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UNI is No. 2 seed in MVC softball tournament

Sports

May 6th, 2024 by Asa Lucas

The Northern Iowa softball team is seeded second in this week’s Missouri Valley softball Tournament in Bloomington-Normal, Illinois. The Panthers open on Thursday afternoon against the winner of Wednesday’s game between Drake and Evansville. The Panthers battled injuries to finish the regular season with a record of 31-16.

That’s Panther coach Ryan Jacobs who feels the tough schedule will benefit his team in the tournament.

It will take three wins in three days to win the tournament and lock up a spot in the NCAA Tournament.

Posted in Sports |

Atlantic RAGBRAI Launches “Atlantipalooza” Merchandise

News

May 6th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Atlantic, Iowa) –  The Atlantic RAGBRAI®  Committee reveals Atlantipalooza merchandise during the Town Hall Meeting on May 5th.

“The committee chose a music festival theme and came up with Atlantipalooza as a play off the well-known music festival Lalapalooza. The fun merchandise was revealed during the Town Hall Meeting this weekend, and the response from the community was great,” Kelsey Beschorner, Atlantic RAGBRAI Publicity Chair stated.

The merchandise features the bold “Atlantipalooza” logo on brightly colored tanks tops, tee shirts, sweatshirts, and stickers. The committee has limited designs and sizes on hand, but the full line of merchandise can be viewed and purchased on www. AtlanticRAGBRAI.com

The Atlantic RAGBRAI Committee will continue to meet regularly to plan for Atlantipalooza on July 22nd. All forms and information available can be accessed on the website www.atlanticragbrai.com. Community members and riders alike are encouraged to follow Atlantic RAGBRAI on Facebook and Instagram for all things Atlantic RAGBRAI.

Posted in News |

EVELYN MORRELL, 97, of Fleming Island, FL (Memorial Svcs. 6/8/24)

Obituaries

May 6th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

EVELYN MORRELL, 97, of Fleming Island, FL, died Monday, May 06, 2024, at her daughter and son-in-law’s home in Fleming Island, Florida, under hospice care. Memorial services for EVELYN MORRELL will be held 10-a.m. June 8, 2024, at the United Methodist Church in Gray (IA). Schmidt-Kessler Funeral Home in Audubon has the arrangements.

Following the service, interment will take place at the Gray Cemetery. A luncheon will be held following the interment at the Gray School.

Memorials may be directed to the Morrell Family in memory of Evelyn, to be designated to many of her favorite organizations and charities. Memorials may be mailed to the Schmidt Family, in care of the Schmidt Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 523 Atlantic, IA 50022.

EVELYN MORRELL is survived by:

Her daughters – Barbara Morrell (& husband John Clement); Jeanette Morrell-Meeker (& husband Larry Meeker); and Deborah Morrell (& and husband Roger Frick) & their 2 children.

Her great-grandchildren, and a large, extended family.

Posted in Obituaries |

Atlantic Senior Middents signs letter to run for Simpson College

Sports

May 6th, 2024 by Asa Lucas

Atlantic Senior and multi-sport athlete Nicole Middents signed her letter of intent to participate in the Simpson College track program in the fall of 2024. When looking at colleges to attend, Middents wanted a cordial atmosphere and a comfortable student body population.

Most high school seniors might feel trepidation with moving away from home. But, thanks to the leadership opportunities and close-knit family culture from the Atlantic Track team. Middents feels assured about her decision to leave Atlantic and major in elementary education.

Girl’s Head Track Coach Matt Mullenix noted that he has nothing but confidence in Middents ability to compete and succeed at the collegiate level.

The fall semester for Simpson starts in August.

Posted in Sports |

Ernst Staff to Host Traveling Office Hours in All 99 Counties in May

News

May 6th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

WASHINGTON — Starting TOMORROW (May 7, 2024), staff from U.S. Senator Joni Ernst’s (R-Iowa) office will be holding traveling office hours in every county throughout the state.

 *Please Note: Senator Ernst will not be at the traveling office hours*

Representatives from Senator Ernst’s office will be available in all 99 counties throughout May to assist Iowans with problems or questions about issues involving Social Security, veterans’ benefits, military affairs, passports, immigration issues, and other federal programs. “Assisting Iowans is a top priority for me,” said Ernst. “That’s why my staff is bringing our office to you this May. Don’t hesitate to stop by when members of my team are in your area!”

Constituents seeking assistance with federal agencies who are unable to attend the traveling office hours can contact one of the senator’s offices directly or submit a casework request online at www.Ernst.senate.gov.

