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Ohio State’s Ryan Day talks about Iowa

Sports

October 1st, 2024 by Ric Hanson

Ohio State coach Ryan Day says Iowa represents a step up in competition for the third ranked Buckeyes. Ohio State is 4-0 and opened Big Ten play with a 38-7 win at Michigan State.

Day says Iowa will offer their biggest physical challenge to this point.

The Iowa defense is giving up a little more than 62 yards on the ground per game and Day says it starts up front.

Iowa’s Kirk Ferentz previews No. 3 Ohio State

Sports

October 1st, 2024 by Ric Hanson

Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz says the Hawkeyes will need a big effort at Ohio State just to have a chance. The third ranked Buckeyes are a better than three touchdown favorite, and two years ago pummeled the Hawkeyes 54-10 in Columbus.

The Iowa defense will have its hands full against a talented Ohio State offense that is averaging nearly 49 points per game.

Former Kansas State quarterback Will Howard directs the Buckeye offense.

A Ferentz coached Iowa team has never won at Ohio State and the Hawkeyes last victory in Columbus was back in 1991.

Iowa State’s Matt Campbell previews Baylor

Sports

October 1st, 2024 by Ric Hanson

The spotlight is getting brighter on Iowa State each week. The 16th ranked Cyclones are 4-0 for the first time since 2000 and appearing in the early playoff projections. They host Baylor under the lights and with a win will be 5-0 for the first time since 1980.

That’s ISU coach Matt Campbell who says the Cyclones can’t change what got them to this point.

Special seasons are about consistency and Campbell says there is a long ways to go.

Campbell says the Cyclones are still working to build an identity but it is more about playing the game the right way.

Iowa State’s defense ranks fourth in the country in giving up just over seven points per game and Campbell says the leadership of safety Beau Freyler and defensive lineman JR Singleton has been a big part of their success.

HELEN JUELSGAARD, 101 of Ankeny, formerly of Avoca (Svcs 10/12/24)

Obituaries

October 1st, 2024 by Lori Murphy

HELEN JUELSGAARD, 101 of Ankeny (and formerly of Avoca) died September 29, 2024 at the Mill Pond Health Care Center in Ankeny. A Mass Of Christian Burial for Helen Juelsgaard will be held 10:30-a.m. Saturday, October 12th, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Harlan. Pauley-Jones Funeral Home in Avoca has the arrangements.

The family will greet friends at the funeral home on Friday, October 11th, from 5-until 7-pm, with a Wake Service at 7-p.m.

Burial will be held at a later date.

Helen Juelsgaard is survived by:

Her sons: Stephen (Lori) Juelsgaard of Napa, CA; John (Lori) Juelsgaard of Saratoga, CA; David (Jane) Juelsgaard of Ankeny, IA

Her daughters: Barbara (James) Manser of Agate, CO; Nancy (Gary) Griffith of Cedaredge, CO; Eleanor Richards of Wolfforth, TX; Mary (Bill) Beaman of Bedford, IA; Ann (Don) Corley of Lees Summit, MO; Kathleen (David)Baumann of Lubbock, TX; Joan Cable of Walnut, IA

Her brothers: Robert (Bernice)Kenkel of Scottsdale, AZ; Nicolas (MaryAnn) Kenkel of Lakeville, IN.

Her sisters: Mildred Anderson of Wauwatosa, WI; Eileen Rossi of Brookfield, WI; Alice Buman of Harlan, IA; Donna(Clarence) Neppl

Sister-in-law: Della Kenkel of Johnston, IA

26 Grandchildren and 38 Great-grandchildren.

Sydney Affolter Sidelined with Leg Injury

Sports

October 1st, 2024 by Asa Lucas

IOWA CITY, Iowa — University of Iowa senior guard Sydney Affolter underwent a surgical scope of her knee at the University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center. Affolter will be ready to return to action in early November.

“This is an unfortunate setback for Sydney, but she will work hard during her rehab and is expected to make a full recovery,” said P. Sue Beckwith, MD, head women’s basketball coach Jan Jensen. “She has the support of her teammates and coaches, and we look forward to having a healthy Sydney back when she is given clearance from our medical staff.”

