United Group Insurance

Mixed report on state tax collections

News

June 2nd, 2011 by Ric Hanson

The state of Iowa collected 782-million dollars in taxes last month, a near-record level. But state officials offer some cautionary notes.

According to an analysis from the Legislative Services Agency, tax collections in May were slightly inflated when compared to the same month a year ago, based on the timing of deposits and when weekends fell. In addition, state income taxes were due April 30th and returns with payments were deposited later this year, providing a significant boost. According to the Legislative Services Agency, “all news was not positive for the month.”

There was a decline in the amount of individual income taxes withheld from May paychecks, indicating some Iowans may have been laid off while others saw their work hours reduced. Despite those negative notes, overall net state tax collections are running one-point-three percent ahead of what officials had expected.

There is only one other May on record that eclipses May of 2011 in terms of state tax collections. Nearly 792-million dollars in state taxes were paid in May of 2007, which is about 10 million dollars more than was collected last month.

(O.Kay Henderson/Radio Iowa)

Atlantic Council tables one resolution and approves 5 others

News

June 2nd, 2011 by Ric Hanson

The Atlantic City Council, Wednesday passed five Resolutions, each, by a vote of six-to-one. The Council however, tabled a Resolution on approving the contract and bonds for a Hot Melt Asphalt Paving and Storm Sewer Improvement project, because the contractor, Carley Construction, of Avoca, had not yet returned its contract to the City.

Those projects which were approved Wednesday night include: a Portland Cement Concrete (P.C.C.) paving and storm sewer improvement project; the Sunnyside Park road resurfacing and parking improvements project; the Bull Creek Pathway resurfacing project, and City sidewalk repair project.

Councilman Kern Miller voted against the Bull Creek and City Park sidewalk repair projects, because he thought they should not have been paid for through the issuance of bonds. Miller said the council should have given the four-percent hotel-motel tax, which went into effect in January, a chance to build-up the funds to pay for the projects, since they are part of the City’s Park and Rec Program, which is funded in-part by proceeds from the tax. City Administrator Doug Harris said Henningsen Construction is expected to begin work on the Bull Creek Project June 18, and it should be completed by the 30th. Work on the Sunnyside project is underway, and should be finished within seven-to 10-days, depending on the weather.

In other business, the Council, by a vote of 6-to1, set June 15th as the date for a public hearing on a proposed internal advance and loan to fund a $125,000 incentive grant for Boulders Inn  and Suites. The  monies would come from the City’s Economic Development Fund.  Councilman Shaun Shouse, who is the Council’s liaison to the Finance Committee, said while a Development and Minimum Asssement agreement the City made with Boulders in May of 2010, has not officially been received…other than a faxed copy of the signed agreement, which is not binding…there is an understanding in place, and the contract is more or less, “in the mail.”

Shouse says the finance committee has met a couple of different times, most recently Tuesday evening, trying to fine-tune the agreement, and,  the attorney’s for both Boulders and the City of Atlantic have looked over the contract. The committee recommended the Council set a date for the hearing, based on the current status of the agreement.

Doug Harris says the latest proposal presented to Boulders’ developers, is for a $125,000 up-front grant from the City, and a total of $41,000 in tax rebates. The rebates would be spread out over the course of nine-years, rather than four, thereby allowing the City a better cash flow, and, he says, the ability to fund other, needed public improvements.

The developer would also realize  another $42,208 in tax avoidance savings. The incentives package would end up costing the City $247,464, or about $5,824 less than what the City offered last May.
In his report to the Council, Harris said work on the new wastewater treatment plant in Atlantic is progressing well, despite all the rain we’ve had recently. He said also, Roger Herring, the new Parks and Rec Director will be taking over for Travis Garrett, beginning Thursday. Garrett announced his resignation earlier this year.

Speaking of recreation, Doug Harris said the rates at the City pool, which opened Wednesday, are going up, but with the exception of the single-day passes, the rates have not been doubled, as some have said. He says the family seasonal rate was increased from $150 to $160, the single rate from $75 to $90, and the day pass, from two to four-dollars.

