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Iowans are called to promote positive childhood experiences, prevent abuse

News

April 1st, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – April is Child Abuse Prevention Month in Iowa, and Sharon Miller, executive director of Prevent Child Abuse Iowa, says they hope to raise awareness about the problem which prompts some 35-thousand investigations statewide each year. Miller says, “It’s really a time for us to focus on the efforts of prevention, to advocate, and promote the work with others who work tirelessly to help children and families in our communities thrive.” Miller says the biggest child abuse problem in Iowa is typically child neglect.

“It can manifest as food insecurity, it can manifest as children being left home alone too long, their parents are working multiple jobs,” Miller says, “they’re not having their critical needs taken care of.” State studies show about 59% of child abuse cases in Iowa involve neglect, followed by drug-related cases at 28%. Physical and sexual abuse make up a small fraction of cases, but a federal study finds sexual abuse is widely under-reported, with roughly one in four girls and one in 13 boys sexually abused before their 18th birthday. Miller says there is a message for the month, as they hope to promote positive childhood experiences and prevent the adversity children sometimes face.

“What we really would like folks to do is think about our neighbors because parenting is hard,” she says. “Raising children is hard, and what we know is that, the more connections and the more relationships that we have that can uplift and empower families, the better it is for the children.” The annual Child Abuse Prevention Conference will be held April 30th and May 1st at the F-F-A Enrichment Center in Ankeny. The state’s Child or Dependent Adult Abuse Hotline is 1-800-362-2178.

On the web at pcaiowa.org

Posted in News |

City of Atlantic contracts w/Nishna Valley Family YMCA for the operation of Sunnyside Pool; free Life Guard class thanks to a donor

News

April 1st, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic City Council, during their meeting March 21st, adopted a memorandum of understanding with the YMCA with regard to 2024 Summer operation of the Sunnyside Pool, in Atlantic. YMCA Executive Director Dan Haynes the agreement means the YMCA will hiring all the management and staff for the pool. And, an anonymous donor will pay for the first 10 people to take a YMCA-sponsored Life Guard class, and who plan to work for the YMCA at Sunnyside or the pool at the YMCA. The class normally costs $200 There is also a new $15 per hour or more starting wage for Life Guards, depending on experience. Life Guard candidates must be 15-years-old by the last day of the lifeguarding class, which is also open to adults.

The Red Cross Lifeguard class will be held April 17th, so you have time to compete the on-line portion of the class, according to Haynes. A pre-required swim will take place April 24th from 5-until 7-p.m. for lifeguard candidates. You may arrange for another time with instructors if needed, but the on-line portion of the class must be completed before attending the first session on May 3rd from 5-until 7-p.m. Additional classes will be held May 4th & 5th, from 9-a.m. until 6-p.m.

The Nishna Valley Family YMCA has also announced they will be hiring a three-month Seasonal Manager and Assistant Manager(s) for the Sunnyside Pool. Those positions will pay up to $25/hour, depending on experience. The Manager position requires leadership skills to organize a staff team, and provide a safe, fun, professional and encouraging atmosphere. The Manager position will come with a FREE one-year adult or family membership to the NV YMCA, and support the newly formed Aquatics Committee, made up of YMCA and community representatives.

For more information: Call Dan Haynes at the Nishna Valley Family YMCA (712-243-3924); Stop by the Y at 1100 Maple Street, or apply on-line at nishnavalleyymca.com under “about us” “Careers.”

 

Posted in News |

NO ONE IS A GOOD DISTRACTED DRIVER

News

April 1st, 2024 by Ric Hanson

Des Moines, Iowa – The Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau is partnering with Iowa law enforcement to launch a new campaign to combat an alarming trend: distracted driving.

Beginning April 1, motorists will see law enforcement efforts increase to educate overconfident drivers found illegally using an electronic device while driving. In order to lessen distractions, the bureau encourages Iowa drivers to start using the focus driving feature found on phones and begin utilizing hands-free driving devices.

The traffic safety bureau says distracted driving is a primary law in Iowa which means that any officer can stop any driver who is texting, reading or using any portable electronic device unless the vehicle is at a complete stop off the roadways.

The bureau is a part of the Iowa Department of Public Safety that develops strategies to lessen deaths and injuries on Iowa’s roadways using federally funded grants.

“When talking with Iowa drivers, a common sentiment is believing they can manage things behind the wheel,” said GTSB Bureau Chief Brett Tjepkes. “During one focus group, a participant said they drive better when texting because it forces them to pay attention to the road. This is ridiculous and not true. Driving requires our full attention. The reality is, No One is a Good DISTRACTED Driver.”

Posted in News |

Skyscan Forecast for Atlantic & the Nishna Valley: Monday, April 1st, 2024

Weather

April 1st, 2024 by Ric Hanson

Today: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 1pm. Cloudy, with a high near 49. East wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tonight: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a low around 35. Breezy, with a north wind around 17 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tomorrow: A 20 percent chance of showers before 9am. Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 52. Windy, with a north wind 17 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 50. Windy.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 55.

