United Group Insurance

Rain-packed storms cut drought in Iowa, Nebraska

Ag/Outdoor, News, Weather

June 12th, 2014 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Storms last week brought with them some peril in the form of wind and large hail but they also delivered enough rain to significantly relieve drought conditions in Iowa and Nebraska. The latest U.S. Drought Monitor report released Thursday shows Iowa’s remaining drought is mostly confined to the northwest and southeast corners of the state. About 40 percent of the state has some drought down from nearly 56 percent a week earlier.

In Nebraska, the drought area has been reduced to 63 percent of the state from nearly 70 percent the week before. Extreme drought was removed from central Nebraska. About 30 percent of the 50 U.S. states and Puerto Rico have moderate drought or worse, compared with 31 percent a week earlier.

Board approves $40 million casino for rural Iowa

News

June 12th, 2014 by Ric Hanson

BURLINGTON, Iowa (AP) – The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission has voted 3-2 to grant a license for a $40 million casino development that would be located in rural central Iowa. Supporters of the Jefferson casino burst into applause during a meeting in Burlington when commission chairman Jeff Lamberti cast the deciding vote in favor of the license. Lamberti said it was a “very, very difficult decision.”

It’s the first license granted for a new casino by the commission since 2010. The commission in April rejected a plan for a Cedar Rapids casino, citing market saturation. Wild Rose Entertainment plans to build a resort that would include slot machines, table games, an events center and a 71-room hotel.

Prairie Meadows casino in Altoona lobbied against the plan, warning that it would hurt its operation.

Red Oak principal case leads to 2 hearings

News

June 12th, 2014 by Ric Hanson

RED OAK, Iowa (AP) – Two hearings are planned related to a southwest Iowa school district’s plan to fire a high school principal. The Council Bluffs Daily Nonpareil reports the effort to fire Red Oak High School Principal Jedd Sherman will be the subject of a hearing before the Iowa Public Information Board next week and a Montgomery County courtroom next month.

Sherman argues the district voted to terminate his contract without hearing from him and that the matter was kept secret although he wanted an open hearing. He earlier claimed the district wanted to fire him because he reported two cases of student bullying, and he wanted to remodel a restroom to comply with federal disability requirements.

Red Oak Superintendent Terry Schmidt says the district is eager to present its case in court.

Heartbeat Today 06-12-2014

Heartbeat Today, Podcasts

June 12th, 2014 by admin

Jim Field speaks with Anne Pellett about Corporate Sponsorship of the 2014 Cass County Relay for Life.

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(Podcast) 9-a.m. Local/state news update, 6/12/2014

News, Podcasts

June 12th, 2014 by Ric Hanson

With KJAN News Director Ric Hanson.

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Backyard and Beyond 06-12-2014

Backyard and Beyond, Podcasts

June 12th, 2014 by admin

w/ Lavon Eblen

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7th Annual Western Iowa No-till (WIN) Field Day to Focus on Soil Health

Ag/Outdoor

June 12th, 2014 by Ric Hanson

Officials with the ISU Extension Service say the 7th Annual Western Iowa No-till (WIN) Demonstration Field Day, scheduled for June 17th at the Carstens 1880 Farmstead south of Shelby, will address a wide variety of topics for local producers interested in learning more about the practical application of no-till production practices and management of soil heath and fertility. Registration opens at 8-AM with coffee and rolls available. Local agribusinesses will be on hand to visit with producers in the morning and showcase their services/equipment.

The field day program begins at 9 AM with a weather and market outlook from Bryce Andersen with DTN. At 10 AM, rotating breakout sessions will cover nitrogen rate calculation and the evolution of cover crops in corn production. The breakout sessions will be followed by a lunchtime discussion on understanding soil biology and improving soil health. After lunch, keynote speaker Barry Kusel will share his experiences using cover crops successfully in his row crop farm in Carroll County.

