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$18.8 million ‘workforce’ housing complex planned in Spirit Lake

News

April 25th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – A nearly 19 MILLION dollar housing project in Spirit Lake will be built a few blocks from a manufacturing facility that employs 750. The Polaris plant in Spirit Lake produces Victory motorcycles and Polaris RANGER utility vehicles. Robert Smith of Talon Development says when the project is finished, there will be 126 rental units. “Phase one will have the apartments, with 62 units. We’re going to have within phase two we’re going to have town homes of three bedrooms, two-and-a-half bath and parking,” he says. “We’re also going to have within phase two…a community center and a fitness center.”

Smith says Talon Development built similar housing complexes in 27 other communities. He calls it market rate workforce housing. “Rather than having people drive in for half an hour, they can live and work in right in the community they’re in,” Smith says. “That’s the niche we work in. The smaller communities need to have people close by.” Spirit Lake officials say local businesses have said expansion plans are dependent on the construction of affordable housing for prospective employees.

Spirit Lake City Hall (photo by Spencer Radio Group/Saga Communications)

Spirit Lake City Administrator Gregg Owen says the developers are applying to the Iowa Economic Development Authority for a Workforce Housing Tax Credit.  “They need to see a local match. The city’s local match will be a combination of a $500,000 economic development grant and a tax abatement.”

The estimated value of that local tax abatement is about 394-thousand dollars. The developers say local investors and financing have already been secured. If the project is approved for state tax incentives, Talon Development could close on the property in September and begin construction before winter hits.

Posted in News |

(Update) – Hancock fire victim identified

News

April 25th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY, Iowa — [KETV] A 63-year-old man died in a house fire in Pottawattamie County, officials said. The Hancock Fire Department responded to the fire 3:15 a.m. April 19th, along with the Oakland and Avoca Fire Departments. A man, identified as Jarvis Tresler, was found dead inside the home in the area of Kimball and Joseph streets.

Posted in News |

Glenwood P-D report, 4/25/24

News

April 25th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Glenwood, Iowa) – The Glenwood Police Department reports the arrest today (Thursday), of 45-year-old Matthew Hansen, from Omaha. Hansen was taken into custody for OWI/1st offense. His bond was set at $1,000.

Authorities said also, no injuries were reported following an accident Wednesday evening, in Glenwood. Police say a 2022 Dodge RAM pickup driven by 21-year-old Mason John Bivens, of Glenwood, was traveling west on Sharp Street at around 6:15-p.m., and crossing the intersection with Hazel Street, when a 2020 Ford Escape SUV driven by 26-year-old Chase Matthew Gray, of Glenwood, failed to yield the right-of-way at the stop sign.

The SUV struck the driver’s side of the pickup, causing a total of $10,500 damage.

Posted in News |

Rails-to-Trails Hosts Celebrates Trails Day April 27

Ag/Outdoor, News

April 25th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Atlantic, Iowa) –  Celebrate Trails Day, this Saturday, April 27th, in Cass County. Spring is a great time of year to get outside and enjoy trails–biking, walking, or running. The
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy is hosting Celebrate Trails Day, an annual celebration that encourages people to enjoy the nation’s trails. Cass County is home to multiple walking and biking trails. Some of the most popular trails in Cass County include: the four-mile paved trail circling Lake Anita State Park, paved and grass trails at Cold Spring Park near Lewis, and the paved and gravel trail system north of Atlantic connecting the Schildberg Recreation Area and the Little League ball diamonds and AMU wellfields.

A map of Cass County trails, including information on trail type, ADA accessibility, and restrooms, can be found at https://www.atlanticiowa.com/experience/cass-county-trails-map-2/.
Printed copies of the Cass County Trails Map can be picked up at the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce (102 Chestnut St., Atlantic, IA 50022).

The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy is a nonprofit organization founded in 1986 whose mission is to build a nation connected by trails. One of the organization’s flagship initiatives is the Great
American Rail Trail. The Great American Rail Trail is designed to be the nation’s first cross-country multi-use trail for biking, hiking, and more. While the trail is still under construction, the preferred route of the Great American Rail Trail goes through Cass County and Atlantic.

