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Backyard & Beyond 3-2-2016

Backyard and Beyond, Podcasts

March 7th, 2016 by Jim Field

LaVon Eblen visits with Ken Sidey, Executive Director of the Warren Cultural Center in Greenfield about upcoming events.

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Sac County authorities charge Carroll man & Manning woman with burglary

News

March 7th, 2016 by Ric Hanson

The Sac County Sheriff’s Office reports two people have been charged with burglary in connection with a rural Odebolt burglary that took place on or about March 2nd. Authorities say 30-year old Todd Allan Grimsman, of Carroll, and 41-year old Julie Ann McManigal, of Manning, were charged with Burglary in the 3rd degree. The pair were arrested by authorities in Ida County following a traffic stop.

During an investigation, deputies located items taken from a residence at 3450 Ida Avenue, in rural Odebolt. The pair admitted their involvement in the burglary to an interviewer from the Sac County Sheriff’s Department, who questioned them at the Ida County Jail, where Grimsman and McManigal remain held.

It’s Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness Month

News

March 7th, 2016 by Ric Hanson

The spotlight on concussions in sports has started a conversation about brain injuries from the local to the national level, but the Iowa Department of Public Health says thousands of people who aren’t on the playing field suffer brain injuries each year that go untreated. The department’s Maggie Ferguson says this is Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness Month in Iowa and they want people to know the symptoms of a brain injury.

“It’s important that people understand that first of all — we have been hearing a lot about concussions and a concussion is a brain injury — I think people just think of it as having their bell rung or seeing stars. But definitely those are consistent with symptoms of a brain injury, so it’s important to know if you are experiencing those symptoms, you should be checked out by a medical professional,” Ferguson says. The violent hits are the focus of attention for causing concussions in football, but Ferguson says you could suffer one from a simple slip on a wet floor in your home.

“Falls are the number one cause of brain injuries in Iowa,” Ferguson says. Ferguson, the I-D-P-H’s Brain Injury & Disability Program Manager, says there are several symptoms that you should recognize. “Initially people might experience a headache, they could be a little confused, they could have balance problems or disiness, feel a little sluggish, maybe foggy, also might experience some vomiting or be bothered by light or noise,” Ferguson says. “For some people there might be loss of consciousness…that’s not always something that might happen.” She says it’s important if you experience such symptom that you get checked out before you go on about your daily routine.

“You never know how long those symptoms could last, and not having it checked out and continuing on with activities as normal could actually make your situation worse,” according to Ferguson. Blows to the head are a common cause of the brain injury — but not the only cause. “People don’t even need to necessarily hit their head directly, just being shaken around,” Ferguson says, “having a blow to the body is enough to have your brain juggle around inside your skull and cause some injury.” Ferguson says victims of brain injury can have changes in thinking, language, or even general emotions, that are often missed, and that’s why they call it the “silent epidemic.”

“Brain injury can happen to anybody….like I said, falls are the number one cause of brain injury. We see it being the number one cause in the very young and the very old. So, across the board it is something we should be concerned about,” Ferguson says. For information on prevention and resources available regarding brain injuries, you can visit the Brain Injury Alliance of Iowa’s website at: biaia.org, or visit the Iowa Department of Public Health’s website at: idph.iowa.gov/brain-injuries.

(Radio Iowa)

NE man arrested after driving the wrong way on I-80 in Adair County

News

March 7th, 2016 by Ric Hanson

A man from Nebraska was arrested for Reckless Driving Saturday night for driving the wrong way on Interstate 80 in Adair County, two-miles west of Stuart. The Adair County Sheriff’s Office says a deputy stopped 57-year old Scott James Noell, of Omaha, at the 91 mile marker, as he was traveling west in the eastbound lanes, at around 8:50-p.m.  Noell was sentenced to time served and released Sunday night.

Two people were arrested last week on drug charges, in Adair County. The Sheriff’s Office says 21-year old Mariah K. Carbine, of Winterset, was arrested by Stuart Police March 1st. The woman was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance/Methamphetamine – 1st offense, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. She was released on $1,000 bond later that day. And, Stuart Police arrested 22-year old Tyler Eugene Worthington, of Winterset, March 1st as well, for Possession of Meth/1st offense, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Violation of a Temporary Restraining Order. He was later released on $1,000 bond.

