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Griswold CSD Board approves resignations and new hires, administrative appointments & various bids

News

July 17th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Griswold, Iowa) – Members of the Griswold Community School District’s (CSD) Board of Education met in a regular monthly session, Monday evening. Superintendent Dave Henrichs told KJAN News the Board approved a transfer, the new hire of a Middle School Track Coach, and others.

In other business, the Board approved several annual agenda items, including 2024-25 School Year Depositories.

Dan Rold was appointed by the Board as Business Manager/Treasurer. Hannah Bierbaum was appointed Board Secretary. The Griswold School Board appointed Matt Hanson as District Attorney, and Seth Lembke as Affirmative Action Coordinator.

In other action, the Board approved bids from: Bimbo Bakery for bread; Laverty Sanitation, of Griswold – Trash services; A.E. Dairy for milk; and Snow removal – Landon Preston. Dave Henrichs said there was only one bidder for each of those services. Two Warewash bids (for items such as luncheon plates, silverware, etc.) were received: one from Ross Chemical, the other from Rapids Wholesale Equipment. The Board awarded the bid to Ross Chemical, which currently serves as the District’s provider for those items.

Henrichs said they’re struggling a little bit to get some other bids back, so the only thing he had for the Board to approve Monday evening, was bids for a series of 26 internal and external cameras.

The Board reviewed and passed the first reading of several policies, including those pertaining to Open Enrollment and transportation.

Other policy changes deal with Chronic Absenteeism, based on changes in State Law. Classes resume in the Griswold School District in a little over a month (on August 23rd). Henrichs said the janitors are doing a good job of getting the district’s facilities ready, but classroom staffing continues to be an issue.

There is still a need for an Elementary classroom teaching position.

The other position yet to be filled, is a Middle School Language Arts teacher. If they can’t fill it, Henrichs says their Secondary Instructional Coach – who is an English Teacher – will fill-in the gap until they can secure someone for the position.

2024 Audubon County Fair Schedule of events

Ag/Outdoor, News

July 17th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Audubon, Iowa) – The Audubon County Fair is underway now, through Sunday, July 21st.  Activities at the fair began on Tuesday. Looking ahead, on the schedule for Thursday, July 18th at the Audubon County Fair, there’s a 4-H/FFA Horse Show at 10-a.m., followed at 12:30-p.m. by the Clover Kids Stuffed Animal show in the Hoop building, 4-H under the tent at 2-p.m., a Cornhole Tournament at 3-p.m., Thursday, Clover Kids Rabbit Show, and rounding out the day, Thursday, is music in the park by the Polka Police, with fireworks to follow.

Check out the rest of the schedule for the Audubon County Fair below:

