United Group Insurance

(Update 4:07-p.m.) WINTER STORM WARNING 2-pm Fri. to 6-a.m. Saturday

Weather

November 19th, 2015 by Ric Hanson

AUDUBON-GUTHRIE-DALLAS COUNTIES

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN DES MOINES HAS ISSUED A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR HEAVY SNOW…WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM FRIDAY TO 6 AM CST SATURDAY. THE WINTER STORM WATCH IS NO LONGER IN EFFECT.

A WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10-AM FRIDAY TO 6-AM SATURDAY, FOR SAC-CRAWFORD AND CARROLL COUNTIES. AND FROM 9-AM FRIDAY UNTIL MIDNIGHT FOR MONONA AND SHELBY COUNTIES.

A WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 2-PM FRIDAY UNTIL 6-AM SATURDAY FOR COUNTIES ALONG AND SOUTH OF I-80, INCLUDING CASS, ADAIR AND MADISON, FROM 9-AM FRIDAY UNTIL MIDNIGHT FOR POTTAWATTAMIE AND HARRISON COUNTIES

* TIMING…SNOW IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ACROSS THE AREA DURING THE AFTERNOON HOURS AND MAY HAVE A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON THE LATE AFTERNOON AND EARLY EVENING COMMUTE.

* STORM TOTAL SNOW ACCUMULATIONS…5 TO 9 INCHES POSSIBLE.

* WINDS/VISIBILITIES…VISIBILITIES WILL BE REDUCED TO LESS THAN ONE HALF MILE AT TIMES IN FALLING SNOW. IN ADDITION…WINDS OF 15 TO 25 MPH MAY PRODUCE MINOR BLOWING AND DRIFTING…AND ALSO HELP CONTRIBUTE TO REDUCED VISIBILITIES.

* IMPACTS…THE COMBINATION OF SLUSHY AND SNOW COVERED ROADS WILL LEAD TO HAZARDOUS TRAVEL CONDITIONS… INCLUDING DURING THE FRIDAY EVENING COMMUTE. TRAVEL CONDITIONS WILL LIKELY BECOME TREACHEROUS AT TIMES. BE SURE TO USE CAUTION AND USE YOUR WINTER DRIVING SKILLS.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR HEAVY SNOW MEANS SEVERE WINTER WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF SNOW ARE FORECAST THAT WILL MAKE TRAVEL DANGEROUS. ONLY TRAVEL IN AN EMERGENCY. IF YOU MUST TRAVEL…KEEP AN EXTRA FLASHLIGHT… FOOD…AND WATER IN YOUR VEHICLE IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY.

updated – Winter Storm Watch expanded to include Cass & area Counties

Weather

November 19th, 2015 by Ric Hanson

CASS-ADAIR-MADISON COUNTIES: WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY NOON THROUGH 6-AM SATURDAY. IN ADDITION, A WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 9-A.M FRIDAY THROUGH MIDNIGHT, FOR HARRISON AND SHELBY COUNTIES, AND FROM 9-AM FRIDAY THROUGH 3-A.M. SATURDAY, FOR SAC-CRAWFORD AND CARROLL COUNTIES.

* TIMING…SNOW IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ACROSS THE AREA BY MID FRIDAY
AFTERNOON THEN CONTINUE OVERNIGHT.

* STORM TOTAL SNOW ACCUMULATIONS…2 TO 6 INCHES POSSIBLE.

* WINDS/VISIBILITIES…WINDS OF 10 TO 20 MPH DURING THE SNOW MAY
PRODUCE MINOR BLOWING AND DRIFTING…AND ALSO HELP CONTRIBUTE
TO VISIBILITIES UNDER A MILE DURING PERIODS OF HEAVIER SNOW.

* IMPACTS…THE COMBINATION OF SLUSHY AND SNOW COVERED ROADS MAY LEAD TO HAZARDOUS TRAVEL CONDITIONS… INCLUDING DURING THE
FRIDAY EVENING COMMUTE.

