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Trumps still leads in IA poll, but Haley overtakes DeSantis

News

January 14th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Iowa Capital Dispatch) – Former President Donald Trump continues to lead the pack in the Des Moines Register/NBC News/Mediacom Iowa Poll released Saturday, but his lead has dropped by a few percentage points since December. The poll also showed former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley has moved into second place, ahead of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for the first time in the Iowa Poll. The survey of likely Iowa Republican caucusgoers found 48% pick Trump as their first choice candidate, followed by Haley at 20% and DeSantis at 16%.

Trump and DeSantis both fell by 3 percentage points from the December poll, when the former president led with 51%. Haley was one of two candidates whose numbers rose in the poll, rising by 4 percentage points. Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy was the first choice for 8% of likely caucusgoers in January, compared to 5% in December. A majority of the GOP caucusgoers polled, 68%, said their minds were made up, while a quarter said they could still be persuaded. That percentage is much higher for Trump supporters at 82% whose minds are made up. For Haley, 63% of those who picked her as their first choice are committed to supporting her caucus night; 64% of DeSantis’ supporters say their minds are made up.

Though top-line results showed a positive shift for Haley in Iowa, she still trails the frontrunner, Trump, by double digits. She also may face problems with enthusiasm: a majority, 49%, of Haley supporters said they are only “mildly enthusiastic” to caucus for her, compared to 49% of Trump supporters who said they are “extremely enthusiastic,” and 39% who said they are “very enthusiastic.” Only 9% of respondents who said Haley was their top pick said they were “extremely enthusiastic,” and 30% “very enthusiastic.” DeSantis’ enthusiasm grew from the December poll, with 23% who said they are “extremely enthusiastic” to support him on caucus night, up 7 percentage points from the previous poll. Haley’s base of supporters in Iowa also looks different than her competitors. Thirty-nine percent of likely Republican caucusgoers who plan to support her identify as independents, and 11% identify as Democrats. In comparison, 78% of both Trump and DeSantis supporters identify as Republicans, and just 1% identify as Democrats.

Trump still holds an overall lead with independents who plan to attend the Republican caucuses at 37%. Haley has the support of 33% of independents, followed by DeSantis at 14% and Ramaswamy with 5%. Issues like enthusiasm could play a decisive role in the Jan. 15 Republican caucuses. Participants are required to attend in person at 7 p.m. on caucus night in order to express their presidential preference. With temperatures predicted between -1 and -7 degrees Fahrenheit and the possibility of more snow, Iowa Republicans say there could be lower turnout than previously expected.

Though blizzards and dangerous wind chill have created hazardous travel conditions across Iowa, presidential candidates are still holding events in the final days before caucus night and encouraging Iowans to participate despite the winter weather on Monday. DeSantis urged supporters to “brave the elements” and bring their friends and family to caucus at a Saturday event in West Des Moines. Haley urged Iowans at Saturday events to attend the caucuses and “set the tone” for the rest of the nominating cycle, according to the Huffington Post. The former South Carolina governor has said that while she hopes for a “good showing” on caucus night, that she hopes to take on Trump for the top position in New Hampshire and her home state of South Carolina.

Trump, who canceled three of his four Iowa events planned for the weekend, said at a livestreamed town hall in Des Moines Saturday that while the weather is not favorable, he knows his supporters will “walk over glass” to help him return to the White House. While he has a large lead, he said  showing up to caucus is important to “send the message, most importantly, for November” that he can win against President Joe Biden.

The Iowa Poll of 705 likely Republican caucusgoers was conducted Jan. 7-12 by the polling firm Selzer & Co. headed by J. Ann Selzer. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.7 percentage points.

Griswold School Board to hold facilities walk-through & regular meeting, Monday

News

January 14th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Griswold, Iowa) – The Griswold Community School District’s Board of Education is slated to hold a Work Session on Monday (Jan. 15), beginning at 4:30-p.m. in the Conference Room at the School. Board members will proceed throughout the District’s facility,with the purpose of conducting a facilities assessment. The Board will conduct its regular session in the Conference Room, beginning at 5:30-p.m.  The agenda for that session is as follows:

• Call Meeting to Order

• Reading of Mission Statement

• Approval of Agenda (D.R.)

• Public Input

• Superintendent’s Report:

  1. Thank You Card(s) (I)
  2. The Month in Review – Administration (I)
  3. Board Learning Opportunities (I)

– Honor December Recipients

– Select January Recipient(s)

– Day On The Hill

– FFA Week

• Consent Agenda (D.R.)

