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Jury selection goes into a second day in trial of accused Algona cop killer

News

July 9th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – Jury selection will resume this morning in the first-degree murder trial of Kyle Ricke at the Dickinson County Courthouse in Spirit Lake. Ricke is accused of killing Algona Police Officer Kevin Cram on September 13th of last year, and his trial has been moved to Dickinson County due to pretrial publicity.

Lawyers for the prosecution and defense took turns asking questions of potential jurors on Monday, but they were not able to finish the questioning before the end of the day, so they will resume at 8:30 AM. Once a jury is seated, opening arguments will be held and the first witnesses called.

The prosecution informed the potential jurors that they intend to call as many as ten witnesses, including the defendant’s mother.

Statewide RV trip aims to reach family caregivers ‘where they are’

News

July 9th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) -Officials with A-A-R-P Iowa are now on what they’re calling the “Cruisin’ for Caregivers” program with a statewide tour designed to be an informational clearinghouse for those who are caring for loved ones. Brad Anderson, the organization’s state director, says there are some 330-thousand unpaid family caregivers in Iowa.  “Caregivers need information. They need to know how to go about doing their job,” Anderson says. “They need to know how do I get started with caregiving? How can I help identify some home health services, for example? Often, they need to know how does Medicare work?” During the stops, they’ll be providing folks with A-A-R-P caregiving guides and local resources to help Iowans navigate their caregiving journey.

“We’re going to distribute this information at grocery stores, hospitals, clinics, drug stores, because our goal is to meet caregivers where they are,” Anderson says. “They’re busy people. They don’t have time to attend events. Our goal is really to come to them, and then give them access to this information and help them do the important work that they do every day.” That work is vital, Anderson says, everything from cooking and cleaning for loved ones to buying groceries. A-A-R-P leaders are traversing Iowa in a large, red R-V, with more than 20 stops planned across the state in order to help caregivers do just that.

“We’re also going to have meetings with members of Congress and their challengers,” Anderson says. “We’ll talk to the people in Washington who are making some decisions about family caregiving, and get them to understand some of the challenges that caregivers face, as well as talk about some solutions and ways that Congress can help.” A recent A-A-R-P study found unpaid caregivers are providing more than 310-million hours of care each year in Iowa, valued at more than five-point-two billion dollars. The next stop is scheduled for tomorrow (Wednesday) at the Cedar Falls Public Library, with more stops this month in: Davenport, Marshalltown, Altoona, Ottumwa and Pella.

Learn more about upcoming stops here: https://states.aarp.org/iowa/cruisin-for-caregivers-tour-stops

Red Oak woman arrested Monday on a Criminal Mischief warrant

News

July 9th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Red Oak, Iowa) – Red Oak Police, late Monday morning, arrested a woman wanted on a warrant for Criminal Mischief in the 5th Degree. Authorities say 45-year-old Heidi Ann Divis, of Red Oak, was taken into custody at around 11:45-a.m. for the simple misdemeanor offense. She was being held in the Montgomery County Jail on a $300 bond.

Skyscan Forecast for Atlantic & the area: Tuesday, July 9, 2024

Weather

July 9th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 83. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph this afternoon.
Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 63. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm this evening.
Tomorrow: A 40% chance of afternoon showers & thunderstorms, otherwise mostly sunny, with a high near 84. N/NW winds 5-10.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 85.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 88.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 90.

Monday’s High in Atlantic was 83. Our Low this morning was 58. Last year on this date, the High in Atlantic was 82 and the Low was 52. The All-Time Record High in Atlantic on July 9th, was 104 in 1930, and the Record Low was 37 in 1895. Sunrise: 5:54; Sunset: 8:55.

Phil Steele previews Iowa State football

Sports

July 9th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

One college football magazine believes Iowa State is geared for a breakthrough season in the new Big 12 Conference. The Cyclones have an experienced team returning from last year’s squad that overcame a slow start to finish 7-6 and Phil Steele’s College Football Preview is calling the Cyclones a Big 12 title contender.

Steele says from a talent perspective this ISU team is similar to the one that entered the 2021 season.

Iowa State finished third in the Big 12 in defense a year ago and Steele believes a more experienced linebacking corps will help that unit be even better this season.

If Iowa State can stay in the hunt the final two weeks will determine their fate. They visit preseason favorite Utah and then host a Kansas State team picked to finish second in the preseason poll.

