Congresswoman Hinson criticizes Democrat nominee’s border plan

August 23rd, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – Iowa Republican Congresswoman Ashley Hinson is speaking out against Kamala Harris’s southern border policy outlined in her acceptance speech for the Democratic presidential nomination. Hinson’s comments came after Vice President Harris said she would approve the bipartisan border security bill the Donald Trump opposed.
Hinson says the bill simply wouldn’t do enough.

Hinson made her comments during her weekly conference call with reporters and says Harris’s stance on the southern border had been virtually nonexistent before the convention.

Hinson, who represents Iowa’s second district, went on to criticize the Vice President for not yet having met with the head of the Border Patrol Union so close to the election.

Posted in News |

Home prices and number of homes on the market up

News

August 23rd, 2024 by Ric Hanson

The latest data from the Iowa Association of Realtors shows home prices are up by more than six percent last month compared to July of last year. Radio Iowa’s O. Kay Henderson reports.

(As said) – From July of 2023 to July of this year, there was a two-point-seven percent increase in the total number of homes sold in Iowa and the median price was 15-thousand dollars higher. However, from June to July, pending home sales declined about two percent. The president of the Iowa Association of Realtors says inventory is the bright spot in Iowa’s housing market. There was a nearly five percent increase in the number of homes LISTED for sale in July of this year compared to July of 2023. A TOTAL of 77-hundred Iowa homes were on the market in July. That’s 22-point-six percent more than July of last year.

Posted in News |

Lloyd & Sharon Roberts Inducted into Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame

Ag/Outdoor, News

August 23rd, 2024 by Jim Field

Lloyd & Sharon of Cass County were inducted into the 2024 Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the 4-H Exhibits Building at the Iowa State Fair on Sunday, Aug. 18. Ninety-three Iowa

Lloyd and Sharon Roberts photo submitted for Iowa 4-H Foundation Hall of Fame Nomination

counties participated this year and selected 125 inductees for their outstanding service and dedication to 4-H. Inductees or their surviving family members were presented a certificate by the Iowa 4‑H Foundation President, Jeff Murphy, and State 4-H Program Leader, Mitchell Hoyer, as they were introduced on stage.

The commitment, passion, and contributions that Sharon and Lloyd Roberts have left in Cass County have made an indelible mark on the lives of many people and the community. For over 30 years, they have been active 4-H parents, with all four of their sons participating in Cass County 4-H. Lloyd served as a Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent for Rabbits, and as a night guard at the Cass County Fair. Sharon volunteered in the 4-H Exhibit building and assisted with check-in during judging. Along with these volunteer opportunities they also became a host family for a 4-Her from North Dakota.

Counties select inductees for their exceptional work in contributing to the lives of 4-H members and the overall 4-H program, said Katie Bateman, Cass County Youth Coordinator. Many inductees serve as club leaders, youth mentors, fair superintendents or fair board members, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach County council members, county youth council members, fair judges, financial supporters, chaperones or ISU Extension and Outreach staff members. The inductees have demonstrated dedication, encouragement, commitment and guidance to Iowa’s 4-H’ers through the years.

“We are honored to recognize these special individuals, for their advocacy and dedication to the Iowa 4-H program,” shared Iowa 4-H Foundation Executive Director, Emily Saveraid.

“This is a great way to honor the volunteers and staff across the state of Iowa that generously give their time and talents to foster positive partnerships with our 4-H youth,” said Tillie Good, Iowa 4-H staff and volunteer development manager.

Kurt Roberts (Lloyd and Sharon’s son) accepting the honor at the Iowa State Fair August 18th at the 4-H Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

The Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame was initiated in 2002 to help commemorate the 100th anniversary of 4-H. A summary of previous honorees was on display at the 2022 Iowa State Fair in the 4-H Exhibits Building. These summaries are also available at the Iowa 4-H Foundation office in the Extension 4-H Youth Building at Iowa State University. Information about previous inductees to the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame also is available on the Iowa 4-H Foundation website, organized by year and by county. Go to www.iowa4hfoundation.org/ and under the heading “What We Do” select “Recognizing Service” then “Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame.”

Posted in Ag/Outdoor, News |

Trojan Preview – Week 0 – 08/23/2024

Trojan Preview/Who’s Gonna Win?

