United Group Insurance

Arkansas rallies to stun Kansas in Des Moines

Sports

March 19th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

Arkansas roared back from a 12-points deficit to post a heart stopping 72-71 win over West Region top seed Kansas at Wells Fargo Arena, eliminating the defending NCAA champions.

That’s Arkansas coach Eric Musselman who was shirtless after the game while leading Razorback fans in cheers.

It was the first time the Jayhawks lost this season after leading at halftime. With head coach Bill Self on the mend following a heart procedure assistant Norm Roberts directed Kansas.

Skyscan Forecast for Atlantic & the Nishna Valley: Sunday, March 19, 2023

Weather

March 19th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

Today: Sunny, with a high near 43. Wind chill values as low as zero. Breezy, with a southwest wind 5 to 10 mph increasing to 13 to 18 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 24 mph.
Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 27. Breezy, with a south southwest wind 15 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 53. Southwest wind 7 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.
Monday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 35. Northeast wind 7 to 14 mph becoming south after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 22 mph.
Tuesday: Rain likely, mainly before 1pm. Cloudy, with a high near 48. Breezy, with a south southeast wind 16 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Tuesday Night: A 30 percent chance of rain, mainly after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 37. Breezy. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of rain before 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 55.

Saturday’s High in Atlantic was 26. Our Low this morning was 8. Last year on this date, the High in Atlantic was 60 and the Low was 25. The Record High of 79 was set in 1976. The Record Low of -14 was set in 1923. Sunrise is at 7:26-a.m.  Sunset will be 7:31-p.m.

Pence says Trump’s arrest in NYC would be ‘politically motivated’

News

March 18th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – Former Vice President Mike Pence says the potential arrest of former President Donald Trump is politically motivated and Pence says that’s deeply troubling. Pence spoke with reporters in Iowa shortly after Trump announced he expected to be arrested Tuesday in connection with a New York grand jury probe.

Trump, in a post on his social media platform, called for protests. Pence says he respects the right of every American to speak their mind about the situation.

Pence was in Des Moines Saturday for a discussion about foreign policy that was hosted by Senator Joni Ernst. Pence says America isn’t the world’s policeman, but, as the leader of the free world, the U.S. must support Ukraine to ensure peace in eastern Europe.

Pence’s remarks are in contrast to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, a likely 2024 presidential candidate, who recently said the war is a territorial dispute and Ukraine is not of vital national interest to the United States.

Pence said “…I know some people say we can’t take care of getting our economy moving again, securing our border, taking care of things here at home and doing that, but that’s a pretty small view of the greatest nation on earth. We can do both.” Pence told reporters he’ll be making a decision about whether to launch a presidential campaign of his own this spring. He told the audience at the event Iowa’s Caucuses will again play an outsized role in shaping the nation’s destiny.

Pence, who served in the U.S. House for a dozen years, was Indiana’s governor when Trump chose him as his running mate in 2016.

Marshalltown man’s death under investigation

News

March 18th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Marshalltown, Iowa) –  Police in Marshalltown are investigating a suspicious death. Authorities said Saturday (today), that on Friday, March 17, 2023, at 4:03pm, law enforcement responded to 618 West Boone Street after receiving a 911 call reporting someone had been injured at this location and was not breathing. Upon arrival, officers found a 27-year-old male deceased. The victim has been identified as Isaiah Montell Forest, of Marshalltown. On March 18th, an autopsy of the victim was performed by the Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner. The final autopsy results and conclusions are pending. Details are not available at this time while this investigation is ongoing. The circumstances surrounding this death are suspicious. No arrests have been made.
At this time, there is no evidence or information available that would suggest a threat to the general public. The police department says it’s making every effort to quickly resolve this investigation.
The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation is assisting the Marshalltown Police Department with the investigation. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Marshalltown Police Department at 641-754-5729. Tips may also be submitted anonymously by calling Marshall County Crime Stoppers at 641-753-1234 or via text by texting the word “marshall” followed by the tip to CRIMES (274637).
Tips may also be submitted online at www.marshallcountycs.com.
The Marshalltown Police Department was assisted at the Boone Street address by the Iowa Division of Criminal
Investigation Crime Scene Team, the Marshall County 911 Communications Center, the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office, the Marshalltown Fire Department and the Unity Point Ambulance Service.

MERVIN M. COFFMAN, 71, of Elk Horn (IA) & formerly of Shelby [Memorial Svc. 3/25/23]

Obituaries

March 18th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

MERVIN M. COFFMAN, 71, of Elk Horn (IA) (& formerly of Shelby), died January 22, 2023, in Elk Horn. A Memorial Service for MERVIN COFFMAN will be held 1-p.m. Saturday, March 25, 2023, at the Burmeister-Johannsen Funeral Home, in Harlan.