Atlantic is the only town on this year’s RAGBRAI route that is also on the preferred Great American Rail Trail route. The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy will have a team of cyclists participating in RAGBRAI who will recognize Atlantic’s part in this cross-country trail. For more information on the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, Celebrate Trails Day, and the Great American Rail Trail, visit www.railstotrails.org or contact Nishna Valley Trails President Dave Chase at 712-249-3059.

Nishna Valley Trails is a tax-exempt local nonprofit that promotes the development of recreational trails and cycling. People who support these causes are welcome to join the group. For more information on Nishna Valley Trails or to join the organization, contact President Dave Chase at barbdavechase@gmail.com or 712-249-3059. Nishna Valley Trails is partnering with Cass County Conservation and other area organizations to host a local trails celebration event on June 1. The event will include organized bike rides, food, and entertainment. Details to come.

Posted in Ag/Outdoor, News |

Iowa mobile vasectomy clinic taking their work to the big screen

News

April 25th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) — According to a research letter published in the JAMA (The Journal of the American Medical Association) Health Forum, the number of young adults undergoing permanent sterilization, like vasectomies, rose following the U.S. Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade.

Jonathan Stack, executive director at World Vasectomy Day, told KCAU-TV in Sioux City, “After Roe v. Wade and after the [Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization] ruling, there’s been a spike because I think people have become aware that something that they’d taken for granted doesn’t necessarily exist and now it wakes people up to their responsibilities.”

The organization World Vasectomy Day hopes a unique road trip in a mobile clinic will help end the stigma around male contraception. Dr. Esgar Guarin’s mobile vasectomy clinic is the first of its kind in the U.S. and is based right here in Iowa. Now, after years of staying in Iowa, Dr. Guarin will take his mobile vasectomy unit to surrounding states. The 2024 Heartland of America World Vasectomy Road Trip started on Earth Day and is expected to end after Mother’s Day. The goal, he says, is to complete 100 vasectomies.

Stack said that when Dr. Guarin and the vasectomy patients end up on the big screen, he hopes the audience learns a thing or two about the procedure and men’s responsibility for contraception. Stack hopes to have the film completed and out for audiences to see this fall.

Posted in News |

Heartbeat Today 4-25-2024

Heartbeat Today, Podcasts

April 25th, 2024 by Jim Field

Jim Field visits with Alan Cranston about the Marne Masons Country Lunch event on Sunday, April 28 from 4:00 p to 7:00 pm at the Marne Fire Station.

Play

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (21.5MB)

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Posted in Heartbeat Today, Podcasts |

Former NW IA band teacher charged with sexual exploitation

News

April 25th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

CHEROKEE, Iowa (KCAU) — A band teacher in northwest Iowa charged with sexual exploitation has been terminated from his employment by the district. According to KCAU, 46-year-old Joseph Vannatta is no longer employed with the Cherokee Community School District. The superintendent said Vanatta’s employment was terminated by the school board, Wednesday, “effective immediately.”

Joseph Vannatta courtesy Cherokee County Jail
Joseph Vannatta (Courtesy: Cherokee County Jail)

Court documents indicate a student reported feeling like they were being groomed by Vannatta into having a relationship with him.

Vannatta was charged with sexual exploitation by a school employee, a class D felony. He has bonded out of jail.

Posted in News |

AHSTW Boys Track season update with coach Jackson Renberg

Sports

April 25th, 2024 by admin

The AHSTW Vikings Boys Track team is coming off a first place finish at Fremont-Mills COED Meet on Tuesday April 23rd, where they ended had 169 points.

The Vikings have had five top 5 finished out of the five track events that they have had so far this season.

Coach Renberg says the team has been having an up and down kind of year.

There was one personal and  school record broke this season says coach Renberg.

Coach Renberg wants to see his teams hard work pay off as they prepare for conference and district meet.