And, the Adair County Sheriff’s Office reports 59-year old Reginald Allen Sickles, of Greenfield, was arrested Saturday night for OWI/1st offense. Sickles was later released on $1,000 bond.

Fatal crash Sunday morning east of Greenfield

News

March 7th, 2016 by Ric Hanson

One person died in a single-vehicle crash Sunday morning, in Adair County. The Adair County Sheriff’s Office says the driver of a 2000 Chrysler Town and Country mini-van that crashed about nine-miles east of Greenfield off Highway 92, is believed to be an adult male from the State of Indiana. The victims’ name was being withheld though, until a positive identification can be made by the Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner.

The accident was reported a little after 7-a.m., Sunday. Adair County Sheriff Jeff Vandewater reports upon arrival by emergency personnel, the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle was located underneath the van and was later pronounced deceased at the scene by the Adair County Medical Examiner.

Upon investigation, it was determined the vehicle was traveling eastbound on State Highway 92. For reasons unknown, the van veered off of the roadway and entered the north ditch. After traveling some distance, the vehicle left the ditch and became airborne. The momentum of the minivan caused it to roll sideways again when came into contact with the roadway. The driver was ejected from the minivan as it rolled and became trapped underneath the vehicle as it came to a rest.

The accident remains under investigation. The Adair County Ambulance, Greenfield Fire Department, Orient Fire Department and an Adair County Sheriff’s Deputy assisted at the scene.

Exira’s Christofferson added to IGHSAU Hall of Fame

Sports

March 7th, 2016 by admin

Over the championship weekend at the Iowa Girls High School Basketball Tournament three former players were inducted into the IGHSAU Basketball Hall of Fame.  Those players were Exira’s Hallie Chirstofferson, Adel’s Pat Ashby and Cedar Falls’ Ellie Peterson.

Hallie Christofferson was added to the Hall of Fame just six years after she finished her playing career for the Vikettes.  Christofferson helped lead her team to a state championship in Class 1A in the final year of the program before merging with Elk Horn-Kimballton. Hallie is playing professionally in Europe currently and will be formally honored at the state tourney next year due to the conflict.  The IGHSAU put out the following bio of Christofferson.

“Christofferson starred at Exira from 2006 to 2010. She helped Exira make two state tournament appearances, leading her team to a Class 1A state championship in 2010. A three-time first-team all state selection, she is one of eight players in Iowa history with 2,000 career points and 1,000 career rebounds. Her 2,247 career points ranks eighth on the Iowa all-time list while her 1,320 rebounds places her third on the state’s career rebound list.

Chrisofferson went on to star at Iowa State. A two-time unanimous first-team All-Big 12 selection, she played in four NCAA tournaments and ranks sixth on the Cyclones career scoring list, eighth in rebounding and third in free throw percentage. She was 1 of 10 finalists for the National Senior CLASS Award and was a three-time academic all-Big 12 selection.”

Shelby County Fire Danger remains HIGH w/Red Flag conditions during daytime hours

Ag/Outdoor, News, Weather

March 7th, 2016 by Ric Hanson

The Shelby County Emergency Management Agency says participating businesses, and fire station in the County, should keep their “FIRE DANGER” signs in the HIGH category for the next few days, as record temperatures and breezy conditions will create near RED FLAG (extreme fire danger) conditions, especially between 11-a.m. and 6-p.m. each day.

Any open burning that can be moved to the early morning or late evening hours, will reduce the potential for fires to rapidly spread. The next update will be Thursday morning. High fire danger

Big 12 Men’s Basketball Awards

Sports

March 7th, 2016 by admin

The Big 12 Conference announced their annual awards over the weekend.  Iowa State Junior Forward Deonte Burton was named Newcomer of the Year, while Senior Forward Georges Niang was named a first team selection.  Junior Point Guard Monte Morris was named to the Second team.  Fellow Cyclones Jameel McKay, Abdel Nader, and Matt Thomas were named Honorable Mention selections.  The full list of honorees from big12sports.com can be found below.