Steele’s magazine is available at Barnes and Noble as well as Book-a-Million. There is also a digital version on line that is updated through September. Big 12 Media Days begin today (Tuesday), in Las Vegas.

Iowa State Fair CEO says ‘radius clause’ limits bookings of Grandstand acts

News

July 9th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – The Iowa State Fair starts in 30 days — on August 8th. Iowa State Fair C-E-O Jeremy Parsons says there’s been a renewed focus on what he calls “creature comforts” for this year’s fairgoers. “Double the amount of handicapped accessible parking spaces — paved spaces. You’re going to see new sidewalks for accessibility. You’re going to see new shade areas, shade structures,” Parson says. “Picnic tables — we had $100,000 line item in our budget this year for picnic tables and benches, so more places for you to sit.”

Some restrooms have been remodeled and there are more water bottle filling stations on the fairgrounds. The price of admission to the State Fair is the same as last year. “Like any business operating in the state of Iowa today inflation has affected us, whether that’s most costs for employees — for salaries, whether that’s more costs for utilities, whatever it might be,” Parsons says, “so we’re very pleased at the Iowa State Fair this year to hold the line on admission.”

Tickets to State Fair Grandstand concerts are generally in the 30-to-60 dollar range. The most expensive seats — 125 dollars each — are for the Motley Crew concert. As of today, the Grandstand concert by rapper Jelly Roll on the first Saturday of the State Fair is sold out. Parsons says the “radius clause” in entertainers’ contracts has made booking acts more competitive.

“If an act has commited at a certain venue you draw a circle geographically so many miles out and that artist can’t perform again in that area,” Parsons says. “You think about this year, the challenge at the Iowa State Fair we’d had George Strait’s concert up in Ames and all of the entertainment out at the Iowa Speedway.”

Parsons made his comments during an appearance this past weekend on “Iowa Press” on Iowa P-B-S.

Riverside Softball has Major win over Boyer Valley

Sports

July 8th, 2024 by Asa Lucas

The Riverside Bulldogs softball team dominated Boyer Valley winning 23-0 at home on Monday night in the Class 1A Region 2 First Round. It was a matchup where Boyer Valley seemed to struggle in every aspect of the game. The top of the first inning saw Boyer Valley’s Maria Puck reach first base off of an error to get a runner on board. She managed to steal her way towards third base before the next two batters struck out for Boyer Valley ending the top of the first. In the bottom of the first Riverside adapted quickly to starting pitcher Danny Hikins, as the first 3 batters were hit twice by pitches and one walked. When the bases then became loaded, Peyton Schafer hit a 2 RBI single putting Riverside up 2-0. That was the just the beginning as Riverside went on to score 7 more runs from 4 walks and 2 base hits. Totaling their lead at 9-0 by the end of the first inning.

Boyer Valley tried to adjust their batting approach at the plate against Schafer but had no luck as she quickly retired the side with 2 more strikeouts. It was then in the bottom of the second inning when things really started to fall apart for Boyer Valley. The bases quickly became loaded again for Riverside as an error from second and back-to-back walks put immense pressure on Boyer Valley. It was then that Boyer Valley started to gain positive momentum when they struck out Kaycie Perkins and gained a second out from a fielder’s choice with a throw toward home. At that point Elly Henderson came up to bat with 2 outs and started a 14-run wave from her 3 RBI single making it a 12-0 lead. In the remainder of the inning Riverside had 8 more walks, 6 more hits, and 9 RBI’s. By the time out number three came, Riverside led 23-0.

The top of the third inning saw 3 Boyer Valley batters go up and 3 come back to the dug out with the run rule being in effect and ending the game at 23-0. Schafer had another all-around great game for Riverside pitching 3 innings, with no runs, and 5 strikeouts. In the box she went 3-4, including 6 RBIs, and a 3-run homer in the bottom of the second.

Riverside Head Coach Lacie Patterson credits Schafer’s calm demeanor to her age.

Riverside also had great production from Madison Kelly’s 3 hits and 4 RBIs on the night. In total Riverside accumulated 13 walks, 10 hits, and 16 earned runs. Coach Patterson liked the consistency from her batters throughout the evening.

Riverside’s win advances them to the second round of postseason play as they head to Woodbine Wednesday night. Coach Patterson knows her team can make it a competitive game.

The loss for Boyer Valley keeps them winless on the year and they finish the season with a 0-17 record.