August 23rd, 2024 by Asa Lucas

KJAN Sports Director Asa Lucas’ weekly discussion with Atlantic Head Football Coach Joe Brummer. We get you introduced to the 2024 squad and talk about the Week 0 match-up with the Council Bluffs Jefferson Yellow Jackets.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (23.4MB)

Subscribe: RSS

Posted in Trojan Preview/Who’s Gonna Win? |

Karl Gollan Joins Softball Staff as Assistant Coach

Sports

August 23rd, 2024 by Asa Lucas

IOWA CITY, Iowa – Karl Gollan has been named an assistant coach for the University of Iowa softball team, head coach Renee Gillispie announced Friday.
“I am grateful to Renee and the entire selection committee for trusting me to help move the program forward,” said Gollan. “Iowa is my home, and I have a genuine love for the Hawkeyes. I am beyond excited for the opportunity to help grow a program that driven players want to be a part of and Hawkeye fans are proud to support.”

Gollan comes to Iowa after one year at Ole Miss where he served primarily as the pitching coach. He helped the Rebels to a 31-27 record and their eighth straight NCAA Regional appearance. The Ole Miss pitching staff finished with a 2.86 ERA and held hitters to a .249 batting average against. Gollan had four pitchers with sub 3.00 ERA in SEC Conference play with 339 team strikeouts.

Prior to Oxford, Gollan served as the head coach for the Augustana softball program. He helped turn around the program that was picked to finish last in the conference and guided them to a third-place finish. Winning over 20 games, three Vikings earned all-conference honors, including Nadia Ranieri, who was named CCIW Pitcher of the Year. Under Gollan, the pitching staff flourished, tying the conference single season strikeout record with 264 punchouts.

Gollan has over 25 years of international playing experience. A former member of New Zealand’s national team from 2004-2017, he helped his country remain at the top spot in the WBSC/ISF and ISC rankings. He is a four-time world champion and 10-time national champion. As a coach, Gollan assisted the NZ Black Sox and still serves as an advisor for the national team. As an advisor, his duties included player evaluations and scouting for the No. 1 ranked men’s fastpitch team in the world.

While playing professionally, Gollan coached numerous junior club teams, including Auckland United and Miramar Softball Club from 2009-13. He worked to help develop athletes as well as manage the in-game lineups and strategy.

Gollan also opened the K2 School of Fastpitch in 2006. As the owner and lead instructor for over 100 clients, he was responsible for creating all training programs and helping a majority of his athletes get recruited to play college softball at every level, ranging from JUCO to Division I.

Prior to opening his own business, Gollan worked as the co-lead pitching and lead hitting instructor with DG Softball Academy from 2003-05. One of only two training facilities approved for the USA National and Olympic teams at the time, he designed and implemented hitting and pitching programs for all students. Gollan also helped lead camps and coaching seminars.

Posted in Sports |

1956 Co-Captain, Rose Bowl Champion Don Suchy Passes

Sports

August 23rd, 2024 by Asa Lucas

IOWA CITY, Iowa – Former University of Iowa football All-American Don Suchy, a member of the 1956 Big Ten and Rose Bowl champion team, passed away on Aug. 8 at the age of 93.

Suchy, an offensive center from Belle Plaine, Iowa, lettered for the Hawkeyes from 1954-56 under head coach Forest Evashevski. He helped Iowa win 17 games during his career.

In 1956, Suchy was a second-team All-American and first-team All-Big Ten selection after leading the team to a 9-1 record. The Hawkeyes beat Notre Dame, 48-8, in the regular season finale before downing Oregon State, 35-19, in Pasadena for the first Rose Bowl victory in program history.

Suchy, who was a veteran of the United States Navy, was Iowa’s team co-captain in 1956.

Posted in Sports |

Cass County (IA) woman arrested on drug & theft charges in Red Oak

News

August 23rd, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Red Oak, Iowa) – A Cass County woman was arrested Friday morning in Red Oak, following an investigation into an incident at the Tractor Supply Store, in Red Oak. According to Red Oak Police, 31-year-old Ashley Dawn Eden, of Griswold, was arrested at around 10:15-a.m., for 5th degree theft, and unlawful possession of a prescription drug.

Eden was taken to the Montgomery County Jail on $1,000 bond pending further court proceedings.

