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Iowa State players preview North Dakota

Sports

August 29th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

Iowa State receiver Jayden Higgins knows North Dakota will be motivated in Saturday’s season opener in Jack Trice Stadium. The native of Florida began his college career at FCS Eastern Kentucky before joining the ISU program.

Higgins says there are a lot of unknowns in a season opener and in-game adjustments will be crucial.

Defensive end Tyler Onyedim says a key will b slowing down the Fighting Hawks’ ground game.

Onyedim says they are ready for a game.

Shonn Greene To Serve As Honorary Captain

Sports

August 29th, 2024 by Asa Lucas

IOWA CITY, Iowa — Former University of Iowa unanimous All-American Shonn Greene will serve as honorary captain when the Hawkeyes host Illinois State on Saturday on Duke Slater Field at Kinnick Stadium. Kickoff is set for 11:01 a.m. (CT) and the game will be televised on Big Ten Network.

Greene was recipient of the 2008 Doak Walker Award, presented annually to the nation’s top collegiate running back, after leading the Hawkeyes to nine wins and rushing for more than 100 yards in every game. He is only the second running back in Iowa history (Nile Kinnick) to earn consensus All-America honors. Following the 2008 season, Greene was honored with the Chicago Tribune Silver Football, emblematic of the league’s most valuable player. He was named a co-captain and MVP following his senior campaign.

Greene holds the Iowa single season records for yards rushing (1,850) and rushing touchdowns (20). He also is tied for most rushing scores in a game when he crossed the goal line four times against Wisconsin in 2008. He ranks 12th on Iowa’s career rushing yardage list with 2,228 yards, despite playing only one full season. Greene lettered three times (2005-06-08).

The Sicklerville, New Jersey, native played six seasons in the National Football League after being drafted in the third round by the New York Jets in 2009. He played four years with the Jets (2009-12) and two seasons with the Tennessee Titans (2013-14). Greene eclipsed 1,000 yards rushing in back-to-back years in 2011 (1,054) and 2012 (1,063).

Greene, who will be inducted into the Iowa Athletics Hall of Fame this weekend, will accompany the Iowa captains to midfield for Saturday’s pregame coin toss. He will also be with the Hawkeyes in the locker room before and after the game.

HELEN SKELLENGER, 89, of Atlantic (Svcs. 9/4/24)

Obituaries

August 29th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

HELEN SKELLENGER, 89, of Atlantic, died Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at Heritage House in Atlantic. Funeral services for HELEN SKELLENGER will be held 2-p.m. Wed., Sept. 4, 2024, at Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic.

Visitation at the funeral home is on Wednesday from 1-until 2-p.m.

Burial is in the Atlantic Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to the family for later designation to the Atlantic Animal Shelter and the Western Iowa Homeless and Feral Cat Program.

HELEN SKELLENGER is survived by:

Her daughters – Linda Lantz, and Rita (Alan) Chesnut.

Her son -Russell (Gloria) Steffens.

4 grandchildren; and 9 great-grandchildren.

Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.

Denison laundromat damaged by an overnight fire

News

August 29th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Denison, Iowa) – Firefighters in Denison responded a little before 1-a.m. today (Thursday), to a structure fire at Boysen Laundromat, in Denison. No injuries were reported. The flames were contained primarily to the east interior end of the building, with smoke damage throughout the rest of the structure. Officials estimate the blaze caused $40-to $50-thousand dollars damage to the building and $100-to 150-thousand dollars damage to the building’s contents.

Photo from our sister station KDSN in Denison.

The cause and origin of the flames were not immediately clear. The blaze remains under investigation. Denison Fire received mutual aid from the Dow City, Vail, and Manilla Fire Departments. The Crawford County Memorial Hospital provided an ambulance on stand-by. Denison Police were also on the scene.

SBA to Close Its Business Recovery Center in Minden

News

August 29th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the Small Business Administration has announced that SBA will close its Minden Business Recovery Center at 4-p.m. Friday, Aug. 30th. The SBA opened the center to provide personalized assistance to businesses that were affected by the severe storms and tornadoes that occurred April 26th and 27th.

Until the center closes, SBA customer service representatives will continue to meet with business owners to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process, help each individual complete their electronic loan application and close their approved loans. No appointment is necessary.

POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
Business Recovery Center
Minden Fire Station
Meeting Room
205-207 Main St.
Minden, IA 51553
Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Closes at 4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30

SBA representatives will also continue to be available at the following federal-state Disaster Recovery Center to meet with businesses and residents. The center is open on the days and times indicated. No appointment is necessary.

POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
Disaster Recovery Center
Veterans Affairs Building
623 Sixth Ave.
Council Bluffs, IA 51501
Mondays – Saturdays, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Closed on Saturday, Aug. 31 – Monday, Sept. 2 for Labor Day

Businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets. SBA can also lend additional funds to help with the cost of improvements to protect, prevent or minimize disaster damage from occurring in the future. For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of any size, SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic injury assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any property damage.

Disaster loans up to $500,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $100,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property, including personal vehicles. Interest rates can be as low as 4 percent for businesses, 3.25 percent for private nonprofit organizations and 2.688 percent for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition. Interest does not begin to accrue until 12 months from the date of the first disaster loan disbursement. SBA disaster loan repayment begins 12 months from the date of the first disbursement. SBA logo

Applicants may apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at SBA.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

For SBA declaration 20318 for severe storms, and tornadoes that occurred April 26 – 27, 2024, the deadline to apply for economic injury is Feb. 14, 2025. For SBA declaration 20415 for severe storms, flooding, straight-line winds and tornadoes that occurred June 16 – July 23, 2024, the deadline to apply for property damage is Oct. 22, 2024. The deadline for economic injury is Mar. 24, 2025.

Forecast: More storms and heat, then a pleasant Labor Day weekend

News, Weather

August 29th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – Forecasters say Iowa should see ideal weather for the Labor Day weekend, but things may get steamy and stormy before the holiday arrives. Meteorologist Craig Cogil, at the National Weather Service, says thundershowers moved across upper Iowa this (Thursday) morning. “We’ve seen some storms develop in northern Iowa, and they’re currently moving into southern Minnesota, as we see warmer and more humid air move back into the state,” Cogil says, “and it’s certainly going to push highs up to around 90 this afternoon with the humid conditions continuing.”

NWS graphic

Wide areas of the state may see heat indices back into triple digits today, but Cogil says another round of showers tonight should bring cooler air with it. “We’re going to see a cold front move down through the state into the overnight period, with showers and thunderstorms developing this evening,” Cogil says. “There may be the potential for some severe storms right now, looking at the main threat from damaging winds and large hail.” Once tonight’s storms are past, Cogil says it should be smooth sailing into Labor Day, as well as into next week.  “It looks like the holiday weekend should be rather pleasant, particularly Sunday and Monday,” Cogil says, “with highs mainly in the 70s and very little humidity and no threat of precipitation.”

Waterloo and Davenport both set record high temperatures of 98 degrees earlier this week, with some communities seeing heat indices as high as 117.

Atlantic School Board discusses Attendance Policy; Changes may be coming

News

August 29th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic School Board, Wednesday evening, discussed the District’s Attendance Policy. Superintendent Dr. Beth Johnsen said school officials in Atlantic and across Iowa are trying to work through the new rules established by the Iowa legislature, to make sure they are in compliance, but is still a lot of confusion on, and misinterpretation of the law, as Johnson found out earlier in the day, Wednesday.

Johnsen said the administration understood that chronic absenteeism meant for 10-percent of the school year, or 18 school days. That, as it turns out, is not the case.

Kathy Hanafan, Green Hills AEA School-based Interventionist, told Dr. Johnsen she would look more into the matter, including what other school district’s are doing across the State, but it’s clear – and the board agreed – that no one district is following the law entirely, based on its interpretation.

Right now, Dr. Johnsen says, the Atlantic School District may-or-may not be in compliance with the law.

She says she thinks the District will be held accountable by the County Attorney. Board member Josh McLaren said he doubts Cass County Attorney Vanessa Strazdas will act quickly to act on a case or cases of chronic absenteeism.

Other board members said it’s not something the public should get “worked-up about” right now, because there are still so many legal unknowns and the need for further clarification, but the policy currently in-place, stands. Board member Laura McLean said the main thing for parents to know, is that the Atlantic School District wants to your children to be in school as much as possible, and to communicate the effect chronic absenteeism has on a students’ ability to learn and keep-up with their classmates.

