712 Digital Group - top

2 arrested Wednesday afternoon/evening in Red Oak

News

November 30th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Red Oak, Iowa) – Police in Red Oak report two men were arrested on separate charges, late Wednesday afternoon/evening. At around 4:45-p.m., officers arrested 36-year-old Bryce Michael McKinnon, of Clarinda. He was taken into custody in the 1100 block of N. 5th Street, for Assault and Interference with Official Acts. McKinnon was being held in the Montgomery County Jail on a $300 bond.

And, a little after 5-p.m., Wednesday, Red Oak Police arrested 40-year-old Douglas Ray Kirsch, of Villisca. He was taken into custody at the Red Oak Fareway Store, for Theft in the 5th Degree. His bond was set at $300.

No injuries reported following a collision Wed. evening in Creston

News

November 30th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Creston, Iowa) – An accident near the Casey’s Store on Devoe Street in Creston, Wednesday evening, caused $3,000 damage to the vehicles involved, but no one was injured. Creston Police report an SUV driven by 49-year-old Paula Crow, of Creston, was leaving the store parking lot at around 6:05-p.m., and turning left onto Devoe Street. She failed to see an oncoming westbound Chevy Cruze driven by 69-year-old John Raddatz, of Creston. Crow was unable to stop in time before the vehicles collided.

The Police report noted Crow failed to yield the right-of-way in making a left turn, but there were no citations issued.

Skyscan Forecast for Atlantic & the Nishna Valley: Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023

Weather

November 30th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

Today: Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 43. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph becoming north northeast in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.
Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 24. Blustery, with a northeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Friday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 35. North northeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 24. North northeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming calm after midnight.
Saturday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 36.
Saturday Night: A 30 percent chance of snow, mainly before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 24.
Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 39.

Wednesday’s High in Atlantic was 48. The Low was 19. Last year on this date, the High in Atlantic was 28 and the Low was 8. The Record High on Nov. 30th in Atlantic, was 66, in 1922. The Record Low was -10 in 1964. Sunrise is at 7:25. Sunset at 4:51.

Casey DeSantis says she’s decided not to sit on the sidelines

News

November 29th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – The wife of G-O-P presidential candidate Ron DeSantis is stepping up her solo appearances in Iowa as the Caucuses draw closer. In May, Governor DeSantis invited his wife to join him on stage during his first campaign speech here. As she approached the microphone to speak and the crowd cheered, he said: “Let ‘er rip.” A few weeks ago it was Casey DeSantis who introduced Governor Kim Reynolds at the rally where Reynolds delivered her public endorsement of the Florida governor.

During an interview with Radio Iowa, Casey DeSantis laughed when asked if she had a role in securing that endorsement for her husband. “She is an exquisite governor. She is a fighter. She is somebody who stands up for what is right and she is very much like the governor,” Casey DeSantis says. “…She understands what it’s like to be able to put yourself in the line of fire.”

DeSantis campaign rally on Nov. 6, 2023 featured Casey DeSantis introducing Gov. Kim Reynolds, who endorsed Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis that night.

DeSantis says as first lady of Florida, she decided not to sit on the sidelines. “I could have been taking the easy path where sometimes when you’re not out putting yourself in the arena, you’re not going to get hit,” DeSantis said, “but I saw it as an opportunity not necessarily about me, but about the position as first lady, to be able to do good on behalf of the people of Florida and hopefully of the country.”

Governor DeSantis says he and his wife shrug off criticism from the left. And Casey DeSantis says the associate of former President Trump who recently made a crude comment about her is part of the campaign noise that should be ignored. “When you’re standing up for what you know in your heart is right, you’re going to get attacked. People are going to come after you…You just have to stand strong and you know the truth and remember: ‘Mission first.’ And that is saving this country.”

Casey DeSantis is an Ohio native who graduated from the College of Charleston with a degree in economics. She’s a former T-V anchor and reporter and currently the mother of three children under the age of seven.

Des Moines Man Sentenced to Federal Prison After Pointing a Gun at Police Following a Car Chase

News

November 29th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa – The U-S Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa report a Des Moines man was sentenced on November 16, 2023 to 13-and-a-half years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a felon.

According to public court documents, 36-year-old Fawnie Allen Avery, was on parole with the State of Iowa when he led officers with the Des Moines Police Department on a nighttime chase through residential neighborhoods after law enforcement attempted to conduct a traffic stop of his vehicle. Avery crashed his vehicle, climbed out of his window, and attempted to flee on foot. A uniformed officer attempted to apprehend him. Avery struggled against the officer and pulled a firearm from his waistband. Avery pointed his firearm at a plain clothes officer and chambered a round in the firearm. Police were able to subdue Avery when a third officer arrived on scene.