Branstad to check on flooding in western Iowa

News

June 2nd, 2011 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Gov. Terry Branstad is heading for western Iowa to check on flood readiness along the Missouri River.

Branstad will be joined by Derek Hill of Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management in Sioux City on Thursday.

They’ll check on sandbagging efforts and will hold a news conference with local officials on flood preparations and response.

The swollen river is rolling downstream from the Northern Plains, affecting cities and towns from North Dakota to Iowa and Nebraska. Near Sioux City, residents of the upscale community of Dakota Dunes in South Dakota have been told to move to higher ground.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is increasing releases from the six dams on the Missouri River to drain water from record rains in the past few weeks.

Flooding Concerns Prompt Action Along Missouri River

News

June 2nd, 2011 by Ric Hanson

(DES MOINES) – In response to flooding concerns along the Missouri River, officials
from several key response agencies came together today to plan for what will be “an
extensive flood fight,” according to officials with the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers.

Water levels in reservoirs along the Missouri River in South Dakota have risen to
the point where it will become necessary for the Army Corps of Engineers to begin
releasing more water downstream – which will cause flooding in Nebraska, Iowa and
eventually Missouri.

Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management, together with their many local,
state and federal partners, continue to monitor the situation and provide resources
to those areas impacted by flooding.

At this time, only one mandatory evacuation has been ordered in Iowa as a result of
flooding along the Missouri River. (Pottawattamie)

Woodbury County
•        The county has declared a state of emergency to enable emergency purchases
and assistance.
•        250,000 sandbags have been supplied to the city of Sioux City by the Army
Corps of Engineers.
•        Most citizens that will be impacted by the flooding will be because of lack
of access to their homes.
•        Officials are also keeping an eye on Floyd River and Perry Creek, which may
have a greater impact to homeowners than the Missouri River.
Monona County
•        The county has requested 70,000 sandbags and technical assistance from the
Army Corps of Engineers.
•        Monona County officials will conduct an informational meeting regarding the
possible flooding which will impact areas in Monona County. The meeting will take
place on Thursday, June 2 at 7 p.m. at West Monona High School, 1314 Fifteenth
Street in Onawa.
Harrison County
•        The county has a supply of sandbags but has not placed any at this point.
Pottawattamie County
•        A small neighborhood with few homes in Council Bluffs was evacuated late
last week.  These homes are located on the "wet side" of the levee.
•        Pottawattamie County has issued a local emergency declaration to enable
emergency purchases.
Fremont
•        The county has requested 30,000 sandbags from the Army Corps of Engineers.
•        Hamburg is NOT currently under an evacuation order, however, citizens have
been advised by local officials to not rely on the levee.

(Press release from the office of IA Gov. Terry Branstad)

Wednesday, June 1st

Trading Post

June 1st, 2011 by admin

FOR SALE: 5 1/2 HORSEPOWER BRIGGS & STRATTON VERTICAL SHAFT LAWN MOWER ENGINE RUNS FINE $60; ANTIQUE LAWN ROWER $40; VIDEO CAMER RCA, ALL THERE IN CASE, FULL SIZE VHS TAPE, WORKS $20. 712-268-2656

WANTED: PARAKEET. 254-0397

FOR SALE: FOX BAT IRONS 3 THRU PW & SW WITH #1 AND #4 TITLELIST WOODS, OLD WIDOW PUTTER AND GOLF BAG. ALSO ASSORTED WOODS AND UTILITY CLUBS. BIG BERTHA, TAYLORMADE, WILSON METAL WOODS AND WEDGES. 712-243-2959

FOR SALE: BROWN WICKER PATIO SET – TABLE WITH 4 CHAIRS AND LOUNGER $200; 25″ ZENITH CONSOLE TV $150; 16′ ALUMINUM EXTENSION LADDER WITH ROOF STABILIZER BAR, 250 POUND RATING. $50. 243-3086

