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Auditor’s investigation finds improper activity by former Steamboat Rock city clerk

News

January 31st, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – A special investigation by the State Auditor finds problems with the handling of funds by the former city clerk of Steamboat Rock.

The investigation found more than $30,000 of undeposited, uncollected, or unbilled utility fees, $5,000 in improper disbursements, and nearly $8,000 in unsupported disbursements. The auditor found a majority of the improper disbursements by former clerk Renee Oltrogge. were personal charges on the city credit card.

It says a number of documents Oltrogge submitted as support for purchases she made with the city’s credit card were altered. The audit report also says records were not sufficiently maintained and it is not possible to determine if there were other improperly disbursed funds.

The investigation report has been turned over to Hardin County Sheriff and County Attorney along with the D-C-I and state Attorney General.

Posted in News |

Fender-bender in Creston Wed. morning

News

January 31st, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Creston, Iowa) – No injuries were reported following a minor accident this (Wednesday) morning, in Creston. According to Creston Police, a pickup driven by 78-year-old Douglas W. Minnick, of Creston, was traveling east on Lucas Street at around 8-a.m.  Due to sun glare, Minnick failed to notice a legally parked 2014 Jeep Cherokee.

His pickup hit the SUV on the left rear side, causing $2,000 damage to the Jeep, and $1,500 damage to the pickup. No citations were issued.

Posted in News |

SHIRLEY JEAN GILLESPIE, 96, of Atlantic (formerly of Missouri Valley) – [Celebration of Life 2/24/24]

Obituaries

January 31st, 2024 by Ric Hanson

SHIRLEY JEAN GILLESPIE, 96, of Atlantic (formerly of Missouri Valley), died January 13, 2024, at her home. The family will host a Celebration of Life Memorial service for SHIRLEY GILLESPIE at 11-a.m. on February 24th, at the First Church of Christ in Atlantic. Roland Funeral Service has the arrangements.

Immediately following the service, a time of food and sharing of memories will be held in the church fellowship hall.

Burial will be held at a later date Oak Grove Cemetery in Missouri Valley, Iowa.

Memorials may be directed to the family for later designation to missionaries, Anthony and Elizabeth Smith with Pioneer Bible Translators, a cause that was dear to Shirley’s heart.

SHIRLEY JEAN GILLESPIE is survived by:

Her daughter – Vicki Gillespie Rodgers.

Her son – Jimmy (Vickie) Gilliespie.

Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.

Posted in Obituaries |

Released 1A, 2A, 3A girls basketball pairings from IGHSAU

Sports

January 31st, 2024 by Asa Lucas

CLASS 1A 

Class 1A tournament play begins February 8th with additional dates on February 13th, February 16th and February 21st.

Region 2 

2/8: St. Edmond at Glidden-Ralston, Paton-Churdan at Coon Rapids-Bayard

2/13: Quarterfinals at Newell-Fonda (vs. St. Edmond/Glidden-Ralston), BCLUW, Coon Rapids-Bayard, Meskwaki Settlement

2/16: Semifinals at Newell-Fonda, Coon Rapids-Bayard

2/21: Final at TBD

Region 3 

2/8: Moravia at Seymour, Moulton-Udell vs. Melcher-Dallas (at Southeast Warren), Essex at Bedford, Hamburg at Lamoni, Sidney at Mount Ayr

2/13: Quarterfinals at Martensdale-St. Marys (vs. Seymour/Moravia), Southeast Warren, Fremont-Mills (vs. Bedford/Essex), Lamoni

2/16: Semifinals at Martensdale-St. Marys, Fremont-Mills

2/21: Final at TBD

Region 4

2/8: Ar-We-Va at West Bend-Mallard

2/13: Quarterfinals at Remsen St. Mary’s, West Bend-Mallard, George-Little Rock, Akron-Westfield

2/16: Semifinals at Remsen St. Mary’s, George-Little Rock

2/21: Final at TBD

Region 5 

2/8: East Mills at Lenox, West Harrison at Stanton, Boyer Valley at Riverside, Griswold at Earlham, IKM-Manning at Collins-Maxwell, Diagonal at Ankeny Christian

2/13: Quarterfinals at St. Albert (vs. Lenox/East Mills), Stanton, Woodbine, Collins-Maxwell

2/16: Semifinals at St. Albert, Woodbine

2/21: Final at TBD

Region 8 

2/8: Murray at Orient-Macksburg, East Union at Mormon Trail, Southeast Warren at Wayne

2/13: Quarterfinals at CAM (vs. Murray/Orient-Macksburg), Mormon Trail, Montezuma, Holy Trinity Catholic

2/16: Semifinals at Montezuma, CAM

2/21: Final at TBD

CLASS 2A

Class 2A tournament play begins on February 10th with additional round dates on February 13th, February 16th and February 21st.