Vikings coach Renberg main focus is thathe wants the team to give themselves the opportunity to improve everyday to prepare so they are ready to compete in the districts in the next few weeks.

 

AHSTW boys next track meet will be (today) Thursday April 25th for the Griswold COED Relays. That COED Relays will get underway at 4:00 p.m.

Posted in Sports |

Atlantic FFA holds their Annual Banquet

Ag/Outdoor, News

April 25th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Story by Atlantic FFA Reporter Maddy Anderson) -The Atlantic FFA Banquet was held on Sunday, March 24th at the Atlantic High School. There were 165 members and guests were present at the event. The banquet started with the opening ceremonies, led by the 2023-2024 chapter officers. This year the officers include President Colton Rudy, Vice President Lola Comes, Secretary Claire Pellet, Treasurer Roth Den Beste, Reporter Lily Johnson, Sentinel Wyatt Simon, and Student Advisor Charli Goff. 2023-24 Chapter President Colton Rudy said, “As FFA President, it was a memorable year leading the chapter with new record numbers and fruit sales. I hope I encouraged the younger members to become involved in our Chapter and strive to become future leaders in the Chapter and the industry.”

The opening ceremony was followed by a welcome to members and guests, and was given by President Colton Rudy. A reflection was then said by Claire Pellett. Following that, dinner was held for members and guests. Wiota Steakhouse provided the pulled pork and the sides for the FFA members and guests. At the conclusion of dinner, two guest speakers spoke to the audience. The first was Chuck Rudy, the Father of FFA President Colton Rudy. Mr. Rudy talked about how FFA is a great program and how it can impact your future greatly if you put in the effort. The next speaker was Southwest District FFA President, Collin Bauer Martin talked about getting outside your comfort zone and realizing the many great opportunities and life lessons FFA can bring to you that will be valuable in yours and other people’s futures.

Claire Pellet gave the secretary’s report and the treasurer’s report was given by Jackson McLaren. Following the guest speakers, awards were given out. First were those recognized for earning 10,000 FFA points throughout their time as a member. These points are earned through getting involved with our chapter. The more activities and events a member participates in, the more points they earn. Those recognized for reaching 10,000 points included Colton Becker, Colton Rudy, Charli Goff, Callee Pellett, and Claire Pellett.

The next award was the Academic Achievement Award. This award is given to those who have been a part of the Atlantic FFA chapter for three years, and have maintained a 3.5 GPA throughout all those years. Those who received the Academic Achievement Award included Makayla Atkinson, Parker Brock, Avery Knuth, Callee Pellett, Claire Pellett, Colton Rudy, Wyatt Simons.

After the Academic Achievement Award came the Star Greenhand, Star Ag Placement, Star Ag Business, and Star of Ag Production Awards. The Star Greenhand is awarded to a freshman who the chapter officers feel was the most involved with the chapter in the past year. This year the award was given to Alyson Dreager. The next award, Star Ag Placement, is an award given to a member that has done an exceptional job in their employment, whether that be in or out of agriculture. This award was received by Colton Rudy. The Star in Ag Business was awarded to Colton Becker for his work for a variety of different businesses in the livestock industry and outside it as well. Finally, the star Ag Production was awarded to Callee Pellett for her work Pellett Farms. This award shows Callee’s dedication to Agriculture and the FFA.

Star Placement
Left to Right
President Lola Comes, Colton Rudy

Star Famer
Left to Right
President Lola Comes, Callee Pellett

Star Ag Business
Left to Right
President Lola Comes, Colton Becker

Honorary Chapter Farmer
Left to right
Mike & Stacey Pellett, Tyler Comes, Lisa Sonntag, Kristy & Brad Pellett

2023-24 Retiring Officers
Left to Right Front Row
Claire Pellett, Charli Goff, Lola Comes
Left to right back row
Colton Rudy, Roth DenBeste, Wyatt Simons, Lily Johnson

This year, the new officers for the 2023-2024 term elected four members to receive the Atlantic FFA Leadership Award, which is given in appreciation to those who have shown leadership through their years in FFA. These 4 members who received the award include Claire Pellett and Charli Goff. Officers also elected 2 individuals and 2 families were awarded to receive the Honorary Chapter Farmer award. This award is given to people who have played a large role in helping the Atlantic FFA chapter and the activities they do. Those that accepted this award include Lisa Sonntag, Tyler Comes, Mike & Stacey Pellett, and Bradley and Kristy Pellett and Mike and Stacey Pellett.

