with the patrol in Mason City. He says he needs to “focus on my health and family.”

Haugen rear-ended another car in March in his state vehicle, but the patrol’s investigation blamed the front driver.

Posted in News |

Office of Senator Joni Ernst Accepting Fall Internship Applications

News

June 7th, 2016 by Ric Hanson

U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) announced that her office is seeking Iowa college students and recent graduates for internship opportunities in her Washington, D.C. and state offices during the upcoming fall semester. Applications are due on August 1st and can be found on Senator Ernst’s website here.

“I encourage young Iowans who are passionate about public service to consider applying for an internship in our Iowa or Washington, D.C. offices,” said Senator Ernst. “Internships are a great opportunity for students to serve Iowans through constituent outreach and services, public policy, and communications.”

Interns will have the opportunity to experience a wide-range of responsibilities. In the Iowa offices, interns will assist constituents and attend local events. In the Washington, D.C. office, interns will learn about the legislative process, give tours of the U.S. Capitol and help with constituent services.

Internship applications are available here. Applications can be submitted to Ernst_Internships@Ernst.Senate.Gov. For student/parent questions, please contact Tyler Brown at Tyler_Brown@Ernst.Senate.Gov by early August. All media inquiries should be directed to Press@Ernst.Senate.Gov.

Senator Ernst was elected as the first woman to serve in federal elected office from the State of Iowa and also became the first female combat veteran elected to serve in the United States Senate. In Washington, Senator Ernst serves on four Senate committees of importance to Iowans: Armed Services; Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry; Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs; and Small Business and Entrepreneurship.

Posted in News |

(Podcast) KJAN 8-a.m. News, 6/7/2016

News, Podcasts

June 7th, 2016 by Ric Hanson

More area and State news from KJAN News Director Ric Hanson.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (5.1MB)

Subscribe: RSS

Posted in News, Podcasts |

Sharon Hoffmann joins the Trojan Softball Hall of Fame

Sports

June 7th, 2016 by admin

Sharon Hoffmann-Witmer was inducted into the Atlantic Trojan Softball Hall of Fame at a Ceremony monday night before the Atlantic-Kuemper Catholic game. Hoffman-Witmer joins Joel Simms and Joey Schope in the Hall as the 2016 inductee into the Trojan Softball Hall of Fame. Trojan (then Trojann) shortstop Sharon Hoffmann used her speed from the left side of the plate to become the all-time leading Trojan single season hitter with a .537 batting average in 1979. She also added season batting averages of .476 (’81) and .435 (’80) bringing her career varsity batting average to a hefty .495. In recognition of her success, Sharon was selected to the Hawkeye 8 All-Conference Team three times (’79, ’80 and ’81) and was an All-State Softball (5^th team) selection in 1981. Sharon also participated in volleyball, basketball and track while at AHS.

Sharon and her husband Gary Witmer, both Atlantic residents, presently reside in Grand Island, Nebraska where Sharon is the Activities/Athletic Secretary at Grand Island Central Catholic School. The Witmer’s have four children, Aaron, Alex, Austin and Audra and two grandchildren. Sharon remains active in softball as the coach of the 14U Grand Island Elite softball team.

Posted in Sports |

Girls State Soccer Pairing Set

Sports

June 7th, 2016 by admin

The Girls State Soccer Tournament Pairings have been set with the completion of Regional Finals on Monday night. Click here to see the full brackets for Class 1A, 2A, and 3A. The State Tournament is played June 9th-11th at Cownie Soccer Park in Des Moines.

Posted in Sports |

Girls Regional Soccer Finals

Sports

June 7th, 2016 by admin

Class 1A

Tri-Center 2, Underwood 1
St. Albert 3, Unity Christian 1
Columbus Catholic 3, Hudson 1Iowa City Regina 2, Holy Trinity Catholic 0
Gilbert 3, North Polk 1
Nevada 10, Ballard 0

Class 2A

Lewis Central 9, Perry 0
ADM/Van Meter 2, Norwalk 1 (OT)
North Scott 2, Cedar Rapids Xavier 1
Waverly-Shell Rock 5, Independence 0
Pella 4, Burlington Notre Dame 0
Newton 1, Clear Creek-Amana 0

Class 3A

Ankeny Centennial 4, Dowling Catholic 0
Cedar Rapids Kennedy 1, Iowa City High 0
Pleasant Valley 3, Linn-Mar 2
West Des Moines Valley 2, Johnston 1 (PK’s 12-11)Waukee 2, Ames 0

Posted in Sports |

Grape Salad (6-7-2016)

Mom's Tips

June 7th, 2016 by Jim Field

Red & green seedless grapes (rinsed & dried)

Beat together until fluffy:

8 oz. cream cheese (I use whipped)
8 oz. sour cream
1/2 cup sugar (I use 1/4 cup)
1 tablespoon vanilla

Add to grapes and place in dish. Top with:

1 cup brown sugar (I use 1/2 cup)
chopped pecans (optional)

Do not stir. Chill 2 hours before serving.

(Sandi Ryan)

Posted in Mom's Tips |

Creston man & woman arrested on meth charges

News

June 7th, 2016 by Ric Hanson

Two people were arrested on drug charges, Monday, in Creston. Creston Police say 43-year old James Kisner, of Creston, was arrested at the Union County Law Enforcement Center on a Union County Warrant for 3 counts of Possession with Intent to Sell Methamphetamine (under 5 grams). His bond was set at $100,000. And, 37-year old Amanda Atkins, of Creston, was also arrested at the Law Enforcement Center on a Union County Warrant for Possession with Intent to Sell Methamphetamine (Under 5 grams). She was being held in the Ringgold County Jail on a $50,000 bond.

The Creston P-D reports also, 23-year old Brittony Miller, of Creston, was arrested Monday on a Union County Warrant for Probation Violation. She was being held in the Ringgold County Jail while awaiting a bond hearing.

Posted in News |