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Iowa State Fair CEO says ‘radius clause’ limits bookings of Grandstand acts

News

July 9th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – The Iowa State Fair starts in 30 days — on August 8th. Iowa State Fair C-E-O Jeremy Parsons says there’s been a renewed focus on what he calls “creature comforts” for this year’s fairgoers. “Double the amount of handicapped accessible parking spaces — paved spaces. You’re going to see new sidewalks for accessibility. You’re going to see new shade areas, shade structures,” Parson says. “Picnic tables — we had $100,000 line item in our budget this year for picnic tables and benches, so more places for you to sit.”

Some restrooms have been remodeled and there are more water bottle filling stations on the fairgrounds. The price of admission to the State Fair is the same as last year. “Like any business operating in the state of Iowa today inflation has affected us, whether that’s most costs for employees — for salaries, whether that’s more costs for utilities, whatever it might be,” Parsons says, “so we’re very pleased at the Iowa State Fair this year to hold the line on admission.”

Tickets to State Fair Grandstand concerts are generally in the 30-to-60 dollar range. The most expensive seats — 125 dollars each — are for the Motley Crew concert. As of today, the Grandstand concert by rapper Jelly Roll on the first Saturday of the State Fair is sold out. Parsons says the “radius clause” in entertainers’ contracts has made booking acts more competitive.

“If an act has commited at a certain venue you draw a circle geographically so many miles out and that artist can’t perform again in that area,” Parsons says. “You think about this year, the challenge at the Iowa State Fair we’d had George Strait’s concert up in Ames and all of the entertainment out at the Iowa Speedway.”

Parsons made his comments during an appearance this past weekend on “Iowa Press” on Iowa P-B-S.

Riverside Softball has Major win over Boyer Valley

Sports

July 8th, 2024 by Asa Lucas

The Riverside Bulldogs softball team dominated Boyer Valley winning 23-0 at home on Monday night in the Class 1A Region 2 First Round. It was a matchup where Boyer Valley seemed to struggle in every aspect of the game. The top of the first inning saw Boyer Valley’s Maria Puck reach first base off of an error to get a runner on board. She managed to steal her way towards third base before the next two batters struck out for Boyer Valley ending the top of the first. In the bottom of the first Riverside adapted quickly to starting pitcher Danny Hikins, as the first 3 batters were hit twice by pitches and one walked. When the bases then became loaded, Peyton Schafer hit a 2 RBI single putting Riverside up 2-0. That was the just the beginning as Riverside went on to score 7 more runs from 4 walks and 2 base hits. Totaling their lead at 9-0 by the end of the first inning.

Boyer Valley tried to adjust their batting approach at the plate against Schafer but had no luck as she quickly retired the side with 2 more strikeouts. It was then in the bottom of the second inning when things really started to fall apart for Boyer Valley. The bases quickly became loaded again for Riverside as an error from second and back-to-back walks put immense pressure on Boyer Valley. It was then that Boyer Valley started to gain positive momentum when they struck out Kaycie Perkins and gained a second out from a fielder’s choice with a throw toward home. At that point Elly Henderson came up to bat with 2 outs and started a 14-run wave from her 3 RBI single making it a 12-0 lead. In the remainder of the inning Riverside had 8 more walks, 6 more hits, and 9 RBI’s. By the time out number three came, Riverside led 23-0.

The top of the third inning saw 3 Boyer Valley batters go up and 3 come back to the dug out with the run rule being in effect and ending the game at 23-0. Schafer had another all-around great game for Riverside pitching 3 innings, with no runs, and 5 strikeouts. In the box she went 3-4, including 6 RBIs, and a 3-run homer in the bottom of the second.

Riverside Head Coach Lacie Patterson credits Schafer’s calm demeanor to her age.

Riverside also had great production from Madison Kelly’s 3 hits and 4 RBIs on the night. In total Riverside accumulated 13 walks, 10 hits, and 16 earned runs. Coach Patterson liked the consistency from her batters throughout the evening.

Riverside’s win advances them to the second round of postseason play as they head to Woodbine Wednesday night. Coach Patterson knows her team can make it a competitive game.

The loss for Boyer Valley keeps them winless on the year and they finish the season with a 0-17 record.

