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Governor’s tax package advances, but senators to consider segments of it next

News

February 19th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – Republicans on a Senate subcommittee have advanced the governor’s bill to speed up state income tax cuts, provide a property tax cut for commercial child care centers AND reduce the tax businesses pay into the state’s unemployment trust fund.

However, Senator Dan Dawson, the Republican who leads the Senate Ways and Means Committee, indicates those components are going to be considered as separate bills in the coming weeks, with his own bill to gradually eliminate the state income tax in the mix. “Right now these are all just pieces of paper people are talking about,” Dawson told reporters after today’s Senate subcommittee meeting on the governor’s bill. “I think it’s important to get fiscal notes and give people a chance to weigh in.”

Senators, from left to right, on subcommittee considering governor’s tax proposals are Senator Dan Dawson (R-Council Bluffs), Senator Jason Schultz (R-Schleswig) and Senator Pam Jochum (D-Dubuque). (RI photo)

Governor Kim Reynolds has proposed lowering the state income tax retroactively to 3.65% this year and to 3.5% next year. “Despite the tax cuts already delivered, Iowa ended the year with a $1.83 billion surplus, $902 million in reserve funds and $2.7 billion in the Taxpayer Relief Fund,” Molly Severn, the governor’s legislative liaison, said during the subcommittee meeting. “The state is over collecting from Iowans and they deserve to keep more of their hard earned money.”

Money in the Taxpayer Relief Fund would be used to accomplish the governor’s immediate tax cutting goals. Dawson has proposed investing that money and using the profits to gradually reduce the state income tax. “We owe it to Iowa, since we’ve accumulated those monies in the Taxpayers Relief Fund, to really kind of think through responsibly what a long term plan is,” Dawson said.

Senate Democratic Leader Pam Jochum of Dubuque said getting rid of the income tax benefits the wealthiest Iowans. “We will be shifting to funding state government with more regressive taxation called sales tax and property tax,” Jochum said, “and those are not good ways to fund state government.”

Jochum also opposes the plan to lower the taxes businesses pay into the state fund that’s used to cover unemployment checks. “Sooner or later there’ll be a downturn in the economy…and then what happens to businesses (as) unemployment goes up and now their tax rates are going to go up to try and keep that trust fund alive and floating?” Jochum said. “That’s probably not the time to ask them to increase their unemployment tax rates.”

Severn told senators the governor’s proposal would lower businesses unemployment insurance taxes by 40%. “Helping companies of all sizes prosper, especially small businesses,” Severn said, “and making Iowa more competitive.”

Initial estimates indicate the tax break would save Iowa employers over $800 million over five years, according to Severn.

Bill would help Iowa cities regulate strip clubs

News

February 19th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – Davenport is leading an effort to better regulate adult entertainment establishments. A bill proposed in the state legislature would allow cities and counties to restrict the hours of a strip club if local courts find sufficient evidence of assault, gunshots, or a riot within 500 feet of the business. Davenport Police Chief Jeffery Bladel says a bill legislators passed in 2022 contained a loophole as it didn’t cover adult establishments that don’t serve alcohol. Bladel says the new bill would fix that.

“There was a loophole in there where they didn’t fall anywhere,” Bladel says, “and this does leave us, at the end of the day, the assurance that we can at least take some kind of action when action is needed.” Chief Bladel says managing complaints locally instead of at the state level would be swifter and more effective.

“That is the biggest piece,” he says, “that allows jurisdictions and cities to customize sanctions to whatever issue is they’re dealing with.” The bill has the support of the Metro Coalition, which represents some of Iowa’s largest cities.

IA DPS: Forest City Police arrested suspect in Feb 10th shooting incident

News

February 19th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

FOREST CITY, Iowa – The Iowa Dept. of Public Safety reports that on Monday, February 12, 2024, the Forest City Police Department began an investigation into a shooting incident which had occurred over the weekend, on the 100 block of North 4th Street. The Forest City Police Department requested the assistance of the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) in this investigation. This incident occurred on February 10, 2024, but was not reported to the Forest City Police Department until February 12, 2024, at 5:57 p.m.

