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BECHT NAMED TO DAVEY O’BRIEN AWARD WATCH LIST

Sports

August 8th, 2024 by Asa Lucas

AMES, Iowa – Rocco Becht has been named to the Davey O’Brien Award preseason watch list, the Davey O’Brien Foundation announced Thursday. The award is presented annually to the nation’s top college quarterback.

The 2023 Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year and a Second-Team Freshman All-American by the Athletic, Becht turned heads in his first season under center. He set ISU freshman records for completions (231), passing yards (3,120) and passing touchdowns (23). Last season, Becht had the third-most passing touchdowns and fourth-most passing yards among Big 12 quarterbacks.

The Wesley Chapel, Fla. native started all 13 games and accounted for 26 total touchdowns (23 passing, three rushing), the second-most in a single season in school history. Becht owns two of the five games in school history with 300+ passing yards, 3+ touchdowns and zero interceptions in a game.

Tickets for the 2024 football season are on sale now with a slate that features Kansas State and a Homecoming showdown with Texas Tech as well as others. Fans can purchase season tickets for as low as $299, while mini-packs, single-game tickets and parking are also on sale.

The Cyclones open the season August 31 against 2023 FCS Playoff qualifier North Dakota.

Posted in Sports |

Iowa to Face WAZZU in Quad Cities Hoops Showdown

Sports

August 8th, 2024 by Asa Lucas

IOWA CITY, Iowa – The University of Iowa men’s basketball team will play Washington State in the Quad Cities Hoops Showdown on Nov. 15 at Vibrant Arena in Moline, Illinois. It will be the Hawkeyes’ first game in the Quad Cities in 26 years.

Tickets for the event will go on sale in September. Game time and television information will be announced in the coming weeks. Fans interested in presale access for tickets and other event information can visit www.vibrantarena.com. Intersport, a marketing and events agency based in Chicago, will manage the event.

“We are looking forward to playing in the Quad Cities against a strong Washington State team,” said Iowa head coach Fran McCaffery. “We’re excited to be able to bring our program back to the venue for the first time in 26 years. I am thrilled for Brock and Owen to be able to play a college basketball game in their hometown.”

Sophomores Brock Harding and Owen Freeman prepped at Moline High School, leading the Maroons to a state title in 2023. Harding was the Illinois Mr. Basketball, while Freeman was an Illinois all-state selection.

The game will be Iowa’s first in Moline since 1998 – a neutral site victory over Western Illinois. It will be the program’s fourth game in the Quad Cities; Iowa faced DePaul in the National Invitation Tournament in 1995. Iowa is 3-0 all-time in Moline.

It will be the program’s second meeting against Washington State. The Hawkeyes won the previous matchup, winning 74-66 in Pullman, Washington, on Dec. 30, 1963.

Posted in Sports |

No Parking Update During AtlanticFest

News

August 8th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Atlantic, Iowa) – AtlanticFest, presented by First Whitney Bank & Trust, will be held this Saturday, August 10th rain or shine and the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce is asking for the public’s cooperation with street closures. Chestnut Street, along with several side streets and city parking lots, will be closed for parking beginning at 5 AM this Saturday, Aug. 10th, for AtlanticFest activities. The Chamber asks residents to have their vehicles removed from the following areas or the vehicle will be towed at the owners’ expense.

Below is a list of street closures approved by the City of Atlantic.

Chestnut Street (both lanes) from 2nd Street to 7th Street until 6:00 PM
6th Street (both lanes) from Walnut to Chestnut until 6:00 PM
6th Street (both lanes) from Chestnut to Poplar until 6:00 PM
5th Street from Chestnut to ½ block east of the alley before the Post Office until 6:00 PM
5th Street from Chestnut to Poplar Street until 6:00 PM
4th Street from Chestnut to ½ block east right before the alley until 6:00 PM
4th Street from Chestnut to Poplar Street until 6:00 PM
3rd Street from Walnut to Poplar until 6:00 PM
Walnut and Poplar will remain open

“We are thankful for cooperation and partnership amongst residents and businesses that occupy downtown. We know it’s a bit of an inconvenience, but it helps make this one-day event run a lot smoother when we all work together to welcome a few thousands guests downtown,” Kelsey Beschorner, Program Director at the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce stated.

