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Officials offer financial advice to Iowa city after former officials plead guilty to misconduct

News

November 20th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – State officials are offering advice about the finances of a small northwest Iowa city where five officials were accused of bilking Armstrong out of thousands of dollars and destroying financial records. State Auditor Rob Sand has issued a report citing 22 accounting issues in the City of Armstrong during its last budgeting year.

“When you’re coming from a situation where you have had a number of people commit crimes while active in city government and leave city government, you’re going to have quite a period of clean up,” Sand says. “We’re here identifying the issues that are presently there for new leadership and hopefully they will take of these issues in the process of cleaning up city government.”

In 2017, a special investigation of Armstrong city accounts found at least 100-thousand dollars worth of deposits and payments had been mishandled. The town’s former mayor, three former city clerks and its former police chief were all accused of wrongdoing and have pleaded guilty to misconduct, but none were sent to prison. The state auditor says C-P-As in his office have raised concerns about how checks written to the City of Armstrong AND checks written on city accounts are handled.

“Two of the three people who can sign the checks aren’t elected officials. They are not city employees,” Sand says. “You’ve got to ensure you have direct accountability for those people so you know the checks going out are people who are involved in doing that business.” One of the city’s debit cards was opened in the name of a city employee, using that employee’s Social Security number.  “It’s important that you have prior approval for purchases, which in this case Armstrong wasn’t doing,” Sand says. “You want to make sure that before you go out and use it that it’s OK to buy that.”

The state auditor’s office reviewed three sets of minutes from Armstrong City Council meetings that did not list city receipts or bills the city owed. “What we need to have are minutes that reflect the reality of finances as well as the reality of the proceedings of what’s going on in town,” Sand says, “so that people who aren’t at a meeting can still review what’s going on and have a good understanding of it.”

Last month, a former mayor of Armstrong was sentenced to probation after pleading guilty to tampering with records and misconduct in office. His son-in-law, the former Armstrong police chief, got a deferred judgement and the case against him will be dismissed once he completes probation. A former city clerk also received a deferred judgement and two former city clerks pleaded guilty to misconduct and agreed to testify against the others.

Thanksgiving expected to keep up the record travel trend

News

November 19th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – Roadways and airports have been crowded during the holiday periods all through this year and it looks like that is not going to ease up next week for Thanksgiving. Triple-A Iowa spokesman, Brian Ortner: “Triple-A’s Thanksgiving holiday travel forecast is showing that we’re gonna, you know, again, set all time highs for travel nationally and within our region. You know that we’re a part of here in Iowa, the west north-central region,” he says. That region includes Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska, Missouri, and South Dakota, along with Iowa. Ortner says travel will surpass what we saw prior to the pandemic.

“If we go back and look at 2019, for our region, we had about six-point-three (6.3) million total travelers back in 2019 so we’re six-point-four now,”Ortner says. “Across our region and nationally, we had just over 77 million back in 2019 and over 79 million this year. And that’s an increase over that time and as in 2023 as well.” While the roadways will be busy, traveling will cost a little less.

“The good thing we can say is people are seeing lower pump prices than we saw last year. You know, in our region, with five-point eight million folks hitting the roads, that’s going to be a welcome addition to the travel plans,” he says. across the state. Iowa has a statewide average of two-dollars-73 cents for a gallon of fuel, which is less than the national average, which is at three-oh-six.

Ortner has one word to describe what it will be like for those who are flying for Thanksgiving. “Busy. Let’s just say that. Again, with the record numbers that are going to be taken to the air in our region, 296-thousand folks going to be taken to the airways. And I know people don’t like to hear it to say to plan accordingly, leave early, get to the airports early if you can. Be there two to three hours before your flight,” he says. He says the flight delays that have been a problem, appear to be getting better.

“You know, compared to what we were seeing like two years ago, I know there was a lot of issues then, that decreased last year,” Ortner says, “and haven’t heard anything in relation to that this year. But again, plan for the unexpected, because you never know whether you’re flying or you’re driving.” Ortner says make sure you know your options for a change of flight before you leave and have your information with you for your travel agent. If you booked yourself, have the app, the customer service line available to be able to make those changes if they would need to happen.