The official All-Big 12 awards are selected by the league’s head coaches, who are not allowed to vote for their own players.

AWARD RECIPIENT
Player of the Year Buddy Hield, Oklahoma
Coach of the Year Tubby Smith, Texas Tech
Defensive Player of the Year Prince Ibeh, Texas
Sixth man Award Jaysean Paige, West Virginia**
Newcomer of the Year Deonte Burton, Iowa State**
Freshman of the Year Jawun Evans, Oklahoma State

** – Unanimous Selection

ALL-BIG 12 FIRST TEAM
Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Cl. Hometown/Previous School(s)
Taurean Prince, Baylor F 6-7 215 Sr. San Antonio, Texas/Earl Warren
Georges Niang, Iowa State** F 6-8 230 Sr. Methuen, Mass./The Tilton School
Perry Ellis, Kansas** F 6-8 225 Sr. Wichita, Kan./Wichita Heights
Buddy Hield, Oklahoma** G 6-4 214 Sr. Freeport, Bahamas/Sunrise Christian Academy [Kan.]
Isaiah Taylor, Texas G 6-3 185 Jr. South Hayward, Calif./The Village School [Texas]
ALL-BIG 12 SECOND TEAM
Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Cl. Hometown/Previous School(s)
Monté Morris, Iowa State G 6-3 175 Jr. Flint, Mich./Beecher
Frank Mason III, Kansas G 5-11 185 Jr. Petersburg, Va./Massanutten Military Academy
Wayne Selden Jr., Kansas G 6-5 230 Jr. Roxbury, Mass./Tilton School [N.H.]
Jaysean Paige, West Virginia G 6-2 200 Sr. Jamestown, N.Y./Perry County Central/Moberly Area CC
Devin Williams, West Virginia F 6-9 255 Jr. Cincinnati, Ohio/Montverde Academy
ALL-BIG 12 THIRD TEAM
Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Cl. Hometown/Previous School(s)
Rico Gathers, Baylor F 6-8 275 Sr. LaPlace, La./Riverside Academy
Johnathan Motley, Baylor F 6-9 230 So. Houston, Texas/North Shore
Wesley Iwundu, Kansas State F 6-7 210 Jr. Houston, Texas/Westfield
Isaiah Cousins, Oklahoma G 6-4 200 Sr. Mount Vernon, N.Y./Mount Vernon
Ryan Spangler, Oklahoma F 6-8 234 Sr. Bridge Creek, Okla./Gonzaga University
ALL-BIG 12 HONORABLE MENTION (Listed alphabetically by school)
Lester Medford (Baylor), Jameel McKay (Iowa State), Abdel Nader (Iowa State), Matt Thomas (Iowa State), Devonte’ Graham (Kansas), Landen Lucas (Kansas), Jordan Woodard (Oklahoma), Jawun Evans (Oklahoma State), Jeff Newberry (Oklahoma State), Javan Felix (Texas), Toddrick Gotcher (Texas Tech), Aaron Ross (Texas Tech), Zach Smith (Texas Tech)
BIG 12 ALL-DEFENSIVE TEAM
Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Cl. Hometown/Previous School(s)
Devonte’ Graham, Kansas G 6-2 175 So. Raleigh, N.C./Brewster Academy [N.H.]
Frank Mason III, Kansas G 5-11 185 Jr. Petersburg, Va./Massanutten Military Academy
Wesley Iwundu, Kansas State F 6-7 210 Jr. Houston, Texas/Westfield
Khadeem Lattin, Oklahoma F 6-9 208 So. Houston, Texas/Redemption Christian Home School Academy
Prince Ibeh, Texas** C 6-11 265 Sr. Garland, Texas/Naaman Forest
Jevon Carter, West Virginia G 6-2 185 So. Maywood, Ill./Proviso East
BIG 12 ALL-NEWCOMER TEAM
Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Cl. Hometown/Previous School(s)
Deonte Burton, Iowa State** G 6-4 250 Jr. Milwaukee, Wis./Marquette/Vincent
Barry Brown, Kansas State G 6-3 195 Fr. St. Petersburg, Fla./Gibbs
Dean Wade, Kansas State F 6-10 225 Fr. St. John, Kan./St. John
Jawun Evans, Oklahoma State G 6-0 180 Fr. Dallas, Texas/Kimball
Eric Davis Jr., Texas G 6-2 185 Fr. Saginaw, Mich./Saginaw Arthur Hill
Kerwin Roach Jr., Texas G 6-4 170 Fr. Houston, Texas/North Shore