Atlantic School Board meeting set for Wed., July 10 2024

News

July 8th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic Community School District’s Board of Education will meet 5:30-p.m. Wednesday, July 10th, in the High School Media Center. The meeting will be available for viewing on YouTube.

Included in the Board’s Consent Agenda for approval is:

  • Open Enrollment-In Applications for 24-25 school year
  • Resignations:
    • Rachel Tener Resignation
    • Jesse McCann, Girls Soccer Coach
    • Chase Roller, HS Asst Wrestling Coach
    • Lyssa Nelson, Resignation
  • Contract Recommendations and/or Classified Staff Assignment letters
  • Supplemental Pay Positions including Athletics & Activities
    • Ticket Manager

Action items include:

  • 1st reading, IASB Legislative Priorities for 24-25, Priorities are due August 19, 2024
  • My Benefits Channel replacing Intellinetics vendor for e-forms for employee onboarding
  • Nutrition Procurement Plan

Nunn Announces July Mobile Office Hours to Serve Iowans in Their Communities

News

July 8th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES — U.S. Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) today announced mobile office hours across the Iowa Third Congressional District to assist constituents who may not be able to travel to one of the congressional offices located in Creston, Des Moines, and Ottumwa. At 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, July 9. The schedule for June is below:

Adams County 
Adams County Fair 
1200 John Street, Corning, Iowa
Tuesday, July 9, 2024
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Adair County 
Stuart Public Library 
111 East Front Street, Stuart, Iowa
Thursday, July 11, 2024
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Ringgold County 
Ringgold County Fair 
3325 US Highway 169, Mount Ayr, Iowa
Friday, July 12, 2024
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Page County 
Shenandoah Public Library 
201 South Elm, Shenandoah, Iowa
Tuesday, July 16, 2024
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Montgomery County 
Montgomery County Fair 
1798 North 1st Street, Red Oak, Iowa
Wednesday, July 17, 2024
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Madison County 
Truro Public Library 
118 East Center Street, Truro, Iowa
Tuesday, July 23, 2024
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Taylor County 
Lenox Public Library 
101 North Main, Lenox, Iowa
Wednesday, July 24, 2024
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Adair County 
Adair County Courthouse 
400 Public Square, Greenfield, Iowa
Thursday, July 25, 2024
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Cass County 
Cass County Fair 
1000 Fair Avenue, Atlantic, Iowa
Friday, July 26, 2024
11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Additional dates and locations will be announced in the future.

Cass County Mobile Food Pantry Distribution Set for July 10th

News

July 8th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Atlantic, Iowa) – Cass County’s next mobile food pantry distribution will be held on July 10, 2024. Atlantic’s Mobile Food Pantry distribution will be at the Cass County Fairgrounds. Massena’s Mobile Food Pantry will be on the East Side of Massena’s City Park. The mobile pantries are hosted by community partners across Cass County.
A mobile pantry is a traveling food pantry that delivers food directly to families in need for a one-day distribution. People from surrounding towns and communities are welcome. Mobile food pantries are available free of charge. Anyone in need is welcome, and no documentation is required. Each car can take food for up to two households at a time. For any additional information or questions please contact Grace McAfee, Community Wellness Coordinator, at (712) 250-8170 or by email at mcage@casshealth.org.

Healthy Cass County logo

Additional mobile food pantries have been scheduled for Atlantic, Anita, Griswold, and Massena. (See below for details)
 
Atlantic 2024 Mobile Food Pantries
Where: Cass County Fairgrounds (1000 Fair Ave. Atlantic, IA 50022)
2024 Dates: July 10, September 11, October 9
Time: 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Anita 2024 Mobile Food Pantries
Where: Anita Food Pantry (208 Chestnut St. Anita, IA 50020)
2024 Dates: August 14, October 16
Time: 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Griswold 2024 Mobile Food Pantries
Where: Central Church of Christ (51 Harrison St. Griswold, IA 51535)
2024 Dates: November 2
Time:  10:00 am – 11:30 am
Massena 2024 Mobile Food Pantries
Where: East Side of Massena’s City Park (500 5th St, Massena, IA 50853)
Dates: July 10,  September 11, October 9
Time: 4:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Mobile pantry dates, times, and locations are subject to change. For the latest information on mobile pantries in the county, visit https://foodbankheartland.org/food-resources/find-food/. For information on local food, farmers markets, and food access, follow the Cass County Local Food Policy Council’s Facebook page @CassCountyLocalFood.