United Group Insurance

State Auditor of releases agreed-upon procedures report on the City of Casey

News

May 23rd, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Des Moines, Iowa)-  Iowa Auditor of State Rob Sand today released an agreed-upon procedures report on the City of Casey, Iowa, for the period July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023. The agreed-upon procedures engagement was performed pursuant to Chapter 11.6 of the Code of Iowa.

Sand reported five findings related to the receipt and disbursement of taxpayer funds. They are found on pages 9 and 10 of the report. The findings address issues such as a lack of segregation of duties, journal entries not reviewed and approved and the lack of written policies related to the City’s credit card and gas card.

Sand provided the City with recommendations to address each of the findings. The City Council has a fiduciary responsibility to provide oversight of the City’s operations and financial transactions. Oversight is typically defined as the “watchful and responsible care” a governing body exercises in its fiduciary capacity.

A copy of the agreed-upon procedures report is available for review on the Auditor of State’s website at Audit Reports – Auditor of State.

Girl’s state wrestling tourney going to 2 classes

Sports

May 23rd, 2024 by admin

The Iowa Girls’ State Wrestling meet is expanding to two classes. Radio Iowa’s Dar Danielson reports.

The Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union added girls wrestling as a sanctioned sport two years ago and the first two state tournaments were held with no classes. The largest 64 wrestling schools will now be in Class 2-A and the remaining schools in Class 1-A for this year’s meet. Wrestlers will compete in regional meets with the top 16 qualifiers by weight in each class advancing to the state tournament February 6th-7th in Coralville. Girls Union executive director Erin Gerlich said in a statement that the rapid rise in number of girls participating in wrestling has exceeded thier expectations and they hope the addition of classes will encourage more schools to add programs. There are 204 schools sponsoring a girls’ wrestling program in 2024, with 61 other schools in cooperative sharing agreements for teams.

Sunnyside Pool Announces 2024 Season Opening and New Manager

Ag/Outdoor, News

May 23rd, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Atlantic, Iowa) — Nishna Valley Family YMCA Executive Director Dan Haynes, today (Thursday) report Sunnyside Pool in Atlantic will hold its grand opening for the 2024 summer season, on May 31st! The pool will be open daily from 1-until 7-p.m., offering the community a perfect place to cool off and enjoy the summer days. Sunnyside will be operated under the direction of the Nishna Valley YMCA this year with partnership of the Atlantic Parks and Rec department. The YMCA will be handling all day to day patron and staffing operations and the Park and Rec will be taking care of the maintenance and water.

Haynes said “The YMCA is happy to reengage and partner with the Atlantic Parks and Recreation Department to bring the community the very best aquatics activities we can offer and maximize the talent and facilities we currently have. I’d like to thank Chelsie Rush and Chelsie Huddleson for their work in helping us get to this point as well as Jeff and Kirk from the City side to prepare the pool”

He added, “We are excited to introduce Vanessa Proehl as our new manager this year. Vanessa plans to continue building on last year’s successes by introducing new events and options for our patrons to enjoy. With her leadership, we anticipate a season filled with fun, community, and growth.”

Season Pass Information

Sunnyside Pool offers a variety of season passes to fit everyone’s needs:

  • Group Pass: $130 (passholder + four additional members)
  • Individual Pass: $90 (single member)
  • Punch Pass: $35 (ten entries)

Passes can be conveniently purchased online through a form link available on the Sunnyside Pool Facebook page, or simply scan the QR code on the flyer, this form will collect a payment from a card when submitted. Memberships will also be available for purchase at the pool, payment methods accepted at the pool this year will be cash, check or card. Checks should be made out to the Nishna Valley Family YMCA.

Upcoming Enhancements

While the city was unable to install a slide this year due to regulatory constraints, we are pleased to announce that a new pump system will be installed mid-season, improving the pool’s overall efficiency and water quality.

Parks and Rec Coordinator Jeff Christensen says “We understand that a new pump is not all that exciting but it is necessary to keep Sunnyside Pool up and running.”

Stay tuned to the Sunnyside Pool Facebook page for updates on the pump installation dates, exciting new evening events, weather closures, special promotions, and more.

Adams County Tornado rated an EF-3

News, Weather

May 23rd, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Des Moines, Iowa) – Officials with the National Weather Service report that a tornado affecting parts of Page, Montgomery and Adams counties has a preliminary rating of EF-3, with estimated peak winds of 140-to 150-miles per hour. The event began at 2:43-p.m. and ended at 3:19-p.m. The 1,300 yard wide tornado traveled 32 miles.