Work Session Minutes 08282024

Camblin Mechanical, Inc. Pledges $250,000 to Vision Atlantic’s Transformative Project

News

August 29th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Atlantic, Iowa) – An official with Vision Atlantic reports local business, Camblin Mechanical, Inc., has pledged a generous donation of $250,000 to Vision Atlantic’s transformative project, which officials say will bring a housing development, new childcare center, and YMCA expansion to Atlantic. Christina Bateman, Vision Atlantic President says “Camblin Mechanical has been serving our community for decades. Bob Camblin worked tirelessly to create positive economic changes for Atlantic throughout his lifetime. Randy Watts and Andy Elings have continued on and grown Camblin Mechanical’s forward-thinking vision and mission to better Atlantic and the surrounding areas. Vision Atlantic appreciates their generous support of our once in a lifetime project. Camblin Mechanical’s gift will positively impact our community for generations to come.”

Bateman notes Camblin Mechanical has been instrumental in getting Vision Atlantic’s project off the ground, volunteering a substantial amount of time and expertise to make this once-in-a-lifetime project a reality. Randy Watts, owner & President of Camblin Mechanical, said “For years, Bob Camblin, Andy Elings and I have been working on the housing, jobs and childcare crisis in Atlantic. The creation of Vision Atlantic was the result of all of Bob’s hard work. Camblin Mechanical is proud to get behind this comprehensive project that addresses all three issues. We encourage all to join us in this exciting adventure”

Vision Atlantic, through extensive research and surveying of the community and surrounding region, identified three areas that will help increase Atlantic’s population: expanded childcare, quality housing and quality of life amenities. Bid letting for land infrastructure will begin this fall, with construction of all three projects slated to begin late spring of 2025. With substantial monetary support from the Charles E. Lakin Foundation and local donors, $17.4 million has been raised in the past 10 months, over 57% of a $30 million goal.

Photo courtesy Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce.

Atlantic’s Project Committee is actively working to secure the remaining $13 million needed to meet the fundraising goal. If you are interested in helping transform Atlantic, whether it’s through monetary donations or acts of volunteerism, please contact Vision Atlantic at visionatlanticiowa@gmail.com. Follow Vision Atlantic on Facebook for behind-the-scenes access to project updates, or visit www.visionatlantic.org.

Vision Atlantic is a 501(c)(3) non-profit whose mission is to empower growth, enhance lives, and build a thriving community together through the economic development of Atlantic, Iowa

More Disaster Declarations Issued

News

August 29th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – Governor Kim Reynolds issued a disaster proclamation for Des Moines County in response to severe storms that occurred on August 27 and continuing. The governor’s proclamation allows state resources to be utilized to respond to and recover from the effects of this severe weather and activates the Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program and Disaster Case Advocacy Program.

The Governor also announced the approval of Scott County for Individual Assistance, and Dubuque and Jackson Counties for Public Assistance for the previously approved Major Disaster Declaration from severe storms, flooding, straight-line winds, and tornadoes that first hit on June 16th

Iowa Democrat gets backing from unlikely source in Congressional race

News

August 29th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – In an unusual twist, a former Republican congressional candidate from western Iowa is endorsing a Democrat in the November election. Kevin Virgil lost the June primary to incumbent Randy Feenstra in the 4th District. Now, Virgil says voters should consider splitting their tickets to support former President Donald Trump for the White House -and- Democrat Ryan Melton for Congress.

“I’d rather have somebody who’s intellectually honest about what they stand for,” Virgil says, “rather than somebody like Feenstra who doesn’t really meet with the public and then just votes the way his corporate donors tell him to.” Even though they disagree on issues like abortion and government spending, Virgil says he and Melton have the same viewpoint on fighting carbon capture pipelines, lowering high cancer rates, and improving rural Iowa.

Virgil says, “I think it’s time for people to start deprioritizing party loyalty and think about electing the leaders that actually want to solve the problems.” Melton says it’s unprecedented that Virgil would back him over Feenstra. He’s surprised, but Melton says he understands, based on what he says voters tell him on the campaign trail. “There’s a lot of anger right now among Republicans against their party leadership,” Melton says, “and that anger is justified because their party leadership continues to sell them out to their donors.”

Virgil, who moved to rural Sutherland in O’Brien County last year, says blind party loyalty has not helped Iowa in terms of education, poverty, mental health, and support for family farms. Feenstra released a statement calling Virgil an “East Coast liberal” who chooses to endorse a Democrat who will block Trump’s agenda.