United Group Insurance

Iowa early News Headlines: Thu., Oct. 30 2014

News

October 30th, 2014 by Ric Hanson

Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press

SHENANDOAH, Iowa (AP) — A southwest Iowa man has been charged with first-degree murder in the 2009 death of his girlfriend. The state Department of Public Safety says 34-year-old Brian Davis of Shenandoah, Iowa was arrested Wednesday. He is being held at the Fremont County Jail on $1 million cash bond.

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (AP) — Three men have been arrested on suspicion of robbing a liquor store in Cedar Rapids. Police say two men entered Big Discount Liquor on Tuesday night with guns and demanded money. No injuries were reported and the men left with an undisclosed amount of cash.

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Architects and engineers have unveiled proposals to improve downtown Iowa City that could cost more than $10 million. The Iowa City Press-Citizen reports the plans were shown Tuesday inside of a hotel ballroom. During the open house, Iowa City residents and business community members studied the designs.

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Officials in two eastern Iowa counties are considering trail expansions that could one day be part of a trail stretching from the Waterloo area to Burlington. The Iowa City Press-Citizen says that Johnson County officials want to expand six miles of eastern Iowa’s Hoover Trail by 2016. The project is expected to cost at least $3 million.

Drake $65M expansion plan moving forward

News

October 29th, 2014 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Drake University says it is moving forward with a $65 million project that will include construction of two new buildings, renovation of four existing halls and the addition of new degree programs. Pending approval of final plans, construction could start on the buildings including a school of education center as early as next summer. Completion is expected in two years.

The university, in an announcement Wednesday, says its board of trustees has approved plans to offer new bachelor degree programs in data analytics, kinesiology and secondary education in health, physical education, and coaching. Programs will begin the fall of 2015.

Starting in fall of 2016, the private university will offer master of science in athletic training, bachelor of science in pre-occupational therapy and doctor of occupational therapy degrees.

Shenandoah man arrested for 2009 murder

News

October 29th, 2014 by Ric Hanson

Officials with the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation today (Wednesday) report 34-year old Brian Davis, of Shenandoah, was arrested and charged with 1st Degree Murder for the death of his girlfriend Holly Durben on July 18th, 2009.  Based on interviews of witnesses and crime scene evidence, investigators believe that Davis is responsible for Durben’s death.  Davis is currently being held at the Fremont County Jail on a 1-million dollar cash bond.

Brian Davis

Brian Davis

Sheriff’s deputies in Fremont County responded to a 9-1-1 call on July 18 2009 at 9:36-a.m. The Call came from Brian Davis at 2492 Highway 59, south of Shenandoah.  When Deputy’s arrived they located 29 year old Holly Durben deceased in the bedroom of her residence, which she shared with her Davis.  The Fremont County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance in the investigation from the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.

An autopsy was performed on Ms. Durben’s body at the Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner in Ankeny, Iowa.  It was determined that Ms. Durben suffered a fatal gunshot to the head as well as other injuries.

LARRY D. BEHNKEN, 77, of Osage Beach, MO, an Atlantic native (11-5-14 locally)

Obituaries

October 29th, 2014 by Jim Field

LARRY D. BEHNKEN, 77, of Osage Beach, MO, an Atlantic native, died Tuesday, October 28th at Lake Regional Health System in Osage Beach.  Memorial service for LARRY D. BEHNKEN will be held on Friday, October 31st at 10:30 am at the Church at Osage Hills in Osage Beach, MO.  Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, November 5th at 11:00 am in the Atlantic Cemetery followed by a luncheon at Zion Lutheran Church in Atlantic.  Hedges-Scott Funeral Home in Osage Beach, MO has the arrangements.

—————————————————————————————

Memorial donations are suggested to the Church at Osage Hills in memory of Larry or to the Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO.

Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family at www.hedgesscottfuneralhomes.com.

LARRY D. BEHNKEN is survived by:

Wife:  Nancy j. Susser

Son:  Cash A. Behnken of Saratoga, WY

Daughters:  Dana D. (Kevin) Parkison of Dexter & Lori L. Jenkins of Waukee

Sister:  Shirley Winston of Atlantic

Step-Children:  Garrett (Jill) Histed of Wesley Chapel, FL & Dana (Michael) Bienvenue of South Bethlehem, NY

3 Grandchildren

5 Step-Grandchildren

3 Great-Grandchildren

2 arrests Tuesday in Page County

News

October 29th, 2014 by Ric Hanson

Two people were arrested Tuesday on separate charges in Page County. The Sheriff’s Office says 42-year old Steven Dean Lundvall, of College Springs, was arrested on a warrant for failure to appear. The arrest was made at his residence in College Springs. Lundvall was transported to the Page County Jail, where he posted bond and was released.

And, 49-year old Robin Charisse Welsch, of Clarinda, on a warrant for aiding and abetting violation of a no contact order. She was arrested at the Page County Sheriff’s Office. Welsch posted bond and was released.