WEDNESDAY, JULY 17
7:00-8:00 AM 4-H/FFA Swine check in
8:00- 9:00 AM 4-H/FFA Sheep & Goat check in
9:00-10:00 AM 4-H/FFA Beef check in
9:00 AM-3:00 PM Commercial Exhibit set-up
9:30AM-11:00 AM 4-H/FFA/Open Class Rabbit/Poultry check in
11:00 AM 4-H/FFA Horses must be stalled
11:30 AM Farm Bureau Meal – Hoop
Agriland-Ice Cream
12:00 PM Open Class static must be entered
1:30 PM 4-H/FFA Exhibitor Meeting
3:00 PM Open Class exhibits must be in place
4:30 PM Sponsorship Dinner-Tent by Agrihall
4-H Pie Auction
Queen Coronation
THURSDAY, JULY 18
9:00 AM Judging Open Class Entries
10:00 AM 4-H/FFA Horse Show
12:30 PM Clover Kids Stuffed Animal Show – Hoop
2:00 PM 4-H Under the Tent
3:00 PM Cornhole Tournament-Livestock Pavilion
4:00 PM-9:00 PM Inflatable Attractions
5:00 PM Clover Kids Rabbit Show
4-H/FFA & Open Rabbit Show
7:00 PM Polka Police – Music in the Park at the Fairgrounds under the
Tent. Fireworks to follow.
FRIDAY, JULY 19
8:00 AM 4-H/FFA Swine Show
11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Inflatable Attractions
Noon Clover Kids Goat Show
Clover Kids Sheep Show
4-H/FFA Goat Show
PeeWee Goat Show
4-H/FFA Sheep Show
2:00 PM 4-H Under the Tent
3:00 PM Hay Throwing Contest followed by Adult tricycles and bounce animals
3:00 PM – 6:00PM Balloon Animal Creations
4:00 PM Richard Renner-The Vodvill Klown
5:00 PM Pork Feed – Hoop
7:30 PM Figure Eight Races
SATURDAY, JULY 20
7:30 AM-Noon Farmers’ Market
8:00 AM Clover Kids Poultry Show
4-H/FFA Poultry Show, Open Class
9:00 AM Baby Contest-Hoop
10:00 AM Big Wheels Races-Hoop
10:00 AM-3:00 PM Ima Clown – Hoop
11:00 AM-2:00 PM Water Rocks! Conservation Station
11:00 AM-9:00 PM Inflatable Attractions
11:00 AM Richard Renner-The Vodvill Klown
11:30 AM Non-sanctioned Kids Pedal Pull
Noon 4-H/FFA Beef Show
Show Order:
Cow/Calf Pairs
Pen of Three
Clover Kids Bottle Bucket Calf
Bottle Bucket Calves
Feeder Calves
Breeding Heifers
Market Heifers & Steers
Showmanship
12:30 PM Richard Renner-The Vodvill Klown
2:00 PM 4-H under the Tent
Richard Renner-The Vodvill Klown
5:30 PM Sheep Scramble –All kids welcome
6:00 PM 4-H/FFA Parade of Champions
7:00 PM IRCA Rodeo
9:00 PM Live Music- 2 ½ Guitars
SUNDAY, JULY 21
8:00 AM Tractor Drive Check in
9:00 AM Horse Fun Show Entries at Horse Arena
9:30 AM Tractor Drive
10:00 AM Horse Fun Show
11:00 AM Round Robin Showmanship-Livestock Pavillion
12:00 PM Antique Tractor Pull – Grandstand
12:00 PM Beef Feed – Audubon T-Bone
12:00 PM Bingo-Exira Lions – Agrihall
1:00 PM Quilt Show under the Tent
1:30 PM Pie Contest – Agrihall
2:30 PM Open Class Exhibits and Commercial Booths released
3:00 PM 4-H Recognition – Show Barn
4:00 PM Livestock Support Sale-poultry, rabbits, sheep, goats, swine, beef
4:00 PM 4-H exhibits released
4:45 PM 4-H Building Clean Up

Ramp closure on westbound I-80 at the Van Meter interchange (exit 113) scheduled for Sunday, July 21

News

July 17th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

CRESTON, Iowa – July 17, 2024 – If you access westbound interstate 80 at the Van Meter interchange (exit 113) you need to be aware of an upcoming construction project that may slow down your trip. Crews will be closing the westbound Interstate 80 on ramp near Van Meter (exit 113) beginning at 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 21, until May 2026, weather permitting, according to the Iowa Department of Transportation’s Creston Construction office.

While the roadway is closed, you will travel east on I-80 from the Van Meter interchange (exit 113), and exit at the Dallas County Road R-22/Ute Avenue interchange (exit 117), and then west on I-80.

The Iowa DOT reminds motorists to drive with caution, obey the posted speed limit and other signs in the work area, and be aware that traffic fines for moving violations are at least double in work zones. As in all work zones, drivers should stay alert, allow ample space between vehicles, and wear seat belts.

Sioux City Museum to hold an event commemorating the crash of Flight 232

News

July 17th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU-TV) — This week marks the 35th anniversary of the United Airlines Flight 232 crash landing in Sioux City. To mark the tragic events of July 19, 1989, the Mid America Museum of Aviation and Transportation is hosting a special community event. Since the crash landing, the museum has been home to a large collection of 232 artifacts and other keepsakes. Guests, including people who survived the crash landing, continue to visit the museum.

The public is invited to a free day-long open house from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. On Friday, July 19. A special presentation, including comments from flight attendant Susan White, will begin at 3:45 p.m.

On July 19, 1989 United Flight 232 crashed in Sioux City, Iowa with 285 souls on board. Members of the Iowa Air National Guard’s 185th Fighter Squadron, now the 185th Air Refueling Wing, responded to the crash to help save lives. (Air National Guard photo/Released)

A moment of silence will then be held at 4 p.m. in honor of the 112 victims, as well as for the survivors and for community heroes. The presentation will end at about 5:30 p.m.