Update – Wind Advisory expanded to Cass & other counties

Weather

November 19th, 2015 by Ric Hanson

CASS-ADAIR-MADISON-ADAMS-UNION-TAYLOR-RINGGOLD-AUDUBON-GUTHRIE-SAC-CRAWFORD-CARROLL-DALLAS COUNTIES:WIND ADVISORY UNTIL 6-P.M. TODAY (11/19)

POTTAWATTAMIE-MONTGOMERY COUNTIES: WIND ADVISORY UNTIL 5-P.M.

* WINDS…AT THEIR STRONGEST WILL BE SUSTAINED AT 30 TO 35 MPH
WITH GUSTS OF 45 TO 50 MPH.

* IMPACTS…THE STRONG WINDS WILL MAKE TRAVEL HAZARDOUS…
ESPECIALLY FOR HIGH PROFILE VEHICLES ON NORTH SOUTH ROADS.
LOOSE OBJECTS WILL ALSO BE BLOWN AROUND.

Harlan man arrested after confrontation with a judge

News

November 19th, 2015 by Ric Hanson

The Harlan Police Department has released a report on arrests that took place last week On Nov. 10th, 63-year old Gary Lee Anderson, of Harlan, was arrested following a confrontation with Magistrate William Early at the Shelby County Courthouse. Anderson was arrested the next day and taken to the Shelby County Jail where he was charged with assault – displaying a dangerous weapon.

And on Nov. 13th, 31-year old Michelle Longcor, of Harlan, was arrested following a traffic stop. Longcor was charged with unlawful possession of prescription drugs. Longcor was cited, given a court date and released.

$28,800 Granted to Cass County Nonprofit Agencies

News

November 19th, 2015 by Ric Hanson

Nicholas Hunt, Chair of the Cass County Community Foundation, has announced that $28,800 was awarded this week to Cass County nonprofit agencies. CassWith these grants, the Cass County Community Foundation has distributed more than $1.2 million in grants and scholarships over the last 15 years.

The following nonprofit organizations, which submitted applications to the Cass County Community Foundation by the September 1st deadline, were awarded grants by the Cass County Board of Directors:
Organization                                Project                                                   Grant

  • Anita Child Care Center – Playground sound wall and picnic tables $1,000
  • Anita Health & Wellness Center – Nustep Cross Trainer machine $1,500
  • Ann W. Wickman Child Development Center – Replace worn toys and furniture $5,000
  • Atlantic Rock Island Society – Install suspended ceiling in American Legion Memorial Hall for donated lighting $2,000
  • Cass County Historical Museum – Install hinged storm windows and repair cornices $2,500
  • City of Anita – Construct food pantry building $3,500
  • Cumberland Public Library – Bookshelves and folding table $1,000
  • Friends of the Griswold Public Library – Laminator and cart $3,000
  • Friends of the Outdoor Classroom – Complete educational building improvements $4,300
  • Massena Historical Society – Repair roof of Heritage Park one-room schoolhouse $2,000
  • Kids Come First Child Care – Install a playground shade $2,000
  • Southwest Iowa Mental Health Center – Automated blood pressure cuffs $1,000

The total includes $1,500 for the Cass County Historical Museum and $1,125 for the Friends of the Griswold Public Library from the Griswold Community Development Endowed Fund, and $500 from the Triumph Endowed Fund for Cass County for the Friends of the Outdoor Classroom.

All grantees met the criteria as Cass County nonprofit agencies or organizations with charitable missions in the areas of civic, cultural, health, education and social services. Only organizations providing services in Cass County were eligible. Cass County agency representatives received their checks on November 18th.

For information about donating or establishing an individual foundation/fund, please contact any of the Board Members, or call Dennis Nissen, Iowa Foundations Director, at 800-794-3458.

$15k Winning Mega-Millions ticket sold at Hy-Vee in Atlantic

News

November 19th, 2015 by Ric Hanson

Officials with Hy-Vee in Atlantic announced on their social media page that a Mega Millions ticket worth $15,000 was sold at the store for last Tuesday’s drawing. If you purchased a MegaMillions ticket from the Atlantic Hy-Vee for the Nov. 17th drawing, check you numbers. The winning combination was 12-14-18-24-61 and the MegaBall was 10. The Megaplier number was 3.

