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State Patrol: motorist clocked at 125 mph near Des Moines

News

July 27th, 2017 by Ric Hanson

The State Patrol this week nabbed another “extreme speeder” on an Iowa interstate. A Trooper clocked a driver Tuesday at 125 miles an hour at one of the busiest interchanges in the state – just east of Des Moines. A photo posted by the Patrol to Facebook included a note that the vehicle was driving “at a whopping 60 mph ABOVE the posted speed limit.”

(Motorist’s speed at the top of the digital readout; cruiser distance from suspect vehicle in lower readout)

In recent months, the Patrol has made similar posts about extreme speeding. A driver who was clocked at 144 miles-an-hour on I-80 in eastern Iowa was issued a $560 ticket. Another motorist was clocked at 124 miles-an-hour on I-29 in western Iowa and was handed a ticket of $424.

(Radio Iowa)

Armed robbery Tom Hanafan Park/Bob Kerry Pedestrian Bridge

News

July 27th, 2017 by Ric Hanson

Police in Council Bluffs are investigating an incident of armed robbery that took place at around 12:30-a.m. today (Thursday), at Hanafan Park / the Bob Kerry Pedestrian Bridge that links Council Bluffs to Omaha, over the Missouri River.

There, officers made contact with a male and female victim who reported they had been sitting on the terraces at Hanafan Park when they were approached by three armed subjects wearing masks. The suspects had displayed guns to them demanding they empty out their pockets and give them their money.

Council Bluffs PD Shield

The victims complied with the orders. The suspects took items from the victims and fled north bound on the bike trail. As the suspects fled, they are believed to have fired off several shots from a gun. The victims of the robbery were not injured.

Officers set up a perimeter of the area and searched it with both a K-9 and a drone equipped with a forward looking infrared camera. At this time the suspects have not been located.

The suspects are believed to be a female and two males. Anyone with information in reference to this case are urged to call the Council Bluffs Police Detective Division at (712) 328-4728 or Crime Stoppers at (712) 328-STOP (7867).

Midwest Sports headlines: 7/27/17

Sports

July 27th, 2017 by Ric Hanson

Here is the latest Mid-America sports news from The Associated Press

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Paul DeJong homered and Randal Grichuk had a career-high four hits as the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Colorado Rockies 10-5 on Wednesday night to complete a three-game sweep. St. Louis has won four of five while Colorado has lost four of six.

DETROIT (AP) — Eric Hosmer matched his career high with five hits, including his first major league grand slam, and the Kansas City Royals extended their winning streak to a season-high eight games with a 16-2 rout of the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday night. Hosmer entered with 117 homers but had not hit one with the bases loaded until he connected off Warwick Saupold in a nine-run seventh inning.

CHICAGO (AP) — Jake Arrieta pitched two-hit ball into the seventh inning, and the Chicago Cubs beat the Chicago White Sox 8-3 on Wednesday night to move into first in the NL Central. After a disappointing start to the season, the Cubs are roaring again.

CANTON, Ohio (AP) — The Mid-American Conference wants shorter football games. The average game in the conference is 3 hours and 25 minutes, a minute longer than the national NCAA average. MAC Commissioner Jon Steinbrecher said Wednesday the aim this season is for games to come in at an average of 3:20.

Iowa early News Headlines: Thursday, 7/27/17

News

July 27th, 2017 by Ric Hanson

Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press at 3:40 a.m. CDT

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — United Airlines says it is saddened by the death of a giant rabbit after a flight from London to Chicago and is reviewing a lawsuit filed by the animal’s owners. The lawsuit filed Wednesday alleges the airline was negligent in the death of a rabbit named Simon. In response, United released a statement saying the company is “saddened by Simon’s death in April” and that the airline is “currently reviewing” the complaint.