Campground hosts needed for 2025 recreation season

Ag/Outdoor, News

November 19th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

The Iowa DNR is seeking campground hosts for the 2025 camping season. If you enjoy camping and meeting new people, this may be the perfect volunteer opportunity for you.

Campground hosts work alongside DNR staff to help clean and beautify the park, ensure reservations are up-to-date and accurate, and assist visitors in a welcoming and helpful manner. Actual duties vary based on each park’s individual needs.

In this volunteer position, hosts are provided a free campsite and live in the park for one to five months during the summer season. Hosts volunteer a minimum of 20 hours per week, often including weekends and holidays, while living on site in their own camper.

Each park’s camping experience is unique – some are rural and rustic, others are in popular tourism areas; some have small campgrounds, and many are hubs of activity, especially on peak weekends. In addition, assigned lengths of stay are dependent on each park’s needs for the upcoming season.

Parks currently needing hosts: 

  • Backbone – need hosts for 2 campgrounds (Delaware County)
  • Bellevue (Jackson County)
  • Clear Lake – 2 slots available (Cerro Gordo County)
  • Geode (Henry County)
  • Lewis and Clark (Monona County)
  • McIntosh Woods (Cerro Gordo County)
  • Pilot Knob (Winnebago County)
  • Pine Lake (Hardin County)
  • Prairie Rose (Shelby County)
  • Red Haw (Lucas County)
  • Stephens State Forest (Lucas County)
  • Union Grove (Tama County)
  • Walnut Woods (Polk County)
  • Wapsipinicon (Jones County)

To learn more about a park’s unique experience and needs, please contact the individual state park office; a list of parks and their contact information can be found at www.iowadnr.gov/stateparks, or for general inquiries about campground host opportunities, email: iowa.stateparks@dnr.iowa.gov

Additional information about volunteering and applying for a campground host position is available at www.iowadnr.gov/volunteer. The list of parks needing campground hosts can change, so please check back to this web page regularly for additional opportunities.

Iowa DNR to host virtual public meeting on chronic wasting disease

Ag/Outdoor, News

November 19th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has scheduled a virtual public meeting to update the public on statewide chronic wasting disease surveillance and management efforts.

The meeting is scheduled for Dec. 5, at 7 p.m., and will be hosted on Zoom. Those wishing to attend must register in advance using the link below. To view and listen to the presentation, attendees will need a computer or smart device (e.g., phone, tablet) with a secure internet connection. Attendees can also join by calling in but will only be able to listen to the audio. The recording will be posted to the Iowa DNR’s YouTube channel and shared on social media platforms, when available.

To register to attend, visit: https://bit.ly/CWD120524

As of Nov. 19, a total of 397 wild deer have tested positive for chronic wasting disease in 25 Iowa counties.

“Chronic wasting disease will be a generational challenge,” said Dr. Rachel Ruden, state wildlife veterinarian with the Iowa DNR. “What we do to limit the spread of this disease today will pay dividends tomorrow, and we need everyone at the table.”

This public meeting is an opportunity for all Iowans to learn more about chronic wasting disease surveillance and management efforts in Iowa, understand ways they can help, and most importantly, ask questions.

“As this disease continues to expand its geographic footprint in Iowa, we encourage all Iowans to stay up-to-date on where we have found CWD so they can make informed consumption decisions,” she said.

Testing for the disease requires a tissue sample from a particular lymph node found just behind the jaw.

Chronic wasting disease is a neurological disease belonging to the family of diseases known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) or prion diseases. It attacks the brain of infected deer causing the animal to lose weight, display abnormal behavior, lose body functions, and die. It is always fatal to the infected animal and is present in all tissues, including the meat.

To learn more about chronic wasting disease and the DNR’s surveillance and management efforts, visit www.iowadnr.gov/cwd.

Snow showers possible over northern & parts of central Iowa on Wednesday

Weather

November 19th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

The National Weather Service in Des Moines reports snow showers and gusty winds will be possible over north central and parts of central Iowa, on Wednesday. Reductions in visibility may occur at times. A few slick areas on roadways could occur near sunset and after. Any accumulations will be light.

