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No injuries reported following a Union County collision

News

July 27th, 2021 by Ric Hanson

A car slowing down to turn into a rural driveway in Union County was struck from behind, Monday afternoon. The Union County Sheriff’s Office said the accident happened at around 1:15-p.m. on 110th Street, a county gravel road. A 2004 Ford Mustang driven by 49-year-old Kami Sue Winther, of Greenfield, was slowing to turn, when her car was struck by a 1999 Ford F-350 pickup, driven by 44-year-old Jason Richard Berendes, of Red Oak.

Berendes told authorities he couldn’t see the Mustang because of the gravel dust. Following the collision, the pickup entered the left/south ditch and struck a utility pole, causing it to break. The car entered the same ditch and struck the rear of the pickup.

Damage from the collision amounted to $15,000. Berendes was cited for Failure to Stop in an Assured, Clear Distance. The utility pole, owned by Alliant Energy, was valued at $2,000.

Posted in News |

(Update) Atlantic Middle School Fire contained

News

July 27th, 2021 by Ric Hanson

A fire that was reported at around 12:35-p.m. Tuesday at the Middle School in Atlantic, was under control about an hour later, thanks to quick action from Atlantic, Lewis, Marne and Griswold firefighters. The incident occurred on the roof of the building, about half-way between the north and northwest facing corners. Video from the scene prior to firefighters’ arrival showed intense orange flames and thick black smoke. Cass County Emergency Management Coordinator Mike Kennon said the fire appears to have been confined to the roof.

Drone Photo courtesy Cass County Sheriff’s Deputy Ben Bartholomew

Photo courtesy Cass County Sheriff’s Deputy Ben Bartholomew

Photo courtesy Cass County Sheriff’s Deputy Ben Bartholomew

According to persons at the scene, roofers were installing a new roof, and had left to go to lunch. Persons conducting tuck pointing on the sides of the building saw the smoke and called 9-1-1. The roof of the building is 12-inch thick concrete, so it’s not likely the fire would have spread easily to the rest of the structure. The roof was installed in the early 1930’s he said, as part of the WPA (Works Progress Administration) projects under FDR’s administration. The part that was burning was apparently the fiberboard placed on top of the roof liner. It wasn’t immediately known where the blaze began, or why.

Atlantic School District Superintendent Steve Barber said that he’s grateful for the quick response.

Atlantic Police, the Cass County Sheriff’s Office, Cass EMS and others assisted at the scene.

UPDATE 5:00 p.m. – In a message to school district members on Tuesday night Superintendent Barber said the fire did not penetrate the building but the school did experience significant water damage throughout most of the building. The fire marshal is evaluating the fire and they are asking everyone to stay away from the building. The building will be closed while they work through the cleanup process and will update everyone once everyone is able to enter the building again.

Update 7:25-p.m.: A press conference is set to take place at the Atlantic Fire Station, 1-p.m. Wednesday, with Atlantic Fire Chief Tom Cappel, Steve Barber, and a representative from the State Fire Marshal’s Office.

Photos Courtesy Matt Smith

Posted in News |

Atlantic Fire called to AMS for roof fire

News

July 27th, 2021 by Ric Hanson

Atlantic Fire Fighters and Cass EMS were dispatched to the Atlantic Middle School for a report of a fire on the roof of the building. The page went out at 12:35-p.m.  Additional details were not immediately available. The first crews on the scene reported black smoke coming from one part of the roof. Mutual aid was requested from Marne and Lewis Fire.

Posted in News |

MARY “Pat” COOPER, 82, of Stuart (Private graveside svcs.)

Obituaries

July 27th, 2021 by Ric Hanson

MARY “Pat” COOPER, 82, of Stuart, died Saturday, July 24, 2021, at the Mercyone Medical Center in Des Moines. Per her wishes, private family graveside services will be held for MARY “Pat” COOPER. The Steen Funeral Home in Greenfield is in charge of the professional arrangements.

Online condolences may be left to the family at www.steenfunerals.com.

Memorials may be directed to the Pat Cooper Memorial Fund to be established by the family at a later date.

MARY “Pat” COOPER is survived by her two sons: Tom Cooper and Chet Cooper, both of Stuart.

2 grandchildren, other relatives and friends.

Posted in Obituaries |

3 Community trails bike or walking events for August in Montgomery County

Ag/Outdoor, News

July 27th, 2021 by Ric Hanson

The Montgomery County Recreational Trails Committee is hosting a Three Community Trails Bike or Walking Event on Friday, August 20 and Saturday, August 21, 2021, in Villisca, Stanton and Red Oak. Organizers say there is no charge to participate, but donations will be accepted and all the fun you will have is absolutely FREE. The first community event will be on Friday night, August 20 as Villisca hosts their “Every Street Bike Ride”. Participants will gather starting at 7:00 PM at the Park Shelter House, at the intersection of 3rd St. and 3rd Ave. A leisurely evening bike ride, lasting around an hour and a half, will take riders down and up every street and avenue in Villisca past well known historic attractions including the Ax Murder House. Bikers may also choose to ride only streets or only avenues, either of which takes about 40 minutes. There will also be a 2-mile and a ¾ mile walking route.