The investigation resulted in the arrest of Jose Alberto Carrera Patino in the early morning hours of Tuesday, February 13, 2024. Patino was charged with Attempted Murder – Iowa Code 707.11(1) and Going Armed with Intent – Iowa Code 708.8. Patino was held at the Winnebago County Jail on a $30,000 bond. No injuries were reported in this incident.

The Forest City Police Department was assisted by the NCINT Special Operations Group, the Division of Criminal Investigation and the Forest City Ambulance Service.

Anyone with any information regarding this case is asked to call the Forest City Police Department at 641.585.2113 or the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation at 319.217.1580.

Ankeny man arrested on an Adair County warrant for multiple charges; Ankeny couple arrested on Theft charges

News

February 19th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Greenfield, Iowa) – The Adair County Sheriff’s Office reports a central Iowa man was arrested Friday night on an Adair County warrant. 36-year-old Lee Delmar Goll, of Ankeny (formerly of Stuart), is charged with:

  • Robbery in the 1st Degree
  • Intimidation with a dangerous weapon – injure or provoke fear
  • Kidnapping in the 3rd degree
  • Dominion/control of a firearm/offensive weapon by a felon
  • Going armed with intent
  • 2 counts of Harassment in the 1st Degree, and
  • Domestic Abuse Assault – Injury or mental illness – 1st offense.

Goll was being held in the Adair County Jail on a $300,000 cash-only bond. There were two other arrests reported on Feb. 16th: 27-year-old Austin John Worthington, of Adel, was picked-up from the Guthrie County Sheriff’s Department on an Adair County warrant for Violation of Probation. He was being held without bond in the Adair County Jail. And, 32-year-old Dalton James Cormeny, of Fontanelle, was picked-up from the Cass County Sheriff’s Dept. and held in the Adair County Jail, on an Adair County warrant for Violation of Probation. He was also being held without bond in the Adair County Jail.

On Feb. 14th, Adair Police arrested 32-year-old Brian Dean Schultz, of Greenfield, on an Adair County warrant for OWI/2nd offense, and Operating a Vehicle without the owner’s consent. He posted bond and was released.

35-year-old Nontsikelelo Nothemba Sifka, of Grand Rapids, MI., was arrested by Adair Police, for OWI/2nd offense, and Possession of Marijuana/1st offense. Sifka was pulled-over at around 11-p.m. Feb. 13th because her SUV had no taillights and her vehicle was seen crossing the center-line of I-80 westbound, near mile marker 76. During an investigation, Adair Police Officer Sawyer Ocheltree had reason to conduct a probable cause search of the vehicle, which resulted in the discovery of marijuana in a jar located on the passenger seat, and an empty beer can and whiskey bottle under the driver’s seat. Sifka refused a breath alcohol test at the scene and at the Adair County Sheriff’s Office. Records indicated she had a prior OWI in Michigan. She was arrested at around 1:18-a.m. on the 14th and released later that afternoon on a $1,000 cash or surety bond.

Two people were arrested on Adair County warrants, Feb. 13th: 64-year-old Pamela Sue Goodson, and 64-year-old Ronald Dean Goodson, both of Ankeny, were taken into custody at a residence in Fontanelle, on warrants for Theft in the 5th Degree against an older individual. Both were released on a $300 cash/surety bond, each.

Five Hawkeyes Named NFHCA Division I Scholars of Distinction

Sports

February 19th, 2024 by admin

IOWA CITY, Iowa – Five University of Iowa field hockey student-athletes – Hillary Cox, Lauren DeRose, Harper Dunne, Mia Magnotta, and Sofie Stribos – have been named National Field Hockey Coaches Association Scholars of Distinction, it was announced Monday by the NFHCA.

It is the fourth consecutive honor for Dunne, while Cox and Stribos have earned the distinction three years in a row.

This distinguished program acknowledges exceptional undergraduate student-athletes who have consistently maintained an impressive cumulative grade-point average of 3.9 or higher throughout the fall semester of the 2023-24 academic year.