AtlanticFest will include free entertainment, car show, motorcycle show, road race, bags tournament, food vendors, crafters and family games. To register for any activity, visit www.atlanticiowa.com, email chamber@atlanticiowa.com, or call the Chamber office at 712-243-3017.

The Chamber thanks their partners: First Whitney Bank & Trust, A.M. Cohron & Son, Gregg Young- Atlantic, Atlantic Municipal Utilities, Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling, Armour Insurance, Brocker, Karns & Karns, Brown’s Shoe Fit, Camblin Plumbing & Heating, Downtowner, McAtee Tire, Nishna Valley Family YMCA, Roland Funeral Home, Rolling Hills Bank, Rush, CPA & Associates, Salute Gymnastics, and Wiota Steakhouse

Posted in News |

Twins and more in State Fair Competition

Ag/Outdoor, News

August 8th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – There are “multiple” sightings at the Iowa State Fair today (Thursday). Hundreds of twins and triplets of all ages have entered in the annual competition. Twenty-six-year Macey Mitchell and her twin sister Morgan are from Winterset — and Macey has three-year-old twins named Magnolia and Kimber. Macey spoke for her quad — all clothed in pale purple. “We come every year and we’re always matching and we’ve come since we were kids every year,” she said. “This is just something we do every summer and we love it.”

According to the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, women who are fraternal twins have a one in 60 chance of having twins. The chance is even greater for an identical twin. “I don’t know the odds. We were told it skips a generation, but that may or may not be true,” Macey Mitchell said, with a laugher. Morgan says she notices her nieces have the same kind of connection she and her twin did when they were young. “We have tried to figure out all the tricks they pull on us, since we were doing it first,” she says, “but they surprise us.”

Macey Mitchell and her twin sister Morgan, with Macey’s twins: Magnolia and Kimber.

This year’s blue ribbon twin babies at the State Fair are Edith and Ida, the children of Barbara Rodrigues and her husband Andrew. The twins are wearing matching outfits and head scarves today (Thursday). “It’s a design of sunflowers and sunshine,” Barbara said. “They are sunshine for us.”

There are two types of winners in the State Fair competition for multiples — for those who do not look much alike AND for those who do. Edith and Ida are identical twins. “I have always wanted a State Fair blue ribbon and I knew I would not get one,” Barbara says, “so I’m living vicariously through my children.” The twins will turn one in a few weeks.

Posted in Ag/Outdoor, News |

Schedule Set at Cancun Challenge

Sports

August 8th, 2024 by Asa Lucas

IOWA CITY, Iowa — The schedule for the 2024 Women’s Cancun Challenge, held at the all-inclusive Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya on the Yucatan Peninsula, is set for the University of Iowa women’s basketball team, it was announced Thursday by Triple Crown Sports.

The Hawkeyes will play two games, competing in the Riviera Division against Rhode Island on Thanksgiving (Thursday, Nov. 28 at 5:30 p.m. (CT) and BYU on Friday, Nov. 29 at 8 p.m.

It will be the Hawkeyes’ fifth appearance in the tournament (2007, 2010, 2013, 2016). Iowa was scheduled to participate in the event in 2021, but its two games south of the border were canceled due to Covid.

The Hawkeyes are 7-2 all-time at the tournament, including winning the title in 2013.

For fan travel package information, contact Danielle Kouba at danielle@triplecrownsports.com or via phone at 970-672-0535, or visit cancunchallenge.net.

Posted in Sports |

Iowa State’s Stevo Klotz talks expectations

Sports

August 8th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

Iowa State tight end Stevo Klotz says the Cyclones are not focused on preseason expectations. With 18 starters back from a team that finished 7-6 the Cyclones are considered by many to be a title contender in the Big 12.

Klotz began his career as a walk-on fullback and his ability to block in the run game at tight end helped him earn second team All Big 12 honors in 2023.

Klotz says the continued growth of sophomore quarterback Rocco Becht gives the offense a lot of confidence.

Iowa State opens the season at home against North Dakota on August 31st.

Posted in Sports |

Receiver Jarriett Buie on Iowa’s new offense

Sports

August 8th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

Iowa redshirt freshman receiver Jarrett Buie likes the balance Iowa’s new offense features. New coordinator Tim Lester is trying to fix an offense that was one of the worst in the nation.

Buie says it was a big adjustment to the new offense during spring drills.

Buie says installing a new offense gives everyone a chance to step up.