Region 3

2/10: Missouri Valley at Logan-Magnolia, Shenandoah at Underwood

2/13: Quarterfinals at Westwood (vs. Missouri Valley/Lo-Ma), Tri-Center at West Monona, Treynor (vs. Underwood/Shenandoah), AHSTW at Exira/EHK

2/16: Semifinals at Westwood, Treynor

2/21: Final at TBD

Region 5

2/10: Kuemper Catholic at East Sac County

2/13: Quarterfinals at Sioux Central (vs. Kuemper/East Sac), HMS, North Union, Pocahontas Area

2/16: Semifinals at Sioux Central, North Union

2/21: Final at TBD

Region 8

2/13: Quarterfinals at Nodaway Valley (vs. I-35/Colfax-Mingo), Southwest Valley at Central Decatur, Grundy Center, South Hamilton

2/16: Semifinals at Nodaway Valley, Grundy Center

2/21: Final at TBD

CLASS 3A

Class 3A tournament play begins on February 10th with additional dates on February 14th and February 17th.

Region 7 

2/10: OABCIG at Harlan, Red Oak at Clarinda, Greene County at Cherokee, Atlantic at Southeast Valley

2/14: Semifinals at Harlan, Cherokee

2/17: Final at Highest Remaining Seed

Posted in Sports |

Clark Named to the 2023-24 Wade Trophy Watch List

Sports

January 31st, 2024 by Asa Lucas

ATLANTA — University of Iowa senior guard, Caitlin Clark, was named to the 2023-24 Wade Trophy Watch List at Midseason Point. Clark won the award last season and was a finalist in her sophomore year.

The “Wade Watch” list comprises of 20 student-athletes based on their performances during the 2023-24 season thus far. The Wade Trophy is the oldest and most prestigious national player of the year award in college women’s basketball.

In her senior season, she has broken the Big Ten and Iowa all-time records for scoring and assists. She currently leads the country in points per game (32.0), three-point field goals per game (5.33), and is second nationally in assists (160).

This week, Clark, notched 38 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists against Nebraska for her 53rd career double-double. Clark has netted at least six three-point field goals in five consecutive games which is the longest active streak nationally.

Additionally, she is the first player in college women’s basketball history to be named AP National Player of the Week twice in the same season. Clark has also garnered honors from the WBCA on six occasions.

She is the first Division-I player to record 3,000+ points, 900+ assists, and 800+ rebounds in a career. Is also the all-time leader in 30+ point performances in men’s and women’s college basketball over the last 25 seasons. (49)

This prestigious award is named in honor of the late, legendary Delta State University head coach Lily Margaret Wade, who won three consecutive national championships with the Lady Statesmen. The winner of the 2024 Wade Trophy will be announced April 4 in Cleveland — site of the 2024 WBCA Convention and NCAA Women’s Final Four.

Posted in Sports |

Iowa State women host Oklahoma State tonight

Sports

January 31st, 2024 by Asa Lucas

The Iowa State women finally have a home game this evening when they host Oklahoma State. The cancellation of the January 20th home game against TCU forced the Cyclones to play three straight on the road and they lost them all. They are 6-3 in the Big 12.

That’s ISU coach Bill Fennelly who says the Cyclones are happy to be back at home.

Posted in Sports |

Tim Lester Hired as Offensive Coordinator

Sports

January 31st, 2024 by Asa Lucas

IOWA CITY, Iowa — Tim Lester has been hired as the University of Iowa football’s offensive coordinator. The announcement was made Wednesday by Moon Family Head Football Coach Kirk Ferentz.

Lester comes to Iowa City with 22 years of coaching experience, including 12 years as a head coach at the Division I, II and III levels, and 12 years as an offensive coordinator. A native of Wheaton, Illinois, Lester spent last season as a senior analyst for the Green Bay Packers.

“I am excited to welcome Tim to our coaching staff as our offensive coordinator,” said Ferentz. “His experience as both a head coach and a coordinator at several different levels of football gives him an excellent perspective. I believe his expertise and personality make him a perfect fit for this position.”

During Lester’s time as a senior analyst, Green Bay won nine regular season games, earned a playoff berth, and defeated the Dallas Cowboys in the 2024 NFC Wild Card round. The Packers were defeated by eventual NFC Champion San Francisco in the Divisional Round.

“When you have coached at every level of football like I have, you have a true appreciation for an opportunity like this at the University of Iowa,” Lester said. “I know the tradition and history of the Hawkeye program and I am excited to get to work with the outstanding players and coaches.”

Lester served as head coach at Western Michigan University (WMU) for six seasons (2017-22), during which time the Broncos won 37 games and appeared in three bowl games. WMU’s offense was ranked in the top 35 nationally in total offense four consecutive seasons (2018-21), with Lester serving as the primary offensive play caller for three years (2018-20).