Posted in News |

Atlantic Area Chamber Ambassadors Celebrate apartment completion w/First Whitney Bank

News

August 23rd, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Atlantic, Iowa – The Atlantic Chamber Ambassadors were hosted by First Whitney Bank on Friday, August 23rd, 2024, to celebrate the completion of the 300 Chestnut Street Apartments.

Paul Gude, CEO and President of First Whitney Bank, shared about the 4-year process of acquiring and renovating the building began with working with the Southwest Iowa Planning Council to secure a Downtown Housing Grant. Paul thanked the City of Atlantic and SWIPCO for the diligent work, and said it was very important to use all local business to get the project done. From the appliances to the Wi-Fi it all was all done locally.

Pictured Left to Right: Anthony Drogo, Trey Cappel, Lucas Mosier, Eric Steinhoff, Kyle Lenderman, Garrett Eblen, Chris Parks, John Bricker, Rob Clausen, Janet Cappel, Dr. Keith Leonard, Sonya Clausen, Kennedy Freund, Lana Westphalen, Dolly Bergmann, Krysta Hanson, Megan Sramek, Bill Saluk, Elaine Otte, Alisha Wagner, Jason Nicholas, Paul Gude, Jeremy Butler, Jennifer McEntaffer, Anne Quist, Scott Bennett, Jake Olsen, Jeff Christensen, Bailey Smith, Jeff Gude, Kelsey Beschorner

The upstairs apartments include two, two-bedroom apartments, and two, one-bedroom apartments. The building includes a commercial space on the lower level, that will be “completed to order” for the tenant that moves into the space. Paul shared there are a few prospects in the works to occupy the commercial space.

For availability and information about the 300 Chestnut Street Apartments, call First Whitney Bank at 712-243-3195.

Posted in News |

Teacher sex-abuse case triggers lawsuit against IKM-Manning school district

News

August 23rd, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Iowa Capital Dispatch) – The parents of a youth who was sexually abused by one his schoolteachers are now suing the school district for negligence. The parents, identified in court documents as John and Jane Doe, are suing the IKM-Manning Community School District on behalf of their son, identified as John Roe, in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Iowa. The lawsuit alleges that in the spring of 2022, while Roe was a 7^th grade student at IKM Middle School, 22-year-old Cassidy Kraus was working at the school as a student teacher.

In May 2022, school officials allegedly observed a “scantily clad” Kraus, dressed in a sports bra and shorts, playing sports with some of the students, including Roe. The lawsuit alleges that while school officials found Kraus’ conduct to be inappropriate, they took no action. One month later, Roe’s mother allegedly discovered Kraus was sending messages to her son via the Snapchat messaging app, instructed her son to block Kraus, and reported the matter to school officials.

In August 2022, Kraus became a full-time teacher at the middle school. During the fall semester, the lawsuit alleges, Kraus began pulling Roe, then 13 years old, into her classroom during the school day where she kissed him and groped him. In October, Roe’s mother allegedly sent an email to a school guidance counselor about concerns that Kraus was having sexually explicit conversations with students, including her son. According to the lawsuit, the counselor indicated she would inform administrators.

The school is alleged to have taken no action in the matter and in November 2022, Kraus allegedly solicited a sexual encounter with Roe, the lawsuit claimed. Over the next four months, the lawsuit alleged, the two had sex on numerous occasions. In March 2023, Kraus allegedly began sending sexually explicit photos to Roe, who had recently turned 14, and other students. Five months later, district officials learned of the photos and initiated an investigation. Kraus resigned and was subsequently charged with sexual abuse, lascivious acts with a minor and distributing obscene material to minors.

In January of this year, she pleaded guilty to all of the charges and in March she was sentenced to 33 years in prison.

As a result on the situation, the lawsuit claims, Roe was subjected to “relentless bullying, harassment and threats” from other students and was forced to transition to remote learning. The lawsuit alleges the school district was negligent in hiring Kraus after fielding reports of inappropriate conduct, in failing to adequately supervise Kraus, and in failing to investigate the concerns raised by Roe’s mother. The district’s failure to protect Roe from Kraus was “extreme and outrageous,” the lawsuit alleges.

The school district has yet to file a response to the lawsuit, which was transferred this week from state court to federal court.

Posted in News |

Replay coming to GPAC football

Sports

August 23rd, 2024 by Ric Hanson

In-game replay is coming to Great Plains Athletic Conference football this fall. GPAC Commissioner Corey Westra says game officials will have access to technology allowing them to review plays challenged by a coach.