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Elkin Named to Mannelly Award List

Sports

August 5th, 2024 by Asa Lucas

IOWA CITY, Iowa — University of Iowa senior Luke Elkin has been named to the 2024 preseason Mannelly Award Watch List. The award, created in 2019, recognizes the most outstanding long snapper in Division I football.

Elkin (6-foot-1, 228 pounds) has been Iowa’s long snapper the past three seasons. He earned the team’s Next Man In Award (special teams) as a freshman, Hayden Fry Award as a sophomore and Coaches Appreciation Award last season as a junior.

Elkin snapped for punter Tory Taylor, the Ray Guy Award recipient and consensus All-American in 2023, as well as placekicker Drew Stevens, a two-time Lou Groza Award semifinalist. He is a two-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree.

The Mannelly Award is ‘a vehicle through which football’s unsung workhorses can bask in the glow of appreciation.’ Mannelly was considered one of the NFL’s best long-snappers during a 16-year career that he spent exclusively with the Chicago Bears from 1998-2013.

Elkin and the Hawkeyes kickoff the season against Illinois State on Aug. 31 inside a sold-out Kinnick Stadium beginning at 11 a.m. (CT).

HAWKEYES ON 2024 WATCH LISTS
* Sebastian Castro – Bronko Nagurski Trophy (D-POY) // Jim Thorpe Award (DB)
* Jay Higgins — Bronko Nagurski Trophy (D-POY) // Wuerffel Award (community service)
* Nick Jackson — Bronko Nagurski Trophy (D-POY)
* Logan Jones – Outland Trophy (OL)
* Drew Stevens – Lou Groza Award (PK)

Perkins On Ray Guy Award Watch List

Sports

August 5th, 2024 by Asa Lucas

AMES, Iowa – Iowa State punter Tyler Perkins has been named to the Ray Guy Award Watch List, the Augusta Sports Council announced Friday. The award is annually given to the nation’s top punter.

An honorable mention All-Big 12 selection in 2023, Perkins averaged 44.3 yards per punt, the third-best single-season average in school history. He punted 61 times with 18 kicks over 50 yards and had 25 downed inside the 20-yard line.

The Norwalk, Ohio native was named the Ray Guy National Punter of the Week after averaging 43.8 yards per punt and dropping four of his five kicks inside the 20, with two of them also going at least 50 yards, against Ohio.

Perkins owned one of two 70-yard punts in the Big 12 last season. He enters 2024 with a career average of 43.4 yards per punt, tops in Iowa State history.

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.

Stevens Named to Groza Watch List

Sports

August 5th, 2024 by Asa Lucas

IOWA CITY, Iowa — University of Iowa junior kicker Drew Stevens has been named to the 2024 Lou Groza Place-Kicker Award Watch List, the Palm Beach County Sports Commission announced on Friday. In its 33rd season, the award recognizes the nation’s best place-kicker.

Stevens (6-foot, 205-pounds) was a semifinalist for the award in 2022 and 2023. He is the third Hawkeye to be a two-time Groza Award semifinalist; Nate Kaeding won the award in 2002 and was a finalist in 2003, while Mike Meyer was a semifinalist in 2011 and 2012.

Iowa has had a Groza Award semifinalist four of the last five seasons: Keith Duncan (2019), Caleb Shudak (2021) and Stevens (2022 and 2023).

The native of North Augusta, South Carolina, has converted 34-of-44 field goals and 43-of-44 PATs. Stevens’ 145 career points rank 22nd in school history heading into his junior season, and his 54-yard field goal against Northwestern as freshman ties for the seventh longest in program history.

The watch list highlights the 30 best returning kickers in the country. All FBS kickers remain eligible to be selected for weekly and postseason honors, with 20 semifinalists to be announced on Nov. 19, by the Groza Committee.

From this list, a panel of FBS head coaches, SIDs, media members, former Groza finalists, and current NFL kickers selects the top three finalists for the award, announced on Nov. 26. That same group then selects the national winner, who will be announced on Dec. 12 during the College Football Awards on ESPN.

The 33rd Annual Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award recognizes the three finalists during a celebration in Palm Beach County, culminating with a gala awards banquet on Dec. 9 in West Palm Beach, Florida.

The award is named for NFL Hall of Fame kicker Lou Groza, who played 21 seasons with the Cleveland Browns. Groza won four NFL championships with Cleveland and was named league player of the year in 1954.

Stevens and the Hawkeyes kickoff the season against Illinois State on Aug. 31 at a sold-out Kinnick Stadium beginning at 11 a.m. (CT).

