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Midwest Sports Headlines: 8/6/2019

Sports

August 6th, 2019 by Ric Hanson

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

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Cody Bellinger hit a three-run homer and rookie Tony Gonsolin pitched six stellar innings of two-hit ball for his first victory in the Dodgers’ 8-0 win over the Cardinals. Gonsolin retired 14 of the Cardinals’ first 15 batters and took a no-hitter into the fifth inning of his second career start. Michael Wacha couldn’t get out of the fourth inning for the Cardinals, who dropped to 0-3 on their five-game California road trip.

BOSTON (AP) — Rick Porcello pitched six innings of one-run ball, Sam Travis hit a two-run homer and the Boston Red Sox halted their eight-game losing streak with a 7-5 victory over the struggling Kansas City Royals. Rafael Devers added a solo shot for the Red Sox.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Jovan Dewitt’s happy place is on the practice field. He’s never appreciated being there as much as he does now. Dewitt is back at his job as Nebraska’s outside linebackers coach following intense treatments for throat cancer that caused him to lost 102 pounds and zapped most of his energy. He had 38 rounds of radiation and three rounds of chemotherapy and was hospitalized most of April. He weighed about 310 pounds before his diagnosis and was just over 200 after the treatment regimen.

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs could have as many as eight new starters on defense this season, so they are counting on a couple of newcomers to provide some leadership. And given the backgrounds of safety Tyrann Mathieu and defensive end Frank Clark, it makes sense that they have arrived in Kansas City with chips on their shoulders.

BOURBONNAIS, Ill. (AP) — Chicago Bears rookie running back David Montgomery will get his first chance to test his skills against NFL players on Thursday in the preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers. The third-round draft pick out of Iowa State hasn’t had much chance to run against live tackling in camp but has been learning the passing game in the Bears’ offense. The Bears also have questions about their tight end position to address.

Iowa early News Headlines: Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2019

News

August 6th, 2019 by Ric Hanson

Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press at 3:40 a.m. CDT

MARSHALLTOWN, Iowa (AP) — A hospital in Marshalltown plans to close its obstetrics unit and women’s health clinic because of a drop in births at the facility. The Marshalltown Times-Republican reports UnityPoint Health announced Monday it would make the move in response to a 45 percent decrease in the number of births at the obstetrics unit. The closures will result in the loss of 32 jobs but UnityPoint says it’s trying to find work for displaced employees elsewhere in the organization.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — An Iowa Republican lawmaker held a campaign fundraiser featuring U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley at a shooting range, despite calls to cancel the gun-centered event following weekend mass shootings in Texas and Ohio. State Rep. Steve Holt blamed the shootings on “the loss of our value system brought about in part by idiotic far-left ideology that forced Biblical values from our schools, the media and the public square…”

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) — Democrat J.D. Scholten says he will make another run for an Iowa congressional seat held for 17 years by Republican Rep. Steve King. Scholten announced Monday he would again seek the Democratic nomination in the 4th Congressional District, made up of 39 counties covering much of northwest and central Iowa. Since winning the seat in 2002, King has been re-elected eight times, usually by margins of 20 to more than 30 percentage points until last November, when he beat Scholten by 3 points.

CENTERVILLE, Iowa (AP) — Authorities say two bodies were found in a rail car that had carried about 100 tons of steel from Mexico to south-central Iowa. The Daily Iowegian newspaper reports that Iowa Southern Railway workers discovered the bodies Friday when decoupling cars from an engine about 1.5 miles southeast of Centerville. Authorities think the two were killed by the tons of shifting steel that had been loaded in Monterrey, Mexico. It’s unclear when they got into the car. The pair have yet to be identified.

Marshalltown hospital will close obstetrics unit

News

August 5th, 2019 by Ric Hanson

MARSHALLTOWN, Iowa (AP) — A hospital in Marshalltown plans to close its obstetrics unit and women’s health clinic because of a drop in births at the facility. The Marshalltown Times-Republican reports UnityPoint Health announced Monday it would make the move in response to a 45 percent decrease in the number of births at the obstetrics unit.

As Jennifer Friedly, president of UnityPoint Health — Marshalltown put it, “There simply aren’t enough women choosing to deliver locally.” The closures will result in the loss of 32 jobs but UnityPoint says it’s trying to find work for displaced employees elsewhere in the organization.