Burial of ashes will be in the Shelby Cemetery.

MERVIN COFFMAN is survived by:

His brother – Meredith (Marilyn) Coffman, of Hot Springs, AR.

His sisters – Linda (Eugene) Wahling, of Shelby, & Laurae (Donald) Kingsbury, of Omaha.

Other relatives and friends.

Online condolences may be left at www.burmeisterjohannsen.com.

Griswold School Board set to meet Monday evening

News

March 18th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Griswold, Iowa) – The Griswold School Board will meet 5:30-p.m., Monday, March 20, in the Conference Room at the High School. Their agenda (as follows) includes an Exempt (closed) session for matters relating to negotiating sessions.

• Call Meeting to Order

• Reading of Mission Statement

• Approval of Agenda (D.R.)

• Public Input

• Superintendent’s Report:

  1. Thank You Card(s) (I)
  2. The Month in Review – Administration (I)
  3. Board Learning Opportunities (I)

– Honor February Recipient

– Select March Recipient

• Consent Agenda (D.R.)

Approval of Minutes

Approval of Financial Statements

Approval of Bills

4. Personnel

5. Gifts, Memorials, Bequests

Exempt Meeting – An exempt meeting will be held prior to conducting the Old Business portion of the regular March 20, 2023 Griswold Board of Education Meeting.

The purpose of the Exempt Meeting is to discuss strategy in matters relating to negotiating sessions pursuant to Iowa Code 20.17(3)

Old Business

6. Board Policies – Second Reading (D.R.) – 216.2, 603.6, 603.7, 603.8, 603.8R1, 603.9, 603.9R1, 603.10, 603.11, 607.1, 701.5, 701.5R1, 705.1R2, 804.7R1

7. Consider Approval Of Track Maintenance Bid (D.R.)

8. Discussion And Possible Action On Griswold Sports Club Concession

Stand Proposal (I or D.R.)

New Business

9. Discussion On Possible Meeting Dates With The Labor Management

Committee And An IASB Workshop (I)

10. Approve Master Contract For GCEA (D.R.)

11. Accept GCEA Human Resource Handbook (D.R.)

12. Approve Master Contract For School Based Interventionist (D.R.)

13. Accept School Based Interventionist Human Resource Handbook (D.R.)

14. Approve Master Contract For Technology Coordinator (D.R.)

15. Accept Technology Coordinator Human Resource Handbook (D.R.)

16. Approve Master Contract For Non-Certified Staff (D.R.)

17. Accept Non-Certified Human Resource Handbook (D.R.)

18. Approval Of Contract Renewals For Certified Staff, Coaches/Sponsors,

Administration, Quasi-Administrators, And Support Staff (D.R.)

19. Approve The 2023-24 Elementary Guidance Sharing Agreement With

Riverside (D.R.)

20. Approve The 2023-24 Transportation Director Sharing Agreement

With Atlantic (D.R.)

21. Approve The 2023-24 School Business Official Sharing Agreement With

Riverside (D.R.)

22. Consider Approval Of 2023-24 Shared Girls Wrestling Program (D.R.)

23. Consider Approval Of The 2023-24 Athletic Handbook (D.R.)

24. Consider Approval Of The 2023-24 Preschool Handbook (D.R.)

25. Set Drivers Education Fees (D.R.)

26. Consider Approval Of Updated Job Descriptions (D.R.)

27. Consider Approval Of Mowing Bids (D.R.)

28. Consider Approval Of Participation Agreement For FY24 Local Government

Risk Pool (D.R.)

29. Consider Approval Of Skip The Trip Program (D.R.)

30. Consider Approval Of Open Enrollment Request – In (D.R.)

31. 4-Day School Week Update (I)

32. Youth Sports Update (I)

33. Annual Review Of Policies 410.2, 603.2, 711.4 (D.R.)

34. Board Policies – First Reading (I) – 413.6, 413.7, 604.1, 604.2, 604.3, 604.4,

604.5, 604.6, 604.7, 604.8, 604.9, 604.10, 604.11

35 Discussion And Possible Action On Small Claims Court Award (I or D.R.)

• Adjourn

(D.R.) = Decision Required

(I.) = Informational

Final agenda will be posted in the Central Office no less than 24 hours before the meeting.

