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Ferentz’s future son-in-law to get new supervisor

Sports

March 7th, 2013 by Ric Hanson

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — The University of Iowa says an administrative assistant who is the future son-in-law of Coach Kirk Ferentz will no longer report to the football program to avoid nepotism concerns. Athletic director Gary Barta said Thursday that Tyler Barnes would now be supervised by Rick Klatt, who oversees the department’s marketing and media relations. He said Barnes had been a model employee, but the change in supervision was necessary because Barnes is planning to marry Ferentz’s 25-year-old daughter in July.

The announcement comes after The Gazette reported Ferentz didn’t disclose the relationship earlier to Barta. University records show that Ferentz last fall sought and received permission to extend Barnes’ temporary position for a second year through Jan. 2014. Barta says a university review will determine Barnes’ “long-term employment options.”

Posted in Sports |

Iowa Senate committee OKs education reform bill

News

March 7th, 2013 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A Senate panel approved a beefed-up version of the governor’s education reform plan that requires increased teacher pay and institutes leadership programs. The Senate Education Committee approved the measure Thursday by a 9 to 6 vote, with all Democrats in support and Republicans opposed.

Bill sponsor Sen. Herman Quirmbach of Ames says the Senate’s version would cost $190 million. That’s more expensive than Republican Gov. Terry Branstad’s plan. The measure increases minimum teacher salaries to $35,000 and offers options to school districts for leadership programs. The Senate plan includes a 4 percent funding increase to school districts in coming two fiscal years.

Republicans opposed the bill, saying it removes experienced teachers from the classroom to mentor other educators. The House has approved a bill limiting raises and making reforms voluntary.

Posted in News |

Bills die as Iowa Legislature faces deadline

News

March 7th, 2013 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Some of the hundreds of bills introduced in the Legislature will die this week as lawmakers run up against a self-imposed deadline. Most high-profile measures dealing with issues like property tax changes and education reform are moving through the process, but others dealing with gay marriage, abortion and gun control won’t survive the Friday deadline. Under the Legislature’s rules, bills die if they haven’t been approved by a committee by Friday, though they can be eligible in the session next year. Lawmakers won’t return to work until Monday. The Legislative Services Agency says 478 bills were introduced in the House this year and 354 in the Senate. Last year, 640 House and 478 Senate bills were introduced.

Bills that failed to meet an Iowa Legislature deadline include:

— Gay marriage: Measure would begin process of amending state constitution to prohibit gay marriage.

— Mandatory safety helmets: Minors would be required to wear a safety helmet while riding a mo-ped.

— Abolishing Education Department: The Department of Education would be eliminated and replaced by a state board of education.

— Guns on school grounds: People with a permit to carry a weapon could do so on school grounds.

— Medical marijuana: People with chronic illnesses and severe pain could get 2 ounce of legal marijuana from a nonprofit dispensary.

— Internet poker: Internet poker games would be legal in homes, casinos and racetracks but regulated by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission.

— Webcam abortions: Doctors would be prohibited from prescribing abortion medication via a webcam consultation.

— Traffic cameras: Municipalities wanting to place a new traffic camera would apply for a permit from the Department of Transportation. Local governments would also need to justify existing cameras.

— Death penalty: People convicted of first-degree murder in which a victim was kidnapped or sexually abused or if the victim was a child could be sentenced to death.

— No-fault divorce: Parents of minor children would be prohibited from divorce unless one partner committed adultery, a felony and sent to prison, sexually abused the children or spouse or had abandoned the family for at least a year.

Posted in News |

Big 12 announces 5 weekday football games for ’13

Sports

March 7th, 2013 by Ric Hanson

IRVING, Texas (AP) — Texas and Texas Tech will each play another Thursday game before their Thanksgiving night matchup in Austin this fall. The Big 12 on Thursday announced its lineup of five weekday football games, including another holiday game at home for the Longhorns. Before that, Texas Tech will host its Big 12 opener against TCU on Thursday night, Sept. 12. Texas plays at Iowa State on Oct. 3. Oklahoma travels to Baylor on Nov. 7, one of the Bears’ last home games before moving into a new stadium.

The weekday games fulfill a Big 12 contractual agreement with television partners Fox Sports and ESPN. Kansas State hosts North Dakota State for a Labor Day weekend opener on Friday, Aug. 30. Kickoff times and specific networks for each game will be announced later.

Posted in Sports |

RENO LEROY WINGERT, 92, of Harlan (Svcs. 3-9-2013)

Obituaries

March 7th, 2013 by admin

RENO LEROY WINGERT, 92, of Harlan died Wed., Mar., 6th at the Elm Crest Retirement Community. A Mass of Christian Burial for RENO WINGERT will be held at 10:30 AM Sat., Mar., 9th at St. Mary’s of the Assumption in Panama. Pauley-Jones Funeral Home in Harlan has the arrangements.

