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Speakers: Iowa’s medical marijuana law needs work

News

August 26th, 2014 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Speakers at an administrative hearing say they’re frustrated at the difficulty in obtaining a marijuana extract despite Iowa’s new law. The Des Moines Register reports Sally Gaer, of West Des Moines, and Kim Novy, of Altoona, made the comments Tuesday after a state Department of Public Health hearing on the issue. Both women say they have epileptic children who would benefit from the extract.

Gaer says the law, which decriminalizes possession of a marijuana extract for patients, offers no legal method for growing or selling the product in the state, and lawmakers are still working on issuing registration cards to allow residents to possess extract purchased in other states.

Health official Deborah Thompson says officials hope to issue registration cards by the end of the year.

The Scary Guy Brings Message to Cass County

News

August 26th, 2014 by Ric Hanson

The Cass County Child Abuse Prevention Council and Cass County School Districts are excited to welcome The Scary Guy to Cass County to kick off a year of violence prevention efforts in Cass County Schools. The Scary Guy’s mission is “The Total Elimination of Hate, Violence and Prejudice Worldwide.”

The Scary Guy

The Scary Guy

Since beginning his mission in 1998 The Scary Guy – now his legal name – has reached millions with his message through his work with groups of all ages, large and small, as well as the media. All local residents are invited to participate in The Scary Guy’s visit to Cass County by attending a Community Show to join the discussion.

Community shows will be held in each school district in the county to ensure that all residents can hear his message. He will be at the Atlantic High School on September 2nd from 7-8 PM, the Anita High School on September 3rd from 7-8 PM, and the Griswold High School on September 8th from 7:30-8:30 PM. (For details of his schedule, click here: Scary schedule )

The Scary Guy will also be visiting each school building in Cass County to share a targeted, age appropriate message with local students. All Community Meetings will be held PRIOR to Scary being at the elementary schools. Parents are encouraged to attend to hear the message prior to your student hearing it. Parents are also welcome and encouraged to attend a show with your student the day Scary is in their school. Please see the included schedule or call the number below for more details on his schedule in our local schools.

Anyone who would like more information on The Scary Guy’s visit to Cass County, or who has questions about his programs for the school and community, is encouraged to contact Family Crisis Support Network by calling 243-6615, or Toll Free 800-696-5123.

Flash Flood Watch 10-p.m. Tue. thru Wed. morning for parts of western IA

Weather

August 26th, 2014 by Ric Hanson

AREA COUNTIES: HARRISON-SHELBY-POTTAWATTAMIE

FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM CDT THIS EVENING THROUGH WEDNESDAY MORNING.

THUNDERSTORMS ARE EXPECTED TO DEVELOP AND PRODUCE AREAS OF LOCALLY HEAVY RAIN. RAINFALL DURING THE EARLY MORNING HOURS OF TUESDAY HAD CAUSED SOILS TO BECOME VERY WET OR NEARLY SATURATED.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A FLASH FLOOD WATCH MEANS THAT CONDITIONS ARE FAVORABLE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF FLASH FLOODING. FLASH FLOODING IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION.

MONITOR LATER FORECASTS AND BE PREPARED TO TAKE ACTION SHOULD FLASH FLOOD WARNINGS BE ISSUED.

Flash Flood Watch for Cass & area Counties 1-am Wed. thru Wed. morning

News, Weather

August 26th, 2014 by Ric Hanson

355 PM CDT TUE AUG 26 2014

…HEAVY RAINFALL POTENTIAL LATE TONIGHT INTO WEDNESDAY MORNING…

.THUNDERSTORMS ARE EXPECTED TO DEVELOP AND MOVE ACROSS THE AREA LATE TONIGHT…WITH HEAVY RAINFALL POSSIBLE. MUCH OF THE AREA RECEIVED 1 TO 2 INCHES OF RAIN OR MORE PREVIOUSLY…ALLOWING FOR SOME SATURATION OF THE GROUND. Counties: CRAWFORD-CARROLL-AUDUBON-CASS

355 PM CDT TUE AUG 26 2014

FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM CDT WEDNESDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY MORNING. THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN DES MOINES HAS ISSUED A FLASH FLOOD WATCH FOR PORTIONS OF SOUTHWEST IOWA AND WEST CENTRAL IOWA.

