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Two women arrested on Assault charges in Mills County

News

June 4th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Glenwood, Iowa) – The Mills County Sheriff’s Office reports four recent arrests:

Two women were arrested Monday (June 3rd). 34-year-old Ruth Evelyn Keller, of Council Bluffs, and 39-year-old Crystal Dawn Edison, of Malvern, were arrested at around 7:50-p.m. in the area of Levi Road and Highway 34, in Mills County. Both women were charged with Assault with Intent and Disorderly Conduct. Edison faces additional charges of Possession of a Controlled Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Her bond was set at $3,600. Bond for Keller was set at $5,300.

Two men were arrested on separate charges last Saturday, in Mills County. 26-year-old Dustin Carl Lee Perry , of Shenandoah, was arrested for Driving While Barred, with bond set at $2,000. And, 46-year-old Samuel Joseph Norris, of Red Oak, was arrested for OWI/1st offense. His bond was set at $1,000.

Montgomery County Community Foundation establishes Disaster Relief Fund to aid tornado and flood victims

News

June 4th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Red Oak, Iowa) – The Montgomery County Community Foundation has established the Montgomery County Disaster Relief Fund to assist residents affected by the devastating tornadoes and flooding that hit our community on May 21, 2024. The Disaster Relief Fund, established in collaboration with the Montgomery Disaster Relief Committee, Emergency Management Services, city officials, and other local organizations, will be used to address urgent needs, including temporary housing, food, clothing, and medical expenses, as well as long-term recovery efforts.

Montgomery County Community Foundation Board Chair Kevin Britten says “We are deeply committed to helping our neighbors recover from this tragic event. The Montgomery County Disaster Relief Fund is a way for our community
to come together and provide much-needed support to those who have suffered significant losses.”

How to Donate

Donations can be made easily and securely via credit card on the Montgomery County Community Foundation’s
website: https://bit.ly/MontgomeryCountyDisasterRelief.

Additionally, contributions via check can be made at the following locations:

Red Oak:
• Houghton State Bank
• First Interstate Bank
• Bank Iowa

Stanton:
• First Interstate Bank

Villisca:
• Bank Iowa

Every donation, no matter the size, will make a significant impact on the lives of those affected by this disaster. Once
$1,500 is raised, a $500 grant from the Iowa Council of Foundations will be provided to the fund through the Disaster
Recovery Matching Grants program.

For more information about the Montgomery County Disaster Relief Fund or the Montgomery County Community
Foundation, please visit the website (SWIowaFoundations.org) or contact Sarah Beth Ray at 402-704-7245 or
sarahbeth@omahafoundation.org

About the Montgomery County Community Foundation

The Montgomery County Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Omaha Community Foundation, is dedicated to
improving the quality of life for all residents of Montgomery County through charitable giving, community leadership,
and strategic grantmaking. Our commitment to responding to community needs is unwavering, especially in times of
crisis.

NASCAR Cup Series rookie Zane Smith on next week’s race at Iowa Speedway

Sports

June 4th, 2024 by admin

NASCAR Cup Series rookie Zane Smith hopes his experience at the Iowa Speedway is an advantage next week in the lead up to the Iowa Corn 350. Smith finished fifth in an Xfinity Series race at the Iowa Speedway back in 2019 and is hoping for a good showing in the first Cup Series race at the track on June 16th.

Smith says the racing surface will be different than the last time he was there.

Smith has run well at Iowa and hopes that will continue.

Smith says practice time will be crucial next week to find the right set up for qualifying and the race.

The Cup Series is in Sonoma, California this week for Sunday’s Toyota/Save Mart 350.

Seydou Traore Signs With Iowa MBB

Sports

June 4th, 2024 by admin

IOWA CITY, Iowa – Manhattan College transfer Seydou Traore (SAY-Doo Tray-Orrie) has signed a scholarship tender with the University of Iowa men’s basketball team, it was announced Tuesday by head coach Fran McCaffery.  Traore will have three years of eligibility with the Hawkeyes.

During his freshman season with the Jaspers, the 6-foot-7, 215-pound forward earned All-Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Rookie Team honors after averaging 11.9 points and 8.1 rebounds to go along with 62 assists and 34 blocks.  He shot .433 from the field and 80 percent from the free throw stripe in 32.4 minutes per game.

Traore was the only player in the MAAC with 300+ points, 200+ rebounds, 60+ assists, 40+ steals and 30+ blocks. His 1.3 blocks per game led the league and he ranked second in the conference in rebounds, eighth in steals and 14th in assist-to-turnover ratio.