 

Creston Police report 8/5/24: 4 arrests

News

August 5th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Creston, Iowa) – The Creston Police Department reports there were four arrests that took place Friday evening through Sunday night. At around 10:30-p.m. Sunday, 33-year-old Anthony Roger Cross, of Creston, was arrested for Burglary in the 3rd Degree. He posted a $5,000 bond and was released from the Union County Jail. A little after 1-a.m., Sunday, Creston Police arrested 40-year-old Brian James Ferry, of Gowrie, for Driving While Suspended. He was cited at the scene and then released on a promise to appear in court.

At around 1:30-a.m. Saturday, Police in Creston arrested 31-year-old Kevin William Wessel, of Creston, for Criminal Mischief in the 5th Degree, Public Intoxication/1st offense, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Interference with Official Acts. Wessel was later released on a $1,200 bond.

And, at around 6:35-p.m. Friday, Ryan James Corder, of Storm Lake, was arrested for Theft in the 3rd Degree. Corder was being held in the Union County Jail on a $2,000 bond.

Cass County Supervisors to act on VBP interest for CADCO’s RLF; EMS Advisory Council recommendation on Gen. Election ballot measure

News

August 5th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Cass County Board of Supervisors are set to meet at 9-a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 6th in their Atlantic courthouse Board Room. On their agenda, is: Action on a resolution approving the use of Valley Business Park (VBP) interest for use by CADCO’s (Cass-Atlantic Development Corporation) Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) to support local economic development; action on the EMS Advisory Council’s recommendation to place a Public Measure on the November General Election ballot, with regard to making Emergency Medical Services an essential service in Cass County, and an associated levy that supporters say will provide a revenue stream that is a dedicated county fund that can’t be redirected by politicians to less important needs.

The levy would not exceed 75-cents per $1,000 assessed property evaluation in Cass County, plus a 1% surtax upon the State individual income tax. Supporters say passage of the measure in November would allow cities, the hospital and county to reduce their respective tax levies, since they would no longer be funding EMS through their budgets, as is currently the case. The fund would pay for 24/7 paramedic service, and help to fund all the volunteer EMS departments in the County, with regard to operational expenses, training and equipment. The Cass County EMS Association, which is made up of EMS members from every town in the County, will set a budget and distribute funding.

The Cass County Supervisors will also discuss remaining ARPA request priorities, and hear reports from County Conservation Director Micah Lee (Quarterly report), as well as a monthly report from Cass County Community Services Director & Mental Health Advocate, Debbie Schuler. Engineer Trent Wolken will present his regular report to the Board, also.

See the full agenda below:

Montgomery County Supervisors to act on pipeline inspection services contract

News

August 5th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Red Oak, Iowa) – The Board of Supervisors in Montgomery County will hold their regular, weekly session on Tuesday (Aug. 6) beginning at 8:30-a.m.  On their agenda is action on approving the designation of Snyder and Associates, Inc., to serve as Summit Carbon Solutions pipeline inspector during construction of the carbon transport pipeline.

The full agenda is shown below:

Iowa’s farmers markets offer mutual benefits for consumers, farmers

Ag/Outdoor, News

August 5th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – Looking for fresh-picked sweet corn or ripe strawberries right out of the patch? Iowa has more than 220 certified farmers markets and many of us know they’re a great place to find a wide variety of produce, to interact with local growers, and to support the community. U-S-D-A Undersecretary Jenny Lester Moffitt says farmers markets offer Iowa’s small producers what’s known as a low-barrier entry point, where it’s affordable to sell directly to consumers. “It’s really important because when we have direct sales, right now in mainstream supply chains, anywhere from 14 to 15 cents of that consumer dollar, our food dollar, goes directly to farmers,” Moffitt says, “but at farmer’s markets, that price is seven times that.”

This is National Farmers Market Week and Moffitt says communities in Iowa and across the country are celebrating the role farmers markets play in supporting local agriculture. “Farmers are able to capture and keep a lot more money of the consumer dollars in their own pockets, which means they’re reinvesting in their farms, they’re reinvesting in local jobs in their communities,” Moffitt says. “Really importantly, they’re able to get healthy food that’s grown in their region to the members in their communities as well.” She says Iowans who are on SNAP or other nutritional programs can use their benefits at many farmers markets. The markets are also known for offerings like local honey, giant heirloom tomatoes, and fresh-baked pies and pastries.

