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NWS confirms tornadoes occurred Tuesday in Cass & Adams Counties

News, Weather

April 19th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Johnston, Iowa) – The National Weather Service in central Iowa reports two additional tornadoes occurred during the storms on April 16th. One took place in/near Anita in Cass County (IA), the other in/near Carbon, in Adams County.

Anita tornado path

The twister in Anita happened between 9:58- and 10:00-a.m. Tuesday, and was rated an EF-1 on the Fujita Scale, with wind speeds estimated at 90-mph. The tornado was on the ground for a little more than six-tenths of a mile. It was estimated to be 30-yards wide.

The tornado in Carbon took place between 9:31- and 9:33-a.m., Tuesday. It was rated an EF-0, with winds estimated at 80-mph. It traveled on the ground for about 1.75-miles, and was a maximum of 30-yards wide.

In both counties, there were no injuries or deaths resulted from the storms, but there were reports of property damage. Wednesday morning, Cass County Emergency Management Coordinator Mike Kennon said 12 homes were identified as having some minor damage, such as broken windows, siding and trim, shingles and ridge caps, as well as to garage doors. Caring Acres Nursing Home sustained some damage. Numerous trees were knocked down in the area.

Tornado near Carbon (Photo courtesy McCade Morrison)

Adams County tornado path

With the additions of Cass and Adams Counties, total number of tornadoes that occurred on or about April 16th in Iowa, amounts to 15.

Other confirmed tornadoes include those in/near:

  • Rockwell City

  • Manson

  • Palmer

  • Gilmore City

  • Rolfe

  • LeMars
  • 2 in Sioux County (near Struble & Sioux Center)
  • George (Lyon County)
  • Buchanan County (near the Pine Creek Wildlife Area)
  • Houghton

In some cases, the same tornado appeared in two-or three-counties. The preliminary information is still be compiled by the Weather Service.

Hawkeyes Finish Day 1 at Big Ten Invitational

Sports

April 19th, 2024 by admin

Sarasota, Fla. – The University of Iowa rowing team competed in Big Ten Invitational on Friday at Nathan Benderson Park.

The Hawkeyes raced in the 1V8, 2V8, 3V8, 4V8, 1V4, 2V4, and 3V4 with a stacked field consisting of No. 9 Michigan, No. 13 Duke, No. 15 Rutgers, and No. 16 Indiana.

Iowa’s top placement of the day came from the 2V8 in the morning session, placing first by .93 seconds. The Hawkeyes had five other boats finish second comfortably in their races.

Hawkeyes will return back in action tomorrow morning beginning at 8:20 a.m. (CT) with the 2V4. Fans can watch live at https://rhstv.com/bigten or follow along at https://legacy.herenow.com/results/#/races/21215/results.

 

QUOTING HEAD COACH JEFF GARBUTT

“Day one was a great test for our squad today. The competition was some of the best we have seen this season and we learned how to go through two rounds of racing with stiff competition. Seeing our crews race hard in each round and rallying around each other in the second round was great to see. The weather was beautiful, but the heat added a new twist to our race prep. I can’t thank my staff enough, especially our Athletic Trainer, Kezia DiGioia, for having the athletes ready to race hard again in round two. Their conditioning was tested, and they responded with some very inspiring racing. So proud of all their efforts and can’t wait to see them take the lessons of today into our final round of racing tomorrow morning.”

QUOTING SENIOR EMMA MASK

“We ran a great race this morning which gave us a great opportunity to show our speed against some fast teams. Competition was tough this afternoon which reminds us we have room for growth. I’m excited to continue getting faster in our races to come.”

 QUOTING SENIOR ABBY JAYNES

“Today was a good step forward for our program as a whole, and we were able to show our speed with fast competition. I think if we continue to build on consistency and focus on the success we had today, we will end the weekend on a high note!”

 QUOTING SENIOR CLAIRE WRAGGE

“Iowa raced hard during both races in the Florida heat today. We continue to focus on growth within our boats and and as a team overall. Looking forward to more hard racing tomorrow with my crew as we strive to get better each race!”

 QUOTING SOPHOMORE OLIVIA SMOTHERS

“Throughout the day, our team did an awesome job executing the race plans and technical changes we have been practicing. We are excited to compete in more tight races tomorrow.”

Atlantic Trojans Athlete Bennett Whetstone Signs Letter of Intent To Be in the Track program at Simpson College

Sports

April 19th, 2024 by admin

Atlantic Trojan Track Athlete Bennett Whetstone signed his national letter intent to run track at Simpson College in Indianola. The signing was held on Friday at the Atlantic High School in front of parents, grandparents, coaches and school officials. Whetstone now joins former Trojan’s track athlete and now sophomore Drew Engler from Simpson College.