Approval of Minutes

Approval of Financial Statements

Approval of Bills

4. Personnel

5. Gifts, Memorials, Bequests

Old Business

6. Board Policies – Second Reading (D.R.) – 708, 709, 710.1, 710.1E1, 710.1E2, 710.2, 710.3, 710.4

New Business

7. Accept FY23 Audit Report (D.R.)

8. Consider Approval Of Modified Supplement Amount (MSA) And Plan

For Dropout Prevention And At-Risk Programs (D.R.)

9. Consider Approval Of 2024-2025 Corner Conference Agreement (D.R.)

10. Approval Of Chemical Application Specifications (D.R.)

11. Board Policies – First Reading (I) – 502.7, 605.6, 605.6R1, 605.8, 605.8R1,

701.1, 701.2, 701.3, 701.4, 711.1, 711.2, 711.2R1. 711.3. Rescind 703.2. Renumber 401.13 to 713, 401.13R1 to 713R1, and 401.13E1 to 713.E1.

12. Discussion On 2024-2025 School Calendar (I)

• Adjourn

(D.R.) = Decision Required

(I.) = Informational

Final agenda will be posted in the Central Office no less than 24 hours before the meeting.

Audubon School Board to meet Monday night

News

January 14th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Audubon, Iowa) – Members of the Audubon Community School District’s Board of Education will meet 7-p.m. Monday, Jan. 15, 2024, in the Audubon High School Board Room. Their agenda follows:

1.0 Call to Order

2.0 Approve Agenda

3.0 Approve Consent Agenda

3.01 Minutes – December 18, 2023, Regular Meeting

3.02 Warrants and Financial Reports

4.0 Public Comments – Please contact the Supt. or Board President (Board Policy #213)

5.0 Action Items

5.01 Approve Fundraiser for Free Student Admission

5.02 Approve Auditor Contract

5.03 Approve Change Orders

5.04 Approve Reimbursement of Athletic Fund from General Fund for Safety Equipment – $1681.07

5.05 Personnel

Hires – Kris Obermeier – Head Softball

Resignations – Jaime Christensen

6.0 Communication & Updates

6.01 Superintendent Report

6.01.1 – Building Project Update

6.01.2 – Safety Grant Update

6.01.3 – Bus Garage Update

6.01.4 – Legislative Update

6.02 Principal’s Reports

6.03 Adjournment

Next Regular Meeting: Monday, February 19, 2024, 7:00 PM

Skyscan Forecast for Atlantic & the Nishna Valley: Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024

Weather

January 14th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

**WIND CHILL WARNING UNTIL NOON, TUESDAY**

Today: Mostly sunny and cold, with a steady temperature around -17. W/NW winds 10-25 mph. Wind chill values as low as -45.

Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around -19. W/NW @ 10. Wind chill values as low as -35.

M.L.King Day: Mostly cloudy and cold, with a high near -5. W/NW @ 10-25 mph. Wind chill values as low as -30.

Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around -15. W/NW @ 10-20 mph.

Tuesday: Sunny and cold, with a high near 5.

Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around -7.

Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 17.

Saturday’s High in Atlantic was -1. Our Low this morning was -19. We received a trace of snowfall yesterday. Last year on this date, the High in Atlantic was 41 and the Low was 4. The Record High for Jan. 14th in Atlantic, was 54 in 1914. The Record Low was -29, in 1957. Sunrise today: 7:44. Sunset: 5:13.

DELMA [Smith] STUETELBERG BENNETT, 100, of Atlantic (Visitation 1/17/24)

Obituaries

January 13th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

DELMA [Smith] STUETELBERG BENNETT, 100, of Atlantic, died Friday, January 12, 2024, at Heritage House in Atlantic. Visitation with the family of DELMA STUETELBERG BENNETT present, will be held Wed., Jan. 17th, from 4-until 6-p.m., at Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic.

At a later date, burial will be held in the Atlantic Cemetery, and a Celebration of Life Gathering will be held in Heritage Hall at Heritage House.

Memorials may be sent to Roland Funeral Home, PO Box 129, Atlantic, Iowa 50022 for the family to designate to the Wiota United Methodist Church or the Heritage House Good Samaritan Fund.

DELMA STUETELBERG BENNETT is survived by:

Her daughters – Nancy K. (Keith) Nolte, and Lori (Fay) Schroder, all of Atlantic.

11 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.

ARNOLD “ARNIE” MORRIS, 60, of Adair (Celebration of Life 1/26/24)

Obituaries

January 13th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

ARNOLD “ARNIE” MORRIS, 60, of Adair, died Friday, January 12, 2024, at his home. A Celebration of Life Visitation for ARNIE MORRIS will be held from 3-until 5-p.m. January 26, 2024, at Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic.  The time together will conclude with a Prayer Service at 5 p.m.