The Hawkeyes host Media Day Friday afternoon in Iowa City. They open August 31st at home against Illinois State.

Posted in Sports |

Anita Mobile Food Pantry set for August 14, 2024

News

August 8th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The next Cass County (IA) mobile food pantry distribution will be held August 14, 2024. Anita’s Mobile Food Pantry is located at the Anita Mobile Food Pantry. The mobile pantries are hosted by community partners across Cass County.

A mobile pantry is a traveling food pantry that delivers food directly to families in need for a one-day distribution. People from surrounding towns and communities are welcome. Mobile food pantries are available free of charge. Anyone in need is welcome, and no documentation is required. Each car can take food for up to two households at a time. For any additional information or questions please contact Grace McAfee, Community Wellness Coordinator, at (712) 250-8170 or by email at mcage@casshealth.org.

Additional mobile food pantries have been scheduled for Atlantic, Anita, Griswold, and Massena. (See below for details)

 Atlantic 2024 Mobile Food Pantries

Where: Cass County Fairgrounds (1000 Fair Ave. Atlantic, IA 50022)

2024 Dates: September 11, October 9

Time: 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Anita 2024 Mobile Food Pantries

Where: Anita Food Pantry (208 Chestnut St. Anita, IA 50020)

2024 Dates: August 14, October 16

Time: 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm

Griswold 2024 Mobile Food Pantries

Where: Central Church of Christ (51 Harrison St. Griswold, IA 51535)

2024 Dates: November 2

Time:  10:00 am – 11:30 am

Massena 2024 Mobile Food Pantries

Where: East Side of Massena’s City Park (500 5th St, Massena, IA 50853)

Dates: September 11, October 9

Time: 4:30 pm – 5:00 pm

Mobile pantry dates, times, and locations are subject to change. For the latest information on mobile pantries in the county, visit https://foodbankheartland.org/food-resources/find-food/. For information on local food, farmers markets, and food access, follow the Cass County Local Food Policy Council’s Facebook page @CassCountyLocalFood.

Posted in News |

$25 million project to restore Iowa State Fair’s livestock barns

Ag/Outdoor, News

August 8th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – A 25 million dollar project to restore the historic livestock barns Iowa State Fairgrounds is being celebrated on the first day of this year’s fair. Peter Cownie, executive director of Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation, says work on the Sheep Barn is nearly complete and the Horse Barn is next on the list. “The livestock barns represent the culture and the agricultural heritage of the Iowa State Fair and we’re so proud to continue that, as that is the backbone of the Iowa State Fair,” Cownie said. The opening ceremonies for this year’s Iowa State Fair were staged in front of the Sheep Barn, where sheep shows were already underway. Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig wished the exhibitors who’ve brought their livestock to the fair good luck.

“There are so many life lessons that a young person especially can learn from planning and preparing and working hard and competing and then, well, you have to deal with the results of the competition and do so with grace and know that you put it all out there,” Naig said, “or maybe you didn’t and you can do better next year.”

Brick work on the east façade of the Iowa State Fair’s Sheep Barn to be finished after the 2024 Fair. (RI photo)

Darwin Gaudian, president of the Iowa State Fair Board, says this year’s Fair may provide a welcome distraction for Iowans who’ve been dealing with damage from this year’s severe storms. “With the tornadoes, the floods, so this Fair, I hope we can bring those people here,” he said, “and forget those problems at home and relax.”

The Big Boar competition at the State Fair is on today’s (Thursday) calendar. Last year’s winner weighed in at just over a thousand pounds.

Posted in Ag/Outdoor, News |

Cass County Sheriff’s Office warns residents/businesses about a payroll scam

News

August 8th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Atlantic, Iowa)-  Officials with the Cass County Sheriff’s Office said Thursday (Today), that they have been made aware of yet another scam making the rounds, including here in Atlantic. Authorities say the scammers are posing as employees of legitimate businesses, asking their employers via email, to change their direct deposit accounts into a new account. This “new account” is falsely set up with different numbers having nothing to do with the ACTUAL employee.
The Sheriff’s Office says “Please be aware and fact check information before taking any action. Many times, these emails are coming from email addresses clearly not linked to the actual employee. This scam could largely impact employees receiving their hard-earned paychecks and businesses losing thousands of dollars. Please take caution!”

Posted in News |