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Ideal selfie setting as Amana Colonies host weekend flower garden tours

News

June 27th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – They say we should take the time to smell the flowers, and that can be taken literally in eastern Iowa this weekend with the Colonies in Bloom event in the Amana Colonies. Jon Childers, spokesman for the Amana Heritage Museum, says the annual self-guided tour is a must-see, must-smell experience for backyard gardeners and all admirers of beautiful botanicals. “The goal of our event is to share the gardening and flower gardening heritage of the Amana Colonies,” Childers says. “Every year, we have anywhere from seven to maybe 12 gardens. Some of these are flower gardens, some of these are vegetable gardens, and some of these are both.” The gardens on this year’s tour are spread across five of the seven villages and feature stunning colors and aromatic fragrances. As the history of the Amana Colonies predates the state of Iowa, Childers says you’re sure to see things on the tour you likely won’t see elsewhere.

“We have heirloom vegetables that people will be able to see at certain gardens, but we do have modern flowers or rare flowers that people will be able to see,” Childers says. “There’s one particular home in Upper South Amana this year where they have a lot of the native flowers. They’re really sort of into that, what natively grows in Iowa.” The self-guided tours run from 9 A-M to 3 P-M on Saturday, and they’ll be followed by a Garden Party at the Amana Heritage Museum.

“We’re going to have a party out in our yard. We’re going to have some food and drink available. We will have the museum open,” he says. “We will show our orientation video where people will be able to learn about our 300-year history here in the Amanas. We’re going to have a little bit of entertainment and some yard games and good conversation after a day of looking at the gardens.”

While multi-acre vegetable gardens were a staple in the early days of the colonies, hobby gardening didn’t become popular in the Amanas until the communal system was dissolved in 1932. Maps for Colonies in Bloom are available at the Amana Heritage Museum, the Amana Colonies Visitors Center, and at each participating garden.

17-year-old drowns at Rathbun Lake, Wednesday

News

June 27th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Centerville, Iowa) – The Sheriff’s Department in eastern Iowa’s Appanoose County said late Wednesday, that a 17-year-old male had died while swimming at Rathbun Lake. The Appanoose County Law Enforcement Center received a 9-1-1 call at around 6:13-p.m. about a possible drowning near the Buck Creek swimming beach at Rathbun Lake, near Moravia. The caller said the teen was swimming when he went under the water and didn’t resurface.

Law enforcement and emergency crews, including the Appanoose County Water Rescue team responded to the scene and searched the area where the teen was last seen. His body was recovered a little after 7:30-p.m., in about 15-to 25-feet of water. The juvenile male was pronounced dead at the scene by the Appanoose County Medical Examiner’s Office.

The teen’s name was not immediately released. The incident remains under investigation.

Skyscan Forecast for Atlantic & the Nishna Valley: Thursday, June 27, 2024

Weather

June 27th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

Today: Mostly cloudy w/a slight chance of showers this afternoon. High near 82. E/SE winds 5-15 mph w/gusts to near 20.

Tonight: A 70% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Low around 66.

Tomorrow: Mo. cloudy & breezy w/a 70% chance of showers & possible thunderstorms. High near 83. S @ 15-30 mph.

Tom. Night: A 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Low around 67.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 81.

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 77.

Monday: Cloudy & breezy, w/a 50% of showers & thunderstorms. High near 80.

Wednesday’s High in Atlantic was 88. Our Low this morning was 61. This day last year in Atlantic the high was 86 and the low 55. The Record High in Atlantic on June 27th, was 103 in 1934. The Record Low was 43, in 1938, 1958 & 1968. Sunrise today: 5:48 am. Sunset: 8:58 pm.

State applies for expanded federal food aid for low income flood victims

News

June 27th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – State officials are applying for expanded federal food assistance for low income flood victims in northwest Iowa. Iowa Department of Health and Human Services director Kelly Garcia says her agency is seeking what are called “Disaster SNAP benefits” for residents in the five counties that were declared federal disaster areas this week.

“That will allow Iowans to buy, purchase hot meals and ready to go meals in whatever location they’re in,” Garcia says. The federal benefits would not be restricted to Iowans who have already qualified for SNAP — the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, previously known as food stamps.

“You have to have the presidential declaration first and then we, as the SNAP agency, apply,” Garcia says. “Individuals are qualified based on their household income, but you deduct the loss associated with the disaster.” Iowans who did not have flood insurance and lost their homes in the flooding, for example, would likely be eligible for disaster food assistance.