Iowa finished the 2023 season with a 13-6 overall record and an NCAA Sweet 16 appearance.

IOWA STATE TO HOLD SPRING GAME APRIL 20

Sports

February 19th, 2024 by admin

AMES, Iowa – The Iowa State football program will conclude its spring season with a Spring Game on Saturday, April 20 at 11 a.m. at MidAmerican Energy Field at Jack Trice Stadium.

 Admission to the game will be free to the public. More information for fans will be provided closer to the date of the game.

 The format of the game will be determined by the coaching staff later based on player availability.

 The game is part of a big day for Cyclone Athletics with Cy’s House of Trivia at Hilton Coliseum that evening. For more information on that event, click here.

 The Cyclones enter their ninth season under Matt Campbell’s guidance, returning 18 starters from last season’s team.

 Among the starters returning are Big 12 Offensive Rookie of the Year Rocco Becht, who threw for more than 3,000 yards and connected on 23 touchdowns. Becht’s top four targets return, including: Jaylin Noel (66 receptions, 820 yards, seven touchdowns), Jayden Higgins (53 receptions, 983 yards, six touchdowns) and Benjamin Brahmer (28 receptions, 352 yards, two touchdowns).

 The Cyclone offense also returns running back Abu Sama III, who ran for five touchdowns of 50-plus yards as a true freshman. The entire offensive line returns as well, including sixth-year senior and three-year starter Jarrod Hufford.

 On the defensive side of the ball, safeties Jeremiah Cooper (five interceptions) and Beau Freyler (107 tackles, three interceptions) lead the returnees on a defense that ranked among the Big 12’s top three in scoring and total defense. Cooper and Freyler earned first and second team All-Big 12 honors, respectively.

Suspect arrested for 2021 Traer, IA homicide

News

February 19th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

TRAER, Iowa – Officials with the Iowa Department of Public Safety report, that on February 19, 2024, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation’s Major Crime Unit and the Tama County Sheriff’s Office arrested 46-year-old Karina Cooper at her residence in Traer, Iowa.

Karina Cooper was arrested for her role in the shooting death of her husband, Ryan Cooper, on June 18, 2021. She was transported to the Tama County Sheriff’s Office and charged with Murder in the First Degree, a Class A Felony. Cooper is being held at the Tama County Jail. Bond is to be determined.

Karina Cooper

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information related to this investigation can contact the Tama County Sheriff’s Office at 641.484.4111, the DCI at 515.725.6010, or email dciinfo@dps.state.ia.us.

A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

No further information will be released at this time.

Discount trees available through DNR program

Ag/Outdoor, News

February 19th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – As we move toward spring, a program providing discounted trees is once again available for some state residents. The D-N-R’s Pete Hildreth says it’s designed to help plant more trees in the state. He says the D-N-R and Alliant Energy are partnering to offer landscaped-size trees to private residents at a discount. Hildreth says trees provide a variety of benefits to homeowners.

“Including and reduced home heating and cooling costs, decreased stormwater, shade for outdoor activities, higher home values, and enhance beauty,” Hildreth says. “Alliant Energy customers can place their orders on the D-N-R residential tree distribution program page found on our D-N-R website.” There are a variety of species available, and once you order the trees they will be deliver in several cities.

Here are the tree pick up locations:
Thursday, April 25, 4:30-6:30 p.m., Awaysis Park (1409 E Lakeshore Dr, Storm Lake)
Tuesday, April 30, 4:00-6:00 p.m., Greene County Extension Office (104 W. Washington St, Jefferson)
Thursday, May 2, 4:30-6:30 p.m., Grimes Farm and Conservation Center (2349 233rd St, Marshalltown)
Tuesday, May 27, 4:30-6:30 p.m., Burlington Depot (300 S Main St, Burlington)
Saturday, May 11, 9:00-11:00 a.m., Swiss Valley Park (13069 Swiss Valley Rd, Peosta)

WEEK OF FEBRUARY 19, 2024

Trading Post

February 19th, 2024 by Jim Field

FOR SALE: 1999 Geo Prizm. High Mileage. Call 243-4308 SOLD!