A burial, at Southlawn Memorial Gardens in Atlantic, and a picnic in Arnie’s memory will be held at a later date.

Per Arnie’s wishes the greatest memorial that could be given in his memory is to help each other out generously and joyously.

ARNIE MORRIS is survived by:

His fiancé – Lisa Hansen, of Adair.

His son – Dwayne Morris.

His daughter – Savannah.

His brothers – Albert L. Morris, of Atlantic, and Allen R. (Rhonda) Morris, of Oakland.

and his grandchildren.

Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com

Gov. Reynolds Extends Harvest Proclamation

Ag/Outdoor, News

January 13th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES – Today, Governor Kim Reynolds signed an extension of the proclamation relating to the weight limits and transportation of grain, fertilizer, and manure.

The proclamation is effective immediately and continues through February 12, 2024. The proclamation allows vehicles transporting corn, soybeans, hay, straw, silage, stover, fertilizer (dry, liquid, and gas), and manure (dry and liquid) to be overweight (not exceeding 90,000 pounds gross weight) without a permit for the duration of this proclamation.

This proclamation applies to loads transported on all highways within Iowa (excluding the interstate system) and those which do not exceed a maximum of 90,000 pounds gross weight, do not exceed the maximum axle weight limit determined under the non-primary highway maximum gross weight table in Iowa Code § 321.463 (6) (a) and (b), by more than 12.5 percent, do not exceed the legal maximum axle weight limit of 20,000 pounds, and comply with posted limits on roads and bridges.

House fire in Anita Saturday morning; Hwy 148 closed at the scene

News

January 13th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Anita, Iowa) – Firefighters in Anita along with three-other communities were battling a house fire at 305 Michigan Street on the south side of Anita, this morning. Crews responded at around 8:20-a.m.. to the scene where smoke was observed coming from the attic area/roof.   Anita Fire called for mutual aid from the Wiota, Atlantic and Adair Fire Departments.

The loan occupant in the home got out safely. The house sustained substantial damage. The Red Cross has been called to assist the resident.

Cass County Emergency Management Coordinator Mike Kennon said Highway 148 was closed at the scene of the fire. Additional details are currently not available.

Photo courtesy Kennon, Cass County EMA.

No injuries in an accident Friday in Creston

News

January 13th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Creston, Iowa) – Police in Creston say no injuries were reported following an accident Friday afternoon on Irving Street, near the intersection with North Vine Street. Authorities say 39-year-old Chadd Money, of Creston, was backing his 2001 Dodge Ram 2500 pickup through a snow drift at the end of his driveway, when he backed into a 2017 Cadillac that was stuck on the south side of Irving Street, across an alley.

When the pickup hit the car, it caused a total of $2,000 damage and moved the car a little ways. The owner of the Cadillac said his car had become struck earlier in the day, and he was waiting for the weather to clear before digging it out.

No citations were issued.

Skyscan Forecast for Atlantic & the Nishna Valley: Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024

Weather

January 13th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

Early this morning: Patchy blowing snow. Mostly cloudy, with a steady temperature around -1. Wind chill values as low as -25. Blustery, with a northwest wind around 18 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph. BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM.

Today: A 40 percent chance of snow, mainly before 1pm. Patchy blowing snow. Mostly cloudy and cold, with a temperature falling to around -9 by 5pm. Wind chill values as low as -35. Windy, with a northwest wind 20 to 26 mph, with gusts as high as 37 mph. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible. WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM TO 6 PM CST SATURDAY; WIND CHILL WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON CST TUESDAY.

Tonight: Patchy blowing snow before 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around -19. Wind chill values as low as -40. Windy, with a west northwest wind 15 to 23 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph.

Sunday: Mostly sunny and cold, with a high near -10. Wind chill values as low as -40. West northwest wind 11 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

M.L.King Day: Mostly cloudy and cold, with a high near -4. Blustery.

Tuesday: Sunny and cold, with a high near 1. Breezy.

Friday’s High in Atlantic was 10. Our Low this morning (24-hour Low ending at 7-a.m.), was -3. Snowfall from 7-a.m. Friday through 7-a.m. today amounted to 3.5-inches, for a total of 7.8 inches. Last year on this date, the High in Atlantic was 31 and the Low was 16. The Record High for Jan. 13th in Atlantic, was 62 in 1987. The Record Low was -24, in 1916. Sunrise today: 7:45. Sunset: 5:12.