The next morning, August 21, participants will be able to ride or walk the Stanton Greenbelt Trail. The event will start anytime between 8 and 9 AM from Anderson Park. Participants will be able to also visit the Swedish Heritage and Cultural Center and enjoy a cup of coffee and pasties or lunch at the new Fika Coffee Hus on Main Street. The event will then travel to Red Oak for a 2:30 PM for the Historic Heritage Hill ride or walk including the WWII depot museum, and the scenic Red Oak Trail. Begin the journey at the Montgomery County Court House at 2nd and Coolbaugh St. ending at the “518” Building at the corner of Red Oak Square, 4th and Reed for wonderful music and drinks of all kinds.

For those who participate in all three communities, a FREE commemorative T-Shirt will be awarded.

Get a commemorative T-shirt for participating in all 3 rides! (Photo from the MCRTC Facebook page)

Those who choose to do only one or two segments will be able to make a suggested donation and get the same T-Shirt. Each community will have a separate route for biking and walking. Their purpose is to introduce to you the three participating communities and the NEW Montgomery County Recreational Trails Committee. We will also share the work of connecting our county from North to South and East to West through a new system of trails.

Pre-Registration is encouraged, but not required. You can register at Montgomery County Recreational Trails Face book page. Remember, when bicycling, “Think Safety. Wear your Helmet”.

Posted in Ag/Outdoor, News |

2021 All-Rolling Valley Conference Baseball Teams

Sports

July 27th, 2021 by admin

After a run to the Substate Final the 2021 CAM baseball team has landed 4 members on the All-Rolling Valley Conference First Team. Juniors Lane Spieker, Colby Rich, and Joe Kauffman along with senior Connor McKee were honored. Junior Cade Ticknor was also honored on the Second Team. Exira-EHK had two members on the Second Team with junior Tyler Kingery and senior Trey Petersen getting nods. Here’s a look at the full list.

FIRST TEAM

P: Quentin Culbertson, SR, Coon Rapids-Bayard
P: Lane Spieker, JR, CAM
C: Colby Rich, JR, CAM
IF: Joe Kauffman, JR, CAM
IF: Cory Bantam, JR, Woodbine
IF: Mason King, SO, West Harrison
IF: Will Ragaller, JR, Ar-We-Va
OF: Connor McKee, SR, CAM
OF: Easton Hays, JR, Coon Rapids-Bayard
OF: Gabe Gilgen,, JR, West Harrison
UT: Lance Clayburg, SO, Coon Rapids-Bayard
UT: Cooper Kock, JR, Ar-We-Va

SECOND TEAM

P: Landon Bendgen, FR, Woodbine
P: Tyler Kingery, JR, Exira/Elk Horn-Kimballton
C: Aaron McAlister, SR, Coon Rapids-Bayard
IF: Josh Ramirez, SR, Coon Rapids-Bayard
IF: Sage Evans, SO, West Harrison
IF: Trey Petersen, SR, Exira/Elk Horn-Kimballton
OF: Gabe Obert, JR, Coon Rapids-Bayard
OF: Clay Roberts, SR, Boyer Valley
OF: Mark Lensch, OF, Glidden-Ralston
UT: Cade Ticknor, JR, CAM
UT: Conner Kirsch, JR, Ar-We-Va
UT: Jesse Soma, SR, Boyer Valley

Posted in Sports |

2021 All-Rolling Valley Conference Softball Teams

Sports

July 27th, 2021 by admin

First Team
Macy Emgarten, Exira-EHK*
Shay Burmeister, Exira-EHK*
Alisa Partridge, Exira-EHK
Charlie Pryor, Woodbine
Jordan Butrick Woodbine
Grace Moores, Woodbine*
Emily McIntosh, West Harrison*
Haley Koch, West Harrison
Mallory Behnken, CAM
Miranda Garcia, Coon Rapids-Bayard
Jamie Hausman, Ar-We-Va
Halle Murray, Whiting
*Unanimous

Second Team
Jadeyn Smith, Ar-We-Va
Sara Schurke, Ar-We-Va
Hannah Kraus, Ar-We-Va
Helen Riker, CAM
Emma Follmann, CAM
Cassidy Baker, Coon Rapids-Bayard
Emma Hart, Coon Rapids-Bayard
Kylie Petersen, Boyer Valley
Lenix Miller, Boyer Valley
Haleigh Rife, West Harrison
Mollie Rasmussen, Exira-EHK
Vanessa Koehler, Glidden-Ralston

Posted in Sports |

Iowa extends contracts for 9 head coaches

Sports

July 27th, 2021 by admin

IOWA CITY, Iowa – – Nine head coaches of University of Iowa intercollegiate athletic programs have received contract extensions. The announcement was made Monday by Gary Barta, Director of Athletics Chair.

Head coaches in the sports of men’s basketball (Fran McCaffery), wrestling (Tom Brands), baseball (Rick Heller), women’s soccer (Dave DiIanni), women’s basketball (Lisa Bluder), women’s golf (Megan Menzel), softball (Renee Gillispie), field hockey (Lisa Cellucci) and women’s tennis (Sasha Schmid) had their contracts extended. A number of assistant coaches in several sports also received contract extensions.

