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Absentee Ballot Requests May Be Filed for Upcoming Primary Election

News

March 25th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Atlantic, Iowa) – Cass County (IA) voters interested in voting absentee for the June 4 Primary Election may file requests for absentee ballots with the Cass County Auditor’s Office starting March 26. Due to recent legislation, the time period to request absentee ballots has been reduced from 120 days to 70 days. The new legislation also has shortened the number of days that the Auditor’s Office may have ballots available for absentee voting. Voters now have 20 days to vote absentee
either by mail or in-person rather than 29 days.

Voters wishing to receive a ballot by mail for the Primary Election will need to complete an absentee ballot request form and return it to the Cass County Auditor’s Office, 5 W 7th St., Atlantic, IA, before 5 p.m. May 20. Voters are reminded that due to recent legislation the ballot must be returned to the County Auditor’s Office before polls close at 8 p.m. on June 4 to be
counted.

In-person early voting in the Auditor’s Office and mailing of ballots will begin May 15. Absentee ballot request forms can be found on the Cass County Elections website at https://www.casscountyia.gov/county-departments/auditors-office/ . Any voter may also request a form by calling the Cass County Auditor’s Office at 712-243-4570.

Absentee voters are reminded that since this is a Primary Election the voter must choose which party’s ballot they would like to vote. The Primary Election in Iowa is a nominating process for the Libertarian, Democratic and Republican parties to determine who will appear on the General Election ballot in November.

For more information about the 2024 Primary Election contact the Cass County Auditor’s office at 712-243-4570 or visit the website at www.casscountyia.gov/county-departments/auditors-office.

Iowa State has Final Four in sights

Sports

March 25th, 2024 by Asa Lucas

The Iowa State men are closing in on their first trip to the Final Four since 1944. The second seeded Cyclones will play third seeded Illinois Thursday night in Boston in the semifinals of the East Region. In his third season as head coach T.J. Otzelberger is taking the Cyclones to a second Sweet Sixteen.

Otzelberger says support from the fans and the administration is a big part of their success.

Defense has been a staple of ISU teams under Otzelberger but this team has balance on offense and that makes the Cyclones difficult to guard.

Tip time for Thursday night’s game has been set for 9:09pm, Iowa time.

Challenges to nominating papers from two candidates running for Iowa House

News

March 25th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – A state panel will meet tomorrow (Tuesday) to review challenges to the nominating documents submitted by two candidates running in the same northwest Iowa House district. The Republican from Onawa who’s currently serving in Iowa House District 13 is not seeking reelection at the end of his first term. Two Republicans announced they’re running in the district.

Noah Wieseler of Sioux City works in construction and property management. Travis Sitzmann of Le Mars is a risk control consultant for Travelers Insurance. Both are first time candidates. The Secretary of State’s office has announced there are challenges to the nominating petitions the two men submitted, but included no other details. Would-be candidates for governor were disqualified from primaries in 2014 and 2014 for failing to meet petition guidelines.

Candidates for Iowa House seat must submit petitions with the signatures of at least 50 eligible voters in the district. Recently, the three-member State Objection Panel has reviewed challenges related to the names and addresses of people who’ve signed petitions as well as whether a potential candidate’s name and the office they were seeking was listed on each page of petition signatures.

Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate, Attorney General Brenna Bird — both Republicans — and Democrat Rob Sand, the state auditor, are the three members of the State Objection Panel. They’re scheduled to meet tomorrow at 10 a.m. to review the challenges to G-O-P candidates in House District 13. No Democrat filed to run in district.

UI prof tries to quantify the ‘Caitlin Clark Effect’

News, Sports

March 25th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – As University of Iowa basketball star Caitlin Clark preps for her final home game tonight (Monday), the economic and sociological impact of her career on and off the court is still being assessed — into tens of millions of dollars. U-I Business Analytics Professor Jeff Ohlmann (OLE-mun) says his research into the so-called Caitlin Clark Effect doesn’t attempt to put a dollar figure on her impact on the university, the state, or the sport, but instead zeroes in on things that -can- be measured.

Plus, there’s all of the merchandising, including sales of black-and-gold t-shirts and jerseys emblazoned with the number 22. Even country music superstar Tim McGraw wore a Caitlin Clark jersey on-stage during his concert in Des Moines last week.

Caitlin Clark (photo by Tim Schoon, University of Iowa)

Ohlmann compares the “economic fervor” surrounding Clark’s rise to fame alongside other female celebrities like Beyonce or Taylor Swift, noting, it’s not been a male-dominated economy for some time.

