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Skyscan Forecast for Atlantic & the KJAN listening area: Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024

Weather

August 17th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

Today: Sunny, with a high near 84. North northwest wind 6 to 11 mph.
Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 59. North northeast wind 3 to 6 mph.
Tomorrow: Sunny, with a high near 83. Calm wind becoming northeast 5 to 7 mph in the morning.
Tom. Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 59. Light east northeast wind.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 82.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 80.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 83.

Friday’s High in Atlantic was 87. The Low this morning, was 62. Last year on this date, the High in Atlantic was 77 and the Low was 68. The Record High here on Aug. 17th, was 108 in 1936. The Record Low was 38 in 1897. Sunrise today: 6:30-a.m.; Sunset: 8:17-p.m.

Perdue Foods LLC, Recalls Frozen, Ready-To-Eat Chicken Breast Nugget and Tender Products Due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination

News

August 16th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

WASHINGTON, Aug. 16, 2024 – Perdue Foods LLC, a Perry, Ga. establishment, is recalling approximately 167,171 pounds of frozen, ready-to-eat chicken breast nugget and tender products that may be contaminated with foreign material, specifically metal, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The frozen, ready-to-eat chicken breast nugget and tender items were produced on March 23, 2024. The following products are subject to recall [view labels]:

  • 22-oz. (1.38-lbs.) vacuum-sealed plastic packages containing “PERDUE Simply  Smart ORGANICS Breaded CHICKEN BREAST NUGGETS” with Best If Used By date of “03 23 25” represented on the back of the package.
  • 29-oz. (1.81-lbs.) vacuum-sealed plastic packages containing “PERDUE CHICKEN BREAST TENDERS with Best If Used By date of “03 23 25” represented on the back of the package.
  • 22-oz. (1.38-lbs.) vacuum-sealed packages containing “BUTCHERBOX Organic Chicken Breast Nuggets” with Best If Used By date of “03 23 25” represented on the back of the package.

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “P-33944” on the back of the package. These items were shipped to retail locations nationwide and sold online directly to consumers.

The problem was discovered after the firm received consumer complaints about metal wire embedded in the product and notified FSIS of the issue.

There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider.

FSIS is concerned that some product may be in consumers’ freezers. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

Consumers with questions about the recall can contact Perdue Consumer Care at 1-866-866-3703.

Griswold Football is Motivated for upcoming season

Sports

August 16th, 2024 by Asa Lucas

The start of the 2024 football season is less than two weeks away for the Griswold Tigers and they’re ready to move on from their (1-8) campaign a year ago. One of the biggest strengths for this year’s Tigers team will be the amount of depth they bring back since they had no players graduate last year. Second year head coach Seth Lembke is excited with the plethora of experience his team will have.

The leadership coach Lembke has seen from his seniors has been one positive take away from summer workouts and practice.
Griswold’s offense will be assisted by senior quarterback Bode Wyman who threw for over 1200 yards and 11 touchdowns last year. Next to him in the back field will be senior Zane Johnson with 5 touchdowns last season and sophomore Owen Johnson who picked up 334 yards rushing in 2023.

Defensively Griswold will be looking to tackling leader (46.5) senior Wyatt Petersen and sack leader (4) sophomore Owen Johnson for help with a defense that was allowing 54.5 points per game. Coach Lembke is positive with the talent that his team has stored.
Coach Lembke was candid about the recent struggle that Griswold football has had in the last decade with winning football games. Still, he believes in the capability of the 2024 Tigers team to change that.
Looking at the upcoming season for Griswold coach Lembke says fans can expect excitement and passion from his squad.
The Tigers first game of the season is on August 30th at home against the Boyer Valley Bulldogs.

Enneking Named to Hermann Trophy Watch List

Sports

August 16th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

IOWA CITY, Iowa — University of Iowa graduate student Macy Enneking was named to the 2024 Mac Hermann Trophy Watch List, the Missouri Athletic Club announced this week. The trophy is the nation’s highest honor for collegiate soccer player of the year.  Hawkeyesports.com reports Enneking is the first Hawkeye to earn the preseason honor. The Hilliard, Ohio, native is one of five goalkeepers named to the watch list, recognizing her as one of the top players in the country at her position this season.

The watch list was compiled by members of the Division I Women’s All-America Council from a list of returning 2023 All-Americans and First Team All-Region players.