RAINFALL OF 1 TO 2 INCHES WITH LOCALIZED AREAS OF UP TO 3 INCHES IS EXPECTED LATE TONIGHT. THIS COULD LEAD TO THE POTENTIAL FOR FLASH FLOODING AS THE RAINFALL WILL FALL OVER AN AREA THAT RECENTLY RECEIVED HEAVY RAINFALL RESULTING IN NEARLY SATURATED GROUND CONDITIONS.

FLASH FLOODING IS PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS AT NIGHT. THE DEPTH OF WATER OVER ROADS CAN BE VERY DECEPTIVE. DO NOT DRIVE THROUGH WATER COVERING THE ROADWAY.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A FLASH FLOOD WATCH MEANS THAT CONDITIONS MAY DEVELOP THAT LEAD TO FLASH FLOODING. FLASH FLOODING IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. YOU SHOULD MONITOR LATER FORECASTS AND BE PREPARED TO TAKE ACTION SHOULD FLASH FLOOD WARNINGS BE ISSUED.

Atlantic Ambassadors visit Travel Place

News

August 26th, 2014 by Ric Hanson

The Atlantic Chamber’s Amassadors visited Travel Place recently. Jana McCunn, owner/operator, expanded her Red Oak full service travel agency to Atlantic this past June. She has been in the business of travel since 1995. Travel Place is a full service travel agency including destination weddings, local tours,
passport assistance, hotel reservations and more. Ina Ohnmeiss is at the Atlantic location full time as a travel consultant.

Travel Place Staff pictured: Jana McCunn, owner/operator, Ina Ohnmeiss, Travel Consultant. Ambassadors pictured: Tyler Moiser, Kevin Wieser, Crystal Christensen, Tara Jennerjohn, Rich Perry, Donnie Drennan, Rachel Johnson, Dolly Bergmann, Nedra Perry, Pat McCurdy, Tammy Waters, Bill Saluk, JoAnn Runyan, Jolene Roecker, Kerry Jepsen, Kathie Hockenberry, Debbie Leistad, Arlene Drennan, Gerald Brink, Russ Joyce and David Schwab.

Travel Place Staff pictured: Jana McCunn, owner/operator, Ina Ohnmeiss, Travel
Consultant. Ambassadors pictured: Tyler Moiser, Kevin Wieser, Crystal Christensen,
Tara Jennerjohn, Rich Perry, Donnie Drennan, Rachel Johnson, Dolly Bergmann, Nedra
Perry, Pat McCurdy, Tammy Waters, Bill Saluk, JoAnn Runyan, Jolene Roecker, Kerry
Jepsen, Kathie Hockenberry, Debbie Leistad, Arlene Drennan, Gerald Brink, Russ Joyce
and David Schwab.

McCunn said “We pride ourselves on client satisfaction, personal service and our combined
knowledge of travel. If you a have destination in mind but have questions, we can
confidently address your concerns because we have been there.” Travel Place is located at 412 Chestnut and happy to help you with all your upcoming travel needs.

Legislative oversight panel questions DAS savings

News

August 26th, 2014 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A report says the Iowa Department of Administrative Services has spent more money instead of saving money as the agency has claimed in Government Oversight Committee hearings. Legislative Services Agency Director Holly Lyons presented a report Tuesday that says DAS spent 17 percent more money between 2011 and 2013. DAS Deputy Director Lon Anderson says the report does not include savings from construction projects and includes spending from other agency budgets.

The Department of Administrative Services oversees all state building construction, human resources and purchasing. At Tuesday’s hearing, Democratic Sen. Matt McCoy argued the agency is too large for proper oversight and needs to be restructured.

The committee continues its hearing focusing Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday on allegations of political interference at Iowa Workforce Development.