Anyone with an interest in the practical application and impact of no-till production, whether looking for ideas to begin adopting no-till practices or a long-time no-till producer looking to improve production results, is encouraged to attend this field day. Nearly 200 ag producers and ag professionals attended the 2013 event, learning about effective soil stewardship strategies. In addition to the educational sessions at the 2014 WIN Field Day, there will be plenty of time for farmers to visit informational displays, vendor exhibits and network with other producers. 5 hours of CCA Credits have been approved, and will be available at no cost for Certified Crop Advisors needing additional continuing education units this year.

There is no charge to attend this event, but pre-registration is requested to ensure a lunch will be available. A free steak sandwich lunch with sides and dessert will be provided to all attendees, with steaks cooked by the Shelby County Cattlemen. Registration can be completed by e-mailing csgorham@iastate.edu or by calling the Harrison County Extension Office at 888-644-2105. More information is available at many local ISU Extension and NRCS offices, or can be found online at www.extension.iastate.edu/cass. Walk-In attendees are also welcome on the day of the event, but no lunch will be guaranteed.

The field day is brought to you by NRCS, ISU Extension and the Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD) in Harrison, Pottawattamie, Cass and Shelby Counties, along with many local supporting agribusinesses. 2014 Business Sponsors include Farm Bureau in East & West Pottawattamie, Shelby, Cass & Harrison Counties, Brokaw Supply Company, Sorensen Equipment Co., HTS Ag, Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa Corn Growers Association, Shelby County State Bank, United Bank of Iowa and Bartlett Grain Co.

(Press Release)

Posted County Prices: Thursday, June 12th 2014

Ag/Outdoor

June 12th, 2014 by Ric Hanson

Cass County: Corn $4.22, Beans $14.33
Adair County: Corn $4.19, Beans $14.36
Adams County: Corn $4.19, Beans $14.32
Audubon County: Corn $4.21, Beans $14.35
East Pottawattamie County: Corn $4.25, Beans $14.33
Guthrie County: Corn $4.24, Beans $1437
Montgomery County: Corn $4.24, Beans $14.35
Shelby County: Corn $4.25, Beans $14.33
Oats $3.20 (always the same in all counties)

(Update) s.w. Iowa man & woman arrested after pursuit

News

June 12th, 2014 by Ric Hanson

In an update to our story at 7-a.m., the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office says a man and woman were arrested early this (Thursday) morning following the pursuit of a stolen1995 Ford Ranger pickup. Officials say at around 1:30-a.m., Montgomery County Sheriff’s deputies attempted to stop the pickup in the 400 block of Linden Street, in Red Oak. The truck, which had been reported stolen, was occupied by 33-year old Jacob Allen Cochran, of Red Oak, and 24-year old Storm Louise Armstrong, of Corning.

Cochran was driving the pickup, and authorities say he tried to elude law enforcement. The pursuit ended, and the suspects were taken into custody, just before 2-a.m. at 110th Street and Spruce Avenue in Montgomery County. During the chase, Cass County Deputy Ryan Johnson was laying down stop sticks, when Cochran allegedly tried to run over Johnson, and a Montgomery County Sheriff’s Deputy. He was subsequently charged with Assault on a Peace Officer with intent to inflict serious injury.

Cochran faces additional charges of Felony eluding, driving while revoked, theft of a motor vehicle, OWI/2nd offense (drug-related), reckless driving, and providing contraband (Methamphetamine) into a jail facility. His bond was set at $5,000. Armstrong faces a charge of Interference with official acts. Her bond was set at $300.

Assisting in the chase and apprehension of the suspects was officers with the Red Oak Police Dept., the Red Oak Police and Cass County K-9 units, and Cass County Sheriff’s Department.

(Podcast) 7:20-a.m. Sports, 6/12/2014

Podcasts, Sports

June 12th, 2014 by Ric Hanson

With KJAN News Director Ric Hanson.

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