Enneking was previously named a 2024 United Soccer Coaches Player to Watch, becoming the first Hawkeye to receive that national preseason honor. Enneking was also named a Big Ten Player to Watch this season.

Enneking set a program individual record for goalkeeper shutouts last year (12.5) and helped lead the Hawkeyes to one of the top statistical defenses in program history. Iowa combined for 13 shutouts and a 0.76 goals-against average, which were both school records.

Last season, Enneking was named a Big Ten Player to Watch in the preseason before ending the season with all-region honors and an All-Big Ten Tournament Team nod. As a freshman in 2020, Enneking was Big Ten Tournament Defensive MVP and a unanimous All-Big Ten Freshman selection.

Enneking has started in goal for each of Iowa’s two Big Ten Tournament Championships in program history, as well as both of the program’s NCAA Tournament victories.

A total of 15 players will be named 2024 Hermann Trophy semifinalists on December 4 at the conclusion of NCAA Division I All-American voting. From that list, head coaches will cast votes, and three players will be named finalists. The 2024 recipient will be announced January 3, 2025, in a ceremony at the historic Missouri Athletic Club in downtown St. Louis, Missouri.

Iowa will officially re-open the season against Colorado College on Aug. 18 at the Rumble in the Rockies in Missoula, Montana. Kickoff is set for noon (CT).

 

Businessman Sentenced to 18 Months in Federal Prison for False Income Tax Return

News

August 16th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa – A businessman, formerly of Adel, was sentenced yesterday to 18 months in federal prison for filing a false income tax return.

According to public court documents, Mark Francis Davidson, 66, is the majority shareholder of a company called Collegiate Concepts, Inc., which rents dorm minifridges to colleges and college students across the United States. Beginning in 2015 and continuing until 2021, Davidson diverted over $3.8 million from the corporation to himself and failed to report this income to the Internal Revenue Service. Davidson concealed these payments from the corporation’s accountant and tax preparer by providing falsified check ledgers that falsely identified checks from the corporation to Davidson as seemingly legitimate business expenses.

After completing his term of imprisonment, Davison will be on supervised release for one year. There is no parole in the federal system. Davidson was also ordered to pay $1,449,620 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service and a fine of $20,000.

“A prison sentence should send a message to anyone who consistently underreports their income each year that it’s just a matter of time before they land on the radar of IRS Criminal Investigation (CI), and the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” said Special Agent in Charge Thomas F. Murdock of CI’s St. Louis Field Office. “We strive to ensure the integrity and fairness of the nation’s tax code, so all taxpayers pay their fair share.”

United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation.

Iowa National Guard Staff Sergeant to receive Iowa Medal of Merit this Sunday

News

August 16th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Oskaloosa, Iowa) – Officials with the Iowa Army National Guard in Johnston, say an amazing story of military training put into a real-life scenario that saved a person suffering a massive heart attack. On December 18, 2023, Nathan Kessler was surveying a field in Peru, IA when he collapsed, suffering a massive heart attack. No less than five other people were in the area, but Staff Sergeant Nicolas M Darland immediately sprang into action, a critical moment in the survival of Mr. Kessler.

For this heroic deed, SSG Darland is being awarded the Iowa Medal of Merit, with his family and Mr. Kessler present. The Iowa Medal of Merit is the second highest state award next to the Iowa Medal of Valor. The Presentation will be Sunday, August 18th , at 1 PM at the Oskaloosa Armory (2260 Hwy 63) on the north side of Oskaloosa.

SSG Darland attributes his twelve-year career and military training to his effective response. SSG Darland is a true selfless servant, he holds the lessons and training he has learned as a member of the Iowa National Guard and applies them in his civilian and military career. His action in a real-world situation, resulted in the saving of not only a life but of one who is a close friend, employee, father, and husband. His actions truly distinguish himself and exemplify selfless service to the highest degree.

Council Bluffs Man Sentenced to 136 Months in Federal Prison for Drug Charges

News

August 16th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – A Council Bluffs man was sentenced on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, to 136 months in federal prison for distribution of methamphetamine.

According to public court documents, Michael Martin Meehan, 53, distributed methamphetamine to a confidential informant on two occasions in January 2023, totaling more than 150 grams.

After completing his term of imprisonment, Meehan will be required to serve seven years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Southwest Iowa Narcotics Task Force, Council Bluffs Police Department, and Carter Lake Police Department.