If you have any questions, please contact her office. Some of Ernst’s staff office hours in western Iowa include:

Adair County: Thursday, May 9, 2024 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Adair County Courthouse, 400 Public St. Ste. 5, Greenfield

Adams County: Friday, May 10, 2024 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Corning Public Library

Audubon County: Wednesday, May 8, 2024 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Audubon Public Library

Carroll County: Tuesday, May 7, 2024 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Carroll Chamber of Commerce

Cass County: Thursday, May 9, 2024 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Atlantic Public Library

Crawford County: Tuesday, May 7, 2024 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Schleswig City Hall

Dallas County: Tuesday, May 21, 2024 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM Adel Public Library

Fremont County: Thursday, May 16, 2024 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Fremont County Courthouse, Sidney, IA

Guthrie County: Wednesday, May 8, 2024 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Mary J. Barnett Memorial Library, Guthrie Center, IA

Harrison County: Wednesday, May 8, 2024 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM Missouri Valley City Hall

Madison County: Thursday, May 16, 2024 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM Madison County Annex Conference Room, Winterset, IA

Mills County: Thursday, May 16, 2024 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Glenwood City Hall

Monona County: Tuesday, May 7, 2024 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM Mapleton City Hall

Montgomery County: Friday, May 10, 2024 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Red Oak Public Library

Page County: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Clarinda Public Library

Pottawattamie County: Thursday, May 9, 2024 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM  Walnut City Hall, Walnut, IA

Ringgold County: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Ringgold County Court House, Mount Ayr, IA

Sac County: Tuesday, May 21, 2024 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Lake View City Hall Council Chambers

Shelby County: Wednesday, May 8, 2024 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Harlan Chamber of Commerce

Taylor County: Thursday, May 16, 2024 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Bedford Public Library

Union County: Friday, May 10, 2024 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Union County Court House, Creston, IA

Woodbury County: Tuesday, May 21, 2024 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM Danbury Shelterhouse, Danbury, IA

Posted in News |

Rep. Zach Nunn announces mobile office locations

News

May 6th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES — U.S. Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) today announced mobile office hours across Iowa’s Third District to assist constituents who may not be able to travel to one of the congressional offices located in Creston, Des Moines, and Ottumwa. During these mobile office hours, Iowans will be able to get help from their Congressional office with Social Security, Medicare, passports, visas, veterans’ benefits, military records, tax returns, and other issues with federal government agencies.

“My top priority is providing exceptional services and support to Iowans,” said Rep. Nunn. “My hope is that these mobile office hours will ensure ease of access for all Iowans to receive assistance from my office regardless of where they live in the Third District.”

Mobile office hours will begin Tuesday, May 7. The schedule for May is below:

Cass County 
Griswold City Hall 
601 2nd Street, Griswold, Iowa
Tuesday, May 7, 2024
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Dallas County 
Perry Public Library 
1101 Willis Avenue, Perry, Iowa
Wednesday, May 8, 2024
12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Page County 
Essex Lied Library 
508 Iowa Avenue, Essex, Iowa
Wednesday, May 8, 2024
3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Montgomery County 
Villisca Public Library 
204 South 3rd Avenue, Villisca, Iowa
Thursday, May 9, 2024
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Adair County 
Fontanelle Public Library 
303 Washington Street, Fontanelle, Iowa
Tuesday, May 21, 2024
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Dallas County 
Perry Public Library 
1101 Willis Avenue, Perry, Iowa
Wednesday, May 22, 2024
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Madison County 
Earlham Public Library 
120 South Chestnut Street, Earlham, Iowa
Wednesday, May 22, 2024
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Adams County 
Corning Public Library 
603 9th Street, Corning Iowa
Wednesday, May 29, 2024
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Ringgold County 
Neighborhood Center/Matura 
306 South Garfield Street, Mount Ayr, Iowa
Thursday, May 30, 2024
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Additional dates and locations will be announced in the future.

Posted in News |

Iowa GOP’s platform encourages repeal of laws recognizing same-sex marriage

News

May 6th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – Delegates at the Iowa Republican Party’s state convention voted to include a policy statement on marriage in the party’s 2024 platform. A 2022 law requires the federal government to recognize marriages as long as they were valid in the state where the marriage took place. Three Iowa Republicans — U.S. Senator Joni Ernst and Congresswomen Ashley Hinson and Mariannette Miller-Meeks — voted for it.

A majority of delegates at this weekend’s Iowa GOP state convention voted to encourage repeal of any law allowing marriage that’s not between one man and one woman. Iowa County delegate Brad Sherman, author of the platform plank, said the legal recognition of same-sex marriages violates religious freedom. “The attack on marriage and the family that we have seen is part of a strategic effort to destabilize our culture and destroy our nation,” he said.