“It is with great pleasure that we are able to reward our head coaches in these sports with contract extensions and adjustments,” said Barta. “I am proud of our coaches, staff and student-athletes for their successes in competition, but just as importantly for the professionalism displayed in going about their business, both athletically and academically, throughout a very difficult time due to COVID-19.”

The overall success of Iowa athletics in 2020-21 included six Big Ten Conference championships, the NCAA national championship in wrestling and an NCAA Final Four appearance by Field Hockey. Hawkeye teams won Big Ten titles in soccer (postseason), women’s gymnastics (regular season), wrestling (regular season and postseason), and men’s track and field in both the indoor and outdoor seasons. Iowa’s final ranking in the Learfield IMG College Director’s Cup (30th) marks its highest finish in the overall sports standings since 1997.

Overall, six Hawkeye head coaches earned Big Ten Coach of the Year honors, six Hawkeyes were named conference Player/Athlete of the Year, and three Hawkeyes earned Freshman of the Year honors. Sixteen of Iowa’s 24 sports programs advanced to postseason competition (team or individuals).

Posted in Sports |

2021 All-Western Iowa Conference Softball and Baseball Teams

Sports

July 27th, 2021 by admin

2021 WIC All-Conference Softball Teams

First Team: Erikah Rife (Logan-Magnolia, jr.); Ella Pierce (Underwood, sr.); Kenna Ford (Riverside, sr.); Abby Hiatt (Logan-Magnolia, fr.); Maddie Pierce (Underwood, sr.); Stella Umphries (Treynor, sr.); Kailey Jones (AHSTW, sr.); Jadyn Huisman (Treynor, fr.); Ally Meyers (AHSTW, jr.); Macanna Guritz (Logan-Magnolia, soph.); Taylor Nelson (Underwood, sr.); Hannah Thygesen (Audubon, jr.); Zoey Melton (IKM-Manning, sr.).

Second Team: Kali Irlmeier (Audubon, soph.); Olivia Haynes (Missouri Valley, jr.); Ashlyn Doiel (Logan-Magnolia, sr.); Morgan Heiny (Riverside, jr.); Natalie Hagadon (AHSTW, jr.); MiKinzie Brewer (Tri-Center, fr.); Sydney Beymer (Audubon, sr.); Elly Henderson (Riverside, 8th); Alli Robertson (Underwood, sr.); Katelyn Nielsen (Audubon, sr.); Katie Messerschmidt (Riverside, sr.); Rachel Kinsella (Treynor, jr.); Audrie Kohl (Missouri Valley, 8th).

2021 WIC All-Conference Baseball Teams

First Team: Blake Hall (Underwood, sr.); Jaxson Schumacher (Treynor, soph.); Trent Kozeal (Tri-Center, sr.); Leyton Nelson (Tri-Center, sr.); Alec Fichter (Missouri Valley, sr.); Jack Van Fossen (Underwood, fr.); Joe Hedger (Logan-Magnolia, sr.); Mason Rohatsch (Tri-Center, sr.); Tre Melby (Logan-Magnolia, sr.); Blake Holst (AHSTW, sr.); Brett McGee (Tri-Center, sr.); Max Nielsen (IKM-Manning, jr.); Ethan Reicks (Riverside, sr.).

Second Team: Justice Weers (Tri-Center, jr.); Brock Wallace (Treynor, sr.); Mason Boothby (Underwood, fr.); Ethan Klocke (Audubon, sr.); Jacob Fetter (Logan-Magnolia, sr.); Conner Richards (IKM-Manning, sr.); Cody Gilpin (Missouri Valley, jr.); Tyler Boothby (Underwood, sr.); Jaxon Johnson (Tri-Center, jr.); Kaden Snyder (Treynor, jr.); Eddie Vlcek (Riverside, sr.); Eli Fouts (Missouri Valley, soph.);

Posted in Sports |

Des Moines metro part of COVID wastewater test

News

July 27th, 2021 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – The city of Des Moines wastewater treatment plant is part of a national program that tests wastewater for COVID-19 and its variants. Director Scott Hutchens says the program is a partnership with the U-S Department of Health and Human Services, the C-D-C, and the National Institutes of Health. “We’ll take samples and send them to them two to three times a week. We take our influent wastewater and it gets tested for the presence of COVID-19 and any variants that might be in that,” he explains.

Hutchens says the plant treats waste from 17 Des Moines metro communities and some 500-thousand people. “You know when you shower, when you go to the bathroom and flush your toilet — that’s coming through the sewer system and pipelines and interceptor sewers here to the treatment plant,” Hutchens says. The liquid is pulled out of the sewage and treated by the plant before being released into the river. The samples will test the water before the treatment. “They can do an analysis to determine how rampant COVID-19 is in the community — or how well the vaccination process is going,” according to Hutchens.

The program is paid for by the federal government and includes hundreds of wastewater treatment plants across the country.

Posted in News |