Audubon School Board to meet Monday evening

News

March 18th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Audubon, Iowa) – Members of the Audubon School District’s Board of Education, Monday, will hold a work session, public hearing on the FY 23 School Calendar, and their regular monthly meeting. Their session takes place in the High School Board Room.  Here’s a look at the agenda:

6:45 – Board Work Session – Board Goals

7:00 – Public Hearing – FY24 School Calendar

Board of Education – Regular Meeting

1.0 Call to Order

2.0 Approve Consent Agenda

2.01 Agenda

2.02 Minutes – February 20, 2023

2.03 Warrants and Financial Reports

3.0 Public Comments – Please contact the Supt. or Board President (Board Policy #213)

4.0 Action Items

4.01 Set Time and Date for Budget Hearing

4.02 Approve Budget Guarantee Resolution

4.03 Approve FY24 School Calendar

4.4   Approve AEA Purchasing Agreement
4.05 Approve Timberline Billing Services Contract

4.06 Approve Teacher Salary Settlement

4.07 Approve Salaries – Staff Not Included in Bargaining Unit

4.08 Approve Change Orders – Building Project

4.09 Approve Track Resurfacing Quote

4.10 Approve Greenhouse Quote

4.11 Approve Electric Bus Purchase

4.12 Approve Electric Bus Charging Station Purchase

4.13 Possible Approval of Surplus Property Sale – Choir Shells

4.14 Personnel

5.0 Communication & Updates

5.01 Superintendent Report

5.01.1 – Building Project Updates

5.01.2 – Legislative Update

5.02 Principal’s Reports

6.0 Adjournment

Next Regular Meeting: Monday, April 17, 2023, 7:00 PM

Atlantic Parks & Rec meeting set for Monday

News

March 18th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The City of Atlantic’s Parks and Recreation Department Board of Directors will meet 5:15-p.m. Monday, March 20, in the City Council’s Chambers at City Hall.

Old Business:

  • The Ambassadors (Chamber of Commerce) visit is scheduled for Thursday, April 6th, 2023, at 10:00 am at the Parks & Recreation office.
  • Disk golf course signage grant update
  • Schildberg Trail update
  • Splash pad update- Ali Pieken

Action items/New Business includes:

  • Vote to grant James McEntaffer permission to install mile markers around the walking path at Schildberg Recreation Area. *
  • Vote to grant Amy Maes permission to have a bench installed at Schildberg Recreation Area. *
  • Vote to allow Olsen to have a bench installed at Schildberg Recreation Area. *
  • Vote to grant Frank Saddlemire permission to plant trees in Sunnyside Park. *
  • Discussion regarding the prioritization of repairing and updating Sunnyside Pool
  • Vote to allow the Park Director to move forward with the purchase of a new waterslide at Sunnyside Pool, contingent on staying within the City Administrator’s determined budget. *
  • Vote to allow the Park Director to move forward with painting Sunnyside Pool, contingent on staying within the City Administrator’s determined budget. *
  • Vote to allow the Park Director to purchase the Pool-Pass software to help the Department handle membership registration, pool entry, point-of-sale, and resale inventory. *
  • Vote on setting the 2023 season pool membership fees. *

(Starred items * require a vote of the Board)

Parks Director Wyatt Adderton will report on:

  • Certified Pool Operator class update
  • Lifeguard certification update
  • Iowa Parks & Recreation Association annual conference update
  • Zero-turn mower
  • Art in the Park Update
  • Acknowledgements

Conservation Report 03-18-2023

Ag/Outdoor, Podcasts

March 18th, 2023 by admin

Chris Parks and Cass/Adair County Conservation Officer Grant Gelly talk about all things outdoors. This week they discuss prepping for the Spring season, checking licenses, turkey season dates, prairie chicken day and much more.

Play

NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament Second Round Schedule 03/18/2023

Sports

March 18th, 2023 by admin

NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament
Second Round Schedule
Saturday, March 18, 2023

  • No. 5 San Diego State vs. No. 13 Furman | 12:10 p.m. | CBS
  • No. 4 Tennessee vs. No. 5 Duke | 2:40 p.m. | CBS
  • No. 1 Kansas vs. No. 8 Arkansas |  5:15 p.m. | CBS
  • No. 7 Missouri vs. No. 15 Princeton | 6:10 p.m. | TNT
  • No. 1 Houston vs. No. 9 Auburn | 7:10 p.m. | TBS
  • No. 2 Texas vs. No. 10 Penn State | 7:45 p.m. | CBS
  • No. 2 UCLA vs. No. 7 Northwestern | 8:40 p.m. | TNT
  • No. 1 Alabama vs. No. 8 Maryland | 9:40 p.m. | TBS