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Lack of rain helps Mississippi River towns escape major problems with flooding

News, Weather

May 1st, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – The eastern Iowa cities along the Mississippi River had to put their flood control measures into place, but have averted any major problems as the river crests today (Monday). National Weather Service Meteorologist, Matt Wilson, says the lack of any rain to go with the slug of water coming downriver from Minnesota snow melt kept the water from surpassing the record.

“We have been very lucky that we haven’t had any significant rainfall to come in on top of this crest. It’s been pretty straightforward for the last week or so, pretty dry here,” he says.”And even up north, we didn’t have too much extra rainfall up there in the last week or so.” He says the Mississippi River rarely rises to the level they are seeing without rainfall contributing to the flood conditions. Wilson is in the N-W-S Quad Cities office and says these high waters are passing without big damage.

“We haven’t had any reports of any type of major levee failure or any kind of major damage in protected areas along the river. Obviously, in the unprotected lowlands along the river, the river rose to its level and affected any structures or roadways that were there,” Wilson says. “But anywhere that was behind a flood wall — by and large we haven’t heard of any damages behind that.” He says there were reports of two minor levee breaks. One was at the Green Island Wildlife Management Area.

“Just south of Bellevue. No structures or roads were impacted by that one. And then another one in Commanche, Iowa, where it was quickly sandbagged. And they had the pumps going so before anybody even really knew that what was going on the crews there were already taking care of it,” he says. Wilson says the forecast is good for allowing the waters to recede.

“Over the next week, we’re expecting broadly, no more than an inch of rain across the states of Iowa and Illinois. And then for the next eight to 14 days after that, we’re also expecting below-average chances for precipitation,” Wilson says. Wilson says that lack of rain should allow the river to go down at a faster rate than normal.

“By the end of May, we’ll have pretty much every site here in Iowa back down below flood stage,” he says. The crest is going to end up somewhere around 21-point-four feet to 21-point-five feet — which would be below the record crest.

DANNY WAYNE KAISER, 72, of Lewis (Graveside Svc. 5/2/23)

Obituaries

May 1st, 2023 by Ric Hanson

DANNY WAYNE KAISER, 72, of Lewis, died Sunday, April 30, 2023, at his home near Lewis. A graveside service for DANNY KAISER will be held 1-p.m. Tuesday, May 2, 2023, at the Oakwood Cemetery in Lewis.  Rieken Duhn Funeral Home in Griswold is assisting the family.

Shelby County Sheriff’s report, 5/1/23

News

May 1st, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Harlan, Iowa) -The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office reports numerous arrests spanning the time frame of April 1st through the 30th. In order from the most recent to the earliest arrests (Date/name/age/City of residence/Offense(s):

4-30-23:

  • Omar Barquero Flores, age 34, Harlan, IA was arrested after a call for service in Harlan. Flores was transported to the Shelby County Jail and charged with Trespass.
  • Megan Nicole Gettys, age 28, Harlan, IA was arrested and charged with Violation of a No Contact Order.
  • Adam Tyrone Scheffler, age 30, Harlan, IA was charged with Violation of a No Contact order.

4-29-23: Omar Barquero Flores, age 34, Harlan, IA was arrested after a call for service in Harlan. Flores was transported to the Shelby County Jail and charged with Public Intoxication.

4-28-23: Erin Elizabeth Smith, age 41, Kirkman, IA was arrested after a call for service in Kirkman. Smith was transported to the Shelby County Jail and charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

4-26-23: Daija Suzanne Buttry, age 19, Harlan, IA was arrested following a traffic stop on Hwy 59. Buttry was transported to the Shelby County Jail and charged with Driving while License is suspended and Failure to Provide Proof of Financial Liability.

4-25-23: Joshua Lewis Hytrek, age 26, Irwin, IA was arrested following a traffic stop in Irwin, IA. Hytrek was transported to the Shelby County Jail and charged with OWI 2nd, Driving while Barred, Failure to Provide Proof of Financial Liability, and Open Container; Pawel Antoni Baran, age 35, Roselle, IL was arrested following a traffic stop in Elk Horn, IA. Baran was transported to the Shelby County Jail and charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Keeping Vehicle for Controlled Substance

4-23-23: Robert Gail Christo, age 28, Harlan, IA was arrested following a traffic stop on 9th St. Christo was transported to the Shelby County Jail and charged with OWI 1st, Improper Registration Lamp, Open Container, Failure to Provide proof of Financial Liability, and No Valid Driver’s License.

4-20-23: Robert Joseph Arkfeld, age 50, Avoca, IA was arrested following a traffic stop on St F66. Arkfeld was transported to the Shelby County Jail on active Shelby County Warrant for Homicide by Vehicle-Operating Under the Influence. Arkfeld was also charged with Person Ineligible to Carry Dangerous Weapons, Keeping Vehicle for Controlled Substance, Possession of Controlled Substance, and Introduce Intoxicants or Drugs into Institution;Jesse Eugene Hutton, age 33, Harlan, IA was arrested after a call for service in Harlan, IA. Hutton was transported to the Shelby County Jail and charged with Interference with Official Acts.