Atlantic School Board meeting set for Wed., July 10 2024

News

July 8th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic Community School District’s Board of Education will meet 5:30-p.m. Wednesday, July 10th, in the High School Media Center. The meeting will be available for viewing on YouTube.

Included in the Board’s Consent Agenda for approval is:

  • Open Enrollment-In Applications for 24-25 school year
  • Resignations:
    • Rachel Tener Resignation
    • Jesse McCann, Girls Soccer Coach
    • Chase Roller, HS Asst Wrestling Coach
    • Lyssa Nelson, Resignation
  • Contract Recommendations and/or Classified Staff Assignment letters
  • Supplemental Pay Positions including Athletics & Activities
    • Ticket Manager

Action items include:

  • 1st reading, IASB Legislative Priorities for 24-25, Priorities are due August 19, 2024
  • My Benefits Channel replacing Intellinetics vendor for e-forms for employee onboarding
  • Nutrition Procurement Plan

Nunn Announces July Mobile Office Hours to Serve Iowans in Their Communities

News

July 8th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES — U.S. Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) today announced mobile office hours across the Iowa Third Congressional District to assist constituents who may not be able to travel to one of the congressional offices located in Creston, Des Moines, and Ottumwa. At these mobile office hours, Iowans will be able to get help from their Congressional office with Social Security, Medicare, passports, visas, veterans’ benefits, military records, tax returns, and other issues with federal government agencies.

“My top priority is providing exceptional services and support to Iowans,” said Rep. Nunn. “My hope is that these mobile office hours will ensure ease of access for all Iowans to receive assistance from my office regardless of where they live in the Third District.”

Mobile office hours will begin Tuesday, July 9. The schedule for June is below:

Adams County 
Adams County Fair 
1200 John Street, Corning, Iowa
Tuesday, July 9, 2024
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Adair County 
Stuart Public Library 
111 East Front Street, Stuart, Iowa
Thursday, July 11, 2024
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Ringgold County 
Ringgold County Fair 
3325 US Highway 169, Mount Ayr, Iowa
Friday, July 12, 2024
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Page County 
Shenandoah Public Library 
201 South Elm, Shenandoah, Iowa
Tuesday, July 16, 2024
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Montgomery County 
Montgomery County Fair 
1798 North 1st Street, Red Oak, Iowa
Wednesday, July 17, 2024
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Madison County 
Truro Public Library 
118 East Center Street, Truro, Iowa
Tuesday, July 23, 2024
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Taylor County 
Lenox Public Library 
101 North Main, Lenox, Iowa
Wednesday, July 24, 2024
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Adair County 
Adair County Courthouse 
400 Public Square, Greenfield, Iowa
Thursday, July 25, 2024
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Cass County 
Cass County Fair 
1000 Fair Avenue, Atlantic, Iowa
Friday, July 26, 2024
11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Additional dates and locations will be announced in the future.

Cass County Mobile Food Pantry Distribution Set for July 10th

News

July 8th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Atlantic, Iowa) – Cass County’s next mobile food pantry distribution will be held on July 10, 2024. Atlantic’s Mobile Food Pantry distribution will be at the Cass County Fairgrounds. Massena’s Mobile Food Pantry will be on the East Side of Massena’s City Park. The mobile pantries are hosted by community partners across Cass County.
A mobile pantry is a traveling food pantry that delivers food directly to families in need for a one-day distribution. People from surrounding towns and communities are welcome. Mobile food pantries are available free of charge. Anyone in need is welcome, and no documentation is required. Each car can take food for up to two households at a time. For any additional information or questions please contact Grace McAfee, Community Wellness Coordinator, at (712) 250-8170 or by email at mcage@casshealth.org.