The damage was limited primarily to rural areas of Adams County. Officials say five or six houses were destroyed, two homes sustained major damage, and fences, livestock, and several wind turbines were toppled.

Disaster Recovery Fund Established in Adams County

News

May 23rd, 2024 by Ric Hanson

Corning, Iowa – Officials with the Adams Community Foundation say a Disaster Recovery Fund (DRF) has been established to support vulnerable populations following the severe weather events on May 21, 2024. The DRF provides an opportunity for the public to give, with the reassurance that donations will be quickly moved to resources where they are needed most to adapt to evolving needs. The flexibility of the fund ensures that the county can respond to supplement needs being provided by existing nonprofit, local, state, and federal programs.

Adams Community Foundation President Nancy Turner said “Our county has proven that we are better together, and this collaborative spirit will once again prevail as we support our neighbors in need.” The Adams Community Foundation has committed an immediate $500 to the DRF. Join us in giving to support Adams County: https://desmoinesfoundation.org/AdamsCountyDisasterRecovery.

Funds received will first focus on disproportionately affected communities by addressing economic barriers and health impacts of populations negatively impacted by disaster. The long-term application of the fund will focus on additional needs that are not already being met that may inevitably arise. Grants will be provided to community-based organizations and service providers active in current response and will not be made available for individual application. A team of community leaders and grantmakers will work together to identify recipients with deep roots in the community and experience delivering support and services to vulnerable populations in moments of crisis.

Montgomery County Tornado rated EF-1

News, Weather

May 23rd, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Red Oak, Iowa) – The Montgomery County Emergency Management Agency reports a tornado that began Tuesday afternoon near Red Oak, was rated as an EF-1, which typically packs winds of 86-to 110-miles per hour. Emergency Management Director Brian Hamman says the brief tornado was confirmed by video, emergency management and a National Weather Service survey team in the southwest sections of Red Oak.
The 75-yard wide tornado began at around 2:37-p.m. south of the railroad tracks about one-quarter of a mile east of G Avenue, damaging trees, before moving into the industrial area south of Coolbaugh Avenue, where the twister damaged a commercial garage. The tornado continued northeast, damaging trees before ending just north of the intersection of West 2nd Street and West Reed Street (just under one-mile from where it started). The survey team continues to collect information from multiple sources, and results are subject to change.

JUDITH HANSEN, 79, of Walnut (Memorial Svcs. 5/31/24)

Obituaries

May 23rd, 2024 by Ric Hanson

JUDITH HANSEN, 79, of Walnut, died May 19th, 2024, at the Community Care Center in Stuart. Memorial services for JUDITH HANSEN will be held at the Peace United Church of Christ in Walnut, beginning at 10-a.m. on Friday, May 31st. Pauley-Jones Funeral Home in Avoca has the arrangements.

The family will greet friends at the funeral home on Thursday, May 30th, from 5-until 7-p.m.

Burial is in the Layton Township Cemetery in Walnut.

JUDITH HANSEN is survived by:

Her husband – Charles Hansen, of Stuart.

Her sons – Jeff Hansen, of Walnut; and Cory (Kristi) Hansen, of Stuart.

Her daughter – Tami Edge, of Humboldt.

11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Alliant Energy re-establishing natural gas services in Greenfield

News

May 23rd, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Greenfield, Iowa) – Officials with Alliant Energy report Alliant’s crews are beginning to reestablish natural gas services in Greenfield. The process will begin in the north half of town. Crews will go door-to-door requesting access to each home or businesses to safely relight natural gas appliances. An adult (18 years or older) must be present for technicians to enter your home. If you are not home when they come to relight, they will leave a message on your front door or garage door to call Alliant Energy at 1-800-ALLIANT (800-255-4268) for an appointment. Please note, all Alliant Energy employees carry badges with photo identification.  

   

ALLIANT ENERGY INFORMATION OFFICE: 

Alliant Energy has set up a temporary information office at the Warren Cultural Center (154 Public Square) in Greenfield for customers seeking gas service information or other inquiries.  

 

Alliant Energy customer service is also available at 1-800-ALLIANT (800-255-4268).  