Council Bluffs Woman Sentenced to 122 Months in Federal Prison for Drug Charges

News

August 16th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – A Council Bluffs woman was sentenced on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, to 122 months in federal prison for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine.

According to public court documents, Demi Lynn Jahn, 33, conspired with other individuals to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine in the Council Bluffs metro area between March and June 2023. Jahn conspired with others including Leonires Perez, also known as “Flaco,” who was sentenced in May 2024 in the District of Nebraska to 248 months for conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, and Virgil McIntosh, who was sentenced in April 2024 to 240 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm.

After completing her term of imprisonment, Jahn will be required to serve five years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Southwest Iowa Narcotics Enforcement Task Force, Council Bluffs Police Department, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office.

Council Bluffs Man Sentenced to 48 Months in Federal Prison for Firearms Charges

News

August 16th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – A Council Bluffs man was sentenced on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, to 48 months in federal prison for two counts of possessing a firearm as a drug user.

According to public court documents, Nicholas Paul Gilmore, 33, was found in possession of two firearms between August and September 2023. One of the firearms was stolen. During a search of Gilmore’s residence in August 2023, officers located methamphetamine, ammunition, and extended firearms magazines.

After completing his term of imprisonment, Gilmore will be required to serve three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Council Bluffs Police Department.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

‘This is scandalous:’ Auditor asked to examine $10.7 million owed to taxpayers

News

August 16th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Des Moines, Iowa) – An advocate for seniors is calling on the state auditor’s office to investigate the state’s failure to collect $10.7 million in fees owed by corporate nursing home owners. The auditor’s office says it has reported a state agency’s failure to collect the fees but has no enforcement authority. The Iowa Capital Dispatch reported last week that 49 Iowa nursing homes owe Iowa taxpayers more than $10.7 million in unpaid fees that are past due and which the state has so far failed to collect.

According to documents obtained through the state’s Open Records Law, one for-profit company based in West Des Moines operates 18 care facilities that collectively owe the state $3.6 million in unpaid fees. The company’s top two executives, meanwhile, have made $293,000 in political donations to Statehouse leaders, the governor and industry lobbyists.

The fees the state imposes on nursing homes, called Quality Assurance Assessment fees, are a mechanism that has been used since 2009 to artificially inflate the facilities’ cost of doing business. That increased expense enables the facilities to draw down more money in Medicaid reimbursement for resident care. Often, the increased Medicaid payments more than offset the cost of the fees paid to the state, resulting in a net gain for the homes.

By law, the care facilities are supposed to use that additional money to increase the compensation of front-line caregivers — which is why the fees are called Quality Assurance Assessment fees. It’s a circular, but legal, method of increasing the revenue collected by nursing homes and has been approved by the federal government in Iowa and other states.

However, not all Iowa homes are paying the fees and of those that do, up to 18% of them have failed to meet all of the legal requirements for spending their additional Medicaid revenue on pay increases for front-line caregivers. Two Iowa nursing home companies that have filed for bankruptcy in recent years did so while owing the state a combined total of $5 million in unpaid QAA fees. Some of those unpaid fees date back to at least 2019, according to court records.

John Hale, a consultant and advocate for Iowa seniors, says it appears to him that “taxpayers are getting taken to the cleaners” by nursing home companies. ” Hale said an investigation by the Iowa Auditor of State is warranted, in part to make sure nursing facilities that claim to be increasing staff pay are doing so.

In a written statement, Auditor of State Rob Sand said his office has publicly reported DHHS’ failure “to collect these fees as required by law. However, the auditor’s office isn’t an enforcement agency. We have no legal authority to force DHHS to collect the fees or impose penalties on the facilities that don’t pay them.”

The company that appears to owe taxpayers the most is Accura Healthcare of West Des Moines. Eighteen of the for-profit company’s Iowa care facilities are currently on payment plans with the state, and they now owe a combined $3,644,432.97, according to DHHS. Campaign finance records show that since 2015, Accura Healthcare’s CEO, Ted LeNeave, has personally donated more than $239,000 to GOP campaigns in Iowa and to the political action committee of the industry’s main lobbying organization. That total includes $54,500 LeNeave donated directly to Gov. Kim Reynolds’ campaigns, plus $76,000 LeNeave donated to Iowa Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver of Grimes.

Since 2021, the president of Accura Healthcare, Lisa Toti, has made $36,000 in political donations in Iowa, including $16,000 contributed to Reynolds’ campaign committees.