FOR SALE: SOFA-BED. GOOD CONDITION $20. 712-549-2236

FOR SALE: DOUBLE STROLLER FOR TWINS. INCLUDES 2 EVENFLO INFANT CAR SEATS WITH 2 BASES FOR THE VEHICLE. THE CAR SEATS ATTACH TO THE STROLLER.HAVE MANUALS FOR CAR SEATS AND STROLLER. BOUGHT ALLNEW IN MARCH 2010. STILL IN EXCELLENT CONDITION. ASKING $180 OBO. CALL OR TEXT 712-249-3307

FREE: CITY OF WIOTA HAS A PILE OF WOOD CHIPS FREE FOR THE TAKING. PILE IS LOCATED ON THE SOUTH END OF ALLEN ST. BY THE RAILROAD TRACKS.

FOR SALE: GOLF CLUBS. WALTER HAGEN VARSITY USED 1 SEASON. 1 & 3 WOOD, 3 & 4 HYBRID, 5,7,9 IRONS, PW & PUTTER $100 OBO. 249-1070

FOR SALE: SMOKER FOR TURKEY $50; 18 SPEED HUFFY GIRLS BIKE $50. 712-764-2572

Tuesday, May 31st

Trading Post

June 1st, 2011 by admin

FOR SALE: 3 SOLID OAK CRIBS $25 EACH OBO; OLDER SYLE GRACO PLAY PEN, LARGER STYLE $20; GRACO BABY SWING WITH MOBILE & MUSICAL $20. 769-2256

FOR SALE: BOWFLEX XLT $250. 249-5953

FOR SALE: ETHAN ALLEN BUFFET/HUTCH. MAPLE WITH WARM BROWN FINISH. 46″ WIDE, 18″ DEEP AND 65″ HIGH. VERY GOOD CONDITION. $150 FIRM. 254-4500 OR 249-7469

FOR SALE: SCHWINN LANDMARK 5 SPEED MENS BIKE, 1 YR OLD. $70. 243-6638

FOR SALE: 101 DALMATIONS IN ORIGINAL CASE FROM MCDONALDS. WILL INCLUDE 4 DALMATION SNOW GLOBES AND 6 EXTRA DOGS. $225; LARGE, OLD CAST IRON RENDERING POT ON STAND WITH LEGS, GOOD CONDITION $150. 249-1894

FOR SALE: MARCY 150 LB. STACK HOME GYM MACHINE. $350 VALUE. 243-6423

FOR SALE: HARLEY DAVIDSON GAS GOLF CART $450 OBO. 249-0233

Girls State Golf Final Results

Sports

June 1st, 2011 by Jim Field

Class 3-A Team:

Charles City wins the team title with a 703, six strokes better than second place Clear Lake.  Third was Dubuque Wahlert at 728, followed by Grinnell at 753, ADM at 772, MOC-Floyd Valley at 776, Spirit Lake at 785 and Atlantic was eighth at 796.

View 3-A  Team Scores

Class 3-A Individual:

Jesse Sindlinger of Charles City went wire-to-wire in winning medalist honors, following her opening round 68 with a 75 and a two day total of 143 (-1) and a five stroke win.  For Atlantic, Kristin Schuler shot 97-96-193, Sierra Worth shot 104-90-194, Brooke Fletcher shot 95-100-195, Kaitlynn Walter shot 108-106-214, Bailey Walter shot 113-120-233 and Pammy Fixmer shot 121-125-246.

View 3-A Individual Scores

Class 2-A Team:

Pleasantville wins the team title with a two day total of 730, eight strokes better than second place Wapello.  Clarinda was third at 741, followed by Dyersville Beckman at 742, Kuemper Catholic at 744, South Hardin at 754, Cascade at 762 and Alta-Aurelia at 776.

