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Cardinals sign Korean saves leader Seung Hwan Oh

Sports

January 11th, 2016 by admin

ST. LOUIS, Mo., January 11, 2016 – The St. Louis Cardinals announced today that they have signed all-time Korean saves leader Seung Hwan Oh (pronounced sewn-whan) to a one-year contract for the upcoming 2016 season with a club option for 2017.  Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“The addition of Seung Hwan to our bullpen is significant for a number of reasons,” stated Cardinals Senior Vice President/General Manager John Mozeliak. “First and foremost, Oh has been a proven performer on some of the biggest international stages and his talent and experience should significantly enhance our bullpen.   We are also excited to have expanded our reach into the Asian markets with the addition of one of the premier relievers in Asian baseball history.”

Oh, 33, will join a Cardinals bullpen that already consists of closer Trevor Rosenthal, who in 2015 set the franchise’s single-season save record (48), former All-Stars Jonathan Broxton and Jordan Walden and key stalwarts Seth Maness and Kevin Siegrist.

Oh, who owns 357 career saves between Korean and Japan, pitched for the Samsung Lions of the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) from 2005-13, earning Rookie of the Year honors in 2005.  He was named MVP of the Korean Series in 2011 and reached 100 career saves faster (fewest games) than anyone in Korean history.   Oh posted 277 career saves for Samsung, making him the career KBO all-time saves leader.

The right-handed throwing Oh, who features a rising four-seam fastball, signed a free-agent contract with the Hanshin Tigers prior to the 2014 season and was named the Top Closer in Japan and the Climax Series MVP that same year.  He led the Japanese Central League in saves in both 2014 (39) and 2015 (41), setting the record for the most saves by a Korean player in Japanese League play.

In 498 career games between Korea and Japan, Oh owns a career mark of 32-20 with a 1.81 ERA, striking out 772 batters in 646.1 innings pitched.

The 5-10, 205-pound Oh was a member of the Gold medal-winning Korean Olympic team in 2008 and he was a member of the Korean team in the World Baseball Classic in 2006, 2009 and 2013.

Nicknamed the “Stone Buddha” and “Final Boss”, Oh will wear uniform no. 26 for the Cardinals.

Iowa Lottery: Sioux City man wins $1 million Powerball prize

News

January 11th, 2016 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa Lottery officials say a 23-year-old man has claimed a $1 million Powerball prize, after buying the ticket in Sioux City. Joel Dominguez is a pipefitter for Performance Contractors, the firm that is building a fertilizer plant south of Sioux City. His ticket numbers matched the first five drawn Saturday night but didn’t match the Powerball number. It was bought at a Hy-Vee grocery store.

Dominguez claimed his prize at lottery headquarters in Clive on Monday. His ticket was one of 25 across the country that won the $1 million prize. No one matched all six Powerball numbers, and lottery officials expect the Powerball jackpot to hit $1.4 billion by Wednesday’s drawing.

Atlantic’s Police Chief announces intention to run for County Board seat

News

January 11th, 2016 by Ric Hanson

Atlantic Police Chief Steve Green has announced his intention to run for the Cass County Board of Supervisors in District 1. The seat is currently held by Republican Duane McFadden. Green will also run as a Republican in the June 7th Primary.

In a memo to the news media Monday evening, Green said he has lived in Atlantic since he was two years old. He graduated from the Atlantic High School in 1977 and served three-years in the Marine Corps before beginning a career in law enforcement with the City of Harlan, in 1980. After working about 18 months, he took a job in Texas, working for the private sector.

Green returned to law enforcement in 1986, when he joined the Atlantic Police force. Since he joined the force, he has held many responsibilities, including being an investigator in drug and child abuse cases, and has held several leadership positions. He became Police Chief in 2008, and says he does not want to become a politician, but rather “A statesman.”  Green says “The voters who put me in office deserve to have their voice heard.”

Steve Green, candidate for Cass County Board of Supervisors, District 1

Steve Green, candidate for Cass County Board of Supervisors, District 1

He acknowledged that “While [he] has probably made as many people upset [during his 30-years on the Atlantic Police force] as [he] has pleased, [he] always put the department’s integrity and [his] personal honor before any personal or political gain.” Green says he’s running as a Republican because he is “Most closely aligned with conservative values,” but at the same time “Will look at every issue as closely as I can by every constituents’ view point.”

To date, the only other person who has announced their candidacy for the June 7th Primary, is Wendy Richter, who intends to run for Cass County Auditor. Current Auditor Dale Sunderman, a Republican, has hinted that he will not be running for re-election.