Last season, Affolter stepped in for Molly Davis when she missed time during Iowa’s second consecutive National Championship run. She was named to the Big Ten’s All-Tournament Team and Albany 2 All-Regional Team. Affolter averaged 8.4 points per game and 6.4 rebounds per game in 2023-24. She closed the season playing some her best basketball as a Hawkeye, notching a double-double and reaching double figures in seven out of the last nine games.

Gov. Reynolds Proclaims October as Healthiest State Month

News

October 1st, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Des Moines, Iowa) – Gov. Kim Reynolds has declared October as Healthiest State Month in Iowa in a proclamation signing. Iowans from all sectors are invited to celebrate with resources, fun activities, and giveaways from the Iowa Healthiest State Initiative and 5-2-1-0 Healthy Choices Count! – a nationally recognized and evidence-based prevention framework to promote healthy habits.
“5-2-1-0 are four simple numbers each Iowan should strive towards achieving every day.” said Jami Haberl, executive director of the Iowa Healthiest State Initiative. “But we know that in order for Iowans to do this we must consider the policy, system and environments that impact our choices to make the healthy choice the easy choice.”
To celebrate Healthiest State Month, each week in October will focus on healthy habits promoted by 5-2-1-0 Healthy Choices Count! The month will be capped off by the 5-2-1-0 Healthy Choices Count! Summit on October 23rd.
The Healthiest State Month weekly schedule is as follows:
  • October 1-5: 1 or more hour of physical activity
    • October 2 – Healthiest State 14th Annual Walk
  • October 6-12: 5 or more fruits or vegetables
  • October 13-19: 2 hours or less of recreational screen time
  • October 20-26: 0 sugary drinks – drink more water!
2024 5-2-1-0 Healthy Choices Count! Summit
Registration for the 5-2-1-0 Healthy Choices Count! Summit is now open. On Wednesday, October 23rd, experts implementing 5-2-1-0 Healthy Choices Count! across the state will gather at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny to share strategies for encouraging healthy choices in schools, early care, health care clinics and communities. Session topics include the movement for phone free schools, creating partnerships for healthy habits, and the importance of physical activity and fun in learning.
During lunch the 2024 Healthiest State Annual Awards winners will be announced for the following categories: K-12 School presented by HealthPartners UnityPoint Health, Health Care presented by Iowa Medical Society, and Small and Large Early Care presented by Iowa Department of Health and Human Services.
Celebrating Healthiest State Month is easy and fun! Free celebration toolkits and resources are available for education sites, communities, workplaces, health care clinics and households. To learn more about how you can participate, download free resources, or register for the 5-2-1-0 Healthy Choices Count! Summit, visit www.iowahealthieststate.com/events/healthiest-state-month.

Southwest Valley Middle School student charged with Threat of Terrorism

News

October 1st, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Red Oak, Iowa) – Sheriff’s officials in Montgomery County, today (Tuesday), said a juvenile was arrested late this morning at the Southwest Valley Middle School in Villisca, on a Threat of Terrorism charge. The arrest occurred a little after 11-a.m. The unnamed juvenile was taken into custody, processed at the Montgomery County Law Enforcement Center, and transported to the Juvenile Detention Center in Council Bluffs.

Vision Atlantic Partners with Charles E. Lakin Foundation to Address Housing in Atlantic, Iowa

News

October 1st, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Atlantic, Iowa) – Vision Atlantic, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has partnered with the Charles E. Lakin Foundation, to address housing in Atlantic. Christina Bateman, Board President of Vision Atlantic, says the mission of Vision Atlantic is to “Empower growth, enhance lives and create a thriving community together.” She adds, “We’re poised to transform Atlantic for generations to come.”

After thorough research with community partners over recent years, Vision Atlantic has pinpointed three critical areas that are pivotal for stabilizing and enhancing Atlantic’s population: expanding housing, childcare facilities and amenities. Collaborative efforts with community stakeholders, generous donors and foundational support channel an estimated $75.5 million into these vital projects. This includes $48 million directed towards new housing, $11.5 for a new state-of-the-art child development center, and $16 million for the expansion of the local YMCA.