View 2-A Team Scores

Class 2-A Individual:

Chantel Eicher of East Marshall with a two round 160 (+18) which was just one stroke better than Ellie Ament of Dyersville Beckman.  Jennifer Geer of Clarinda tied for eighth with a 172 total.

View 2-A Individual Scores

Class 1-A Team:

Bishop Garrigan won the class 1-A title going away with a two round total of 663, well ahead of runner-up Hinton at 728.  Third was Grundy Center at 738, followed by HLV at 756, Treynor at 761, West Sioux at 775, Valley of Elgin at 795 and Wapsie Valley at 818.

View 1-A Team Scores

Class 1-A Individual:

Victoria Grasso of Ankeny Christian was the 1-A medalist with a two round total of 153 (+11), giving her a three stroke win over runner-up Sheridan Berte of Bishop Garrigan.Treynor’s Taylor Hill finished fourth at 162.

View 1-A Individual Scores

Three arrested on drug charges in Glenwood

News

June 1st, 2011 by Ric Hanson

Sheriff’s officials in Mills County say three men were arrested over the weekend on drug-related charges. 26-year-old Sergio Emilio Coedova and 19-year-old David Anthony Ortiz, both of Omaha, as well as 36-year-old Jason Anthony Hall, of Council Bluffs were taken into custody at around 7:30-p.m., Sunday, at Mile Hill Lake in Glenwood.

The trio each face charges which include two counts of possession of a controlled substance and one count of possession of drug paraphernalia. All three were being held in the Mills County Jail on $2300 bond, each.

Walnut City Council to hear from Pott County Sheriff

News

June 1st, 2011 by Ric Hanson

The City Council in Walnut will hear from Pottawattamie County Sheriff Jeff Danker, when they meet Thursday evening. Danker will discuss with the council law enforcement concerns and answer any questions they may have.

The council will also hold a public hearing with regard to the proposed plans and specs, form of contract and probable construction cost, for the Walnut street improvement projects. After the hearing, the council will act on consideration of a resolution adopting the plans, specifications and form of contract, review the construction bids, and award the contract for construction.

They’re also expected to consider the adoption of resolutions pertaining to the transferring of funds from: the Local Option Capital Improvement fund into the City’s General Fund, Street Improvements Capital Project and Splash Pad Project Funds; the City’s TIF Fund into the Debt Service Fund; the General Fund into the Splash Pad Project Fund, Fire Department Equipment Fund, and Fire Department Ambulance Trust Fund.

Other matters to come before the Walnut City Council Thursday at 5:00-p.m., include discussion and/or action pertaining to: park issues; the raising of chickens within City limits; a replacement on the Board of Adjustment; the Fiscal Year ending, June 30th 2011 audit, and more.

Theft suspect eludes authorities in Western IA & eastern NE

News

June 1st, 2011 by Ric Hanson

A high-speed chase in Mills County Tuesday afternoon led to the recovery of stolen property,  but the suspect got away. Mills County Deputy Bruce Paulsen told KJAN News they received a call at around 4-p.m., about suspicious activity involving a white male in his mid-20’s, and a tan or multi-colored 1994 Jeep. The activity was taking place at Mile Hill Lake, just outside of Glenwood, on Highway 34.

Paulsen says the suspect was breaking into other vehicles parked at the lake. A deputy who happened to be nearby when the call came in, pulled up just as the suspect’s vehicle was about to leave. When the deputy activated his lights and siren, the Jeep took off.

The chase went on for about 37-minutes. Paulsen says speeds during the pursuit topped 100-miles per hour at times. He says as it turns out, the vehicles’ license plates had been switched with a similar vehicle owned by a resident of Omaha.

As the chase ensued, the suspect tossed items stolen from the other vehicles out onto the road. When the chase crossed over the Plattsmouth Bridge into Nebraska, authorities in Iowa broke-off their pursuit and notified officials in Nebraska. The suspect ditched the Jeep and took off on foot. He remained at large as of today.

The vehicle was recovered as evidence.