Visitation will be from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM Fri., Mar., 8th with a Wake service at 7:00 PM at Pauley-Jones Funeral Home in Harlan.

Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Panama.

RENO WINGERT is survived by:

Nieces and nephews.

Posted in Obituaries |

Hastings Man Arrested on Two Warrants

News

March 7th, 2013 by admin

Sheriff’s Officials in Montgomery County report the arrest Thursday afternoon of a Hastings man. 52-year old John Michael Hudson was taken into custody on warrants for Contempt of Court/Failure to Pay Child Support.  Hudson was brought to the Montgomery County Jail and held on $2,000 bond.

Posted in News |

Lenox man arrested in connection with ongoing ID Theft investigation; AK-47 & pot seized

News

March 7th, 2013 by Ric Hanson

Police in Lenox report an additional arrest has been made in connection with an ongoing investigation into the activities surrounding 45-year old Rosario Rivera. Rivera was arrested Tuesday on felony Identity Theft and Forgery charges. On Wednesday, another man, 28-year old Ruben Serrano Rivera, of Lenox,

Ruben Serrano Rivera (Lenox P.D. photo)

was arrested on a charge of Possession with the Intent to Distribute a schedule I drug within 1000 feet of a school, and while in possession of a firearm. He was also charged with forgery, identity theft and failure to affix a drug tax stamp. Each of the charges are Class D felonies.

Ruben Serrano was taken into custody at 601 South Walnut Street in Lenox, after a search warrant was executed at the home at around 7:30-p.m., Wednesday. The search, which was conducted by officers with the Lenox Police Department, the Taylor County Sheriffs office and the Ringgold county K-9 unit, resulted in numerous documents and 2 lap top computers being located and seized.  Also seized during the search, was 1.3 pounds of marijuana, several firearms including an AK-47 and a 9-mm handgun.

Ruben Serrano Rivera, was transported to the Ringgold County Jail. The investigation continues and additional charges are expected against other suspects.

Posted in News |

Iowa women defeat Northwestern 60-55

Sports

March 7th, 2013 by Ric Hanson

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. (AP) — Morgan Johnson and Jamie Printy scored 18 points apiece and Iowa defeated Northwestern 60-55 on Thursday in the first round of the Big Ten women’s tournament. Bethany Doolittle added 10 points and Samantha Logic grabbed 11 rebounds for the Hawkeyes (20-11), the seventh seed in the tournament. They advance to meet No. 21 Nebraska, the Big Ten’s second seed, in Friday’s quarterfinals.

Iowa never trailed in the game. It was 30-26 at halftime and the Hawkeyes led 57-42 with 3 minutes to go before the Wildcats battled back to make it close. Kendall Hackney led Northwestern (13-17), the No. 10 seed, with 13 points and four steals. Karly Roser scored 11 points, Alex Cohen scored 10 and Dannielle Diamant had a game-high 13 rebounds.

The teams also played on Sunday in Evanston, Ill., with Iowa winning 62-45.

Posted in Sports |

DWAYNE LEROY JENSEN of Marion and formerly of Atlantic (Svcs. 3-15-2013)

Obituaries

March 7th, 2013 by admin

DWAYNE LEROY JENSEN of Marion and formerly of Atlantic died Thurs., Mar., 7th in Casa Grande, AZ. Services for DWAYNE JENSEN  will be held at 11:00 AM Fri., Mar., 15th in the Anita United Methodist Church.  Hockenberry Family Care in Atlantic has the arrangements.

Visitation with family will be from 9:30 AM until time of service on Fri., Mar., 15th in the Anita United Methodist Church.

DWAYNE LEROY JENSEN is survived by:

His special friend, Phyllis Gordon

Daughters, Tammy Mason, Cindy (Bill) Reighard and Michelle Donels.

Son, Shawn (Robin) Jensen

Nephew, Glen Jensen

Eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Posted in Obituaries |

THURSDAY, MARCH 8th

Trading Post

March 7th, 2013 by admin

FOR SALE: 4 tickets for Saturday afternoon performance of Jekyl & Hyde in Des Moines at the Civic Center at 2 pm. Excellent seats, 6 rows bag, originally $62, selling for $50 each OBO. 243-2749

WANTED: Diabetic strips and/or meter. 249-9838

FOR SALE: Antique wood burning stove, round oak, very fine condition. $475. 712-304-4998

FOR SALE: Set of 4 Douglas tires 185/65/R14’s mounted on aluminum neon rims. Also has a spare tire in good condition that goes with the set. Also mounted on the rims. $300 obo. Firewood, Ash, still green but great for next year. Walnut, split and ready to go. $75 per load, if you pick it up. Located in the Elk Horn area. Call 712-249-4914.

FOR SALE: Large walker (treadmill) with electric motor and height adjustments. $225. Large bird cage that once held a parrot. Asking $50 but willing to discuss price. Call 243-4308.

Posted in Trading Post |