In 2020, WMU ranked 16th nationally in total offense and QB Kaleb Eleby finished third in the nation in passer rating, trailing only Heisman finalist Mac Jones (Alabama) and Zach Wilson (BYU).

Prior to taking the head coaching position at WMU, Lester was the quarterbacks coach at Purdue in 2016, mentoring David Blough to 3,352 passing yards and accounting for 30 touchdowns. Lester served as Syracuse’s quarterbacks coach from 2013-15 and doubled as offensive coordinator in 2014 and 2015.

Lester was a four-year starting quarterback at WMU from 1996-99, leading the Broncos to a Mid-American Conference championship appearance his senior season. He earned MAC Freshman of the Year honors and was a second-team all-conference selection his junior and senior seasons. Lester graduated fourth in FBS history in passing yards (11,299) and sixth in touchdown passes (89). He set 17 school passing records and eight Mid-American Conference records. Lester was inducted into the Western Michigan Athletic Hall of Fame in 2011.

Lester and his wife Dawn have three sons, ages 14, 12, and 10. He is also the father of Quinn Isaacson, a 2022 NVCA/AVCA All-American volleyball setter at Ball State University, who has represented Team USA in the Volleyball Nation’s League and currently plays professionally in France.

Lester’s Coaching Career

Team………………………………………………Position, Years

Green Bay Packers……………………………… Senior Analyst, 2023

Western Michigan……………………………… Head Coach, 2017-22

Purdue……………………………………………… Quarterbacks, 2016

Syracuse…………………………………………… Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks, 2014-15

Syracuse…………………………………………… Quarterbacks/Recruiting Coordinator, 2013-14

Elmhurst…………………………………………… Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator, 2008-12

North Central…………………………………….. Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator, 2007

Western Michigan……………………………… Quarterbacks, 2005-06

Saint Joseph’s (IN)………………………………. Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator, 2004

Elmhurst…………………………………………… Offensive Coordinator, 2002-03

Saint Benedict at Auburndale HS…………… Offensive Coordinator, 2001

Wheaton Warrenville South HS…………….. Offensive Coordinator, 2000

Posted in Sports |

2024 Iowa Girls High School Basketball Rankings January 31st

Sports

January 31st, 2024 by Asa Lucas

Class 1A
No.
School
Record
LW
1
North Linn
18-1
1
2
Newell-Fonda
15-1
2
3
Remsen St. Mary’s
16-0
4
4
Martensdale-St. Marys
13-4
3
5
Council Bluffs St. Albert
16-1
5
6
Algona Bishop Garrigan
18-2
6
7
Calamus-Wheatland
19-1
7
8
Montezuma
17-2
10
9
CAM
17-2
9
10
Riceville
19-1
11
11
Lynnville-Sully
16-3
12
12
Fremont-Mills
18-0
14
13
Coon Rapids-Bayard
14-3
13
14
Woodbine
12-5
8
15
George-Little Rock
12-4
15
 
Dropped Out:  None
 
Class 2A
No.
School
Record
LW
1
Dike-New Hartford
16-2
1
2
Panorama
19-0
2
3
Westwood
16-0
3
4
Sioux Central
16-1
4
5
Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont
16-1
5
6
Nodaway Valley
16-2
8
7
Iowa City Regina
14-4
6
8
Central Lyon
15-3
7
9
Grundy Center
17-1
9
10
Hinton
16-2
11
11
Cascade
11-4
10
12
Treynor
12-4
15
13
North Mahaska
14-3
12
14
North Union
14-5
14
15
Denver
13-5
NR
 
Dropped Out: Aplington-Parkersburg (13)
 
Class 3A
 
No.
School
Record
LW
1
Estherville-Lincoln Central
16-2
3
2
Mount Vernon
17-2
1
3
Des Moines Christian
16-1
2
4
Solon
15-3
5
5
Roland-Story
17-1
4
6
Harlan
14-2
7
7
Dubuque Wahlert
16-3
6
8
Benton Community
12-6
8
9
Monticello
14-3
9
10
Spirit Lake
12-4
10
11
Algona
14-4
11
12
Forest City
15-3
13
13
Chariton
15-2
15
14
Cherokee
12-6
12
15
West Delaware
9-9
13
 
Dropped Out: None
 
Class 4A
No.
School
Record
LW
1
Clear Creek-Amana
16-0
1
2
Waverly-Shell Rock
18-0
2
3
Sioux City Bishop Heelan
15-1
3
4
Dallas Center-Grimes
14-3
4
5
North Polk
17-2
5
6
Mason City
16-2
6
7
Le Mars
14-3
7
8
Lewis Central
12-4
9
9
Norwalk
13-4
8
10
Central DeWitt
14-3
12
11
Marion
13-5
11
12
Maquoketa
13-3
10
13
Pella
13-3
13
14
Western Dubuque
12-6
NR
15
Keokuk
15-2
15
 