The closure follows the June 2018 loss of the hospital’s catheterization lab and the November 2018 ending of its intensive care unit.

Cass County Health System Laboratory Receives Accreditation from College of American Pathologists

News

August 5th, 2019 by Ric Hanson

ATLANTIC- The Accreditation Committee of the College of American Pathologists (CAP) has awarded accreditation to the laboratory at Cass County Health System (CCHS) based on the results of a recent on-site inspection as part of the CAP’s Accreditation Programs. CCHS Laboratory Director, Mitch Whiley, MLS (ASCP)CM was advised of this national recognition and congratulated for the excellence of the services being provided.

The CCHS Laboratory is one of more than 8,000 CAP-accredited facilities worldwide. The U.S. federal government recognizes the CAP Laboratory Accreditation Program as being equal-to or more-stringent-than the government’s own inspection program. During the CAP accreditation process, designed to ensure the highest standard of care for all laboratory patients, inspectors examine the laboratory’s records and quality control of procedures for the preceding two years.

CAP inspectors also examine laboratory staff qualifications, equipment, facilities, safety program and record, and overall management.

Western/Southwest IA Youth to team w/celebrities during Gov. Charity Steer Show

Ag/Outdoor, News

August 5th, 2019 by Ric Hanson

The 2019 Governor’s Charity Steer Show at the Iowa State Fair marks the 37th consecutive year the beef industry has raised funds to help families who utilize the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa. The show ring competition takes place Saturday, Aug. 10, at 4:00 p.m., in the Pioneer Livestock Pavilion at the Iowa State Fair.

Celebrities will accompany the young steer owners, leading cattle around the ring while vying for the championship designation, showmanship honors, and the People’s Choice award.  Among the southwest Iowa teens showing their steers:

Steer # 2 – Sponsor: Crawford County Cattlemen & Nor-AM Cold Storage
Celebrity & Title: Lt. Governor Adam Gregg
Steer Name: Richard
Steer Owner: Makia Smith, Charter Oak

Steer # 8 – Sponsor: Iowa Bankers Association
Celebrity & Title: Mike Pearson, Co-host of Ag News Daily Podcast and VP of Market Engagement, Zaner Group
Steer Name: Richard
Steer Owner: Kerrigan Mobley, Diagonal

Steer # 9 – Sponsor: Volunteer Boards of Iowa Ronald McDonald House Charities
Celebrity & Title: Marcia Morales, RMH Volunteer
Steer Name: Thanks-A-Million
Steer Owner: Eric Plagman, Cumberland

Immediately following the competition, the steers will be sold at auction with proceeds going to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa. Both the show ring event and the auction are open to the general public.

Since the Iowa Beef Industry Council and the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association began the Governor’s Charity Steer Show in 1983, the effort has raised more than $3.5 million for the Des Moines, Iowa City and Sioux City Ronald McDonald House Charities. The houses provide a “home away from home” for families of seriously ill children being treated in area hospitals and have served nearly 47,000 families.

Each of the 25 steers are owned by Iowa youth who have cared for the animals and participated in other shows with them. The youth prepare the animals for the show and assist a celebrity in the show ring. Sponsors reimburse the youth for the cost of the animal and choose the celebrity.

Branching Out helps Iowa communities plant trees Storm-damaged towns among those getting grants and support

Ag/Outdoor, News

August 5th, 2019 by Ric Hanson

Thirty-nine Iowa communities will soon be a little bit greener thanks to $105,000 in tree-planting grants from Alliant Energy and Trees Forever’s Branching Out partnership. Communities applied for grants up to $5,000 to fund new trees that will add beauty and save energy. Many of the planting projects will also help replace trees destroyed by the emerald ash borer or by storms – including in Marshalltown, where the 2018 tornado devastated many of the city’s trees.

In southwest Iowa, the City of Creston received $5,000 for plantings at the hospital, school, McKinley Park and fairground buildings. The City of Greenfield received $3,828 to replace trees lost to windstorm last year, and street trees.

In addition to the funds, communities also receive tree-planning support from Trees Forever. A tree expert helps communities select the best species for their area and then assists in creating a care and maintenance plan to make sure the new trees have long and healthy lives.