Persons interested in running for County Office may circulate nomination papers prior to first date for filing as well as during the filing period. Nomination papers and candidate information are available at the office of the county auditor and from the secretary of state: http://www.sos.iowa.gov.

In addition to County Auditor and District 1 Supervisor, these County positions will appear on the Cass County ballot for the 2016 PRIMARY ELECTION: Sheriff; District 4 Supervisor, and District 5 Supervisor.

3 new projects focus on expanding use and innovative delivery of water quality practices

Ag/Outdoor, News

January 11th, 2016 by Ric Hanson

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey announced today (Monday), that three projects focused on expanding the use and innovative delivery of water quality practices have been selected to receive $1.92 million in funding through the Iowa water quality initiative over the next three years. In addition to the state funds, the three projects will provide over $2 million in matching funds to support water quality improvement efforts as well as other in-kind contributions.

Among the projects, is the Taylor County Water Quality Initiative. The $1.58-million  project received a $611,705 grant award. Project partners AgSolver, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Iowa Cattleman’s Association, Taylor County Cattlemen, Southern Iowa Forage and Livestock Committee, USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, will work with farmers in Taylor County by promoting alternative land management practices on farmed areas identified to be marginal or unprofitable.

The project will work with producers on an individual basis to evaluate the specific production levels and goals within their farming operation by utilizing several tools to evaluate current farm scale profitability combined with conservation practice and land use alternatives. Rather than focus on the entire field, the project will demonstrate which areas of a field should be considered for alternative forms of production, thus making them more profitable and more sustainable.

In addition to the three new projects, 29 demonstration projects are currently located across the state to help implement and demonstrate water quality practices. This includes 16 targeted watershed projects, 4 projects focused on expanding the use and innovative delivery of water quality practices and 9 urban water quality demonstration projects. More than 100 organizations are participating in these projects. These partners will provide $16.72 million dollars to go with the $11.11 million in state funding going to these projects.

Anita man arrested on drug & other charges

News

January 11th, 2016 by Ric Hanson

The Cass County Sheriff’s Office reports an Anita man was arrested Friday. 29-year old Samuel Lavern Huffman was taken into custody on charges of OWI 1st Offense, Possession of Marijuana 2nd Offense, Driving While Revoked, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Huffman was also arrested on a District Court warrant for Probation Violation. Huffman was taken to the Cass County Jail where he remains held on $6000 bond.

Also arrested Friday, was 36-year old Joshua James Mullen, of Atlantic, on a District Court charge of Probation Violation. Mullen was taken to the Cass County Jail where he remains held on $50,000 bond.

In other news, the Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded late Saturday morning to a report of an accident at Casey’s in Anita. Authorities say 14-year old Jacob Allen Worthington, of Anita, was attempting to park a 1991 Ford Escort in front of the Casey’s General Store in Anita, when the teen pushed the gas pedal instead of the brake. The car hit the building, causing $10,000 damage to the structure, and an estimated $2,000 damage to the vehicle. No injuries were reported.

Cass County Democrats announce County caucus info.

News

January 11th, 2016 by Ric Hanson

In about three weeks, voters from across Iowa will be gathering for the First in the Nation Caucus. The Cass County Democratic Party Caucuses will be held on Monday, February 1st, for each of the county’s thirteen precincts. Democratic Party Chair Sherry Toelle shared the eligibility requirements for participating in the Democratic caucus.

Toelle says “The voter must be a registered Democrat. We will have voter registration forms available at each of the caucus sites so that people who have yet to register to vote or need to change their voter status can do so the night of the caucus. Reasons that they might have for changing their voter status include having legally changed their name, a change of address, or if they wish to change their party affiliation. Youth who will be 18 years old as of election day, November 8, 2016, may also participate in the caucus.”

Caucus sites will open at 6 PM and voters must have signed in by 7 PM or be in line by 7 PM in order to caucus. The doors to caucus sites will close at 7 PM. According to Toelle, “The purpose of the caucus is three-fold: 1. To elect Delegates and Alternates for viable Presidential candidates to the County Convention as well as committee members to that convention; 2. To discuss and adopt proposed resolutions to be included in the County Platform; 3. To elect Precinct Committee members to the Cass County Democratic Central Committee.”

People can also attend as observers but they would not be able to participate in the caucus activities. For more information on the caucus process, contact Toelle at 243-4861.

UCONN stays on top of women’s AP poll

Sports

January 11th, 2016 by admin

UConn remains No. 1 in The Associated Press women’s basketball poll after a busy week that saw the Huskies win all three of their games by double-digits.