At sentencing, the District Court found that two Des Moines Police officers were victims of Avery’s offense because Avery pulled his gun during the struggle leading to his arrest, pointed his gun at an officer, and chambered a round in his gun. The Court also found that Avery recklessly created a substantial risk of injury or death during the vehicle chase prior to his arrest.

United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Des Moines Police Department.

JANE SCHWARTZ, 97, of Atlantic (Svcs. 12/2/23)

Obituaries

November 29th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

JANE SCHWARTZ, 97, of Atlantic, died Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at her home. Funeral services for JANE SCHWARTZ will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, December 2nd at Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic. The service will begin with a special tribute by the B.P.O. Does, Drove #23.

Visitation with the family present will be held from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., Friday, December 1st at Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic.

Burial will be in the Atlantic Cemetery.

JANE SCHWARTZ is survived by:

Her sons – Dennis (Jean Guard) Schwartz; Gary Schwartz; Wynn Schwartz, and Mark Schwartz.

4 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; and several great-great-grandchildren.

Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.

Pellett nominated as Atlantic School Board President; McLean becomes Vice-President

News

November 29th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic School Board held two meetings this (Wednesday) evening. The first was the last regular, Annual meeting of the Retiring Board, headed by President Laura McLean and Vice-President Kristy Pellett. During the meeting the Board acted to approve the resignations of: Kelli Evans, High School Nurse; Tori Brummer, Freshman Volleyball Coach; and Megan Andersen, Kitchen Staff. The also approved recommendations to hire: Kelli Evans, Director of Health Services, and Megan Andersen, Media Center Para.

The Board then spent a considerable amount of time discussing modifications to the Early Retirement Plan for Certified and Non-Certified Staff. With regard to the re-hiring of retiring Certified Staff, the Board concluded those individuals must resign from all positions within the District and then re-apply and not be hired for a full-time position. They will only be re-hired at the Board’s discretion. With regard to the Early Retirement plan for Non-Certified Staff, the policy will state those persons cannot be rehired for any full-time positions. They approved amended wording for those plans as discussed.

Final meeting of the Retiring Atlantic School Board. (YouTube pic by Ric Hanson)

At the end of regular business, the Retiring Board adjourned. Retiring Board Members Nick Hunt and Jenny Williams each received a plaque for their respective four-and eight-years of service. Hunt had served 4-years. Williams was on the Board for 8-years. Nick Hunt ended his term by thanking the Board and saying he’s enjoyed serving and learning. He said realizes that everyone on the Board is “Passionate and want the school to succeed, and I think our time was productive. I think our school is in good shape, and I wish the new Directors all the best of luck.”

Williams echoed his comments. She said “It’s been a crazy eight-years. We’ve been through a lot together…the District has survived. It’s been a fantastic educational learning opportunity that I used daily and will continue to use.” She also thanked all the students and staff, and everyone who reached-out to speak with her.

Soon thereafter Board Secretary Lisa Jones called the Organizational Board to Order, and administered the Oath of Office to newly elected members Gini Jordan and Jodi Stowater-Goodrich, and re-elected Board member Laura McLean.

Board Secretary Lisa Jones swears-in New Board member Jodi Stowater-Goodrich, re-elected Board Member Laura McLean, and new member Gini Jordan.

The new Board nominated and selected Kristy Pellett and President and Laura McLean as Vice-President. They also appointed Lisa Jones as Board Secretary/Treasurer. Gini Jordan was nominated to serve as the Board’s Cass County Conference Board Representative. And, they left the dates and time for their meetings unchanged. The Atlantic School Board will continue to meet on the second and fourth Wednesday’s of the month (with the second meeting generally a Work Session). Their sessions will take place in the High School Media Center, beginning at 5:30-p.m.

In other business, the New Atlantic School Board established the Atlantic News Telegraph and the District’s Official Publication, and Ahlers and Cooney as Legal Counsel.

Multiple Cyclones recognized by Big 12, Becht named Offensive Freshman of the Year

Sports

November 29th, 2023 by Asa Lucas

AMES, Iowa – Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht was named Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year to highlight the Big 12 Conference postseason awards for the Cyclones, announced Wednesday by the conference office after a vote by the coaches.

Becht joins Mike Warren (2015) as Iowa State players to be named Offensive Freshman of the Year. He’s the first quarterback winner of the award since 2019 (Spencer Sanders, Oklahoma State).