Sunday’s High in Atlantic was 60. The Low was 37. Last year on this date, the High in Atlantic was 57 and the Low was 24. The all-time Record High in Atlantic on April 1st, was 87 in 2003. The Record Low was 14 in 1924. Sunrise today: 7:04. Sunset tonight: 7:45.

Posted in Weather |

Vilsack hoping Iowa reverses refusal of extra summertime food aid for low income kids

News

April 1st, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – U-S Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says he hopes Iowa officials reconsider the decision to turn down additional federal food assistance in the summer for about 240-thousand Iowa children from low income households. “I’m hopeful that at some point in time the State of Iowa joins 37 other states that have made the decision to participate in the summer feeding program,” Vilsack says.

Under the program, families with children eligible for free or reduced-price meals at school may receive an Electronic Benefits Card that allows them to buy an extra 40-dollars worth of food per child during the summer months when school is not in session. In December, Governor Reynolds announced Iowa would not participate in the program because of administrative costs to the state and because she says it does nothing to promote nutrition at a time when childhood obesity has become an epidemic.

Republican governors in 13 other states announced similar decisions last year, but in February, Nebraska’s governor reversed course and announced Nebraska would accept 18 million dollars in additional federal food assistance for Nebraska children this summer. According to the U-S-D-A, the parents of 21 million children across the country will get the extra food assistance this summer. “We think it’s a real good opportunity for us to expand the support and help,” Vilsack says, “to ensure that youngsters are well fed.”

Vilsack discussed the summer feeding program during a stop last week in Clear Lake schools. “Teachers and professionals here know that if youngsters can maintain good nutrition throughout the entire year, they come back for the new school year ready to learn,” Vilsack said, “and ready to be what they were intended to be.”

The U-S-D-A had extended the deadline for states to sign up for the summer feeding program to mid-February, but has indicated it will work with all states that are ready to administer the program this summer

Posted in News |

Hawkeyes Win Second Straight Big Ten Series

Sports

March 31st, 2024 by Asa Lucas

IOWA CITY, Iowa – The University of Iowa baseball team defeated Minnesota, 10-4, on Sunday afternoon at Duane Banks Field.

“Really good effort by our ball club today, and a nice bounce back on the weekend to get the series after a rough Friday night,” said Iowa head coach Rick Heller. “Shows a lot about our team and a lot about its character and toughness.”

The Hawkeyes and Gophers traded runs in the first and second innings with Iowa scoring in the first and Minnesota responding with a solo home run in the second.

Iowa scored a run in the fourth before the Gophers jumped out to a 4-2 lead in the top of the third. Iowa responded with a three-run bottom half and never looked back.  A two-run seventh and a three-run eighth put the game away and gave the Hawkeyes a series win.

Marcus Morgan started on the mound for Iowa. The Iowa City, Iowa, native threw 4 2/3 innings and allowed four runs while striking out six.

Ben DeTaeye entered and threw 2 1/3 innings and allowed just one hit while striking out four to earn his first win of the season.

Anthony Watts and Jack Young each threw a scoreless inning to close out the game.

“We got a solid start out of Marcus Morgan who was really good for four innings,” said Heller. “He fell behind some hitters in the fifth which cost him a chance to stay in the game a little longer. But Ben DeTaeye came in and did an awesome job. Then Anthony Watts was solid working back from a lead off 3 -0 count to get the 1-2-3 inning. Jack Young did an awesome job closing it out in the ninth.”

Michael Seegers was 2-for-3 with four RBIs and two walks on the day. Davis Cop was 2-for-4 and with two RBIs and Raider Tello was 2-for-4 with three runs scored.

Gable Mitchell added three RBIs.

“Offensively, I was really happy with our hitters,” said Heller. “We faced a really good arm in Wietgrefe. He was tough. We ended up getting a run in the first, which I thought was really big for Marcus. And then we stayed after him all day long. It was a very good weekend for us offensively, all three games just competed and gave ourselves chances to score runs in virtually every inning. This game was no different.”

Iowa hit .462 with two outs compared to Minnesota’s .100 and the Hawkeyes had seven two-out RBIs.­­

Iowa returns to action on Tuesday traveling to Bradley for a midweek matchup in Peoria, Illinois.

Posted in Sports |

Hawkeyes Bounce Back Defeating Gophers, 14-6

Sports

March 31st, 2024 by admin

IOWA CITY, Iowa – The University of Iowa baseball team defeated Minnesota, 14-6, on Saturday afternoon at Duane Banks Field.

“Really happy with how our guys came out and played,” said Iowa. “We came out and played hard from the first pitch. Offensively, I couldn’t be happier with our approach at the plate or how we put pressure on them every inning.”

The Hawkeyes scored in every inning except one to even the series at one game apiece.

Cade Obermueller got the start for the Hawkeyes and earned his second win of the season. He threw five innings and allowed three runs (two earned) on two hits with three strikeouts.

Aaron Savary threw three innings in relief allowing one earned run. He struck out four and walked just one. Sam Hart threw the final inning allowing a two-run home run but closing the door on the win.