This is the 29th year that Alliant Energy and Trees Forever have partnered to offer the Branching Out tree-planting program. Several communities planted their trees this spring, with many more plantings planned for the fall. To learn more about the program, visit alliantenergy.com/branchingout.

Adair man arrested Friday night on kidnapping, harassment & assault charges

News

August 5th, 2019 by Ric Hanson

The Adair County Sheriff’s Office reports an Adair man, 28-year old Bryan Dean Schultz, was arrested at around 9-p.m. Friday, on warrants charging him with Kidnapping in the 3rd Degree, Harassment in the 1st Degree, and Domestic Assault with a Weapon/1st offense. Schultz was being held in the Adair County Jail on a $65,000 cash-only bond. Additional details are currently not available.

At around 3:30-a.m. July 30th, 29-year old Rachael Ellen Ragan, of Greenfield, was arrested by Greenfield Police, for Domestic Abuse Assault/2nd offense. Authorities say she hit and scratched on the head and neck, 28-year old Matthew Meads, of Greenfield. The incident took place during a verbal argument between the couple that turned physical.

Meads, who was arrested for Assault with bodily injury, said Ragan flicked cigarette ashes on him, so he spit at her. That’s when she allegedly hit and pushed him several times in the face, neck and chest. Ragan told Police she was spit on, pushed to the ground and held down by Meads. She claimed that while he held her down, he stood on her foot, causing scratch marks and bruising. Ragan and Meads were transported to the Adair County Jail and later released on $1,000 cash or surety bonds, each.

On July 29th, 57-year old Joseph Alvin Hahn, of Adair, was arrested by Adair County Sheriff’s Deputies. Hahn was taken into custody on an Adair County warrant for Gathering Where Controlled Substances are Used, and Possession of a Controlled Substance/2nd offense. He was being held on a $7,000 cash or surety bond in the Adair County Jail.

And, on July 28th, 52-year old Henrik Leonard Rater, of Casey, was arrested on a warrant for a Controlled Substance Violation. He was being held in the Adair County Jail on a $25,000 cash or surety bond.

2019 Atlantic Open Golf Tournament results

Sports

August 5th, 2019 by admin

The 2019 Atlantic Open Golf Tournament was held this past weekend. 57 players competed in the two day event. The Championship group played 18 holes on Saturday at the Atlantic Golf and Country Club and 27 holes on Sunday at Nishna Hills Golf Club. All other flights of the tournament played 18 holes both days.

Andrew Martin had a stellar round on Sunday to come from behind and win the Championship Flight. He finished 7-under on Sunday to finish with a 5-under par 169 for the tournament. Darby McLaren was Runner-Up with a 175 total.

Championship Flight

  1. Andrew Martin 169
  2. Darby McLaren 175
  3. Jason Reynolds 177
  4. Rob Langfelt 180
  5. Jaxson Armstrong 182

Presidential Flight

  1. Nate Ross 156
  2. Chris Bengel 157
  3. Josh Reynolds 157

Open 1st Flight

  1. Brandon Laverty 158
  2. Jason Smith 161
  3. Chad Rogers 164
  4. Dave Wendt 164

Seniors 1st Flight

  1. Tad Olsen 144
  2. Kim Peters 147
  3. Mike Martin 149
  4. Daryl Armstrong 149

Seniors 2nd Flight

  1. Doug Richter 158
  2. Paul Price 160
  3. Steve Wilcox 162
  4. Paul Huddleson 162

Super Seniors Flight

  1. Jim Mullenix 153
  2. Rich Mitchell 154
  3. Kenny Hinson 155
  4. Mick Lee 164
  5. Roger Herring 165

2019 WCAC All-Conference Baseball Teams

Sports

August 5th, 2019 by admin

The West Central Activities Conference has released the 2019 All-Conference Baseball Teams.