There is still uncertainty as to the impacts warm road temperatures will have on potential road conditions. Potential road impacts will increase near to after sunset and may result in wet roadways to freeze. At this time, the primary potential for winter weather is over northern Iowa, there is the potential to extend south into the Des Moines metro.

Stay abreast of the latest weather updates on our KJAN Facebook and X social media pages.

Iowa’s Kirk Ferentz on the QB situation heading into Maryland

Sports

November 19th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz says Jackson Stratton could start Saturday’s game at quarterback at Maryland. The transfer from Colorado State entered the loss at UCLA after Brendan Sullivan left the game with an injured ankle. Cade McNamara was listed as the starter on Monday’s two-deep and has returned to practice but his availability is still uncertain.

Ferentz says the limited game experience Stratton got at UCLA was a plus. He completed three of six passes and led Iowa on a touchdown drive.

Sullivan started the last two games and Ferentz says he could be available for a bowl game.

Ferentz says a decision on the starting quarterback will be made on Friday. Ferentz has coached against several former Iowa coaches and players but this will be the first time he has gone up against a family member. Former Hawkeye offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz is an offensive assistant at Maryland.

Summit files new app for South Dakota pipeline permit

Ag/Outdoor, News

November 19th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – Summit Carbon Solutions has submitted a second application in South Dakota for construction of a carbon pipeline. Last year, South Dakota’s Public Utilities Commission rejected Summit’s initial application. Officials said it did not comply with county zoning rules. Earlier this month, South Dakota voters upheld those restrictions. According to a news release from Summit Carbon Solutions, the company has made major changes in its South Dakota pipeline route after more than a year of one-on-one work with landowners.

Iowa and North Dakota regulators have approved permits for the project. It would ship carbon from 57 ethanol plants in five states to underground storage in North Dakota.

Summit’s C-E-O says the project represents a pathway to new markets and lasting economic growth for generations to come. Nine IOWA counties passed zoning ordinances for carbon pipelines and tomorrow (Wednesday), judges on the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals in Omaha will hear arguments over ordinances in Shelby and Story Counties that Summit sued to overturn. Summit has pending lawsuits against Emmet, Kossuth and Palo Alto Counties and recently sued Bremer County over its zoning ordinance.

KAY FRANCIS WHITEHEAD, 79, of Exira (Svcs. 11/27/24)

Obituaries

November 19th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

KAY FRANCIS WHITEHEAD, 79, of Exira, died Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at the Exira Care Center.  Funeral services for KAY WHITEHEAD will be held 10:30-a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27th, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Audubon. Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Audubon has the arrangements.

Visitation with the family will be held Tuesday, Nov. 26th, from 4-until 6-p.m. at the funeral home.

Interment at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Audubon will follow the service on Nov. 27th. Following the committal, a luncheon will be held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Parish Center in Audubon.

Memorials may be directed to St. John’s Lutheran Church in memory of Kay and mailed to the Schmidt Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 201, Audubon, IA 50025.

KAY WHITEHEAD is survived by:

Her daughter – Ronda (Mike) Arnold, of Paynesville, MN

Her son – Brian (Jess) Christiansen, of Omaha, NE.

8 grandchildren and 1 great-granddaughter.

Payton Sandfort Named to Lute Olson National Player of the Year ‘Early Season’ Watch List

Sports

November 19th, 2024 by Asa Lucas

IOWA CITY, Iowa — University of Iowa senior forward Payton Sandfort has been named to the 2024-25 Lute Olson National Player of the Year ‘Early Season’ Watch List, the announcement was made Tuesday by the College Insider, Inc. The award is presented annually to the top player in Division I college basketball.

Sandfort is one of eight Big Ten players on the list, along with Rutgers’ Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper, Indiana’s Oumar Ballo, Michigan’s Vladislav Goldin, Washington’s Great Osobor, Purdue’s Braden Smith and Ohio State’s Bruce Thornton.

Early in the 2024-25 season, Sandfort has reached double figure in each of Iowa’s first four games. He flirted with triple-doubles in Hawkeye victories over East Texas A&M and Southern, and he is averaging 16.8 points, 7.3 rebounds and 4.5 assists, while shooting 42.3 percent from the field with 12 3-point field goals.