UTV accident claims the lives of 2 Villisca residents

News

October 29th, 2014 by Ric Hanson

An elderly couple from Villisca have died following an accident involving a UTV, or Utility Terrain Vehicle. The Iowa State Patrol says 82-year-old Darrell Schrader and his wife, 80-year-old Delores Schrader were killed during the accident in rural Taylor County.

According to reports, the couple was found late Tuesday evening in a field at 1248 120th Street in Taylor County, southeast of Villisca, and about a quarter-mile from the couple’s residence. Authorities said the couple were ejected from the UTV as it rolled over, into a clover field.

The Polaris UTV was equipped with lap and shoulder belts, but they weren’t used. Authorities weren’t sure how long the couple had been in the field. The Patrol said family members had not been in contact with the Schraders since last week.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29th

Trading Post

October 29th, 2014 by Jim Field

FOR RENT:  Renting my house starting December 1st. It is for sale now and will continue being for sale while it is being rented. Rent is $800 per month plus deposit equal to one months rent and you paying utilities. No pets. First months rent due before move in. 1009 Locust St. Call or text for more info 712-249-9690.

FOR SALE: CD’s variety of artists in Country; Rap; Hip-Hop; and Rock. $5 apiece also includes wrestling theme song cd along with a Hulk Hogan CD; 6 Adult; Comedy and Kids DVD’s  Call 712-249-8234

Backyard and Beyond 10-29-2014

Backyard and Beyond, Podcasts

October 29th, 2014 by admin

Lavon Eblen discusses uses for pumpkin seeds and also talks about the upcoming Harvest Market in Atlantic.

Play

West Central Names Fourth President and CEO in Cooperative’s More than 80 Year History

Ag/Outdoor, News

October 29th, 2014 by Ric Hanson

(RALSTON, Iowa) Oct. 29, 2014—West Central’s board of directors today announced their unanimous decision to name Milan Kucerak President and CEO-elect following Jeff Stroburg’s retirement at the end of the fiscal year.

Milan Kucerak President and CEO elect. West Central Cooperative.

Milan Kucerak President and CEO elect. West Central Cooperative.

Kucerak, who has served as the company’s Executive Vice President of Dairy and Animal Nutrition since 2006, will be the fourth President/CEO in the cooperative’s more than 80 year history.

“Kucerak has been a trusted manager and proven leader for the producers of this cooperative since he joined West Central in 2006,” said Chairwoman of the West Central board of directors, Sue Tronchetti. “He brings to the organization diverse management experience, a global perspective, and a strong accounting and financial background. “Kucerak is the right choice to lead West Central,” Tronchetti added. “We remain focused on serving our customers and stockholders and engaging our staff.”

She stated Kucerak’s introduction as President and CEO, effective Feb. 1, 2015, is the result of the board’s long-term approach for developing leadership from within the company. Beginning Nov. 1, Jeff Stroburg and Milan Kucerak will begin an operational transition and leadership hand-off. As part of that change, Stroburg will devote his time to the unification study between West Central and Key Cooperative. President/ CEO-elect Kucerak will oversee daily cooperative operations, including executive team management.

Jeff Stroburg President and CEO. West Central Cooperative.

Jeff Stroburg President and CEO. West Central Cooperative.

Of Stroburg’s retirement, Tronchetti stated, “In his 15 year tenure, this cooperative has grown to 27 locations in twelve counties, become one of the country’s 15 largest grain companies, and established itself as an innovative leader in the biofuels industry. We thank Jeff for his service and wish him well in the future.”

West Central® is a farmer-owned cooperative connecting producers of agricultural products to a global network of processors and end-users. The company manages for success by deliberately pursuing fresh ideas and recognizing value opportunities at every turn. Headquartered in Ralston, Iowa, West Central’s agronomy, animal nutrition and grain businesses span 12 Iowa counties with 27 locations. In 2013, the company was ranked #41 on the USDA’s list for largest farmer-owned cooperatives nationwide based on revenues and assets.

(Press Release)

LARRY DEAN THOMPSON, 70, of Cumberland, & formerly of Grant City, MO. (Svcs. 10/31/14)

Obituaries

October 29th, 2014 by Ric Hanson

LARRY DEAN THOMPSON, 70, of Cumberland (& formerly of Grant City, MO), died Mon., Oct. 27th, at the Cass County Memorial Hospital in Atlantic. Funeral services for LARRY THOMPSON will be held 11-a.m. Fri., Oct. 31st, at the Progh-Dunfee Funeral Home in Grant City, MO.

Friends may call after Noon today (Wed., 10/29) at the funeral home. An additional time of visitation will be held from 5-to 7-pm Thursday, as well as a Prayer Service, at the 1st United Methodist Church, in Atlantic.

Burial will be in the Grant City, Mo., Cemetery.

LARRY DEAN THOMPSON is survived by:

His wife – Leta Thompson, of Cumberland.

His daughters – Lisa Luther, of Fontanelle; Lori Mudd, of Atlantic, & Angela Thompson, of Orsborn, MO.

His brothers – Donald Thompson, of LaFeria, TX, & William Thompson, of Englewood, CO.

His sister – JoAnn Boots, of Cedar Rapids.

and 4 grandchildren.