First Team

Pitcher
Brett Shelton, DM Christian, SR
Logan Wicker, Madrid, SR
Alex Bice, Woodward-Granger, JR

Catcher
Evan Taylor, Panorama, SO

Infield
Reese Jamison, Woodward-Granger, JR
Brett Berg, Van Meter, JR
Grant Christy, DM Christian, SR
Cole Arnburg, West Central Valley, SR

Outfield
Kayden Kruse, Ogden, SR
Zach Pleggenkuhle, Van Meter, SO
Jacob Blomgren, Van Meter, SO
Trey Castille, DM Christian, JR

Utility
Anthony Potthoff, Van Meter, JR
Drew Taylor, Panorama, SO

Coach of the Year: Eben Baumhover, Van Meter

Second Team

Pitcher
Jacob Craven, Ogden, SR
Quintin Berglund, Pleasantville, SR
Brandon Worley, Woodward-Granger, JR
Ganon Archer, Van Meter, FR

Catcher
Luke Lehmann, DM Christian, SR

Infield
Frankie Accurso, DM Christian, SR
Jake Sheeder, Interstate-35, SR
Carter Church, Ogden, SR
Joe Rhodes, Woodward-Granger, SR

Outfield
Bryce Achenbach, Woodward-Granger, JR
Spencher Lamb, Van Meter, SR
Bryce Taylor, Panorama, FR
Cael Lester, Pleasantville, SR

Utility
CJ Dean, Madrid, JR
Andrew Fox, DM Christian, SR
Grant Fouch, Pleasantville, SR

Honorable Mention

Van Meter: Bryce Cole (JR) and Kolby Booge (JR)
DM Christian: Cal Matthes (SR) and Dalton Lewis (SO)
Woodward-Granger: Worth Henry (SO) and Jack Grell (JR)
Madrid: Jacob Loew (JR) and Landon Klatt (SR)
Ogden: Charlie Lake (SR) an dSam Christensen (JR)
Pleasantville: Wyatt Clark (JR) and Jake DeJoode (FR)
Panorama: Koltin Sloss (SR) and Domonic Walker (SO)
Interstate-35: Mason Cassady (SR) and Colton Clausen (SR)
Earlham: Trent Williamson (SR) and Alex Caskey (JR)
West Central Valley: Carson Wadle (SR) and Braiden Beane (SR)
ACGC: Avery Wheatley (SR) and Bryce Littler (JR)
Woodward Academy: Roy Barker (SR) and Russell Smith (SO)

2019 WCAC All-Conference Softball Teams

Sports

August 5th, 2019 by admin

2019 West Central Activities Conference All-Conference Softball Teams

First Team

Pitcher
Abby DeJoode, Pleasantville, SR
Haley Forret, Van Meter, SR
Denali Loecker, Ogden, JR

Catcher
Alli Boyle, Earlham, SO

Infield
Kate Stanley, Interstate-35, SR
Meagan Blomgren, Van Meter, SR
Emma Veenstra, DM Christian, SR
Makenzie McGriff, Pleasantville, JR

Outfield
Lilly Miller, Interstate-35, SR
Alayna Bakke, DM Christian, SR
Josie Sowers, Pleasantville, SO
Mackenzie Blomgren, Van Meter, SR

Utility
Abby Archer, Van Meter, SR
Alexis Bean, Earlham, SR

Second Team

Pitcher
Madeline Janssen, Earlham, SO
Faith VanDerhart, Pleasantville, SO
Ava Knoll, Interstate-35, SO

Catcher
Taylor Foley, Pleasantville, SR

Infield
Grace Voss, Earlham, SR
Sydnee McKinney, Pleasantville, SR
Shea Rhodes, Van Meter, FR
Meredith Adreon, Ogden, JR
Lydia Knapp, Panorama, SR

Outfield
Katelynn Voss, Earlham, SR
Sierra O’Brien, ACGC, SR
Jenna Palmer, Ogden, JR
Hanna Gibson, Pleasantville, SO

Honorable Mention

Woodward-Granger: Emma Anderson (FR) and Natalie Weaver (SO)
Interstate-35: Summer Pasutti (SO) and Josie McCudden (8th)
Pleasantville: Amber McKinney (SO) and Makenzie Olson (SR)
DM Christian: Kaliegh Friend (8th) and Emily Turnquist (SO)
Van Meter: Molly Blomgren (SO) and Gwen Boston (SR)
Madrid: Erin O’Neal (SR) and Shelbi Raymond (SR)
Ogden: Gabby Ross (JR) and Hannah Dutcher (JR)
Panorama: Kennedy Andersen (SR) and Hannah Woodworth (SR)
ACGC: Genevieve Hoover (SR) and Madalyn Kelsey (SO)
Earlham: Morgan Mineart (FR) and Allison Beatty (FR)