Farmers Market (USDA photo)

“What’s really great is you can find products that you normally can’t find on store shelves, whether that is locally-grown produce or other types of grains,” Moffitt says. “Also, it’s a really great opportunity to be able to buy things from other local producers, whether that is jams and jellies, and other value-added products, or craft products as well.” Even in an agricultural state like Iowa, people can forget where their food comes from, so farmers markets are a perfect way to rediscover our roots.  “It’s also just a really great place to engage with farmers, to talk about how the food is grown, to be able to have that personal connection,” Moffitt says. “I know we all really love and thrive when we’re talking with producers that are growing the food that we’re enjoying.”

You can find a farmers market near you by visiting the USDA’s Local Food Directory (https://www.usdalocalfoodportal.com). Before entering the government sector, Moffitt raised organic walnuts on a family farm in California. She’s now the U-S-D-A’s Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, the first woman to hold the post.

Iowa Lottery to hold game show on opening day of the State Fair

News

August 5th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – The Iowa Lottery is hosting game show on the opening day of the Iowa State Fair. Lottery spokeswoman, Mary Neubauer says the game show is part of their first ever scratch ticket is linked to the Fair. “Just a different way for people to win rather than just having a traditional drawing and so there will be 20 contestants out there who will be competing for prizes,” Nuebauer says. Some 67-thousand people who didn’t win a prize on a State Fair scratch ticket entered them to be chosen as one of the 20 who are competing on the game show. “Anybody who is on that stage will win at least 10-thosuand dollars, and the finalist has a chance to win up to five million dollars, which my goodness to find a time when the Lottery has given away a prize of that size, you have to go back to the very earliest days of the Iowa Lottery,” Nuebauer says.

She says they will also have prizes for people watching the game show. “Specifically for the people who are in the audience that day, so we’re going to have prizes for audience members,” she says. The live game show is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p-m on the Grand Concourse of the Iowa State Fairgrounds on opening day (Aug 8th). The contestants will gradually be eliminated through a series of games until just one remains. The last time the lottery held a live game show was in 2012 on the final day of the Iowa State Fair, and the top prize was one million dollars.

The Iowa Lottery last held a contest at the Iowa State Fair in 2012. (IA Lottery photo)

The 20 people chosen to be in this year’s game show are: Craig Bergman, Cedar Rapids; Jolene Murray, Cedar Rapids; Michelle Cerwinske, Nashua; Mary Olin, Des Moines; Margo Fox, Johnston; Dawn Petersen, Colfax; Kristine Frye, Des Moines; Timothy Roberts, Ottumwa; Nicole Gulick, Des Moines; Scott Stewart, Waterloo; Ryan Habeger, Algona; Steven Stout, Indianola; Gerald Johnson, Iowa City; Christine Tatman, Orange City; Gerald Kennicker, Dubuque; Rodney Tucker, Des Moines; Tamara McMahon, Council Bluffs; Jeff Weiland, Dubuque; Steven Moore, Urbandale; David Wesley, Des Moines.

Skyscan Forecast for Atlantic & the KJAN listening area: Monday, Aug. 5, 2024

Weather

August 5th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 95. South southwest wind 5-15 mph, with gusts to around 20 mph.
Tonight: Increasing clouds. Low around 66. S winds @ 5-10 becoming N/NW after midnight & gusting to near 20 mph.
Tomorrow: Partly sunny, with a high near 78. N winds @ 15-25 mph.
Tom. Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 57.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 81.
Wed. Night: Mostly cloudy. A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after midnight. Low around 61.
Thursday: Mo. Cldy w/a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1pm. High near 80.

Sunday’s High in Atlantic was 94. Our Low this morning, 65. Last year on this date, the High in Atlantic was 84 and the Low was 63. The Record High here on Aug. 5th, was 111 in 1918. The Record Low was 42 in 1978. Sunrise today: 6:18-a.m.; Sunset: 8:33-p.m.

John Deere equipment supplier Gates Corp. announces closure of Newton location

News

August 5th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

Gates Corporation, a fluid power and power transmission solutions manufacturer, has announced it’s laying off 41 workers at its Newton location later this year. The closure was posted on the Iowa Workforce Development’s WARN notification list. Frank Liebl, the executive director of the Newton Development Corporation, told KCCI  it wasn’t that big of a shock considering John Deere is one of the company’s primary partners.

Liebl said the Gates Corporation has been a John Deere supplier since the business first came to Newton in 2017. He says for those who are left jobless, the city will work hard to find them new positions. Liebl also said that every business comes with its own highs and lows. And that while it’s difficult to know exactly what’s coming for John Deere, he sees a brighter future ahead.

According to the posting, all of the workers will officially be laid off in November.