Thomas Hansen of Winneshiek County said having government define marriage is the problem, because it has led to edicts from the court and congress. “If you want to use the Bible to define what marriage is, I’d like you to show me in the Bible where God says we need a license to do it,” he said.

Patrick Geren of Pottawattamie County was also among the minority of delegates who opposed adding the policy statement to the party platform. “People have the right to disagree with our religious beliefs and to follow their own conscience,” he said.

Gary Leffler of Polk County said the party needs to stand on principle. “We still believe in marriage between a man and a woman and I don’t care what the left says,” Leffler said.

A similar statement was included in the party’s 2022 platform. One of the first debates among delegates at this weekend’s GOP convention was about gender balance rules. David Chung of Davenport argued the national party should do away with requirements that each state have a National Committeeman and National Committeewoman. There’s also a rule that the national party have a female co-chair if the chair is a man — and vice versa.

“We Republicans are hypocrites,” Chung said. “…We Republicans should be consistent. We have stood against affirmative action, against DEI.”

A majority of delegates voted against Chung’s proposal, but a member of the Iowa GOP’s governing board said party leaders will discuss the issue.

Posted in News |

Regents proposing tuition increase at state schools

News

May 6th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – The Board of Regents will hear the first reading of proposed tuition increases at the three state schools during their meeting Friday. The proposal would increase in-state tuition by three percent at the University of Iowa and Iowa State University, and a two-and-half percent at the University of Northern Iowa.

That amounts to a 270 dollar increase at the U-I and I-S-U, and a 168 dollars at U-N-I. They are also requesting a three-percent increase in mandatory fees at U-N-I, a two-point-five percent increase at I-S-U, and one-point-three percent increase at the U-I.

The tuition increase comes after the Regents requested 14-point-eight million more dollars in state funding and the Legislature approved a 12-point-three million dollar increase.

Posted in News |

IOWA STATE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL ADDS QUARTET OF TRANSFERS

Sports

May 6th, 2024 by admin

AMES, Iowa – Iowa State women’s basketball head coach Bill Fennelly announced the signing of four transfers to the 2024-25 Cyclones roster Monday afternoon. Lily Hansford (Oregon State), Kenzie Hare (Marquette), Sydney Harris (TCU) and Lilly Taulelei (Massachusetts) will join Iowa State later this summer.

“Roster management is the hardest thing to do in coaching.  We are all forced to focus on next year’s team only,” said Fennelly. “We were very focused on getting people first that fit the Iowa State Way while adding very skilled players with experience and winning mindsets who embraced the Iowa State Way.”

Lily Hansford · 6-2 · G · Green Bay, Wis.

Hansford comes to Ames following two seasons at Oregon State, helping the Beavers to an Elite Eight appearance in 2024, their first since the 2018 season. She played in 34 of Oregon State’s 35 games this season, averaging 5.1 points per game while shooting over 45 percent from 3-point range. She has made 67 career triples while shooting 41.9 percent from deep.

In the Beavers’ deep NCAA Tournament run, Hansford matched her career high with 12 points against top-seeded South Carolina in the Elite Eight, finishing with four 3-pointers, three rebounds, one assist and one steal.

Fennelly on Hansford: “We love Lily’s ability to play both ends of the floor.  She is another player who comes to Iowa State with a winning mindset.  Lily can impact the game at both ends with her excellent 3-point range and defensive length.”

Hansford scored in double figures seven times throughout the 2023-24 season, also scoring 12 points on perfect shooting (4-4) from beyond the arc against Utah. She finished 17 games shooting .500 or better from 3-point range. Hansford enters 2024-25 with two seasons of eligibility remaining.

Kenzie Hare · 5-9 · G · Naperville, Ill.

Hare, a 2024 All-Big East Honorable Mention, joins the Cyclones following two seasons at Marquette. She averaged 14.0 points, 2.4 assists and 2.1 rebounds while starting 31-of-32 games for the Golden Eagles in 2023-24. Also a sharp shooter, Hare broke Marquette’s program record for 3-pointers made by a sophomore with 91 triples this season. Her total also ranked first in the Big East and 13th in the nation.

Fennelly on Hare: “Kenzie is a perfect fit for Iowa State.  She is a winner and extremely skilled.  We felt she was one of the best 3-point shooters in the portal. Our fans are going love how she plays the game.”

Hare finished the season with a 3-point percentage of .425 which also led the conference and was 13th in NCAA DI. She made her 100th career triple in her 49th career game. Scoring in double figures 24 times this season, she also registered four 20-point games with a career-high 25 points against Boston College (Nov. 24). Also a high-level distributor, Hare passed out a career-high seven assists in a win over Illinois (Nov. 11).