Sandfort has also been named to the John R. Wooden and Julius Erving Small Forward of the Year Preseason Watch Lists.

As a junior, the 6-foot-8, 215 pound forward put up career-best numbers across the board, averaging 16.4 points, 6.6 rebounds and 2.7 assists, while shooting 44.6 percent from the floor, 37.9 percent from distance and 91.1 percent from the free throw stripe.

Sandfort was one of the best shooters in the Big Ten, leading the league with 94 3-point field goals. He made two or more 3s in 27 games, three or more in 17 games and four or more 12 times. The 94 makes ranked in the top 40 nationally.

Sandfort, who became just the second Big Ten Player since 1992-92 to average 16+ points, 6+ rebounds, 2.5 assists and 2.5 3-point field goals, made Iowa history during a Feb. 27 victory over Penn State. He recorded the first triple-double in program history, finishing with 26 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists and three blocks in the game.

The award is named in honor of Hall of Fame coach Lute Olson, who won 776 games in 34 seasons, 24 of which were spent at the University of Arizona and nine at Iowa. Olson is one of just 25 head coaches in NCAA history to win 700 or more games and he ranks ninth on the Division I career victories list.

In 2002, Olson was enshrined into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. He passed away on Aug. 27, 2020.

The recipient of the award is determined by a 10-member voting committee, which consists of current and former head coaches, as well as two senior staff members of collegeinsider.com.

The 2025 award will be announced in San Antonio, Texas – the site of the men’s Division I Basketball Championship.

The Hawkeyes return to action tonight, hosting Rider at 7 p.m. (CT) on Mediacom Court inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena. The game will be streamed live on B1G+.

Kaleb Johnson Recognized As Doak Walker Semifinalist

Sports

November 19th, 2024 by Asa Lucas

IOWA CITY, Iowa — University of Iowa junior running back Kaleb Johnson has been named as a semifinalist for the 2024 Doak Walker Award, it was announced Tuesday by the PwC SMU Athletic Forum.

In its 33rd year, the award is named after SMU’s three-time All-America running back Doak Walker.

Johnson, who is also a Walter Camp and Maxwell semifinalist, is having a record-breaking year for the Hawkeyes. He has tallied a school-record 126 points this season, via a school-record 21 total touchdowns. Johnson (6-foot-0, 212-pounds) has rushed for 20 scores, which ties Shonn Greene’s single-season record set in 2008. Johnson has rushed for 1,328 yards in 10 games in 2024, the third-most in the country and seventh most in program history.

The native of Hamilton, Ohio, has scored at least one touchdown in 10 straight games — the longest stretch in school history. He has seven games this season with two or more rushing touchdowns, believed to be the most in a single season in program history.

Greene won the 2008 Doak Walker Award, while former Hawkeye Albert Young was a semifinalist in 2005.

Voting begins tomorrow (Nov. 19) to determine the finalists, which will be announced on Nov. 26. The award recipient will be announced on Dec. 12.

Iowa (6-4, 4-3) returns to action Saturday, Nov. 23 at Maryland (4-6, 1-6). Kickoff is slated for 11 a.m. (CT) in College Park, Maryland. The game will be televised on BTN and broadcast on the Hawkeye Radio Network.

Kaleb Johnson | National Rankings
Total Touchdowns: 2nd (21)
Rushing Yards Per Game: 3rd (132.8)
Total Points scored: 3rd (126)
Rushing Touchdowns: 4th (20)
Rush Yards Per Carry: 6th (7.06)
All-Purpose Yards: 7th (143.7)

Kaleb Johnson | 2024 Honors
Maxwell Award Semifinalist
Walter Camp National POY Semifinalist
Doak Walker Award Semifinalist
CBS Sports, Sporting News, The Athletic Midseason All-America
Doak Walker National RB of the Week (Sept. 24)
Big Ten Co-Offensive POW (Sept. 23)
Big Ten Offensive POW (Nov. 4)
Senior Bowl Co-Offensive National POW (Oct. 14)
UI September Male Athlete of the Month