Cass County Supervisors act on request for a food truck to be located on the courthouse grounds

News

July 17th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Board of Supervisors in Cass County, Tuesday, approved a request by Dennis Daniels, to set up a food truck on county owned property. Daniels explained his is a non-profit endeavor, with the funds raised from sales going toward the Boots on the Ground organization, serving food to Vietnam Veterans and others.

Daniels must show proof of his approved 501(c)3 paperwork before his food truck will be allowed to be set-up on the County Annex Building parking lot off of Walnut Street. In other business, the Board agreed to a request from CADCO Executive Director Jen McEntaffer, to contribute interest earned from the Valley Business Park fund, to a revolving loan fund for building loans.

McEntaffer said there are two “solid businesses prospects” that would be interested in the funds.

Cass County Supervisors meeting, 7-16-24

She explained also, that the revolving loan fund started with $180,000 and it has been revolved enough to where they have made $700,000 worth of loans. She said they have loaned out anywhere from $3,500 to $50,000; $50,000 is their cap. The Board will act on an amount to divest from the VBP fund during their next meeting.

The Cass County Supervisors, Tuesday, received a recommendation from the Emergency Medical Services System Advisory Council for the maximum amount of funding allowed by law, to be specified on the November 5th ballot. That includes 75-cents per thousand dollars assessed property valuation for Essential Medical Services (EMS), and a one-percent Iowa income surtax. Supervisors Chair Steve Baier explained this is NOT a new tax. Taxes are already being collected for EMS, but this WILL make it more a stable, consistent and transparent means to convey the information to the taxpayers of Cass County. The Board is expected to act on a resolution approving the request for a ballot measure on EMS, during their next regular meeting. The Supervisors have already passed a resolution declaring EMS as an essential service in the County.

The Supervisors received a presentation and request from Atlantic Police Chief Devin Hogue for ARPA funds to purchase mobile and portable radios. The radios – costing $11,430 – would be used for a School Resource Officer’s (SRO) position. A resolution on the request will be also be on agenda for approval during the next Board meeting.

The Supervisors tabled action on establishing a County Compensation Board, which, by Iowa law, was disbanded as of July 1st. They approved the appointment of Heath Larsen as Cass Township Clerk. He will replace Max Potter, whose resignation was accepted May 7th. And, the board approved Brandon Laverty as Cass Township Trustee, to replace Heath Larsen.

Two years in, staffing troubles still dog Iowa 988 call center

News

July 17th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – This week marks the second anniversary of the launch of 9-8-8, the national hotline for mental health emergencies. A report by the mental health advocacy organization Inseparable finds 87-percent of Iowa’s calls are being answered by in-state call centers, which is near the 90-percent goal. Emily Blomme is the C-E-O of Foundation 2 Crisis Services in Cedar Rapids, which operates one of Iowa’s two call centers. She says the turnover rate is almost at 50 percent. “Some of that is people who think that they can do the work or think they want to do the work, and they get into it and they don’t want to do the work, or it’s too hard,” Blomme says, “or they have their own lived experience and activates them in a way that they just weren’t anticipating.”

Blomme says the biggest challenge remains finding and retaining staff, and she adds, the worker shortage strains the entire call center. “So our people who are willing to take extra shifts, who are willing to work overtime, we love that,” she says, “but we also don’t want to burn them out, so then they can’t do the work.” Blomme says she’s had to increase pay and benefits in order to try to attract more staff members.

(by Natalie Krebs, Iowa Public Radio)

Annual free dental clinic will be in Sioux City

News

July 17th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – Sioux City will host the 15th Iowa Mission of Mercy free dental clinic in October. Event founder Dr. Richard Hettinger says this will be the third time its in Sioux City. “Last time we were here we saw more than 800 patients and provided 600-thousand dollars worth of care. We’re hoping to exceed those numbers this time,” Hettinger says. Dentists and dental hygienists donate their time for the event. “It’s truly a mission driven by compassion. We’ll have over 400 dental professionals of various types here working on the two days that we’ll be providing care,” he says. “We understand that there are many unforeseen factors that impact whether individuals and families can receive dental care.

The economy, a change in employment, health issues and so much more can influence a decision to see a dentist.” Sioux City dentist Kia Stack-Miller says you don’t have to live in town to be seen and treated. “We’ve seen patients from all across the country. Sometimes they’re from our area, but sometimes they just need dental care and they’ll be willing to go wherever they can in order to receive it,” She says. “We do ask for some elements of information, such as the patient’s address, as well as health history so we can keep an accurate patient record, as well as providing safe treatments for these patients.”