4-19-23: Kaitlyn Noel Mingo, age 29, East Grand Forks, MN was arrested following a traffic stop on St F32. Mingo was transported to the Shelby County Jail and charged with Failure Affix Drug Stamp, OWI, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Keeping Vehicle for Controlled Substance, Possession of Controlled Substance, Controlled Substance Violation, Operating a Non-Registered Vehicle, Open Container, and Failure to Provide Proof of Financial Liability.

4-16-23: Candelario Hernandez Mosqueda, age 53, Council Bluffs, IA was arrested following a traffic stop in the 1100 Block of Highway 59. Hernandez Mosqueda was transported to the Shelby County Jail and Charged with Driving while License is Suspended.

4-11-23: Christopher Sloan Gifford, age 38, Harlan, IA was arrested on an active Shelby County Warrant and charged with Violation of Probation.

4-10-23: Joshua Michael Haggerty, age 28, Harlan, IA was arrested following a traffic stop at 6th St and Durant St, Harlan, IA. Haggerty was transported to the Shelby County Jail and charged with Driving while License is Revoked, and Failure to Provide Proof of Financial Liability.

4-9-23: Ricki Frank Andersen, age 64, Marne, IA was arrested after a call for service in the 2600 Block of 200th St. Andersen was transported to the Shelby County Jail and charged with Obstructing Emergency Communication; Nicole Renee Petersen, age 41, Harlan, IA was arrested after a call for service in Irwin, IA. Petersen was transported to the Shelby County Jail and charged with Trespassing.

4-8-23: Drew Ashton Gagnon, age 30, Shelby, IA was arrested on an active Shelby County Warrant and charged with Violation of Probation.

4-7-23: Anton Jason Ahlhelm, age 25, Harlan, IA was arrested on an active Shelby County Warrant and charged with Failure to Appear.

4-6-23: Justin Clay North, age 29, Portsmouth, IA was arrested following a call for service in Portsmouth, IA. North was transported to the Shelby County Jail and charged with Assault.

4-5-23: Fernando Rodriguez Juarez, age 25, Omaha, NE was arrested following a traffic stop on Highway 37, Earling, IA. Juarez was transported to the Shelby County Jail and charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance.

4-2-23: Serafin Sanchez Ramirez age 32, Harlan, IA was arrested following a traffic stop on St F32, Harlan, IA. Sanchez Ramirez was transported to the Shelby County Jail and charged with Driving while License is Revoked, OWI 2nd and Failure To Provide Financial Liability.

4-1-23: Tiffanie Ann Newcomb, age 37, Kirkman, IA was arrested following a traffic stop in the 1500 block of Peach Rd. Tiffanie was transported to the Shelby County Jail and charged with Possession of Controlled Substance, Keeping Premises of Vehicle for Controlled Substance, and Driving while Barred.

Iowa’s Keaton Anthony leads B1G in hitting

Sports

May 1st, 2023 by Ric Hanson

As the Iowa baseball team makes a run at an NCAA Regional the hitting of outfielder Keaton Anthony will be a key factor. The redshirt sophomore from Georgia leads the Big Ten with a .466 average. He also has 19 RBI, has walked or been hit 15 times while only recording four strikeouts.

That’s Iowa coach Rick Heller who says Anthony hits with power without striking out very often.

Heller says Anthony rarity who can handle fastballs as well as off speed.

The Hawkeyes are 31-11 and return to action Tuesday night at home against Illinois State.

Iowa native leads Utah women to Hy-Vee Cup

Sports

May 1st, 2023 by Ric Hanson

The Utah women’s track team, coached by Webster City native Kyle Kepler, were the HyVee Cup Champions of the Women’s University Division of 113th Drake Relays. Kepler says he knew the sprint medley relay and the distance medley relay would be important in their chances of winning.

Kepler says while he was thrilled to win the coveted title in his home state, he said he was most excited for the group of young women he’s coaching.

Iowa’s Jack Campbell on joining the Detroit Lions

Sports

May 1st, 2023 by Ric Hanson

Jack Campbell says he will take the same attitude and worth ethic that helped him succeed at Iowa to the Detroit Lions. The Butkus Award winner was taken with the 18th pick in the NFL Draft by the Lions last week.

Campbell says he is ready to get to work.

Campbell was always know for his leadership skills while a Hawkeye

Campbell feels his blue collar approach is a good fit for Detroit.

Iowa State’s Will McDonald on joining the New York Jets

Sports

May 1st, 2023 by Ric Hanson

Will McDonald says he will be happy to have former Iowa State standouts Breece Hall and Allen Lazard with him as he joins the New York Jets. McDonald was taken by the Jets with the 15th pick in the NFL Draft, becoming the first ISU player taken in the opening round since 1973. He says Hall called him the afternoon prior to the draft.