Senior cornerback T.J. Tampa and sophomore safety Jeremiah Cooper earned All-Big 12 First-Team honors, while junior wide receiver Jaylin Noel and junior tight end/fullback Stevo Klotz earned second-team accolades.

In total, 16 Cyclones were recognized by the Big 12 coaches.

Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year

Rocco Becht, QB, RFr., Wesley Chapel, Florida

Becht had an outstanding season for the Cyclones in his first as a starter, breaking ISU’s freshman records for completions (209), passing touchdowns (20) and passing yards (2,674). He completed 63.5 percent of his passes in leading the Cyclones from one conference win in 2022 to six league victories in 2023. He had six completions for 60 yards or more, the most by an ISU QB since Brock Purdy completed seven passes of 60-plus yards in 2019.

All-Big 12 First Team

Jeremiah Cooper, DB, So., El Paso, Texas

After earning All-Big 12 Honorable Mention honors for Defensive Freshman of the Year in 2022, Cooper burst onto the scene as a sophomore, picking off two passes in the season opener against UNI and returning one of them 58 yards for a touchdown. Cooper is fifth nationally and second in the Big 12 Conference with five interceptions despite missing two games due to injury. He’s fourth nationally in passes defended at 1.4 per game. Cooper has 41 tackles this season, including 1.5 for a loss. He’s allowed just one touchdown in 331 coverage snaps.

T.J. Tampa, DB, Sr., St. Petersburg, Florida

One of the nation’s top cornerbacks, Tampa earned Second Team All-Big 12 honors in 2022 and elevated himself to a first-team spot after returning for his senior season. Tampa has locked down opponents this season, allowing just one touchdown in 414 coverage snaps. He has two interceptions, including the game-clincher in Iowa State’s win over Oklahoma State, and seven pass breakups while teams have largely refrained from throwing toward the all-league corner. Tampa is sixth on the team with 44 tackles, including three for a loss.

All-Big 12 Second Team

Stevo Klotz, FB, RJr., Chaska, Minnesota

The redshirt junior tight end spent much of his time in the backfield as a fullback and was rewarded for his efforts by earning All-Big 12 Second Team honors. It marks the third-straight season a Cyclone tight end has earned All-Big 12 honors as a fullback (Jared Rus). In addition to paving the way for the Cyclone running backs, Klotz had seven receptions, including a 13-yard touchdown reception against Cincinnati.

Jaylin Noel, WR, RJr., Kansas City, Mo.

Wide receiver Jaylin Noel led the Cyclones with 60 receptions for 741 yards with a team-high six touchdown catches. Noel finished fifth in the Big 12 Conference for receptions, fourth for receptions per game (5.5) and sixth for receiving yards per game (67.4). Nationally, Noel ranks among the Top 70 for receiving TDs, receiving yards per game and receptions per game. He’s also a standout on special teams as a kick returner and punt returner.

All-Big 12 Honorable Mention

Benjamin Brahmer (TE), Chase Contreraz (PK, STPoY), Beau Freyler (DB), Jayden Higgins (WR, ONoY), Jarrod Hufford (OL, OLoY), Jaylin Noel (KR/PR, OPoY), Tyler Onyedim (DL), Domonique Orange (DL), Tyler Perkins (P), Jack Sadowsky (DFoY), T.J. Tampa (DPoY), Gerry Vaughn (LB), Malik Verdon (DB)

Atlantic’s Quincy Sorensen commits to University of Dubuque Women’s Tennis

Sports

November 29th, 2023 by Asa Lucas

Atlantic Senior and multi-sport athlete Quincy Sorensen signed her letter of intent to play tennis at the University of Dubuque on Wednesday afternoon. Sorensen chose University of Dubuque for their competitive tennis and aviation program with hopes of becoming a pilot.

Sorensen has taken away many positive lessons from her time in Trojan Athletics and thanks the various coaches she’s had throughout the years.

Atlantic Head Tennis Coach Mike McDermott noted the athleticism that Sorensen will bring to the tennis program.

Retired Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby named interim AD at Northern Iowa

Sports

November 29th, 2023 by admin

Retired Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby will serve as interim athletic director at Northern Iowa. Bowlsby’s first AD job was at UNI beginning in 1983. He also served stints at Iowa and Stanford. He has no plans to make it a full time job.

Bowlsby says he was approached by UNI president Mark Nook after David Harris left to become the new AD at Tulane.

UNI has served as a launching pad for several coaches and administrators who have had very successful careers.