Stack-Miller says they can do a variety of care.”Including cleanings, root canals, extractions and fillings there are also a limited number of partial dentures available on a first come first serve basis but the clinic does not provide crowns implants or full dentures, she says.

The Mission of Mercy Clinic is scheduled for October 4th and 5th in Sioux City. Learn more about the clinic at IMOM.org.

Iowa State guard Keshon Gilbert on summer drills

Sports

July 17th, 2024 by Asa Lucas

Iowa State guard Keshon Gilbert says summer workouts are an adjustment for the incoming players. The Cyclones have their top four scorers back from last year’s team that made it to the Sweet-16 of the NCAA Tournament.

Gilbert’s confidence grew as last season progressed and he led ISU in scoring at over 13 and-a-half points per game.

Gilbert says a veteran nucleus returning is a huge plus for next season.

Iowa’s Kylie Feuerbach on summer drills

Sports

July 17th, 2024 by Asa Lucas

Iowa women’s basketball guard Kylie Feuerbach says the changes have been minimal under new coach Jan Jensen. The veteran assistant took over the program after the retirement of Lisa Bluder following the Hawkeyes’ second straight trip to the national championship game.

With several key players gone from last season Feuerbach says it is a new era for the program.

Feuerbach will have a larger role next season after appearing in 32 games and averaging just under three and a half points.

2024 Hawkeye 10 Softball All Conference Team

Sports

July 17th, 2024 by Asa Lucas

Below is the full list for the 2024 Hawkeye 10 Softball All Conference Team:

 

FIRST TEAM
1 Taryn Fredrickson Creston 11 P/DP/1B
2 Ava Adamson Creston 11 C/SS
3 Jenna Burdorf Shenandoah 12 LF
4 Lila Weiderstein Atlantic 10 C
5 Peyton McLaren Atlantic 9 P/IF
6 Zoey Kirchhoff Atlantic 10 P/SS
7 Riley Wood Atlantic 12 P/UT
8 Kiera Hochstein* St. Albert 12 C
9 Katelynn Hendricks St. Albert 12 CF
10 Kaci Peter Kuemper 12 SS
11 Alli Koontz* Glenwood 11 P/UT
12 Kyleigh Moore Lewis Central 12 CF
13 Annika Price Clarinda 10 3B
14 Brynn Isaacson Clarinda 9 SS
15 Jerzee Knight Clarinda 11 CF
16 Claire Leinen Denison Schleswig 12 P
2ND TEAM
1 Avery Staver Creston 10 LF/SS
2 Jersey Foote Creston 11 CF
3 Sophie Hagle Creston 12 2B
4 Peyton Athen Shenandoah 11 P
5 Makenna Schroeder Atlantic 10 OF
6 Jillian Saathoff Atlantic 9 1B
7 Alexis Narmi St. Albert 12 1B/P
8 Ella Narmi St. Albert 10 P/1B
9 Mayah Slater Denison Schleswig 11 SS
10 Myli Schaefer Kuemper 10 P
11 Malynn Johnson Glenwood 8 SS
12 Faith Weber Glenwood 12 2B
13 Alyssa Griffin Lewis Central 11 C
14 Janessa Woolsey Clarinda 9 2B
15 Ryplee Sunderman Clarinda 12 C
16 Presley Jobe Clarinda 12 LF
HONORABLE MENTION
1 Lily Albertsen Harlan 12 2B
2 Jaydin Lindsay Red Oak 12 CF
3 Caroline Rogers Shenandoah 12 RF
4 Kassidy Stephens Shenandoah 12 CF
5 Claire Pellett Atlantic 12 OF
6 Kylie Wesack St. Albert 12 SS
7 Ellie Sibbel Kuemper 12 C
8 Charlotte Schwabe Kuemper 9 OF/P
9 Kaylie Diercksen Kuemper 12 1B
10 McKenna Koehler Glenwood 12 1B
11 Sarra Kolle Glenwood 12 CF
12 Haylee Wilcox Lewis Central 11 3B
13 Cami Damgaard Lewis Central 11 UT
14 Maddie Cole Clarinda 10 RF
15 Mallory Woods Clarinda 9 P
** denotes unanimous selection