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ICA names Eagle Grove man as new CEO

Ag/Outdoor, News

November 16th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

AMES, Iowa – Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA), the leading grassroots organization supporting Iowa’s beef cattle industry, is pleased to announce Bryan Whaley as their new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective December 4, 2023. Whaley brings many years of experience leading successful teams, serving customers, and a deep-rooted passion for the cattle industry that will be invaluable to the future of the association.

Whaley most recently worked as the Director of Field Operations – North for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Before that, he was a regional extension education director for more than seven years. He has also worked with youth development in several roles with 4-H Youth Development through Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Upon completing his first college degree, he was a classroom educator. Whaley holds a master’s degree from Iowa State University in agriculture education and a Bachelor of Arts from Simpson College.

The cattle industry is a part of Whaley’s daily life. He and his family own and operate Whaley Cattle in Eagle Grove, Iowa, raising Maine Anjou and Maine Angus seedstock. He has also been involved in many organizations that support the beef cattle industry, including regular membership with ICA, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, and American Maine Anjou Association. Whaley is serving as the current president and board member of the Iowa Maine Anjou Association.

Bryan Whaley

“The search committee is very excited for Bryan to join the ICA staff as the new CEO,” said ICA Board President Bob Noble. “Those on the search committee were impressed with his experience leading teams, working with county committees, and his positive attitude toward the work ahead of ICA. The association has just celebrated 50 years, and Bryan’s energy and optimism will bring a renewed perspective to the association and be the perfect way to move us into our next 50 years.”

The hiring of Whaley comes at no better time as ICA heads into one of the busiest times of the year for the association. This will offer many opportunities for him to get out within the state to meet the Iowa beef cattle producers ICA serves.

“I am honored to have been selected to serve the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association,” said Whaley. “I am excited for the opportunity to serve the members of the association, but also the entire cattle industry in Iowa, and support the efforts nationally to advocate for the policies set forth by our members.”

The ICA Board of Directors and staff look forward to welcoming Bryan Whaley to the team and continuing our mission of serving Iowa’s beef cattle industry now and in the future.

Rollover accident in Union County 11/1/23 (Delayed report)

News

November 16th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Creston, Iowa) – The Union County Sheriff’s Office today (Thursday), released information with regard to a non-injury, rollover accident that occurred November 1st. Authorities say a sheriff’s deputy was dispatched to a reported vehicle in the ditch just west of Dogwood Road, on 170th Street in Union County. When Deputy Noah Fargo arrived, he located a 2006 Chevy Malibu in the ditch, totaled (estimated $8,000 damage). The sheriff’s report said the vehicle appeared to be empty, with open beer cans and an open case of beer in the back seat.

An investigation determined the car hit the south side of a bridge and slid against it, causing the car to roll into the ditch and come to rest in a field just south of the road. A piece of the car was stuck on the bridge. Damage to the Union County-owned bridge railing was estimated at $2,500. The driver was subsequently identified as 58-year-old Christopher Lynn Franklin, of Creston. Franklin told authorities he struck a deer on his way home the night of November 1st. He claimed he wasn’t drinking at the time.

The report however, said evidence at the scene made it look different than Franklin described, because there was no evidence a deer had impacted the vehicle, and there was no deer carcass in the area. Franklin admitted to driven without a valid driver’s license. He was issued a citation for failure to show proof of security and liability. The citation amounted to nearly $797.00.

No. 3 Wartburg prepares for Illinois College in NCAA DIII playoffs

Sports

November 16th, 2023 by Asa Lucas

Wartburg hopes to make a run at a national title when the third ranked Knights open the NCAA Division III playoffs at home on Saturday against Illinois College. Wartburg made it to the national semifinals last season.

That’s Wartburg coach Chris Winter. The Knights could spend much of their playoff run at home.

Illinois College enters the playoffs with a record of 9-1.

Wartburg linebacker and former Dyersville Beckman standout Owen Grover is part of a defense that gives up less than nine points per game. He says that unit will be tested by the Blueboys.

Drake visits Butler looking for a spot in FCS playoffs

Sports

November 16th, 2023 by Asa Lucas

Drake will wrap up sole possession of the Pioneer Football League championship and a trip to the FCS playoffs with a win at Butler on Saturday. The Bulldogs clinched at least a share of the title with a win over Presbyterian combined with a Davidson loss to Morehead State of Kentucky. The tie breakers all work against Drake, so the Bulldogs need a win to get into the playoffs.

That’s Drake coach Todd Stepsis. A year after starting 0-8 the Bulldogs have a chance to clinch a first-ever trip to the FCS playoffs.

To have a chance the offense will need to finish drives. In the last two games the Bulldogs have failed to score several times at the goal line.

LYNN “Mystery” BROWN, 64, of Shelby (Visitation 12/2/23)

Obituaries

November 16th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

LYNN “Mystery” BROWN, 64, of Shelby, died Wed., Nov. 15, 2023, at home. A visitation for LYNN “Mystery” BROWN will be held December 2,2023, from 10-a.m. until Noon, at the Pauley-Jones Funeral Home, in Avoca.

LYNN “Mystery” BROWN is survived by:

Her daughter – Ryla (Eric) Cromwell, of Shelby.

Her son – Ryan Cromwell, of Arlington, SD.

Her brothers – Ken (Missy) Brown, & Donald (Tamara) Brown, all of Pittsburg, PA

and 7 grandchildren.

