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Midwest Sports Headlines: 8/30/2019

Sports

August 30th, 2019 by Ric Hanson

Here is the latest Mid-America sports news from The Associated Press

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — The Packers defeated the Chiefs 27-20 in the teams’ preseason finale, but the play of the game came from Kansas City safety Harold Jones-Quartey during a dead ball in the fourth quarter. After Packers running back Dexter Williams scored the deciding touchdown with 6:24 to play and Sam Ficken nailed the PAT, a fan raced onto the field as the teams prepared for the ensuing kickoff. Jones-Quartey aided security by making the tackle.

UNDATED (AP) — Football players often refer to their teammates as brothers. In the Big Ten, a lot of them truly are. There are more than two dozen sets of brothers playing in the conference this season. Nebraska twins Carlos and Khalil Davis, Michigan State’s Jacob and Mike Panasiuk and Northwestern’s Andy and Samdup Miller start together on their teams’ defensive lines. Landan and Levi Paulsen hold down the guard spots on Iowa’s offensive line. In all, there are brothers on 11 of the league’s 14 teams.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Scott Frost’s second year at Nebraska begins against South Alabama. All indications are that his turnaround project is heading in the right direction. The 24th-ranked Cornhuskers are projected to be one of the most improved teams in the nation. Even though they finished 4-8 following an 0-6 start, they’re in the preseason Top 25 for the first time since 2014 and a popular pick to win the Big Ten West.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Jurickson Profar homered and drove in three runs, Seth Brown added two RBIs and the Oakland Athletics held off the Kansas City Royals 9-8 to cap a four-game series victory. Everybody in the A’s starting lineup had a hit or drove in a run, bailing out starter Chris Bassitt after a dismal performance. Bassitt failed to survive the fifth before turning the game over to Yusmeiro Petit, who was just about the only effective pitcher all the afternoon.

UNDATED (AP) — The Big 12 has a trio of new coaches that will make their debuts as a Power Five head coach. Kansas State’s Chris Klieman and Texas Tech’s Matt Wells both have been coaching for more than two decades. But each had only one previous season as an assistant at a school currently in the five major conferences. West Virginia coach Neal Brown was an offensive coordinator at Texas Tech and Kentucky. Kansas coach Les Miles, the league’s other new coach, won a national title at LSU.

Posted in Sports |

Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press at 4:45 a.m. CDT

News

August 30th, 2019 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The Democratic National Committee will recommend scrapping state plans to offer virtual, telephone-based caucuses in 2020 due to security concerns, sources tell The Associated Press. The recommendation from DNC leaders makes it highly unlikely that the party’s powerful Rules and Bylaws Committee would allow Iowa and Nevada to proceed with their current plans for virtual caucuses next February. DNC officials and some presidential campaigns have raised concerns about possible hacking.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa Congresswoman Cindy Axne says the patience of Iowa farmers is wearing thin as President Donald Trump’s trade policies damage soybean markets and his administration’s ethanol policy reduces corn demand. Axne, a Democrat, convened a meeting with farmers and agriculture groups at the Iowa Capitol on Thursday with USDA Under Secretary Bill Northey, a Republican and former Iowa secretary of agriculture. Northey says Trump realizes farmers are stressed in part by administration policies.

MARSHALLTOWN, Iowa (AP) — It took only seconds for a towering coal-fired electricity plant in Marshalltown to be reduced to rubble. The Sutherland Generating Station was imploded Thursday morning, with explosions causing the structure to crash to the ground and send up a plume of dust. The plant, owned by Alliant Energy, had operated since the 1950s but ceased operation in 2017 after a natural gas power plant came online.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — An Iowa funeral home is calling on families to pick up the unclaimed cremated remains of nearly 100 people that it has been keeping in a locked closet for years, some since the mid-1990s. Lanae Strovers, of Hamilton’s Funeral Home in Des Moines, told TV station KCCI that she has already made arrangements for 200 sets of the unclaimed ashes but is still trying make arrangements for 91 others. Any that remain unclaimed will be buried in a cemetery during a Sept. 26 service.