Traore led all freshman nationally in rebounding for much of the season before finishing third at 8.2 rebounds per game.

“We are excited to welcome Seydou to the Iowa basketball family,” said McCaffery. “He has a complete skill set with his overall athleticism. He’s a skilled player that will bring rebounding, defense and toughness to our team.”

Traore appeared in 28 games for the Jaspers with 27 starts.  He reached double figures in 18 games and had 10 games with 10+ rebounds, giving him six double-doubles – a figure that ranked third in the MAAC.

The New York, New York, native opened his career with five straight games in double figures, including a 12-point, 11-rebound double-double in his collegiate debut.  He finished with a 16-point, eight-rebound game at No. 1 Kansas and a 13-point, eight-rebound contest at No. 5 UConn.

He scored 15+ points 10 times and had a career-high 20 points at Iona. Traore finished with nine points, 17 rebounds, four blocks and four assists against Farleigh Dickinson. He had three or more assists in 14 games and three or more steals seven times.

“It felt right when I visited campus,” said Traore. “Coach McCaffery knows what I want to accomplish, and it was a great fit for me to take my basketball career to another level.  The Iowa system will be great to be a part of to get out and showcase my athleticism.  I am excited to show I can play in any conference, win games and display my complete skill set.”

Originally from Mali, Traore played for the New York Lightning and New York Dragon AAU teams and he attended Our Saviour Lutheran School in New York.

Traore is the second transfer and fourth player signed to join the Hawkeyes in 2024-25 along with Morehead State transfer Drew Thelwell and incoming freshmen Cooper Koch and Chris Tjado.

AtlanticFest To Be Held Saturday, August 10th.

News

June 4th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Atlantic, Iowa) – Officials with the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce report AtlanticFest, presented by First Whitney Bank & Trust, will be held Saturday, August 10th rain or shine. AtlanticFest is an annual festival that serves as a fundraiser for the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce.

Bailey Smith, Executive Director at the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce, says “AtlanticFest is the largest fundraiser of the year for the Chamber. Our sponsors help cover a lot of the costs of the event, allowing us to raise funds through registration fees and pop stand sales. We use the funds from AtlanticFest to continue to grow community events while also supporting business-based programs. We love this partnership with First Whitney Bank and the experience AtlanticFest offers the community. It also gives us the chance to support local businesses and civic organizations.”

Smith says downtown Atlantic will be filled with fun activities for the whole family to enjoy! Come early and start your day with a pancake breakfast or enjoy a 5K run/2K walk in the Annual Road Race with chip timing. There will be crafters from all over the Southwest Iowa area to browse through, as well as some of the best food vendors around that offer a wide variety of menu choices. Kids can enjoy fun bounce houses and games throughout City Park.

The 26th Annual Car Show and 10th Annual Motorcycle Show will be taking place once again this year. Also returning is the bags tournament that will be held in City Park. And with free entertainment throughout the day, the activities are endless.

AtlanticFest 2023

Preregistration for the Car Show, Motorcycle Show, Road Race, and Bags Tournament is open now, with day-of registration accepted. Registration to be a craft or food vendor is also being accepted now through August 5th. To register for any activity, visit www.atlanticiowa.com, email chamber@atlanticiowa.com or call the Chamber office at 712-243-3017.

Bailey Smith thanks these AtlanticFest sponsors for their support: First Whitney Bank & Trust, A.M. Cohron & Son, Gregg Young of Atlantic, Atlantic Municipal Utilities, Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Roland Funeral Home, Armour Insurance, Brocker Karns & Karns, Nishna Valley Family YMCA, Brown’s Shoe Fit, Salute Gymnastics, Camblin Plumbing & Heating, McAtee Tire, Rush CPA & Associates, Rolling Hills Bank & Trust, Atlantic Home Reality, The Downtowner, and Wiota Steakhouse.

Cass County Mobile Food Pantry Distribution Set for June 12th

News

June 4th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Atlantic, Iowa) – Cass County’s next mobile food pantry distribution will be held on June 12, 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.
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: June 12, 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: June 12, 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.

Report: lower rate reduces Iowa income taxes by $1.85 billion over decade

News

June 4th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – An analysis from a think tank called the Common Sense Institute concludes the latest round of state income tax cuts may create up to 6800 new jobs in Iowa next year.

Ben Murrey, the group’s director of research, said when you pull one policy lever, there are impacts in other areas of the economy. “Number one is when you reduce the individual income tax rate, it’s a boost in consumer spending,” Murrey said.