Experienced Hawkeyes full of optimism

Sports

August 26th, 2014 by Ric Hanson

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Iowa’s biggest concern could be at kicker. And punter. Iowa opens on Saturday against Northern Iowa with a remarkably settled depth chart. Aside from the kicking game and a bit of jostling at linebacker, the Hawkeyes already know exactly who they’ll be counting on in 2014.

Marshall Koehn will open the season as Iowa’s kicker, and junior college transfer Dillon Kidd will start at punter. As long as Iowa stays healthy, it appears to have enough depth and experience to contend for the Big Ten West title.

Ambassadors visit Lou Lou’s in Atlantic

News

August 26th, 2014 by Ric Hanson

The Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce’ Ambassadors visited Lou Lou’s recently, at the new location 412 Chestnut Street. Lou Lou’s moved into the new bigger space at the beginning of July.  “We are very happy with the move, we have more room to display merchandise and the first month our foot traffic improved drastically,” Brandi Eckles, owner, operator of Lou Lou’s Boutique, said.

Pictured: Kathie Hockenberry, Gerald Brink, Crystal Christensen, Pat McCurdy, Debbie Leistad, Tyler Mosier, Bill Saluk, Jolene Roecker, Kevin Wieser, Russ Joyce, Dolly Bergmann, JoAnn Runyan, Rachel Johnson, David Schwab, Arlene Drennan, Rich Perry, Donnie Drennan, Kerry Jepsen, Tammy Waters, Tara Jennerjohn, and Nedra Perry.

Pictured: Kathie Hockenberry, Gerald Brink, Crystal Christensen, Pat McCurdy, Debbie Leistad, Tyler Mosier, Bill Saluk, Jolene Roecker, Kevin Wieser, Russ Joyce, Dolly Bergmann, JoAnn Runyan, Rachel Johnson, David Schwab, Arlene Drennan, Rich Perry, Donnie Drennan, Kerry Jepsen, Tammy Waters, Tara Jennerjohn, and Nedra Perry.

Lou Lou’s shares the new space with two other businesses, Travel Place and Bella Bean, a children boutique clothing store. This unique cooperative effort has allowed each business to have a better location and more space.

(Press Release)

Another phone scam to be wary of

News

August 26th, 2014 by Ric Hanson

Authorities in western Iowa are warning residents about a scam during which a person calls and identifies himself as being an Attorney, or, sometimes a police officer from out of state. They inform you that there will be a warrant for your arrest. This latest scam has had the caller calling the victims place of employment, sounding ‘legitimate’ and requesting information and/or requesting the victim to call them back right away.ph scam

The caller says the victim has a warrant and that Officers will be sent to their place of employment to arrest them. THIS IS A SCAM.

Authorities says this type of activity seems to be an attempt to put pressure on employers to notify the victim, have the victim call the ‘scammer’ back, and hopefully have them take care of whatever fines they supposedly have. A major red flag is their offer to take credit card payment or many times they will instruct you to get prepaid money cards from Wal-Mart or other retailers and contact them back with the numbers for payment

Be wary of these scams, inform the caller that you will contact local Law Enforcement to verify their story. If you are an employer, DO NOT give out any further information about the victim!

U. Iowa president stands by firing of hockey coach

Sports

August 26th, 2014 by Ric Hanson

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) – University of Iowa President Sally Mason says she stands by the controversial firing of women’s field hockey coach Tracey Griesbaum. Mason told reporters Tuesday that she understands that Griesbaum was a successful coach with many supporters, but that she “also understand the reasons” why athletic director Gary Barta removed her.

Barta said this month that he fired the 14-year coach after an investigation identified concerns and issues in the program. One professor says Griesbaum created a culture of intimidation. Giresbaum has said that a few former players have falsely accused her of mistreating them.

Current team members issued a statement last week expressing support for Griesbaum, and many former players, parents and even rival programs have called for her reinstatement.

Griesbaum’s longtime assistant, Lisa Cellucci, has been named interim coach.