Posted in News |

Northey and Axne hold forum on farm issues

Ag/Outdoor, News

August 30th, 2019 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) — Former Iowa Ag Secretary Bill Northey — now a top administrator in the U-S Department of Agriculture — says farmers “need more assurances” about ethanol, but Northey says he’s unaware of what’s in the “giant package” President Trump is promising farmers. “I know there have been meetings and I know some of the things they have talked about, but I don’t know what’s going to be part of it and certainly we’re all on the edge of seat to be able to look at what it is,” Northey says. “I don’t even know the timing necessarily.”

Trump Thursday, tweeted the ethanol waivers he okayed, saved small oil refineries “from certain closing,” and Trump told farmers to “get ready” for a pro-ethanol move that will make them happy. Northey spoke Thursday at a forum with Iowa Congresswoman Cindy Axne, a Democrat from Des Moines. Axne says the waivers are “unacceptable.” “I think farmers’ patience is wearing thin,” Axne says.

Axne is pressing for the inspector general in the E-P-A to investigate the ethanol waivers. “The president can tweet out whatever he wants to tweet out about his next big thing,” Axne says. “…I am sick and tired of seeing hard-working farmers in Iowa being used as pawns in this administration whether it’s trade negotiation or whether it’s fulfilling the desires of rich shareholders of fossil fuel companies.” Northey says farmers were excited about the prospects of year-round E-15 sales, but that positive Trump Administration move “got lost” when the ethanol waivers were granted, plus farmers are facing weather and market challenges. “There’s as much nervousness around the economics of agriculture as I’ve seen in quite a while,” Northey told reporters.

On Wednesday, Northey attended a forum in La Porte City with Iowa Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer, a Democrat from Dubuque. Finkenauer also criticized Trump, saying this is a scary time for agriculture.

Posted in Ag/Outdoor, News |

Uncertainty over Missouri River levee repair

News

August 30th, 2019 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) — The speed of Missouri River levee repairs remains the key dilemma for southwest Iowans waiting for word on rebuilding after this spring’s flooding. The flood recovery task force Governor Kim Reynolds appointed earlier this year met again yesterday (Thursday). Task force member Larry Winum (WIN-umm), a banker from Glenwood, says the city council in Pacific Junction is determined to save their town — but face major obstacles. “Pacific Junction has never been flooded in their lifetime, ever, and now all of a sudden the rules that come down from the government say: ‘Well, you can’t rebuild there because now we know you’re in the flood zone,'” he says. “Well, they weren’t in a flood zone until the levees broke, so that’s frustrating for people, particularly if they’ve lived there all their lives.”

Governor Reynolds says state tax dollars have been spent on some projects, but there’s uncertainty about how much the State of Iowa may have to contribute to levee repair. “It’s extremely frustrating. I’m very frustrated. The bureacracy and the hoops that they expect you to jump through,” Reynolds said. “You make one small step forward and it’s four steps back.”

Reynolds says her idea of flexibility is very different from the Army Corp’s. The governor says homeowners and businesses in the flood zone are in a “catch-22” situation because rebuilding can’t start until the levees are fixed.

Posted in News |

Exira-EHK travels to Fremont-Mills to open 2019 football season on KJAN

Sports

August 29th, 2019 by admin

The Exira-EHK Spartans will open up their 2019 football season with a road trip to Tabor to face the Fremont-Mills Knights and we’ll have coverage on KJAN. The Spartans are coming off a 9-2 season in 2018 that ended with a loss to Fremont-Mills on November 11th in the State Quarterfinals 61-20. The two teams will look very different this year with a lot of seniors gone from last season. Fremont-Mills Head Coach Jeremy Christiansen said of all the games the Spartans and Knights have played in the last few years, this might be the one with the most unknowns.

The Knights are replacing a four-year starter at Quarterback in Mason Vanatta. Vanatta threw for 1,170 yards and 16 scores last year and also ran for 1,075 yards and 25 more touchdowns. Coach Christiansen said Colton Hauschild will take over under center, a senior that has been biding is time to step into that spot. The Knights also lost longtime back Jaeger Powers to graduation but they do have the most proven offensive threat back for either team with Seth Malcom at tailback. Malcom had a breakout season last year with 1,202 yards and 25 touchdowns. He also led the team in tackles with 101, including 18 solo tackles for loss. Coach Christiansen said Malcom will be expected to carry a big load.