“Cade Obermueller picked up the win for us,” said Heller. “He logged five innings. After a little bit of a slow start, gave some free bases that scored but he really settled in and pitched well after that. We did a good job keeping leadoff men off base all game. Aaron Savary came in and did a nice job to get us to the ninth.”

Andy Nelson remained red hot going 3-for-4 at the plate with three RBIs and a home run. In nine games since moving into the leadoff spot Nelson is slashing .545/.652/.970 with 14 RBIs, four home runs, and 19 runs scored.

Raider Tello was 2-for-3 with two runs and two RBIs and Ben Wilmes was 2-for-4 with two RBIs. Kyle Huckstorf added two hits and an RBI while tallying two runs for the Hawkeyes.

“Happy with the bounce back,” said Heller. “Really mature and professional effort from our guys today. We didn’t let yesterday affect anything and we played a great game today.”

The Hawkeyes and Gophers will wrap up the series tomorrow at Noon

Posted in Sports |

Berry Walk Off Secures B1G Series Win

Sports

March 31st, 2024 by admin

IOWA CITY, Iowa – The University of Iowa softball team split their Saturday afternoon double header against Michigan State. The Hawkeyes fell in game one, 8-2, before securing the series victory with a, 1-0, win in game two.

Freshman Soo-Jin Berry had two hits on the afternoon including a walk off single in game two. Sophomore Tory Bennett finished the afternoon going 3-for-5 with two RBIs. Sophomore Jalen Adams (9-6) picked up her second shutout victory of the weekend in game two against the Spartans

UP NEXT

The University of Iowa softball team closes out their homestand as they host in-state rival Drake in a midweek doubleheader at Pearl Field on Tuesday April 2. First pitch for game one is set for 4 p.m. CT and will be streamed on B1G+.

 

Posted in Sports |

Cyclones Drop Series Finale to No. 23 Baylor

Sports

March 31st, 2024 by admin

WACO, Texas – The Cyclones (12-18, 3-6 Big 12) fell in the series finale to a top-25 Baylor (19-12, 3-9 Big 12) squad on Saturday afternoon, 7-4, in the final game of ISU’s March slate.

After going over a week without playing, the Cyclones took one of three games against the Bears over the weekend, securing their first ranked-road win of the season in the process.

After the Cyclones jumped out to an early 1-0 lead, Baylor scored four unanswered runs in the bottom of the first and second innings to go up 4-1. A three-run shot from Tiana Poole in the third tied things up, but a three-run fourth frame from the Bears proved to be the difference.

Both Poole and Milaysia Ochoa had two hits on the day to lead the team. Poole tied a career-high with four RBI on the afternoon, as the sophomore accounted for all of the Cyclones’ run production. Angelina Allen, McKenna Andrews and Olivia Wardlow also notched hits.

Karlie Charles started the game pitching for ISU and was relieved by Jaiden Ralston. Ralston (2-4) pitched 3.2 innings and allowed five runs – of which only two were earned. Lauren Schurman finished the game for ISU, pitching the final two innings without surrendering a run.

Baylor’s Emily Hott and Aliyah Binford each had two RBI on the day, while four different Bears had at least two hits. BU’s RyLee Crandall (9-5) made her third-straight appearance against the Cyclones, again pitching a complete game. She gave up four runs (three earned) and struck out five

On Deck

The Cyclones will return to the Cyclone Sports Complex on Tuesday, April 2, to welcome the UNI Panthers for a midweek matchup to kick off the month. Tuesday’s game is scheduled to start at 4 p.m. and the game will be streamed live on Big 12 Now on ESPN+.

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Posted in Sports |

No. 2 Iowa women play LSU Monday night in NCAA regional final

Sports

March 31st, 2024 by admin

The second ranked Iowa Hawkeye women face a title game rematch as they get set to play LSU in Monday night’s regional final in Albany, New York. A year ago, LSU hammered to Hawkeyes 102-85 in the NCAA championship game. *

 

That’s Hawkeye coach Lisa Bluder. Iowa star Caitlin Clark diced up Colorado with dribble drives in Saturday’s 89-68 victory and finished with 29 points and 15 assists. Bluder says that will be tougher to do against LSU.

It is a rematch the country was hoping to see but it also means one of last seasons finalists won’t be returning to the Final Four.

Clark and LSU star Angel Reese are a big storyline after Reese taunted Clark during the waning seconds of last year’s championship game.

 

Clark says while her and Reese are getting attention it is all about the outcome of the game.

Clark says it is much more than just her against Reese.

 

Clark and the Hawkeyes are a win away from a second straight trip to the Final Four and the third in program history.

 

Clark says balanced scoring will be a key against LSU and not settling for the first shot.

 

LSU coach Kim Mulkey(mull-key) says Caitlin Clark sets the table for her teammates.

 

Mulkey says this game should be played at the Final Four.

 

Mulkey says there are a lot of similarities between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese.

 

Angel Reese on her relationship with Caitlin Clark.

 

Reese says slowing down Iowa is more than just defending Clark.

Posted in Sports |