“SNAP typically only has a limited kind of allotment and you can’t buy prepared meals, so you can’t buy a rotisserie chicken or something that is prepared and is ready to go and consumed, but under Disaster SNAP you can,” Garcia says. “That’s really important for families that are hoteling or in a shelter or are otherwise dislocated from their typical arrangement.” If the U-S-D-A approves the State of Iowa’s application, Iowans who qualify for these “Disaster SNAP” benefits would get an Electronic Benefits Transfer card to buy food at authorized stores.

Flood victims are able to calculate home or business repairs, temporary shelter expenses and disaster-related medical expenses as well as loss of income to determine if they qualify for the benefits. Flood victims who are already receiving food stamps may qualify for an increase in benefits if the state’s Disaster SNAP application is approved for flood victims. The U-S-D-A has already approved Disaster SNAP for Iowans in Greenfield and other federally designated disaster areas hit by tornadoes in April and May.

Gov. Reynolds issues proclamation for 27 counties impacted by recent widespread flooding

News

June 27th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES – Governor Kim Reynolds has taken executive action to temporarily suspend some state regulations in the 27 counties where flooding has happened or is expected to happen in the next few days.

Under state law, Iowans who lose the the title for a vehicle have just five days to get an official copy to replace it. The governor’s proclamation temporarily suspends that deadline for flood victims. She’s also waiving the fees they’d face for getting a driver’s license, new license plates for a vehicle or copies of birth certificates to replace those lost in the flood. Reynolds is using her executive authority to temporarily suspend another law, so flooded out car and R-V dealerships can temporarily set up vehicle lots in a different city.

Governor Reynolds met with officials in Spencer on Tuesday. (Governor’s office photo)

The governor’s proclamation covers the following counties: Buena Vista, Cerro Gordo, Cherokee, Clay, Dickinson, Emmet, Floyd, Fremont, Harrison, Hancock, Humboldt, Kossuth, Lyon, Mills, Monona, O’Brien, Osceola, Palo Alto, Plymouth, Pocahontas, Pottawattamie, Sioux, Webster, Winnebago, Woodbury, Worth and Wright.

You can find a copy of the proclamation here.

Iowa’s Nick DeJong on versatility along the offensive line

Sports

June 26th, 2024 by Asa Lucas

Iowa offensive lineman Nick DeJong says he will play wherever he is needed next season. The senior from Pella started games last season at left guard, right guard and right tackle for the Hawkeyes. He was listed as the back up at right tackle during spring drills and is not sure where he will be when next season begins.

DeJong says it is important as an offensive lineman to be versatile.

The Hawkeyes open next season at home on August 31st against Illinois State.

Gov. Reynolds Extends Disaster Proclamation for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Sioux, Cherokee, and Sac Counties

Ag/Outdoor, News

June 26th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES – Today Gov. Kim Reynolds announced the extension of a disaster proclamation for Sioux, Cherokee, and Sac Counties effective immediately through July 26, 2024. The USDA has confirmed positive cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in all three counties.  

This proclamation allows state resources from Iowa Homeland Security, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, and other agencies to assist with tracking and monitoring, rapid detection, containment, disposal, and disinfection. The proclamation also waives regulatory provisions related to commercial vehicles responding to affected sites.  

The recent HPAI detections in birds do not present an immediate public health concern, and it remains safe to eat poultry products. If producers suspect signs of HPAI in their flocks, they should contact their veterinarian immediately.  

 You can find a copy of the proclamation here 

Gov. Reynolds Issues Disaster Proclamation for Four Counties in Response to Severe Storms and Flooding

News

June 26th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES – Gov. Kim Reynolds has issued a disaster proclamation for Harrison, Johnson, Mills and Pottawattamie Counties in response to severe storms and flash flooding that occurred on June 21 and continuing. The governor’s proclamation allows state resources to be utilized to respond to and recover from the effects of this severe weather and activates the Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program and Disaster Case Advocacy Program. 

The Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program provides grants of up to $5,000 for households with incomes up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level. Grants are available for home or car repairs, replacement of clothing or food, and temporary housing expenses. Original receipts are required for those seeking reimbursement for actual expenses related to storm recovery. The grant application and instructions are available on the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management website https://homelandsecurity.iowa.gov/assistance. Potential applicants have 45 days from the date of the proclamation to submit a claim.   