This year, 12 members were given the Discovery Degree. The Discovery Degree is awarded to members who are finishing their 8th grade year of schooling, and have been involved in FFA for one year.Those that have been involved for one year of high school Ag, received the Greenhand Degree, which was given to 20 members. Next came 20 members who were Chapter FFA degrees, which are given to members who have been involved in FFA for 2 years since being in high school, or members who have been in FFA for three years including their 8th grade year.

The banquet concluded with the installation of new chapter officers. For the upcoming 2023-2024 year, the new officers include the following: Lola Comes as President, Lily Johnsonas Vice President, Lauren Comes as Secretary, Hayden Kleen as Treasurer, Maddy Anderson as Reporter, Frank Freund as Sentinel, and Joaquin Wails as Student Advisor. 2024-2025 President Lola Comes said “The outgoing officer team was an incredible group of friends, and I am very thankful for all of the opportunities we experienced together. I am looking forward to my senior year to continue networking with and learning from FFA members and Advisors from across Southwest Iowa. Our newly elected team has big plans for the chapter and cannot wait to get started.”

Posted in Ag/Outdoor, News |

Iowa scientist thrilled NASA regains link with distant Voyager spacecraft

News

April 25th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – A research scientist in the Physics and Astronomy Department at the University of Iowa is delighted NASA engineers were able to reestablish communication with the Voyager One spacecraft, which has flown further into space than any human-made object. Bill Kurth says Voyager, which he started working on at the U-I five decades ago, is now 15-BILLION miles from Earth. “That’s 165 times farther from the sun than we are,” Kurth says. “It’s 22-and-a-half hours ‘light time’ from Earth. That means if we send a signal to Voyager it takes almost a day to get to Voyager and if Voyager responds, it takes almost another day for it to come back.”

Voyager One and its twin, Voyager Two, were launched in 1977 and are now well beyond the edge of our solar system. This past November, Voyager One went silent after a memory chip in one of its three onboard computers failed. A few days ago, the team at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory was able to restore the spacecraft and regain the ability to receive and transmit messages over the incredibly great distance. “The team at JPL has worked miracles over the decades,” Kurth says. “They’ve basically pulled both of these spacecraft out of the fire a number of times and I was not terribly surprised that they could do it again.”

Despite its aging electronics, Kurth says Voyager is still sending back information that’s vitally important to researchers who are trying to understand the fabric of our universe. “We’re now in a region of space that no instrument or spacecraft from Earth has ever been. It’s in what we call the ‘interstellar medium.’ That’s the stuff between the stars,” Kurth says. “We’re outside of the extended sun’s atmosphere for the first time and we’re making measurements of that medium.” Kurth started working on Voyager as a U-I graduate student in 1974. He’s now the principal investigator for the plasma wave science instrument on the spacecraft, which was designed and built at Iowa.

NASA’s Voyager 1 spacecraft is depicted in this artist’s concept traveling through interstellar space, or the space between stars, which it entered in 2012.
Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech

When the Voyagers were launched, they were designed to visit the planets Jupiter and Saturn, and perhaps be able to go on to Uranus and Neptune. “After the Neptune flyby, the spacecraft were in good health and NASA decided to rename the mission the Voyager Interstellar Mission with the hopes that someday, it would get into the interstellar medium. And it has,” Kurth says. “It took a long cruise to get there and I’m just very happy to have been part of that.”

Much like the Mars rovers that far exceeded their original lifespans, Voyager One is expected to continue soaring into deep space, and NASA says its generators may continue to have power to run its instruments through 2036.

Posted in News |