Whetstone had this to say about making his decision on going to Simpson College.

Even though he had a lot of success in Cross Country in High School, Whetstone elaborated on if he would also be part of the Simpson College Cross Country team.

Whetstone commented on who he is going to lean on for advice to help himself to prepare for track at Simpson College.

Atlantic Trojans boys track coach Abby Becker had to say on what Whetstone has meant to her Trojans boy’s track program.

Whetstone will be graduating from Atlantic High School this spring and is looking forward starting his track career at Simpson College.

DO GOOD DAYS POWERED BY SHARE IOWA AND THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION FOR WESTERN IOWA

News

April 19th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Council Bluffs, Iowa) – The Community Foundation for Western Iowa and SHARE Iowa today (Friday), announced “Do Good Days” will be held April 24 – 27, 2024. During Do Good Days, community members and nonprofits across western Iowa are encouraged to join SHARE Iowa and the Community Foundation for Western Iowa to honor and celebrate what doing good means to them.

In conjunction with National Volunteer Week, SHARE Iowa and the Community Foundation will celebrate volunteers and nonprofits, encourage volunteering, and provide trainings for nonprofits to better engage with volunteers. Community members are encouraged to find options to engage with nonprofits, explore creative ways to volunteer their time, and make
an impact in their community.

Donna Dostal, CEO of the Community Foundation for Western Iowa states, “At the Community Foundation, we know that when people do good where they live, great things happen. With SHARE Iowa, folks tell us all the time that ‘to do good makes you feel good.’ Now is the perfect time for everyone in our community to come together and take this opportunity to do good and create lasting impact.”

During Do Good Days, the Community Foundation for Western Iowa and SHARE Iowa support capacity building and sustainability of nonprofit organizations through education and sharing best-practices around volunteer engagement. Together, they are hosting two free training courses for nonprofits: Engaging Families in Service presented by Kamryn Ryan, AmeriCorps Seniors & Capacity Building Officer with Volunteer Iowa on the morning of Wednesday, April 24. What’s April Without AI zoom lunch and learn on Thursday, April 25, is presented in partnership with the Business Ethics Alliance and facilitated by AnnMarie Marlier Ph. D and Executive Director of the Business Ethics Alliance.

According to Dostal, “Helping nonprofits better connect to their volunteer supporters and to utilize new and improved resources is a priority for the Community Foundation and SHARE Iowa. We are very excited to invite our partners and share this wonderful information with them so they can engage with volunteers, create a culture of philanthropy, and build lasting relationships in the communities they serve.”

To honor volunteers in our region, the Community Foundation also created the “Do Gooder of the Year” award and will announce the second annual winner in the afternoon of Thursday, April 25. All nonprofit organizations participating on the SHARE Iowa platform were encouraged to nominate their volunteers or “Do Gooders” of the year.

SHARE Iowa is an initiative of the Community Foundation for Western Iowa and a community engagement conduit offering simple ways for neighbors, nonprofits, and businesses to come together and strengthen our local communities. It is a free dynamic online resource for our nonprofit partners that helps them to better reach and engage with people who want to have an impact into their community by donating dollars, shopping from nonprofit wish lists, attending events, or discovering volunteer opportunities.

Check out www.sharegoodiowa.org to learn more and support nonprofit organizations making an impact in western Iowa.

Iowa legislature passes bill aiding hundreds of former Boys Scouts

News

April 19th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – Iowa lawmakers rushedg to pass a bill that will help hundreds of Iowans get a full payment from a legal settlement for victims who were abused by Boy Scout leaders.

That’s Representative Ann Meyer, a Republican from Fort Dodge. She says the bill provides an exemption to the Iowa law that requires child sex abuse victims to file lawsuits by the time they reach the age of 19 — or within four years of when they realized they’d been abused.

Representative Timi Brown-Powers, a Democrat from Waterloo, says hundreds of Iowa men who were victimized are counting on the legislature to act and she used to work with one of them.

The governor signed the bill into law today (Friday). It passed the Senate unanimously 10 days ago. The House passed the bill today (Friday) on a 90 to one vote, but House members made an adjustment to the bill. Representative Charley Thomson of Charles City says the change makes the legislature’s intent clear.