The Disaster Case Advocacy Program addresses serious needs related to disaster-related hardship, injury, or adverse conditions. Disaster case advocates work with clients to create a disaster recovery plan and provide guidance, advice, and referrals to obtain a service or resource. There are no income eligibility requirements for this program; it closes 180 days from the date of the governor’s proclamation. For information on the Disaster Case Advocacy Program, contact your local community action agency or visit iowacommunityaction.org.    

You can find a copy of the proclamation here 

15-year-old arrested as an Accessory after the fact in connection w/a Marshalltown murder investigation

News

June 26th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Marshalltown, Iowa)-  Officials with the Marshalltown Police Department, today (Wednesday), reported at a 15-year-old male was taken into custody Tuesday night, as part of a fatal shooting investigation.The teen, who was not identified because of his age, is charged with Accessory after the fact (Murder) – an Aggravated Misdemeanor, and Possession with the intent to deliver (Marijuana), a Class-D Felony. The juvenile was transported to a juvenile detention facility and remains in custody.
In a previous press release, authorities in Marshalltown said that at around 1:20-a.m. Saturday, June 1st, first responders were sent to the Center Street Station bar, located at 19 North Center Street, after receiving a 911 call about a shooting at this location. Upon arrival, officers found an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound. First responders administered emergency medical care on scene. The victim was transported to a medical facility and subsequently died. The victim has been identified as Ramon Alexis Feliciano Nieves, age 41, of Marshalltown.
Victor Antonio Delgadillo, age 18, of Marshalltown, has been identified as the shooter in this investigation and remains at large. Mr. Delgadillo has active warrants for his arrest for the crimes of Murder in the First Degree and Harassment in the First Degree.

Victor Antonio Delgadillo

Chief Michael Tupper says “We will arrest and prosecute anyone who is knowingly aiding and abetting Mr. Delgadillo. We cannot allow violent crime to take a hold of our community. We plan to make more arrests. We urge Mr. Delgadillo to follow the advice of his legal counsel and turn himself in. The only way to resolve this issue is to do so through the court process.”
Marshall County Crime Stoppers has put forth a $5,000.00 reward for information leading to the arrest of Victor Antonio Delgadillo. Chief Michael Tupper stated, “Marshall County Crime Stoppers is a critically important public safety partner. We appreciate their generous support on this case and many others over the past nine years. This murder investigation is our number one priority. We will not rest until Mr. Delgadillo is safely taken into custody.”
The Marshalltown Police Department continues to receive helpful information from the public regarding this investigation. Information from the public plays an important role during all criminal investigations. Information has been received that indicates Mr. Delgadillo is receiving assistance from people and this assistance has allowed him to evade law enforcement. Chief Michael Tupper stated, “We will find Mr. Delgadillo. The police department appreciates the support and information the public continues to provide. We will not rest until this case is fully prosecuted.”
The investigation of this incident is on-going. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Marshalltown Police Department at 641.754.5725 or 911. Tips can 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.
(A criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.)

(UPDATE) “Green for Greenfield” event raised more than $2,000 for Greenfield Sunday night

News

June 26th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Cass County Democrats’ nonpartisan “Green for Greenfield” fundraiser held on Sunday, June 23 raised more than $2,000 dollars for the Greater Greenfield Community Foundation to assist Greenfield tornado recovery.
The nonpartisan event was attended by 40 people–including Democrats, Republicans, and Independents–and featured personal stories and community updates from Susie and Willard Olesen, long-time Greenfield residents. Susie and Willard shared harrowing stories from the May 21 tornado, an EF5 that reached windspeeds of more than 300 miles per hour.

They also shared stories of hope, including a story about long-estranged friends setting aside political disputes to collaborate on recovery efforts. The couple gave updates on ongoing cleanup and recovery efforts, and expressed deep gratitude for all support, emphasizing that many people and businesses will continue to need support for months to come.

The event was held at the home of Dave and Barb Chase, and food was catered by The Flour Mill. Randy Burk provided music.

Susie and Willard Olesen

Donations to the Greater Greenfield Community Foundation can be made online at https://www.greenfieldiafoundation.org/ or by mailing checks to the Greater Greenfield Community Foundation, P.O. Box 13, Greenfield, Iowa, 50849.

For more information or to volunteer for upcoming events and activities with the Cass County Democrats, contact County Chair Denise O’Brien at 712-249-3197 or casscountyiadems@gmail.com or follow the Cass County Democrats on Facebook
@CassCountyIADems