McDonald says it was his sophomore season in which he led the Big-12 in sacks that he first thought the NFL was a possibility.

The Milwaukee native did not even start playing football until high school and his initial plan was to join the army.

McDonald admits he was a little surprised he was taken with the 15th pick.

Economic survey of Midwest shows gains for third straight month

News

May 1st, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – As the weather got warmer, so did the state and regional economies, according to the monthly Creighton University survey of supply managers in Iowa and eight other states. Creighton economist Ernie Goss says for the third straight month, the Midwest’s overall index climbed above growth neutral, which is 50 on a zero-to-100 scale. Goss says the region’s April numbers were particularly encouraging.

“The overall reading jumped significantly up,” Goss says. “It’s still in a slow-growth range to April 54.8, and that’s up from March’s slightly-above-growth neutral reading of 50.8. It was a good reading, but still not back up to the readings we saw at this time last year.” The survey found almost six in ten supply managers fear recession will strike later this year, while about half report having trouble finding qualified workers to fill open positions.

“We’re still seeing labor hoarding out there, because companies really are attempting to not let loose of workers,” Goss says. “They don’t want to let them go knowing full well they may not ever get them back. So in some cases, we’re seeing workers not being fully busy at their jobs, so that’s bringing down productivity.” For April, Goss says hiring numbers were weak. On the plus side for consumers, the survey shows inflation is finally backing off.

“The inflation gauge dropped. It’s down from March’s 77.1 down to April 67.4, and that’s the lowest reading since December of 2022,” Goss says. “We’re seeing less and less inflationary pressures now as the Federal Reserve is raising interest rates and that is putting downward pressure on prices.”

Iowa’s economic numbers looked especially good during April, as the overall index jumped from 49.4 in March to 55.8, well over growth neutral. Goss says between the first quarter of 2022 and this year’s first quarter, Iowa’s hourly manufacturing wages climbed by more than eight-percent.

Mills County Sheriff’s report, 5/1/23

News

May 1st, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Glenwood, Iowa) – The Mills County Sheriff’s Office reports five recent arrests:

On Saturday, April 29th

  • 47-year-old Daniel Lee Dolen, of Council Bluffs, was arrested for Driving While Denied or Revoked (Bond $1,000).
  • 29-year-old Angel Gomez, of Omaha, was arrested for Public Intoxication (Bond $300).
  • and, 59-year-old Joseph Ray Hedrick, of Council Bluffs, was arrested for Burglary in the 3rd Degree (Bond$5,000).

On Friday, April 28th, 27-year-old Dylan Wayne Helton, of St. Joseph, MO., was arrested for: Neglect or Abandonment of a Dependent Person; 2 counts Possession of a Controlled Substance; Poss. of Drug Paraphernalia; No Valid Driver’s License, and Operating a vehicle without registration/plate (Bond $12,900).

And, on April 26th, 25-year-old Devin Donte Sattizahn, of Council Bluffs, was arrested for Domestic Abuse. He was being held without bond in the Mills County Jail.

Flight Bar + Grille in Huxley Lands “Iowa’s Best Burger”

News

May 1st, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Huxley, Iowa) – A restaurant in Huxley has claimed the title of “Iowa’s Best Burger,” for 2023. The Iowa Beef Industry Council reports the Flight Bar + Grille, in Huxley, was crowned winner for their burger they call “The Foundation,” a double-smash burger with cheddar cheese. “It includes mustard aioli, lettuce, tomato, caramelized onions and is topped with thick-cut bacon served between a beautiful and buttery brioche bun,” explained Katie Boughey, executive chef and kitchen manager. She said “We use simple seasonings – salt and pepper – to let the beef’s flavor be the star of the burger.”

The burger features 80% lean, fresh ground beef – the ideal ratio for creating outstanding flavor. The never-frozen and Midwest-sourced beef is rolled into a meatball and then smashed straight on the grill with a steak weight to give it a crisp crust. The judges noted the crust preserves the juices inside, resulting in a perfectly cooked burger that makes the food an exceptional experience. House-made pickles and flight fries (aptly dubbed the most delicious fries you’ve ever tasted!) round out a plate of goodness that has taken off for patrons of this restaurant turned must-visit destination. It’s one of a half dozen mouthwatering burgers on Flight’s menu.

The Foundation burger at the Flight Bar & Grill, in Huxley.

Restaurant owners Marianne and Matt Pacha moved to Huxley six years ago, immediately felt at home with the sense of community the central Iowa town of 4,500 provided. The intersection of community and family values with a desire to create a restaurant with a hometown feel led the Pachas to develop and open Flight Bar + Grille in 2022. Their establishment name was inspired by the local Ballard school district’s mascot – the Ballard Bombers.  In addition to the prize-winning burger, other menu items give a nod to the aviation theme with Flight Fries with house-made aioli sauces, Bomber Sliders, the Flight Club and a kids’ menu for pilots in training, featuring Jet Sliders named for the town’s youth football program mascot.