Healthy Cass County logo

Additional mobile food pantries have been scheduled for Atlantic, Anita, Griswold, and Massena. (See below for details)
 
Atlantic 2024 Mobile Food Pantries
Where: Cass County Fairgrounds (1000 Fair Ave. Atlantic, IA 50022)
2024 Dates: July 10, September 11, October 9
Time: 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Anita 2024 Mobile Food Pantries
Where: Anita Food Pantry (208 Chestnut St. Anita, IA 50020)
2024 Dates: August 14, October 16
Time: 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Griswold 2024 Mobile Food Pantries
Where: Central Church of Christ (51 Harrison St. Griswold, IA 51535)
2024 Dates: November 2
Time:  10:00 am – 11:30 am
Massena 2024 Mobile Food Pantries
Where: East Side of Massena’s City Park (500 5th St, Massena, IA 50853)
Dates: July 10,  September 11, October 9
Time: 4:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Mobile pantry dates, times, and locations are subject to change. For the latest information on mobile pantries in the county, visit https://foodbankheartland.org/food-resources/find-food/. For information on local food, farmers markets, and food access, follow the Cass County Local Food Policy Council’s Facebook page @CassCountyLocalFood.

Final 1A/2A Softball Rankings (Monday, July 8th, 2024)

Sports

July 8th, 2024 by Asa Lucas

3A/4A/5A FINAL RANKINGS WILL BE POSTED THURSDAY, JULY 11th
 
Class 2A
School
Record
LW
1
Van Meter
37-1
1
2
Alburnett
29-6
2
3
Northeast
24-7
3
4
Cardinal
24-7
4
5
Audubon
24-4
5
6
East Marshall
28-4
8
7
Iowa City Regina
19-12
6
8
Lisbon
24-11
7
9
West Monona
30-7
9
10
Louisa-Muscatine
29-4
11
11
Durant
20-15
12
12
Interstate 35
18-15
10
13
Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont
19-13
13
14
Wapsie Valley
22-8
NR
15
Jesup
21-8
NR

Dropped Out: Pocahontas Area (14), Treynor (15)
 
Class 1A
School
Record
LW
1
Martensdale-St Marys
25-6
1
2
Wayne
21-4
2
3
Remsen St. Mary’s
20-0
3
4
Fort Dodge St. Edmond
22-5
4
5
Collins-Maxwell
24-3
5
6
Sigourney
20-7
6
7
Southeast Warren
20-2
7
8
Newell-Fonda
25-6
9
9
North Linn
26-13
8
10
Mason City Newman
27-5
10
11
Earlham
23-12
11
12
Edgewood-Colesburg
26-10
13
13
Clarksville
18-9
14
14
Woodbine
17-3
15
15
Griswold
24-4
12
 
Dropped Out: None

Kirk Ferentz Named to Dodd Trophy Watch List

Sports

July 8th, 2024 by Asa Lucas

IOWA CITY, Iowa — University of Iowa Moon Family head football coach Kirk Ferentz is one of 21 head coaches named to the 2024 Dodd Trophy Preseason Watch List. The announcement was made Monday by the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Foundation and Peach Bowl, Inc.

The Dodd Trophy, college football’s most coveted national coaching award, celebrates the head coach of a team who enjoys success on the gridiron, while also stressing the importance of scholarship, leadership and integrity — the three pillars of legendary coach Bobby Dodd’s coaching philosophy.

The watch list was created through a selection process by the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Foundation and Peach Bowl, Inc., taking into consideration each program’s graduation rate, commitment to service and charity in the community, projected success for the 2024 season and Academic Progress Rate (APR).

Ferentz is heading into his 26th season as Iowa’s head coach, the longest tenured head coach in college football. Ferentz has coached 13 individual national award winners and 89 NFL Draft selections during his tenure. He has guided Iowa to Big Ten championships in 2002 and 2004, and Big Ten West Division titles in 2015, 2021 and 2023.

Iowa’s all-time winningest head coach, Ferentz has led the Hawkeyes to a 196 wins, including 122 in the Big Ten. He is four wins from notching win No. 200 as Iowa’s head coach and surpassing Amos Alonzo Stagg (199) for second in the Big Ten for total victories. Iowa won 10 games in 2023, won the Big Ten West Division and earned a berth in the Citrus Bowl for the second time in three seasons.

Ferentz has led the Hawkeyes to 21 bowl invitations, including 13 January bowl game appearances. Iowa has won 10 or more games eight times under his direction and has been ranked in the final Top 25 rankings five of the last six seasons.

Ferentz was named the Bobby Dodd National Coach of the Year in 2015. He has been named Big Ten Coach of the Year four times (2002, 2004, 2009, 2015) and was named the Woody Hayes and Eddie Robinson National Coach of the Year in 2015, as well.