Thomson says without the change, there was a good chance someone would sue to block the bill from becoming law. In a statement, Gov. Reynolds said Friday, “Those who were sexually abused while in Boy Scouts should have the ability to receive the greatest amount of compensation available. Even after an initial disclosure, it may take many more years before a victim is willing to file a legal action in a public court proceeding. We should not stand in the way of these survivors receiving their justified compensation. I am proud to sign this bill and I hope it brings some sense of justice and closure.”

Senate passes $1 billion tax cut on 39-7 vote

News

April 19th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – The Iowa Senate has overwhelmingly approved a bill that will cuts Iowans’ income taxes next year. Senator Dan Dawson, a Republican from Council Bluffs, says the governor will sign it into law.

Dawson says the state has a structural surplus of over five BILLION dollars of unspent tax dollars.

The bill passed the Senate on a 39 to seven vote. Senator Janet Peterson, a Democrat from Des Moines who voted against the bill, says a flat tax benefits the wealthiest Iowans.

Senator Herman Quirmbach, a Democrat from Ames, says Republicans are shrinking the state’s ability to fund priorities like schools.

Lawmakers are pushing to complete the work of the 2024 legislative session either today (Friday) or tomorrow (Saturday).

Cass County Sheriff’s report, 4/19/24

News

April 19th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Cass County Sheriff’s Office has issued a report detailing information on seven arrests conducted since April 6th. Most recently:

On April 10th, 2024, the Cass County Sheriffs Office arrested Amber Schreck, 39, of Villisca, on a warrant for Failure to Appear.  Schreck was transported to the Cass County Jail where she was booked and held pending her later release after serving time.

On April 9th, 2024, the Cass County Sheriff’s Office arrested Jennifer Ponder, 38, of Red Oak, on narcotics related offenses.  Ponder was transported to the Cass County Jail where she was booked and held pending her later release on bond.

On April 9th, 2024: the Cass County Sheriff’s Office arrested Lynn Frohlich, 53, of Audubon, on narcotics related offenses.  Frohlich was transported to the Cass County Jail where he was booked and held pending his later release on his own recognizance; and, 42-year old Maxwell Conoan,of Grand Junction, CO, was arrested on warrants for Forgery and Theft 2nd Degree.  Conoan was transported to the Cass County Jail where he was booked and held pending his later release to another jurisdiction.

On April 8th, 2024, the Cass County Sheriff’s Office arrested Mark Regan, 48, of Griswold, on the charges of Domestic Abuse Assault – 1st Offense and Interference with Official Acts.  Regan was transported to the Cass County Jail where he was booked and held pending his later release on bond.

On April 7th, 2024, the Cass County Sheriff’s Office arrested Christian Grulke, 18, of Adair, for Depositing or Throwing Debris on a Highway.  Grulke was transported to the Cass County Sheriff’s Office where he was booked and held pending his later release on bond.

On April 6th, 2024, the Cass County Sheriff’s Office arrested Tyler Morgan, 33, of Council Bluffs, on the charges of Possession of Burglary Tools, Interference with Official Acts, Theft 2nd Degree and Harboring a Runaway.  Morgan was transported to the Cass County Sheriff’s Office where he was booked and held.

NORMAN “RED” LLOYD LARSEN, 95, of Atlantic (Svcs. 4/23/24)

Obituaries

April 19th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

NORMAN “RED” LLOYD LARSEN, 95, of Atlantic, died Thursday, April 18, 2024, at Heritage House in Atlantic. Funeral Services for NORMAN “RED” LARSEN will be held 11-a.m. Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at Zion Lutheran Church in Atlantic. Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Atlantic, has the arrangements.

The family will greet friends during a luncheon at the church following the service  on Tuesday.

Private burial will be at the Atlantic Cemetery in Atlantic, IA.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Zion Lutheran Church for the Property Committee in Norman’s name. They may be mailed to the Schmidt Family Funeral Home P.O. Box 523, Atlantic, Iowa 50022.

Iowa Announces 2024 Football Themes, Ticket Timeline

Sports

April 19th, 2024 by admin

IOWA CITY, Iowa — The University of Iowa Athletics Department announced themes and ticket timeline for 2024 home football games on Friday.

The Hawkeyes will conclude spring practice with an open practice Saturday morning in Kinnick Stadium. Entry and parking are both free. The final practice will begin at 10:45 a.m. (CT), with gates opening at 9:45 a.m.