They beat Tulsa, Houston and South Florida to stay undefeated. UConn was once again followed by South Carolina, Notre Dame, Texas and Ohio State on Monday.

While the top of the poll stayed consistent, four new teams entered the Top 25 this week as Florida, Miami, Louisville and Southern California all got ranked.

It’s the 20th-ranked Gators’ first appearance in the poll since 2009. With 14 victories they’ve already surpassed last season’s win total (13). Miami and Louisville were in earlier this season while USC was last ranked in the final poll of the 2014 season.

Northwestern, DePaul, California and Seton Hall dropped out.

 

Hawkeyes jump, Cyclones fall in new men’s AP poll

Sports

January 11th, 2016 by admin

The Iowa Hawkeyes jumped up three spots to 16th in this week’s AP Top 25 men’s basketball poll.  The Iowa State Cyclones fell 4 spots from 13th to 17th after a loss to Baylor over the weekend.  Kansas and Oklahoma remain the top two teams in the country after the Jayhawks outlasted the Sooners in three overtimes last Monday.

The top 25 teams in The Associated Press’ college basketball poll, with first-place votes in parentheses, records through Jan. 10, total points based on 25 points for a first-place vote through one point for a 25th-place vote and previous ranking:

Record Pts Prv
1. Kansas (63) 14-1 1,621 1
2. Oklahoma (1) 13-1 1,551 2
3. Maryland 15-1 1,472 3
4. Michigan St. (1) 16-1 1,446 5
5. North Carolina 15-2 1,371 6
6. Villanova 14-2 1,246 11
7. Xavier 14-1 1,200 10
8. Miami 13-1 1,139 12
9. Duke 14-2 1,100 14
10. SMU 15-0 1,040 15
11. West Virginia 14-1 867 17
12. Providence 14-2 862 8
13. Virginia 12-3 818 4
14. Kentucky 12-3 698 9
15. Texas A&M 13-2 668 21
16. Iowa 12-3 656 19
17. Iowa St. 12-3 555 13
18. Arizona 13-3 537 7
19. South Carolina 15-0 527 22
20. Pittsburgh 14-1 334 24
21. Louisville 13-3 330 16
22. Baylor 12-3 325
23. Butler 12-4 302 18
24. Purdue 14-3 145 20
25. Gonzaga 13-3 101

Others receiving votes: Southern Cal 79, Indiana 59, UCLA 21, Texas Tech 10, Utah 10, Saint Mary’s (Cal) 8, Wichita St. 7, Oregon 6, Valparaiso 6, Hawaii 4, Akron 1, Dayton 1, Oregon St. 1, St. Bonaventure 1.

 

3 people arrested on Child Endangerment charges in Audubon

News

January 11th, 2016 by Ric Hanson

Audubon Police Chief Matt Starmer, today (Monday) released a report on recent arrests. Starmer says on January 2nd, 30 year old Jessica Renee Grogan and 38 year old Christopher John Grogan, both of Audubon, were arrested for Domestic Abuse Assault and Child Endangerment. The couple was transported to the Audubon County Jail. Jessica Grogan was released on bond Jan. 3rd and issued a No contact order. Christopher Grogran posted a $2,000 bond Jan. 4th. He was also issued a No Contact Order. The Audubon County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the arrests.

On Dec. 25th, Audubon Police arrested 24 year old Cody Allen Pleis, of Audubon. Pleis was arrested for Domestic Abuse Assault and Child Endangerment, and transported to the Audubon County Jail. He was later released on a Recognizance bond and ordered to have No Contact with his alleged victim. The Audubon County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the arrest.

And, on Dec. 26th, Audubon Police arrested 33 year old Kwon Lapreed Gullie, of Omaha, Nebraska. Gullie was arrested for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Resisting Arrest. Gullie plead guilty to the charges Dec. 28th and was assessed a fine.

Southern IA teenager charged in the death of his father

News

January 11th, 2016 by Ric Hanson

Officials with the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation said today (Monday), a teenager is charged in connection with the death of his father in Davis County. 16-year old Michael Thomas Goodwin Jr., was charged with 1st Degree Murder, a Class “A” felony, in the death of his father, 39-year old Michael Thomas Goodwin Sr., of Bloomfield.

On December 13, 2015, a call came in to the Davis County Sheriff’s office requesting a welfare check on an individual.  The Davis County Sheriff’s office responded to a residence located at 12795 Highway 63 in rural Davis County.  Upon entering the residence, Davis County Deputies located the body of Michael Thomas Goodwin Sr.

This is an ongoing investigation being worked jointly by multiple law enforcement agencies. No additional information is being released at this time.