Iowa Drought Monitor shows expanded Severe & Extreme Drought areas

News, Weather

November 16th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Des Moines, Iowa) – The latest Iowa Drought Monitor was released this (Thursday) morning, showing both the Severe and Extreme Drought areas have expanded slightly. Unfortunately, there isn’t much help expected anytime soon. There are some light rain chances early next week, but the 8-to 14-day outlook is leaning toward below normal precipitation. (Click on the graphics to enlarge)

Hawk Talk with Lisa Bluder, Fran McCaffery Debut Next Week

Sports

November 16th, 2023 by admin

IOWA CITY, Iowa — The weekly radio show for University of Iowa men’s and women’s basketball, Hawk Talk, will debut in the coming weeks.

Each show will be broadcast live on participating affiliates of the Hawkeye Radio Network and the official Iowa Hawkeyes’ YouTube channel.

Hawk Talk with Lisa Bluder, presented by Oaknoll, will debut on Monday, Nov. 20, and will be broadcast each week for 60 minutes from 6-7 p.m. (CT) from the restaurant inside the Hyatt Regency Hotel located at the Iowa River Landing in Coralville. Host Rob Brooks will take an inside look surrounding the program with Coach Bluder.

Hawk Talk with Fran McCaffery, presented by the Hyatt Regency, will debut on Monday, Nov. 27, and will air weekly for 90 minutes from 7-8:30 p.m. (CT) from the restaurant inside the Hyatt Regency Hotel located at the Iowa River Landing in Coralville. Hosts Gary Dolphin and Bob Hansen will discuss your questions and comments about the program with Coach McCaffery.

Special Weather Statement: Elevated fire weather conditions/gusty winds

Weather

November 16th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

Area Counties: Sac-Crawford-Carroll-Audubon-Guthrie-Dallas-Cass-Adair-Madison-Adams-Union
1122 AM CST Thu Nov 16 2023

…Period of Gusty Winds Causing Elevated Fire Weather Conditions Today…

What…Breezy winds out of the southwest from 20 to 25 mph with gusts over 30 mph.

elevated fire weather (counties in flesh color); Wind Advisory for counties in brown.

When…Now until 3 pm

Impacts…Winds may cause fires to behave sporadically at times. Unsecured outdoor objects may be blown around and smaller tree branches may break.

Preparedness and Precautionary Actions…Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle.

Big 12 Conference Partners with WWE for 2023 Big 12 Football Championship

Sports

November 16th, 2023 by admin

Today, the Big 12 Conference announced a collaboration with WWE, part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO), for the upcoming 2023 Dr Pepper Big 12 Football Championship on Saturday, December 2, held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Through this partnership, the Big 12 and WWE will introduce a custom-made championship title belt for this year’s Big 12 Football Championship Most Outstanding Player, presented on-field at the conclusion of the game by a WWE Superstar. Additionally, a co-branded WWE x Big 12 logo will be featured throughout the venue and on the field.

Throughout the week leading up to the 2023 Dr Pepper Big 12 Football Championship and the game itself, WWE Superstars will be prominently featured and integrated. In addition to the championship title belt presentation, select WWE Superstars will participate in a Big 12 Conference community event, pre-game hospitality events and the game’s official coin toss.

“WWE is a global brand that connects with a wide array of audiences,” said Commissioner Brett Yormark. “With this partnership, we will integrate WWE and its brand power into one of the Conference’s biggest moments, further strengthening the bridge between sports and entertainment throughout the Big 12.”

“Brett and his team at the Big 12 have turbocharged the conference through innovative media rights deals and commercial partnerships, constantly exploring new ways to grow the conference’s reach and influence,” said WWE President Nick Khan. “We’re excited to partner with them and help amplify the Big 12 Championship.”

The Big 12 Conference and WWE will also collaborate to introduce an exclusive Big 12 Championship merchandise line. Merchandise will be available for purchase online and throughout AT&T Stadium team stores.

The Dr Pepper Big 12 Football Championship game will air live on December 2 at 12 p.m. ET / 11:00 a.m. CT on ABC. Additional entertainment enhancements for the 2023 Dr Pepper Big 12 Football Championship will be announced at a later date. Grammy-award winning artist and hip-hop icon Nelly will be performing during the first-ever Football Championship Halftime Show. Tickets to the 2023 Dr. Pepper Big 12 Championship are available to purchase online via SeatGeek at https://big12.us/3i564VW.

About WWE
WWE, part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO), is an integrated media organization and the recognized global leader in sports entertainment. The company consists of a portfolio of businesses that create and deliver original content 52 weeks a year to a global audience. WWE is committed to family-friendly entertainment on its television programming, premium live events, digital media, and publishing platforms. WWE’s TV-PG programming can be seen in more than 1 billion homes worldwide in 25 languages through world-class distribution partners including NBCUniversal, FOX Sports, TNT Sport, Sony India and Rogers. The award-winning WWE Network includes all premium live events, scheduled programming and a massive video-on-demand library and is currently available in approximately 165 countries. In the United States, NBCUniversal’s streaming service, Peacock, is the exclusive home to WWE Network. Additional information on WWE can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com.

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[update] Former therapist at State Training School for Boys arrested

News

November 16th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – A 38-year-old former state employee and therapist who worked at the State Training School for Boys in Eldora has been arrested and charged with sexual misconduct.  Sarah Jean Perry was charged with sexual exploitation by a counselor or therapist, sexual exploitation by a counselor or therapist within one year of service and for sexual misconduct with an offender.

The Eldora Police Department was made aware of sexual misconduct allegations against Perry at the end of last month. The investigation began after a resident was found with a vape pen at the school. The resident told staff it came from a therapist at the school who was also providing the contraband to as many as seven residents she was engaging in sexual acts with.

Perry was placed on administrative leave after the student made the accusation and she was later fired. The Boys State Training School is a residential facility for teenage boys. It provides a variety of services, including psychiatric counseling.