2024 PROMOTIONAL SCHEDULE

Aug. 31 – Illinois State – FryFest | Hall of Fame | Educator Appreciation (Extra Yard for Teachers)

Sept. 7 – Iowa State – Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series

Sept. 14 – Troy – Harvest Kickoff Gold Game | Family Weekend | Spirit Squad Day

Oct. 12 – Washington – ANF Black & Gold Spirit Game

Oct. 26 – Northwestern – Homecoming

Nov. 2 – Wisconsin – Black Out | Military Appreciation

Nov. 29 – Nebraska – Senior Day | Pioneer Heroes Game

THE HOME SCHEDULE BREAKDOWN

The 2024 season will kick off Aug. 31 against Illinois State. It is the annual Extra Yard for Teachers Day and Educator Appreciation Day as Iowa salutes teachers from around the state.

The annual FryFest will be held Friday, Aug. 30, at the Iowa River Landing, celebrating everything Hawkeye. The National Iowa Letterwinner Club will celebrate the 2024 Hall of Fame class throughout the weekend, including introduction of the 2024 class in Kinnick Stadium on Saturday.

The following weekend features the annual Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series contest against in-state rival Iowa State on Sept. 7, with the Cy-Hawk Trophy on the line. The Hawkeyes defeated Iowa State, 20-13, last season in Ames.

Iowa concludes its nonconference schedule on Sept. 14, welcoming Troy to Iowa City. This is the annual Harvest Kickoff Gold Out Game with fans encouraged to wear gold clothing.

The annual ANF Black and Gold Spirit Game will be held on Iowa’s opening Big Ten Conference home game against Washington on Oct. 12. Fans are encouraged to wear black or gold clothing based on their seat location. The 12th former Hawkeye added to the ANF Wall of Honor will be recognized.

The Hawkeyes celebrate Homecoming on Oct. 26, hosting Northwestern. The Homecoming Council and court will be presented at halftime. Iowa holds an all-time record of 61-44-5 in Homecoming games.

Iowa’s contest against Wisconsin slated for Nov. 2 is Military Appreciation and the annual Black Out game. Iowa Athletics will have special acknowledgments to active duty and veterans of the armed services. Fans are encouraged to wear black attire as part of the Black Out. The Hawkeyes and Badgers will compete for the Heartland Trophy, which currently resides in Iowa City after Iowa’s 15-6 triumph in Madison in 2023.

The final home game against Nebraska (Nov. 29) is Senior Day and the Pioneer Heroes Game. Iowa will celebrate senior classes for the football program, marching band and spirit squads. The Hawkeyes and Huskers will battle for the Heroes Trophy, which was established in 2011. Iowa won 13-10 at Nebraska last season and holds a 9-3 series advantage with the Heroes Trophy on the line. Former Iowa letterwinners will once again form the I-Club tunnel to welcome the Hawkeyes onto the field prior to the contest.

Start times for the first three home games are expected to be announced later this spring. Remaining start times will be announced six or 12 days in advance of each game.

TICKETING INFORMATION

Season ticket holders can currently confirm their 2024 order. Fight for Iowa Mobile Passes go on sale May 6; mini plan ticket packages will be on sale June 3 for donors and June 6 for general public. Group tickets and Hawkeye Village ticket sales begin July 8, while single game tickets go on sale for donors on July 15 and to the general public on July 18.

University of Iowa faculty/staff should contact the University of Iowa Athletics Ticket Office for season tickets. University of Iowa students can actively purchase tickets at this time. The UI Athletics Ticket Office is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The office telephone number is 1-800-IA-HAWKS.

For gameday parking information, visit hawkeyesports.com/footballparking.

 

Keeping Your Private Well Water Safe: A new learning opportunity from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach

Ag/Outdoor, News

April 19th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Oakland, Iowa) – The East Pottawattamie County Extension office will host a free, one-hour learning session for private well owners on May 7, 2024. The program will help attendees understand their well’s water quality and connect them to resources to manage their well.

Did you know that Iowa has a unique funding source for free or low-cost annual testing of private wells? Or that some water pollutants are odorless, tasteless and will not be removed by boiling water? If you’re curious about the answers to these questions, then take advantage of the upcoming learning session which will detail how to test your well and who can help, common contaminants, and factors that affect well water quality.

The program will be taught by Catherine DeLong, Water Quality Program Manager for ISU Extension and Outreach. According to DeLong, “About 230,000 Iowans rely on private wells as their home’s main water source, yet many do not know they should be testing once a year and that Iowa has a unique funding source to help cover the cost of testing.”

The free program will take place on May 7, 2024 from 6:00pm – 7:00pm at the Oakland Community Building located at 614 Dr Van Zee Road, in Oakland. Pre-registration is requested; to RSVP contact the East Pottawattamie County Extension office by phone (712-482-6449) or email (reannh@iastate.edu).