A report released by Common Sense Institute Iowa, what’s billed as a “non-partisan research organization dedicated to the protection and promotion of Iowa’s economy,” says “Clarkonomics” has generated more than 82-million dollars in increased community and state consumer spending. Again, Ohlmann doesn’t try to attach a figure to Clark’s appeal, and he doubts her meteoric rise in popularity will fizzle once the N-C-double-A tournament ends — along with her college career — as she joins the W-N-B-A. The question remains, will Hawkeye women’s basketball games sell out -next- season and will interest in the sport thrive -after- Clark leaves Iowa City?

He calls Clark a “generational talent” but remains confident a strong following has been cemented in Iowa women’s basketball, and that the dedication to Hawkeye hoops will continue long after she’s headed to the pros.

Cass County to Participate in Statewide Tornado Drill

News, Weather

March 25th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Atlantic, Iowa) –  Cass County Emergency Management Coordinator Mike Kennon says the County will be participating in the statewide tornado drill Wednesday morning (March 27th), as part of Severe Weather Awareness Week in Iowa.

For this drill, the National Weather Service in Des Moines will issue a mock tornado warning issued at approximately 10:00-a.m., to coincide with weekly weather radio testing. Kennon says outdoor warning sirens will be sounded at or soon after 10:00-a.m. in towns throughout Cass County.

Also, those who subscribe to the Cass County Emergency Notification System will receive an alert concerning the drill. This is an excellent opportunity for residents, businesses, and schools to practice their own procedures in the event of real severe weather.

In the event of actual severe weather occurring during or close to the drill time, the drill will be cancelled.

To register for the Cass County Emergency Notification System, go to links located on the Cass County homepage or the Cass County EMA Facebook page. If you need assistance, contact Mike Kennon, Cass County Emergency Management Agency Coordinator at 712-254-1500.

Mills County Sheriff: Glenwood man arrested for PCS

News

March 25th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Glenwood, Iowa) – The Mills County Sheriff’s Office reports a man from Glenwood was arrested this (Monday) morning on a drug charge. 35-year-old Adam Lee Nemetz was arrested at around 4:30-p.m. on I-29. He was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance (PCS), and held on a $1,000 bond.

And, just before 1-a.m. today (Monday), Mills County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 50-year-old William Joseph Weis, of Council Bluffs, for Driving While Barred. He was arrested near 360th Street and Highway 34. Bond was set at $2,000.

4 accidents in Guthrie County, 1 resulting in injuries

News

March 25th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Guthrie Center, Iowa) – The Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office reports there were four accidents last week, one of which resulted in injuries. That accident happened at around 10:20-a.m. March 18th, in the 3100 block of Highway 25. Authorities say a 2014 Chevy Cruze driven by 18-year-old Conner Douglas Mumford, of Adair, was traveling northbound when the vehicle veered off the road to the right. Mumford over-corrected, causing the car to nose-dive into the ditch/embankment.

Mumford showed no signs of impairment or intoxication, according to the report. He was transported by EMS to Methodist Hospital in Des Moines. The car sustained $15,000 damage, and was a total loss. Mumford was cited for Failure to Maintain Control.

About two-hours later, a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by 51-year-old Tammy Rae Wise, of Guthrie Center, was struck by a 2010 Ford Edge SUV, driven by 69-year-old Patricia Lynn McFarland, of Guthrie Center. The accident happened at the intersection of State and 5th Streets, in Guthrie Center. Authorities say When McFarland failed to yield from the stop sign, her SUV struck the Jeep on the passenger side, causing a total of $3,500 damage. No injuries were reported. No citations were issued.

On March 17th, a 2019 Volvo semi tractor-trailer driven by 44-year-old Nicholas Doe, of Des Moines, was traveling westbound on Highway 141 just east of Bagley, when Doe fell asleep at the wheel. The semi  began travel onto the left shoulder. Doe over-corrected, causing the rig to come to rest in the south ditch, where it flipped onto its passenger side. Doe refused medical treatment, but decided to get checked out once his family arrived to pick him up. The semi sustained $20,000 damage. No citations were issued.