WANTED: Looking for a small forklift and dirt trencher. Call 712-355-1566

FOR SALE: Hide-a-bed couch. Almost 7ft long. Cream with blue pin stripes. Located in Atlantic. Is stored in garage for easy moving. $ 40. Call 712-404-3045

FOR SALE:  Two 8′ round hay rings. I bought these rings new and they are absolutely still like new. No broken welds, no bent rings and bottom ring still like new. $300.00 each or $550.00 for both. Call 712-249-4625. SOLD!

FOR SALE:  Day 6 Semi-recumbent bicycle.Brand new. Beautiful Safety Yellow color. Large frame. Single Speed. Easy pedaling. Huge comfortable seat with backpack style storage.
$400.00.  Call or Text 712-254-0697.

FOUND: In Atlantic…diamond ring. To claim, must describe the ring and give approximate location it was lost. Call 712-254-3712

WANTED: Looking for an all black high school letter jacket. Size 40 or 42. Also looking for a white KJAN baseball cap with red lettering. FOR SALE: Cowboy boots. HH brand…like new. Size 12D. Stop by 304 w 13th in Atlantic.

WANTED:  I’m looking to buy Volkswagen vans from the 50’s and 60’s.  In any condition, in a barn or out in the pasture, I don’t care!  I will travel.  I will pay a cash reward $500 for information that leads to a purchase.  Call 620-910-7257.

FOR SALE:  6 coasters in a bundle 4 in x 1/2 in.  Will ship them free.  $30.  Call Tim at 712-249-9242.

FOR SALE:  2020 Chevy Equinox LT (SUV) AWD with Hitch pkg.  2.0 Turbo with only 49,000 miles.  32 mpg Highway driving. Very nice ride for $21,000. Call more information…712-254-6167. SOLD!

FREE: Yamaha Baby Grand Piano GC1 model. It was last tuned sometime last year. About 3 years old and in an impeccable condition. Hoping to give it out to someone who is a passionate lover of the instrument. The Piano is currently in storage in Little Rock Arkansas. Send e-mail with questions or for more information to:  jflynch21@outlook.com.

FOR SALE:  1956 Chevy trailer with ball hitch, tool box and aluminum floor.  Good 16” tires.  $400.00.  Call (712)304-2819.

WANTED: Looking for computer desk, call 701-640-6757. FOUND

FOR SALE:  Boy scout vintage items, old dishes and mirrors and much more.  Call 712-249-7173.

WANTED:  Seeking 1 or 2 individuals to assist male quadriplegic in Atlantic with morning routine, 6:00 am and bedtime routine, 9:00 pm. Takes about an hour each time. 712-254-0629.

FOR SALE:  1968ish 289 Ford block, heads, intake and new chrome 289 valve covers. 1968ish 302 heads, intake . $200.00 for all obo. 712-304-2819.

Miller-Meeks says VA needs A.I. policy

News

February 19th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – Iowa Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks says the government-run Veterans Administration hospitals and clinics need to develop a strategy to keep up with what’s happening in the private sector when it comes to artificial intelligence. “While progress tends to be incremental, occasionally a process or technology emerges that pushes our boundaries out significantly,” Miller-Meeks says. “The integration of artificial intelligence or augmented intelligence in health care offers this opportunity.” Miller-Meeks says there appear to be pitfalls in A-I when it comes to data privacy, but A-I could help quickly and accurately diagnose health issues and predict patient risks — and save money.

Miller-Meeks suggests clear guidelines for human input is critical, however. “If the data A.I. learns from is incorrect or biased, it can make incorrect, predictions that result in over or under diagnosis or mistreatment,” Miller-Meeks says. The Veterans Health Administration is the country’s largest health system, with 172 hospitals and over 11-hundred clinics. “While A.I. holds great promise, the reality is it’s a new, developing technology and we’re still figuring out what is possible and practical and ethical,” Miller-Meeks says.

Miller-Meeks, a Republican who represents Iowa’s first congressional district, is an eye doctor and an Army veteran. She made her comments during a hearing hosted by the U-S House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Health.