Exira-EHK is also replacing their starting quarterback from last year, Josh Pettepier. He threw for 1,891 yards and 23 touchdowns last year. Tyler Petersen who has played at qb off and on for the Spartans will assume the full-time duties. Creighton Nelson is expected to be the workhorse back this season with Cole Burmeister and Jayden Goodwin gone. Exira-EHK Head Coach Tom Petersen said the Spartans will need to get that ground game working to be successful.

Coach Petersen has liked the work ethic of this new team and he hopes guys are ready to step up and take on bigger roles. He said the key in week one against a great team will be to take care of themselves and limit mistakes.

The Spartans and Knights are set for a 7:00pm kickoff in Tabor. Chris Parks and Mike Smith will have the call on KJAN. You can tune in on-air or online. You can also watch live streaming video on KJANTV. Our football night will start with our weekly pick ’em show Who’s Gonna Win? at 6:00pm followed by the Dvorak Tire and Service Pregame Show at 6:30pm. After the game stay tuned for post-game interviews and the Iowa High School Scoreboard Show from 10:00pm-11:30pm.

Posted in Sports |

1 student injured during accident in Atlantic Thursday afternoon

News

August 29th, 2019 by Ric Hanson

Atlantic Police, Fire, and Rescue were called to the scene of a vehicle on pedestrian accident around 3:18pm Thursday afternoon at 10th and Maple Streets in Atlantic. Atlantic Police Officer Devin Hogue told KJAN News the accident happened after students were released from school.

There were students walking westbound at 10th and Maple and had the right of way. A red Buick that was traveling west on 10th Street proceeded to make a left turn to head south on Maple Street, not yielding to the students that were crossing the street. One student, approximately 10-years-old, was struck by the vehicle and suffered a possibly serious leg injury. The injury at the scene did not appear to be life threatening.

No further details are being released at this time and the investigation into the accident is ongoing.

Posted in News |

Atlantic ready for season opener against Saydel

Sports

August 29th, 2019 by admin

Trojan LogoThe Atlantic Trojans football team is ready to open the 2019 season Friday night against Saydel. The Trojans are embarking on the 125th season of Atlantic football and it starts with a home game against the Eagles. Atlantic won the opener at Saydel last season 45-6 in a good all around effort game. Atlantic Head Coach Mike McDermott said the team is ready to get after it and leave a positive impression this season.

Coach McDermott has been pleased with the effort and competition during camp and he said a lot of guys will get a chance to contribute. The Trojans hope the run game can be a strength this season and a number of guys will get the chance to tote the rock, led by Tyler Moen.

The defense has had some good battles for spots in camp and Coach McDermott said multiple guys will rotate early in the season with the hopes that a few take control of some positions.

Saydel lost a strong leader from their team last year in Cash Lee. Lee was the leading passer, rusher, and tackler for the Eagles last season. Coach McDermott said from what they have seen from the Eagles this year they have a new big body at quarterback and some guys that will be a good challenge to contain.

The Trojans and Eagles are set for a 7:00pm kickoff on Friday night at the Trojan Bowl. Catch a full preview of the game with Coach McDermott on Trojan Preview at 4:45pm Friday on KJAN.

Posted in Sports |

Western IA woman appointed to the Court of Appeals

News

August 29th, 2019 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES– Gov. Kim Reynolds today (Thursday) announced her appointment of Julie Schumacher as a judge of the Iowa Court of Appeals. Schumacher, of Schleswig, Iowa, currently serves as a district court judge in Judicial Election District 3B. She has previously served as a district associate judge, an assistant county attorney for Crawford County,  and an assistant city attorney for Denison.

She also engaged in the private practice of law in Denison for nearly twenty years. Schumacher received her undergraduate degree from the University of South Dakota and her law degree from Creighton University School of Law.

The Iowa Court of Appeals is Iowa’s intermediate appellate court. It is composed of nine judges and decides appeals from district courts across Iowa. Schumacher fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Iowa Court of Appeals Chief Judge Gayle Nelson Vogel of Spirit Lake.