Business owners who’re paying less in personal income taxes may choose to hire more employees, Murrey said. “That’s how a policy like this ultimately can benefit people who don’t even get the direct benefit of the tax cut,” he said. “They end up getting some of those indirect economic benefits.”

Murrey’s report concludes Iowans will pay $1.85 billion less in state income taxes over the next decade an in 2025 an Iowa household with an annual income of $75,000 will get a $410 state income tax cut.

Greenfield hospital will remain closed for at least 90 days

News

June 4th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – It’s going to be at least three months before the tornado-damaged hospital in Greenfield is back open. The administrators of the Adair County Health System released an update that says the building itself did not take a direct hit and is structurally sound, but the entire roof was blown off in the May 21st tornado, and an assessment showed lots of internal damage. The update says their construction group tells them they will not be able to use the building for at least 90 days.

Hospital administrators say they are working on finding locations for all the services that they can provide, while also trying to narrow down a possible reopening date. The hospital has a rural health clinic available at the Nodaway Valley Elementary School for primary care services, and a walk-in clinic at the elementary school, and this is available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. The Stuart Clinic is also available and currently operating with normal hours.

Services Closed Temporarily: Cardiopulmonary Rehab;  Rock Valley – Physical Therapy & Occupational Therapy & Speech Therapy; Outpatient Clinics; Specialty Clinics;Senior Life Solutions; Radiology Services; Med-Surg Inpatient Services; Emergency Department; Surgery Department.

Services Open: Walk-In Rural Health Clinic Located at the Nodaway Valley Elementary School Open Monday-Sunday from 8:00AM-8:00PM.; Stuart Clinic Tuesday-Friday 8:00AM-4:30PM ; Lab Available Monday-Sunday through the clinics; Public Health Working remotely by phone 641-743-6173;  EMS Operating 24/7 – You will be transferred to another Emergency Department as we cannot treat emergencies 911; Wound Care Temporarily at Madison County Hospital.

Grassley delays signing GOP letter to oppose Biden funding, nominees

News

June 4th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – Iowa Senator Joni Ernst joined a group of conservative colleagues in vowing to retaliate against the Biden administration for last week’s guilty verdict in former President Trump’s trial.

At least 11 Republican senators have signed a letter so far, promising to do things like oppose President Biden’s political and judicial appointees, and to oppose administration requests for funding increases for anything not directly related to security and public safety.

Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley was asked Tuesday if he’d be signing the letter, too.

Grassley says, “I have to say that not at this point, but what you said the letter said, I don’t find too much disagreement with.”

The letter was written by Senator Mike Lee of Utah and says: “The White House has made a mockery of the rule of law and fundamentally altered our politics in un-American ways.”

Grassley says he needs to carefully review the letter before climbing on board.

“I’m a strong one, as you know, not to use the appropriations process — not getting done on time — as an excuse for shutting down the government, or letting the government shut down,” Grassley says, “and I want to know what the authors of the letter think of that point of view.”

The letter was also signed by senators including: Tim Scott, Marco Rubio, Roger Marshall and Josh Hawley, saying “…we are unwilling to aid and abet this White House in its project to tear this country apart.”

HAWKEYES SHINE IN NCAA ACADEMIC PROGRESS RATE REPORT

Sports

June 4th, 2024 by admin

IOWA CITY, Iowa — The NCAA’s Academic Progress Rate (APR) report for 2022-2023 revealed that – for the 13th consecutive year – all of the University of Iowa’s 22 sports programs were well above the 930 threshold that signals a red flag with respect to academic progress. The highlights of results for UI’s student-athletes include:

  • Women’s basketball, women’s cross country, men’s golf, women’s golf, gymnastics, swimming & diving, tennis, and volleyball all scored a perfect single year score of 1,000.

  • No Hawkeye team scored below 972, and eight teams (women’s basketball, women’s cross country, field hockey, women’s golf, gymnastics, swimming and diving, women’s track and field, and volleyball) scored at or above the NCAA Division I average APR score of 984.

  • The Division I single-year APR score for the UI Athletics Department was 987, which scored above the 985 needed to meet the NCAA academic unit benchmark.

Every Division I sports team across the nation calculates its APR each academic year, similar to a report card. Scholarship student-athletes each semester earn one point for remaining eligible and one point for staying in school or graduating. As tracked through the APR, more than 14,000 former college athletes have returned to school to get their degrees since the NCAA created the measurement tool. Each of those students earns back a lost APR point for their team.