URBANDALE, Iowa (AP) — Police in the Des Moines suburb of Urbandale say a teen has accidentally shot himself in the leg while cleaning a handgun. Television station KCCI reports that officers were called to the teen’s house around 1 p.m. Wednesday. Police say a 16-year-old boy was cleaning the gun when he shot himself in the leg. He was taken to a local hospital, and his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A Des Moines woman charged with murder is seeking a judge’s approval to use a “stand your ground” defense despite the law taking effect nearly two months after she allegedly shot and killed her stepfather. The Des Moines Register reports defense attorney argues the law should apply because 29-year-old Sera Alexander’s case will go to trial after the law took effect July 1. The law says a person doesn’t have to retreat before using deadly force if they think their life is being threatened.

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (AP) — Prosecutors say a northeast Iowa businessman already convicted of failing to pay employment taxes has pleaded guilty to charges stemming from an ethanol plant scam. Darrell Smith, of Forest City, entered the pleas Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Cedar Rapids to charges of wire fraud and identity theft. Officials say that on several occasions, Smith transferred money from clients’ accounts without their knowledge into his bioenergy fund.

Taylor County K9 assists in arrests

News

July 26th, 2017 by Ric Hanson

The Taylor County Sheriff’s Office reports the arrest on Tuesday of 45-year old Kerri Lynn Pace, of Villisca. Pace was arrested for Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance. Authorities say after receiving information of a gas drive off from Casey’s in Bedford, a vehicle fitting the description and direction of travel was located and stopped by deputy at the intersection of Highways 148 and 2. After a search of the vehicle was conducted with the assistance of K9 “Ciba,” methamphetamine along with scales and baggies associated with drug distribution was located. Pace cash bond was set at $25,000.

And, on July 21st, Zach Anderson, of Omaha, was arrested on a Page County warrant for failure to appear. It was believed Anderson was at a residence in Gravity. When Deputies tried to locate Anderson, he ran out the back door of the residence. K9 “Ciba” was deployed, tracked and located Anderson a few hundred yards away hiding in a tree. Anderson was arrested without further incident and turned over to Page County Deputies. Anderson was also wanted by Fremont County Iowa and Douglas County Nebraska.

State Baseball Scoreboard Wednesday 07/26/2017

Sports

July 26th, 2017 by Jim Field

CLASS 4A STATE TOURNAMENT
Wednesday’s quarterfinals (
80-minute rain delay before first game started)

Waukee 1, Cedar Rapids Prairie 0

Johnston 7, Linn-Mar 1
Iowa City West 12, Cedar Rapids Washington 2 (six innings)
Dowling Catholic (34-8) vs. Mason City (26-17), postponed

Thursday’s quarterfinals
9 a.m. — Dowling Catholic (34-8) vs. Mason City (26-17)

Also taking place Thursday (7/27), are the 1A & 2A Semifinals

Class 1A:

11 a.m. —Newman Catholic (33-3) vs. Remsen St. Mary’s (28-7)
1:30 p.m. — Martensdale-St.Marys (40-4) vs. Akron-Westfield (32-2)

Class 2A:

5 p.m — Iowa City Regina (28-7) vs. Beckman Catholic (29-11)
7:30 p.m. — Centerville (24-10) vs. Kuemper Catholic (21-12)

United says it’s ‘saddened’ by rabbit’s death

News

July 26th, 2017 by Ric Hanson

United Airlines says it is saddened by the death of a giant rabbit after a flight from London to Chicago and is reviewing a lawsuit filed by the animal’s owners in Iowa. The lawsuit filed Wednesday alleges the airline was negligent in the care and transportation of the rabbit, named “Simon,” and then improperly cremated him. The lawsuit was filed more than three months after airline workers found the continental rabbit dead.

In response, United released a statement saying the company is “saddened by Simon’s death in April” and that the airline is “currently reviewing” the complaint. A group of Iowa executives filed the lawsuit seeking unspecified damages to cover the costs of the rabbit and punitive damages.

Attorney Guy Cook represents three Iowa businessmen who bought the rabbit with the intention of showing him at the Iowa State Fair and then displaying the animal to raise money for the annual event.