 

CHARGING STATION AVAILABLE: 

Alliant Energy has a mobile charging station available at the Warren Cultural Center (154 Public Square) in Greenfield. Electronic devices can be charged for free.   

Girls Wrestling Moves to Two Classes For 2024-2025 Season

Sports

May 23rd, 2024 by Asa Lucas

At its May meeting, the Board of Directors of the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union approved the move to two classes for the 2024-25 girls’ wrestling season.

The move will place the 64 largest wrestling schools into Class 2A, with the remaining schools competing in Class 1A.

Wrestlers will compete to qualify for the state tournament at regional meets across the state on Friday January 31, 2025. There will be eight regional state qualifying sites hosted by schools for both Class 1A and 2A.

The top 16 qualifiers from each weight class will qualify for the 2025 Girls State Wrestling Tournament, which will be held February 6-7 in Xtream Arena in Coralville. The Girls State Wrestling Tournament will remain a two-day tournament, with separate sessions for each class on February 6 and combined sessions for the championship sessions on Friday, February 7.

“The rapid rise of participants in girls wrestling has exceeded even our expectations,” said IGHSAU Executive Director Erin Gerlich. “Adding a second class is the next building block in our efforts to continue to help the sport grow. The hope is that the addition of a second class will encourage more schools to add girls’ wrestling programs.”

The IGHSAU sanctioned girls’ wrestling in 2022 and has been a one-class tournament since beginning competition in 2023. In 2024, 204 schools sponsored a girls’ wrestling program, while 61 other schools were listed in cooperative sharing agreements.

Storm damage and flooding impact some Iowa state parks for Memorial Day weekend

Ag/Outdoor, News

May 23rd, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Des Moines, Iowa) – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources reports several Iowa state parks have been impacted by recent heavy rains and storms, causing closures in some areas. Visitors are urged to plan in advance heading into the holiday weekend in case a park activity or location is affected.

Impacted parks include:

Backbone State Park (Delaware County) – The north gate entrance is currently closed. Mud and sand are on the road in the flats area. Debris and logs are along the trout stream road. Staff will reopen the north entrance once roadway cleanup is complete.

Big Creek State Park (Polk County) – Flash flooding has caused high water at Big Creek Lake, which should recede by the weekend. Damage from flooding will be assessed once water levels go down, but is expected to be minor. Access to docks at the marina may be impacted.

Dolliver Memorial State Park (Webster County) – The road in the central part of the park is currently closed due to flooding. The campground, cabins, and center lodge will be closed through the Memorial Day weekend. The north shelter and south lodge will be accessible.

George Wyth State Park (Black Hawk County) – The park is closed through Memorial Day weekend and possibly longer due to flooding and the potential for more rain. The park is closed to all traffic including driving, walking and biking.

Ledges State Park (Boone County) – The canyon drive is currently closed to vehicle traffic due to flash flooding. Visitors can hike into the canyon from the Oak Woods picnic area (near the Canyon entrance gates) but are advised not to enter the rapid, rising streams. As the Des Moines River crests Friday, the county road (Oriole Road) on the west side of the park is expected to be flooded.

Rock Creek State Park (Jasper County) – the west road to the beach, in addition to the beach, beach boat ramp, west shelter and trail access are all closed due to flash flooding. Some campsites will be closed due to debris and flooding. Visitors should avoid any dock that is in a bind or not in its normal location. The south end boat ramp and shelter also are closed due to excessive debris and damage. The lake contains a significant amount of new debris and trees from recent rains.

Walnut Woods State Park (Polk County) – The Purple Martin Water Resource Area has experienced flooding. The area will remain open, but part of the loop trail is inaccessible.

Wapsipinicon State Park (Jones County) – The Wapsipinicon River is expected to flood parts of the park. Staff plan to close some roads starting Friday, May 24, which will make the lodge and playground shelter inaccessible.

Additionally, several trails are closed to equestrian and bike use at Brushy Creek State Recreation Area, Elk Rock State Park, Stephens State Forest and Volga River State Recreation Area due to wet conditions.

Visitors are encouraged to avoid driving through high water and to use extra safety precautions for water recreation activities due to swift currents and debris in many lakes and rivers. Additionally, be aware of potential tree debris within parks in mowed areas and on trails; staff are cleaning as they are able. A full listing of alerts and closures can be found at https://www.iowadnr.gov/Places-to-Go/State-Parks/Alerts-and-Closures