The 21 coaches joining Ferentz on the preseason list represent Clemson, Florida State, Georgia, Kansas, Kansas State, Louisville, LSU, Miami, Missouri, NC State, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma State, Ole Miss, Penn State, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia Tech, USC and Utah.

The Hawkeyes open the 2024 season Aug. 31, hosting Illinois State at 11 a.m. (CT) inside Kinnick Stadium.

Flood victims in 5 NW IA counties may qualify for federal food assistance

News

July 8th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – State officials are urging northwest Iowans who’ve lost food, appliances or a job due to recent flooding to check to see if they qualify for federal food assistance. Erin Drinnin is community access coordinator for the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services. “Some folks may be in a position where they haven’t asked for government assistance before,” Drinnin says, “but certainly if you have experienced significant impacts from the storm, I would really encourage you to consider that you may be eligible.”

It’s called Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance or D-SNAP. Drinnin says Iowans who live or work in five northwest Iowa counties can apply for it this week. “You can either come to one of the designated sites that we have. There is a site location in each of the five counties. Those counties are Clay, Emmet, Lyon, Plymouth and Sioux,” Drinnin says, “or you can apply over the phone.” The toll free number is 1-877-828-5648.

“Those who are eligible may either work in or live in one of those five counties and have had some sort of impact from the disaster, so you may have lost income because you haven’t ben able to go to work or because your business was impacted,” Drinnin says. “You may have been affected somehow by expenses related to repairs or expenses related to sheltering if you couldn’t be in your home.”

The U-S-D-A approved D-SNAP benefits for victims of severe weather than hit Iowa in april and May, including devastating tornadoes in Greenfield and Minden, but Drinnin says very few people applied and only 15 households were deemed eligible for the expanded food assistance. “It is somewhat disappointing and is probably indicative of a lot of factors,” Drinnin says, “whether folks didn’t know about it or they didn’t think they were eligible.” Those who qualify for D-SNAP are able to use an electronic benefits card at eligible businesses and may buy prepared, hot food through August 1st, which is not allowed under the traditional SNAP program.

“We do recommend that when you enter the grocery store, if you have the D-SNAP card…that you check in with that retailer and that you’re actually able to use your benefits to purchase prepared food.” Flood victims can apply for D-SNAP benefits this week at the Crosswinds Church in Spencer, the Emmet County Fairgrounds, the Forster Community Center in Rock Rapids, the Le Mars Bible Church and Main Street Plaza in Rock Valley.

Plan unveiled to make Iowa’s food system more local and sustainable

Ag/Outdoor, News

July 8th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – The Iowa Food System Coalition wants to make locally-produced food the norm, not the exception, and is releasing a 250-page plan to get there in the next decade. One priority in the plan is to make it easier to get food from the farm to the table. That means supporting more local and regional infrastructure, like small-scale processing for specialty crops, grains, dairy and livestock. Coalition executive director Chris Schwartz says more than 40 partners across Iowa helped shape the plan.

“Which details all the things that we think we need to do in the state of Iowa to have a food system that is more local, that is more nutritious, that is more environmentally sustainable, and is more just for people doing the work.” Strategies include improving farmers’ access to land and expanding incentives to adopt practices that protect Iowa’s soil, water and air. Giselle Bruskewitz is the senior program director at Iowa Valley Resource Conservation and Development.

“We’re talking about small grain processing, rural grocery stores getting the infrastructure that they need,” Bruskewitz says, “vegetables that can be processed at scale so that schools and other institutions can buy them.” She says the coalition also wants to invest in more refrigerated trucks and food hubs, which aggregate and distribute local products.

Iowa’s network of food hubs serves nearly 70% of the state’s counties.

Jury selection begins in trial of man accused of murdering Algona policeman

News

July 8th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – Jury selection is underway in the Dickinson County Courthouse for the trial of 44-year-old Kyle Ricke of Algona, who’s accused of murdering a policeman. Ricke’s charged in the fatal shooting last September of Algona Police Officer Kevin Cram. Cram was serving an arrest warrant to Ricke when Ricke allegedly pulled a handgun and shot the policeman.

The trial was moved to Dickinson County on a change of venue, but the start was delayed until today (Monday) due to recent flooding in the Spirit Lake area.