** – Unanimous Selection
Ties in the voting created additional spots on the All-Defensive and All-Newcomer Teams

Public hearing Wednesday on proposed Atlantic School District Budget & 2016-17 Calendar

News

March 7th, 2016 by Ric Hanson

Patrons of the Atlantic Community School District are invited to attend a public meeting Wednesday evening (March 9th), with regard to the District’s proposed 2016-17 School Calendar and the 2016-17 Certified Budget. The hearing will take place in the High School Media Center, beginning at 5:30-p.m., during the Board of Education’s regular session.

The proposed Budget is just over $26-million ($26,035,748), which is an increase of nearly $1.16-million over the Re-estimated 2016 Budget, and $1.32-million more than the Actual 2015 Budget. The proposed tax rate is $15.83 per $1,000 taxable valuation, which is an increase of nearly 63-cents more than the last fiscal year’s (FY 2015-16) levy of almost $15.20/$1000 (*as noted by the IA Dept. of Management). The proposed calendar for the upcoming year has the first day of classes starting August 23rd, 2016, with the last day of classes for all students (except seniors) being May 25th, 2017. Seniors’ last day will be May 17, 2017.

With regard to the current school year (2015-16), Superintendent Dr. Michael Amstein will recommend to the Board extending the last day of school for students other than seniors, to May 26th instead of May 24th. That’s to make up for days missed earlier due to inclement weather. Amstein says the District missed five school days due to the weather during the current school year, but because the District will have exceeded the required number of hours’ instruction this year, he recommends make up only two of the five days.

The Board will act on approving as well, 2016 Summer Capital Projects recommendations by Dr. Amstein, which includes: $385,000 for Bus purchase/lease; $180,000 for Phase 2 of the High School Heat Pump replacement project; $125,00 each for the annual payment with regard to High School laptop computers, and playground equipment at Washington Elementary. Those, and other, smaller projects amount to an expenditure of nearly $1.1-million ($1,090,000.00).

In other business, the Board will act on approving resignations, including those of: head Football Coach Eric Waldstein, Freshman Football Coach Dan Vargason, Middle School Art Teacher Jessica Brocka, and Food Service worker Katherine Meyer. The are expected to approve, as well, the several contracts and/or letters of assignment, including: Sierra Worth, 4th Grade Teacher for 2016-17; Jill Miller, 5th Grade Teacher (2016-17); and Amber Knudsen, 4th Grade Teacher (2016-17). Transfers for 2016-17 include: Alisa Winquist, from 2nd to 1st Grade Teacher; Sheryl Dusenberry, from 6th Grade Science to 6th Grade Social Studies; Hillary Waldstein from High School 2/3 Special Education to Washington Elementary 2/3 Spec. Ed.; Kathy Blazek from High School Level 1 to Level 2-3 Special Ed; and Kara Martin from 8th Grade Science Teacher to 6th Grade Science Teacher.

Iowa pastor convicted of sexually abusing 5-year-old

News

March 7th, 2016 by Ric Hanson

SIDNEY, Iowa (AP) – A southwest Iowa pastor has been convicted of sexually abusing a 5-year-old girl. A Fremont County jury Friday found 68-year-old Roger Kissel guilty of sex abuse and lascivious acts. Radio station KNCY in Nebraska City, Nebraska, reports that the jury deliberated for about 2 1/2 hours. Kissel’s sentencing is set for May 4th.

When he was arrested, Kissel was a pastor at the nondenominational Sidney Cowboy Church. Police have said the allegations weren’t connected to the church. Prosecutors say the crimes occurred in 2013.