Contributions towards a $30 million fundraising goal have been robust, with over $9.7 million pledged by local donors. The Charles E. Lakin Foundation has committed a remarkable $8.6 million, significantly supporting the new child development center and YMCA expansion. As part of the Foundation’s $165 million contribution to ‘Revitalize Southwest Iowa’, Vision Atlantic has received $23 million, which will serve as capital the organization will use to construct 144 housing units in the new Camblin Hills Housing Development. The $23 million will reoccur yearly, giving Vision Atlantic the ability to accomplish other housing and commercial goals once this project is complete.

Steve Wild, President of the Charles E. Lakin Foundation, remarked, “Atlantic isn’t just waiting for a brighter future, they’re building it. Our investment and Vision Atlantic’s bold leadership are the catalysts propelling this community into an era of prosperity.”

Camblin Hills Housing Development sits on 49 acres and will include single family homes, town homes, duplexes and tiny homes, with lots also available for purchase. A biking/walking trail will be nestled in, offering a safe, family-friendly environment for any buyer. Once the $23 million capital is paid back to the Foundation, 5% of the interest paid will be donated back to Vision Atlantic to be used as an endowment to fund the new child development center, generating an estimated $1.1 million each year.

Christina Bateman said “We are extremely grateful to the Charles E. Lakin Foundation and all our local businesses and residents who have already committed financial support to help make this once-in-a-lifetime project a reality. This incredible generosity from the Foundation is not only going to change Atlantic for the better, but all of Southwest Iowa.”

Infrastructure for Vision Atlantic’s transformative project is slated to begin this fall with construction beginning spring of 2025. All 144 housing units will be completed by the fall of 2030 and will produce an estimated $1.1 million yearly in additional tax revenue to the City of Atlantic and Cass County. The Lakin Foundation Child Development Center of Atlantic is slated to be completed by November 2026 with the YMCA expansion complete by September 2027.

Over the past 11 months, Vision Atlantic’s Project Committee has raised $18.3 million dollars, 60% of a $30 million goal. If you are interested in helping transform Atlantic, whether it’s through monetary donations or acts of volunteerism, please contact Vision Atlantic at visionatlanticiowa@gmail.com.

Follow Vision Atlantic on Facebook for behind-the-scenes access to project updates or www.visionatlantic.org.

EDITH BUCHANAN, 86, of Greenfield (Svcs. 10/7/24)

Obituaries

October 1st, 2024 by Ric Hanson

EDITH BUCHANAN, 86, of Greenfield, died Tuesday, October 1, 2024. Funeral services for EDITH BUCHANAN will be held 11-a.m. Monday, Oct. 7, 2024, at the Lamb Funeral Home in Greenfield.

The family will greet friends Monday at the funeral home from 10-until 11-a.m.

Burial is in the Greenfield Cemetery following the services on Monday.  A luncheon will be held at the church following the burial.

Memorials may be directed to the Greenfield Public Library.

EDITH BUCHANAN is survived by:

Her brother – Marvin McIntyre of Alhambra, Illinois

Her sisters – Alberta Buchanan, of Fenton, Missouri and Lucy McIntyre, of Sparta, Illinois.

9 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends.

Online condolences may be left to the family at www.lambfuneralhomes.com.

DOT releases speed camera review

News

October 1st, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – The Iowa D-O-T has released its review of speed cameras under new rules created by the state legislature. Cities and counties had to apply to the D-O-T and show the camera is placed in an area due to the number and severity of traffic accidents there. There were 139 requests and only 11 were approved.

That includes four in Cedar Rapids, and Davenport, and one each in Des Moines, Leclaire, and Marshalltown.

(Stock photo via Canva)

The D-O-T also denied 66 locations where cities wanted mobile speed cameras but approved 143 mobile locations in Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Des Moines, Fort Dodge, Marion, Muscatine, Sioux City, and Waterloo.

A mayor of a city that the Iowa Department of Transportation decided couldn’t continue using speed cameras is responding. Prairie City mayor Chad Alleger says the denial of their three fixed cameras is a surprise because the cameras reduced speeding near schools.

The DOT says a seven-member panel made the decisions based on the law, which says cameras can be approved if they’re appropriate, necessary, and the least restrictive way to address traffic safety at those locations. Mayor Alleger believes they made a good case to keep the cameras.