Ford recalling 117,000 vehicles for safety defect

News

July 26th, 2017 by Ric Hanson

DETROIT (AP) — Ford Motor Co. is recalling nearly 117,000 vehicles because the bolts in the seat, seat belt or seat belt buckle may fracture. The recall involves the 2014 F-Series pickup, 2014 E-Series van, 2014-2015 Ford Escape and the 2015 Lincoln MKC SUV. Most of the affected vehicles are in the U.S., but there are 20,681 in Canada and 1,510 in Mexico.

Ford says if the bolt fractures, the seat or the seat belt’s performance could be compromised in a sudden stop or crash. The company says it’s not aware of any accidents or injuries related to the defect. Customers will be notified and dealers will replace the affected bolts for free.

Clarinda man arrested on drug charges following accident investigation

News

July 26th, 2017 by Ric Hanson

An investigation into an accident in Page County Tuesday afternoon, resulted in the driver of the vehicle being arrested on drug charges. Page County Deputies were notified at around 1:40-p.m. that an accident had occurred on Highway 2, near I Avenue, or about seven-miles east of Shenandoah.

During the investigation, 38-year old Seth Martin Kuipers, of Clarinda, was arrested on felony charges that include: Possession of Methamphetamine with intent to deliver 5 grams or more; Possession of Marijuana with intent to deliver 50 kilograms or less (class D Felony); and Failure to affix drug tax stamp. He was also charged with Possession of drug paraphernalia (a simple misdemeanor). Kuipers was being held in the Page County Jail on a $110,000 Cash only bond, while awaiting appearance in front of a Magistrate.

Kuipers was the driver and only occupant of a 2016 Chevy Malibu that was eastbound on Highway 2, just west of I Avenue.  His car crossed into the westbound lane and struck mirrors with 2010 Buick operated by Alberta Smith, of Clarinda.  Smith had swerved away from the Kuipers vehicle to avoid a head on collision.  Smith stopped a short distance to the west of the accident.  Kuipers continued a short distance prior to coming to a stop.  Neither driver could see the other when they came to stop.  There were no injuries reported from the accident.  The accident and incident are still under investigation with other possible charges pending at this time.

Former Atlantic AD Sweeney inducted into IHSAA Officials Hall of Fame

Sports

July 26th, 2017 by admin

Former Atlantic Athletic Director and longtime Official in multiple sports Bob Sweeney has been inducted into the Iowa High School Athletic Association’s Officials Hall of Fame. Sweeney was honored in an on-field ceremony at Principal Park at the State Baseball Tournament Tuesday.  Sweeney was recognized for his 49 years of officiating, including 40 years working varsity baseball. The description below was the bio included in the 2017 State Baseball program.

A native of Cylinder, he graduated from Emmetsburg in 1969 after the two schools merged following his freshman year. He earned 14 varsity letters in five sports, earning a variety of all-conference and all-state honors in football and basketball. 

He started umpiring baseball while still in high school working with veteran Ike Fogartry. While at Emmetsburg Junior College where he played basketball and baseball, he got his IHSAA official’s license in 1969 and worked sub-varsity games at Emmetsburg High School and also worked area basketbalboys logol church tournaments with hall-of-fame official Dick Preston. 

He earned his undergraduate degree in Business Management and Education and his M.S. in School Administration each from Northwest Missouri State University. He has been a teacher, coach, or an administrator at Indianola, Charles City, Greene, Atlantic, and Shenandoah until retiring in 2015. An active professional he was honored with a hall of fame induction by the Iowa Association of High School Athletic Directors.

He curtailed his umpiring for nine years while coaching baseball at Indianola and Charles City where he also followed his daughter’s softball career. 

In his 49 years of officiating, he has worked varsity baseball 40 years. He also officiated football and basketball, primarily at the sub-varsity level and middle school level. 

His varsity résumé includes 37 years of post season baseball tournaments including 15 years at the State Tournament. Going into this season he has been on semifinals and championship contests five times. In addition, he has been assigned post season varsity softball tournaments and boys and girls basketball. 

He and his wife Kathy live in Atlantic and have raised three adult children-Kari, Kristi, and Kevin, who he introduced officiating in 1993. They enjoy seven grandchildren.”