And, on March 21st at around 9-p.m., 31-year-old Levertis Norwood, Jr., of Fort Dodge, was driving a 2017 BMW SUV northbound on Justice Road at 215th Street, when he fell asleep at the wheel. The vehicle entered the west ditch and struck an embankment, causing the SUV to roll over. Norwood wasn’t hurt. The vehicle sustained $20,000 damage and was declared a total loss. Norwood was cited for Failure to Maintain Control

Adair County candidates for Office

News

March 25th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Greenfield, Iowa) – The Adair County Auditor’s Office has released the list of names of those candidates who have filed their nomination papers to run for the various Adair County offices in the June Primary Election. (I=Incumbent)

Supervisor

District 1 –
Democrat – None Filed
Libertarian – None Filed
Republican – Matt Wedemeyer (I)

District 3 –
Democrat – None Filed
Libertarian – None Filed
Republican – Jerry Walker (I)

District 5 –

Democrat – None Filed
Libertarian – None Filed
Republican – Michael Christofferson

Sheriff –

Democrat – None Filed
Libertarian – None Filed
Republican – Jeffrey L. Vandewater (I)

Auditor
Democrat – None Filed
Libertarian – None Filed
Republican – Mandy Berg (I)

Recorder (To Fill Vacancy) –
Democrat – None Filed
Libertarian – None Filed
Republican – Kelly Mitchell

The Primary Election will be Tuesday, June 4, 2024. Voter pre-registration deadline is 5:00 p.m. Monday, May 20, 2024.
Pre-registered voters are required to provide an approved form of identification at the polling place before receiving and
casting a regular ballot. Voters who are not pre-registered – such as voters registering to vote on election day – and
voters changing precincts must also provide proof of residence.

A voter who is unable to provide an approved form of identification (or prove residence if required) 1) may have the voter’s identity/residence attested to by another registered voter in the precinct, 2) prove identity and residence using Election Day Registration documents, or 3) cast a provisional ballot and provide proof of identity/residence at the Auditor’s Office by 12:00 p.m. (noon), June 10, 2024.

Election Day Registrant attesters must provide an approved form of identification. For additional information about
providing proof of identity and/or residence visit: https://sos.iowa.gov/voterid or phone (641) 743-2546. Voters may
request an absentee ballot from the Auditor’s Office.

Voters may vote in the office between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, beginning May 15, 2024 and Saturday, June 1, 2024 or they may request a ballot be mailed to them. The deadline to request an absentee ballot be mailed is 5:00 p.m. Monday, May 20, 2024. The last day to vote absentee in the Auditor’s Office is Monday, June 3, 2024 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Polls will open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Election Day June 4, 2024.

No. 36 Iowa State Qualifies for Gainesville Regional

Sports

March 25th, 2024 by admin

AMES, Iowa – Iowa State was able to secure a postseason bid this past weekend at the Big 12 Championships, as it was announced that it will be heading to Gainesville, Fla., to compete in the Florida regional. The Cyclones will join the likes of No. 4 Florida, No. 13 Missouri, No. 20 Georgia, and No. 30 Clemson.

ISU will square off with Clemson on April 4 for the right to advance to a quad-meet against the other three teams on April 6. The last time Iowa State participated in a “play-in” was 2022, when the team defeated Western Michigan to advance to the Fort Worth Regional quad-meet.

After a brief one-year hiatus from postseason play, first-year Head Coach Ashley Miles Greig has led the team back into the spotlight that is the postseason.

The Cyclones will make their 15th Regional appearance in the last 17 seasons, as the team is set to compete in the O’Connell Center on Florida’s campus, having done so previously on March 15.

 

 

3 GymHawks Selected for NCAA Regionals

Sports

March 25th, 2024 by admin

IOWA CITY, Iowa – Three University of Iowa gymnasts have been selected to compete in the 2024 NCAA Regionals, it was announced Monday morning during the 2023 NCAA Selection Show.

Junior Ilka Juk and sophomores Emily Erb and Karina Muñoz were selected to represent Iowa at the NCAA California Regional. The GymHawks will compete April 4th-7th at the Walter A. Haas Jr. Pavilion on the campus of University of California, Berkeley.

Juk will compete on beam in regionals for the second time in her career. She has a National Qualifying Score (NQS) of 9.900 and a season-high score of 9.925 on the event. The Vancouver, Canada, native is ranked seventh in the Big Ten on the beam and earned second-team all-Big Ten honors in her first season as a Hawkeye.

Erb will represent the GymHawks on the floor. She has a NQS of 9.895 with a season-high score of 9.950 against Nebraska (2/4). The Flemington, N.J., native competed on the floor at every meet this season where she had three top-three finishes. Erb ranks 20th in the Big Ten on the event.

Muñoz has been selected to compete in the all-around at Regionals. She has an NQS of 39.470 and a season-high score of 39.575. The East Brunswick, N.J., native earned first-team all-conference honors this season and won 13 event titles, including three in the all-around. Muñoz ranks sixth in the Big Ten and 28th nationally in the all-around this season.

Head coach Larissa Libby has now led Iowa to 24 consecutive NCAA Regional appearances (as a team and/or individuals) during her Hawkeye tenure. The 2024 season is Libby’s 20th as Iowa’s head coach and 24th overall with the program.

The full release and regional information can be found at ncaa.com.