Posted in News |

High School Foootball Schedule – Week 1 – 08/30/2019

Sports

August 29th, 2019 by admin

Thursday (08/29/2019)

CLASS 4A

Council Bluffs, Thomas Jefferson at Sioux City, West

Friday (08/30/2019)

CLASS 4A

Sioux City, North at Council Bluffs, Abraham Lincoln

CLASS 3A

District 1

Bishop Heelan Catholic, Sioux City at Sioux City, East
Harlan at Denison-Schleswig
Lewis Central at Sergeant Bluff-Luton

District 2

Carroll at Glenwood

District 9

Bondurant-Farrar at ADM
Carlisle at Winterset
Carroll at Glenwood
Creston-O/M at Chariton
Harlan at Denison-Schleswig
Lewis Central at Sergeant Bluff-Luton

CLASS 2A

District 9

OABCIG at Ridge View
Perry at Greene County
Red Oak at Southwest Valley
Saydel at Atlantic
Shenandoah at Clarinda
St. Albert at Kuemper Catholic

CLASS 1A

District 8

ACGC at IKM-Manning
Des Moines Christian at West Central Valley, Stuart
Earlham at Van Meter
Nodaway Valley at Mount Ayr
Shenandoah at Clarinda
St. Edmond, Fort Dodge at Panorama, Panora

District 9

Cherokee, Washington at Storm Lake
MVAOCOU at MMCRU
South Central Calhoun at East Sac County
Treynor at Logan-Magnolia
Underwood at AHSTW
West Monona – Whiting at Missouri Valley

CLASS A

District 2

ACGC at IKM-Manning
Alta/Aurelia at Lawton-Bronson
Manson Northwest Webster at Ogden
OABCIG at Ridge View
Pocahontas Area at Sioux Central, Sioux Rapids
St. Edmond, Fort Dodge at Panorama, Panora

District 9

Earlham at Van Meter
Nodaway Valley at Mount Ayr
Red Oak at Southwest Valley
Riverside at Tri-Center
St. Albert, Council Bluffs at Kuemper Catholic, Carroll
Underwood at AHSTW

District 10

Akron-Westfield at Westwood, Sloan
Alta/Aurelia at Lawton-Bronson
Riverside at Tri-Center
Treynor at Logan-Magnolia
West Monona – Whiting at Missouri Valley
Woodbury Central at Hinton

CLASS 8

District 1

Ar-We-Va, Westside at Boyer Valley, Dunlap
Audubon at St. Mary’s, Remsen
Collins-Maxwell at Newell-Fonda
Kingsley-Pierson at Woodbine
North Iowa, Buffalo Center at Harris-Lake Park
West Bend-Mallard at Glidden-Ralston
West Harrison, Mondamin at River Valley, Correctionville

District 6

East Union, Afton at East Mills
Griswold at Southeast Warren
Lenox at Sidney
Seymour at Melcher-Dallas
Stanton at Lamoni
Twin Cedars, Bussey at Moravia

District 7

Bedford at CAM
East Union at East Mills
Exira/Elk Horn-Kimballton at Fremont-Mills (ON KJAN)
Griswold at Southeast Warren
Lenox at Sidney
Stanton at Lamoni

District 8

Ar-We-Va at Boyer Valley
Audubon at St. Mary’s, Remsen
Bedford at CAM
Coon Rapids-Bayard at Baxter
Exira/Elk Horn-Kimballton at Fremont-Mills
Kingsley-Pierson at Woodbine
West Bend-Mallard at Glidden-Ralston
West Harrison at River Valley

Posted in Sports |

Ex-Iowa pastor, wife now charged with witness tampering

News

August 29th, 2019 by Ric Hanson

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A former western Iowa pastor already charged in Nebraska with sexually assaulting two children has, along with his wife, been charged with an additional count of witness tampering. The Omaha World-Herald reports that 44-year-old Emanuel Rodriguez and 42-year-old Veronica Rodriguez were arrested this week. Police say Emanuel Rodriguez called his wife from jail after his arrest earlier this month on the sexual assault counts and told her to contact the mothers of the two girls. Victoria Rodriguez later told her jailed husband that she said she had sent text messages to the girls’ mothers saying her husband “had lost his whole career in the ministry” because of the accusations.

Police say Emanuel Rodriguez fondled two prepubescent girls between 2017 and May 2019 at two Omaha homes previously owned by Rodriguez. Rodriguez was the pastor at Calvary Assembly of God Church in Council Bluffs, Iowa, at the time of his arrest.

Posted in News |