Hare was a two-time member of the Big East Weekly Honor Roll in 2023-24, a Big East All-Freshman Team selection in 2022-23 and the Big East Freshman of the Week on Jan. 30, 2023. She joins the Cyclones with two seasons of eligibility remaining.

Sydney Harris · 6-1 · G/F · Edwardsville, Ill.

Harris joins the Iowa State roster following a season at TCU. She was a standout for Central Michigan as a freshman the season prior, the Mid-American Conference’s (MAC) Freshman of the Year in 2023 and an All-MAC Third Team selection.

Fennelly on Harris: “Sydney fills a need for us at many positions while being an excellent scorer at all levels.  She fits in many ways with our style of play.”

At TCU, Harris appeared in 16 of the Horned Frogs’ final 18 games after being forced to sit out all of nonconference play due to an ankle injury sustained at the end of fall camp. Making the most of her time on the court, Harris averaged 9.4 points and 3.2 rebounds per game while shooting 40 percent from behind the arc. She ranked fourth nationally in 3-pointers per 40 minutes (4.4). Harris was one of only three Horned Frogs to score in double figures in five consecutive games alongside All-Big 12 players Madison Conner and Sedona Prince. She knocked down three or more triples in five games this season and scored a season-high 27 points behind 5-of-12 shooting from deep in TCU’s 79-72 road win at Cincinnati (Feb. 17).

As a freshman at Central Michigan, Harris averaged 17.4 points and four rebounds per game. She led CMU and ranked among her conference peers with 505 points. She also ranked fifth in the MAC playing 35.6 minutes per contest. She accounted for five of CMU’s six top individual scoring performances in 2022-23 and scored a career-high 31 points at Northern Illinois (Feb. 25). Harris comes to Ames with two seasons of eligibility remaining.

Lilly Taulelei · 6-3 · C/F · Wellington, New Zealand

Taulelei played in 31 games and made 22 starts for UMass this season, averaging 6.7 points and 2.5 rebounds as a true post presence. The fifth-leading scorer for UMass, Taulelei finished her freshman season with a .453 field goal percentage, going 91-of-201 from the floor.

Fennelly on Taulelei: “When we first talked to Lilly, we knew she was the perfect fit for our team on and off the court. Lilly will give us depth and experience (playing for New Zealand and in college) in the post which we felt was the last thing we wanted to add to next year’s roster. I know our fans are going to love to get to know her and her family background.”

Prior to UMass, Taulelei was a contracted player with the Tokomanawa Queens in 2022 and made the Wellington U19 Basketball Representative Team. Competing for the New Zealand U14 Basketball Team, she helped the team to a gold medal in Melbourne, Australia. A captain for the U15 team,  New Zealand made the National U15 Championships and Taulelei was selected as the Tournament MVP. She aided the New Zealand U16 team to a fourth-place finish at the Asia Cup Championships in 2021, qualifying for the 2022 FIBA U17 World Cup, where the team placed 12th. Taulelei became the first female in New Zealand Basketball history to be selected to the Jr. NBA Global Championship, named the team captain of the Jr. NBA Asia Pacific Team.

The Wellington native was also selected to compete in the Women’s National Basketball League, a professional/amateur competition for elite female basketball players, as the youngest ever to compete at the level. She averaged 20 minutes, 4.5 points and 5.5 rebounds per game in six contests played. Taulelei will have three seasons of remaining eligibility entering 2024-25.

Posted in Sports |

AUSTIN JAYDE STERNHAGEN, 21, of Cedar Falls (Funeral Svcs. 5/8/24)

Obituaries

May 6th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

AUSTIN JAYDE STERNHAGEN, 21, of Cedar Falls. died May 1, 2024 at MercyOne Waterloo Medical Center. Funeral services for AUSTIN STERNHAGEN will be held 10-a.m. Wed., May 8, 2024, at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Cedar Falls. Dahl-Van Hove-Schoof Funeral Home is assisting the family.

The service will be livestreamed through the link on the funeral home’s webpage.

Visitation will be from 4:30-7:30 PM on Tuesday, May 7 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church; resuming at 9:00 AM on Wednesday until the time of service at the church. Everyone attending the visitation or service are welcome to dress casually in their favorite Carhartt gear (Austin preferred black) or whatever you want to wear to honor Austin.

Burial will be at Fairview Cemetery in Cedar Falls.

Memorials may be directed to the family for a future designation.

AUSTIN STERNHAGEN is survived by:

His parents – Stacy (Colette) Sternhagen.

His sister – Ashley Sternhagen.

Maternal grandmother – Ruth Turk

Paternal grandparents – Joe (LaVonne) Sternhagen.

Other relatives and many friends.

Posted in Obituaries |