Bankers predict weak economy in rural parts of 10 states

News

November 19th, 2015 by Ric Hanson

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) – Bankers continue to predict the economy will slow in the months ahead in rural parts of 10 Western and Plains states. The economic index for the region slipped to 43.7 in November from last month’s 44.4. The overall index is based on a monthly survey of rural bankers Creighton University conducts, and organizers say any score below 50 suggests that factor will decline.

Creighton University economist Ernie Goss says low crop and commodity prices and manufacturing slowdowns are all weighing down the economy. The confidence index fell to a weak 38.9 in November from October’s 42.1. The strong U.S. dollar is also hurting exports.

Bankers from Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming were surveyed.

UI to implement new security measures for Saturday’s Hawkeye game

Sports

November 19th, 2015 by Ric Hanson

University of Iowa officials have announced tigher security measures for Saturday’s Hawkeye football game in Iowa City. It is the last home game of the season for the undefeated Hawkeye football game. University officials are telling fans to prepare “for a more extensive screening process modeled after the National Football League.”

A news release from the university says the new “clear-bag policy is not tied to any specific threat, but reflects modifications being made at other venues” after the terrorist attacks in Paris.

The U-of-I’s statement reads as follows:

UI Tightens Security Policies ahead of Purdue Home Football Game
 
In order to make the last home game of the Iowa Football season as safe as possible, the University of Iowa has adjusted its security measures at Kinnick Stadium for the Iowa-Purdue football game on Saturday, November 21.
 
The UI Athletics Department and UI Police ask that fans arrive early, and come to the game prepared for a more extensive screening process modeled after the National Football League — which places restrictions on purses and handbags.
 
The clear-bag policy is not tied to any specific threat but reflects modifications being made at other venues in light of recent international events.  Fans should expect to see an increased police and security presence before, during, and after the game.
 
“We ask everyone for their assistance in making our last home game of the season as safe as possible for all of our friends and visitors,” says Dave Visin, interim assistant vice president and director of public safety. “If you see something, say something.”
 
A bag check area will be available at the Recreation Building northwest of Kinnick Stadium for fans who need a place to store their items during the game. The bag check-in will open at 9 a.m. and close one hour after the game.  Gates will open at 9:30 a.m. in order to allow fans to reach their seats by kick off.
 
The following will be permitted:
• Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC and do not exceed 14” X 14”
• One-gallon clear plastic bag (Ziploc or similar)
• Small clutch bags, with or without a handle or strap, that do not exceed 4.5” X 6.5”
• Patrons with infants will be permitted to bring diaper bags
• Binoculars, blankets, seat cushions, one sealed plastic water bottle, food contained in a one-gallon clear plastic bag
*Exceptions will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection at the gates
 
Prohibited items include, but are not limited to:
• Alcohol, coolers, kegs, camel backs, thermoses, canned or bottled beverages
• Backpacks, purses and handbags
• Banners and signs
• Large lens (6 inches or more) cameras and tripods
• Noisemakers, horns, bugles or other disruptive devices
• Personal seat backs
• Strollers
• Tobacco of any kind
• Umbrellas
• Weapons

(Radio Iowa)

Sioux City airport board endorses United Airlines as carrier

News

November 19th, 2015 by Ric Hanson

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) – The Sioux City Gateway Airport Board of Trustees has endorsed United Airlines’ bid to replace American Airlines as the airport’s only carrier.
The Sioux City Journal reports that United and American are competing for a two-year federal contract to fly at least 13 routes per week between Sioux City and Chicago O’Hare International Airport. United asked for a subsidy of about $324,000 per year, while American requested $1.26 million annually.

The U.S. Department of Transportation is taking public comments on the two proposals through Dec. 7. The airport board’s support for United’s proposal likely will weigh heavily in the federal agency’s deliberations. The contract will be awarded early next year. Sioux City Mayor Bob Scott says the city council will back the airport board’s decision.

(Podcast) KJAN 8-a.m. News, 11/19/2015

News, Podcasts

November 19th, 2015 by Ric Hanson

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

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