Dropped Out: Carlisle (14)
 
Class 5A
 
No.
School
Record
LW
1
Johnston
18-0
1
2
Davenport North
16-2
2
3
Dowling Catholic
14-4
3
4
Waukee
14-3
4
5
Ankeny Centennial
9-8
5
6
Pleasant Valley
13-4
6
7
Cedar Falls
16-1
7
8
Ankeny
10-7
9
9
West Des Moines Valley
10-8
13
10
Cedar Rapids Prairie
12-2
8
11
Sioux City East
14-4
12
12
Waukee Northwest
8-9
10
13
Southeast Polk
9-8
12
14
Cedar Rapids Washington
9-9
NR
15
Ottumwa
12-2
NR
 
Dropped Out: Sioux City West (14), Iowa City West (15)

Posted in Sports |

Feb. 15th Healthy U session topic at CCHS: Physical Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease

News

January 31st, 2024 by Ric Hanson

Atlantic, IA – Cass Health’s next session of Healthy U will feature Kasey Meneely, DPT discussing LSVT BIG (Lee Silverman Voice Treatment, a program aimed at an increase of movement amplitudes in persons with Parkinson’s Disease). The session will be held Thursday, February 15th at noon in Conference Room 2.

LSVT BIG is an intense one-on-one training program for people with Parkinson’s disease or other neurological conditions, with an emphasis on the quality and largeness of movement. LSVT BIG helps improve a patient’s physical abilities, and therapy sessions focus on a specific routine of daily BIG exercises, walking with BIG movements, and incorporating these techniques into patient identified, difficult daily tasks to promote more confidence with balance and movement. As an LSVT BIG certified clinician, Meneely works with many patients who live with Parkinson’s disease and other neurological conditions that impact how confident they feel with movement during everyday tasks.

Kasey Meneely, DPT

Meneely graduated from Creighton University in 2016 with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy. She offers a full spectrum of care within physical therapy, but has special interest in neurological disorders, pelvic floor and pre/post-natal health, and acute inpatients. Kasey is licensed and board certified by the Iowa Board of Physical & Occupational Therapy and is a member of the Iowa Physical Therapy Association and the America Physical Therapy Association.

Space is limited! A free boxed lunch is provided for all attendees, so reservations are required. Call 712-243-7479 to reserve your seat. For more information about Healthy U, visit casshealth.org/healthyu.

Posted in News |

Bill could set up a vote in Iowa legislature on Summit’s carbon pipeline

Ag/Outdoor, News

January 31st, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – If a bill in the Iowa House becomes law, a group of legislators could force lawmakers to vote on whether the proposed carbon capture pipelines can get state government permission to seize property for the project. Twenty-one members of the Iowa House or 11 members of the Iowa Senate would have to sign a petition seeking an up or down vote on the use of eminent domain for the project. Victoria Sinclair, a lobbyist for a group called Land of the Free Action, says the Iowa Utilities Board review of the Summit Carbon Solutions project has been grossly unfair. “A mechanism for the legislature to tap the brakes in situations like this is appropriate and necessary,” Sinclair said.

Landowners like Kathy Carter of Rockford in Floyd County say it’s been an exhausting to fight against having her farm property seized through eminent domain. “The use of eminent domain for a private company to be allowed to take my land is one word: wrong,” she said. “This has got to stop and this bill will help do exactly that.” Pete McRoberts, a lobbyist for the American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa says the A-C-L-U is not taking a position on the pipeline, but support the bill strongly.  “We take a strong position against the abuse of power as evidenced by the Iowa Utilities Board and the Office of the Consumer Advocate through this long and corrupt process that has caused so much pain to these landowners,” McRoberts said. “…We believe in legislative oversight of the constitutional provisions of eminent domain in a way that is proper and fair.”

Republican Representative Charley Thomson of Charles City says existing Iowa Utilities Board rules for pipeline developers have been manipulated to deprive Iowans of their due process rights. “This bill, if it becomes law, will restore some of the checks and balances by returning to the elected officials of Iowa — the membership of the General Assembly– a final decision about the propriety of the pipeline and public use,” Thomson said. “…I think it’s important that elected people, not appointed people, make this decision.”

Republican Representative Steven Holt of Denison says it’s frustrating that landowners who don’t want the pipeline on their property aren’t protected under current law. “My party is supposed to stand up for the Constitution, is supposed to stand up for the Bill of Rights,” Holt said, “and it’s extremely disappointing to me that the legislation we passed last year did not move forward in the Senate.”

The Iowa House passed a bill last year setting up some new guidelines for carbon capture pipelines, but Senate Republicans did not bring it up for a vote. No one representing Summit Carbon Solutions spoke at this (Wednesday) morning’s House subcommittee hearing on the bill.

Posted in Ag/Outdoor, News |